Ogun Govt Signs MoU with Whatadeal, Takes Over Management of Olumo Rock Tourism Centre

The Ogun State Government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SystemSpecs Whatadeal, a private tourism, lifestyle, and technology company, to take over the management and development of the historic Olumo Rock Tourism Centre in Abeokuta.

The agreement, which was formally executed at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, Okemosan, Abeokuta was overseen by the Director General, Public Private Partnerships, Office of the Governor, Barr. Dapo Oduwole, The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Kudus Yusuf, marking a new phase in the state’s tourism advancement strategy.

Speaking to pressmen after the official handover at the Olumo Rock tourism complex in Ikija, Abeokuta,ceremony, Hon. Fagbayi said the partnership was designed to enhance the site’s appeal, improve visitor experience, and significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue through an efficient public-private partnership framework.

He explained that the decision aligns with the administration’s belief that the private sector remains a critical driver of innovation, sustainability, and growth, especially in tourism development.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Office of Public Private Partnerships, Barr. Dapo Oduwole, described the partnership as a strategic move aimed at positioning Ogun State as a competitive tourism hub. He noted that Whatadeal has a strong record in tourism innovation and expressed confidence in the company’s ability to transform Olumo Rock into a globally attractive destination.

Oduwole added that the state government will continue to create an enabling environment for reputable investors to partner with Ogun State across various economic sectors.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Whatadeal, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for entrusting the company with the management of one of Nigeria’s most iconic heritage sites. He assured that the firm is prepared to introduce world-class innovations to elevate the tourism experience.

According to him, the objective is to make Olumo Rock a top-priority destination for both local and international visitors, placing it among the key reasons tourists choose to visit Nigeria. He revealed that planned additions include immersive reality centres, gaming arcades, upgraded recreational facilities, and enhanced visitor management systems.

“Olumo Rock is one of the most symbolic tourism landmarks in Nigeria and Africa,” Bank-Olemoh said. “Our commitment is to improve its standards and ensure that anyone visiting Nigeria sees Olumo Rock as an essential destination.”

The partnership signals a new chapter for Olumo Rock, reinforcing Ogun State’s commitment to tourism development, economic diversification, and global attraction.