The Oyo State Government is set to organise the first-ever Ibadan Valentine Cruise on Eleyele Lake on Friday.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed this on Monday during a news conference held at the Eleyele Waterfront, Ibadan.
The news conference was held ahead of the Valentine’s Day celebration, tagged “Valentine Cruise”.
According to Olatunbosun, the state government will be organising the cruise in conjunction with Royal Entertainment Cruise.
The cruise, he said, aimed at promoting peace, love, friendship, admiration and tolerance among residents and visitors in the state.
He said the event would also promote aquatic tourism, create employment opportunities as well as boost the income and economy of the state.
The commissioner noted that the present administration had succeeded in promoting the atmosphere for tourism to thrive.
He disclosed that the state government had registered 12,128 hospitality outfits for proper monitoring and coordinating of their activities.
Olatunbosun explained that the registered hospitality ventures comprised hotels, nightclubs, event centres, eateries/restaurants and tour operators.
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He said the number rose from 1,328 in December 2019 to 12,128 in February 2025.
The commissioner revealed that the rise in the figure was achieved by the conducive and enabling environment created for investors by the Seyi Mankinde-led administration.
Earlier in his address, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Entertainment Cruise, Dr Sanni Bamidele, said that his company decided to collaborate with the state government to boost tourism.
According to Bamidele, there are various tourist attraction sites in Oyo State, with the state advancing in tourism development.
He commended the efforts of the state government in developing and promoting culture and tourism in the state.
Bamidele assured intending participants of adequate security and the availability of safety equipment during the cruise.He added that the event would present different positive experiences.
