25/09/2025
OYO STATE CAN BE NIGERIA,S NEXT DECEMBER TOURISM HUB.
Every December, Lagos pulls in massive crowds with its famous “Dirty December,” generating ₦50B+ in revenue from concerts, nightlife, hospitality, and tourism. But this also comes with overcrowding, skyrocketing prices, and traffic gridlock.
This is where Oyo State has a golden opportunity. Just 1.5 hours away by road or rail, Oyo can become the perfect spillover destination for holidaymakers — offering a more affordable, cultural, and family-friendly December experience.
Under Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo has invested heavily in infrastructure and security, creating the right foundation for a tourism boom. The state can now take it a step further by:
✅ Launching a Unified December Calendar – concerts, festivals, cultural tours, comedy shows, and sporting events across Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, and Iseyin.
✅ Promoting Tourism Assets – KAP Film Village (Kunle Afolayan), Ibrahim Chatta Film Village, Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Old Oyo National Park, Mapo Hall, and more.
✅ Positioning the Oyo State Countdown Event as the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration, drawing visitors from Lagos, Abuja, and the diaspora.
âś… Publishing a Tourist Guide with hotels, resorts, and curated packages to make trip planning seamless.
If Oyo captures even 20–30% of Lagos’ December traffic, the state could generate ₦10–15B annually, while boosting jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and local businesses.
The potential is huge. With aggressive marketing and a clear brand — something like “Discover Oyo December” — the state can stake its claim as Nigeria’s next tourism powerhouse.
Lagos doesn’t have to own December forever. Oyo State is ready to take the spotlight.
