In a significant move to blend urban development with cultural stewardship, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially inaugurated the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park, transforming a once-abandoned site on Airport Road, Alakia, into a vibrant centre for tourism and heritage. The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the state’s strategy to preserve its rich history while providing modern recreational spaces.
Governor Makinde, represented by his deputy, Mr. Bayo Lawal, emphasized that the park is far more than a simple green space. It is a deliberate project of cultural heritage preservation, designed to educate residents and visitors alike on the unique tapestry of Oyo State. “This park is unique in many respects,” the Governor stated. “We have some cherished artefacts here that symbolise our culture and tradition in Oyo State—from Ibarapa to Oke Ogun to Ogbomosho and Ibadan. All these will make us always put our culture into cognisance.”
The park’s design and curation serve as a living museum. By housing artefacts and installations representing the state’s diverse geopolitical zones, it offers an immersive educational experience. This approach moves beyond static displays, allowing people to engage with their history in a relaxed, communal setting. It answers a critical need for accessible cultural education in a rapidly urbanizing environment, ensuring local traditions are not lost to modernization.
Furthermore, the park stands as a monument to legacy, named in honour of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the state renowned for his intellectual prowess and public service. Governor Makinde described Olunloyo as “a brainy and outstanding personality,” noting that the project immortalizes his contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria. This act of naming reinforces the park’s deeper purpose: to connect the past, present, and future, inspiring citizens through the examples of notable leaders.
Mr. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, the State Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, highlighted the project’s role in urban redefinition and aesthetic enhancement. “The park was another major milestone in Gov. Makinde’s efforts to redefine Ibadan’s skyline and add beauty to the fast-developing metropolis,” he said. The transformation of derelict land into a functional, beautiful asset is a textbook example of sustainable urban renewal. It boosts local aesthetics, increases property values, and provides a safe, curated environment for family leisure, which in turn can stimulate ancillary economic activities in the surrounding area.
The governor issued a call to action for sustainability, urging prospective users to maintain the facility and use it for its intended purposes. This underscores a shared responsibility model for public infrastructure. The long-term success of such projects depends not just on government construction but on community ownership and care, setting a precedent for how public-private-community partnerships can work.
In essence, the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park is a multifaceted achievement. It is simultaneously a cultural archive, a tribute to legacy, a tool for urban beautification, and a blueprint for sustainable public space management. It exemplifies how strategic infrastructure can serve deeper societal goals, preserving identity while fostering development and community pride. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
