In line with the developmental drive of the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, a high-powered delegation has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, in a move that further reaffirms the Chairman’s commitment to repositioning Odogbolu as a hub for art, culture, and tourism.
The session was not just a formality but a serious interactive engagement where issues of tourism growth, cultural preservation, and heritage protection were extensively deliberated upon. Central to the discussions was the 28th August 2025 letter earlier written by the Local Government to the Ministry on the subject: “Notification and Request for Correction of the Encroachment of Imagbon Boundary and Yemoji Natural Swimming Pool by Ijebu-Ode Local Government.” This matter received due attention, with all stakeholders resolving to protect Odogbolu’s cultural and territorial heritage.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, praised Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya for his visionary leadership. He described the initiative as “forward-thinking and exemplary,” noting with pride that Odogbolu Local Government has become the first among the 20 Local Governments in Ogun State to formally initiate such a strategic engagement with the Ministry. He further assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Odogbolu in harnessing its cultural assets for economic and tourism development.
During the interactive session, which also had the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yussuff Qudus, and other top Directors of the Ministry in attendance, it was recommended that Odogbolu Local Government formally write to His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, through the Ministry, to fully express its intention for the transformation of the Yemoji Natural Swimming Pool into a world-class tourist attraction.
A landmark outcome of the meeting was the Commissioner’s directive that the popular Yemoji site should henceforth be officially recognized and named “Yemoji Natural Swimming Pool, Imagbon, Odogbolu Local Government ”, with proper documentation to authenticate its identity. He also gave approval for the erection of a new signpost bearing Odogbolu Local Government at the site, replacing the former inscription.
The Odogbolu Local Government delegation was led by: Hon. (Princess) Victoria Olushola Adeyinka – Vice Chairman, ODLG; Deacon Stanley Olunogun – Secretary to the Local Government; Hon. Oluwole Olubena – Former Commissioner 4, Civil Service Commission; Mr. Steven Adesanya – Director of Finance and Supply (Acting in capacity of HOLGA); Hon. Olajide Balogun – Special Adviser on Education, Information & Chieftaincy; Prince Adeleke Adebajo – General Manager, Public-Private Partnership ODLG; Prince Amos Onileagbon - Special Assistant to the Chairman on Art,Culture and Tourism; Mr. Malik Ademola Odumuyiwa – Assistant Director, Community; Prince Daniel Adesanya – Odogbolu Zonal CDC Chairman; High Chief J.A.K. Taiwo – Baale of Imagbon; Engr. Remi Bella – Balogun of Imagbon; Chief Adekunle Adeeko – Apena of Imagbon; Mr. Abolaji Alaba – President, Imagbon Youth Association
The Honourable Commissioner was supported by his Ministry’s top officials, including: Dr. Yussuff Qudus – Permanent Secretary; Mr. Osayinpeju – Director of Culture; Mrs. Adeyemi – Director of Admin and Supply; Mr. I. Taiwo – Director of Finance; Mr. E. Ikwue – Director of Visual Arts; Mrs. B. Samuels – Director of Planning, Research & Statistics; Mr. M. Ogunbiyi – Director of Tourism Development & Promotions; Mrs. O. Ilori – Director of Hotel & Allied Businesses
This historic courtesy visit not only reaffirmed Odogbolu’s rightful heritage but also positioned the Local Government as a pacesetter in cultural diplomacy, tourism development, and intergovernmental collaboration in Ogun State.