Despite sitting on tourism and hospitality goldmines with several tourist attractions of international reputation that could make other states and countries envious, Oyo state has yet to develop the industry to drive diversification, boost revenue and create jobs for its teeming unemployed youths.

The goldmines that could substitute irregular income from Abuja, the nation’s capital tagged ‘Allocation’ has not been exploited due to the negligence and inability of several administrations in the state to creatively utilize the tourism potentials around for economic development and transformation of the society are some of the problems militating against the advancement of Oyo state.

Unfortunately, most of these tourist attractions, have yet to be fully developed by successive administrations. Issues around lack of supportive infrastructure, insecurity, policy inconsistency, and lack of political will to articulate a clear policy roadmap that will reposition  tourism, have continued to thwart efforts at leveraging on a vibrant tourism industry to grow the economy.

Tourism sites that could have served as Oyo’s major pride and economic booster  are now in ruins and safe haven for hoodlums, armed robbers, kidnappers,  among others.

Among several tourist attraction sites in Oyo state, the abandoned Agodi Gardens was the only site that received the attention of the immediate past government, while others, as usual; suffered total neglect. Right now, the celebrated Agodi Gardens is gradually fading away due to lack of adequate maintenance.

Mega Icon Magazine visit to Eleyele river, a maritime tourism site, housed by Ido and Ibadan North West Local Government Areas of Oyo state, reveals the pathetic state of the tourist attraction site with  huge potentials that when harnessed properly, could form part of the state’s economic mainstay.

Aside from the Dam project which supplies water to the city, the river and  its environs is underutilized for other purposes which include, water transport, fishing, construction of resort of international standard,  recreational boating, yachting, cruising, nautical sports, and water based tourism such as marine wildlife tourism (marine parks).

Our reporter also identified a ferry terminal run by private boat operator, who is making brisk business on the water ways without remitting anything to the coffers of government. Further checks revealed that the private boat operator is a company from Lagos state, operating with six  boats with engine capacities, ranging from   20, 30, 40 horse powers. The boats convey passengers from Eleyele, Ifelodun, Taaska, Alakuta, Apete.

Residents of Obaido, Ologuneru, Agbaje, Ijokodo, Power line communities are among the commuters who are abandoning stressful road transportation for the boats. The fare for a boat trip is N50.

The boat operators, who confided in our reporter,  also disclosed that morning hours and evenings are the peak period for their  business.

“During rush hours, around 6pm when people are coming from their shops or offices, we normally charge N100”.

The boat operators blame poor funding, high operating costs, poor infrastructure and lack of government support for their inability to develop the sector.

“Oyo state government had earlier visited us here and they promised to assist us, but we are still waiting for their gesture. Honestly, we are ready to partner with the government, we need new boats, there are new boats that will enhance smooth operation.

“Also, we are appealing to Governor Makinde to come to our aid by clearing the hyacinth on the waterways to pave way for free flow of water and ease movement on the water to all areas as we intend to expand our routes”.

Not only that the access road is in a lamentable situation, fishermen are also busy carrying out their illegal businesses without proper license from the government, while the traders at Temidire Market  have no option than  to continue with their trading activities in an unhealthy environment.

Poor access road

The market further confirmed the extent or degree of neglect by the government as unbearable odour from  cassava products such as fufu , garri, starch and other waste products hijacked the atmosphere, posing considerable risks for public health.

Teak plantation providing shelter for some buildings around the river

Part of the areas covered by the teak plantation, which is also providing an interim shelter for buildings around, is expected to accommodate resorts, cafes/restaurants.

Pathway leading directly to the river

During the visit, our reporter also observed that automobile  mechanics are major occupants of this untapped tourism site with several abandoned vehicles whose components had deteriorated and leaked, polluting the surroundings. The disused vehicles left in the environment are not only unsightly and affect the visual amenity of the site, but also provide harbourage for pests like rats and mice which spread disease.

Speaking with Mega Icon Magazine, some of the commuters who are steadily abandoning the road for the waterways narrated : “Before the introduction of the new boats,  we use to cross through Canoe and we have recorded several casualties. We have lost friends and loved ones as well, we are appealing to the state government to take rightful steps  on this, because this is the only shortest route to our homes.

” The waterways has made it easier and quicker for us to keep appointments and go about our normal business without much stress about the chaotic traffic congestion on the roads”, the commuters claimed.

Also, the  President, Awotan Community Landlord Association, Ahaji Rasaq Fabayo, in a chat with our reporter lamented the underdevelopment of the tourism potential.

According to the Community leader, ” apart from being concerned as a landlord, I am also a tourism enthusiast, I understand the import of tourism in economic development . Eleyele river is a great potential”, he added.