Tojum Hospitality named Consultant as Oyo State Government Takes Over Idere Hills Tourist Site

Oyo State Government has claimed ownership of the Ibarapa-based tourist site, Idere Hills and confirmed Tojum Hospitality owned by Mr. Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday as the consultant of the site.

According to information gathered by Asako news, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun had a closed-door meeting with some tourism consultants in his office on Monday, 5th February 2024.

It was gathered that other tourist sites in the State that the government sets to oversee their affairs include Iyake Suspended Lake in Ado Awaye, Igbeti Hills and Ironsi Fajuyi Memorial Parks and Gardens, Lalupon, while consultants have also been confirmed for their management.

In a letter signed by the Commissioner and obtained by the newsmen, the state government was said to have taken the bold step to ensure the development of Idere Hills and tapping its economic benefits for the use of the community and the State Government.

The letter partly reads: “I therefore enjoin well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies, organisations and other stakeholders to support and render any necessary assistance to the consultant, Tojum Hospitality towards ensuring effective, efficient and hitch-free management of Idere Hills, Idere.”

In a separate letter of engagement signed by Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the State’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism noted that the terms of agreement remained as stated in the Memorandum Of Understanding and agreed by all the consultants, and the terms and conditions are currently being reviewed by the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

Idere Hills was discovered by Tojum Hospitality in the late 2019 and inaugural tour to the site, which had considerable number of tourists and travelers across the country, came up on January 2nd, 2020.

It is a historical mountain surrounded by a beautiful green landscape. This mountain has an interesting story dating back as far as over 600 years. It is located in a quiet town in Idere, Ibarapa region in Oyo State.

Tojum Hospitality, which is now the consultant of Idere Hills, was founded by the renowned Tourism and Hospitality professional, Mr. Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday.

Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, however, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and Governor Seyi Makinde for entrusting management of the attraction site in his capacity and pledged his commitment to its proper management.

“We at Tojum Hospitality are grateful to the Honourable Commissioner for the privilege to serve in this capacity and by extension we thank Governor Seyi Makinde administration for taking tourism development serious across the State.

“We promise to be committed to this new responsibility and ensure Idere hills is properly managed,” Olugbenga said.