The Oyo government is set to organise the first-ever Ibadan Valentine Cruise on Eleyele Lake on Friday.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed this on Monday during a news conference held at the Eleyele Waterfront, Ibadan.

The news conference was held ahead of the Valentine’s Day celebration, tagged ‘Valentine Cruise’.

According to Mr Olatunbosun, the Oyo government will organise the cruise with Royal Entertainment Cruise. The cruise, he said, aimed at promoting peace, love, friendship, admiration and tolerance among residents and visitors.

He said the event would also promote aquatic tourism, create employment opportunities, and boost the state’s income and economy.

The commissioner noted that the present administration had succeeded in promoting the atmosphere for tourism to thrive.

He disclosed that the state government had registered 12,128 hospitality outfits to monitor and coordinate their activities properly.

Mr Olatunbosun explained that the registered hospitality ventures comprised hotels, nightclubs, event centres, eateries/restaurants and tour operators.

He said the number rose from 1,328 in December 2019 to 12,128 in February 2025.

The commissioner revealed that the rise in the figure was achieved by the conducive and enabling environment created for investors by Governor Seyi Mankinde’s administration.

(NAN)