The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Chief Dr. Ganiyu Shekoni-Balogun, popularly known as Tarzan De Boatman, has commended the Ogun State Government for its sustained efforts to develop the state’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Yemoja Festival held at Ago Ika, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Thursday, Tarzan said the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun had given greater attention to culture and festivals, which he described as catalysts capable of taking the tourism industry to greater heights.
The ATBOWATON National President also commended the governor for sustaining the state’s infrastructural development, noting that improved infrastructure was essential to creating the ambience and enabling environment required for tourism to thrive.
He explained that tourism depended on the development of other sectors of the economy for its growth, urging the state government to continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities to support the sector.
Tarzan particularly called for greater investment in water transportation, saying Ogun State has vast potential in the area.
According to him, developing water transportation would not only facilitate easier movement for communities along the waterways but also provide an alternative means of navigating to Lagos and other parts of the country.
He noted that the Ogun River, which traverses the state, could be dredged and developed for navigation, thereby creating opportunities for intrastate water transportation as well as connections to Lagos and other parts of the country.
Tarzan also urged the Ogun State Government to accord greater recognition to the annual Yemoja Festival in Ago Ika, Abeokuta, saying the event could be developed into an international tourism attraction.
He said government support and improved organisation would add colour, pageantry and greater visibility to the festival, thereby enhancing its potential to contribute significantly to the state’s tourism development.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Culture in the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Femi Osanyinpeju, said the state’s tourism sector had continued to witness significant growth under the present administration.
Osanyinpeju noted that the ministry’s annual events calendar had expanded considerably, compared with previous years, as more festivals and tourism-related events were now being recorded across the state.
He attributed the development to what he described as the deliberate efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun, particularly his policy of ensuring that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is headed by commissioners with strong interest and knowledge of the tourism sector.
He commended the incumbent Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, for his efforts in advancing the state’s tourism agenda.
Osanyinpeju also said the administration had transformed the fortunes of Olumo Rock, describing it as the state’s leading tourism attraction which, according to him, had moved from being a “sleeping giant” to a major attraction generating revenue for the state.
He described the Yemoja Festival as a potentially valuable tourism asset, but called for the introduction of more tourism content to further enhance its appeal.
Also speaking, the Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for Ogun and Oyo States, Engr. Adeleye Ipinmoroti, praised the festival and described it as having significant tourism potential.
He, however, stressed the need for the Ogun River to be properly managed and utilised to ensure the sustainability of water transportation and other activities along the waterway.
Ipinmoroti urged boat operators plying the river to comply with safety regulations by ensuring that they are properly equipped before embarking on trips.
He specifically advised boat operators to wear life jackets and ensure that all passengers also wear them throughout their journeys.
The Priestess of Yemoja, Yeye Abike Abiola Oloyede, who had returned from the river after performing the traditional sacrifice, offered prayers for the worshippers, Ogun State and Nigeria.
She appealed to the government to support the annual festival, assuring that Yemoja, according to the tradition and belief of her devotees, not only responds to their needs but also bestows abundant blessings on the nation.
Among the dignitaries at the festival was the immediate past National Vice President, South-West, of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Tunde Kolade.
