The Ogun State Government has formally appointed SystemSpecs’ Whatadeal Limited as the official managers of Olumo Rock following the signing of a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) agreement at a press conference held recently in Abeokuta, marking a new phase in the management and development of one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural and tourism landmarks.
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by senior government officials and executives of Whatadeal Limited. Present at the event were Mr Fela Bank-Olemoh, Managing Director, SystemSpecs Whatadeal Africa; Sesan Fagbayi, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Barr. Dapo Oduwole, Director-General of the Ogun State Office of Public–Private Partnerships; and Mr Lanre Olagunju, Head of Travel and Tours, SystemSpecs Whatadeal Limited.
The appointment reflects Ogun State’s strategic commitment to strengthening the management of its tourism assets through structured private-sector participation, improved operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
It also underscores growing recognition that Nigeria’s tourism sector requires strong governance, modern systems, and accountable delivery models to realise its economic and cultural value.
Whatadeal Limited, a subsidiary of SystemSpecs Group, brings to this mandate the operational discipline and technology-enabled approach of a group that has delivered large-scale, mission-critical platforms across Nigeria for over three decades.
This experience positions Whatadeal to support tourism management with reliable systems, data-informed decision-making, and service-focused execution, while working closely with government and local stakeholders
“Olumo Rock represents identity and history. Our responsibility is to preserve that heritage while unlocking its full potential. We will be leveraging technology, data, and thoughtfully designed cultural experiences to improve access, enhance visitor journeys, and position Olumo Rock as a world-class tourism destination,” Mr Bank-Olemoh said.
Sesan Fagbayi, the Ogun State commissioner for Culture and Tourism, described the agreement as a strategic move to strengthen tourism development in the state.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to preserving our cultural assets while adopting modern management practices that drive tourism growth, create jobs, and deliver value to the people of Ogun State,” he stated.
Also speaking, Mr. Dapo Oduwole, director general of the Ogun State Office of Public-Private Partnerships, emphasised the importance of private-sector participation in heritage management.
“Through this PPP, Olumo Rock will benefit from professional management and innovation, while maintaining public ownership and cultural integrity. It is a model for sustainable tourism partnerships,” Oduwole said.
Olumo Rock, located in Abeokuta, has long been a symbol of refuge and resilience for the Egba people. Under this new management arrangement, stakeholders expressed confidence that the landmark will enter a new phase of growth, modernisation, and increased global visibility.
Whatadeal’s appointment reflects confidence in the company’s pedigree as a credible private-sector operator in strengthening public assets.
As a SystemSpecs subsidiary, the company operates within a culture of reliability, strong governance, and measurable outcomes – qualities that are increasingly essential to the effective management of Nigeria’s tourism infrastructure.
Nigerians are invited to rediscover one of the nation’s defining symbols, revived with a renewed focus on structure, accessibility and continuity.
