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By Zika Bobby
Founder of DubaiAfrika, Tolulope Adesanmi, is spearheading an initiative to boost Nigeria’s eco-tourism sector, focusing on Osun State’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
With over 15 years of experience in luxury travel, Adesanmi aims to attract investors, state governments and federal authorities to tap into Nigeria’s biodiversity and cultural treasures.
He believes eco-tourism can be a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, citing its potential for job creation, community empowerment, and foreign exchange attraction.
“Our forests, rivers and cultural landmarks are a multibillion-naira opportunity. With sustainable infrastructure, we can create thousands of jobs in rural areas and position Nigeria as a global eco-tourism leader,” he said.
He said the initiative seeks to replicate the success of eco-tourism giants like Costa Rica and Kenya, leveraging Nigeria’s unique cultural and natural assets to drive economic growth.
By partnering with global stakeholders, Adesanmi hopes to unlock Osun State’s full potential and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
Globally, eco-tourism generates over $600 billion annually, and Adesanmi envisions Nigeria capturing a significant share through targeted developments in states like Osun, Cross River, and Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
He said at the heart of this vision are DubaiAfrika’s and the Osun Cultural Tour Vacation Packages, launched to showcase Osun State’s vibrant traditions and eco-tourism potential to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. “These curated experiences immerse travellers in the state’s cultural treasures, including the UNESCO-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, and natural wonders like the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls. “Our packages reconnect Nigerians with their roots while inviting the world to discover Osun’s eco-tourism gems,” Adesanmi said, adding: “From cultural festivals to eco-adventures like guided hikes and river tours, we’re creating authentic experiences that celebrate Yoruba heritage and drive economic growth. These initiatives aim to boost local economies by channeling tourist spending into community businesses, from artisans to eco-lodges.”
He said DubaiAfrika’s partnership model amplifies this impact through collaborations with state and federal governments. “We are in advanced discussions with Osun State to co-develop eco-resorts and cultural trails, envisioning luxury glamping near Olumirin Waterfalls and immersive tours through historic Yoruba sites. I am committed to partnering with Osun to unlock its vast eco-tourism and cultural potential,” he said.
He said similar public-private ventures, supported by federal incentives like land allocation and tax breaks, could transform Nigeria’s tourism infrastructure nationwide, creating sustainable revenue streams.
Adesanmi’s journey began with a pivot from law, his late father’s path, after a 2012 trip to Dubai exposed gaps in reliable travel services for Nigerians. This sparked DubaiAfrika, which grew from a Dubai-focused platform into a global luxury brand curating bespoke adventures.
He pioneered Nigeria’s first celebrity group vacation in 2012, featuring rapper Falz, and later drew Nollywood stars like Mercy Aigbe, Annie Macaulay, Dayo Amusa, Jackie Appiah, and Lateef Adedimeji, alongside football star Odion Ighalo and Afrobeats icon Davido, to Dubai’s vibrant tourist hubs.
Expanding into domestic tourism, DubaiAfrika has lured South African visitors to Nigeria’s “Detty December” festivities since 2024, driving a 20 percent surge in seasonal revenues for Lagos State. “Tourists spend on hotels, cuisine, and nightlife and this model can work for Osun’s cultural and eco-tourism push,” he said.
Despite challenges like currency volatility and skepticism toward travel agencies, Adesanmi wants stronger regulations to protect ethical operators.
