By [Olusegun Ogunkayode]
Tucked quietly within the sprawling compound of the Osun State Government Secretariat in Abeere, Osogbo, lies one of the state’s most understated architectural beauties, the Olufunke Olufunke Kolawole Lakeside Resort, a serene blend of water, stone, aesthetics and memory. For many civil servants, visitors and residents of Osogbo, the resort remains a curious, almost unexpected treasure: a leisure haven sitting at the centre of governance.
Today, conversations about tourism, government infrastructure, and public-private partnerships in Osun State are often incomplete without examining the history, vision, challenges, and future potential of this symbolic facility.
1. Historical Background–The Olufunke Kolawole Lakeside Resort was conceived and established during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. It was named in honour of the late Mrs. Oluwakemi Olufunke Kolawole, a revered Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Governor who was tragically killed by kidnappers in 2017.
To immortalise her legacy and contributions to the state’s civil service, the government built the lakeside recreational centre within the Secretariat grounds and officially commissioned in 2018. Over the years, the resort has served both symbolic and functional purposes, a physical memorial and a quiet gathering place for social engagements.
2. The Vision Behind Its Establishment–The original vision for the resort was bold and progressive:
To create a premium relaxation and recreation hub for civil servants, government guests, tourists and residents.
To integrate nature, water and hospitality into the working environment of government, thereby improving productivity and mental well-being.
To signal a new era in public infrastructure, one that encourages beauty, leisure and public comfort, rather than purely administrative buildings.
To create a tourism-friendly landmark comparable to modern government complexes around the world.
It was envisioned to be a “breathing space” within the Secretariat, a reminder that public spaces can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Mission and Prospect–The mission of the Olufunke Kolawole Resort was centered around three objectives:
a. Social Mission–To serve as a gathering spot for events, receptions, official meetings, informal hangouts, and public gatherings.
b. Economic Mission–To gradually evolve into a revenue-generating facility through hospitality services, rentals, private events and leisure activities.
c. Tourism Mission–To position Osun State on the map as a state capable of blending governance with aesthetics, an attraction for both local and foreign visitors.
Its prospect remains vast, especially considering its location, structure, and symbolic significance.
4. Tourism Potentiality–With its serene lakeside ambience, landscaped surroundings, well-designed seating areas, and scenic beauty, the resort already possesses strong tourism potential. These include:-Urban Eco-Tourism: A rare, peaceful lakeside environment inside a government complex.
Cultural and Memorial Tourism:- The story of Mrs. Kolawole adds emotional and historical depth.
Event Tourism:- Perfect for receptions, small concerts, poetry nights, official dinners and social gatherings.
Destination Dining:- Its restaurant once attracted couples, families, and professionals seeking a European-styled dining experience.
State Protocol Tourism:-A scenic space to host dignitaries, foreign investors, and official visitors.
With proper management and promotion, it could easily become one of the top attraction points in Osogbo.
5. Present Condition–Today, the resort is functional but underutilised.
Some parts of the infrastructure still retain their beauty, but maintenance appears inconsistent, and the full potential of the centre is not currently being tapped.
Key observations include:- Reduced public awareness, Limited tourism activities, Minimal marketing or branding, Some areas requiring renovation or modernization, An absence of structured management or public-private partnership
The resort remains beautiful, but far from its intended vibrancy.
6. How to Harness the Potential:-To fully unlock the value of the resort, several actions are necessary:
a. Public-Private Partnership (PPP):- Engage credible hospitality or tourism firms to co-manage and develop the site.
b. Branding and Promotion:- Create an identity around the resort — digital presence, billboards, tourism brochures, social media promotions.
c. Regular Events:- Host festivals, exhibitions, outdoor cinema nights, music evenings and cultural showcases.
d. Tourism Packaging:- Include the resort in Osun’s official tourism map along with Osun Grove, Erin-Ijesa Falls, Ayinkunugba, and the Museum of Aesthetics.
e. Environmental Improvements:- Enhance the landscape, lighting, seating, walkways and lakeside beautification.
f. Security and Accessibility:- Improve safety, ease of entry, and structured visiting hours.
7. How to Improve the Present Situation:- Practical steps the government can take include:
Conducting a full facility audit
Repair and upgrade damaged aesthetics
Introducing day-to-day maintenance staff
Converting unused spaces into revenue points (cafés, lounges, gift shops)
Reopening and rebranding the restaurant
Training staff in tourism and hospitality
Creating a yearly tourism calendar that uses the resort as a venue
A strategic revival could turn the resort into one of Osogbo’s most visited sites.
8. The Future of the Resort
If properly reactivated, the Olufunke Kolawole Lakeside Resort could become:
A signature tourism landmark in Osun State
A hub for government-sponsored cultural tourism
A memorial park integrating nature, history and hospitality
A sustainable revenue generator
A flagship example of how public infrastructure can be re-imagined
Its future ultimately depends on deliberate investment, policy continuity and creative management.
Conclusion: A Sleeping Giant Waiting to Awaken
The Olufunke Kolawole Lakeside Resort is more than a recreational space, it is a symbol of beauty, memory, governance and potential. Though currently underutilised, it retains everything needed to become a top-tier leisure and tourism destination.
For the government, it presents an opportunity to deepen tourism investment.
For the people, it is a space for reflection and enjoyment.
For the legacy of Mrs. Olufunke Kolawole, it remains a living tribute.
With vision, planning and renewed commitment, this hidden jewel inside the Secretariat can shine again — brighter than ever.
