Mr. Rotimi Babalola is a seasoned public servant and administrator in the Oyo State Civil Service, with extensive experience in public administration, government communication, information management and strategic stakeholder engagement.

He began his career in the Oyo State Civil Service as an Information Officer at the Ministry of Information in 1992, at the age of 25. Over the years, he has served in various capacities across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Environment, as well as the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

Mr. Babalola served for 23 years as the UNICEF Programmes Director at the Ministry of Information, where he contributed significantly to the coordination and implementation of UNICEF-related programmes and activities in the State.

He subsequently served as Director of Press and Public Relations (DPPR) in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. In that capacity, he was responsible for communicating government policies, programmes and activities to the public and the media, while fostering effective government-public relations and stakeholder engagement.

In recognition of his contributions to the Oyo State Public Service, Mr. Babalola has received commendations and awards for his professional service, including the Oyo State Government Merit Awards in December, 1997 and May, 2023 respectively and other recognitions.

In January 2025, Mr. Babalola was among the Permanent Secretaries sworn into office by the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde. His appointment followed a merit-based selection process aimed at strengthening professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness in the State Public Service.

He currently serves as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, where he provides administrative and strategic leadership in the implementation of government policies and programmes aimed at promoting the State’s cultural heritage, tourism industry and creative economy.

In his present capacity, Mr. Babalola has been actively involved in initiatives focused on the preservation and promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage, tourism development, investment promotion and public-private partnerships. He has consistently advocated the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions for future generations, particularly in the face of concerns over the gradual decline of some traditional practices in schools and society.

He also recognises the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in developing the culture and tourism sector, attracting investment, improving tourism infrastructure and strengthening the State’s internally generated revenue.

Mr. Babalola has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of the hospitality and tourism industry through engagements with private-sector investors and stakeholders. He has encouraged investors and hospitality businesses to explore opportunities in Oyo State and to submit viable proposals capable of contributing to the growth and development of the sector.

He has also participated actively in major cultural and tourism initiatives of the State, including the World Egungun Festival, working with the Honourable Commissioner and other stakeholders to promote Oyo State’s rich Yoruba cultural heritage and project it to a wider national and international audience.

With his extensive experience in public administration and government communication, coupled with his institutional knowledge and experience in cultural and tourism affairs, Mr. Rotimi Babalola brings to his present position strong administrative competence, communication expertise and a firm commitment to effective public service.

As Permanent Secretary, he remains at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the Ministry’s programmes, deepen stakeholder collaboration, promote Oyo State’s cultural and tourism assets, attract investment and support the development of a vibrant, sustainable and investment-driven tourism sector.