Oyo’s investment in tourism paying off – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the state is on course in its commitment to expanding the economy through tourism.

The governor noted that tourism remained a key cornerstone in his administration’s economic strategy.

Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort, held at Igbojaye in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, Makinde said setting up the village in the state was a significant achievement.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, on Sunday, the governor affirmed that the village was proof that his administration’s decision to focus on tourism had begun to pay off.

“I was explaining to the Minister of Creative Arts and Tourism, that in my first tenure, I put together a road map for accelerated development, 2019-2023, which stood on four pillars of education, health, security and expansion of our economy through infrastructure development and agribusiness.

“When the people gave me the opportunity to come back for a second term, we produced another document known as the road map for sustainable development of the state, 2023-2027 and we added tourism and solid minerals development as part of the channels through which we want to expand the state’s economy.

“So, this KAP Film Village is a testament that we are achieving the vision,” the governor stated.

He congratulated Afolayan on the project, adding that the government would ensure it thrived.

“What a remarkable feat this is for my brother, Afolayan, the visionary whose project has brought us all together.

“This project represents a big win for the state. Afolayan is not from the state, but see what he has done in the state.

“For us in this state, we want everyone that can add value to our state. So, no matter where you are from, please come and invest in the state.

“Afolayan chose this place and what this project has achieved is that it has put this location, Igbojaiye, on the global map as far as tourism is concerned,” Makinde added.

He directed Itesiwaju Local Government administration to commence immediate processes to fix the Okaka-Igbojaye road leading to the film village.

“Itesiwaju Local Government will fix the road from this film village to Okaka. I will approve the cost of building the road in earnest.

“We will do everything within our means to ensure that this film village and resort that we have just commissioned today will not only survive, it will thrive,” the governor stated.

He also promised that the state would construct a solar mini-grid in the film village and bring a dedicated electricity line from Okaka to the facility.

“This particular project speaks directly to the heart of everything we are working towards in this state, particularly our drive for infrastructural development and expansion of our economy through key growth sectors, including tourism.

“As a government, we remain committed to creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. I will talk to the commissioner for energy to put a solar mini-grid here.

“Second, even if we have to take a direct electricity line from Okaka, which is only 23 kilometres away, to be dedicated to this place, we will do it.

“I will be here around Christmas and there must be a reliable electricity supply to this place by the time I come.

“Also, we are committed to rehabilitating the road leading here to ease access and improve connectivity,” the governor stated.

Makinde, therefore, called on Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in the state, as it was open to any business that could add value to it.

The governor stated that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, would receive a wide-bodied aircraft before the end of the year, signalling its upgrade as an international airport.

“Thankfully, an international airport is being set up in Ibadan and the airside should be ready around October or November this year. We will receive a wide-bodied aircraft in Ibadan Airport around that time.

“I was planning a simple airstrip at Otu for security surveillance. We said we would put one in Otu and another in Igbeti.

“We are just about procuring the aircraft to utilise with the surveillance equipment. But now, I have also caught the vision; we are not only going to set up the airstrip for security surveillance, we will also add tourism.

“Quite frankly, from the airport in Ibadan with a caravan aircraft, you will take about 20 minutes to get to Otu and another 15 minutes to get here. With the good road we plan to build, we can get people here easily,” he said.

Makinde said tourism remained a cornerstone of economic strategy in Oyo State and because of its closeness to Lagos, the connectivity to the rest of the country and ambition to have a regional airport in Ibadan, the state was on course.

Among state officials at the event were the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal; Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni and the Director-General of the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency, Tilewa Folami.