Governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, says the state is committed to boosting the economy through tourism, which remains a fundamental component of his administration’s economic strategy.
Makinde, speaking during the inauguration of Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, stated that establishing the village in the state was a huge success.
The governor affirmed that the village was proof that his administration’s decision to focus on tourism had begun to pay off.
While congratulating Afolayan on the project, he added 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.
The governor added, “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,” he said.
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.
“Also, we are committed to rehabilitating the road leading here to ease access and improve connectivity,” he added.
The Governor called on Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in the state, as it was open to any business that could add value to it.
Makinde 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.
“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.
