MAKINDE UNVEILS KUNLE AFOLAYAN FILM VILLAGE, TOUTS TOURISM AS OYO'S ECONOMIC DRIVER

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The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said the state is well on course in its commitment to expanding its economy through tourism, noting that tourism remains a cornerstone in the economic strategy of his administration.

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

Governor made these statements on Saturday, at the commissioning of the Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort, Igbojaye.

He stressed that the establishment of the village is a significant achievement for the state and proof that the decision of the government to focus on tourism has begun to pay off.

Makinde congratulated Kunle Afolayan on the project, adding that the state government would do everything within its means to ensure that the project thrives.

He directed the authorities of Itesiwaju Local Government Area to commence immediate processes to fix the Okaka-Igbojaye Road leading to the film village.

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

The governor called on Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Oyo State, noting that the state is open to any business that could add value to it.

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

“I welcome everyone to Oyo State, the sanctuary of Yoruba culture and history.

“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.

“I was explaining to the Minister of Creative Arts and Tourism that, in my first tenure, I put together a Roadmap 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 Roadmap for the Sustainable Development of Oyo 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. This project represents a big win for Oyo State. Kunle Afolayan is not from Oyo State, but see what he has done in the state.

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

“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 in here a solar mini grid. 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.