‘Our Efforts To Boost Oyo’s Economy Through Tourism Paying Off’

Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the state is committed to expanding its economy through tourism, noting that tourism remains a key cornerstone in the administration’s economic strategy.

This was as the governor maintained 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.

The governor stated this at the weekend during the commissioning of the Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort, Igbojaye. He added that setting up the village in the state was a significant achievement and proof that the government’s decision to focus on tourism had begun to pay off.

Makinde congratulated Kunle Afolayan on the project, adding that the state government would do everything possible to ensure its success.

He directed the Itesiwaju local government to commence immediate processes to fix the Okaka-Igbojaye road leading to the film village. He said the state would construct a solar mini-grid in the film village and 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.

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

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