…..Declare boost in state tourism sector
April 12, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the state is on track with its commitment to expand its economy through tourism.
He stated this at the commissioning of Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State.
The Governor emphasized that tourism remains a key cornerstone in the administration’s economic strategy.
According to Governor Makinde, the establishment of the film village is a significant achievement for the state and proof that the government’s decision to focus on tourism is paying off.
He congratulated Kunle Afolayan on the project and assured that the state government would do everything within its means to ensure the project thrives.
“What a remarkable feat this is for my brother, Kunle Afolayan, the visionary whose project has brought us all together,” Makinde said. “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.”
The Governor directed the Itesiwaju Local Government to commence immediate processes to fix the Okaka-Igbojaye Road leading to the film village.
He also announced plans to construct a solar mini-grid in the film village and bring a dedicated electricity line from Okaka to the facility.
“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 kilometers 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,” Makinde stated.
Makinde revealed that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan would receive a wide-bodied aircraft before the end of the year, signaling its upgrade to 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,” he said.
The governor called on Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Oyo State, emphasizing that the state is open to any business that could add value to it. “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,” Makinde said.
The KAP Film Village and Resort, situated on 40 acres of land, boasts state-of-the-art facilities for film production and has been used for notable productions like the Netflix series “Anikulapo”.
The film village aims to promote Yoruba culture and history while contributing to the growth of Nollywood.
