Tourism will Form Part of Main Drivers of Our State Economy, Says Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his administration’s focus on tourism as a key driver of growth and development in Oyo State.
Speaking at the grand opening of the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State on Saturday, Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of tourism in the state’s economic strategy.
According to the Governor, the state’s proximity to Lagos, a major population center, and its connectivity to the rest of the country makes it an ideal location for a regional airport in Ibadan.
This, he believes, will further boost the state’s tourism potential and create new opportunities for economic growth.
“We are well on our way to making Oyo State a hub for tourism, and we will do everything within our means to ensure that this film village and resort thrive,” Governor Makinde said. “I want to assure you that we will provide the necessary support to make this project a success, and we will work closely with the management to ensure that it becomes a model for other tourism-related projects in the state.”
The KAP Film Village and Resort, owned by renowned Nollywood movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, has already hosted three productions, including Anikulapo, Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, and Ijogbon. The project is a significant investment in the state’s tourism sector and is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area.
Governor Makinde praised Afolayan for his vision and commitment to the project, noting that the film village represents a big win for Oyo State. He also commended Afolayan for choosing to invest in the state, despite not being originally from Oyo State.
“I want to commend Kunle Afolayan for his decision to invest in Oyo State,” Governor Makinde said. “He is now a naturalized citizen of our state, and we welcome him and his team with open arms. We believe that anyone who can add value to our state is welcome, and we will do everything to support them.”
The inauguration of the KAP Film Village and Resort was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini.
In her remarks, Minister Musawa praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to the tourism sector, noting that the film village is a significant addition to the state’s cultural and creative economy. She also commended Afolayan for his contribution to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
The KAP Film Village and Resort is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a range of services, including film production, training, and accommodation. The project is expected to create new opportunities for young people in the state and provide a platform for the development of the creative industry.
With the inauguration of the KAP Film Village and Resort, Oyo State is poised to become a major hub for tourism and creative industry in Nigeria. Governor Makinde’s commitment to the sector is expected to attract more investments and create new opportunities for economic growth and development in the state.
