Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has emphasized his administration’s continued commitment to economic development through tourism. He stated that tourism remains a central part of the state’s economic strategy and that progress is being made in that direction.
The governor made these remarks on Saturday during the commissioning of Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye. He described the project as a major milestone that aligns with his administration’s vision for expanding the economy through investment in tourism.
Makinde revealed that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan is being upgraded to handle wide-bodied aircraft, with the first expected to arrive before the end of the year. This development marks a significant step in transforming the facility into an international airport.
He congratulated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan for establishing the film village in Oyo State and assured him of the government’s full support to ensure the project’s success. He directed the Itesiwaju Local Government to begin immediate rehabilitation of the Okaka-Igbojaye Road, which leads to the new facility.
The governor also announced plans to install a solar mini-grid at the film village and provide a dedicated power line from Okaka to ensure a reliable electricity supply. He said these efforts are part of his administration’s broader plan to create a supportive environment for businesses to thrive.
Makinde called on both Nigerian and foreign investors to consider Oyo State for their business ventures, stating that the state welcomes any initiative that adds value.
“What Kunle Afolayan has done here is extraordinary. This project directly supports our goal of growing the state’s economy through key sectors like tourism and infrastructure,” he said.
Makinde noted that in his first term, the government implemented the “Roadmap for Accelerated Development, 2019–2023,” which focused on education, health, security, and economic growth through infrastructure and agribusiness. In his second term, the government introduced a new strategy—the “Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023–2027”—which added tourism and solid minerals as new areas of economic focus.
“The KAP Film Village is evidence that our strategy is working,” he said. “Kunle Afolayan may not be from Oyo State, but this project shows how much impact one visionary can make. We want people from all backgrounds to come and invest in our state.”
He added that the establishment of the film village has placed Igbojaye on the global tourism map and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to support such impactful projects.
Makinde also spoke about ongoing plans to improve air and road transport. He mentioned that the Ibadan Airport’s upgraded facilities should be ready by October or November, and an international aircraft is expected to land around that time. He also discussed plans to establish airstrips in Otu and Igbeti for security purposes, with potential use for tourism as well.
“With good road networks and air access, travel to this area will become faster and easier. A caravan aircraft from Ibadan to Otu will take just about 20 minutes, followed by a 15-minute drive here,” he explained.
He promised to approve the cost of rehabilitating the road from Okaka to the film village and ensure that the project receives all necessary support from the government.
“Tourism continues to be a foundation of our economic agenda. Our proximity to Lagos, strong transportation links, and vision for a regional airport all position Oyo State for tremendous growth,” Makinde said.
Also present at the event were Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Miss Wasilat Adegoke, Deputy Governor Chief Bayo Lawal, Special Adviser on Security COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (retd), and Director-General of the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency (OYSIPA) Mr. Tilewa Folami.
