Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State.
Oyo State Government has expressed willingness to partner with investors who believe in the economic drive of the Seyi Makinde administration.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelede, who led the team from the ministry to the Royal Entertainment Cruise Resort in Elele, Ibadan.
The facility has many attractions like paint ball arena, children's play area, snooker hall, boat cruise dock with several boats, speedboats and a relaxation area to provide a complete fun experience to the visitors.
Speaking during the visit, Dotun Oyelade commended the Chief Executive Officer, Sanmi Bamidele for his creativity and investment drive, describing the project as one that is fully in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of making tourism an important part of the Oyo State economy.
“We are pleased to see such visionary investment here in Oyo State, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde believes that tourism can create jobs, boost local economies, and showcase Oyo as a leading destination for culture and leisure in Nigeria.” He said.
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The facility represents a major private sector contribution to the tourism development of the state, he said, adding that similar water-based leisure investments are rare in the South-West outside Lagos.
According to him, the ministry will work closely with the facility to promote awareness on all media platforms and attract both local and international visitors.
Oyelede assured that the government will continue to support private projects in line with its development goals and described the facility as a shining example of how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive local development.
In his reaction, the Chief Executive Officer, Sanmi Bamidele, thanked the state government for its encouragement and support. He said the inspiration behind the project comes from the government's renewed focus on tourism as a tool for economic development.
“Government cannot do it alone. What we are doing here supports Governor Makinde’s vision of increasing the state’s revenue through tourism.”
“People now come from all over Nigeria and even Europe to experience what we have created here. Ibadan is rapidly transforming from a city of brown roofs to a maritime destination, and we are proud to be part of that transformation.”
He said the facility has created many direct and indirect jobs for residents of Allele and nearby communities, as well as beautification of the area. He appreciated the Governor's earlier promise to fix the access road to make the site more accessible to visitors.
