The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with investors who share the economic vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who led a team from the ministry on a visit to the Royal Entertainment Cruise Resort at Eleyele in Ibadan, the state capital.
According to Commissioner Oyelade, the facility features several attractions, including a paintball arena, children’s play area, and snooker hall, boat cruise dock with multiple boats and speedboats, and a relaxation area that offers visitors a complete leisure experience.
He commended the Chief Executive Officer, Sanmi Bamidele, for his creativity and Governor Investment drive, describing the project as one that aligns with Governor Makinde’s vision to make tourism a major contributor to Oyo State’s economy.
“We are delighted to see this kind of forward-thinking investment here in Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration believes that tourism can create jobs, boost local economies, and showcase Oyo as a leading destination for culture and leisure in Nigeria,” Commissioner Oyelade said.
He noted that the facility represents a major private-sector contribution to the state’s tourism growth, 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 across media platforms and attract both local and international visitors.
Commissioner Oyelade assured that the government would continue to support private projects aligned with its development goals, describing the resort as a shining example of how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive local growth.
In his response, Mr. Bamidele thanked the state government for its encouragement and support, saying the inspiration behind the project came from the government’s renewed focus on tourism as a tool for economic development.
“The government cannot do it alone. What we are doing here supports Governor Makinde’s vision to increase the state’s revenue through tourism. People now come from all over Nigeria and even from Europe to experience what we’ve built here. Ibadan is fast transforming from the city of brown roofs into a marine destination, and we’re proud to be part of that change,” Mr. Bamidele said.
He added that the facility has created several direct and indirect jobs for residents of Eleyele and nearby communities while also beautifying the area. He appreciated the Governor’s earlier promise to fix the access road to make the site more accessible to visitors.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Rotimi Babalola, and some directors.
The visit ended with a tour of the facility, during which the team participated in activities including a paintball session and boat cruise.
Punch/Halima Abdulganiyu
