Being the Remarks by His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, delivered at the Unveiling of KAP Film Village and Resort, Igbojaye on Saturday 12 April 2025
What a crowd we have here today! And what a remarkable feat this is for Kunle Afolayan, the visionary whose project has brought us all together. Let me begin by saying, from the bottom of my heart, welcome to Oyo State, the sanctuary of Yoruba culture and history.
I told myself that I had to be present here today because this project speaks directly to the heart of everything we are working towards in Oyo State, particularly our drive for infrastructural development and the expansion of our economy through key growth sectors, including tourism.
Only a few days ago, we were in Paris where we signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Semmaris, France, to develop a modern agrifood market in Oyo State. This is just one of many examples of how we continue to embrace partnerships and welcome private-sector-led initiatives that will drive sustainable economic growth.
I recall meeting Mr Afolayan on several occasions, one of which was during the maiden edition of the International Tourism Summit. He has always struck me as a man with vision and deep passion for the creative industry. The KAP Film Village and Resort stands as a powerful testament to that passion.
On a broader scale, this project represents a major win for Oyo State. As I’ve come to learn, Mr Afolayan is not even an indigene of this State, yet he chose to place Igbojaye on the global map of culture and tourism. This is precisely what we mean when we say Oyo State is open and welcoming. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. If you come with a legitimate business vision, we will support you, we will protect your interests, and we will help you thrive.
As a government, we remain committed to creating the kind of environment where private investments like this can flourish. As we often say: the only business government has in business is to create an enabling environment for the private sector to succeed.
We made a promise to support this facility with power infrastructure to reduce energy costs. I will be candid, we’ve begun that process by buying the transformer, but it is not yet complete. Let me assure you, we will deliver on that promise. We will ensure that this film village is connected to the national grid. We will also build a solar-hybrid mini-grid as an alternative source of power. The timeline for completion of both projects is six months.
We also committed to rehabilitating the road leading here to ease access and improve connectivity. I have directed that the Local Government Council commences the process of fixing the road. Additionally, the planned airstrips Otu and Igbeti which are for security surveillance aircrafts will be expanded to include small aircrafts from the upgraded international airport in Ibadan to provide quicker access to this destination and promote tourism.
Let me reaffirm today that tourism remains a cornerstone of our economic strategy in Oyo State. We invite more investors to take advantage of our State’s many rich heritage sites. Just look at the splendour of this place. Look at the hills. We have scenery like this across the State. We are open for business, and we are always ready to partner.
So, on that note, once again, I congratulate Mr Afolayan and his entire team for this monumental achievement. Congratulations are also due to the good people of Igbojaye – you have proven to be gracious hosts. The KAP Film Village and Resort is now your project, and I urge you to take ownership of it, protect it, and it will bring long-lasting economic benefits to your community.
Thank you and God bless you.
Seyi Makinde
12 April 2025