The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with investors who share its vision, for economic growth, as demonstrated by its recent visit to the Royal Entertainment Cruise Resort at Eleyele in Ibadan. Led by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information, the team was impressed by the facility’s range of attractions, including a paint ball arena, children’s play area, and boat cruise dock. This impressive project aligns perfectly with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to make tourism a key part of Oyo State’s economy.
Speaking during the visit, Prince Dotun Oyelade commended the Chief Executive Offficer of the company, Dr. Sanmi Bamidele for his creativity and investment drive, describing the project as one that perfectly aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to make tourism a key part of 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,” he stated.
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 the awareness across all media platforms and attract both local and international visitors.
Prince Oyelade assured that the government would continue to support private projects that align with its development goals describing the facility as a shining example of how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive local growth.
In his response, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sanmi Bamidele thanked the state government for its encouragement and support. He further explained that, the inspiration behind the project came from the government’s renewed focus on tourism as a tool for economic growth.
“The government cannot do it alone. What we are doing here supports Governor Makinde’s vision to increase the state’s revenue through tourism,”
According to him, “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.”
He added that the facility has created many direct and indirect jobs for residents of Eleyele and nearby communities while also beautifying the area. He greatly appreciated the Governor’s earlier promise to fix the access road to make the site more accessible for visitors.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Rotimi Babalola and other directors in the ministry.
The visit ended with a fun tour of the facility, where the team tried out some of the activities, including a paintball session and boat cruising.
