Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, over the weekend, promised to upgrade facilities around the Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake to attract more investors to boost tourism in the state.
The governor stated this at the grand finale of the 2024 Iyake International Festival, which was the 4th edition, held at Festival Arena, Tourism Development Center, Foot of Ado Mountain, Ado Awaye, Oyo State.
Makinde, who was represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the state had identified the revenue generation tendency of the Iyake Suspended Lake, being the only natural one in the entire world, adding that funding of the tourist centre and others in the state would engender socio-economic development of the state.
He added that his administration would leave behind good legacies for subsequent governments, calling on investors to partner with the government in promoting tourism to achieve the expansion of the state’s economy.
“The state government believes that there is no need for government to be in business but to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” Makinde said.
“We have done that, and we are now calling on investors because we want to leave a sustainable legacy to make things easy for the administrations coming after us.
“We are rewriting history in all our tourist sites and have started seeing many investors but it is only proof of funds that is delaying them. Immediately after our international summit, many investors started coming to the state to invest, though we have them more in hotels, eateries, and nightclubs business.
“We are still expecting to have more people who have resources to finance the tourism sites.”
In his address, a member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Dele Adeola, commended the state government for voting funds to revolutionize Iyake Suspended Lake in the 2025 Budget, urging private investors to invest in the site.
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Earlier, in their separate goodwill messages, the Aseyin of Iseyin, His Royal Majesty Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri, and the Ona-Onibudo of Igboho, His Royal Majesty Oba AbdulRasheed Adetoyese Anikulapo Jayeola, appreciated Makinde’s vision in promoting culture and tourism sites for the economic prosperity of the state.
Also, in his message, the Royal Host, the Alado of Ado Awaye, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rev’d Ademola Folakanmi Olugbile Makunledoye II, appreciated Makinde for his achievements in the state.
He assured investors of the maximum profit of their investments.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the planning committee, Mr Bola Olalere, said the festival aimed at showcasing and celebrating Iyake Suspended Lake and other wonders on Ado Mountain.
He lauded Makinde’s efforts in prioritising tourism and endorsing the festival, seeking more attention to the physical development of the tourist site to make it a world-class tourist attraction and destination.
