For the Nigerian entertainment industry, some good news emanated from Ogun State on Friday.
While marking the World Tourism Day, Governor Dapo Abiodun declared the government would establish an Entertainment Village.
If this happens, the industry will gain a lot from it, especially based on the proximity of the state to Lagos, the big hub for the sector.
Besides, it will be a glorious salute to the great stars that Ogun has produced particularly in music.
While theatre and Nollywood giants such as Hubert Ogunde, Tunde Kelaniand Dele Odule are from Ogun, it also boasts legendary artistes that include Ebenezer Obey, Fela anIKULAPO kUTI, Haruna Ishola, Ayinla Omowura, Wasiu Ayinde, Salawa Abeni and Sefiu Alao.
The proposed entertainment village thus has a good foundation to rest upon.
Speaking on the World Tourism Day, Governor Abiodun said that arrangements were in top gear to partner with a Special Purpose Vehicle organisation of the Bankers’ Committee, to establish a multipurpose creative and entertainment village in the state, towards boosting the tourism sector in the country.
Abiodun, who stated this at the 42nd edition of the World Tourism Day, with the theme, ‘Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all’, said the creative and entertainment village upon completion would be first of its kind in Africa.
He was, according to ‘The Punch’, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor noted that, “apart from the fact that Ogun State is home to very interesting artefacts and historic sites, the numerous tourist centres and businesses such as the Birikisu Sungbo Shrine, Yemoji Natural Pool, Iwasi Eco-tourism Centre, Ebute Oni Tourist Beach, Olumo Rock, Itoku Adire market, and Eruwon Golf Resort, among others, have continued to contribute immensely to the economy of our state.
“Also, since inception of our administration, we have put structures in place, not only to support these tourist activities, but to harness the potential of the tourism sector towards the successful implementation of Building Our Future Together Agenda.”
‘The Punch’ further noted that, earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Selimot Ottun, said, the purpose of the World Tourism Day was to support changes in policy, business practices and tourism behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism and hospitality sector.
