Ala Resort will impact rapidly on economic growth of South-West — Olanipekun

Professor Wole Olanipekun, the chairman, board of directors, Ala Resort Limited has expressed his confidence on the positive impact the presence of the investment will have on the economic growth of South-West of Nigeria in general. He revealed this at the ground breaking ceremony of the Akure Airport Aerotropolis development project, held on Tuesday.

Professor Olanipekun revealed that the project is centered around the Akure airport and would serve as its primary driver.

“Its growth and evolution will rest on carefully planned world-class infrastructure that will enable it to develop rapidly, yet organically, into a postmodern Aerotropolis, a multifunctional business hub, a residential haven, a holiday and tourism destination with safe, easy, unfettered and seamless access to the global community”.

“Another significant spin-off of this project is the positive impact its presence will have on the economic growth of contiguous states, especially Ekiti and Osun, by bringing the attention of the world to the enormous but relatively unutilised economic potentials domiciled within them”.

In his remarks, the managing director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu opined that the resort is a game changer and would generate revenue to the state.

He added that when it is fully completed, will generate enough employment opportunities that will help reduce significantly, the unemployment rate in Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

“Ala Resort project will also create a world-class business hub that attracts global companies, talents, drives innovation, and fosters economic growth. I believe, this is the fastest way to increase passenger, cargo and aircraft traffic in Akure airport, and gradually upgrade it to International airport”.

He commended the promoters to work in synergy with all stakeholders including the federal government, state government, local community and business organisations to ensure enough local content in the project.

He, however, called on the stakeholders to remain committed to the success of the project and ensure that it delivers on its promises.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu appreciated the promoters of the initiative for bringing the great investment to Ondo State.

Speaking through his deputy, Honourable Lucky Ayedatiwa, he affirmed that the resort is a luxury facility for vacationers to give them comfort. While giving his assurance to create an enabling environment for the resort to thrive, he stressed that the resort will not only bring a lot of opportunities, it will also generate revenue for the state.

Minister for Trade and Commerce, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, CON, congratulated Oba Ile community for having such investment in the community. He also commended FAAN for bringing up such innovation.

The Oloba of Oba Ile, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade in his acceptance speech expressed his happiness that the enterprises would bring enormous development to the airport, Oba-Ile, Ondo state in particular and the nation in general.

The monarch, who spoke through Mrs. Stella Kosemani, said further, “We look forward to this project providing employment to so many people including indigenes and residents of Oba-Ile community. We are confident that this will improve the economy of Ondo state in general. Oba-Ile people are a peace loving people who would be ready to partner with investors on this land.”