The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, has assured that the roads leading to the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort will receive the attention of the Federal Government, describing the investment as one with significant economic, tourism, sports and employment potential for Oyo State.
Alli gave the assurance while speaking with members of the JDS/PBAT Support Group during an engagement focused on strengthening cooperation among various support groups in Oyo State and mobilising grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC governorship hopeful expressed optimism that the Federal Government would intervene in the rehabilitation and construction of roads connecting communities to the Ilaji resort before the expiration of the Tinubu administration.
“All roads leading to Ilaji will receive Federal Government attention. Before the end of this administration, we expect the Federal Government to construct and fix the roads leading to Ilaji.”
Alli: Ilaji Deserves Strategic Infrastructure Support
Alli emphasised that the magnitude of investment at Ilaji makes the condition of the surrounding road network a matter that should receive urgent attention.
According to him, infrastructure must grow alongside private-sector investment if Oyo State is to fully benefit from major investments capable of attracting visitors, investors and businesses.
He stressed that good road infrastructure would make the resort more accessible while also improving the economic prospects of communities located around the facility.
The APC candidate further stated that his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise the rehabilitation and construction of roads leading to Ilaji.
“Once we emerge victorious in 2027, this will be one of the first projects we will give attention to because we cannot continue to neglect an investment of this magnitude.”
He noted that government should create an enabling environment for major private investments to thrive, particularly investments that contribute to employment generation, tourism, sports development and local economic growth.
Commendation for Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi
Alli also used the occasion to commend Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) for his contributions to the socio-economic development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
He specifically acknowledged Sanusi’s investment in the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, describing it as an important private-sector contribution capable of strengthening Oyo State’s position as a destination for sports, hospitality, entertainment, tourism and business activities.
According to Alli, investments of this scale can create direct and indirect employment opportunities while stimulating businesses in transportation, hospitality, food services, retail, entertainment, construction and other sectors.
He therefore stressed the need for government and relevant stakeholders to provide the infrastructure required to maximise the benefits of such investments.
Roads as a Catalyst for Tourism and Economic Development
The APC governorship candidate maintained that quality road networks are not merely transportation infrastructure but critical economic assets.
He explained that better access to Ilaji would encourage more visitors to patronise the resort, make it easier for businesses to operate around the facility and potentially attract additional investors into the surrounding areas.
Improved connectivity, he added, could also benefit residents and communities beyond the immediate vicinity of the resort by facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
For Oyo State, Alli said, the development of infrastructure around major private investments should be viewed as part of a broader strategy for economic expansion and job creation.
He argued that when government provides the necessary infrastructure and the private sector continues to invest, both sides can contribute to creating a stronger and more competitive local economy.
Recognition of JDS’s Political Support
Alli further acknowledged what he described as Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s significant moral and financial support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political project since 2023.
He praised the commitment of the JDS/PBAT Support Group to mobilising support for the President and called for greater unity among the various support groups operating across Oyo State.
According to him, political support groups should move beyond individual structures and work together toward a coordinated grassroots mobilisation strategy capable of communicating the administration’s programmes and achievements to voters.
Call for Unity Ahead of 2027
Alli urged members of the JDS/PBAT Support Group and other stakeholders supporting President Tinubu to strengthen their collaboration at the ward, local government and state levels.
He said the 2027 election would require effective grassroots engagement, continuous communication with the electorate and the ability to bring different political support structures together around common objectives.
He encouraged supporters to engage citizens respectfully, highlight development initiatives and maintain a strong presence within communities.
The APC governorship candidate also called on the people of Oyo State to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements and development efforts since assuming office.
A Partnership Between Government and Private Investment
The discussion also underscored the broader importance of cooperation between government and private investors in driving development.
For Alli, Ilaji represents an example of how private investment can complement government efforts by creating economic opportunities, promoting tourism and sports, supporting employment and contributing to the development of surrounding communities.
He maintained that government’s responsibility should include creating the infrastructure and policy environment necessary for such investments to deliver their full potential.
He therefore reiterated his commitment to ensuring that road infrastructure around Ilaji receives serious consideration under an APC-led administration in Oyo State.
The engagement ended with renewed emphasis on unity, grassroots mobilisation and strategic cooperation among supporters of President Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
For stakeholders involved in the Ilaji project and the wider Oyo State economy, the message from the engagement was clear: major private investments require corresponding infrastructure support, while strategic government-private sector collaboration can help transform investment into sustainable economic opportunities for the people.
Comments (0)
Want to join the discussion?
or