Economy
THE Chairman of Ala Resort, Chief Wole Olanipekun, on Tuesday, said that the development of aerotropolis in Akure would reshape the economic landscape and fortunes of the South-West region and Nigeria in general.
Olanipekun stated this at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the resort and ground breaking ceremony of the project at the Akure Airport.
He said that the project was centred around the Akure Airport, which would serve as its primary driver.
According to him 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.
Olanipekun said it would be 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 states, by bringing the attention of the world to the enormous but relatively unutilised economic potential domiciled within them,” he said.
Olanipekun pleaded with the host community, Oba-Ile and the Ondo State Government to support the initiative, adding that the resort would be a benefit to all.
Also speaking, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, described the project as world-class which would impact on the revenue generation of the nation’s industry.
He commended the management of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for fixing the deal with the private firm, Ala Resort, which he noted would turn around the host community and adjourning communities around the airport.
Also speaking,the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Rabiu Yadudu, said that the project would generate enough employment opportunities that would help reduce significantly the unemployment rate in the state and Nigeria in general.
Yadudu, who was represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD), Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi, said the project would also create a world class business hub that would attract global companies, talents, drive innovation and foster economic growth.
” I believe this is the fastest way to increase passenger, cargo and aircraft traffic in Akure airport and gradually upgrade it to an international airport.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is confident that with Ala Resort’s assembled team of world class architects, planners, and developers the project is a sure bet,” he said.
Yadudu, therefore, called on all stakeholders to remain committed to the project’s success, ensuring that it delivered on its promises.
Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who was represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, explained that the Aerotropolis would take care of travellers and create adventure for the people.
He assured that the project would be implemented without hitch, saying the state was safe for all potential investors.
Akeredolu said that after the project is completed, visitors to the aerotropolis should not entertain any fear as all the security agencies including the state security Network, Amotekun Corps, would provide adequate security for the people.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ala Resort, Niran Omoyosola disclosed that the project would be completed within a period of seven to 10 years.
He stated that the project would adhere to local content in terms of engaging residents of the host community when the construction starts off.
Omoyosola explained that the firm didn’t take with levity the architectural designs of all the structures within the aerotropolis.
He revealed that the firm would provide utilities needed at the Aerotropolis including power and gas supply.
In his speech, the traditional ruler of the host community, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, said the community was delighted that the community was chosen for the enormous project .(NAN)
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Tags: Ala Resort Chief Wole Olanipekun Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Mr Adeniyi Adebayo Niran Omoyosola Oba Joseph Agunbiade
