Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has outlined plans to position the state as a prominent entertainment hub to bolster the nation’s economy. During a meeting with top Nollywood stars in Ede, following the successful hosting of the 2023 BON awards, Adeleke assured that his administration would collaborate with stakeholders to establish Osun as a global tourist destination.
The governor revealed ambitious initiatives for the creative industry, including hosting global-standard events, establishing entertainment villages in the three senatorial districts, upgrading tourist sites’ infrastructure, providing logistics support for Osun as a film location, and creating a cluster industry for the craft sub-sector.
Adeleke expressed his intent to leverage the international appeal of global music stars from the state, such as Davido and B-Red, to host global concerts. He also proposed an annual global Yoruba Heritage week to attract thousands of tourists from South America, Europe, and North America.
The comprehensive plan extends to the development and standardization of the hotel sector to ensure high-quality service for both global and national visitors. Adeleke emphasized that the focus on infrastructure upgrades over the past year aimed to attract investors and boost the creative industry in Osun.
Highlighting the economic potential of the entertainment sector, the governor underscored its significant contribution to national earnings, citing Nollywood’s status as a household name in Africa. As the cradle of the Yoruba nation, Adeleke emphasized Osun’s commitment to becoming the epicenter of the cultural creative industry, leveraging its role as the custodian of Yoruba cultural assets.
Governor Adeleke concluded by pledging strong support for the entertainment sector as a vital economic driver and announced plans for a partnership meeting in the near future.