Ibadan, the Oyo State capital continues to experience economic boost as over 4,000 policemen and women including other officials of the Federal Government and stakeholders in the security circle stormed the city for a weeklong sports fiesta.
Tagged “Bi-Annual Police Games -Oluyole 2024”, the locations for the 7-day games which kicked-off on Saturday at the mainbowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan included the globally recognized Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort; Olubadan Stadium; Ibadan Table Tennis Club; and array of other venues.
The event was sponsored by the Oyo State Government with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun specially applauding the efforts of the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for making it possible to stage the event in Ibadan as the host.
Hoteliers in Ibadan from Bodija, Agodi GRA; Jericho and especially the Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort have started experiencing a boom in the patronage of their services since last Friday.
It is the same story for traders in Dugbe, Bodija and several other joints in the city as activities around major markets, restaurants peaked throughout the weekend.
Prince Adeshina Araoye, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ilaji Hotel and Sports at Oloyo Village Akanran Ibadan confirmed to reporters that commercial activities have peaked due to the hosting of this national event.
According to Araoye, “on behalf of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Engr Chief Dotun Sanusi, I am commending His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the sponsorship and hosting of this national event in Ibadan.
“We are particularly happy that our globally recognized sporting facilities have been given its due recognition to host boxing competition and host of other events. The State Government and indeed the Police Authorities have made us proud in this regard.
“Feelers from across other locations where the competitions are being staged have shown that economic activities in the city of Ibadan have been very positive and receiving boost at hourly basis.
“National events of this magnitude and significance should be encouraged by our Governor to improve the local economy of the city and by the extension Oyo State as a whole.
“Ibadan and the entire state are feeling the impacts of this national game and sporting events. That the police officers participating in this game converged at different locations is a good omen for the State’s economy.
“The security of our State has been further enhanced because of the Government’s commitment to attracting national events to the city of Ibadan.
“His Excellency should do more events in the State because this ongoing Police Games makes sense more than anything else for now when security of lives and property are in the front burner of national discourse.
“Traders and everybody in the business circle are saying many things have changed within the past few days, hence the need to appreciate the Governor to do more,” Araoye added.
