Ibadan International Film Festival partners with Oyo State to boost tourism, aiming to increase revenue and create employment opportunities.

The Ibadan International Film Festival, in partnership with the Oyo State government, has developed a strategy to attract local and foreign investors to the tourism sector.

This initiative aims to boost internally generated revenue and create employment opportunities in the state.

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The Ibadan International Film Festival, in collaboration with the Oyo State government, has outlined a strategy to draw both local and foreign investors into the tourism sector.

This strategic move aims to revitalise the state’s economy by increasing internally generated revenue and creating numerous employment opportunities.

Usman Olarotimi Ogunlade, the convener of the 2024 International Film Festival, shared this vision during the festival’s third edition in Ibadan.

He emphasised the critical role of tourism in the socio-economic growth of nations, both developed and developing, and urged the government to increase investment in this sector.

Ogunlade highlighted Ibadan’s historical significance as the cradle of the Entertainment Industry, stressing the need for the ancient city to reclaim its lost glory through substantial investment.

He lamented the lack of organised film festivals outside Lagos State in the Southwest, underlining the importance of such events in driving economic growth.

He pointed out that globally, oil-producing countries are diversifying their investments from oil and gas to tourism to boost revenue and employment.

The Ibadan International Film Festival is not only a market hub for filmmakers worldwide but also a platform to empower youth through training in various aspects of filmmaking.

Renowned Nollywood actress, Jaye Kuti, echoed the need for government support to reposition Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry.

Likewise, Film Director Babatunde Ojogbaro urged the government to focus more on tourism, which has the potential to create over 50,000 jobs annually, besides its entertainment value.