By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan

The joy of hundreds of school children who thronged the Agodi Resort and Conferences Centre to enjoy the rustic environment, knew no bounds as they played with the state of the art recreational facilities provided in the once “evil forest”.

Prior to its transformation by Abiola Ajimobi-led administration, Agodi Resort and Conferences was largely seen as a an ‘evil forest’ because it was a hideout for criminals who made Agodi and its environs, a dreaded place.

Abandoned garden

Apparently irked by the activities of these hoodlums, the state government embarked upon the reconstruction of the abandoned garden. The government last week, showcased the new-look Centre which instantly became a tourist destination. Apart from attractive facilities like circus train, children’s and adult swimming pools, the lush green environment gives the place a befitting scenery.

No wonder students came from Sunshine Group of Schools, The Concord School, British-African International School and Solid Bridge Group of School, stormed the Resort to play with its modern facilities.

The centre which has added to the aesthetic beauty of Ibadanland, will also increase the internally generated revenue of the state and add to other relaxation and resort centres like the Trans Amusement Park and others.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the facility will bring about N500 million into the coffers of the State Government annually.

The new Resort sits on 62 hectares of land in-between the State Government Secretariat and the popular Premier Hotel in the heart of Ibadan.

Justifying the project, the Governor said his administration was motivated to embark upon the reconstruction of the Gardens which was neglected by successive administrations in the state.

“Agodi Gardens was in a sorry state when we first visited the place. It was desolate and empty. Everything was very bad. It had deteriorated so much and it was very shameful to us in Oyo State,” he said.

Governor Ajimobi said that the project had transformed from a mere garden to an ultra-modern resort centre in an ecologically attractive environment, with facilities such as a recreation centre, golf course, chalets, a conference centre as well as zoological garden and an amusement park.

World class hospitality centre

“Places like that are in South Africa, Dubai and others. This is what we want to recreate in Oyo State. We want people to come here from all over the world and enjoy themselves in a world-class hospitality centre,” he said. He described the new-look agodi Garden as the best form of stomach infrastructure for the people of the state.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of J. D. Capital, the Consultant that handled the project, Mr. Makin Soyinka said the project will restore the ancient town to its fading glory.

“Our visionary and hardworking governor has jump started the process of placing Ibadan back on the global space.

This journey to the rejuvenation of our ancient and historic city, the rustic city of Ibadan is clearly exemplified through what he has done with Agodi Gardens.  It is a clear testament of the clarity of vision and purposeful leadership of a great leader of our  time.  This  dream and vision must not die or  suffer  any setback, rather must be celebrated and supported to ensure it goes to the next level,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “The first step in this rebirth process is the rebranding and creation of a brand identity for the garden. This has commenced with the renaming of Agodi Gardens to “Agodi  Resort  & Conferences”.

He said the Centre will provide international class entertainment for both children and adults especially during the yuletide and news year celebrations.

The Commissioner for Tourism commended Governor Ajimobi for his unflinching support throughout the decision making process. While promising that a lot more would be done to ensure the resort meets international standard, the commissioner said what is on ground now is just a tip of an iceberg.