2017OndoAutoRally:AkeredoluCommendsToyotaBoss,Ade-Ojo
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has praised the Chairman of Elizade Nigeria Limited Chief Michael Ade Ojo, saying that he had put his state on the world map. He also spoke on different areas of tourism and found that Elizade University and Smokin’ Hills Golf Course, both established by Ade-Ojo at Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State had given boost to tourism in the state.
“Ondo’s visitors now come to the state by airplane more than before. The airline coming has increased their frequency. We had two Air Peace flights yesterday (last Saturday) for the first time in years. We also had two flights the previous day. I was told all the hotels in Akure are full. First it was Smokin’ Hill Golf Course and now Elizade University. The people of the state have benefitted from these institutions, we are generating revenue. We are highly indebted to their founder,” he said.
Akeredolu expressed this view at the just-concluded Ondo Auto Rally organised by Work & Play Event in honour of Madam Elizabeth Wuruola Ade-Ojo (late), wife of Ade-Ojo. It was also an occasion when Toyota Nigeria Limited organised The Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tournament which attracted golfers from across the country such as Kano, Abuja and Abeokuta to play in honour of the deceased Ojo.
“We want more people to visit Ondo State. We have the right environment; roads have been constructed and renovated. We have beaches. Ondo is peaceful and safe for people to stay,” the Governor stated.
The organisers were also full of praise for the state government that provided the enabling environment. One of them, Mr. Ade Ojuoko of ATC Nigeria while thanking those that lent Work & Play support revealed that the state government created safe and secured environ for the event. “Government appreciated and supported the event as it can bring revenue to the local communities,” he said.
Ojuoko also thanked corporate organiza- tions that supported Work &Play such as SMT Volvo, Toyota Nigeria, Rage, JAC Motors and Elizade Motors.
He pointed out that the event was also a platform to develop and support the auto racing industry in the country.
The Ondo auto rally featured car racing competition, stunt driving, drifting, motor bike challenge deploying 4x 4 and Sports Utility Vehicles to race. There were other attractions that thrilled spectators.
The second edition of the Work and Play staked N2 million prize for participants in the rally that took place between November 10 and 11, 2017. Participants include Prince Adejuwon, Kingsley Onome Uwatse, Richard Ike, Abiola Awosika, Nicholas Barberopoulous, John Momodu and Antonio Sandouk.
According to the organisers, “The event was designed as a breather for the working class. After the inaugural edition in Sagamu, we have raised the standard of the event, including the total purse for our winners and the overall outlook of the event. The two-day race in Ilara-Imokin, Akure, Ondo State, brought together people from the corporate world.” The Work and Play Auto Rally attracted the attention of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), the World Governing body for car race and their officials that officiated in the event.