Two weeks after his football club won the State FA Cup, Chief Dotun Sanusi, owner of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort has won Oyo State Governor’s Tourism Man of the Year award.
Recall that Ilaji FC, a team owned by Dotun Sanusi, won the Oyo FA Cup recently. Additionally, Ilaji FC won the IFL Super Four in 2020.
The State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde handed over the award trophy to Dotun Sanusi on Wednesday night, at the first Oyo State International Tourism Summit (Dinner & Awards) held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Chief Dotun Sanusi, represented at the event by Alhaji Fatai Owoseni is the Otun Apesinola of Ibadanland is also a traditional title holder in the Olubadan chieftaincy system as the Jagun Olubadan Ibadanland.
The Governor described the event as watershed, saying “the awardees are the people who have contributed immensely to the tourism potentials of Oyo State.
“They have invested heavily in this sector and these are the people others are looking up to. They are the people that have put in their money and they must be appreciated and rewarded. For those of you that have demonstrated commitment, I will award and reward you,” the elated Governor added.
The Governor was seen as beaming with smiles when the honour was handed down on Sanusi, believed to be the foremost philanthropist in the State in addition to his many laudable contributions to the development of Ibadanland and the State in general.
To earn this honour, Sanusi, an Engineer and key player in the oil and gas industry, has become a household name in the country for his many feats in sports and tourism developments.
He has played a significant role in the sports and tourism development of Oyo State.
Some of his feats in sports & tourism sector:-
- Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort: He founded this world-class resort, which has become a hub for sports and tourism in Oyo State. The resort features top-notch facilities, including a stadium, swimming pool, gym, and hotel rooms.
- Sports Infrastructure Development: Sanusi has invested heavily in building modern sports infrastructure, including the Ilaji Stadium, which hosts various sports events and competitions.
- Youth Empowerment: Through his initiatives, Sanusi has provided opportunities for young people in Oyo State to engage in sports and develop their talents.
- Tourism Promotion: Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. This has boosted tourism in Oyo State and generated revenue for the local economy.
- Job Creation: Sanusi's ventures have created employment opportunities for many people in Oyo State, both directly and indirectly.
- Community Development: He has also contributed to community development projects, such as building roads and providing healthcare services.
- Sponsorship of Sports Events: Sanusi has sponsored various sports events, including football tournaments and marathons, promoting sports development in Oyo State.
- Partnership with Oyo State Government: He has collaborated with the state government on initiatives to promote sports and tourism, further solidifying his commitment to the state's development.
By his investments and initiatives, Dotun Sanusi has made a significant impact on the sports and tourism landscape of Oyo State, earning him recognition and accolades locally and internationally.
