Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has appealed to the United Kingdom to focus on subnational investment in the state, describing the state as the heartland of Southwestern Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for the governor.
The statement said the governor made the appeal at an investment working visit, hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Florence Eshalomi MP, in London.
According to Adeleke, this is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations.
The governor said that the uncertainty in the global economy called for more partnerships between, and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
“Aside from binational collaboration, we advocate a further linkage between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria.
“The openings and prospects are too much to be ignored,” he said.
While making a strong case for the state as an investment destination, Adeleke noted that “Osun presents a rare opportunity for such an economic partnership.”
“Osun state, with a population of about five million people, is the heartland of Yoruba people.
“South-West comprises six states, but Osun state is at the core.
“We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others.
“We have a well trained labour force and a commendable investment environment,” he said.
In his response, Eshalomi expressed delight at the progress so far recorded by the state government in the areas of attracting foreign direct investment.
She disclosed that she has the mandate of the UK Prime Minister to forge closer links for investment between UK and Nigeria businesses, expressing happiness that Osun State Chamber of Commerce was represented at the meeting.
She acknowledged that Osun had done the spade work in the area of regulatory environment, ease of doing business, investment protection and reliable investment partners.
Eshalomi promised to ensure a positive outcome in the engagement between Osun and the UK government.
The major highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for investment facilitation between the Osun Government and a UK investment facilitation firm, ESG Management Services UK Limited.
