By Oluwole Ige
Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday at the House of Common in London, tasked the United Kingdom government to focus on subnational investments in Nigeria with emphasis on Osun state which he described the heartland of the South Western part of the country.
He gave the charge during an investment working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Honourable Florence Eshalomi MP attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd and other private sector representatives.
This was contained in a statement by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed.
While contending that this is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations, the governor emphasised that “the uncertainty in the global economy calls 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, “Adeleke posited.
Describing Osun state as an investment destination, he noted that “our state 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.
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“We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others. We have a well trained labor force and a commendable investment environment.
“Osun boasts of being the most peaceful state in the country with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45 window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes.
“Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. An added advantage is our well-developed business community organised under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”
Responding, the UK Prime Minister Envoy expressed delight at the progress so far recorded by the Osun State government in the areas of attracting foreign direct investment.
She particularly noted that the current global uncertainty provides incentive for new investment focus, identifying key positive indices that drive investments.
