Osun, China to partner on infrastructure, agric, others

The Chinese government is to partner Osun on infrastructure, education, agriculture, mining and commerce for the socio-economic development of the state.

The Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, made the pledge when he led a delegation to visit Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the weekend in Osogbo.

He said the move was “intended to strengthen the existing cordial relations between China and Nigeria and promote cooperation and exchanges at sub-national level.

“Osun is doing well in all areas of the economy particular in the education sector. I have seen the quality of the schools built around the state and I have seen so many reasons to invest in this state.

“We are inspired by what we saw and we are ready to partner with the state in so many areas, most importantly in the education, infrastructure, commerce and industry sectors.”

The governor noted that the partnership would open windows of opportunities for investors to thrive.

The host reminded his visitors that the state was endowed ‎with mineral resources ready for exploration and exploitation in a conducive environment amid friendly policies and stable power supply of about 18 hours daily.

He appealed to the Chinese to work with the state for the speedy completion of the MKO Abiola International Airport at Ido-Osun.

Oyetola commended China for being a reliable partner to the Federal Government.

On the delegation were the Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Xikang; Political Officer, Huang Shumsing and officials of ‎CCECC construction firm, Zhao Kang and Zhao Sicong.

Besides, the envoy said his country was deepening its sub-national engagements by relating with the Ekiti government whose economic policies and programmes it found impressive.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti during a courtesy call on Governor Kayode Fayemi, Pingjan said the Chinese government could “play a good role” in the four cardinal agenda of the current administration in the state because it aligned with its own programmes.

The envoy, who stated that it was time to strengthen the China-Nigeria relations for the benefit of the people of the two countries, added that the world’s second best economy could promote made-in-Ekiti products “in a win-win relationship.”

The host governor had said his government was desirous of a partnership that would help the administration deliver concrete development to the people of the state.

He urged that the existing business relationship with the Chinese be strengthened for rapid development at the grassroots.