Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Osun State Government and the Canadian High Commission yesterday consolidated on economic partnership with a follow-up bilateral talk between the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and Canadian top diplomats in Lagos.
The Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, James Christoff, had led his team to the state five weeks ago during which sectoral teams of the Osun State Government made presentations on potential partnership and collaboration between the state and Canada.
In Lagos yesterday, Governor Adeleke led his team, which comprises Hon Teslim Igbalaye, Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, commissioner for Commerce and Industry; and Bamikole Omishore, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations.
Adeleke said his visit was designed to reinforce conclusions reached during the High Commissioner’s visit to Osun State, and to brainstorm on his upcoming trip to Canada to meet Canadian sectoral investors.
“Today, I had the honour of visiting the Canadian High Commission in Lagos to discuss shared interests and my upcoming trip to Canada, where I plan to engage with investors, development partners, and Osun State natives residing in Canada,” the governor explained after the closed-door meeting.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state, sharing with the diplomats the remarkable progress he has made in just 10 months, including plugging revenue leakages, maintaining transparency, and involving the citizens in the decision-making process.
“I also highlighted the state’s strategic location in the Southwest, which facilitates the movement of agricultural produce,” the governor was quoted as saying, adding that “we have plans for a cargo airport, the presence of a sub-power station that will be a major benefit to be a manufacturing hub with the right investments, a free trade zone, and an economic zone.
“I assured the High Commissioner of our dedication to providing investors with a secure and supportive atmosphere for their ventures to flourish.”
The delegation was received by the High Commissioner Christoff; Deputy, C.J. Scott, and their team in the trade and political section.
The High Commissioner reiterated his earlier assurance of the Canadian Government to deepen economic partnerships with subnational entities across Nigeria and Africa.
