Osun ready for transition to agro-industrial state, says Adeleke
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced that the state is prepared for a transition to an agro-industrial society, driven by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and real-sector policy frameworks established by his administration.
Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of the former Senate President, in France, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, emphasized his administration’s focus on infrastructure development to attract businesses and improve the state’s economic fortunes.
The Governor noted that the significant infrastructure deficit he inherited from his predecessor was a major disincentive for both local and foreign investors. In response, his administration has committed to addressing this gap to enhance the economic prospects of the state.
Adeleke showcased various projects, including rural road construction, inter-city roads, and dualized roads with flyovers, aimed at enhancing connectivity and easing congestion.
He explained that these massive infrastructure projects are also designed to strengthen the local and grassroots economy through the implementation of the state’s local content policy, noting, “We source materials and personnel locally to prevent capital flight, as was the case in the past.”
“We are using local contractors; we are sourcing materials locally. By doing so, Osun’s money stays in Osun. We are equally boosting the local economy,” he added.
Governor Adeleke also outlined plans to expand the state’s economy through initiatives in the digital economy, power sector reforms, agricultural revolution, sports development, creative industry growth, and diaspora housing projects. He announced that Osun now has a world-class ICT policy and a state tech innovation policy that are set for implementation.
He stated: “For the power sector, we now have a state electricity bill that will create an electricity regulatory body to oversee power generation and distribution. As I mentioned before, the state will take a leading role in power generation and distribution to support our plan to become an agro-industrial economy.
“In the agricultural sector, we have launched our agricultural revolution with the distribution of tractors and inputs. Our focus is on value addition through agro-processing, and we aim to build an export-oriented agricultural economy. We will soon commence the state agropreneurs initiative across all local governments.
“In the sports sector, we are ready to unveil our landmark initiative, the creation of the Osun State Sports Commission to develop all sports in the state. My deputy, who oversees the sports sector, has taken significant steps to ensure its growth and to prepare the state for participation in upcoming sports events.
“I also have good news for the creative industry sub-sector. Culture, tourism, and entertainment are critical components of the creative industry. My government is implementing a robust actualization plan. This sector has the potential to employ thousands and generate billions of naira, and we are tapping into these opportunities.
“Our administration is also working on a diaspora housing project in each local government under a public-private partnership arrangement. We are focusing on affordable and sustainable housing projects for our people,” the Governor explained.
Adeleke then invited industry leaders to the Osun Industrial Investment Summit, promoting the state as an investment-friendly hub for agro-industrialization in Southern Nigeria.
