Osun State reaffirms readiness for industrial, commercial, economic transformation

OSUN STATE REAFFIRMS READINESS FOR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Osun State is open for business, industrial advancement, commercial development, and strategic partnerships that will transform lives and strengthen the state’s economic foundation.

The highly anticipated Osun Dinner & Industrial Investment Roundtable officially opened on Tuesday 7th October, at the Oasis Event Centre, Osogbo, bringing together government officials, investors, and development stakeholders to chart a new course for industrial growth in the state.

With the theme “Consolidating the Gains of the Imole Economic Revolution,” the roundtable seeks to build upon the successes of the 2024 Industrial Investment Summit, reaffirming Osun’s readiness to attract meaningful investments and foster productive industrial collaborations.

Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, reiterated the administration’s firm commitment to translating investment pledges into tangible results. He emphasized the government’s vision to transform Osun from a predominantly civil service–driven economy into a robust industrial hub capable of providing sustainable economic opportunities for its citizens.

In his address, Prince Adewusi highlighted the state’s notable progress since the 2024 summit:

“We have laid a solid foundation, attracted strategic investments, and gained invaluable insights from stakeholders across sectors. This roundtable provides a vital platform to consolidate those gains, identify new pathways, and chart a clear course toward industrialisation,” he stated.

He further remarked that Osun is richly endowed — not only with natural resources but with resilience, culture, and hardworking people eager to contribute to growth. He identified major areas of opportunity, including agriculture and agro-processing, solid minerals, tourism and culture, ICT and innovation, manufacturing and light industry, ease of doing business, public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, human capital development, and investor incentives.

Speaking on the state’s achievements, Prince Adewusi noted that in the past two years, the government has delivered transformational infrastructure and industrial initiatives, including:
• The revitalization of the Free Trade Zone, projected to generate over 1,000,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• The establishment of modern markets across the state.
• The creation of farm produce aggregation centres equipped with cold and dry storage facilities, processing units, and farm settlements.
• The implementation of well-structured industrial development, digital transformation, and youth empowerment policies.

He emphasized that Osun is building a vibrant and resilient economy through public-private partnerships, and invited investors to explore the state’s vast potential and take advantage of its business-friendly environment to transform the economy and secure the future of the next generation.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo, described the summit as a direct continuation of the successes recorded during last year’s Industrial Investment Summit.

“This roundtable is a product of the bold vision and leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, whose commitment to repositioning Osun as a centre of commerce, industry, and economic excellence in Southwest Nigeria continues to inspire us all,” Dr. Jenyo stated.

He further explained that the roundtable represents a decisive step toward ensuring that Osun evolves from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a hub for value addition, manufacturing, and global competitiveness.

Dr. Jenyo revealed that following the 2024 Industrial Investment Summit, several investors have expressed interest in establishing industries in the state. The Governor has approved the allocation of industrial plots, and work is underway on their Memoranda of Understanding, after which the projects are expected to commence.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, assuring that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will continue to collaborate closely with investors, local entrepreneurs, and development partners to turn Osun’s economic vision into reality.

“Together, under the leadership of His Excellency, we will build industries, create sustainable jobs, and uplift our people into shared prosperity,” he concluded.

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to investors, stakeholders, and participants for their continued partnership and confidence in Osun State, adding that the deliberations and decisions made at the summit will help shape a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.