OSUN DEVELOPMENT: GOVERNOR ADELEKE, ODA ADOPT PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK
Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Osun Development Association (ODA) chaired by Dr Segun Aina on Tuesday evening engaged in a marathon discourse on how to fast track industrial and socio-economic development of Osun state with far reaching conclusions reached after the four hour long engagement.
The Governor accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo and two other cabinet members hosted the ODA team which includes its Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, OFR; Asiwaju Dr Tunji Olugbodi; Mr Gbite Falade, CEO, Aradel Holdings plc; Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, former CEO, Ecobank; Mr Akin Morakinyo, Registrar, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; Mrs Folashade Femi-Lawal, Country Director, Mastercard; and Mr Adeleye Adegbaye, Head of Operations of ODA.
Speaking on behalf of the ODA, Dr Aina who announced the governor as the first patron of the association commended Governor Adeleke for his transformative leadership which is visible across the towns and villages of Osun state, submitting that ODA has come to offer partnership to complement the good work of the current administration.
“We have seen your good work which was validated by your re-election for a second term. Beyond congratulating you on this important achievement, we bring a platform for partnership to expand development of Osun state. We offer to complement the state government to deepen industrial development as well as the growth of the entire socio-economic sectors of Osun state.
“ODA is composed of top achievers, top flight professionals and business leaders. We seek to give back to our dear state. Mr Governor, you have set the path for which we can key into. We will support you in your quest to transform Osun from a civil service to an industrialised state.”
Dr Aina listed areas of partnership with the state government to include the need for a social and economic advisory council, creation of an industrial development bank, activation of a platform to drive investment funds into Osun economy and expansion of intervention in education and health sectors.
Responding to the presentation made by the ODA and its chairman, Governor Adeleke appreciated the group for its consistency and passionate commitment to the development of Osun state, calling on successful Osun indigenes to invest at home.
He said his administration has opened up Osun state to local and international investors and charged the ODA to serve as a mobilisation platform to expand industrial growth of Osun state, affirming that his administration has reduced infra deficit in Osun state.
On the proposal for the creation of the Osun State Social and Economic Advisory Council, the governor welcomed the idea and promised to look into how best to get it activated for the benefit of the state.
On industrial park development, the governor said the proposal aligns with his goal of fast tracking industrialisation of the state but also reminds the team that Osun has a Free Trade Zone for industrial set up and operations.
He urged the ODA to formally make requests for land allocation as he assured that his government has removed delays in land processing with the CofO now a 45 days window for processing.
“I am glad this session is held. This partnership is important. I welcome the hosting planned by ODA for me by January 2027. I look forward to our joint action to accelerate development of our dear state through delivery of good governance”, the governor was quoted as telling the ODA delegation.
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.
