By Sarafa Ibrahim

On Monday, something remarkable that will change the trajectory of Osun finances forever happened. The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed announced that Thor Exploration Limited, the parent company of Segilola Gold Project, has conceded to the plank of the Osun State Government dispute with it and that Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon be “hosting the federal meditation team for the formal presentation of the share certificate to the state government..”

It is a cheering news because this is a victory not just for today but also the future. However, this victory did not come easy, and in fact, was possible basically because of the character of Governor Adeleke, who chooses not his personal benefit, but the collective interest of the entirety of Osun people. This was the highlight of the Governor’s message that was conveyed by Mallam Rasheed.

“Our dedication not to do under the table deal with Thors Explorations has paid off. From the beginning, I said I don’t want gold bars for myself or my family, I want Osun shares as asset of the state and that the taxes be paid into her treasury,” Governor Adeleke noted. What Governor Adeleke clearly indicated, is unusual, and indeed, will leave many, especially those who are conversant with Nigerian politicians attitude to collective interest of the people, speechless.

But the thing with Governor Adeleke is that, he is different, and this truth about him continues to manifest in all his conducts since assuming office nearly two years ago. While some other interest holders settled for “cash and smelter during the acquisition by Thors”, Governor Adeleke chose the side of the people, fighting fiercely to ensure that Osun is not cheated of what actually belongs to it.

That was a resolve from Governor Adeleke and a moment, I tried to picture what the scenario would have been if someone other than him is seating in the state’s top seat at a time like this. Just imagine a Governor who prioritizes personal benefit was presented with an opportunity to look the other way and maneuver the system to fill his own pocket at the detriment of the people.

Your guess is as good as mine. Segilola Gold Project is a multi-billion investment and a 5% stake is a whole lot, and the benefit will extend beyond the administration of Governor Adeleke. This is why I could not understand what the main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, was thinking when it chose the side of a firm that tries to deny Osun what belongs to it.

This can never be politics because what Governor was fighting for was not for himself but the Osun people. Infact, the question that must agitate minds would be that what could the outcome had been if Governor Adeleke was not the Governor. And, if the past should be the guide, the outcome is better not imagined because it will be unpleasant.

By all measures, Governor Adeleke has done well and history will be kind to him. This is not just because he retrieved Osun shares in Segilola Gold Project, but also demonstrating the immense benefits that comes with having the right leadership. Governor Adeleke did not just press for Osun to get its due financial entitlements from the firm, he was critical about pollution caused by mining activities, which undermines the environment.

“We will submit our environmental inspection report. We will show the world that even a billion dollar cannot achieve the remediation and rehabilitation of our damaged environment. It is actually worrisome that an internationally quoted mining company will neglect and attempt to evade the care for environment it violated,” Governor Adeleke noted.

For quite sometime now, there has been concerns on the environmental impact that the operation of Segilola Gold Project has on the people. In a 2022 report, Aljazeera provided an idea on how deep the problem is, quoting Anthony Adejuwon, head of Osogbo-based civic advocacy group Urban Alert as noting that “In Osun, the contamination is through water which flows through communities with over two million people.” The paper added that separate physiochemical test conducted by it and Urban Alert on water samples on the area revealed the presence of high levels of heavy materials.

By making the protection of the environment a core of his objective, Governor Adeleke is making sure that natural resources doesn’t turn to harm the people. That is the purpose of leadership and Governor Adeleke is showing not to only understand this, but also working towards that direction.

● Sarafa Ibrahim is a Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Print Media and writes from Osogbo, Osun State

OSOGBO- 13/10/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Several diaspora groups have described the mining reforms and other good governance initiatives of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “impressive” and “unprecedented” since the creation of Osun State.

The Governor who was on transit to Nigeria in the United Kingdom after attending a livestock conference in Northern France hosted several leaders and indegenes of Osun in London with many listing several sectors for which the Governor has placed the state on global map of good governance.

A group called Osun UK. Professionals led by Bimbo Adekemi expressed surprise at the fast pace at which the Governor is pursuing infrastructure upgrade across the state at a time of tight economic situation across Nigeria.

The group noted that pursuing infra upgrade is a smart way of jumpstarting the local economy and ease environment of doing business to attract investment into the state.

The group particularly commended the courage of Governor Adeleke for demanding Osun’s rights from mining companies operating in the state, citing ongoing faceoff with Thors Explorations Limited as “a courageous move by selfless leader.

“We note the demand notice on the Thors Explorations as a bold move by a state Governor. Where others pursue under the table deals, Governor Adeleke is seeking due payments into the coffer of Osun state. This is about the first time we will see a Governor not asking for gold bars from mining companies but is seeking validation of state shareholding, payment of PAYE as demanded by law and calling out mining firms on degradation of the environment.

“We salute the courage of Mr Governor in his drive to secure state economic assets. Please don’t give up in your multiple efforts to deliver good governance. Many of us here are encouraged to look back home for home bound investment”, Mrs Adekemi noted.

Another group, named Osun UK Royal Group led by Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi from Ijesaland said Governor Adeleke has raised the hope of many Osun indigenes in Europe by his delivery of good programmes in digital economy, health, education, agriculture, climate change and infrastructure.

“Your Excellency, we praise your commitment to public service and your visionary approach to governance. We read all you are doing and our members visited home and also came back with reports of your touching so many areas , towns and villages. We are proud to call ourselves Osun indigenes.

“You have given Osun new tech policy, new energy policy, new procurement policy, new cocoa and cashew initiatives among others. You are doing so much in empowerment and cooperatives with billions being disbursed to grassroots businesses and artisans.

“You are paying billions of naira in pension and salary debts. Workers welfare is a priority areas you have delivered so excellently well. To imagine you have done so much under less than two years is an amazing testimony. We will head home to register to vote ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Prince Oluyemi posited on behalf of the group.

While receiving the various Osun indegenes in London, Governor Adeleke expressed delight at the positive feedback from the diaspora community, assuring that his administration is poised to do more in service of the people.

Describing his main goal as selfless service, Governor Adeleke repeated that leadership is about service and that he is running a race to uplift Osun and her people as quickly as possible.

“We are less than two years in office. We are running a good governance race. I seek to deliver a four year plan within less than alloted time. The reason is Osun demands urgent actions to fill in the massive developmental gap.

“We need you to join hands with us. Be agents of development by marketing Osun in the diaspora. Set up your business at home. Give back to the community. I promise to ramp up delivery of programmes and projects even as we near two years in office by November 27”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

Governor Adeleke has since returned to Nigeria.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke

OSOGBO – 10/10/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has opened on its far reaching, ongoing agenda to introduce and implement multi sectoral green economy and climate initiatives as tolls of state development.

The State’s consultant on climate change and renewable energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure at a twin events in Lagos namely the 11th German-Nigerian Business Forum and the West African Clean Energy & Environment Trade Fair and Conference (WACEE) under the theme “Sustainability Showcase: Stimulating Green Economy Investments.”

Advancing Osun as a prime destination for green economy investments, the Governor’s representative presented the state’s strategic vision for sustainable growth and emphasized the state’s readiness to embrace clean energy initiatives and drive environmentally responsible development.

While listing the enormous potential that Osun holds in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure, the consultant expressed the state’s interests in investment opportunities in renewable energy, with a focus on cutting-edge solutions like energy efficiency, mini grids, and green hydrogen which are crucial components of Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

She further offered valuable insights into how the public and private sectors can collaborate to harness these technologies for broader economic growth even as she highlighted how Osun State is positioning itself as a leader in clean energy by actively seeking partnerships and investments that focus on renewable energy integration, particularly in off-grid solutions and mini grids.

At the circular economy roundtable, Prof Obuaku who identified challenges facing circular economy challenges in Nigeria cited Osun State’s ongoing efforts, where attention is focussed on creation of a conducive environment for circular economy businesses.

“In Osun, we’ve developed policies that provide financial incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. We’ve also been working on establishing public-private partnerships that leverage private sector innovation and government resources to scale circular economy initiatives.

“One such example is our commitment to improving waste-to-energy projects, which convert agricultural and household waste into sustainable energy sources, reducing environmental degradation while creating economic value”, the consultant told the audience.

“Osun State remains committed to sustainability, and the steps we are taking serve as a model that other states can replicate. By focusing on renewable energy investments, waste management innovations, and strong public-private partnerships, Osun is leading the charge in creating a green economy that benefits both the environment and the local population.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the policies and practices we implement today will lead to long-term economic growth and environmental preservation, both in Osun and across Nigeria”, the representative of the Governor posited.

Other highlights of the event include the meeting with representatives of the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce with a membership offer that would open doors for Osun-based businesses to access a network of German and international companies, facilitating potential investments and partnerships in key sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

16/05/2024- osunstate.gov.ng

The Chancellor of Osun State University and Executive Vice Chairman of FAMFA Oil Limited , Apostle Dr. (Mrs) Folorunso Alakija has described Governor Ademola Adeleke as “an action Governor who is delivering good governance to the good people of Osun state”

Speaking while hosting the Governor at the Ikoyi headquarters of Famfa Oil Limited, Apostle Dr. Alakija said she has been following activities of Senator Adeleke since assuming office, commending the Governor for setting a good leadership example.

According to the billionaire businesswoman who was flanked by two directors, Ladi and Folarin Alakija, Osun Governor is demonstrating strong passion for public service and pursuing a big agenda for the state.

She prayed to God Almighty to strengthen the Governor for a second term in office, adding that four years is not enough for an action Governor like Governor Adeleke to deliver fully on his ambitious agenda for the state.

Reviewing her tenure as the Chancellor of the Osun State University, the FAMFA boss recalled the conception and stages of completion of the UNIOSUN Medical Research and Training Hospital which she wholly donated and financed.

She noted that the project which is 95 percent completed is designed to serve the health needs of patients from far and near and elevate service to humanity to a higher level.

Earlier, Governor Adeleke who was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye and other state officials, said he was on a thank you visit to the business mogul to appreciate her huge contributions to the growth and development of the state university.

The Governor expressed appreciation for the massive multi-billion naira Medical Research and Training hospital that Apostle Dr Alakija is building at the State university, describing FAMFA Boss as “a commendable role model in the field of philanthropy.

“ We are here as a government to appreciate you. You are uncommon and rare in your love for service to humanity”, Governor Adeleke who extensively briefed Apostle Dr Alakija on his scorecard, noted.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO- 09/05/2024- osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has empathized with job seekers in the state, listing several measures his administration is pursuing to address the challenge.

The State Governor who was represented by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina made the remarks at the Careers and Employment Opportunity Fair organised by the Ministry of Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations in collaboration with Federal Agencies domiciled in Osun State.

Associating with the mass of job seekers in Osun State, Governor Adeleke said the job fair is one of the many initiatives of his administration to open up the job market, create enabling environment and ensure the engagement of thousands of our unemployed youth.

While commending huge Federal presence in Osun State, Governor Adeleke noted wide opportunities existing for job seekers through appropriate liason with such agencies and their partners.

The Governor however said his government is doing more to address the unemployment crisis.

The Governor speaks further: “As a Government we are determined to address the unemployment question through multiple approach. The Job fair Is only a starting point to exploit opportunities across federal establishments domiciled In the state. Job fairs are potent platforms but our government is doing more than that.

“Part of our employment agenda is to deepen the state economy by encouraging agro-industrial activities among the young and the old. Diversifying the economic base of the state possesses the potential to meaningfully engage our youth.

“Additionally, we are pursuing the localisation agenda in our project implementation. This policy is building the capacity of local contractors and local business to employ more Indigenes in the construction industry.

“Localisation not only strengthen local economy, it imparts technical skill in the local population which increases the employability of our population.

“Our administration is also reviving the technical vocational technical colleges across the State. The focus is to expose our youth population to technical skills to enable them offer services for self-employment.

“The public is also aware of our cooperative loan scheme which is targeting local SMEs. About Four Billion Naira is billed to be disbursed. A strong SMEs increases the capacity of small business to employ more job seekers.

“More importantly, our government is working on a programme of match making between young entrepreneurs and financial institutions. Details of this will be unveil in the upcoming series named ” Engagement With Osun Young Professionals”. The Policy Integration Unit in my office Is working on this particular plan”, the Governor noted in his speech

Governor Adeleke however encouraged young ones and generality of job seekers to improve their skills, both for self employment and employability adding that “we must move beyond our paper qualifications to skill acquisition.”

Earlier in his address , the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations pledged to follow up on the job fair to tap into available opportunities for Osun youth.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

●Our Infra Agenda is a Game Changer-Governor Adeleke

OSOGBO-07/05/2024- osunstate.gov.ng

His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has showered praises on Governor Ademola Adeleke over his administration’s holistic infrastructure agenda for the state, affirming that the Lagere flyover bridge flagged off today will deepen Osun East economy.

Receiving the State Governor, his team and leaders of Ifeland at his Palace and addressing the public at the Lagere Junction, the global monarch analyzed the economic significance of Lagere Junction linking all major economic arteries of Osun State from Gbongan-Ikire axis in Osun West to Garage Olode on the route to Ondo and the direct economic linkage to Ijeshaland.

His Royal Majesty, a toprank businessman before his ascension to the throne of Oduduwa, described the Lagere flyover bridge as the coming of an economic hub which will expand the economic prosperity of not just Ifeland but Osun East and Osun state as a whole.

“I must commend the foresight and thoughtfulness of Mr. Governor. Your agenda to expand state infrastructure is impressive and unrivaled. This Lagere flyover bridge and its location touch at the economic heart of our people. We deeply appreciate your vision of uplifting and transforming Ifeland , the cradle of Yoruba nation.

“ We are convinced that you will complete it in record time. We are also assured that you will put to practice your avowed commitment to local content and stomach infrastructure. When you finish the Lagere project, we know you will commence another one at Mayfair. At least, Ifeland is the origin of all Yoruba people ”, the Royal Majesty who spoke in Yoruba language noted.

Flagging off the project at a ceremony attended by top leaders of the state including the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the House Speaker , Adewale Egbedun; the Deputy Speaker, Hon,Ireyode Abidemi Oyewusi ; the State Chairman of the ruling party, Hon Sunday Bisi; the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; and Chairman of Imole Leadership team, Prof Wale Oladipo, Governor Adeleke said his infra agenda is primed to change the economic fortunes of the state for the better.

The State Governor said he adopted a big view approach to the huge infra deficit he inherited from his predecessor, noting that his team understands the deep level of infra deficit which covers roads, health, water and schools.

Explaining his administration’s efforts to bridge the infra gap, the Governor recalled the flag off of road dualisation last week at Ilesa, adding “we are here to bring to reality the construction of a flyover bridge, this iconic bridge, the first of its kind in this land of the source.

“The project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities. Ile Ife deserves not only an infra upgrade but a classical upliftment to enhance the tourism capital of this divine town. This is what our government is launching today. We are on a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.

“I want to use this platform to assure elders, sons and daughters of Ile Ife that our government is committed to solving the many developmental issues facing this city. We are applying phased project implementation strategies due to the huge infra deficit with attendant low funding capacity. We however assure all and sundry that our strategy will eventually fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of all our people.

“Our good people of Ile Ife and Osun as a whole, we are here for two in one event. We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office.

“After compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge is awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria limited at a total project cost of Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy One (N14,938,924,771.45). The completion period is Twelve Months.

“Additionally, I flag off the construction of Local Government Roads totalling 55.86km at the cost of N30,677,814,099.42. This is also to have a completion period of twelve months”, the Governor stressed.

Earlier, Prof Oladipo had expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his wonderful performance in office and affirming that the Governor had made all members of the Imole team proud by proving himself worthy of the office of a Governor.

“ On this occasion, we thank the Governor as the Prince of Ife and as the Chairman of the Imole Leadership team. You make us proud and we are proud of you. Today, Ile Ife and Osun State will not forget your legacy decisions and actions.”, Prof Oladipo noted.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO- 16/04/2024- osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Dr Wale Bolorunduro as chairman of Living Trust Mortgage Bank Plc.

The letter of appointment, dated 8th April 2024 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye reads as follows:

“I present to you the very warm compliments of the government and people of Osun State. I am pleased to inform you that the executive governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has graciously approved your appointment as a director and chairman designate on the board of Living Trust Mortgage Bank Plc.

“It is believed that you will employ your wealth of experience as an experienced banker and finance consultant to steer the bank in its next growth stage.

“The current economic climate of the country and recent development in the banking sector would pose challenges to banks, hence the state government’s decision to be proactive in ensuring someone with your wealth of banking and finance experience leads the bank. Wishing you well in your onerous assignment”, the letter reads.

In a separate letter addressed to the bank’s Company Secretary, the appointment was to take effect from Friday, 19th April 2024.

Dr. Wale Bolorunduro is a banking and finance consultant with over 35 years industry experience in the Financial Service Sector.

He obtained a PhD from the University of British Columbia. He served as commissioner for finance in the state and later as the bank’s chairman, until 2016. He led the team to raise the capital that saved the mortgage bank from losing its license.

Living Trust Mortgage Bank is owned by Osun State Government, Corporate and private individuals. The bank is quoted on the NgX with its shares trading at N3.27 on the last trading day.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO- 29/12/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has signed the budget 2024 bill into law with a promise to ensure full implementation for the benefit of the state and her people.

The total approved budget is Two Hundred and Seventy Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand Naira and Four Hundred and Ten Kobo (273,908,997,410)

In a short statement after signing the appropriation bill into law, Governor Adeleke said the budget tagged “Budget of Reconstruction and Recovery” is crafted to fast track the revitalisation of the various sectors of the state economy.

“Our focus is to put the state on the path of sustainable development, hence we are rebuilding all the sectors namely education, health, sports, roads, agriculture, creative industry, digital economy ,general infrastructure alongside women and youth focussed programmes and policies.

“I commend the State Assembly for prompt processing of the appropriation bill. I also laud my team for their cooperation with the various assembly committees in the budgetary process.

“We will ensure implementation as stipulated to reconstruct the society and ensure recovery of critical sectors”, the Governor noted while signing the bill into law.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

Osogbo, 27:10:23 osunstate.gov.ng

I organise this event as a major landmark in our push for the making of a new Osun State. Our administration is using this gathering to prove to the world that a new Osun is possible. The main purpose is therefore to unveil a Multi-Billion Infrastructure plan to address the huge deficit the state is experiencing.

Sound infrastructure is a condition for economic growth and development. The difference between a growing economy and a dormant one has to do with how developed the state infrastructure is. In the case of Osun, I have used the last 11 months to address the over 90 percent infrastructure deficit our administration inherited. But more still needs to be done, hence the ambitious plan to launch this infra plan that covers roads, health, water , schools among others. 

Osun as the cradle of Yoruba nation must move quickly on the ladder of development. We can and must surpass those presently leading among comity of states. We should carry first in new age sectors like digital economy, sound infrastructures and others. We must overcome our inherited burden and chart a path of 21st century growth for our people.

By today’s event, our administration is building the confidence of the investing public. Osun state is ready and open for business. By investing so much in infrastructure upgrades, we are laying the foundation for effective public private partnership. We are getting set to key into infra financing opportunities as long as it will not add to the financial burden of the state.

Let me declare here that the infra plan I am about to unveil is purely state sponsored without any loan from financial institutions. I must also add that we are hitting the ground running immediately after this launch. We are complying with all procurement laws and due process. 

Very importantly, our administration is ensuring localisation in the implementation process. Local content in terms of sourcing of materials and workforce are key to transfer skills and economically empower our people. This is in line with the five point agenda of our administration which seeks to boost the local economy. High local content is married with a strong maintenance plan to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.  

With the flagoff of today’s infrastructure development, we are poised to further boost the State Economy as 95% of the Projects shall be executed by local content.   Osun Money will be spent in Osun. We are determined to eliminate capital flight as witnessed in the past.

Before unveiling the infra plan, I invite you to watch what we have done in some critical sectors in the last 11 months. 

We could show you more but for time constraints. You saw the schools before and after. You saw the medical outreach and how several thousands benefitted. Of course, the roads were captured. You saw the boreholes and how they are serving our people.  After showing you a glimpse of what we have done within the infrastructure  sector in the last 11 months, it is my honour to unveil new projects and infrastructure for the state. 

1. Rehabilitation of 345 Health Centers in the 332 Wards in Osun State: Rehabilitation will include, Provision of Potable water, new toilets, and bathrooms, Beds, Mattresses,  Bedsheets, renovation and painting  of buildings, new curtains, and Solar panels/Inverters for 24 hours electricity etc. Our approach is to take medical services to the doorstep of our people wherever they may be.

2. Phase two of Portable Water Provision in 332 wards of Osun State. Which includes, Overhead Tanks, dispensing taps, generators, or solar panels. Under Phase One as you have seen, 332 water projects were completed. They are all functioning. Under the new plan, another set of underserved areas across the 332 political wards will be served with water projects.

3. Phase two of rehabilitation of 31 schools in the 30 mother local governments of Osun and Area Council. This includes portable water, new roofs, new toilets, renovation and painting of buildings, and Provision of desks and chairs. As you have seen in phase one of the school rehabilitation, our approach is to take a school and completely rehabilitate the buildings completely with  desks  and other learning facilities.

4. As a follow up to the completed rehabilitation of selected schools, the government has commenced the process of recruiting new teachers to address teachers’ shortage in our schools. Currently, a need assessment is ongoing to determine the teachers’ requirements across subjects and schools. This will help to determine the number of teachers to recruit.

5. Construction/ Rehabilitation of 45 roads of at least one kilometer in each of the 30 mother local governments, making a total of 45 Kilometers. As you saw in the preview, we have earlier completed about 45 kilometers of roads across the LGAS. These new roads are fresh projects for phase two.

6. Dualisation of Roads: In a bid to ease traffic jams and reduce road accidents, we are dualising some roads in some major towns to start with. The listed towns include  Osogbo, Ede and Ilesha.

7. Construction of five Flyovers to ease traffic accidents and traffic jams. The identified projects are as follows:

● Osogbo – two namely Okefia and Lameco junction 
● Ikirun- One
● Ife- one, Mayfair
● Owode Ede- One

8. Street Lightning: We are to install street lights in all major towns, especially Osogbo as the State Capital. This is important to enhance security surveillance and boost the night economy.

9. Imole Medical Outreach

Two medical  outreaches were conducted in two locations in each of the three Senatorial districts in the last ten months. Various surgical procedures, including cataract eye surgeries, were done during the outreaches.  The outreaches will be conducted  once per quarter in the years ahead

Ladies and Gentlemen and my good people of Osun, all these projects shall be completed within 12 months by the grace of God.

It is therefore my honour and privilege to  flag off the multi- Billion Naira Infrastructure Development of Osun. I implore the good people of the State to cooperate with the Contractors that will be handling these projects with the best of hospitality.

For further technical details on these infra plans, I will now call on team lead for each of the sectors to speak on costing and other requisite details 

● Senator Ademola Adeleke
Executive Governor of Osun State delivered  his speech at the unveiling of the multi billion naira Osun State Infrastructure plan.

…says Free Trade Zone is back

www.osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has on Tuesday welcomed Chinese foreign technical delegation led by Carbon54 Limited to further deepen his industrialisation drive in the State.

The Governor also assured the people of Osun State that the Free Trade Zone, which has been abandoned for years, will soon be resuscitated by his administration.

Carbon54 Limited has concluded arrangements to invest in exploration, extraction, processing and supply chain management (export) of new energy metals including hard rock lithium (spodumene), in Osun State.

The investors are seeking to secure exploration and mining licenses for lithium deposits across the State and are also planning to attract further foreign investment and collaboration in the State by setting up solar mini grids and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to power industrial development in Osun State.

Presenting the investors to the Governor, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo explained that Carbon54 and their foreign technical partners partner’s objective is to boost Osun State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create jobs by driving the State’s economic diversification, boosting energy capacity and industrialisation transition through extensive lithium ore extraction, processing of lithium concentrate, lithium exports, solar mini grids for power generation, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), solar portable power generators and charging stations for SMEs as Osun State continues to cushion the energy transition post fuel subsidy removal.

He emphasised that other states within the federation wanted to hijack the Chinese investors but for the tenacity of the governor, who assured the partners that Osun State is strategically positioned to become the new hub of industrial manufacturing activity in Nigeria due to its solid mineral resources, human intellectual capital, the existing power infrastructure and business enabling environment policies enacted by the Governor’s Administration.

Carbon54 Limited will be attracting foreign investment and technical partners to upgrade the Living Spring Free Trade Zone to a Sustainable Green Economic Zone through a PPP vessel. The Free Trade Zone will serve as the new hub of industrialisation in Nigeria powered by clean energy while accommodating solid mineral treatment and refinery facilities, battery and electronic manufacturing facilities, assembly plants for automobiles, buses and solar generators, agro-allied industries, food processing and preservation facilities, textile manufacturing factories amongst others.

While speaking, Mrs Zheng who expressed her happiness also reassured the governor of their readiness to provide technical expertise and support of their company towards Osun State’s industrial drive in the areas of lithium value chain, battery technology, renewable energy, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Smart hardware, intelligent manufacturing (Automation), Industrial Internet to boost the digital economy, technology transfer, and skills acquisition and training initiatives at the Technology Incubation Centre located at the Living Spring Free Trade Zone.

This by implications, will boost the economic profile of the state and create jobs and improve technical competence of youths in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Jenyo had taken the Carbon54 led delegation around the Free Trade Zone, Ede and the Central Power Station, Powerline, Osogbo for on-site assessment of the area and facilities.

Receiving the Commissioner and his team in his office, the Principal Manager Transmission, Engr. Lade S. O. A. also assured the investors of the enabling environment, human and natural resources and peace in the state as the cardinal principles of business growth and genuine industrialisation.

The President, Osun State Chambers of Commerce, mines and agriculture, Dr. Olu Olujide who recognized the governor as a lover of local content, urged his administration to promote investment in palm oil and palm kernel oil processing, rice milling, animal feed milling and cassava processing.

According to him “the Osun Trade Fair is one of the sustainable platforms to promote economic development of Osun State. The 2023 edition scheduled to hold between Thursday 16th to Tuesday 28th November 2023 is indeed a trade promotion platform which goes in line with Osun Government policy of promoting Trade Investments in the state”.

“The fair will showcase the abundance of Osun agricultural products with value chain, plenthora of mineral resources, and general goods and services produced in the state”, Dr. Olujide stated.

The delegation of the foreign investors include the former Deputy Head of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Ademola Oladele, Managing Director of Carbon54 Limited, Prince Ademola J. Oladele, Mrs Alice Zheng and Mr. Daniel Yang.