By Olakunle Oke
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on the Canadian High Commission to collaborate with his administration in fostering new partnerships between Nigerian and Canadian subnational governments to expand economic opportunities and trade relations.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while hosting a delegation from the Canadian High Commission led by Deputy High Commissioner, Carlus Rojas Arbulu, at the Government House in Osogbo, describing the initiative as timely in view of ongoing global economic realignment.
Adeleke, who received the delegation alongside Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye, and Head of Service Ayanleye Aina, said Osun presents a viable platform for Canada to deepen economic engagement at the state level.
He noted that Nigeria and Canada share strong diplomatic and economic ties built on democratic values and mutual respect, adding that extending trade cooperation to subnational levels would unlock broader opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
The governor highlighted Osun’s investment potential in agriculture and agro-processing, solid minerals, renewable energy, education and skills development, technology and innovation, as well as creative and cultural industries, stressing that the state is politically stable and open for business.
According to him, his administration has improved the ease of doing business through tax digitisation, faster issuance of certificates of occupancy within 45 days, operational free trade zones, and ongoing efforts to reduce infrastructure deficits across the state.
Adeleke added that the state’s partnership interest goes beyond trade to include knowledge transfer, institutional collaboration, and capacity building, expressing optimism that the visit would deepen cooperation for shared prosperity.
The governor also referenced his recent participation at the International Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, noting that he plans to attend another mining conference in Canada later this year as part of efforts to attract investment to Osun.
Addressing political developments in the state, Adeleke assured the delegation that Osun remains peaceful despite local government disputes, adding that engagements with the Federal Government were ongoing to resolve the issues constitutionally.
He expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, stating that the state government remains aligned with the Presidency in ensuring stability and service delivery.
Speaking earlier, Arbulu said the Canadian delegation was in Osun to explore potential partnerships between local businesses and Canadian companies, noting that the state was selected due to its economic potential. He assured that the Canadian government remains committed to facilitating subnational cooperation between Canada and Nigeria.
The delegation, which includes officials from the trade and political departments of the High Commission, is scheduled for a seven-day visit organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omishore.
