Adeleke seeks UK investment in Osun, signs MOU with ESG Mgt Services
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the United Kingdom government to focus on investing in Nigeria at the sub-national level, particularly in Osun State, which he referred to as the heartland of South-Western Nigeria.
The Governor made this statement at the House of Commons in London on Tuesday, during an investment-focused working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon Florence Eshalomi MP. The meeting was attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd and various private sector representatives.
According to the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke stressed that this is the ideal moment for Nigeria and the UK to deepen their bilateral business relations.
“The uncertainty in the global economy calls for more partnerships within the Commonwealth of Nations,” said Governor Adeleke.
He continued, “Aside from binational collaboration, we advocate for a stronger connection between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria. The opportunities and prospects are too vast to ignore.”
Senator Adeleke pointed out that “Osun presents a unique opportunity for such an economic partnership. Osun State, with a population of around five million people, is at the heart of the Yoruba people. While the South-West comprises six states, Osun is at its core.”
“We offer vast investment potential in sectors such as mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zones, and the creative economy, among others. Our state has a well-trained labour force and a commendable investment environment,” he added.
Governor Adeleke further remarked, “Osun is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment benefits from a 45-day processing window for the Certificate of Occupancy, the elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and a one-stop shop for investment processes.”
He also pointed out the state’s robust system for protecting investments and investors. “An additional advantage is our well-organised business community under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” he explained.
The Governor went on to say that the Osun government has reduced the state’s infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent, with plans to reduce it by more than 70 percent by 2025.
Responding to the Governor’s address, the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy, Rt. Hon Florence Eshalomi, expressed her pleasure at the progress made by the Osun State government in attracting foreign direct investment.
She noted that the current global uncertainties present an opportunity for renewed focus on investment, identifying the positive indicators mentioned by the Governor as key drivers.
Hon Eshalomi stated that she has been mandated by the UK Prime Minister to foster closer links for investment between UK and Nigerian businesses, adding that she was pleased to see the Osun State Chamber of Commerce represented at the meeting.
She acknowledged that Osun has made significant strides in terms of regulatory environment, ease of doing business, investment protection, and reliable investment partners. She pledged to ensure positive outcomes from the engagement between Osun and the UK government.
The meeting’s major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for investment facilitation between the Osun State Government and UK-based investment facilitation firm, ESG Management Services UK Limited.
The MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework in which ESGMS will assist the Osun State Government in sourcing and facilitating investment opportunities from UK-based companies in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and other strategic sectors. ESGMS will work to identify, manage, and prepare Osun State’s public assets to attract investment from UK trade and business interests.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Osun State Government by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, while Francisco Toju Da-Silva signed on behalf of ESGMS.
Accompanying the Governor at the meeting were several members of the Osun State government, including the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Moruf Adeleke; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Tola Faseru; Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Hon. Bamikole Omishore; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Yetunde Esan; and Vice President of the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
