…as govt explores opportunities presented by AfCFTA
Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State says his administration has been working hard towards making the State’s economy one of the fastest growing economies in the Country.
The governor stated that since the inception of the administration in 2019, his Government had placed a strong emphasis on infrastructural development, innovations and investments in order to build a vibrant economy.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by Bayo Lawal, Deputy Governor, added that the State has also focused on agribusiness with a view to achieving food security and economic stability, noting that Government would not relent in its vision to achieve sustainable development in the State.
This is coming as the governor recounted how the State began to explore the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the State Government remains committed to improving the State’s trade routes and enhancing regional connectivity to make the State the preferred destination for investment and trade.
Declaring open the Oyo State International Trade Fair, tagged, “EXPOYO 2025″, with the theme: “Achieving Food Security and Economic Stability in Oyo State Through Massive Investments in Agriculture,” held at the EXPOYO Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, Sango, Ibadan , the governor said that while the issue of food security is the responsibility of all stakeholders, the Government had created an enabling environment for businesses as reflected in the ongoing improvements in critical sectors like transportation, energy, agriculture, and technology.
He maintained that the massive investment on infrastructure development through interconnecting the zones of the State with good roads, the investment on security of lives and property as well as the introduction of policies to ensure ease of doing business by the administration, was necessary requirements for achieving food security and economic development.
He said, “It is with high gratitude to the Almighty God that I stand before you today to officially declare open the 2025 Oyo State International Trade Fair. This event is a testament to the promise I made last year that the Trade Fair will be held at least once a year.
“This Trade Fair is an opportunity for us all to showcase our areas of natural endowment, cultural heritage and a remarkable platform to foster a business-friendly environment, which is in conformity with economic enhancement.
“The EXPOYO 2025 is designed to serve as a forum for investors and business minds to explore new opportunities and collaborate in advancing trade activities in the State.
“The theme of the fair “Achieving Food Security and Economic Stability in Oyo State through Massive Investment in Agriculture, encapsulates the vision of the present administration, which seeks to make Oyo State the fastest growing economy in Nigeria.
“We intend to boost commerce to create a sustainable ecosystem where businesses (large and small) can thrive, empowering communities and contributing to the economic development of the state and beyond.
“Since the inception of our administration, we have placed a strong emphasis on infrastructural development, innovations and investments in order to build a vibrant economy. Our efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses are reflected in the ongoing improvements in critical sectors like transportation, energy, agriculture, and technology.
“Therefore, the development of the State Industrial Park, as well as our ongoing efforts to improve our roads and energy systems, are part of our vision to make Oyo State a hub for industry and commerce.
“Relatedly, to encourage investors and business owners, the Oyo State Government embarked on friendly policies to aid ease of doing business in the state, while we have also put in place a trade grievance redress mechanism to eradicate trade disruptions, trade harassment and unauthorised payment within the State.”.
