Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed his administration’s readiness to partnering the United States (US) to explore opportunities in solid minerals development, agribusiness, education and other investment opportunities that will benefit both parties.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, when a delegation from the United States Consul-General led by the Deputy Chief, Political and Economic Section, Kenise Hill, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, the Deputy Governor, said his administration had put in place policies which would aid engagement on solid minerals development, environment, agribusiness and energy supply, among others.
He said: “I want to welcome you warmly to Oyo State. I want to assure you that we have huge potentials in Oyo State that can really be leveraged into partnership that will be beneficial to both parties.
“The Solid Mineral Development Agency is a new creation put in place following the challenges of solid mineral exploitation in Oyo State. Close to half of the entire landmass of the state has various solid mineral deposits that can be tapped and developed in partnership with the US Goovernment.
“The State Government does not mind if you are relating with the private sector or directly with us; you will get the facts and figures when you get to the Agency.
“On environment, you can explore environmental activities that could positively impact Oyo State.
“Also, agribusiness development is one area that is so germane to this government. In the current dispensation, we have put agriculture on the front burner, because we sincerely believe that we must be able to feed our people.
“In this regard, before you leave, you can visit some of the agricultural institutions we have around. The IITA is there and it is playing a vital role. I think what you need to do is to put in financial support for the agricultural activities we have embarked upon in Oyo State.
“Quite recently, I must tell you that because of the efforts of the Oyo State government, the President of Sierra Leone paid a visit to the state and spent close to a week here. He came to understudy our agribusiness model.
“So, the American Government can come in to use this opportunity to leverage, assist and collaborate with the Oyo State government with a view to improving food security and reducing poverty in the land. Food is key and it is a global requirement; it is important globally. And within our space here, we are trying to make sure we feed our people and we need support and mutual engagement in a way that we would be able to feed our people continuously.
“You also mentioned education the other time; over 21 per cent of Oyo State’s total budget goes into education since we assumed office in 2019. We are quite aware that without education, you and I would not be here. So, we know that we need to educate our people; not only conventional education but to also deploy technology to go in the global direction.”
