News in brief:
– Osun State seeks foreign investments to boost the state’s agricultural sector and economy.
– The upcoming Agritech Nigeria Osun 2025 conference aims to connect investors, researchers, and policymakers in agribusiness.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on foreign investors to explore the vast agricultural opportunities in the state. Speaking at a diplomatic briefing held at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Tuesday, Adeleke urged ambassadors and high commissioners to encourage their countries’ investors to participate in Osun’s agricultural sector.
The briefing was part of the preparations for the upcoming International Agricultural Exhibition and Agribusiness Conference, scheduled for April 2025 in Osogbo, the state capital. Diplomats from Tunisia, Cuba, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Zimbabwe, among others, attended the meeting.
Osun as an agricultural powerhouse
Represented by Senator Lere Oyewunmi of Osun West, Governor Adeleke emphasised that the state’s rich cocoa belt and vast arable land position it as a significant player in Nigeria’s agricultural industry. He assured potential investors that Osun had addressed critical infrastructure challenges and was ready for business.
“Today, I am inviting your businessmen and women to invest in Osun State and Nigeria at large. I assure you of bountiful returns on investment. Nowhere is better to invest than Nigeria, especially with the enabling environment provided by the Federal Government,” Adeleke stated.
Highlighting Osun’s appeal, the governor noted the ease of doing business in the state, its positive investment climate, and policies promoting agro-industrialisation. He further disclosed that Osun has functional free trade zones and has significantly improved its infrastructure to support business activities.
Agritech Nigeria Osun 2025
Governor Adeleke used the opportunity to promote Agritech Nigeria Osun 2025, an international event that will bring together manufacturers, researchers, investors, academia, purchasers, and decision-makers. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing incentives and support to ensure that foreign investments thrive in the state.
“Our government knows we cannot do it alone. That is why we have gathered here today to invite participants from around the world to join us in Agritech Nigeria Osun 2025. I am ready to host you and your companies,” Adeleke added.
Federal Government backs Osun’s investment drive
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tugar, represented by the Director of Economy, Trade, and Investment, Ambassador Bolaji Akenremi, commended Governor Adeleke’s efforts in attracting foreign investments.
Akenremi highlighted the importance of leveraging diplomatic engagements to enhance food security, promote agribusiness, and drive sustainable economic growth.
“At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we recognise the role of sub-national diplomacy in fostering economic transformation. We are ready to facilitate partnerships, promote international cooperation, and support initiatives that contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification and agricultural advancement,” he stated.
Encouraging the diplomatic community to explore Osun’s agribusiness potential, Akenremi emphasised the need for technology exchange, capacity building, and market expansion to boost the sector.
With favourable policies, improved infrastructure, and government support, Osun State is positioning itself as an attractive destination for agricultural investment. The upcoming conference is expected to provide a crucial platform for fostering local and international collaborations in agribusiness.
