Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday called on the Canadian High Commission to collaborate with his administration in driving new partnerships between Nigerian and Canadian subnational governments.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor made the appeal while hosting a delegation from the High Commission led by the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlus Rojas Arbulu. He described the initiative as “a timely option in view of global economic realignment.”
Accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye; and the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, Governor Adeleke said Osun presents a strong case for the expansion of economic and trade relations between both countries.
“I recognise the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Canada and Nigeria, built on shared democratic values and mutual respect. I am glad that we are jointly building on partnerships to extend the Nigerian-Canadian trade pact to subnational levels of both countries.
“In view of global economic realignment, Canada should expand its partnership to state governments where economic and trade opportunities abound. We are a politically stable and economically strong state with extensive opportunities for Canadian companies and businesses. Osun is open for business and ready for strategic international partnerships,” he said.
The governor highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, solid minerals and responsible mining, renewable energy, education and skills development, technology and innovation, as well as creative and cultural industries.
He added that his administration has improved the ease of doing business in the state, strengthened transparency and investor protection, and digitised the tax system. According to him, the acquisition of certificates of occupancy for businesses is now processed within 45 days. He also noted that the state’s free trade zones are open to investors and that significant progress has been made in reducing infrastructure deficits.
“Our interest in partnerships goes beyond trade to include knowledge transfer, institutional collaboration and capacity building. We are optimistic that this visit will translate into deepened subnational cooperation between Osun State and Canada for shared prosperity,” Adeleke said.
He further disclosed that he recently attended the International Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, and looks forward to participating in a mining conference in Canada later this year.
Addressing the political situation in the state, the governor assured the diplomatic team that Osun is engaging with the Federal Government to resolve issues relating to local government administration.
“Our democracy is a work in progress, and we are confident that ongoing engagements with the Federal authorities will provide an eventual political solution to the crisis at the local government level.
“We hold that our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a democrat committed to the observance of the Constitution and the rule of law. Osun remains peaceful and governance delivery is ongoing. We are in consensus with the Presidency and the Federal Government,” he stated.
Earlier, the head of the delegation, Carlus Rojas Arbulu, said the team was in the state to explore economic partnerships between Osun businesses and Canadian companies.
He explained that Osun was selected for the exploratory engagement because of its economic potential, assuring that the Canadian government is committed to supporting and facilitating partnerships between subnational businesses in Canada and Nigeria.
The seven-day visit includes diplomats from the trade and political departments of the High Commission.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Cooperation, Hon. Bankole Omisore, is coordinating the visit.