By Iyabo Adebisi
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the United States of America to explore opportunities in solid minerals development, agribusiness, education and other investment opportunities that will benefit both parties.
The governor stated this 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 the Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal, said his administration has put in place policies which would aid engagement on solid minerals development, environment, agribusiness and energy supply, among others.
He said: “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 government.
“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 the state.
“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.
The governor equally noted that his administration has made tremendous efforts towards ensuring energy sufficiency for the state, stating that it is another area that the US Government could support his Government.
“As a state government, we know that no industrial development can thrive without energy. In Nigeria generally, industries that sprang up in the 1980s are leaving Nigeria, because of the challenges of energy.
Earlier, the Team Lead, Ms Hill, acknowledged the potential of Oyo State, which could be unlocked in the areas of trade and investment opportunities that are beneficial to Nigeria and the United States as well.
She noted that the United States is ready to expand its trade, investment opportunities and also explore new opportunities in critical areas in the state, such as solid minerals development.
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