Osun State, Nigeria, is embarking on an ambitious initiative to transform its agricultural landscape and attract significant foreign investment. The state government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, recognizes agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and development and is actively pursuing strategies to unlock the sector’s vast potential. A critical component of this strategy involves engaging with the international community, specifically targeting foreign investors who can bring capital, expertise, and technology to bolster Osun State’s agricultural capabilities. This outreach culminated in a high-level meeting hosted by the Osun State Ministry of Federal Affairs in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The gathering brought together over 32 ambassadors and diplomats representing various countries, providing a platform to showcase Osun’s agricultural prospects and invite investment partnerships.
The centerpiece of this investment drive is the upcoming Agricultural Investment Conference, scheduled for April 2025. This conference aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including international investors, government officials, and agricultural experts, to explore investment opportunities and forge partnerships that will contribute to the growth and modernization of Osun State’s agricultural sector. The state government, through its Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Tola Faseru, emphasized its commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors, highlighting efforts to address infrastructural challenges and streamline bureaucratic processes to facilitate ease of doing business. This commitment extends to ensuring a positive investment climate and implementing policies that promote agro-industrialization, signaling a strong dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural development.
Senator Lere Oyewumi, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Senate, reinforced the state’s openness to investment, assuring potential investors of a supportive environment conducive to their success. He underscored Osun State’s strategic location as an agricultural hub in southwestern Nigeria, highlighting its favorable business environment and its focus on attracting investments in agro-processing and value-added agricultural activities. The message was clear: Osun State is ready to partner with international investors to develop its agricultural sector and create mutually beneficial economic opportunities. This commitment is further evidenced by the state’s investment in infrastructure and the establishment of free trade zones, designed to attract and facilitate large-scale agricultural projects.
The response from the international community has been overwhelmingly positive. Ambassadors from various countries, including Tunisia and Cuba, expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Osun State and committed to encouraging participation from their respective private sectors and governments in the upcoming Agricultural Investment Conference. This positive reception reflects the growing recognition of Osun State’s agricultural potential and its proactive approach to attracting foreign investment. The state government’s commitment to transparency, ease of doing business, and a supportive investment climate has resonated with international partners, creating a strong foundation for future collaborations.
The Osun State government is actively preparing for the Agricultural Investment Conference, working in close coordination with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to extend formal invitations to diplomatic missions across Nigeria. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Economy, Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Adenike Adeleke, Osun State Commissioner for Federal Affairs, demonstrates the commitment of both federal and state levels of government to ensuring the success of the conference. The meticulous planning and coordination underscore the importance of this event in attracting foreign investment and driving agricultural development in Osun State.
The upcoming Agricultural Investment Conference represents a pivotal moment for Osun State’s agricultural sector. It provides a unique platform to showcase the state’s potential to a global audience, attract significant foreign investment, and forge lasting partnerships that will drive sustainable agricultural growth. The state government’s proactive approach to engaging the international community, coupled with its commitment to creating a conducive investment environment, has laid the groundwork for a transformative period in Osun State’s agricultural landscape. This initiative promises to not only enhance agricultural productivity and modernize farming practices but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of the people of Osun State.
