On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the United Kingdom government to prioritize subnational investments in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Osun State, which he described as the “heartland of South Western Nigeria.”
The Osun State Governor made the call during an investment-focused working visit to the UK House of Commons in London. The session was hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade and Investment Envoy to Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP, and attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd, alongside other key private sector representatives.
Highlighting the need for deeper economic ties, Governor Adeleke said, “The current uncertainty in the global economy calls for strengthened partnerships within the Commonwealth. It is time for the UK and Nigeria to forge closer bilateral business relationships.”
He emphasized the importance of connecting the British economy not just to Nigeria as a whole but specifically to its subnational units, saying, “The opportunities at the subnational level are significant and should not be overlooked.”
Making a strong pitch for Osun as a prime investment destination, the Governor stated, “Osun offers a unique opportunity for economic collaboration. With a population of around five million, Osun is the cultural and economic core of the Yoruba people in the South West. We are open for business across key sectors including mining, agriculture, the digital economy, free trade zones, and the creative industry.”
He further added, “Osun is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and ranks highly in ease of doing business. We have streamlined the investment process, with a 45-day window for processing Certificates of Occupancy, a unified tax system to eliminate multiple taxation, and a one-stop shop for investors.”
Governor Adeleke noted that the state has put in place a robust framework to protect investments and investors, supported by a strong and organized business community under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He also revealed that the state has already reduced its infrastructure deficit by over 50%, with a target to achieve a 70% reduction by 2025 through planned interventions.
Responding to the Governor’s address, Rt. Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP commended the achievements of the Osun State Government, especially in attracting foreign direct investment.
She observed that current global economic conditions create the right moment for diversifying investment strategies and commended Osun for its favorable regulatory framework, ease of doing business, and investor protection policies.
“I am impressed by the groundwork Osun has done,” she said, adding that she would work to ensure stronger UK-Osun investment ties. She also expressed satisfaction at the active involvement of the Osun Chamber of Commerce in the engagement.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Osun State Government and ESG Management Services UK Ltd. The agreement aims to facilitate investment inflows from UK-based companies into Osun’s key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and other strategic areas.
Under the agreement, ESGMS will work closely with the state to identify, manage, and position public assets for investment-readiness, connecting them to UK businesses and trade opportunities.
The MoU was signed by the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and Francisco Toju Da-Silva on behalf of ESG Management Services.
Accompanying the Governor were top government officials, including:
Prof. Moruf Adeleke, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning
Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry
Hon. Tola Faseru, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security
Hon. Bamikole Omishore, Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs
Mrs. Yetunde Esan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Vice President, Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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