Adeleke hosts sports investors, reiterates commitment to industrialising Osun
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke, of Osun State, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the state from a civil service dependent economy into an industrialised state.
Adeleke stated this on Sunday when he received a team of investors interested in developing the sports industry in Osun State at his residence in London.
The investors were led by the Country Director of Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited, Dr Bob Olukoya, and Mrs Joanne Macrae, Director of Amos Sports Business School, London and Business Development Director of Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, highlighted the investment-friendly policies of his administration and assured the investors that the Osun Free Trade Zone was ready to accommodate businesses.
He also directed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to treat with urgency the submission made by Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited, stressing the need to accelerate the state’s industrial development.
“Osun is in a hurry for industrialisation,” Adeleke said.
Earlier, Olukoya and Macrae disclosed that their company was interested in establishing a football manufacturing factory in the state to meet the demand for footballs in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.
The investors said the ministry had already processed their application for land at the Osun State Free Trade Zone, adding that preparations were underway for the commencement of work on the allocated site.
The team also disclosed that it had concluded plans to establish a football talent academy to train and develop young footballers from Osun State for participation in local and international leagues.
The investors further explained the opportunities available in the sports business sector and promised to submit a detailed proposal to the state government on the planned talent hunt programme.
The meeting formed part of the state government’s efforts to attract private investment and expand economic opportunities through industrial and sports related development.