Adeleke, ODA agree on partnership to drive Osun development
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the Osun Development Association (ODA), led by its Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, have agreed to work together on initiatives aimed at accelerating industrial and socio-economic development in the state.
The agreement followed a four hour meeting between the governor and the association’s delegation on Tuesday, where they discussed ways of attracting investments, promoting industrialisation and improving development across the state.
Governor Adeleke, accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, and two other cabinet members, received the delegation comprising Aina, Asiwaju Dr Tunji Olugbodi, Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings Plc, Mr Gbite Falade, former Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr Akin Morakinyo, Country Director of Mastercard, Mrs Folashade Femi Lawal, and Head of Operations of ODA, Mr Adeleye Adegbaye.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Aina announced Adeleke as the first patron of ODA and commended the governor for what he described as the development taking place across the state.
He said the association was established to bring together successful professionals and business leaders of Osun origin to contribute to the development of the state.
“We have seen your good work which was validated by your re-election for a second term. Beyond congratulating you on this important achievement, we bring a platform for partnership to expand development of Osun State,” Aina said.
He said ODA would complement the efforts of the state government in industrial development and other areas of the economy.
“ODA is composed of top achievers, top flight professionals and business leaders. We seek to give back to our dear state. Mr Governor, you have set the path for which we can key into.
“We will support you in your quest to transform Osun from a civil service to an industrialised state,” he said.
Aina identified the establishment of a Social and Economic Advisory Council, creation of an industrial development bank, mobilisation of investment funds into the state and increased interventions in education and health as areas of possible collaboration with the government.
Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the association for its commitment to the development of Osun and called on successful indigenes of the state to invest in their home state.
The governor said his administration had opened Osun to local and international investors, urging ODA to use its network of professionals and business leaders to help attract more investments into the state.
He also said his administration had reduced the state’s infrastructure deficit and was committed to creating an environment conducive to industrial development.
On the proposed Social and Economic Advisory Council, Adeleke welcomed the initiative and said his administration would consider how best to activate it for the benefit of the state.
The governor also welcomed the proposal for an industrial park, saying it was consistent with his administration’s industrialisation agenda.
He, however, pointed out that Osun already had a Free Trade Zone where investors could establish industries and carry out business activities.
Adeleke urged the ODA to formally apply for land allocation, assuring the association that his administration had removed delays in the processing of land documents.
According to him, Certificates of Occupancy can now be processed within a 45 day period.
“I am glad this session is held. This partnership is important. I welcome the hosting planned by ODA for me by January 2027.
“I look forward to our joint action to accelerate development of our dear state through delivery of good governance,” the governor was quoted as telling the delegation.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing readiness to work together on initiatives aimed at promoting industrialisation, investment and socio-economic development in Osun State.
