As the historic two weeks EXPOYO 2024 came to a close recently, one cannot but reminiscent on the many gains of the event, coming 15 years after it held last in the year 2008. No doubt, it is another beluevable conviction to the eloquent assertation of Governor Seyi Makinde, being definitely the best, bestridding the nation’s political landscape.
Engineer Oluseyi Makinde has designed the working blueprint on revitalizing the state’s economy, which is being unfolded in such enigmatic style. The task, however, became more simplified with the egg heads assembled in the vibrant administration, which has continued to stupefy the most cynical about his capacity and capability.
One of such men is the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, Hon Ademola Obafemi Ojo, popularly known as ‘IJAIYA’. Rising from being a one time Local Government Executive chairman, and having had unblemished career in the civil service, where he rose to enviable height, Hon. Demola Ojo has a commendable track record. Let me remind that he also served as the former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde during the first term.
The intrinsic qualities to drive the economic policies of GSM must have been the tonic that engendered his choice as a commissioner to man the sensitive Ministry.
Today, ‘IJAIYA’ has proven his mettle within that short period on seat, navigating in the direction of GSM’s vision of economic and industrial revolution of our dear Oyo State.
With the array of gains of the just concluded International Trade fair, successfully held by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, under the leadership of Hon Demola Ojo, in conjunction with OYCCIMA (Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture), one can easily see the justification in his appointment to man such sensitive agenda for the brilliant governor.
The International Trade fair, declared open by the governor on February 27th, has afforded the Pacesetter state the opportunity to showcase our potential to both local and International audiences, lending credence to Governor Makinde’s endorsement at the event venue. I commend the governor for declaring that the event, which has been moribund for 15 years, would be an annual programme in the state.
More investors and developers have, albeit, been attracted, such that the next edition will surely have more of local and International exhibitors. Oyo state, consequently, will have her economy grown and stimulated for requisite numerous advantages.
The whole world have now have seen GSM’s commitment to changing the Nigerian orientation on export substitution – that economic transformation AGENDA to ensure that basic products including food, medicine and motorized gadgets among others are produced within our country.
Oyo State has successfully showcased the economic potentials through agriculture,
micro, small and medium enterprises.
Governor Makinde has successfully, with the mammoth achievements in all other sectors including the security situation in today’s Oyo state, encouraged players in the private sector to be confident of exploring the potentials abound in Oyo State and move the economy to that enviable heights.
The ease of doing business in Oyo state has been established and investors are invariably being attracted, which will continue to boost the IGR of Oyo state. Since GSM mounted the saddle, the IGR of the state has continued to assume upward trend without unnecessary burden on the good inhabitants of Oyo state.
The governor has availed the EXPOYO 2024 to open the eyes of the business world to the opportunities that abound at this challenging times through latching at engaging in producing and packaging exportable goods, thus boosting the nation’s production base and positively improving the economy.
As registered in his visionary exhibition,
Governor Seyi Makindes’s economic design will no doubt take advantage to benefit from the economies of proximity to Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria to promote both Nigeria and Africa made products.
With this obvious exploration of Oyo state government through the avenues of collaborations with relevant bodies, one is certain Oyo state is on that journey to becoming the economy base of the South Western part of Nigeria in the shortest possible time.
The many gains of the just concluded EXPOYO 2024 are just the climax of streaks of intuitive and visionary handling of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives under Hon Demola Ojo, the ‘JAIYA’ himself, who has similarly recorded astounding touches in other areas bothering on changing the fortunes of business climate in Oyo state for good.
In tune with happenings in advanced nations of the world, the commendable efforts at restructuring Oyo businesses via registration, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives tagged “ISE DOTUN” will, in no small measure, open business owners to quantum advantages with government and generally on the corporate world arena.
Similarly, the Cooperatives societies in Oyo state are being positioned to access advantages at the federal government unlike when they were restricted due to inactive workings and arrangement.
Hon Ademola Ojo, the Honourable Commissioner has proven his administrative clairvoyance, consolidating his political prowess with the style he has driven the economic design of the governor, who has identified the capability in the Ibarapa born achiever of note.
The good people of Oyo State will continue to pray for Engineer Seyi Makinde, our indefatigable governor and his team, having convinced the whole world of his altruistic motive to make dividends permeate strata in the state.
His Excellency currently being celebrated as the “BEST GOVERNOR” by one of the most reputable publishing industry, Leadership Newspaper, is a further proof of his good works.
So, for the umpteenth time, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to the new feather on his cap, carrying the ‘best governor of the year’ award in Nigeria as bestowed on him by the Leadership Newspaper. Indeed, a golden fish has no hidden place. For Oyo state, the good times are here for the business owners and traders who are being opened to huge profits and opportunities to continually thrive.
Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen writes from Ibadan in Oyo State.
