Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his administration’s readiness to use Artificial Intelligence to accelerate industrial investment in the state.
Adeleke also said he has surpassed his predecessors in the area of promoting local content, adding that his administration’s major infrastructural projects are handled by local contractors.
He said this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of Osun Trade Fair 2024, held at Aje International Market, Ido-Osun, Osun State.
Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Governor said the Trade Fair provides an opportunity to exchange information and business ideas.
He added that part of the effort of his administration to boost business capacity in the state was the quick processing of Certificates of Occupancy, which is now issued within a 45-day window.
He added, “While the current industrial policy is being vigorously implemented, we plan to review the policy to accommodate new realities occasioned by modern innovations and Artificial Intelligence.
“This year’s event is planned to provide a good platform for exchange of information and business ideas, trade and market opportunities. The theme of this Trade Fair aligns with part of our administration’s “5 point Agenda,” which includes boosting the State’s economy through Agro-based industrialization for wealth and job creation.
READ ALSO
●Gov Adeleke Commends Odumuyiwas for Rendering Humanitarian Services
“I am proud to announce that our administration has set an unrivaled record in the promotion and commitment to local content development. Our major infrastructural projects are handled by local contractors. We are building up our indigenous companies to handle major jobs outside the state. Our local engineers are fully engaged in all facets of the construction processes.
“We seek to stop capital flights, thereby ensuring a financially vibrant local economy that contributes to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment.
“The processing of Certificates of Occupancy is now within a 45-day window. This is billed to enhance business capacity to attract financial transactions and support within the business ecosystem. The era of multiple taxation is coming to an end as Osun state has now introduced a harmonized tax system. Our tax agency has become truly business-friendly. To facilitate investment, we revived and strengthened the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA).”
In his speech, the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, said Nigeria must find a way to stop its over-reliance on oil.
Jenyo said the state government is working to change the narrative of the state from being a core civil service state to an industrialised one.
“The nation has to look critically at various ways to diversify its economy to the Non-Oil Sector, and part of efforts to diversify the economy are massive investments in Industrial, Agricultural, Mining, ICT, and Tourism.
“The State Government is also not relenting in its efforts to change the narrative of the State from being a core Civil Service State to a fully industrialized one in the nearest future through its different programs, projects, and policies. Investors are welcome to Osun State,” he added.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr Tajudeen Adigun while giving the vote of thanks, appreciated the state government and dignitaries present during the event.
