Economic Diversification: How Oyetola Is Repositioning Osun State
By Temitope Ajayi
Governor Oyetola has shown that he is truly a well grounded private sector person and durable technocrat in government with the way he is changing the economic fortune and landscape of Osun State.
The Governor, without doubt, has shown that he has well thought out economic diversification agenda. And he is delivering results for all to see. He is a silent achiever who does not give himself to frivolities that have become definitive features of governance in many states.
Osun State under Governor Oyetola has an integrated economic agenda. By being deliberate and intentional about her priorities, the government is attracting the rght private sector investments into the state. The character of the state is gradually changing from a civil service state to one where the private sector plays prominent role.
Nowhere is the economic transformation agenda of Osun State Government more visible than in the solid mineral sector. Osun State is one of the most endowed states in Nigeria with large deposit of gold. For decades and because of lack of investments in the sector, illegal miners and artisanal miners took advantage and making fortunes to the detriment of the security and socio-economic wellbeing of the state.
The story is different today in Osun State with Segilola Gold Project by Thor Explorations Limited. The company has invested over $150m dollars in a gold refinery in the State. The Segilola Gold Project is now ready to produce over 80,000 ounces of gold per annum for international market. The social and economic impact of this investment is huge on Osun State economy with thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people, taxes that will be paid to the government to improve Internally Generated Revenue.
Under Governor Oyetola, the State has a fully funded agency, Osun State Investment Promotion Agency, OSIPA that is led by very competent and energetic Femi Adeniran as the Chief Executive Officer. OSIPA is driving investments into the state as a measure of seriousness and commitment Governor Oyetola to create economic prosperity for his people.
