Osun, China To Collaborate On Mining, Agric, ICT, Others

The Republic of China has pledged to assist in lifting the socio-economic development of Osun state through collaboration in infrastructural development‎, education, agriculture, mining and commerce.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, gave the indication of his country’s readiness to work with the state government during his visit to Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the weekend in Osogbo.

Members of the Chinese delegation on the visit are: Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Xikang; Chinese Embassy Political Officer, Mr Huang Shumsing and Officials of the ‎CCECC Construction Firm‎, Mr Zhao Kang and Mr Zhao Sicong.

Officials of the State Government who joined the governor to receive the visitors include Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, Secretary to the State Government Mr Oluwole Oyebamiji, Head of Service Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade, Chief of Staff Dr. Charles Diji Akinola, Supervisor for Finance Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo.

Governor Oyetola noted that the partnership with the Chinese government will help the state to actualize her dreams on Public Private Partnership (PPP) and open windows of opportunities for investors to thrive.

The governor said the state is endowed ‎with mineral resources available for investment, adding that the climate is conducive for investors especially the friendly government policies and stable power supply of up to 18 hours daily

He also spoke of the reign of peace in the state, the availability of arable land and the policy on land bank, which enables investors to access land with ease for their operations.

He appealed to the Chinese to collaborate with the state to facilitate the completion of the MKO Abiola International Airport in Ido-Osun

Oyetola commended the Republic of China for being a reliable partner to the federal government.

Oyetola said: “We are satisfied with the cooperation that China is extending to Nigeria. China has become an economic power.

“China is always the best in the area of construction and infrastructure development. Since government has no business in business, our administration is ready to partner with you to drive our investment in all sectors.

“We have specific interest in mining, Information and Communication Technology, education, agriculture, infrastructure development among others.

“We are committed to develop the state by encouraging both local and international investors. This is the way to go and we are resolute to attain this feat.

“We have been using our little resources to build infrastructure in order to prepare workable and business-friendly atmosphere for investors. This is the only way to go to take the state to the next level of development.”

Chinese Ambassador Pingjian said the visit to Osun is “intended to strengthen the existing cordial relations between China and Nigeria and promote cooperation and exchanges at sub-national level.

“Osun is doing well in all areas of the economy particular in the education sector. I have seen the quality of the schools built around the state and I have seen so many reasons to invest in this state.

“We are inspired by what we saw and we are ready to partner with the state in so many areas most importantly in the education, infrastructure, commerce and industry sectors.

“As you all know that our laws regulate foreign investment to encourage socio-economic partnership, so our visit to Osun will help to explore opportunity for investment.

“Our country is determined to continue to play as a bridge of industrialisation between China and Nigeria particularly at a time Nigeria is promoting economic diversification.

“This will encourage “made in Nigeria” products and as well as strengthen investment drive of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“With what we have seen, there is no doubt that Osun has a brighter chance to actualize her investment drive as this will promote importation and exportation”, the ambassador said.