Oyo State To Collaborate With British Government On Economic Development

The Oyo State Governor has stated that his administration would continue to collaborate with the British Government, among other development partners and the private sector, to promote economic growth.

The governor stated this while receiving the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn -Jones, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, saying government alone cannot sort out the challenges or develop the state’s economy.

Makinde stated: “I am glad to have you here to also discuss business opportunities. We have to look at development partners, which is a big part of what we are doing. We also encourage private sector participation. This afternoon (Thursday) we will be flagging off a project on gas infrastructure, in collaboration with Shell Nigeria Gas.

“I know of an administration that tried to carry out same project using government resources but it failed. Now, if you have a business case where the private people can come in to invest, definitely such a project will be a go. So, we are always happy to sit down to discuss opportunities with development partners and the private sector.”

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones told the governor that the essence of the meeting was to talk about some areas his country and Oyo State could collaborate for development.

Llewellyn-Jones said: “It is my sixth year in Nigeria and third year in Lagos. My role is to promote UK trade, investment and economic growth across Nigeria. I have come to see Your Excellency to talk about some of the possibilities here in Oyo State.”

He disclosed that his team would meet with British companies as well as officials of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and also spend some time to discuss partnerships with the University of Ibadan.

The event had in attendance the Head of Prosperity, British Deputy High Commission, Kris Camponi; Senior Political Adviser, Wale Adebajo; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun; Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola and Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Niyi Adebisi, among others.

Lateefah Ibrahim