Oyo to partner British govt on economic devt

…as Makinde hosts British Deputy High Commissioner

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said that his administration will continue to collaborate with development partners and the private sector to promote economic growth.

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

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying: “For us in Oyo State, we recognise the fact that government alone cannot sort out the challenges we have.

“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, 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.”
Earlier, 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.

He said: “Thank you your Excellency for making time to see me. I know how busy you are.
“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 also said that his team will be meeting British Companies as well as officials of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and will 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; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Niyi Adebisi, among others.