Governor Ademola Adeleke has welcomed investors from multiple sectors, including sports, academy and business, amid efforts to deepen comprehensive development across Osun State.

Mr Adeleke, in a statement on Sunday, said he hosted the investors in London, noting that their discussions centred on how to transform the state from a civil service-dependent economy into an industrialised subnational entity.

“Today in London, I hosted a team of investors in the Sports Industry, led by Dr. Bob Olukoya, Country Director, Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited, and Mrs. Joanne Macrae, Director, Amos Sports Business School, London and Business Development Director, Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited.

“We had productive discussions on the enormous opportunities in sports business and industrial development in Osun State. I reaffirmed our administration’s commitment to transforming Osun from a civil service-dependent economy into an industrialised subnational entity, with the Osun Free Trade Zone positioned as a major hub for investment,” the governor stated.

Noting that he had directed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to urgently process the investors’ submission, Mr Adeleke stressed that Osun was in a hurry for industrialisation. 

He noted, “I am particularly encouraged by the proposal to establish a football factory in our Free Trade Zone to produce footballs for Nigeria, Africa and the global market, as well as the planned football talent academy to train and develop young Osun talents for local and international opportunities.”

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to create enabling environment, policies and infrastructure to attract investors and create jobs opportunities for the people.

“We will continue to create the right environment, policies and infrastructure to attract investments, create jobs and unlock the economic potential of our people. Osun is open for business, and we are ready to partner with investors who share our vision of an industrialised and prosperous state,” Mr Adeleke added.

The development came weeks after the governor launched the Osun Investment Brochure, designed as a strategic instrument to open the state to investment, innovation and long-term economic growth.