…says Free Trade Zone is back

www.osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has on Tuesday welcomed Chinese foreign technical delegation led by Carbon54 Limited to further deepen his industrialisation drive in the State.

The Governor also assured the people of Osun State that the Free Trade Zone, which has been abandoned for years, will soon be resuscitated by his administration.

Carbon54 Limited has concluded arrangements to invest in exploration, extraction, processing and supply chain management (export) of new energy metals including hard rock lithium (spodumene), in Osun State.

The investors are seeking to secure exploration and mining licenses for lithium deposits across the State and are also planning to attract further foreign investment and collaboration in the State by setting up solar mini grids and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to power industrial development in Osun State.

Presenting the investors to the Governor, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo explained that Carbon54 and their foreign technical partners partner’s objective is to boost Osun State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create jobs by driving the State’s economic diversification, boosting energy capacity and industrialisation transition through extensive lithium ore extraction, processing of lithium concentrate, lithium exports, solar mini grids for power generation, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), solar portable power generators and charging stations for SMEs as Osun State continues to cushion the energy transition post fuel subsidy removal.

He emphasised that other states within the federation wanted to hijack the Chinese investors but for the tenacity of the governor, who assured the partners that Osun State is strategically positioned to become the new hub of industrial manufacturing activity in Nigeria due to its solid mineral resources, human intellectual capital, the existing power infrastructure and business enabling environment policies enacted by the Governor’s Administration.

Carbon54 Limited will be attracting foreign investment and technical partners to upgrade the Living Spring Free Trade Zone to a Sustainable Green Economic Zone through a PPP vessel. The Free Trade Zone will serve as the new hub of industrialisation in Nigeria powered by clean energy while accommodating solid mineral treatment and refinery facilities, battery and electronic manufacturing facilities, assembly plants for automobiles, buses and solar generators, agro-allied industries, food processing and preservation facilities, textile manufacturing factories amongst others.

While speaking, Mrs Zheng who expressed her happiness also reassured the governor of their readiness to provide technical expertise and support of their company towards Osun State’s industrial drive in the areas of lithium value chain, battery technology, renewable energy, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Smart hardware, intelligent manufacturing (Automation), Industrial Internet to boost the digital economy, technology transfer, and skills acquisition and training initiatives at the Technology Incubation Centre located at the Living Spring Free Trade Zone.

This by implications, will boost the economic profile of the state and create jobs and improve technical competence of youths in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Jenyo had taken the Carbon54 led delegation around the Free Trade Zone, Ede and the Central Power Station, Powerline, Osogbo for on-site assessment of the area and facilities.

Receiving the Commissioner and his team in his office, the Principal Manager Transmission, Engr. Lade S. O. A. also assured the investors of the enabling environment, human and natural resources and peace in the state as the cardinal principles of business growth and genuine industrialisation.

The President, Osun State Chambers of Commerce, mines and agriculture, Dr. Olu Olujide who recognized the governor as a lover of local content, urged his administration to promote investment in palm oil and palm kernel oil processing, rice milling, animal feed milling and cassava processing.

According to him “the Osun Trade Fair is one of the sustainable platforms to promote economic development of Osun State. The 2023 edition scheduled to hold between Thursday 16th to Tuesday 28th November 2023 is indeed a trade promotion platform which goes in line with Osun Government policy of promoting Trade Investments in the state”.

“The fair will showcase the abundance of Osun agricultural products with value chain, plenthora of mineral resources, and general goods and services produced in the state”, Dr. Olujide stated.

The delegation of the foreign investors include the former Deputy Head of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Ademola Oladele, Managing Director of Carbon54 Limited, Prince Ademola J. Oladele, Mrs Alice Zheng and Mr. Daniel Yang.

OSOGBO- 29/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has cancelled celebration of independence day earlier slated for Sunday October first.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor urged Osun people to pray for the continious peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

“Let us use the Independence Day to meditate and pray on the state of our nation. Our people are passing through tough times. It is time to take stock and seek divine intervention and guidance in the affairs of our nation.

“I greet Osun people and Nigerians in general as the Independence day knocks at our doors. Here in Osun, we will celebrate with meditation and prayers”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO – 28/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed commitment to supporting and empowering women in the mining sector.

The Governor made this known on Wednesday at the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE, 2023) at African Gemstone and Jewellery Conference Centre, Lagos.

Represented by the Special Adviser, Mining and Mineral Matters, Prof Lukman Jimoda, the Governor noted that the inclusion and empowerment of women in the mining industry is not only essential for their own economic emancipation but also for the overall growth and prosperity of our state and nation.

He maintained that the Osun state government under his watch is committed to promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in all sectors of the state’s economy.

He said “Osun State is one of the key states in Mineral Exploration and Mineral Processing. We have around 300 mining titles within the state. Out of these titles, Osun State has 6 mining titles (3 Mining and 3 Exploration Leases). Our state also has other 13 licences across other states which include Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states. We are also at the tail end of converting our exploration leases to mining leases. At the end of the exercise, our State will be having 42 Mining Leases and 2 Exploration Leases.

“It is now crystal clear that our State is one of the strongest states in the mining industry. Our state is presently working toward engaging our women in Cooperative exploration and finally Buying Centres. This will be an attempt to finally empower our women. The inclusion and empowerment of women in this critical industry are not only essential for their own economic emancipation but also for the overall growth and prosperity of our state and nation.

“My administration is committed to promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in all sectors of our state’s economy.

“We firmly believe that empowering women in mining is not just a matter of equity; it is also a strategic imperative for sustainable development. While we acknowledge the challenges that women in mining often face, such as limited access to resources, education, and opportunities, we also recognize the incredible resilience, resourcefulness, and determination that they bring to this industry. It is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that harnesses the talents and potential of our women miners.

“Under my leadership, Osun State has taken significant steps to support women in mining. We have initiated programs to provide training, access to modern technology, and financial assistance to women miners. These efforts are aimed at improving their working conditions, enhancing their safety, and increasing their productivity.

“We understand that the journey toward gender equality in mining cannot be undertaken by the government alone. We call upon the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to join hands with us in supporting women in mining. Investment in this sector is not just an investment in women; it is an investment in the sustainable development of our state.”

Governor Adeleke also expressed commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Osun State adding that his administration is determined to break down barriers and create pathways for women to thrive in the mining industry and beyond.

“We look forward to fruitful discussions, valuable insights, and concrete recommendations emerging from this seminar, which will undoubtedly contribute to our collective efforts in advancing the cause of “Women in Mining,” Governor Adeleke added.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Governor.

OSOGBO -25/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

As the world converges at the United Nations, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, Nigeria has called on world leaders to empower subnational entities to accelerate achievement of the Paris Agreements on climate change.

Speaking ahead of COP28 Dubai while receiving a report of the Governor’s Climate Advisory Council, Governor Adeleke affirmed that substantial gains can only be achieved on tackling climate change when states and local governments are strengthened and mobilized to implement mitigation and resilience projects.

” My message to world leaders ahead of COP28 is for them to refocus attention on the states and local governments. Funding should be redirected to reach regional and council governments while the central governments coordinate.

” The battle front now is for subnational entities to be prioritized. If the global community truly wants Paris agreements to be achieved, let us go local. Localisation should be the watchword within the climate space.

” I also call on leaders of the world to note the urgency of simplifying access to climate financing. The clamor I read has been inadequate financing. How accessible is the current available pool of funds?

” We need to make it easy to access funding for climate adaptation projects. We are to reduce bureaucracy and all those bottlenecks that slow down or even deny many actors of access to finance.

” For us in Osun state, we are committed to climate action. We welcome partnership with the National Council on Climate Change and other development partners. We have the political will to make a difference”, Governor Adeleke said.

The Governor’s Climate Advisory Council had earlier presented a report of its partnership meeting with the National Council on Climate Change to the state Governor.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

LAGOS – 24/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended Dr. Akintunde Ishola Ayeni popularly known as YEMKEM for his positive impacts in the lives of Nigerians.

The Governor stated this while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of Prince Ayeni Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos State

Senator Adeleke said he is proud of the many life-saving discoveries in the field of traditional medicine in Nigeria by the celebrant which has made him to cure millions of Nigerians of numerous ailments.

The Governor who endorsed YEMKEM products said “I am using their products and can testify to their potency and efficacy”.

Senator Adeleke, who endorsed the products of YEMKEM International , called on the national icon of traditional medicine to come and establish a branch of his company in Osun State, promising that the state government will support the company in any way possible.

According to Senator Adeleke, “it’s pertinent for all of you who are n the traditional medicine industry to rally round YEMKEM and avoid envy and jealousy so that the industry will keep growing from strength to strength”.

The Governor described YEMKEM as a very reliable friend who could be trusted with anything.

He prayed to God to bless the celebrant with long life and prosperity.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Akintunde Ayeni described Senator Ademola Adeleke as a hero who neither forgets nor forsake his old acquaintances.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to State Governor.

OSOGBO – 17/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has confirmed the reported aircraft incident involving Governor Ademola Adeleke but clarified that there are strong indications that the two aircraft engines were tampered with before boarding.

Reacting to news reports on the incident, the Spokesperson said the highly technically equipped aircraft was well maintained with the best technical crew and was never an unused platform where birds could build nests.

Contrary to the claim by the hanger owner that birds’ nests caused the incident, birds’ nests are made with straws not bidding wires as in this case.

According to him, the near fatal incident was averted shortly after boarding and less than two minutes after the commencement of taxing on the tarmac.

An early warning noise from the engines immediately prompted the pilots to direct the evacuation of the passengers. Everything happened within five minutes.

Early reports from the internal investigation indicated sabotage. But the authorities, locally and internationally, are still investigating the incident.

We however want to assure the public that Governor Adeleke and his aides are safe and there was no injury or any outward explosion on the plane.

The Governor expressed his deep appreciation to well wishers and supporters who have been calling since the report of the incident. Mr. Governor is hale and hearty.

Signed

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.