Governor Adeleke Seeks Investment And Cultural Partnerships For Osun In London
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has intensified his drive for foreign investment and cultural collaboration, leading a series of high-level engagements in London with UK government representatives, business executives, and cultural institutions.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, Adeleke at the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry Investment Conference, pitched Osun as an ideal destination for British investors, emphasizing the state’s stability, business-friendly environment, and untapped economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, which featured Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Hon. Florence Eshalomi, the governor said subnational investment holds the key to shared prosperity between Nigeria and the UK.
“States like Osun offer low-hanging fruits for mutually beneficial investment,” he noted.
“Our government is focused on deepening bilateral ties with the UK through partnerships in agriculture, mining, digital economy, creative industries, and the development of a free trade zone.”
Governor Adeleke highlighted Osun’s competitive edge in ease of doing business, boasting a 45-day Certificate of Occupancy processing window, a streamlined tax system, and a one-stop shop for investors.
“Osun is Nigeria’s most peaceful state,” he emphasised.
“Our policies are deliberate — we’re eliminating bottlenecks and have reduced the infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent. By the end of 2025, we aim to push that figure beyond 70 percent.”
The governor also pledged closer collaboration between the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and its UK counterpart to boost private-sector relationships and facilitate cross-border business.
In a separate engagement with the leadership of the British Museum, Governor Adeleke advocated for cultural diplomacy and partnerships aimed at showcasing Osun’s rich heritage.
“Osun is a living archive of Yoruba civilization,” he told the museum officials, which included Mr. Hugo Chapman, Acting Keeper of the Department of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas; Dr. Sam Nixon, Head of the Africa Section; and Ms. Julie Hudson, Curator of the Africa Section.
“Our sacred sites like the Osun-Osogbo Grove, the historical city of Ile-Ife, and celebrated festivals like the Olojo and Osun-Osogbo festivals represent living, breathing heritage.
“But beyond preservation, we are inviting collaboration on creative enterprise — from Adire textile development to sculptural arts,” he added.
Governor Adeleke said Osun’s cultural tourism strategy is being revamped to attract global attention through public-private partnerships and infrastructure investment.
“As we engage with the British Museum — a symbol of global heritage — we extend a sincere invitation to collaborate in sharing and investing in Osun’s living culture,” he said.
“Together, we can preserve, celebrate, and commercialize our heritage in ways that promote prosperity and mutual respect.”
In response, Mr. Chapman acknowledged the vibrancy of Osun’s cultural assets and expressed readiness for collaboration. “We see great potential in working together on joint exhibitions and other cultural projects,” he said.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
