By Kehinde Ayantunji
Government of the State of Osun and Afroclopedia Media has initiated a partnership to build business and investment platform that will promote local products to create wealth and improve the economy of the state.
The initiative will focus on 25 identified economic sectors which include agriculture and food production, event management industries, educational institutions, housing and properties management, manufacturing injuries among others.
Afroclopedia Project Coordinator, Adenle Babajide and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor, State of Osun on Commerce, Mr Akeem Okunade at a Press Conference held at Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo , the state capital explained that the initiative was to converge the leading brands and network for optimal business performance.
Adenle, while analysing the rationale behind the project said research has shown that despite staggering economy, over N10 billion is expended on different sectors of economy in the state, saying, “Patronize Made in Osun Campaign” will build investor’s confidence and improve local product patronage”. According to him, the campaign would include the lunching of ‘Made in Osun Award’ to be held on December 6, 2017 and chaired by the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the event would provide veritable competitive platform for different captains of industries and investors.
Other lined up activities includes Osun Event Industry Expo, a 3-day product and services exhibition, Osun Event Industry Conference to converge business brand and network them with specialised training on market opportunities.
He added that the organisation with the support of Ayegbaju International Market has initiated made in Osun business directory platform where any investor can easily network, to do business, saying the initiative will no doubt improve the economy of the state and discourage capital flight.
Also, the SSA to the Governor and General Manager, Ayegbaju Market, Akeem Okunade said the intention was to create more awareness for business opportunities.
He said, the state has a lot of potentials which would help to rejuvenate the economy and also make the state an economic hub.
He also sought the support of stakeholders including the media to help in sensitising on the availability of shop and other categories of outlets in the market.
He said the essence of building modern markets by the present administration would be defeated if people are not using them.
According to Okunade, many shop owners at Ayegbaju International market which was built with huge amount of money have not been using it as expected.
While stressing the need for private individuals and corporate organisations to assist the government in building the state’s economy, Okunade appealed to traders to also show commitment to economic development in the state.
