In order to build on the existing bilateral relationship, between Nigeria and Canada, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jamie Christoff, has shown his country’s interest in investing in the agricultural and technological sectors of the Ogun State economy. Ambassador Christoff, made known this intention when he paid a courtesy call on the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He said, “For us in Canada, we see the potential, interest in the sector of agriculture, clean technology, we talked a little bit about infrastructural development as well. I come here looking for friendship and representing Canada’s interest, but I can see through my drive here this morning that there are opportunities here that will serve both our interests”. He stated further that Ogun has numerous opportunities that could attract Canadian investors, and that he was in the state to know more and discuss with government officials areas that would be of mutual benefit to both parties.
Governor Abiodun, while responding, said the state with over 16,000 square kilometres of land, is blessed with human and natural resources. He said that the land is suitable for the cultivation of food and cash crops. “We have vast land and vast resources. We have lots of mineral resources from limestone, which is about two-thirds of our land and others, including silica and huge forest reserves. All these make us the industrial capital of Nigeria, as most companies have their financial headquarters in Lagos, while their major manufacturing factories are located in Ogun State.
“We host two biggest cement factories in Nigeria, probably in Africa. As an industrial capital, we are close to the busiest sea and airports in Nigeria and we enjoy a crisscross of gas pipelines and all these factors have made us a preferred choice by investors”, he stated. Abiodun said that his administration was currently constructing an airport, just as plans were on to build a seaport at Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and a dry port at Kajola. He explained that the five pillars of his administration, as encapsulated in Infrastructure, Social well-being, Education, Youth Development and Empowerment and Agriculture (ISEYA), was meant for the good of the people, stressing that his government would continue to provide conducive environment to attract more investors into the state. He, however, called on Canadian businessmen and women to explore the huge investment opportunities that abound in the state, assuring that his government was ready to work with them.
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