Sustainable Development: Oyetola urges southwest states to galvanise economy using agric products, mineral resources

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has said, the South-West must look inwards by making best use of the Agricultural products and Mineral resources in their respective localities to generate revenue and particularly foreign exchange.

He said the need for diversification from oil exportation to non-oil source of revenue became necessary in view of the recurrent dwindling oil revenue from the Federation Account.

Oyetola state these on Thursday while declaring open the maiden edition of the Osun South-West Local Governments Agriculture and Mineral Resources Trade Fair in Osogbo, Osun state.

The Trade Fair was organised by the Osun Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OSUCCIMA) and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment in collaboration with BTG Africa.

Delivering his address, Governor Oyetola who was represented by his Deputy, Benedict Alabi said, collaboration for economic transformation of southwest region is a sine qua-non for its sustainable economic development and that of Nigeria.

He then appreciated BTG Africa for their interest in the economic transformation needs Agenda of the region as reflected in its collaboration to make Trade Fair a success.

“In this period of harsh economic downturn, collaboration for economic transformation of our region is a sine qua-non for the sustainable economic development of our region and the nation.

“It is therefore commendable that Osun Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OSUCCIMA) and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment in collaboration with BTG Africa have thought it fit to put this event together to rally our local governments, the primary sources of our development, to exploit their products, add value through digital economy to put the South West on the lane of sustainable economic development.

“The hosting of this Trade Fair is apt as it is coming at an auspicious time that the Federal Government has instituted the Economic Transformation Agenda to pull the nation out of the unworkable monolithic, oil dependent economy and deliver sustainable economic growth.

“A study says every State in the nation has at least four mineral resources in commercial quantity. South West states obviously have more. This is an indication that we have no business with lack and want. It is also proof that our destiny lies in our own hands by exploiting our potential to embrace abundance” he said.

While expressing conviction that the region has the potential to boost the economy for the good of its people, the Governor averred that what is left is to exploit technology to maximize our value addition efforts.

He said, “It is indeed heart-warming that this Trade Fair is coming up again in the State after many years. With the hosting of this Fair, we are happy to break the jinx of over 17 years of inability to host a successful Fair. This is an indication that we are ready for exploits and we must resolve to make it regular and be strong on implementation for the sustainable development of our State and our region.”

“As we all know, Trade Fairs are veritable platforms for the advancement of individual, corporate and national ingenuities. This Trade Fair will no doubt help to showcase the economic potential of the Local Government Councils, particularly in the area of agriculture and mineral resources.”

In his address, President Osun Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Elder Bisi Makanjuola said the theme for this year’s fair was chosen is response to new technologies and processes that are impacting on businesses globally and have direct impact on Nigeria businesses and economy.

He noted that Nigeria is passing through myriads of economic struggles and various strategies are being put in place by government at national and subnational level to navigate the dynamic business environment.

The theme of the trade fair is “stimulating value addition through digital economy for Nigeria’s sustainable development.