By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom has committed to improving trade and economic development opportunities in agribusiness in Oyo State.
This was the crux of the conversation between the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter and the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, and other members of the state Assembly as part of a 3-day (5 -7, March 2024) high-level visit to the state.
At the meeting with the Governor, Mr Baxter stated that his visit is to help deepen and further the longstanding partnership and friendship between our two great nations and with Oyo State.
According to a statement, the Governor discussed how both parties can work together to create jobs and build a more prosperous relationship between the UK and Oyo State.
Speaking on the UK-funded Agro storage and research facilities in the state, the Deputy High Commissioner restated the UK’s commitment to help facilitate investment in the state.
He said, “Visiting Oyo state is a great opportunity to engage and interact with key stakeholders, to learn and gain insights about some of our UK-funded programmes and the impact they have made so far, and the challenges and opportunities identified.
“We very much want to continue our partnerships and support the efforts of the people of Oyo state to enhance economic prosperity and share expertise were useful.
“I believe our partnership, at all levels, will continue to grow and I look forward to playing my part.”
While in Ibadan, the Deputy High Commissioner also joined the commissioning of the new British International Investment (BII) funded Valency agro-processing complex.
The newly commissioned complex which when completed, will strengthen partnerships with local farmers and processing centres to maximise output, provide a more stable supply of premium-quality products and reach at least 60,000 farmers in Nigeria to create up to 2,800 jobs among low-income communities.
Speaking on the Valency agro-processing complex, Mr Baxter said the UK’s sustainable agriculture work in Nigeria aims to catalyse an agriculture and food systems transformation that delivers benefits for people, climate, and nature.
“I am delighted to see this new UK investment come to fruition to help enhance value addition in Nigeria’s food processing and export capabilities, creating jobs and improving livelihood opportunities across the nation.
“We look forward to continuing to support Nigeria’s agriculture sector and the opportunities this provides for its economic growth and its population.”
On the visit, the Deputy High Commissioner also met with key stakeholders in the state government, as well as business contacts, and traditional leaders to hear the impact of their projects and initiatives on the lives of people in the state.
Through these meetings, the deputy high commissioner will explore additional investment and trade partnerships, with the potential to boost the state’s economic growth and create more jobs.
Modupe Gbadeyanka