BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, on Tuesday expressed delight over the focus and performance of the Ademola Adeleke led Osun State Government, adding that the governor should be commended for his effort in the improvement of the mining sector.
The High Commissioner who was on a visit to the historic and tourist centres in Osun made this known at the Government Secretariat, Osogbo, stressing that the framework for a beneficial relationship between Canada Government and Osun would be worked upon.
Chirstoff, who spoke on how Canada can support Osun on culture, tourism, global investment and mining, stressed further that Osun government should be commended for its effort on climate change, adding that other states in Nigeria are looking to emulate Osun in that regard.
He said, “I’m impressed with the focus of the Governor, and everybody who is working with him, the Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government and every other person who has made presentations earlier.
“There is a lot of talent here, and I think it is high time investors started looking at coming down to Nigeria and Osun to see for themselves what I have seen since I got here yesterday.
“In the areas of culture, tourism, global investment and mining there is so much that we are doing in Canada and we can create an opportunity for partnership, like it has been said in all the presentations.
“In the area of mining, Governor Adeleke should be commended for the improvement made on mining regulations and also in the mining sector of the state and also in Climate Change, thank you for taking the lead, I am sure all the other states are looking at taking the same steps.”
On behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, urged the High Commissioner and his team to ensure that the relationship that is about to be created is not left to rot away and should be built upon with continuous communication.
He further noted that the doors of the Osun State government are open to global investors for collaborations and partnerships, adding that a fair and leveled playing ground as well as adequate security will be provided.
“I want to urge the High Commissioner and his team to ensure that this relationship we are building today doesn’t just end at the visit but we build upon it by communicating regularly such that results are seen in terms of partnership and collaboration between the Osun state government and Canadian Government.
“Being a new administration, the door of Osun State is open to foreign and global investors and I can assure you that a fair and leveled playing ground as well as adequate security will be provided to all Investors,” he said.
