OBJ, French Consul-General Commend Makinde For Supporting Investors With Enabling Environment
*By Suliah Odunayo, Ibadan
IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Thursday that his administration has remained committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
The governor stated this at the commissioning of a new factory facility built by Danone Ltd., owners of Fan Milk Plc, and the launching of a new product at the Eleyele Ibadan factory of the company.
This was as former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR and the Consul-General, French Embassy, Laurent Favier, appreciated Governor Makinde for his unwavering support to investors and provision of enabling business environment for investment.
Obasanjo equally commended the governor for his strides in the area of agribusiness, noting that Oyo State should be the national dairy centre and that the state should educate local farmers on dairy farming and practices.
Governor Makinde, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, also assured investors that his government would continue to provide security, facilities and implement policies that support their businesses.
While appreciating the company for its economic impact in the state and the provision of quality nutrition for the people through its various products, Makinde promised to provide more security for the factory.
He equally commended the company’s resilience among beverage manufacturing companies in spite of the economic challenges in the country.
He said: “This company has been around for 63 years and we are still counting. We recognise the impact of Fan Milk. It is firmly entrenched in our system and it is heartwarming that despite the challenges that we have in Nigeria, you still believe in the country by investing so much money here.
“This also means that the production line is changing from what it used to be to a modern production line, which is adding value to our nutrition.
“We say thank you for making this provision of quality nutrition for our young and old population.
“On behalf of the governor of Oyo State, let me also assure you, because the policy of this government is to provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We will provide other infrastructure so that you won’t be hindered in operations of these facilities.
“As we are all aware, the Oyo State Government has done much in building good road network, street lighting and many other things. I believe that around this corridor, you have adequate lighting, both in the day and at night in such a way that you are fully secured.
“As I came in, I observed that our local security outfit, Amotekun personnel, were already around.
“We are here to mainly give further assurances that whatever you need in terms of support from the Government, knock on our doors, so that we can together form a partnership.
“On this note, let me congratulate Fan Milk for this epochal project. This is one of the best milk production outfits in Nigeria.
“Baba Olusegun Obasanjo is here to show that he is keying into this project and lending support.”
Speaking earlier, Chief Obasanjo expressed appreciation to Fan Milk for believing in Nigeria by expanding its business in the country at a time that many companies are leaving the country.
Also in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Barr. Aisha Rimi, charged investors to embrace commitment, resilience and dedication for investment expansion.
The event had in attendance the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi; Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo; and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, among other dignitaries.
