Governor Adeleke in Attendance as Ooni Signs MOU With Chinese Investors

Company Moves To Establish Cocoa Processing Plant In Ile-Ife, other parts of the State 

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Monday in Ile-Ife witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II,CFR with the China Overseas Energy Technology Development Company Limited on Community Development and Investment Projects.

Addressing newsmen at a press conference held at his palace, the Ooni revealed that the multifaceted Community and Public Private Partnership (PPP) investment projects by the expatriate company will focus on key areas of Agriculture, Mining and Liquefied Natural Gas and is projected to generate over 50,000 initial direct employments in the state.

The Ooni further noted that the multifaceted investment projects running into billions of dollars will have significant positive impacts on the socioeconomic development of his community Ile-Ile in particular, the state and the country at large.

The revered added that he considered it imperative to use the opportunity of the Governor's invitation to the 2023 Olojo Festival in the city which ended on Monday to bear witness to the historic event.

The Ooni lauded Governor Adeleke for his efforts in supporting the Olojo Celebration, Ife community development and advancing the state in general. The Arole Oduduwa specifically thanked the Governor for considering the region with more than six members in his cabinet, noting that this is unprecedented.

The Ooni who equally is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN further announced the company's first point of action which is the establishing of a cocoa processing plant in the city.

"Today we honour our Governor to witness this historic moment of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) which is a Community and Public Private Partnership(PPP) investment projects agreement with the China Overseas Energy Technology Development Company Limited, one of the biggest company in China, Asia and the globe with outlets in more than fifty countries and over two hundred cities across the globe.

"Considering the track records of this multinational company with huge investments, in agriculture, mining, real estate and liquefied natural gas, are confident in the expatriate's investment plans to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic transformation of our community, Osun State and the country at large.

"This is a multi-billion dollars investment deal that will positively impact the socioeconomic transformation in the state particularly in the areas of agriculture and mining as the state is blessed with goog amount of mineral resources.", the Ooni said.

In his speech, the President of the company, thanked the Ooni and the State Government for the investment opportunity. He expressed satisfaction in starting off the project in Ile-Ife the source.

In his remarks, Governor Adeleke appreciated the Chinese company for the belief they have in the state, while also expressing optimism that the partnership will mean well for the socioeconomic development of the State.

The Governor, in particular lauded the company for choosing starting their investment journey in the state and also beginning with Ile-Ife, the source.

The Governor appreciated the Ooni for the honour to be part of this historic moment. Governor Adeleke who came in the company of his son B-Red, commended the Ooni for his commitment to developing the tourism development of the community and the state through the Olojo festival and other cultural events.

The Governor stressed his administration’s determination towards developing the culture, tourism and entertainment sectors of the state as contained in his campaign manifesto, adding that he will always welcome meaningful partnerships that will advance the state economy and that of the country in general.

"Today is a very great day, a day that something good is starting in the state and Ile-Ife, the source. I want to thank the China Overseas Energy Technology Development Company Limited for coming to Osun State first and starting with Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race.

"I am particularly elated that this is taking place during Olojo Festival which is one of the remarkable projects that the Arole Oduduwa is using to advance tourism potentials in the state and in line with my campaign promises, I'm committed to always be attentive to projects and ideas that will contribute to the promote culture, tourism and entertainment assets of the state", the Governor said