…Says govt will provide adequate security for businesses
By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, assured both local and foreign investors that his administration will continue to provide adequate security for investments and businesses in the state.
He called on investors to bring their money to invest in the state, noting that the state has an enabling environment to support their businesses, adding that his administration is ever ready to support investors who are ready to partner with the government to expand the economy of the state.
Governor Makinde stated this while commissioning the JAGZ Hotels, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, noting that his government will continue to do everything to secure the lives and properties in the state, which according to him, are major prerequisites that investors look at before going into a state.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 64th Independence anniversary of the country, advising them to focus on things that unite the country rather than those that divide it.
Makinde said: “I want to use this opportunity to greet everyone on the occasion of the 64th Independence Anniversary.
“I also want to congratulate Engr. Kayode Adebulugbe and the entire team. I was glad when you told me that this is almost 100 per cent local content.
“Not only that; you mentioned to me that you did not have any formal contract. To be honest with you, I have done businesses in millions of dollars just on handshake, yet, people say Nigerians are dishonest. Well, this is a validation that there are Nigerians that are honest; who would do what is right. So, I thank you for this investment in Ibadan and Oyo State.
“The Oyo state government only provided the enabling environment for this to happen. We did not put any government money in it. So, this is a demonstration of the Oyo state model; we provide the environment and the investment will come.
“What we are commissioning today is the resilience that we are talking about when it comes to Nigeria and Oyo State. Some people may decide that they want to fold their arms and complain from today till tomorrow. But others who are serious would have an appreciation of the environment that we are in and would soldier on.
“So, I want to say congratulations to Kayode and his team. I thank you for not being one of those people that would just sit back and complain.
“You and the team were bullish to put this investment in here. And, as a government, I can tell you that we will do everything within our powers to ensure that this investment is protected.
“Under Omituntun 1.0, we focused on four major pillars including education, health, expansion of our economy and security. For this to continue, people have to feel safe and secure in this environment. So, we will do everything to ensure that people feel safe and secure.
“Under Omituntun 2.0, as part of a move to expand our economy, we added tourism and solid minerals development. So, this is a commitment to that ideal.
“Every Friday, it is always difficult to get hotel rooms in Ibadan because people are coming from all over the state, especially Lagos. People should keep coming as we are happy. So, this is an edifice that we would protect at all cost.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, The JAGZ Hotels, Ibadan, Engr Adebulugbe, lauded Governor Makinde’s developmental policies and infrastructural development drive in the state, describing him as a man of many parts, who has been toeing the footsteps of Pa Obafemi Awolowo.
He added that the JAGZ Hotels is strategically located in Ibadan, the home of many ‘firsts,’ thanking the governor for creating an enabling environment for investors and creating opportunities to maximize profits.
He promised to support the governor to achieve his vision of expanding the economy of Oyo State through tourism and hospitality development.
The governor was accompanied by top PDP leaders and government functionaries.
