Adeleke Champions Human Capital Industrial Growth at MAN AGM in Osun

Adeleke Champions Human Capital, Industrial Growth at MAN AGM in Osun

 

 

 

Osun State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to driving industrial growth and enhancing human capital development in the state. He made the declaration at the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo/Osun/Ondo/Ekiti States branch, held yesterday at Admus Hotel and Suites, Ede.

 

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, Governor Adeleke described the meeting’s theme, “Human Capital and Local Content Development for Sustainable Economic Growth”, as timely and crucial for Nigeria’s economic transformation. He emphasized that human capital remains the most valuable resource for sustainable growth.

 

“Our administration is reforming education and vocational training to produce skilled problem-solvers. We are investing in STEM, creating apprenticeship programmes tied to industry needs, and strengthening technical partnerships,” the governor said.

 

On local content development, he assured manufacturers that his government is prioritizing local producers in government procurement while deepening linkages between agriculture, mining, and manufacturing to ensure easier access to raw materials.

 

The governor highlighted ongoing efforts to accelerate industrialization through the revitalization of the Free Trade Zone, revival of dormant industries, and promotion of entrepreneurship among youths. He also revealed that Osun State University has partnered with his administration to develop an Industrial Development Policy anchored on the “Triple Helix Model”, a collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

 

Governor Adeleke enumerated the business incentives available in Osun State, including affordable fertile land for agriculture, expedited issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, improved security, relatively stable electricity supply, and access to rail lines linking the South to the North. He also mentioned ready industrial facilities such as the Living Spring Free Trade Zone, Osun Special Economic Zone, and the Special Agro-Processing Centre for investors.

 

“The path to sustainable growth is clear: harnessing the skills of our people, applying local resources, and forging public-private partnerships. This will reduce import dependence, strengthen the Naira, create jobs, and build a resilient economy,” he said.

 

Governor Adeleke extended an invitation to stakeholders to attend the forthcoming Osun State Dinner and Industrial Investment Roundtable, scheduled for October 7–8, 2025, in Osogbo. The event aims to consolidate the gains of the 2024 Investment Summit and open new pathways for industrial expansion.

 

He commended the leadership of MAN for choosing Osun State as the host for the 42nd AGM, declared the meeting open, and wished participants fruitful deliberations. In recognition of his contributions, the MAN branch presented Governor Adeleke with an Award of Excellence during the event.