Governor Adeleke promotes Osun State’s investment potential and cultural heritage in London, seeking UK partnerships in trade and cultural preservation

Governor Adeleke has actively pursued enhanced trade and cultural partnerships between Osun State and the United Kingdom during a high-profile visit to London.

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Attending a gathering alongside Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Hon. Florence Eshalomi, Governor Adeleke emphasised the necessity of deepening Commonwealth business relations, particularly at the subnational level, amid global economic uncertainties.

Addressing a group of Nigerian and UK business executives, Governor Adeleke highlighted the significant investment opportunities within Osun State, positioning them as “low hanging fruits” for private sector collaboration between the two nations. He praised the UK Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Florence Eshalomi, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole for fostering closer ties.

“The global economic situation compels both nations to deepen partnership. We must leverage on our historical ties to unlock a mutually beneficial investment inflow,” Governor Adeleke stated. “The Chamber of Commerce provides a meeting point for the organised private sector from both countries to strike deals and partnership.”

He marketed Osun State as a prime investment destination, citing its vast potential in mining, agriculture, the digital economy, free trade zones, and the creative economy. He also emphasised the state’s skilled workforce and favourable investment environment.

“Osun boasts of being the most peaceful Nigerian state with a high rating in the ease of doing business,” he asserted. “Our investment environment is boosted by a 45 days window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes.”

He pledged his government’s commitment to protecting investments, reducing infrastructure deficits, and aligning the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry with their UK counterparts.

In a separate meeting with the leadership of the British Museum, Governor Adeleke advocated for a partnership to strengthen Osun’s cultural industry. He highlighted Osun’s rich cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Osun-Osogbo Grove and the historic city of Ile-Ife.

“Osun state is a living archive of Yoruba civilization and one of the most culturally rich destinations in Africa,” he told the British Museum team, led by Mr. Hugo Chapman, Acting Keeper of the Department of Africa, Oceania And the Americas.

He invited collaboration in cultural tourism, event management, creative arts, and artisan enterprise, emphasising the state’s commitment to supporting growth through public-private partnerships.

“As we engage with the British Museum — itself a symbol of global culture and preservation — we extend an open invitation to collaborate in sharing, preserving, and investing in the living heritage of Osun,” he said.

Mr. Hugo Chapman, from the British Museum, identified several areas for partnership, including joint exhibitions of cultural assets.

The Governor’s visit to London has successfully established government-to-business linkages and created a new platform for collaboration between the British Museum and the Osun State government. The visit continues with further business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-business (G2B) meetings.