The Ogun state government has sought partnership with the American government to develop the critical sectors of the state’s economy, including the agricultural sector.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the move on Wednesday, when he received the American Consulate General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, who led a five-man delegation on a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, Ogun considers the U.S. as a progressive partner in the areas of economy, climate change, human capital development around the world, among others.
Abiodun submitted that the state, apart from the sophistication of its people and their cognitive political culture, is popularly adjudged as the New Jersey of Nigeria, and the leading industrial hub in the West Africa sub-region, hence the need to tap from the American experience to further its developmental stride.
The governor said his administration, at inception in 2019, assembled a team of highly resourceful technocrats and cerebral policy architects, and conceptualised a transformational philosophy coined ISEYA, which is an acronym for Infrastructural Development, Social Welfare and Well-being, Education and Human Capital Development, Youth Empowerment and lastly, Agriculture and Food Security.
Abiodun stated that in its quest to make Ogun the first destination for investors in Nigeria, his administration is currently constructing an Agro Cargo International Airport at Iperu-Ilishan Road in Ikenne Council of the state.
Speaking to Newsmen, the Consul General said it is part of his job to promote U.S. trade and investment in certain parts of Nigeria.
“I had a great conversation with the governor about the incredible investment the U.S. companies are already making in the state, as well as opportunities for increased U.S. trade and investment”, he added.