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Oyo Govt Unveils New Export Initiative, Hosts Stakeholders

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*Oyo Govt Unveils New Export Initiative, Hosts Stakeholders

The Oyo State Government has unveiled Omituntun 2.0 export initiative tagged “Operation Double Your Export”, adding that the initiative will allow key players in the export ecosystem to chart a sustainable path for increased non-oil exports in the State.

The meeting engaged major stakeholders on export growth in Oyo State.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, made this known today during the stakeholders’ engagement held at the ministry’s conference room in Ibadan.

Hon. Adebisi emphasized that the meeting was a strategic move by the State to deepen collaboration with regulatory agencies, agro-allied entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and exporters to boost Oyo’s presence in international markets.

He noted that Oyo State is determined to harness its comparative advantage in cashew, cocoa, shea butter, cassava, and other agro-allied products to unlock wealth, create jobs, and increase internally generated revenue.

The Commissioner said that Oyo State is the first subnational in Africa to develop African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy, attracting a visit from the AfCFTA Secretary General.

Leveraging its location and trade infrastructure, the state aims to boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and align with continental trade protocols.

Key initiatives include AfDB recognition as an agro-processing zone and regional cooperation with Southwest states.

Oyo sets a model for subnational leadership in Africa’s economic integration.

The Commissioner explained ongoing State interventions in regulatory reforms and export facilitation.

These include engaging agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), establishing a Trade Grievance Resolution Office, and supporting executive bills to ease export processes.

He urged stakeholders to bring forward export-related legislative suggestions through the Ministry, saying, “If you have a legislation that works for you, come to us. It is better and faster to go as an executive bill than for you to do it individually. Why waste time and resources?”
He also cited the example of branding Ogbomoso cashew for global visibility, stating: “If it requires that we produce bags and write ‘Ogbomoso’ on them, we will move cashew successfully for exportation.”

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade stressed the Ministry’s vision to transition from a local trade mindset to a structured, export-driven economy.

The President, Oyo State Shippers Association and CEO of Oklan Best Nigeria Ltd., Mrs. Elizabeth Olanrewaju Nwanko shared insights from her experience exporting beans, yam, egusi, and fish to Europe and North America.

She identified barriers such as high tariffs, lack of proper product certification, and the tendency of exporters to route goods through Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic due to their friendlier trade policies.

She advocated for land allocation in Ogbomoso, Shaki, and Tede for cashew and shea plantations, use of GPS for farm monitoring, and enforcement of tree-felling laws. “There’s global demand for 500,000 metric tons of shea butter—Oyo can tap into this if we act strategically,” she emphasized.

The representative of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Prince Aderemi Adejobi, revealed that NAHCO has established export processing centers in Lagos and plans to replicate them in other cities.

These centers aim to help farmers meet international standards, reduce spoilage through cold-chain infrastructure, and eliminate export rejection risks.

He stressed that these hubs will be vital in aggregating farm produce for efficient and compliant export operations.

Assistant Director and Oyo State Trade Promotion Advisor at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC),Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, outlined various incentives and programs available for Oyo exporters, including the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), Export Development Fund (EDF), and training workshops.

She clarified that NEPC provides free advisory support, though obtaining an export certificate involves a fee ranging from ₦7,500 to ₦13,500 depending on the renewal timeline.

The representative of Parallex Bank, Mr. Adepoju Mojeed, disclosed that the bank recently received a $10 million facility from Afreximbank to support SMEs, particularly in agriculture and export trade.
He encouraged farmers and agro-processors to access credit through cooperatives, pay mandatory export fees (NESS), and leverage opportunities for collateral-free loans and capacity-building programs.

The engagement marked a significant step toward positioning Oyo State as a formidable player in Nigeria’s export sector. Stakeholders agreed to maintain close collaboration with the State Government and to fully leverage platforms such as the “Omituntun Export Initiative” for sustainable growth and inclusive economic development.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
July 22, 2025.

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Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan

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Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan

 

A leading governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education sector as part of efforts to build a better future for the next generation.

 

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Ajadi said his administration, if elected in 2027, would focus on harnessing grassroots talents while providing support for vulnerable and underprivileged children.

 

He announced plans to launch a “Back-to-School Initiative” on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, across the seven geopolitical zones of the state, in commemoration of the 2025/2026 third term resumption.

According to him, the programme aims to support over 200 vulnerable pupils with school uniforms, socks, sandals, and other educational materials.

 

He noted that the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by the administration of Seyi Makinde in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

 

The initiative, he added, is being implemented in partnership with the Catch Them Young Campaign Initiative to ensure that support reaches pupils in government-owned primary schools across the state.

 

In Ibadan, the first phase of the programme will cover selected schools, including Ode Aje Primary School, Kumapayi Primary School, Olodo; IDC Primary School, Odo-Ona; L. A Special School, Gate; and St. Luke’s Demonstration Basic School, Molete.

 

Ajadi further disclosed that the initiative would be extended to other zones of the state in the coming weeks.

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Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term

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Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term

 

Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

 

The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.

 

He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.

 

Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.

 

He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.

 

In a communiqué read by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Bello Matawalle, himself a former governor, the stakeholders declared their full support for President Tinubu and Governor Lawal. The communiqué also covered discussions on party unity, governance coordination, security challenges, and preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.

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Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday 

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Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday 

 

The leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reiterated his commitment to sustaining the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, stated that his ambition is driven by a desire to consolidate good governance as he believes that humans are not animals and need to be governed well rather than pursuing personal gain.

 

Ajadi made this known on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a strategic meeting with PDP stakeholders drawn from all 11 local government areas in Ibadan, where he formally sought their support ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.

 

Addressing the gathering, Ajadi commended the Makinde administration for what he described as impactful governance across critical sectors, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in continuity of good governance, emphasizing that the promised Omituntun 3.0 is sacrosanct and he remains the initiator of Omituntun 3.0, the continuity of Governor Seyi Makinde’s legacy.

 

“If Omituntun reaches 40.0 in the future, nobody should be surprised that what started from 1.0 got to that level because good governance needs to be in continuity till eternity,” he said.

 

“The government of Governor Seyi Makinde has done well in all ramifications. That is why I have come forward to sustain his good governance for the benefit of our people,” he said.

 

He dismissed insinuations that his ambition was financially motivated, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to humanitarian service.

 

“I am not in this race to loot public funds. I have always been a philanthropist, and I intend to replicate that character through people-oriented governance that will uplift lives across Oyo State,” Ajadi added.

 

Earlier, the PDP Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Dayo Opatokun, described Ajadi as a stabilizing force within the party, noting that his engagements have contributed significantly to unity among members.

 

“Ambassador Ajadi is one of the aspirants who have kept the party united. His approach to leadership and inclusiveness is commendable,” Opatokun said.

 

Also speaking, Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Governor Makinde, insisted that Ajadi should not be regarded as a political outsider within government circles.

 

“Ajadi should not be seen as a visitor in any government parastatal. He is a key stakeholder who has strengthened the PDP in Oyo State through consistent engagement with party executives at ward, local government, and state levels,” Ogunremi stated.

 

He further praised Governor Makinde’s leadership style, adding that Ajadi possesses similar qualities.

 

“Governor Makinde has shown exemplary leadership, and Ajadi has demonstrated the capacity to replicate that model. His relationship with party members is built on trust, loyalty, and sincerity,” he said.

 

The PDP Party Chairman in Lagelu Local Government Area, and Chairman of Local Government PDP Chairmen in the state, Femi Falowo, commended Ajadi’s humanitarian efforts and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed Makinde.

 

“Many may be afraid to speak, but I will say it—Ajadi has done well in emulating humanitarian service. He understands governance and has what it takes to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde,” Falowo declared.

 

He urged the aspirant to remain steadfast in his philanthropic engagements and party unification efforts.

 

“I encourage you to continue your good work and never stop uniting members of the party,” he added.

 

On her part, the Senatorial Women Leader, Hon. Aduke Okewusi, called for greater inclusion and empowerment of women in Ajadi’s political structure.

 

“Women play crucial roles during elections, yet they are often relegated to the background. We want to be actively involved and empowered beyond mere political mobilization,” she said.

 

Okewusi urged Ajadi to honour his commitment to gender inclusion if elected.

 

“You have promised to carry women along. We expect that this promise will be fulfilled,” she added.

 

Similarly, the Youth Leader of Ona-Ara Local Government, Nureni Morakinyo Azeez, emphasized the need for youth empowerment, noting the critical role young people play during elections.

 

“Youths are always at the forefront during campaigns. We are appealing to you to prioritize youth empowerment and create opportunities that will secure our future,” Azeez said.

 

The meeting, which drew party leaders and grassroots mobilizers from across Ibadan, is seen as part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations aimed at consolidating support within the PDP as the race for the 2027 governorship election gathers momentum.

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