Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Canadian High Commission to collaborate with his administration in fostering partnerships between Nigerian and Canadian subnational governments.
The governor made the appeal while hosting a delegation from the Canadian High Commission led by Deputy High Commissioner Carlus Rojas Arbulu, according to a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
Adeleke described the initiative as “a timely option in view of global economic realignment.”
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye and Head of Service Ayanleye Aina, the governor said Osun presents significant opportunities for expanded economic cooperation.
“Osun State presents to Canada a test case for expansion of economic and trade relations,” Adeleke said.
He acknowledged what he described as strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada, adding that his administration is interested in extending the Nigerian-Canadian trade framework to subnational levels in both countries.
“In view of global economic realignment, Canada should expand its partnership to state governments where economic and trade opportunities abound. We are a politically stable and economically strong state with extensive opportunities for Canadian companies and businesses. Osun is open for business and ready for strategic international partnerships,” he stated.
The governor identified key sectors for collaboration, including agriculture and agro-processing, solid minerals and responsible mining, renewable energy, education and skills development, technology and innovation, as well as creative and cultural industries.
Highlighting reforms undertaken by his administration, Adeleke said the state has digitised its tax system and streamlined the acquisition of certificates of occupancy. He added that Osun’s free trade zones are open to investors and that progress has been made in reducing infrastructure deficits.
“Our interest in partnerships goes beyond trade to include knowledge transfer, institutional collaboration, and capacity building,” he said, expressing optimism that the visit would deepen subnational cooperation for shared prosperity.
The governor also referenced his recent participation at the International Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, noting that he looks forward to attending a mining conference in Canada later this year.
Addressing the political situation in the state, Adeleke assured the visiting diplomats that Osun remains peaceful despite ongoing disagreements surrounding local government administration.
“Our democracy is a work in progress and we are assured that ongoing contact with the Federal authority will provide an eventual political solution to the crisis at the local government level in the state,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to constitutional governance and the rule of law, adding that governance delivery in Osun remains on course.
Speaking earlier, Deputy High Commissioner Carlus Rojas Arbulu noted that the delegation’s visit was aimed at exploring economic partnerships between Osun businesses and Canadian companies.
He said the state was selected for engagement in view of its potential and assured that the Canadian government is committed to facilitating partnerships between subnational entities in both countries.
The seven-day visit includes diplomats from the trade and political departments of the High Commission.