Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to forging stronger ties with the United States, particularly in key development areas such as solid minerals, agriculture, education, and energy.
The governor’s message was delivered on Wednesday by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal during a courtesy call by a delegation from the United States Consulate General at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. The delegation was headed by Kenise Hill, Deputy Chief of the Consulate’s Political and Economic Section.
Lawal outlined the state’s reform-driven approach to governance and investment facilitation, stating that Oyo has laid a solid foundation for partnerships in diverse sectors.
“I warmly welcome you to Oyo State and assure you that we possess vast potential that can be leveraged in mutually beneficial partnerships,” Lawal said.
He highlighted that the state had recently created a Solid Minerals Development Agency to enhance the sector’s efficiency and transparency, emphasizing the availability of abundant mineral resources across Oyo’s expansive territory.
“Nearly half of Oyo’s landmass contains diverse solid mineral deposits that can be harnessed in collaboration with the U.S. government,” he said. “You may choose to engage the private sector or work directly with us—either way, the agency will provide you with accurate data and support.”
Lawal further noted that Oyo’s agribusiness strategy has attracted global attention, including a recent visit by the President of Sierra Leone who spent several days studying the state’s agricultural model.
“We invite you to visit some of our agricultural institutions, such as IITA, which plays a crucial role in agricultural research and innovation. What we need now is financial backing to further scale the initiatives we have undertaken,” he added.
He encouraged the U.S. delegation to explore cooperation in food production and security, stressing the importance of global partnerships in tackling hunger and poverty.
On the energy front, the deputy governor said the state is constructing an 11KVA hybrid power plant as part of its broader efforts to resolve persistent power supply challenges and attract industries.
“No industry can thrive without sufficient energy,” he said. “Many companies established in the 1980s are exiting Nigeria due to power challenges. We are ready to collaborate with the U.S. in the energy sector and other areas you find relevant to our mutual goals.”
In response, Kenise Hill expressed appreciation for the state’s strategic vision and reaffirmed America’s interest in partnering with local entities to unlock economic potential.
“Our aim is to connect U.S. industries with Nigerian public and private sector players,” she said. “We also support infrastructure development through grants—typically up to $2 million—that can be used in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. We look forward to working with more stakeholders and identifying opportunities, particularly in the solid minerals sector.”
Hill was accompanied by delegation members Josh Egba, Banksharon Nwaneri, and Kenechukwu Onyeke, who also echoed the U.S. mission’s readiness to deepen engagement with Oyo State across strategic development areas.
Also present at the meeting were key state officials including Secretary to the State Government Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry Adeniyi Adebisi, and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola.
