Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration’s vision of unlocking prosperity, creating employment, and boosting trade volume is well on course with the launch of the Oyo State African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) sub-national implementation strategy.
Speaking during a post-engagement meeting on the AfCFTA implementation held at the Local Government Service Commission Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, the governor said the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term economic growth.
Makinde noted that the agreement would lead to massive job creation, entrepreneurship opportunities, and trade expansion, citing Oyo’s population size and heavy infrastructure investments as key enablers. He added that his government wants to be remembered for establishing strong institutions that ensure good governance and continuity beyond his tenure.
The governor also revealed that the state had saved about six million US dollars in a Sovereign Wealth Fund, underscoring his administration’s commitment to future-oriented governance. “We are not only building infrastructure but also creating systems that guarantee sustainable prosperity for generations to come,” he said.
Makinde highlighted the ongoing upgrade of the Ibadan Airport to international standard, employment of over 15,000 teachers, and continuous infrastructure development as part of efforts to position the state for economic expansion under the AfCFTA framework.
“We know that natural resources alone will not take us out of poverty. We must back them with knowledge and productivity, and ensure access to foreign exchange through trade. Oyo State is well on that path,” he said.
He added that the state will leverage its areas of competitive advantage, particularly in engaging neighbouring West and Central African countries, to expand its trade network. “With our infrastructure and international-standard airport, we can now go anywhere in the world from Ibadan,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on AfCFTA and International Trade, Ms Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, in her address, commended Makinde for making Oyo the first sub-national entity in Africa to adopt the AfCFTA framework. She said the move positions the state for enhanced bilateral trade and global partnerships.
Top government officials at the event included the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi Bibire; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; and Director-General, Oyo State Public Private Partnership Agency, Hon. Tilewa Folami.
