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Chinese Investors Hail Osun’s Infrastructure Growth Under Adeleke

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A group of Chinese Investors from mainland China and Hong Kong on Tuesday evening applauded the rapid infrastructural growth across Osun State.

According to a government house statement, issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, they described the development as “a booster to industrialization, economic growth and communal prosperity”

It was gathered that the 22 investors drawn from various sectors such as water processing, food processing to electric vehicles conveyed their review through the head of the team, Nancy Chi of Yuanfar International at a dinner hosted at the Government House.

The event had in attendance, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup among others.

The leader of the delegation speaks further: “There is a saying in Chinese language. If you want to build and spread wealth, if you want economic growth, build roads. That is the secret of China’s development. The Osun governor understands this reality.

“Most Chinese Investors prefer Abuja, Ogun and Lagos as investment destinations but the story is changing. In the past, our people hardly talked about Osun for investment. But now, Osun is fast becoming the investment point among Chinese investors. The reasons are the good work Mr Governor is doing.

“We have gone round the state and we see multiple constructions ongoing. We commend Mr Governor for these good developments. Osun is the heartland of Yoruba people. Chinese Investors are attracted here. Your state is peaceful with beautiful landscapes.

“That is why we are here. Our team is made of investors from various sectors such as food processing, water packaging and treatment, mining, electric vehicles, agro-equipments among others. We are impressed with the support from the state government to facilitate the take off of our investment in the state’s free trade zone and others. Beyond the deals between the state and our team, the Hong Kong government through its investment agency will soon invite the governor for an official visit. The investment agency will also visit Osun state in 2026”, Ms Chi told the gathering.

The Owa Obokun flanked by his wife, Olori Vicky Ayodele Haastrup, the Executive Chairman of ENI limited and serial investor and Ajirowa of Ijesaland, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, described the Adeleke family as the Kennedys of Nigeria with deep interest in economic development as a foundation for successful governance of a state.

According to the imperial majesty, who recalled his days as the Deputy Governor of Osun State, the Chinese investors are interested in setting up industrial plants at Ilesa and other parts of the state, affirming that “these investors are ready for business.

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“The investors we have here are ready to set up operations. They have ambition to build a China Town, a computer village in addition to plans for solar powered Tricycle plants. The investors are deeply interested in the Osun State Free Trade Zone. I commend Mr Governor for providing the enabling environment for business to thrive in the state”, the Royal father affirmed in his address.

Addressing the investors and the royal delegation, Governor Adeleke appreciated the Chinese team for their positive appraisal of his administration, recapping the many initiatives of his administration to reduce the inherited multisectoral infrastructure deficit.

“I note with deep appreciation the acknowledgement of our contributions to develop Osun’s dilapidated infrastructures. I am particularly happy about that Chinese proverb which emphasised the importance of infrastructure for wealth creation and economic development of any community or state. Our government has reduced the Osun infra deficit from over 80 percent to about 40 percent within three years.

“Our government has made it easy for investors to invest in the state by easing the processing of certificates of Occupancy to 45 days. As noted by the Commissioner for Commerce, we have harmonised tax collection to remove multiple taxation. We revived the Osun Free Trade zone that was abandoned by the previous government. Dear Chinese friends and other investors.

“Osun is open for investment. I am glad to announce here that our government has secured accreditation for the study of Chinese language at the University of Ilesa. We mean business in our bid to attract investment from Asia powerhouse. Hurry and invest here”, the governor told the businessmen from China.

The event was attended by members of the state executive council and several Royal fathers from Ijesaland.

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Fire Breaks Out In Kubwa As Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Station

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Panic broke out in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday after a vehicle crashed into a gas dispensary outlet at Liberty Junction on Arab Road, triggering a fire.

According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle was travelling from Arab Road towards Liberty Junction when it reportedly lost control following a brake failure.

The vehicle subsequently skidded off its lane, crossed the road and plunged into the gas station, resulting in a fire outbreak.

ALSO READ: Panic at Oko Polytechnic as Three-Storey Students’ Hostel Collapses

The fire was quickly brought under control following a coordinated response by operatives of the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The occupants of the vehicle were rescued unhurt by passers-by and witnesses who responded to the incident.

However, several makeshift shops adjoining the gas outlet were destroyed in the fire.

The prompt intervention of the emergency responders helped to curtail the spread of the fire and prevent further damage.

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‘Obi Did Not Loot A Kobo’ — Obiaraeri Compares Peter Obi, Akpabio’s Records

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Financial expert Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri has defended former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi against comparisons with former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, citing what he described as differences in the financial records of the two states during their respective tenures.

Obiaraeri made the remarks in a post on X on Sunday while responding to comparisons involving the two former governors.

According to him, Akwa Ibom State, under Akpabio between 2007 and 2015, received an estimated ₦2.06 trillion, which he said was equivalent to about $15.5 billion at the time.

SEE ALSO: ‘Peter Obi’s Govt Left 101 Road Projects With ₦127bn Liabilities’, Says Anambra Govt

He further claimed that the amount would be worth more than ₦21.7 trillion in today’s naira value.

Obiaraeri wrote: “AKWA IBOM STATE, UNDER GODSWILL AKPABIO, 2007 TO 2015…..

“Between 2007 and 2015, during the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio, the Akwa Ibom State Government received an estimated total revenue of approximately ₦2.06 trillion/$15.5billion…..

“In today’s naira value, Akwa Ibom under Akpabio received over N21.7trillion.”
He also claimed that Akpabio left loan obligations of $334 million, which he put at about ₦467 billion.

Obiaraeri further alleged that there were multiple EFCC files concerning Akpabio, claiming that they documented financial misconduct during his tenure.

Turning to Anambra, Obiaraeri said the state received approximately $4.06 billion, or ₦525 billion, during Peter Obi’s tenure as governor from March 14, 2006, to March 14, 2014.

He wrote: “ANAMBRA STATE UNDER PETER OBI MARCH 14, 2006 TO MARCH 14, 2014
“Total funds and revenues received by Anambra state under Peter Obi was $4.06billion/N525billion.

“In today’s naira term is N5.4trillion.”
According to Obiaraeri, Peter Obi left behind $156 million in savings invested in an investment that generated more than $43 million, bringing the total to $199.8 million.

He added that the figure amounted to approximately ₦279 billion in today’s naira value.

Obiaraeri also claimed that more than ₦36 billion, which he equated to about $240 million, was held in Treasury Bills and other short-term naira investments.

He wrote: “However, Peter Obi left behind a total savings of $156million in an investment that yielded over $43m totaling $199.8m/N279billion in today’s naira money and over N36bn/$240m in treasury bills and other short term naira investments.”

Defending the former Anambra governor against allegations of corruption, Obiaraeri stated: “Peter Obi did not loot a kobo of Anambra monies. HE HAS NO EFCC OR FBI FILES OF CRIMINALITY ON HIM….”

He also compared Obi with other governors who served around the same period, “The Only Governor in the league of PO during his time was Raji Fashola …… Anyway, I am not surprised at some of you, who do this baseless comparison…The difference between LIGHT and Darkness is so clear to DECENT men, who love LIGHT….

“THOSE WHO ARE ROGUES, AND ASPIRING ROGUES, USUALLY LOVE DARKNESS….THEIR HEART IS DARKENED AND MIGRATE TOWARDS DARKNESS ALWAYS.”

He said ‘This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil’.”

He then directly addressed those comparing the two former governors, stating: “I PUT IT TO YOU, who is mischievously comparing Apostle Peter to YOUR BARABASSES, that you are EVIL…QED.”

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‘Where Is Nigeria’s President?’ — Obi Questions Tinubu’s Third Straight UNGA Absence

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Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from the United Nations General Assembly, contrasting it with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in the 81st UNGA.

Obi raised the question in a post on X on Sunday, while reacting to Mahama’s address at the global gathering.

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The former presidential candidate wrote: “The dynamic President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, delivered a remarkable address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The international community has commended his leadership and the substance of his address.

“It is a reminder of what leadership can produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character come together in the service of a nation.”

Obi then drew attention to Nigeria’s absence at the presidential level, asking why Tinubu had not attended the global gathering.
He wrote:

“Against this background, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people – more than Ghana – whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?

“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings. Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?”

Obi acknowledged that Vice President Kashim Shettima was present at the UNGA but maintained that questions remained over the President’s absence.
He stated: “Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?

“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation.”
Obi ended the post with his familiar political message:

Tinubu did not attend the 81st UNGA, with Shettima representing Nigeria at the gathering.

The President’s absence marks his third consecutive non-attendance at the UN General Assembly after he also did not personally attend the 79th and 80th sessions.

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