Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said his administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
The governor stated this at the commissioning of a new factory facility built by Danone Ltd., owners of Fan Milk Plc and the launching of a new product at the Eleyele, Ibadan, factory of the company.
This was as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR and the Consul-General, French Embassy, Laurent Favier, appreciated the governor for his unwavering support to investors and provision of an enabling business environment for investment.
Obasanjo equally commended the governor for his strides in the area of agribusiness. He said Oyo State should be the national dairy centre, adding that the state should educate local farmers on dairy farming and practices.
Governor Makinde, represented at the event by his deputy, Alhaji Bayo Lawal, also assured that his government would continue to provide security, and facilities and implement policies that support investors and their businesses.
The governor appreciated the company for its economic impact on the state and the provision of quality nutrition for the people through its various products. He promised to provide more security for the factory.
He equally commended the company’s resilience among beverage manufacturing companies, despite the economic challenges in the country.
“This company has been around for 63 years, and we are still counting. We recognise the impact of Fan Milk. It is firmly entrenched in our system, and it is heartwarming that, despite the challenges that we have in Nigeria, you still believe in the country by investing so much money here.
“This also means that the production line is changing from what it used to be to a modern production line, which is adding value to our nutrition. We say thank you for making this provision of quality nutrition for our young and old population.
“On behalf of the governor of Oyo State, let me also assure you, that the policy of this government is to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We will provide other infrastructure so that you won’t be hindered in the operations of these facilities.
“As we are all aware, the Oyo State Government has done much in building a good road network, street lighting and many other things. I believe that around this corridor, you have adequate lighting, both in the day and at night in such a way that you are fully secured.
“As I came in, I observed that our local security outfit, Amotekun personnel, were already around.
“We are here to mainly give further assurances that whatever you need in terms of support from the government, knock on our doors so that we can together form a partnership.
“On this note, let me congratulate Fan Milk for this epic project. This is one of the best milk production outfits in Nigeria.
“Baba Olusegun Obasanjo is here to show that he is keying into this project and lending support,” the deputy governor said.
Speaking earlier, Chief Obasanjo thanked Fan Milk Plc for believing in Nigeria by expanding its business in the country at a time when many companies are leaving the country.
Also in her remarks, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, charged investors with commitment, resilience and dedication for investment expansion.
The event had in attendance the state Commissioners for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi; Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo; and Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, among other dignitaries.
