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The Oyo State Government on Wednesday made a major move towards industrializing the state as it finalized arrangements with three different groups of Chinese investors on the establishment of bus, car and tractor manufacturing companies.
The Chinese investors included those from Shaolin Bus Manufacturing Limited, Geely International Corporation and Camaco-YTO Group which is into manufacturing of agricultural equipment.
They were also accompanied on the business visit by representatives of the National Automotive Council led by the Director, Industrial Infrastructure, Engr. Waheed Kolapo Odetoro.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi, while welcoming the investors who paid him a courtesy call in his office, said that the development was the result of his several trips to China during which he met with various groups of investors on the need to assist his administration in its efforts at industrializing the state and improving its economy.
The governor, who said that the move was aimed at making the state an industrial hub and the investors’ destination of choice in the country, pointed out that discussions with the manufacturers had reached an advanced stage on the development of a blueprint on the projects.
He described the state as the largest agricultural centre in term of landmass in the South-West zone and the largest producer of cassava in Nigeria, with the largest concentration of agricultural research institutes in the country.
All these, the governor said, had put the state in a better stead to explore its potentials in advancing its industrial course and thus regaining its pacesetter status.
Besides, he said that the projects would be complemented with an industrial park that would serve as feeder companies to the manufacturing companies, with the multiplier effects of creating employment opportunities for the citizenry.
The Regional Director of Camaco-YTO Group, Mr. Hai Anto, who spoke on behalf of the investors, said that the state government and the Chinese Group had been planning and negotiating the modalities of establishing and operating the joint venture.
He commended the inspirational and remarkable leadership and concerted efforts of Governor Ajimobi in making the partnership a reality within a short period of time.
While assuring that the Chinese investors would provide all the necessary support to achieve the state’s industrial aspiration, Mr. Anto expressed the belief that the projects would uplift the state and put it on the path to sustainable socio-economic development and prosperity.
Also speaking, the Director of Industrial Infrastructure, National Automotive Council, Engr. Waheed Kolapo Odetoro expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to support the projects as they were in line with its automotive industrial development plan
