ibironkeeniola 
The Government of the State of Osun has flagged off the construction of a fruit juice production company to facilitate the processing of several agricultural produce in the state.
The company, pioneered by Collins Crown Limited, is sited at the Omoluabi Free Trade Zone, Osogbo, and is set to boost the effort of the government in curbing post-harvest losses.
Governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola, who inaugurated the company on Friday, said that the government was ardent in its goal to promote sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the state.
He said the government was also committed to creating a friendly business environment for investors in the state, particularly in the agricultural industry.
According to him, the development was in line with the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the massive investment opportunities available in the state are taken advantage of by wise investors.
The company will see to the processing of fruits in which the state has comparative advantages. In the governor’s remarks, the state has an enormous economic potential in the production of fruits and their end-products.
Oyetola added that Osun was blessed with pineapple in Ejigbo, Irepodun and Ifelodun Local Government Areas, and oranges in Ife/Ijesha, Iwo zones and some other parts of the states.
He added that the new company would open a window of employment opportunities for the teeming citizens particularly the unemployed youths.
Speaking further, Oyetola said the state was ready to support the dreams of entrepreneurs by providing the requisite infrastructure to support their efforts while putting in place the right policy frameworks to facilitate a hitch-free business experience.
“As you know, our administration runs with a conviction that building the Osun of our dream requires that we have an economy that is revitalised on account of the volume of economic activities that it encourages. This will create wealth and meaningfully engage our unemployed youths.
“Following the Economic and Investment Summit we hosted in 2019, we established the Osun Investment and Promotion Agency (OSIPA) to interface with investors.
“Working with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Cooperatives, the Agency is to ensure that we work hard at improving our ease of doing business and eliminate identifiable bottlenecks that can frustrate investors.
“Only a few days ago, I inaugurated the State Council for the implementation of the National Policy on MSMEs. This is to further support our implementation of relevant policies to support business operations in our State,” he said.
On his part, Chairman, Collins Crown Limited, Mr Kola Adeyemo, said the company was prepared to ensure successful completion and take-off of the project, noting that all needed facilities were on ground.
Oyetola further assured the firm of the government’s will to help the company thrive, as well as other businesses in the Free Trade Zone.
“I assure you that we will continue to work with you and the organised private sector to ensure that your investment experience is truly rewarding.
“With our reputation as one of the nation’s most peaceful State, the relative stable electricity available here, our ready labour, and the political will to always do what is right, I am proud to say that you are in the right place and you have made the best decision to set up your business here,” the governor said.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA