By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the remarkable contributions of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to Africa’s economic growth, describing the institution as a catalyst for the continent’s industrial transformation and trade integration.
He made the remark on Saturday during the investiture ceremony of Dr. George Elombi as the bank’s 4th President, in the New Administrative Capital, Egypt.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the high-profile event also served as a farewell ceremony for Professor Benedict Oramah, who concluded a distinguished 10-year tenure marked by visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and outstanding service to Africa’s economic renaissance.
Olawale said that the governor attended the ceremony alongside notable Nigerian dignitaries, including Dr. Deji Adeleke, Chairman of Pacific Holdings Ltd; Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; and Mrs. Toyin Saraki, among other eminent African business leaders and policymakers.
The ceremony attracted an array of African and global leaders, including former President Macky Sall of Senegal, Africa’s foremost industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Cameroon’s Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, Dr. Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Adeleke praised Afreximbank’s pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s economic resilience through financing trade, supporting industrial projects, and fostering regional integration.
His words, “Afreximbank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building a self-reliant Africa through trade, innovation, and development financing.
“Dr. George Elombi’s appointment marks a continuation of that progressive vision, ensuring that Africa remains on the path of sustainable growth.”
He also said that discussions are ongoing between Osun State and Afreximbank to establish a strategic partnership aimed at boosting the state’s creative and cultural industries.
According to him, the collaboration would focus on developing the Adire textile industry and strengthening the creative economy, with emphasis on empowering local artisans, promoting export opportunities, and creating sustainable jobs for youths and women.
He said, “Osun State is positioning itself as a hub for creativity and cultural excellence.
“Our partnership with Afreximbank will open new frontiers for our creative sector, promote the Adire brand globally, and strengthen our role in Africa’s growing cultural economy.”
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to diversifying Osun’s economy through culture, innovation, and trade partnerships that would place the state at the forefront of Africa’s emerging creative and economic landscape.
