By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for deeper economic cooperation between subnational governments in Nigeria and Canada, urging the Canadian High Commission to partner with his state on new investment and development initiatives.
He made the appeal on Monday in Osogbo while hosting a delegation from the Canadian High Commission, led by the Deputy High Commissioner Carlus Rojas Arbulu.
He described the push for subnational collaboration as timely amid ongoing global economic realignments.
Flanked by the Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye, and Head of Service Ayanleye Aina, Adeleke said Osun could serve as a pilot for expanding trade and economic relations between both countries at the state and provincial levels.
He highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, solid minerals, renewable energy, education and skills development, technology, and the creative industry, stressing that the state has improved its ease-of-doing-business environment through tax digitisation, faster issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Beyond trade, the governor said Osun is interested in partnerships that promote knowledge transfer, institutional collaboration, and capacity building, expressing optimism that the visit would deepen cooperation for mutual prosperity.
Adeleke also reassured the delegation about the political climate in the state, noting that engagement with the federal government is ongoing to address local government issues.
He reaffirmed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and stressed that governance and peace remain priorities.
Speaking earlier, Arbulu said the Canadian delegation was in Osun to explore business opportunities between local enterprises and Canadian companies, explaining that the state was selected because of its economic potential.
He added that the Canadian government is committed to facilitating partnerships between subnational entities in both countries.
The week-long visit, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on SDGs and Multilateral Relations, includes officials from the trade and political departments of the High Commission.
