Makinde receives Nigerite Board Directors, urges collaboration with Southwest states 

The Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde has emphasized the need for more collaboration of Nigerite Limited with Southwest states as well as hoping for full utilization of our common heritage which the company and Odua’ investment represent in order to appreciate the efforts and good work of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo who he described as a practical politician, business man and an industrialist.

The governor, who made the call on Tuesday while playing host to Board Directors of Nigerite Limited at the Secretariat, said that Odua’ conglomerate have developed pure initiative to establish the company. 

He added that most of the company under the Oodua conglomerate at a time were thriving because they deployed pure business initiative in establishing the business. 

Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, recalled that Ikeja used to be the hub of industrial activities but very unfortunates that most factories in those days have become churches or falling into the hands of private sectors, which according to him, is very regrettable.

He pointed out that right leadership and viability of enterprises must come together for Nigerite Limited to compete effectively, saying that if the project is not viable, it won’t be able to survive even if it is with best leadership management or board members. 

According to him, we are in a very competitive world in which we need to think outside the box in order to remain of note in the business and to compete very effectively.

“Nigerite products are good, viable, marketable and in high demands but you need to also know that those products have competitions elsewhere”, the deputy governor said. 

While tasking the board directors to do something about their products to be current, in-vogue and also to be in the competition, he noted that there are market out there with the housing deficit in the country.

He equally urged the board directors to present a proposal to all state governors on reroofing of schools, hospitals or other instititional outfits across the southwest to be able to meet up with their target.

Lawal, who also appreciated the visitors led by Rt Hon. Titi Oseni MFR, for commending the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde for the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general election, however said that the advancement of Yoruba race is of utmost importance to everyone, adding that his principal has no regret supporting the APC presidential candidate. 

He described Governor Makinde as a true Omoluabi, maintaining that his principal alongside other G5 governors demanded for equity, justice and fairness. 

Earlier in her remarks, the chairman Board of Directors, Titi Oseni, said that Nigerite Limited is a member of the Etex Group with head office in Brussels, Belgium. 

She explained that the Odu’a Investment Company Limited is one of the shareholders of Nigerite Limited since its incorporation in 1959 with 40% stake. 

Oseni noted that the Board of Directors (both Non-Executive Directors and Etex Nigeria directors) and Management of Nigerite limited intended to pay the courtesy call to familiarize the Oyo state Governor with Nigerite products with the intention to promote the company and its products to the State Government. 

Top government functionaries in attendance include Commissioner for land, Akin Olufunmilayo; Commissioner for Health as well as representatives from the ministry of works and SUBEB.