Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, met on Wednesday at the 10th anniversary and commissioning of CapitalSage Holdings Global Headquarters in Ibadan.
MOUTHPIECE NGR understands that this is the first time both leaders would be meeting at a public event after several months, as observers suggested the break in communication may be connected to political or policy differences.
Governor Makinde used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and private sector growth, stressing that natural resources alone cannot guarantee prosperity without entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge and intensive production.
He congratulated CapitalSage Holdings for building a thriving conglomerate of about 20 companies headquartered in Ibadan, noting that it reinforces the city’s position as a leading business hub.
“Nigeria is a wealthy country in terms of natural resources, but natural resources alone cannot lead to economic prosperity. Prosperity must be driven by entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge, and intensive production,” Makinde said.
“Our responsibility as a government is to create an environment where businesses can thrive. This occasion is significant because CapitalSage is demonstrating that Ibadan can host the headquarters of major business organisations. For many years, people viewed Oyo State as playing second fiddle to Lagos. Today, we are proving that Oyo State can stand shoulder to shoulder with any state in attracting investment.”
He assured investors of continued support through security, investment facilitation and other measures, adding that CapitalSage would enjoy same support given to major industrial projects like the brown sugar and sorbitol factories.
Earlier, Founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, Mr. John Alamu, commended Makinde for providing the enabling environment that allowed the Group to grow from a small enterprise to a diversified conglomerate.
The event was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, financial partners, investors and captains of industry.
Top government functionaries in attendance included SSG Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Deputy Chief of Staff Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi, Chief Bayo Lawal, commissioners and DG OYSIPA Hon. Tilewa Folami, among others.
