By Nofisat Adeoye
Governor Rauf Aregbesola has stated that with the standard infrastructure put in place by his administration, investment will surely thrive in the state.
Aregbesola said this known at a One-day enlightenment seminar on “Stimulating Effective Shipment of Non-oil Export Products” organized by Nigerian Shippers Council, South West Zonal Coordinating Office.
Aregbesola who was represented by the Special Adviser on Wealth Creation, Mr. Adetoyese Ademola, gave accolades to the organizers for identifying the state as a place of economic development, adding that the capacity of Nigerian Shippers Council as one of the leading economic regulator of Nigeria’s port sector cannot be overemphasised.
At the enlightenment seminar for stakeholders held at White Plain Suites and Towers in Osogbo, the State capital, presentations as regard the theme were revealed in line with part of the mandate of Nigerian Shippers Council.
In his presentation titled “Stimulating Effective Shipment of Non-Oil Export Products in the State of Osun”, the Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives, Mr. Jayeoba Alagbada stated that the state government under the leadership of
Aregbesola has laid solid foundation for investors to invest in the state through projects and array of Agricultural produce as well as solid Minerals.
Alagbada stated that the foundations are necessary precursors to make the state a major player in the national drive to promote Non-Oil Export.
Alagbada described Aregbesola as a Governor with foresight, Alagbada added that one of the Governor’s major projects at inception of his tenure was construction of Free Trade Zone in the state which comprises Importers/Exporters, Shippers Associations, Commodities Association, Chambers of Commerce, Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, among others.
The Director, Inland Transport Services Department of Nigerian Shippers Council, Lagos, Mr. Akintunde Makinde in his presentation tagged: “Role of Nigerian Shippers Council in Trade Facilitation” affirmed that the role of the association is to provide protective platform for stakeholders in import and export business nationally and internationally.
Makinde who was represented by Mr. Akintola Kola, maintained that actualization of objectives of the Federal Government’s Executive Order on the ease of doing business in Nigeria through the councils trade facilitation and regulation must be embraced by stakeholders at all levels.
Also in his presentation on Packaging of Agricultural Products by the Regional Coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Babatunde Faleke averred that packaging must be protected and advertised, as well as trendy and innovative.
Faleke noted that agricultural products in Nigeria with improved packaging have a place in the international market.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Shippers Council, South-West Coordinating Office, Mr. Olurotimi Anifowose appreciated Governor Aregbesola and stakeholders for their support of the council in the state through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives.
He also appealed for appropriate recognition to the Shippers Council which is not a non-governmental organization for good service delivery, while pledging that the Nigerian Shippers Council will not fail in its function as one of the key boosters of Nigeria’s economy.
