Today, 27th of August, 2024 marks the 33rd anniversary Osun state is created. Meanwhile , over the years, the cliché on the lips of average residents in the thirty-three (33) years old state —to many of us who are young and industrious is not something that we like to embrace. Whenever they call the State “A civil servant state”. Seldomly, I nod my head to the assertion that Osun State is an agrarian state.
However, I still feel that we are limiting the state by such a label. Do you know why? How could you tag a state that has youths; who are energetic, creative and who have have abilities to drive development, with these statements (civil servant and agrarian)? No! We are short-circuiting and also creating deception of laziness for our youths. Our youths are innovative, resilient, visionary, malleable, intense, and technologically savvy. They are full spec, no gainsaying, isn’t insulting for us to wear the garb of ‘civil servant and agrarian state’ in Osun which has over 12 universities and numerous polytechnic and colleges of education?
How could you tag a state which houses the whole electricity of Nigeria?
Recently, I decided to prove my point and identify several young business owners in the state, who are doing well in one sector of the economy to the other. My findings revealed that our status is changing, the name is changing when you see innovation and listen to innovative ideas from our youths.
Talents abound in Osun state, and innovations and productive plans in the archive of our youth banks are so notable. We have such of these people abound and all we need to do is to encourage them and put up policies and schemes that would enhance the ease of doing business.
It is a known fact, that during the administration of my boss, Adegboyega Oyetola as the governor of Osun State, our state was rated amongst those states with the best ease of doing business.
Not only that, he gets youths involved in the administration to the extent that he patronises them and even, they do most supply of the monthly food support codenamed “Ounje ILERIOLUWA” , ICT, entertainment industry amongst others.
This legacy of facilitating ease of doing business can be further built upon by recognizing and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit within the state among our youths. Encouraging these young entrepreneurs and implementing policies that enhance business operations will be crucial in transforming Osun from a civil servant-dominated state to a vibrant commercial hub.
Such efforts can lead to sustainable economic growth and diversification, benefiting the entire state.
Sometimes ago, I paid a courtesy visit to the IBBDS group. This group does not only exist to facilitate trade and commerce in Osun state but they are also gifted in creating businesses and offering services for investors who might be finding it difficult to either establish or sustain their business. I marvelled at the state-of-the-art equipments I found and the potential yet untapped in their companies. I took time to check around and see various concepts of their business models and was greatly impressed.
One major business activity I noticed with this subsidiary is production of Palm kernel oil from Palm kernel nuts. Studies have shown that oil obtained from Palm kernel nuts or seeds remain an amazing source of healthy unsaturated fats. It is as described as a medium or little chain fatty acids which have been reported to be healthier for body consumption and general use.
My simple query and suggestion was; it is trite that if one must extract this oil, one would must have enough palm kernel nuts. I am of the opinion that in order to meet up this demand, our young agriprenuers should focus on this line of investment as this will in no future become a cash cow.
I make bold to say that Osun people should watch out for this set of young entrepreneurs and do whatever is within their reach to make them succeed. In my capacity, I have pledged to intermittently offer them any form of advice or guidance as regards their business pro bono whenever they so desire. I know Osun will get there if we can take time to look inwardly.
Recently, the Managing Director of IBBDS group, Alhaji Daud Oladele, was recognized by the bank of industry for their innovative approach and efforts to improving the economy of the state and country at large.
Osun State is a commercial hub and we should make this happen through our collective efforts.
Engr. Olalekan Badmus
Former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties under Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola.
The current Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority.