By Editor 
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration has raised the bar of good governance in Oyo State, while providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The governor, while speaking at the official commissioning of the 663.6KWP Solar Power Plant of Nigerian Breweries PLC, Ibadan plant, said that his administration will continue to create business friendly environment for investors.
He maintained that the state is open to any investor that is interested in setting up businesses.
He also appreciated the Nigerian Breweries PLc, for revamping the Mokola Cultural Centre in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
He said: “I want to thank you for inviting me to be part of your history at the commissioning of this solar plant here in Ibadan. We are definitely adding this to many other historical firsts in Oyo State. Years from now, when people talk about how Nigerian Breweries shifted from conventional electricity to renewable energy, the records will show that it started from your Ibadan Brewery.
“I am particularly excited about this commissioning because it involves a vital aspect that will drive human endeavour, sustainability and I must say that this is a challenge to politicians. If a corporation like Nigerian Breweries is still thinking of making the environment better, then the primary thought of a politician should be how to make the society better for the citizens.
“So, for us here in Oyo State, we took up that challenge to ensure sustainability, and even as our administration reaches the midpoint of its mandate, we are still thinking sustainability.
Not just the sustainability of the environment, which both the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources as well as Energy and Mineral Resources are concerned about, but the sustainability of our new ways of doing things.
“How do we ensure that the higher level of public private sector synergy we created in the past few years is maintained? We know that if there is one thing the politicians love, it is to outdo the past administration somehow. “So, we have raised the bar of good governance a little higher so that when the next administration comes in, they will want to outdo us, which will benefit the people of Oyo State.
“One of the questions we asked ourselves earlier in our administration was why will anyone want to do business in Oyo State? Working with the answers we received, we have proceeded to build an environment that supports enterprise.
As we reconstructed the 65 kilometre Moniya-Iseyin road, farm estate started to spring up along that route. We have also continued the dualization of the 7.3 kilometre Agodi gate/Old-Ife road, Adegbayi junction and Alakia Ibadan Airport.
“We are happy that our efforts in making life better is yielding results. Nigerian Breweries will not be thinking of further reinvesting here if that process is poor.
“So, that you are bringing in this project here and from what I have heard, it means we are doing something right and we will continue.
“Let me use this opportunity to invite other businesses to Oyo State because we are open for business. Talk to us, our doors are always open. When I came in, I said infrastructure development will target our economy. So, you are just validating that and I can assure you that this is just the beginning.
“Let me also mention that in the coming year, while still remaining focused and building and maintaining infrastructure around the state, we are looking to expand the investment base. So, we are interested in ideas that will develop our tourism industry and this is where Nigerian Breweries comes in because your products complement the hospitality industry, which is a success of the tourism sector. So, if you are thinking of adopting or branding one of our numerous tourist attractions in Oyo State, we will be happy to discuss such mutually beneficial ideas.
“Let me show gratitude to the Nigerian Breweries which, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has continued to support the community here. The reconstruction of the shops at Mokola Hill has transformed it to a standard viewing centre and I believe two weeks ago, I signed it off that Nigerian Breweries should maintain and operate the place.
“Also, this was against the advice of the ministry because civil servants will like to take control but we want private people to actually drive our economy. So, it was my pleasure signing that over.
“And recently, you gave three power bikes to OYRTMA to assist its operations. I want to say a big thanks to you on this. We are indeed grateful.
“Bring more of your businesses here to the benefit of the good people of Oyo State.”
Earlier, the Chairman Nigerian Breweriies PLC, Chief Kolawole Jamidu, said that the day marked another great day in the history of the Nigerian Breweries company as it officially commissioned the 663.6 KWP solar plant.
He said :”We are indeed delighted and feel highly honored by the presence of His Excellency, Governor Makinde, for coming.’
He explained that
Ibadan brewery is very significant to the company as it is the fourth largest in Nigeria, adding that this was the reason the company decided to use it as pilot to demonstrate the firm commitment to environmental sustainability.
“I want to once again appreciate the effort of Governor Makinde who is helping us to reposition the state as an investment destination and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. If the environment was not good enough, there was no way we could have come in.
He noted that the company’s partnership with the state government has made the company invest hundreds of millions of naira in various community projects and social investment in areas of education, health, access to potable water and environment.
“You will recall that when the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic became overwhelming, our company rose to the occasion by donating N600m to the federal and state governments and also providing PPEs, vehicles and logistics support as well as Maltina and energy drinks to various locations of NCDC; isolation centres all over the country.
“It is our prayer that we will be able to do more in the years to come.”
The event had in attendance, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, Commissioners and a host of others.
