Abiodun inaugurates Ogun Invest Ambassador Network System to boost investment

IN a bid to accelerate investment opportunities and foster economic growth, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has inaugurated the Ogun State Investment Ambassador Network.

Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Dapo Okubadejo, at the event on Monday, emphasised the importance of the newly established agency, which aims to serve as a catalyst for private sector-driven development.

He stated this during the inauguration ceremony held at OPIC, Isheri, Ogun State.

He said, “This agency is an independent agency. We wanted this agency to be very proactive, efficient and to ensure that they are like a private sector government kind of agency.”

Abiodun added that the initiative, located at Isheri, seeks to streamline investment processes and provide a one-stop-shop for investors.

The governor stated that the establishment of the agency was preceded by the signing of a Law in December 2019, aimed at setting up a regulatory framework to guide investment promotion across all ministries and government agencies.

Abiodun highlighted the support structures put in place to complement the agency’s efforts, including the Business Environment Council tasked with enhancing efficiency in key processes such as construction permits and land acquisition.

While addressing the appointed ambassadors, Abiodun emphasised the need for a paradigm shift towards a more service-oriented approach reflective of private sector standards.

He underscored the importance of training and incentivising performance to ensure excellence in service delivery.

“Your job is to enlighten and assist the private sector, knowing full well that there’s competition for this investment.

“Teamwork, communication, proactiveness, integrity, transparency and accountability should be your watchword.”

Abiodun said that the ambassadorial network is poised to undergo regular evaluations to maximise its impact in attracting investments and leveraging the state’s abundant resources for economic development.

“I hope that when we do a first round of evaluation, none of you will be dropped,” Abiodun added, stressing the collective responsibility of the ambassadors to work together towards achieving the objectives of the network.

In his goodwill message, Mr Adebola Sofela, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, emphasised the critical role of carefully selected ambassadors in driving a crucial initiative aimed at fostering intergovernmental cooperation and collaboration.

Sofela underscored the collective commitment to advance the economic growth and development of Ogun State through a robust ambassador network.

“Each and every one of you who have been carefully selected to serve as ambassadors in this crucial initiative holds the responsibility to serve as the bridge between the investor community and the government through your respective agencies,” stated Sofela.

Sofela encouraged each ambassador to embrace principles such as transparency, honesty, efficiency, proactiveness and accountability in their roles.

He stressed that these values would be instrumental in ensuring the success of the initiative and fostering positive outcomes for the state’s economy and its citizens.