The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has called for renewed focus on industrialization, innovation, and value addition in Oyo State, emphasizing that Ogbomoso — the state’s second-largest city — holds untapped potential to become a regional hub for manufacturing and export-driven growth.
Speaking during the Ogbomoso Economic Summit, Dr. Oduwole noted that the time has come for local entrepreneurs and investors to move beyond primary commodity trading and embrace the transformative opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Every tonne of cashew, every bolt of Sányàn fabric, every bag of cassava flour can carry more value when processed, branded, and marketed from here,” she said. “The future belongs to those who seize AfCFTA opportunities, build trusted brands, and position Ogbomoso as a regional hub for export-ready goods.”
Dr. Oduwole commended His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, for his visionary leadership and commitment to economic renaissance in the ancient city. According to her, the monarch’s developmental drive and engagement with government and private stakeholders have been pivotal in creating an enabling environment for inclusive growth.
She emphasized that Ogbomoso’s agricultural heritage—with its vast cashew plantations, cassava fields, and textile craftsmanship—can serve as the foundation for a new era of industrial expansion. Through strategic investment in processing, branding, and export infrastructure, Ogbomoso can evolve from a predominantly agrarian community to an innovation and production powerhouse.
“We must think beyond raw commodities,” Dr. Oduwole urged. “Our cities must become centers of creativity and productivity, where Nigerian products meet international standards and find their way to markets across Africa and beyond.”
The Minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through policies that promote access to finance, market expansion, and technological innovation. She encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the No Limits Nigeria Initiative, her flagship empowerment platform, which continues to drive enterprise development and inclusive economic participation nationwide.
The Ogbomoso Economic Summit brought together policymakers, investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss actionable strategies for industrial development, youth empowerment, and sustainable trade growth in Oyo State.
Dr. Oduwole’s message reaffirmed the Ministry’s goal of positioning Nigerian cities as globally competitive industrial hubs, capable of contributing meaningfully to national GDP growth, job creation, and export diversification.
By Anthony Emeka Nwosu
