U.S. Consulate seeks partnership with Oyo Govt. on solid minerals development

The Deputy Political and Economic Chief, United States of America Consul-General, Lagos, Ms Kenise Hill, has sought partnership with the Oyo state Government in the area of solid minerals development.

Hill stated this when she led a delegation from the United States Consul-General, on a courtesy visit to Gov. Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The deputy political and economic chief said that the US government was ready to expand its trade and investment and unlock trading opportunities, such as solid minerals development.

She described Oyo State as one of the states with vast opportunities for America to explore, especially in solid minerals.

According to her, trade investment partnership between the U.S. and Oyo state will enhance job opportunities and boost the economy of the state and Nigeria. ‎

“Our goal is to connect U.S. industries to Nigerian players, private or public sector.

“We are also trying to support the development of infrastructure projects, which we understand require significant resources in terms of financing and manpower.

“So, we provide grants, which typically ranges from $2 million to support infrastructure in the state and for Nigeria as a whole.

“So, we look forward to exploring how we can work with more entities as well and looking out for potential opportunities in the solid minerals sector,” Hill stated.

Responding, Makinde, represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, said that his administration was ready to partner with the United States to explore opportunities in solid minerals development.

He added that the partnership would not be limited to solid minerals alone, but also agribusiness, education and other investment opportunities that would benefit both parties.

Makinde assured that his administration had put in place policies that would aid engagement on solid minerals development, environment, agribusiness and energy supply, among others.

He told the US Consulate team that Oyo state has huge potentials that could be leveraged for partnership capable of immense benefit to both parties.

“Close to half of the entire land mass of the state has various solid mineral deposits that can be tapped and developed in partnership with the US government.

“The state government does not mind if you are relating with the private sector or directly with us.

“On environment, you can explore activities that could positively impact Oyo state, while agribusiness development is another area that is so germane to this government.

“In the current dispensation, we have put agriculture on the front burner, because we sincerely believe that we must be able to feed our people.

“On education, we are quite aware that without education, you and I would not be here. So, we know that we need to educate our people.

“Not only in conventional education, but to also deploy technology to go in the global direction,”the governor said.

Makinde, equally stated that the U.S. government could also support the state government in the area of energy.

“We are ready to collaborate with the U.S. government on energy and in whatever activities you deem fit to engage with us in Oyo State,” he added.

Others on the U.S. delegation were Mr Joshua Egba, (Country Representative, Trade and Development), Mr Banksharon Nwaneri (Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy) and Mr Kenechukwu Onyeke (Environment Sciences, Technology and Health Specialist).