By Dare Akogun
In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and bolster economic development, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, embarked on a three-day high-level visit to Oyo State, Nigeria.
The visit, marked by engagements with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde, and other state officials, underscore the commitment to fostering enduring partnerships between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, particularly in the realm of agribusiness.
During discussions with Governor Makinde, Mr. Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to enhancing trade and economic opportunities in agribusiness within Oyo State. Emphasizing collaboration to stimulate job creation and economic growth, both parties explored avenues for cooperation.
Highlighting the UK’s support for agro storage and research facilities in the state, Mr. Baxter reiterated the commitment to facilitating investment and shared expertise. He underscored the importance of partnerships in driving economic prosperity and expressed optimism about the continued growth of collaborative efforts.
A pivotal moment of the visit was the commissioning of the new British International Investment (BII) funded Valency agro-processing complex in Ibadan. This venture, aimed at maximizing agricultural output, promises to engage local farmers and processing centers, potentially creating up to 2,800 jobs among low-income communities and benefiting approximately 60,000 farmers across Nigeria.
Speaking on the significance of the Valency agro-processing complex, Mr. Baxter emphasized the UK’s commitment to catalyzing sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation in Nigeria.
The investment underscores the UK’s dedication to enhancing value addition in Nigeria’s food processing sector, thereby bolstering job creation and livelihood opportunities nationwide.
Throughout the visit, the Deputy High Commissioner engaged with key stakeholders, including government officials, business contacts, and traditional leaders, to gain insights into the impact of ongoing projects and initiatives.
These interactions serve as a platform to explore further investment and trade partnerships, with the potential to fuel economic growth and job creation in Oyo State.
The visit of Mr. Jonny Baxter signifies the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, highlighting shared aspirations for economic prosperity and sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, both nations aim to foster inclusive growth and improve livelihoods across communities.
