Governor Ademola Adeleke has restated his administration’s commitment to transforming Osun State from a civil service state to an industrialised entity.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday, September 27, 2026, while hosting a team of sports industry investors at his London residence.
The delegation was led by Dr Bob Olukoya, Country Director, Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited and Mrs Joanne Macrae, Director, Amos Sports Business School, London and Business Development Director, Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited.
Governor Adeleke, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, said his administration is creating an enabling environment for investors.
“Our administration has put in place investment friendly policies and programmes to make Osun attractive for business. The Osun Free Trade Zone is ready for investors with excellent ease of doing business,” Adeleke said.
The governor directed the ministry to treat the firm’s submission with urgency.
“We have directed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to treat with urgency the submission from Alive and Kicking. Osun is in a hurry for industrialisation,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Dr Olukoya said the company is interested in establishing a football manufacturing factory in the state.
“We are interested in building a factory for production of football to service the massive football needs of Nigeria, Africa and the whole world,” Olukoya said.
He disclosed that the Ministry has already treated its application for land at the Osun Free Trade Zone.
“The ministry has already treated our application for a land space at the Osun State Free Trade Zone and preparation is already in top gear for commencement of work on the allocated site,” he added.
Mrs Macrae said the firm has also finalised plans for a football talent academy in the state.
“We have finalised a football talent academy to train and develop young Osun footballers for participation in local and international leagues,” she said.
She added that the firm would submit a detailed proposal on the talent hunt idea, noting that there are huge opportunities in sports business.