Former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Shina Peller, has commended Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, for his impressive leadership role in transforming the state’s landscape and fostering an environment conducive which further enhances its appeal as a business destination.
Peller stated this while delivering his speech as a keynote speaker at the 2023 Mindshift Empowerment and Employment Initiative (MEEI)’s Turkey-Africa Entrepreneurship Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey.
He also emphasised the need for Turkish entrepreneurs and investors to engage with Nigeria’s growing market for a remarkable Return on Investment (RoI).
Speaking on the topic, ‘The Power of Entrepreneurship, the Opportunities it holds and the remarkable potential that lies in the heart of Africa’, Ayedero of Yorubaland noted that Africa is a continent of boundless potential and home to some of the world’s most creative minds both within the continent and in the diaspora.
In the same vein, Honourable Peller explained that Nigeria, with over 250 diverse ethnic groups and local languages, represents the economic and cultural potential that exists across the African continent.
He added that Nigeria is the gateway to Africa’s world of creativity, describing Nigerian entrepreneurs as vibrant, innovative and problem-solvers.
Highlighting some of the benefits Turkish investors stand to gain from trading and doing business with Nigeria, Honourable Peller stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population and growing middle class present a substantial consumer base for businesses to thrive.
He added that the country boasts of abundant natural resources, from oil and gas to agriculture, offering immense investment potential.
Also, the Oke-Ogun born businessman cum politician explained that Nigeria’s diversity isn’t limited to its rich cultural heritage alone, but that it includes its economic and great entrepreneurial attributes.
“Nigeria’s entrepreneurs have continuously demonstrated incredible resilience and innovation, contributing to the country’s status as one of Africa’s largest economies,” he said.
Also, the former lawmaker disclosed to the Turkish entrepreneurs that their Nigeria’s counterparts do not only foster job creation and wealth distribution but also actively contribute to solutions for the continent’s most pressing issues, which he said include healthcare, education, agriculture and technology.
Moreover, Honourable Peller stressed that it is very important that Turkish and Nigerian entrepreneurs come together to harness and explore the vibrancy and creativity, potential of the power of entrepreneurship in taking responsibility for problem-solving.
In addition, the former federal legislator explained that Oke Ogun region in Oyo State, where he indigenously hails from, is blessed with diverse landscape, natural resources and fertile land, which offer immense opportunities to investors particularly in agriculture and mineral resources.
He said, “Oke Ogun, a vast area within Oyo State, offers distinctive advantages for entrepreneurs. Its strategic location, vast land and resources and untapped agricultural potential make it fertile ground for agribusiness ventures.”
Acknowledging Governor Makinde’s role in making the state business friendly, Honourable Peller said, “In the spirit of recognizing leadership, I must mention and celebrate the Governor of Oyo State, Governor Makinde for his remarkable efforts in transforming the state’s landscape and fostering an environment conducive for business growth and development.
“His dedication to improving education, healthcare, Agriculture and infrastructure is truly commendable and sets a powerful example for other states in Nigeria and beyond.”
Some of the prominent personalities at the conference are His Excellency, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye, H.E. Summy Smart Francis, President, Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs and Special Adviser, (Entrepreneurship), Ondo State, Nigeria, Dr. Yavuz Altun, CEO Happy Center and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and President of Retail Committee.
Others are Bülent Akarcall Economist and Former Minister of Health Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Gökhan Kurtar, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Ismail Aktas, General Coordinator, Europe-Asia Businessmen International Association, Dr. Daniel Deji Ayodele, founder, MEEI Programme, Mr. Martin Arebun, President, MEEI Program, and many others.
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