Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced the securing of a $100 million investment from British investors, following his recent investment drive in the United Kingdom. According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covers investments in agriculture, water, tourism, and free trade zones. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hon. Florence Eshalomi, the UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy.

Rasheed dismissed claims of fake news and doctored videos from the opposition, asserting that Governor Adeleke successfully addressed four high-profile meetings during his trip. These included a trade meeting in the House of Commons, an address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce trade mission, a cultural tourism engagement at the British Museum, and an investment briefing with a select group of investors.

The governor's spokesperson stated that the trip's goals included updating the investment community on Osun State’s infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of enhanced business practices. A key objective was forging an official investment link with the UK through the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria. The $100 million investment deals were secured with investors present at the signing of the investment facilitation MOU, focusing on agriculture, water, tourism, and free trade zones.

An investment collaboration framework was also agreed upon with the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This framework aims to create a tripartite working relationship between the binational chamber, the Osun State government, and the UK Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, a partnership deal was established with the British Museum to focus on Osun’s cultural assets, highlighting the connection between the museum and Ile Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba nation. This partnership includes a new framework for digitizing cultural assets.

The Osun State government emphasized the presentation of Osun’s investment climate to stakeholders, referencing a unified tax system, a 45-day window for processing the Certificate of Occupancy, and a one-stop shop for investment processing. The revival of the Osun Free Trade Zone was also presented as an opportunity for UK and European businesses. Impressively, the reduction of Osun's infrastructure deficit by 45 percent, with an expected further reduction in 2025, was showcased, highlighting improvements in roads, bridges, and health facilities.

The ESG Consulting Group was engaged to facilitate investment by relating with the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy and interfacing with the investing community on opportunities in Osun State. Governor Adeleke also hosted briefings for Osun indigenes, gathering feedback and brainstorming governance ideas.