LONDON — The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has hosted a team of sports industry investors in London, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transforming the state from a civil service-dependent economy into an industrialised subnational entity.


Adeleke received the delegation led by Dr Bob Olukoya, Country Director of Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited, and Mrs Joanne Macrae, Director of Amos Sports Business School, London, and Business Development Director of Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited, at his London residence.


The governor highlighted the investment-friendly policies of his administration and assured the investors that the Osun Free Trade Zone was ready to accommodate businesses, with emphasis on ease of doing business.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Adeleke directed the ministry to urgently process the submission made by Alive and Kicking, stressing that the state was committed to accelerating its industrialisation drive.


Speaking during the meeting, Olukoya and Macrae said Alive and Kicking Nigeria Limited was interested in establishing a football manufacturing factory in Osun State to produce footballs for the Nigerian, African and global markets.


The investors said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had already processed their application for land within the Osun Free Trade Zone, with preparations underway for work to begin on the allocated site.

The delegation also disclosed that it had concluded plans for a football talent academy aimed at training and developing young footballers from Osun State for participation in local and international leagues.


The company further highlighted the business opportunities available in the sports sector and promised to submit a detailed proposal on its planned talent-hunt programme.