*Oyo Ranks 3rd In Nigeria’s Ease Of Doing Business – Gov
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and private sector growth, stressing that natural resources alone cannot guarantee economic prosperity without entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge, and intensive production.
Governor Makinde stated this today (Wednesday) at the 10th anniversary celebration and commissioning of the CapitalSage Holdings Global Headquarters in Ibadan, where he congratulated the company on building a thriving business conglomerate headquartered in the state capital.
The governor noted that while Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, sustainable economic prosperity depends on entrepreneurs’ willingness to take risks, innovate, and invest.
He assured investors of his administration’s continued support through enhanced security, investment facilitation, and other measures aimed at promoting business expansion and economic growth.
Describing the commissioning as a celebration of entrepreneurship, Gov. Makinde urged stakeholders to recognise the critical role of private businesses in creating economic opportunities, generating employment, and strengthening local industries.
He noted that CapitalSage Holdings had grown into a conglomerate comprising about 20 companies, adding that the establishment of its global headquarters in Ibadan would further reinforce the city’s position as a leading business hub and investment destination.
He also expressed confidence that Oyo State can compete favourably with Lagos in attracting investments and hosting major business operations.
Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting CapitalSage Holdings and other investors, maintaining that creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and expand remained central to the state’s economic development agenda.
Speaking during the event, the governor said: “Nigeria is a wealthy country in terms of natural resources, but natural resources alone cannot lead to economic prosperity. Prosperity must be driven by entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge, and intensive production.
“Today, we are celebrating entrepreneurship, because someone must be willing to take risks on behalf of society. I congratulate the CapitalSage team for taking those risks and building a successful enterprise.
“Our responsibility as a government is to create an environment where businesses can thrive. We have worked to ensure that economic activities continue beyond traditional working hours by providing the infrastructure, stability, and security businesses need to grow.
“This occasion is particularly significant because CapitalSage is demonstrating that Ibadan can host the headquarters of major business organisations. For many years, people viewed Oyo State as playing second fiddle to Lagos in terms of business and investment. Today, we are proving that Oyo State can stand shoulder to shoulder with any state in the federation in attracting investment and supporting enterprise.
“I want to assure CapitalSage Holdings and other investors that this administration will continue to provide every necessary support. Whether it is facilitation, security, or any legitimate government intervention required for growth, we will continue to partner with businesses that create jobs and contribute to our economy.
“Recently, we supported major industrial projects, including the brown sugar factory and the sorbitol factory, because of their contributions to employment creation and economic development. CapitalSage will enjoy the same level of support.
“On behalf of the government and people of Oyo State, I congratulate the CapitalSage team on this milestone. This is only the beginning, and I look forward to witnessing even greater achievements in the years ahead.”
In his welcome address, the founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, Mr. John Alamu, commended Gov. Makinde for providing the enabling environment that allowed the group to grow from a small enterprise in Oyo State into a diversified business conglomerate with its headquarters in Ibadan.
He assured stakeholders of the group’s commitment to building stronger businesses, developing its workforce, deepening strategic partnerships, and delivering greater value to its customers.
The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I; the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III; and the Deji of Akure, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, alongside financial partners, local and international investors, captains of industry and government functionaries.
Oyo Ranks 3rd In Nigeria’s Ease Of Doing Business – Gov
In a related development, Makinde has disclosed that the state is currently third in Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, attributing the achievement to deliberate policies and sustained investments in economic infrastructure.
The governor also urged stakeholders to take deliberate steps to sustain and leverage the achievement, noting that prosperity came only when available opportunities were effectively harnessed.
His Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a statement on Tuesday, said Gov. Makinde made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, themed ‘Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities’, held at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Ibadan.
The fair was jointly organised by the state government and the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA).
Represented by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof Salihu Adelabu, the governor emphasised the need for stronger synergy between the government and chambers of commerce to ensure effective policy implementation and drive sustainable economic growth.
He noted that the state’s seven geopolitical zones were interconnected, creating opportunities for economic activities and expansion.
He added that Oyo State remained the only sub-national government in Nigeria registered as a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a move that, he said, positioned the state to better harness continental trade opportunities.
Speaking on the theme of the trade fair, the governor said the world had become a global village, making closer collaboration among OYCCIMA, the West African Chamber, the Pan-African Chamber, and the World Chamber of Commerce imperative.
He stressed that OYCCIMA and the Oyo State government were mutually dependent and ought to work together to create value, generate employment, and support entrepreneurs.
In his remarks, the Permanent syecretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, who represented the Commissioner, reiterated the state government’s commitment to driving economic growth through collaboration, value addition, and the promotion of locally-made products, particularly in the agricultural sector.
National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, described the trade fair as a vital platform for promoting enterprise development, showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products and services, and strengthening investment and trade cooperation.
According to him, the theme was timely and aligned with the objectives of the AfCFTA, which provided access to a market of about 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion.
He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to advocating policies that improved the business environment, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthen collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
Earlier, in his welcome address, President of OYCCIMA, Mr. Niran Adewoyin, said the 2026 trade fair reflected a determination to move beyond conventional exhibitions towards economic integration, market expansion, innovation, and sustainable prosperity.
He commended Gov. Makinde for providing an enabling environment that had allowed local industries and investors to thrive, expand their operations, and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
He also assured participants of the chamber’s continued commitment to serving as a bridge between the government and the business community.
In their goodwill messages, President of Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (IBCCIMA), Chief Emmanuel Ogunnaike; and the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abass, urged the government to protect the interests of farmers and adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property.
The event was attended by exhibitors, traders, market leaders, top government officials, and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
*PHOTO CAPTION: From right, Oyo State governor and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde; founder and Group Managing Director, CapitalSage Holding, Mr. John Alamu; his wife, Mrs. Alamu; Group Executive, Corporate Services, Dr. Yemisi Shittu; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja and the Oni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, during the commissioning of Capitalsage House, headquarters of Capitalsage Holding, in Ibadan … today.
