Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that Ibadan can compete with Lagos in attracting investment, insisting that the state is positioning itself to host major businesses and unlock more economic opportunities.

Makinde spoke on Wednesday at the 10th anniversary celebration and commissioning of the global headquarters of CapitalSage Holdings in Ibadan, describing the development as proof that the city can attract major investments.

The governor said natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity without entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge and increased production, stressing that government must create the right conditions for businesses to thrive.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde assured CapitalSage and other investors of continued government support through security, investment facilitation and other legitimate interventions.

He said Oyo State was moving beyond the perception that it must take a back seat to Lagos in business and investment, adding that the establishment of CapitalSage’s global headquarters in Ibadan demonstrated the city’s growing capacity to host major business operations.

“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,” he said.

Makinde congratulated CapitalSage’s management on building a conglomerate comprising about 20 companies, noting that the private sector remained critical to job creation, industrial growth and economic development.

He also cited the state government’s support for the brown sugar and sorbitol factories, saying his administration would continue to support businesses whose operations could create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

“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,” he said.

Founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, John Alamu, commended Makinde for providing an enabling environment that helped the company grow from a small enterprise in Oyo State into a diversified business group headquartered in Ibadan.

Alamu pledged that the company would continue to strengthen its businesses, develop its workforce, deepen partnerships and deliver greater value to its customers.

The ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

Financial partners, local and international investors, captains of industry and senior Oyo State government officials were also present.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that Ibadan can compete with Lagos in attracting investment, insisting that the state is positioning itself to host major businesses and unlock more economic opportunities.

Makinde spoke on Wednesday at the 10th anniversary celebration and commissioning of the global headquarters of CapitalSage Holdings in Ibadan, describing the development as proof that the city can attract major investments.

The governor said natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity without entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge and increased production, stressing that government must create the right conditions for businesses to thrive.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde assured CapitalSage and other investors of continued government support through security, investment facilitation and other legitimate interventions.

He said Oyo State was moving beyond the perception that it must take a back seat to Lagos in business and investment, adding that the establishment of CapitalSage’s global headquarters in Ibadan demonstrated the city’s growing capacity to host major business operations.

“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,” he said.

Makinde congratulated CapitalSage’s management on building a conglomerate comprising about 20 companies, noting that the private sector remained critical to job creation, industrial growth and economic development.

He also cited the state government’s support for the brown sugar and sorbitol factories, saying his administration would continue to support businesses whose operations could create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

“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,” he said.

Founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, John Alamu, commended Makinde for providing an enabling environment that helped the company grow from a small enterprise in Oyo State into a diversified business group headquartered in Ibadan.

Alamu pledged that the company would continue to strengthen its businesses, develop its workforce, deepen partnerships and deliver greater value to its customers.

The ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

Financial partners, local and international investors, captains of industry and senior Oyo State government officials were also present.