Okeho Economic Summit Charts New Course for Sustainable Growth, Emphasizes Agribusiness and Local Industries
The Okeho Economic and Industrial Awareness Summit 2025, held on February 22, at the Okeho Town Hall, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, traditional rulers, and community representatives.
The summit aimed to explore innovative strategies for revitalizing Okeho's economy, promoting sustainable growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
The event featured keynote lectures, panel discussions, and presentations from experts in various fields. Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, President of the Nigerian Society of Animal Protection (NSAP), delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled "Unlocking the Economic Potential of Okeho." He highlighted Okeho's rich economic history, including its thriving arts and crafts industry, and agricultural production.
Babayemi emphasized the need for Okeho to blend traditional practices with modern technology to create a unique value proposition. He suggested creating an "Olofin Brand" to market local products, such as "Olofin Ginger" and "Olofin Pottery." This brand, he argued, would not only promote local products but also create a sense of pride and identity among the community.
Babayemi identified key challenges facing Okeho's economic development, including infrastructure deficits, workforce limitations, and the absence of a clear economic development strategy. He recommended developing a strategic economic plan, establishing an investor task force, implementing workforce training programs, promoting tourism, and leveraging natural resources.
Mr. Kolawole Adeniyi, Chairman/CEO of Niji Group, delivered a lecture on the agribusiness potential of Okeho. He emphasized that Okeho's fertile land and hardworking populace presented a prime opportunity for agribusiness-driven economic growth. Adeniyi outlined key strategies for unlocking this potential, including empowering local farmers with modern techniques and improved seeds, establishing robust market linkages, promoting value-added processing, and ensuring access to finance.
He emphasized that addressing these areas would transform Okeho into a thriving agribusiness hub, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its residents. Adeniyi's presentation was followed by a panel discussion, where stakeholders brainstormed ideas for implementing these strategies and overcoming potential challenges.
The summit's goal was to share knowledge and experience to foster economic prosperity. Committee Chairman, Mr. Jacob Moyo Ajekigbe, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving economic growth. He noted that the summit was a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together to implement the strategies discussed during the event.
Hon. Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji, representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency, acknowledged the community's focus on economic improvement and addressed state creation speculations, citing constitutional processes as the primary hurdle.
The summit was well-attended by dignitaries, including traditional rulers, business leaders, and policymakers. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
As the summit came to a close, stakeholders expressed optimism about the future of Okeho's economy. With a clear roadmap for sustainable growth and development, Okeho is poised to become a model for economic transformation in Nigeria.
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