Power supply is largely referred to as “light” by many in Nigeria. The presence of power supply brings with it amongst other things, great productivity. When power supply is steadily available, as it is at Osogbo, the capital city of the State of Osun, it is expected that many things should improve in the state. For example, it should attract more investors into the state, as they would have lesser problem with power generation, compared to many other states in the federation. Aside from power, the road network in the state is also better, especially when compared to many other states in the country. This should normally attract investors into the state. However, this is not happening. This leads us to the question of why? Why are investors not coming to a state with a capital city that boasts of very good road system, and power supply? With a very generous amount of peace, tranquility, and nature-given abundance, Osun State is arguably one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Investors, on a general note, adore the aforementioned qualities (Power, Road, and Peace), however, they can also be said to prefer a close proximity to borders, especially sea borders as found in the heavy influx of investments in cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. However, when one considers cities like Ibadan and Abeokuta, with no significant sea border within their territories yet many investments in their cities, the ‘sea-border’ excuse gets defeated. Though, truly, both cities are in close proximity to Lagos, the business capital of the Nation, yet so is Osogbo, Osun State. The little edge (close proximity) that the two aforementioned states have over Osun State can be defeated through a revised rail transportation system, and even a revised road network system. Fortunately, the best time for such a move is now. This is because, for the first time since 1999, these four states are being led by the same Political Party, therefore, the difficulty of party difference ceases to exist, at least for now. If only a move is made by the Government of the State of Osun, for an improved business relationship with Lagos State, the state should grow better. The state governor’s solid experience with the politics of Lagos should also serve as an added advantage.
Ogun State can be said to be befitting from this same strategy as it is no news that Lagos State is already getting overpopulated, and possibly ‘over-invested’, they therefore are executing a brilliant strategy of attracting companies from Lagos. If only the government of the State of Osun would get a blueprint of the strategy, or an improved one and restrategise on it to make Ipinle Osun more investment-worthy.
Despite the challenge of distance, the tax laws in the state might also play its own part in sending a frowning face to potential investors. On 17th of November 2017, it was reported that the Steels Company, allegedly belonging to the Richest man in Africa, and Nigeria’s number one business man, Aliko Dangote, was sealed for issues relating to tax. Now by no means is tax evasion anything good, however, if the Government of the State of Osun can attract investors by perhaps revisiting the state’s tax laws, and possibly relaxing it, with more emphasis and priorities on employment of the youth, and attracting investment in the state, the revenue generated by the state should grow significantly.
As promised by the founding father of the Yoruba race, Oduduwa, the state shall continue to grow and flourish as seen in our tourism industry, however, as the age-old saying goes, “when God is helping you, you need to help yourself too”.
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