Towards rejuvenation of the economy, job opportunity and socio-economic development, the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration has created investment friendly environment for industrialization drive to thrive in Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun made this known at the ground-breaking ceremony of Otsuka Nigeria Nutraceuticals Company at Orile-Imo, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the State.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela highlighted the global recognition of foreign and domestic investment flow, as catalysts for economic prosperity.
Emphasising the integral role of industrial growth in driving socio-economic development, wealth creation, employment generation, poverty alleviation, and food security, Governor Abiodun commended the Company for siting its business organization in Ogun State, being the Industrial Capital of Nigeria.
He enumerated industrial advantages of Ogun State to include, availability of abundant skilled youth population, proximity to existing multinational corporations, closeness to express road and other amenities, urging the company to integrate local content into its operations, source raw materials and the workforce locally and embrace a robust Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) that would directly benefit the local communities, to foster a harmonious relationship between them.
“Ogun State is the number one investment destination of choice, which is made possible by the transformational works embarked upon by the present administration,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman House Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Bisi Oyedele, said the establishment of the company would culminate in increasing the gross domestic product of Ogun State, leading to economic growth and development.
Corroborating him, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, Mrs. Sola Arobieke, said the commitment of both the government in wooing investors and Ogun Invest in propelling economic growth has attracted the latest investment pouring into the State with the establishment of a $50m company, which according to her hopes to employ over 1000 indigents and also create thousands of indirect employment through the value chain while locally sourcing of raw materials which would ultimately boost the economy in the state.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Otsuka Nigeria Nutraceuticals Co, Limited, Mr. Yoshihiro Bando, appreciated Ogun Stare Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for ensuring a friendly environment for business to thrive, adding that the groundbreaking ceremony of the factory has been much anticipated.
Bando added that their product, Pocari Sweat from Indonesia, also being referred to as “drinkable lV Solution” has been embraced in Japan, Indonesia and various Asia’s countries as the number one electrolyte and isotonic beverage consumed during exercise and in times of diarrhea or fever.
The Managing Director who revealed that Pocari Sweat aims to contribute to the health and well-being of the people of Nigeria with a population projected to exceed 300 million in the future, assured that 80 percent of their raw materials would be sourced in Nigeria, saying, the successful completion of the factory and smooth sale of products would require the cooperation of all.
