The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement through enhanced collaboration, proper data management and sustained engagement with cooperative stakeholders, as part of efforts to deepen economic growth and improve the welfare of cooperators across the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Oyo State Cooperative Federation Limited (OSCOFED), led by its President, Chief Segun Adegoke, alongside its Leader, His Royal Highness, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke Oladimeji, the Aranyin of Iranyin, on a courtesy visit to his office at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adelabu appreciated the delegation for its goodwill, support and commendation of Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde’s administration, particularly on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government without the payment of ransom, as well as the State Government’s investment in security through the procurement of a surveillance aircraft.

The Commissioner noted that the present administration remains committed to supporting cooperative development but stressed that effective planning and access to Government interventions must be driven by accurate statistics and credible data.

He charged the Executive Secretary of OSCOFED, Mr. Egbeyale Francis, and other cooperative leaders to ensure comprehensive documentation of cooperative societies and farmers across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State, explaining that such information would enable Government to adequately capture cooperators in intervention programmes.

According to him, several agricultural support initiatives of the Oyo State Government, including fertilizer distribution, tractorisation support, seedlings, agricultural loans through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) and the SAfER Programme, are accessible through established Government channels and require proper registration and submission of beneficiaries’ data.

Professor Adelabu further stated that the Ministry would continue to work closely with OSCOFED and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the cooperative sector, while encouraging continuous engagement with Government through the appropriate channels for the advancement of cooperative societies in Oyo State.

On the proposed 2026 International Cooperative Day Celebration, the Commissioner welcomed the Federation’s plans for the annual event and assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to liaise with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate Government participation in line with official schedules and protocols.

He reiterated that his administration would maintain an open-door policy, foster stronger synergy with cooperative societies and work towards building a vibrant cooperative sector capable of contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives, Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel, described cooperative societies as dependable vehicles for economic empowerment and wealth creation. Drawing from his personal experience as a former employee of Nigerian Breweries Plc, he said cooperative societies had significantly contributed to his personal development and expressed confidence that the concerns presented by OSCOFED would receive the necessary attention through the appropriate Government channels.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation, the President of OSCOFED, Chief Segun Adegoke, congratulated the Honourable Commissioner on his appointment and commended the Oyo State Government for its achievements in security and good governance.

He described cooperative societies as dependable partners in community development, financial inclusion and agricultural productivity, while appealing for greater collaboration and support to strengthen cooperative activities, especially in the areas of agricultural financing, affordable farm inputs and access to intervention programmes.

Chief Adegoke also informed the Commissioner of the Federation’s preparations for the 2026 International Cooperative Day celebration across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s continued cooperation with the cooperative movement.

Also speaking, the Leader of OSCOFED, His Royal Highness Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke Oladimeji, the Aranyin of Iranyin, highlighted the historical contributions of cooperative societies to the socio-economic development of Oyo State and Nigeria. He appealed for stronger institutional collaboration between Government and cooperative societies, noting that cooperatives remain strategic partners in employment generation, agricultural development and grassroots economic empowerment.

As a mark of appreciation and goodwill, the leadership of OSCOFED presented a specially designed roll-up banner bearing the portrait of the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, to commemorate the visit and reaffirm their commitment to a cordial working relationship with the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, Directors and other management staff of the Ministry were also in attendance.

The Oyo State Government has witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government, the cooperative movement and a technology consultant, marking a significant step towards the digital transformation and reform of Nigeria’s cooperative sector.

The MoU was signed today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the National Technical Workshop on Cooperative Sector Digitalization and MoU Signing Ceremony held at Ladi Kwali Acacia Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Department of Cooperatives, on behalf of the Federal Government; the President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, on behalf of cooperators; and the Chief Executive Officer of Seamfix Ltd., on behalf of the consultant.

The Oyo State Government, which was represented at the event by the Director of Cooperatives, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Idowu Olawoyin, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, welcomed the development as an opportunity to strengthen the State’s cooperative system and align it with the emerging national digital framework.

Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Department of Cooperatives, described the MoU as an important step towards translating the Federal Government’s reform vision for the cooperative sector into a practical and sustainable digital system.

He noted that the partnership would provide the foundation for a more coordinated and reliable cooperative information system, particularly through the implementation of the National Cooperative Smart Registry (NCSR), Cooperative Verification Number (CVN) and Cooperative Member Identification Number (CoopID).

According to him, the initiative would strengthen the identification and verification of cooperative societies and members, improve data management and enhance transparency, accountability, planning and service delivery within the sector.

He stressed the importance of collective ownership of the reform, urging State Governments, cooperative federations, societies and other stakeholders to support the implementation process to ensure that the benefits of digitalisation reach cooperative members across the Country.

The Permanent Secretary also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the cooperative sector as a strategic instrument for economic development, financial inclusion, enterprise development, employment generation and wealth creation.

He further appreciated the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria and co-operators nationwide for their cooperation and commitment to the reform process, as well as the Government officials, stakeholders and other participants whose contributions facilitated the successful workshop and MoU signing.

The MoU forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP 2025–2030), which seeks to move the cooperative sector from predominantly analogue processes to a modern, transparent, productive and digitally enabled system.

Through the new digital framework, cooperative societies and members are expected to benefit from improved identification, reliable records and better access to Government interventions, finance, markets and other economic opportunities.

For Oyo State, participation in the process is particularly significant as the State continues to promote accurate data management and stronger institutional systems across its economic sectors.

The initiative also aligns with the position of Commissioner Adelabu, who has consistently emphasised accurate data, effective coordination and modern approaches to strengthening the Department of Cooperatives and improving service delivery.

The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, therefore reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the digitalisation programme and the emergence of a stronger, more organised and inclusive cooperative sector.

The MoU signing marks a significant step towards ensuring that Nigeria’s cooperative movement is supported by credible data, digital identity, improved governance and systems capable of connecting cooperative members to wider opportunities for economic growth and empowerment.

The Oyo State Government has commenced a data capture and identity card registration exercise for traders, artisans, cooperative members and industrialists across the state’s 33 local government areas, with each beneficiary expected to pay ₦1,000 for the identification card.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the ministry in Ibadan.

He said the exercise was designed to create a credible database for economic planning and improve access to government interventions.

Adelabu said “the Oyo State government could not effectively plan for traders, artisans, cooperatives and industrialists without reliable information on their number and distribution.”

He disclosed that Global Sight Services Limited had been engaged to coordinate the data capture and production of the identity cards.

Also speaking the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Mamud Okesade, said the identity card would contain modern security and verification features, including a QR code and chip.

He added that “the cards were expected to be ready within one month of registration, while the consultant would visit markets, associations and business clusters across the state.”

The consultant, Dayo Bello, said the registration would be linked to verified information, including National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, to reduce duplication, fraudulent claims and inaccurate records.

He said the cards would be produced in ATM-card format and linked to beneficiaries’ verified bank accounts, while the ₦1,000 payment would be made into the beneficiary’s account.

Meanwhile, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting EXPOYO 2026, with the Commissioner disclosing that a fresh memorandum was being prepared for Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The development followed administrative processes that delayed the earlier proposed date for the trade fair.

The Vice President of the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Abiola Alli, had appealed for the early approval of EXPOYO 2026, proposed for the last week of October.

He said early confirmation of the date would enable exhibitors, investors and development partners to make adequate preparations, while the Commissioner urged OYCCIMA to strengthen its role in investment promotion, economic advocacy and generation of sector-specific data to support government planning.

The Oyo State Government has commenced the referendum process for the reinstatement and activation of memberships into the Market Leaders’ Council, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and democratic representation of traders and artisans across the State.

The statewide exercise, which commenced on 14 July 2026, is being conducted across recognised traders’ clusters and associations and will continue at designated venues until its conclusion.

Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, at the various referendum exercises, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, conveyed the warm regards of the Honourable Commissioner to the traders and artisans. He explained that the referendum became necessary following the expiration of the tenure of the previous Market Leaders’ Council members on 23 March 2024, adding that each recognised traders’ cluster and association is expected to democratically elect one representative to serve on the Council for a two-year tenure.

Okesade stated that the Ministry’s presence at every referendum is to ensure strict compliance with due process and democratic principles. He stressed that elected representatives must emerge through broad participation by members from all the seven geo-political zones of Oyo State, while participating associations are required to submit attendance records, minutes of the referendum and group photographs on their official letterhead as evidence of a credible, transparent and duly conducted process.

He congratulated the representatives already elected, commending the unity, maturity and cooperation displayed by traders and artisans throughout the exercise.
He also disclosed that the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo,Presidents and members of Trade Associations will soon conclude on plans to introduce an identity card scheme for traders across the State. This is designed to strengthen Trade organisation, recognition and ease coordination of Traders by the Ministry.

The referendum exercise, is expected to be concluded on or before 31 July 2026. Upon completion, the duly elected representatives will constitute the reinstated Market Leaders’ Council, further strengthening collaboration between the Oyo State Government and the organised trading community in advancing commerce and economic development across the State.

The exercise reflects the commitment of the State Government to promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive representation across organised trading communities in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting credible private sector investments that will stimulate economic growth, create wealth and support sustainable development across the State.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu  Adelabu, stated this while receiving a delegation from Gestpoint Nigeria Limited, led by the Ibadan Branch Manager, Mrs. Funmilola Taiwo, alongside  Mr. Moses Ayodele, Gestpoint Consultant and other members of the team, during a meeting held at his office.

Professor Adelabu described cocoa as a major economic crop that played a significant role in the development of the old Western Region, noting that the sector requires renewed attention to unlock its economic potential. He disclosed that Oyo State already has ongoing initiatives on cocoa plantation and investment, adding that Government remains open to proposals that align with the State’s economic development agenda.

The Commissioner stressed that any partnership with the Government must be built on a well-defined framework that clearly identifies the roles of all parties. Drawing examples from successful investment models in Malaysia and Rivers State, he emphasized the need for thorough stakeholder engagement, proper due diligence and clearly defined responsibilities relating to land, financing, technical expertise and off-taking arrangements. He therefore directed the company to formally submit its proposal to the Ministry for further evaluation and necessary engagements.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, informed the Commissioner that the Ministry had earlier met with the company through the Department of Cooperatives and commenced preliminary discussions on its proposed cocoa investment initiative.

Mr. Okesade explained that the discussions had not been concluded, adding that the proposal was presented to enable the Honourable Commissioner  to  determine whether it aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of expanding investment opportunities and enhancing the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He recalled that during the earlier engagement, the Ministry encouraged the company to explore the possibility of establishing a similar cocoa plantation project in Oyo State, particularly in suitable locations within the Oke-Ogun axis, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Cocoa Development Unit (CDU) and other relevant stakeholders.

Presenting the company’s proposal, the Ibadan Branch Manager of Gestpoint Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Funmilola Taiwo and Mr. Moses Ayodele, Gestpoint Consultant said the company’s Cocoa RepubliQ project is located at Shapala Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State and combines agricultural investment with land ownership.

She explained that under the company’s investment model, investors acquire agricultural land while Gestpoint manages land preparation, planting, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of hybrid cocoa seedlings expected to attain commercial production after about three years. According to her, each acre accommodates approximately 400 cocoa trees, while the company also provides insurance cover, security, regular project updates and a revenue-sharing arrangement for continued plantation management. She added that the initiative is designed to provide investment opportunities for individuals and cooperative societies, including those who may jointly acquire farmland.

The meeting formed part of the Ministry’s continuous engagement with prospective investors aimed at evaluating investment proposals capable of promoting private sector participation, agricultural value chain development and sustainable economic growth in Oyo State, in line with established government procedures.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as part of efforts to accelerate industrial development, expand trade opportunities and create more employment for the people of the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, stated this while receiving a delegation from the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, led by the Deputy Director of the department, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry’s Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Professor Adelabu said that effective coordination and collaboration between the Federal and State Governments remain the surest pathway to growing the nation’s economy and reducing unemployment.

He noted that the Federal Government’s emphasis on industrialisation, investment promotion, digital literacy and enterprise development aligns with Oyo State’s development agenda, stressing that the State must position itself to fully benefit from various federal policies, grants, intervention programmes and development initiatives.

The Commissioner observed that several agencies under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment provide opportunities capable of stimulating economic growth, attracting investments and supporting businesses, adding that Oyo State would continue to strengthen networking and partnerships to ensure that its citizens benefit from such programmes.

He further explained that reliable data, strategic collaboration and institutional synergy are essential to improving the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reducing unemployment and raising the standard of living of Nigerians.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, recalled the existing relationship between the Oyo State Ministry and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, particularly in promoting trade and export development.

He explained that export promotion requires strict adherence to standards, including weights and measures, noting that although the regulation of weights and measures is an exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government, there is a need for stronger collaboration to expand its impact within the State.

Mr. Okesade proposed the development of a technical framework that would institutionalise cooperation between both ministries, facilitate regular information sharing and strengthen policy implementation. He also advocated the establishment of a communication platform involving principal officers from both sides to enhance coordination and ensure prompt dissemination of relevant information and opportunities.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Director, Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engineer Ibiyemi Victor said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal and Oyo State Governments in the implementation of policies and programmes that promote industrialisation, trade facilitation, investment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development.

According to him, the Federal Ministry is committed to promoting economic growth, wealth creation and employment generation by transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive industrial and commercial hub through strategic policy formulation, investment promotion and trade expansion.

He explained that many federal initiatives, including grants, intervention programmes and trade facilitation schemes, can only achieve maximum impact through active collaboration with State Governments, urging Oyo State to deepen its engagement with the Federal Ministry to enable residents and businesses benefit from available opportunities.

Engineer Ibiyemi Victor further assured the Ministry of the department’s readiness to facilitate closer engagement with the Federal Ministry’s leadership and other relevant agencies, including providing necessary support in areas relating to weights and measures, investment promotion and industrial development.

He also encouraged the State Government to explore opportunities available through Free Trade Zones and other federal initiatives aimed at enhancing industrial capacity, attracting investments and promoting sustainable economic development.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated the importance of creating greater opportunities for traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through skills development, business networking, enterprise support and trade promotion.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, made this known at the Ibadan edition of the Nigeria Business Summit 2026 Regional Tour, organised by Stanbic IBTC Bank under the theme, “Empowering Nigerian Enterprises for Growth,” held at the Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan.

Professor Salihu Adelabu said the Oyo State Government has continued to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of artisans, traders, entrepreneurs and SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry has been working on capacity-building programmes for artisans and entrepreneurs through skills upgrading, while also encouraging access to funding opportunities, promoting import and export activities and exposing businesses to networking opportunities that can enhance enterprise growth.

Professor Adelabu commended Stanbic IBTC Bank for bringing the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour to Ibadan and for providing a platform through which business owners can gain practical knowledge, build strategic business relationships and explore opportunities that will contribute to the growth of their enterprises.

He also acknowledged the commitment of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to programmes that support economic growth through agriculture, agribusiness and infrastructure development.

The Commissioner noted that the State Government is implementing the SAfER (Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery) initiative to cushion the effects of economic challenges through interventions that support businesses, farmers and other vulnerable groups, while also promoting a more conducive environment for enterprise growth.

He further stated that the Government’s agricultural support initiatives include the tractorisation programme, through which eligible farmers pay part of the cost of land preparation while the State Government subsidises the balance, in addition to the distribution of fertilisers to encourage agricultural production. He added that ongoing investments in road infrastructure also contribute to improving the business environment across the State.

Earlier, the Head, Enterprise Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Jumoke Bello, said the Nigeria Business Summit was created to support Nigerian enterprises by providing business owners with practical knowledge, strategic networking opportunities and business advisory services.

She explained that the Bank is committed to supporting SMEs by connecting entrepreneurs with the right networks, facilitating access to business opportunities and exposing participants to trade and export prospects capable of adding value to their enterprises.

Mrs. Bello stated that Stanbic IBTC’s collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry for the Ibadan summit reflects the Bank’s desire to work with relevant stakeholders in supporting the growth of traders, artisans and SMEs.

She expressed confidence that participants would benefit from the knowledge shared during the summit, particularly in the areas of business growth, enterprise development, networking and access to emerging opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, commended Stanbic IBTC Bank for organising a programme dedicated to the growth of indigenous businesses and appreciated the Oyo State Government for its continued efforts toward creating an enabling environment for commerce and enterprise.

He urged traders, market leaders and artisans across the State to take full advantage of the knowledge, networking sessions and business opportunities provided through the summit, stressing that continuous learning, innovation and collaboration remain essential for building stronger and more competitive businesses.

The Nigeria Business Summit is an initiative of Stanbic IBTC Bank designed to support Nigerian enterprises through knowledge sharing, networking, business advisory services and enterprise development. Following the inaugural edition held in Lagos, the 2026 Regional Tour is being taken to four commercial cities across the country—Onitsha, Aba, Ibadan and Kano—to bring enterprise development opportunities closer to business owners within their local markets.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry (MITC&I), Oyo State Government, wishes to address recent public discussions and a misleading publication with the headline “Steer Clear of Traders Affairs, Groups Tell Oyo Government, Trade Commissioner”, which has created a distorted impression regarding the role of Government in the affairs of market leadership structures and the emergence, inauguration, and ongoing engagement processes of the Babaloja-General-in-Council in Oyo State.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Oyo State Government has at all times acted strictly within its statutory mandate, guided by extant laws, judicial pronouncements, and established administrative procedures governing the administration of market associations in the State, particularly under the Oyo State Market Leaders’ Council Law, 2020.
The Ministry’s involvement has remained purely administrative, facilitative, and supervisory in nature, aimed at ensuring order, inclusiveness, and industrial harmony within the trading community across the State.

It is important to recall that the leadership issue relating to the office of the Babaloja-General stemmed from a subsisting judgment of the Oyo State High Court delivered on 17th June, 2022 by Hon. Justice K.B. Olawoyin, which nullified the earlier disputed arrangement and clearly affirmed that the authority for selection of a Babaloja-General lies exclusively with traders through the duly recognized Market Leaders’ Council.

Following the judgment, the Ministry formally sought legal clarification from the Ministry of Justice, which confirmed that the Market Leaders’ Council is empowered to initiate a fresh, lawful, transparent, and inclusive process for the emergence of market leadership, and that no stakeholder was expressly disqualified from participating in such a process. The legal advice further reinforced the necessity for strict adherence to due process and established judicial guidance.

In compliance with this legal framework, the Market Leaders’ Council reconvened and undertook its internal processes, culminating in a formal selection exercise in which eight (8) out of twelve (12) members voted in favour of Alhaji (Chief) Yekini Abass Oladapo as Babaloja-General of Oyo State. This outcome was duly conveyed through appropriate government channels and subsequently received the approval of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, leading to formal ratification and issuance of a Certificate of Recognition in November 2022.

It is equally pertinent to place on record that the entire process was anchored on extensive stakeholder engagement across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State. Following the dissolution of the previous leadership structure, Government received a formal request from the Office of the Babaloja-General seeking approval to embark on a statewide sensitization and consultation tour across all 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State. The request was aimed at engaging market stakeholders, sensitizing traders on government economic initiatives, and gathering feedback to strengthen coordination within the market system.

The Ministry duly granted approval for the tour, with designated government officials assigned to accompany and observe the process in order to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to due process. The engagement exercise further strengthened consultation, unity, and communication among market stakeholders across the State.

Subsequent administrative engagements, including a structured request dated 28th November, 2025 for continuation of statewide market consultations, were also duly approved by the Ministry. Government officials were assigned to participate, while clear directives were issued for professional conduct and submission of comprehensive reports. These continued engagements underscore the consistency of Government’s oversight role and its commitment to orderly market administration.

The Ministry categorically states that at no point did the Government impose any candidate or interfere with the internal decision-making processes of traders’ representatives. The role of Government has remained strictly administrative, facilitative, and anchored on respect for judicial authority, statutory provisions, and due process.

Accordingly, any narrative suggesting undue interference by the State Government or the Honourable Commissioner does not reflect the true position of facts, the legal determinations of the Court, or the structured administrative processes that guided the entire sequence of events from 2022 through subsequent engagements.

The Oyo State Government remains firmly committed to sustaining peace, stability, and orderly governance within all market associations, while continuing to support lawful institutions within the informal sector in line with judicial pronouncements, extant laws, and the public interest.

Signed:
Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry
Oyo State Government

The Oyo State Government has launched a Digital Labour and Skills Database aimed at boosting employment opportunities, improving workforce coordination and strengthening the ease of doing business across the State.

The initiative was unveiled during the Stakeholders’ Engagement between the Oyo State Government and the Organised Private Sector held on Thursday, 14th May, 2026 at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Buildings, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) and Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) 2025, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, organised private sector groups, MSMEs, artisans, cooperatives, manufacturers, traders and development partners.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, described the Oyo State Labour & Skills Registry (OSLSR) as a strategic intervention designed to bridge the gap between skilled labour supply and market demand in the State.

He explained that the digital platform would provide a comprehensive database of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State, while enhancing access to verified manpower for employers and investors.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Industry and Cooperatives noted that the initiative would support evidence-based planning, improve access to business support services, strengthen industrial development and create a more investment-friendly environment in Oyo State.

During the technical session, the Spokesperson for the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), Mr. Kilanko Olayemi, presented a paper titled “Understanding the Ease of Doing Business: The Role of the Labour Database,” where he highlighted Oyo State’s emergence as the 3rd Best Performing State in Nigeria in the PEBEC 2025 Ease of Doing Business ranking.

The Project Lead for Chemiroy Nigeria Limited,  the Consultant handling

the initiative, Mr. Awwal Lawal, also conducted participants through a practical walkthrough session on the use of the Labour Database website, explaining that the platform would enable residents to securely register their skills, work experience and employment status using mobile devices.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, Alhaji Adetona Morufu, representing the Babaloja General of Oyo State, and the Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Alhaji Akinlade, commended the State Government for the initiative, describing it as a major step toward empowering traders, artisans and skilled workers through improved visibility and access to opportunities.

The engagement featured interactive discussions and stakeholder contributions geared towards ensuring the successful implementation of the Oyo State Labour & Skills Registry initiative across the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated the Babaloja General-in-Council, as part of efforts to strengthen market leadership, promote unity, and enhance coordination among traders across the State.

The inauguration, carried out through the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, took place at the office of the Honourable Commissioner on Monday, and drew market leaders from the seven geopolitical zones of the State- Ibadan Zones 1 and 2, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Oyo, and Oke-Ogun Zones 1 and 2.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi, said the constitution of the Council followed a formal request by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, for a unified structure for market leadership across the State.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry directed the Babaloja General to embark on sensitisation programmes across all geopolitical zones, noting that the exercise received widespread acceptance and support from traders.

Honourable Adebisi explained that the Council would serve as a central voice for traders, strengthen communication between government and market stakeholders, and promote peace and orderliness in markets across the State.

Declaring the Council inaugurated on behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner described the Governor as a pacesetter committed to inclusive governance and sustainable economic development.

He warned that the Government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peaceful coexistence among traders, stressing that the inauguration marked a significant step towards resolving longstanding crises within market associations in the State.

In his remarks, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, commended the State Government and the Ministry for facilitating what he described as a historic initiative aimed at unifying traders across all zones of the State.

He assured that the Council would work towards strengthening market structures, resolving disputes amicably, and supporting policies that would drive economic growth and development in Oyo State.

Following the inauguration, traders and members of the Council paid an appreciation visit to the Ministry, where they were received by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that Government engagement with market associations is guided by due process, structured policies, and proper coordination to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for traders to thrive through collaboration and open governance.

The visit was marked by jubilation as traders thronged the Ministry with drumming, singing, and dancing in appreciation of the Government’s efforts towards promoting unity and stability among market associations across the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.