Ede, Osun State – The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo/Osun/Ondo/Ekiti States Branch, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, held its 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Admus Concepts Hotel and Suites, Akoda Estate, Ede, with a strong call for human capital and local content development as pathways to sustainable economic growth.
The event, which drew governors, commissioners, business leaders and industry stakeholders, had as its theme “Human Capital and Local Content Development for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
MAN President Highlights Sector Needs
In his keynote address, MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR, stressed that manufacturing has the capacity to transform Nigeria’s economy if given the right policy and infrastructure support.
“The volatility of oil prices underscores the need to diversify. Manufacturing can drive foreign exchange earnings, but to thrive, we need improved infrastructure, reduced production costs, affordable finance, and supportive policies,” Meshioye said.
He applauded efforts by the four state governments in the zone but pointed out persistent challenges. In Osun, he commended investments in roads and digital economy initiatives but urged the state to tackle unreliable power supply and security concerns around industrial areas.
Meshioye also acknowledged Oyo State’s rehabilitation of the Oluyole Industrial Road and AfCFTA strategy but called for harmonisation of multiple taxes. He praised Ondo’s MSME interventions while urging better road and water infrastructure in cocoa- and rubber-producing areas. Ekiti, he noted, had provided liberal tax regimes and land access but still faced critical infrastructure deficits.
Adeleke: “Our People Are Our Greatest Resource ”
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Osun a hub for industrial growth.
“Human capital remains the most valuable resource for economic transformation. This is why we are reforming education and vocational training, investing in STEM, and expanding apprenticeship programmes aligned to industry needs,” the Governor said.
Adeleke also pledged to deepen local content, promising that his government would prioritise local producers in procurement and strengthen linkages between agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
He highlighted incentives available to investors, including access to affordable arable land, expedited Certificates of Occupancy, improved security, rail connectivity, and ready industrial facilities such as the Living Spring Free Trade Zone, Osun Special Economic Zone and a Special Agro-Processing Centre.
The Governor invited participants to the Osun State Dinner and Industrial Investment Roundtable slated for October 7–8, 2025, in Osogbo, designed to showcase business opportunities in the state.
During the meeting, MAN honoured Adeleke with an Award of Excellence for his support of industrial development.
Paying Homage to Tradition
As part of the AGM activities, the MAN delegation also paid homage to the Timi of Ede, acknowledging the vital role of traditional institutions in grassroots development and in influencing government policies that impact the manufacturing sector.
Looking Ahead
Meshioye reminded members that the 53rd National AGM of MAN will take place from October 14–16, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island. Themed “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria,” the event will feature Alhaji Aliko Dangote as Guest Speaker and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour.
He concluded by urging manufacturers to remain resilient and united:
“We must remain steadfast in building a stronger and more resilient manufacturing sector that drives Nigeria’s economic growth and development.”
COMMENTS