The United States of America will partner Osun State on agriculture, school feeding program and other areas, where the government needs to be assisted.
The Consul General of the US Consulate in Lagos, Ms. Claire Pierangelo, disclosed this, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, Alh Gboyega Oyetola, on Monday, 9th March, 2020.
Representing the US government, Pierangelo expressed commitment to strengthening the investment ties between the US government and Osun State.
Pierangelo commended Oyetola for reawakening the State’s health sector. She described his administration as one of the few governments in Nigeria, that had recorded unprecedented success in the implementation of the Health Insurance Scheme.
“We are very glad to be here to have the opportunity to talk to you on the activities of the state. And also to be able to see the areas where we can strengthen cooperation and collaboration.
“In particular, I want to compliment you and your team on the efforts to revitalise the health sector. We are aware that Osun is one of the best states implementating Health Insurance Scheme. We must congratulate the state on this feat, particularly for being the mother for a program around the country.
“We are here to register our intent to partner the state. Particularly in the areas of agriculture and school feeding program and other areas that you feel the need for collaboration.” She stated.
The US Consul General assured that the collaboration with the state would go a long way to build a healthy economy for the state. She also stressed that it would open windows of investment and business opportunities for the US and Osun.
“We are glad to know that Osun is already working hard to bring investors into the state. This will help to fine tune our collaboration and cooperation. We are ready to strengthen the partnership ties in the education, tourism, technical and vocational sectors among others,” Pierangelo added.
Responding to this commitment, Governor Oyetola applauded the United States for its interest and support for Osun State. Especially in areas of economic growth and development; governance and development; security cooperation among others.
According to him,
“Our partnership with the US has dated several decades ago. US has been very supportive. I commend you for supporting us particularly in the areas of economic growth and development; governance and development; security cooperation among others.
“Osun is happy to key into this very much beneficial partnership for development. We as a government, has been around for one year and two months and I am happy that you too recognised the so much efforts that we have made in the area of health,” he noted.
Other members of the US Consulate delegated included:
US Consulate Vice Consul, Ross Conroy;
US Consulate Political Specialist, Arnold Abulime;
US Consulate Agriculture Counsellor, Gerald Smith;
US Consulate Agriculture Specialist, Inches Nzeka
USTDA Representative, Josh Egba.
