14th May, 2012
GBENRO ADESINA/IBADAN
The Oyo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an Australian Consortium for the exploration of mineral resources in the state.
Dr. Festus Adedayo, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said the governor signed on behalf of the state, while Dr. Dapsy Olatona signed on behalf of MM&E Australian Company.
The relationship would also involve the production of fruit juice, development of farm settlements across the state and vocational training for students in tertiary institutions.
In a remark after the signing ceremony, Governor Ajimobi stated that with the signing of the MoU, the various mineral resources which abound in the state would be fully explored for the growth and development of Oyo State describing the signing of the MOU as a right step in the right direction.
He commended the investors for their interest in the areas of agriculture and mining, in which he said the state had comparative advantage.
Earlier in his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals, Hon. Mathew Oyedokun, had said that the area of interest of the investors extended to the production of fruit juice, development of farm settlements, as well as vocational training.
Oyedokun noted that the presence of the investors was the aftermath of Governor Ajimobi’s recent visit to Australia.
In his comment, the Head of MM&E Consortium, Dr. Olatona expressed his company’s willingness to include education and vocational training in its areas of interest, adding that his company would also deploy modern technology to the production of fruit juice.