The convener of the Ibadan Entrepreneurs Network, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Adeleke, has commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for judiciously utilising Oyo State taxpayers’ money to drive infrastructural development, empowerment, and an enabling business environment.
Speaking during an interview with The People’s Verdict, Adeleke said the Makinde administration has created the right atmosphere for entrepreneurship to flourish in the state.
“It is obvious that taxpayers’ money is being used well — it is going into projects, empowerment, and infrastructural development. That is a major thing for entrepreneurship to thrive. If people know they can operate in a safe environment with good roads, they will want to do business with you. We are now seeing more investors coming into the state to do business with us,” she stated.
Adeleke, a mental health advocate, also lauded the governor’s decision not to increase taxes, noting that this policy has encouraged voluntary compliance.
“The tax has not increased and that encourages us to pay. More importantly, we are seeing what the tax is being used for, and that motivates even more people to contribute,” she added.
She highlighted the strides in infrastructure under Makinde’s leadership, describing Oyo as “an investor-friendly environment” with good roads and a conducive business climate.
“For business owners, it’s been good because we have more investors, more global market interest, and more partnerships. Investors are seeing returns on investments in Oyo State, and that is commendable,” she noted.
On her overall assessment of the administration, Adeleke said:
“Governor Makinde has done well in pushing Oyo State to the next level. We have advanced several steps from where he met us. It has been an impressive journey.”
She also expressed appreciation for the support her network’s clusters have received, especially in agriculture.
“Some of our farmers have benefited from the Ministry of Agriculture’s fertilizer distribution and training programmes. These interventions have been impactful,” she said.
Looking ahead, Adeleke urged the government to engage more directly with entrepreneurs across sectors — from fashion to technology, food, and agriculture — and to promote Made in Ibadan products on the global stage.
“Entrepreneurship is the bedrock of any economy. Without it, the economy cannot grow. By promoting our local products internationally, we can boost both imports and exports from the state,” she emphasised.
She concluded by describing Governor Makinde as a “can-do governor” who keeps his promises.
