Stepping up his preparations and getting ready to provide indigenes with their dream job, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Overseas Energy Development Technology Ltd to create over 50,000 employment opportunities to Osun indigenes.
Determined to take them out of poverty to wealth, the monarch on Tuesday in Ile-Ife under Community and Private Partnership arrangement, said that the company would invest in agriculture, green energy, gold, lithium and other mineral resources in Ile-Ife and the state at large.
He talked about how the MoU would help the indigenes of the state to enjoy unprecedented investment flow, when he assured that the company would not disappoint in the area of funds.
As reported by NAN, the traditional ruler said that the China Overseas Energy Development Technology Ltd will also focus on the development of agriculture; mechanised farming and the production of cocoa in large quantity.
“The company would first invest in agriculture and would set up a cocoa processing plant in Ife-ife, which will serve as its agricultural hub,” Oba Ojaja II said.
“The company will farm on over 20,000 hectares of land, generate green energy using solar which is starting from this palace.”
As the King rapidly laid out the terms and conditions of the MoU, he said. “This palace will be powered by solar 100 per cent within the next 30 to 60 days when it is completed.”
Oba Ogunwusi continued. “The future of Nigeria oil and gas lies in lithium,” he added. “Soonest lithium would be the only means to power battery, electric cars among others.
He explained that the partnership with the Chinese company would be Community and Private Partnership driven which would help to grow the economy at the community level.
“In Dubai alone, the Chinese company has investment more than 10 billion U.S. dollars,” the Oba stated. “In South Sudan right now, they are investing over 4 billion dollars and they are now ready to invest double of such investment in Nigeria.”
As he finished his address, an always-willing Gov. Ademola Adeleke thanked the Ooni for the initiative and the management of the Chinese company for agreeing to invest in the state, when he said that he his committed to promote culture, tourism and entertainment to improve the wellbeing of residents.
Truth Live News also gathered that Zhang Xiaolin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, China Oversea Energy Development Ltd, congratulated the Ooni on the celebration of Olojo 2023.
Xiaolin, in his remarks said he was happy for the partnership and pledged that the company would adhere to the agreement terms and conditions.