I am Samuel Yinka Oyedotun. I have over three (3) decades of extensive experience in the financial services sector. I am an expert in finance, investment, and trade sectors, locally and internationally. I am the proud founder of AMERICAN LEGACY HOLDINGS GROUP, a finance and investment company which focuses on various segments in the financial sector with certified expertise in aviation, hospitality, tax consultation, financial management and advisory, homecare services & real estate.
I have dedicated my entire professional life to advisory and management of financial resources and investments, for individuals and corporate organizations. Having graduated from Strayer University, Washington DC. United States with a degree in Finance (Bsc), I have proceeded to acquire significant number of certifications in the financial sector and Insurance services which has armed me with a wealth of knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the complex world of the current financial sector according to global standards. I believe one should never stop learning on his or her path to purpose.
As an investment expert, I have constantly challenged myself to discovering new trading and investment opportunities in and around my environment by focusing on areas that have been left unexplored and developing ideas and programs that would ensure the maximization of the potentials hidden therein.
I am honored that the culmination of my life’s work has led me to serve in this purpose and role.
ECONOMIC REALITY OF OSUN STATE
I have watched closely with keen interest the political environment in Osun state for over a decade and more importantly the transition of government between the last administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, much to the admiration and excitement of citizens of Osun state both home and abroad. I shared in the excitement of the people of Osun state at the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the governor-elect of Osun state after the conclusion of July 16th, 2022 election and I admire the tenacious spirit with which Osun people patiently counted down to November 27th 2022, when Governor Adeleke was sworn in as the 6th executive governor of Osun state. This changing of the guard reflected Osun’s hope for the future and desire for prosperity, transparency and progress.
Osun state admittedly is an economically disadvantaged state as successive governments have failed to develop and fully harness the economic potential of the state. According to the 2022 fiscal performance report, Osun state’s dependability on FAAC monthly allocation from the FG stands at a whopping 66.14%, while the GDP of the state is 2.30tn. In 2022, Osun state generated 81bn and expended 78bn on loan repayments and overhead cost, which means that a meager 3bn is what is available for essential developmental projects across the state. This meant that Osun is heavily reliant on federal allocation to be able to fulfil its financial obligation to the people of the state.
This explains why the people of Osun state made it a priority to elect among other factors, a Governor capable of leading the revolution of the economic sector of the state.
THE ROADMAP TO A NEW DAWN OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN OSUN STATE
I used to say that, “when you change the way you look at things, the things that you look at change”. This is my brief observation of the governance style of Governor Ademola Adeleke in office so far. It is fully understood why there was so much enthusiasm surrounding the inauguration and commencement of Governor Adeleke’s administration in Osun state. He is truly a leader, that is for his people. Barely 5-months into the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, it is evident that he is intentional about reviving the economy of Osun state, a key part of his development agenda during the electioneering processes. He has embarked on projects and programs that lay the groundwork for development not just in the state capital but across the cities and villages in the state, a key departure from the usual style of prior administration who concentrated governance to the state capital only, thereby encouraging migration of people from villages and towns to the city centre. A system that ultimately deprived other regions of the opportunity of development necessary to prosper economically. A few of these programs have particularly caught my attention and are key to restoring the economy of Osun state and improving the quality of life for all its citizens.
1. QUALITY ROAD NETWORK
The importance of quality road networks in the economic revival of any society cannot be overemphasized, as it allows for easy access and aid free flow of movement. Roads are the lifelines of cities and villages. They connect people and stimulate the economy. This explains why Governor Adeleke announced the approval of road construction in each of the nine (9) federal constituencies in the state. This is a significant gesture as it aims to ensure that no constituency is being left out of development, thereby opening the state road network for intra-state movement and commerce. There are attendant benefits particular to this, as people living far and away from city centers are now assured of easy travel, just as it becomes easier for investors to directly reach any location of interest within the state. In addition, this will greatly help indigenous farmers in the villages who can now be assured of easy transportation of farm produce to major cities across the state. These are just a few examples of how quality road networks being constructed by Governor Adeleke can aid the revival of the state’s economy.
2. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
Governor Adeleke has since the commencement of his administration wasted no time in stamping his development agenda in the area of rural electrification through the office of the Community Development and social services agency. Several villages and communities have benefitted immensely in this kind gesture across the state. This, among other benefits, will encourage rural dwellers who are predominantly farmers to live and cultivate land for subsistence and commercial purposes instead of embarking on a fruitless journey into city centers. This will no doubt advance the revitalization of the economy of Osun, as there would be a significant increase in the output of farmers both for local and international consumption. This also encourages local investment in commercial agriculture.
3. WATER PROVISION
Albert Szent Gyorgyi refers to water as “Life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium.” While also declaring that “There is no life without water”. This simply says that human beings cannot survive without water. Osun state as a state that is in water crisis. The major and minor water work networks across the major cities in Osun State have all broken down; the ongoing ILESA water project by the past administration have been found to be dubiously executed and stalled due to administrative corruption; and the majority of Osun people who live in villages and communities are poor and cannot afford to provide clean water for themselves. Water is fundamental to Life. Understanding the significance of this issue, Governor Adeleke immediately commenced provision of boreholes in each of the 332 wards across the state as well as initiating the rehabilitation of dilapidated water work networks across the state. This will immediately increase the quality of life of the people of the state, thereby increasing productivity and improving the economy of the state.
I have carefully monitored these and many more ongoing projects and programs and can boldly say that the Governor has established a firm foundation which assures economic restoration and advancement of the state. This will in turn attract investments, both local and international, to boost the trade and investment index of the state, thereby increasing the Internally Generated Revenue of the state and furthermore, increase the quality of lives and properties of the citizens. The goal is that Osun, as a whole, prospers.
At another time, I will give you insights into the different trade and investment opportunities in Osun state in each of the sector and across the cities and villages in Osun State, but for now, I am happy to inform you that in Osun state, it is indeed a DAWN OF A NEW ERA and “at the fullness of time, everything will be made beautiful”.