By Michael Ofulue , Osogbo
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the remarkable contributions of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to the continent’s economic growth, describing the institution as a catalyst for Africa’s industrial transformation and trade integration.
Adeleke made the remarks at the weekend during the investiture ceremony of Dr. George Elombi, as the 4th President of Afreximbank, held in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the high-profile event also served as a farewell ceremony for Professor Benedict Oramah, who concluded a distinguished 10-year tenure marked by visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and outstanding service to Africa’s economic renaissance.
Olawale noted that the governor attended the ceremony alongside notable Nigerian dignitaries, including Dr. Deji Adeleke, Chairman of Pacific Holdings Ltd; Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; and Mrs. Toyin Saraki, among other eminent African business leaders and policymakers.
The ceremony attracted an array of African and global leaders, including former President Macky Sall of Senegal; Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Cameroon’s Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze; Dr. Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Adeleke praised Afreximbank’s pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s economic resilience through financing trade, supporting industrial projects, and fostering regional integration.
“Afreximbank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building a self-reliant Africa through trade, innovation, and development financing. “Dr. George Elombi’s appointment marks a continuation of that progressive vision, ensuring that Africa remains on the path of sustainable growth,”the governor said.
The governor also revealed that discussions are ongoing between Osun State and Afreximbank to establish a strategic partnership aimed at boosting the state’s creative and cultural industries.
According to him, the collaboration will focus on developing the Adire textile industry and strengthening the creative economy, with an emphasis on empowering local artisans, promoting export opportunities, and creating sustainable jobs for youths and women.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to diversifying Osun’s economy through culture, innovation and trade partnerships that will place the state at the forefront of Africa’s emerging creative and economic landscape.