Adewale Opaleye, the CEO of Alerzo Limited, a leading technology service provider in Nigeria serving the retail sector, recognised Governor Seyi Makinde’s steadfast commitment to fostering a conducive business environment in Oyo State.
He revealed that the recently concluded Omituntun 2.0 Polo Tournament in Ibadan was a great opportunity to pay tribute to the governor’s efforts in the State.
Opaleye, speaking on Saturday, ascribed the successes he recorded in his businesses to peace in the State and Governor Makinde’s all-inclusive-governance style.
“Alerzo started here, I am also from Ibadan. If you have a governor that is performing well, it is good to thank him for creating an environment for businesses to succeed here”, Opaleye said.
Opaleye, who congratulated Governor Makinde on his second term victory, thanked him for creating an enabling environment for businesses like Alerzo and its subsidiaries, Alerzoshop and Veedez, to succeed.
“We are proud to have our operational headquarters based in Ibadan. We hope the governor keeps up the good work in making it easier for businesses like ours to succeed.”
Opaleye said Alerzo is a youth-centric organisation that has hired a large number of youths, adding that the company is also committed to training fresh graduates on the next path to success.
“We have committed ourselves to setting up a training entity in our business for youths who are fresh graduates on what we think is the next path to success. Over time, we hope as our company succeeds, we can be the largest employer in this State”, Opaleye added.
During the event, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, promised more support to local polo games, describing it as one sport that has put the name of the country on both National and International maps.
The governor appreciated Mr. Opaleye and his team for organising the tournament, pledging to do more for the club.
Governor Makinde reassured that his administration is committed to creating a business-friendly environment in Oyo State, allowing businesses like Alerzo to operate with ease.
“I want to give you the assurance that we will continue to work really hard to make sure that the business environment in Oyo State continues to encourage our youths and local businesses,” Makinde said.
He said that though he has not tried the game of polo, the assurance by the club to admit him and put him through is enough motivation and he wants to consider it.
Makinde reminisced that in September 2014, his political ambition was birthed in Ibadan Polo Club, saying he declared his intention to run for a political seat under the Social Democratic Party on the grounds of the club.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Chairman, Nigerian Polo Association, Prince Adeoye Ajibade told the governor that five teams are in Ibadan to compete at the polo tournament.
OYO NEWS reports that the teams include: Team Anlamole, Team Arapaja, Team Tegbe, Team Ilaji, and Team Ilenla.
The event was graced by the grand patron, Ibadan Polo Club, and former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi; the Deputy Governor, Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; Deputy Chairman. People’s Democratic Party, Taofeek Arapaja; the Governor’s political associates, the Founder, Lead City University, Prof. Jide Owoeye; Vice President, Ibadan Polo club – Bola Adeyemi, among others.