By Olaniyi Ajibola
The steady and constant developmental drive of the present administration in Ogun State could be described as a moving train, accelerating progressively from the state of inertia to the present enviable position among others in the federation, despite the initial pessimism and skepticism.
Among critical political stakeholders and others around the state, there is preponderant position that Governor Dapo Abiodun is passionate about sustainable development of the state and have a clear conviction about building a prosperous future in line with the aspirations of the state’s founding fathers.
One thing is exceptionally distinct about the Governor, and that is his capacity to identify inherent potentials and accurately transform it into opportunities; he has successfully and optimally utilised the comparative advantage of location the state enjoys to sell the economic potentials of the state across the world, thereby attracting various foreign and local investments into the state.
The creation of several industrial clusters in the three senatorial districts of the state by Dapo Abiodun-led administration, coupled with business -friendly policies of the government has tremendously accelerated industrial growth and turned the state to a leading industrial hub in the West Africa sub-region.
There is no doubt that Prince Dapo Abiodun has extensively brought his corporate experience to bear in the administration of the state, with the energy and commitment he has displayed in moving the state forward and building a sustainable future.
The people of the state substantially appreciate his patriotic and pragmatic approach to governance, especially in the manner he has reversed many lost opportunities in the state and resuscitated various abandoned projects for the good of all.
He has sufficiently used his huge contacts and connections across the globe to strengthen the state’s economy and put it in the right footing to create opportunities for the teeming youths and less privileged alike, notwithstanding status and background.
Long before the Governor came into the saddle as the Chief Executive of the state, he has exhibited so much passion to contribute his quotas selflessly to the development of his home state through different interventions.
It is on that note that he recently dismissed vehemently, allegations linking him to the relocation of the Dangote Refinery from Ogun State to Lagos, insisting that the decision was taken before he assumed office, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the proposed Deep Sea Port project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
“A few days ago, I saw reports on social media claiming that just as Dapo Abiodun allowed the refinery project to leave Ogun State, he has also abandoned the Deep Sea Port project.
“First, was I the governor when the refinery was moved to Lagos? If anything, I did everything within my capacity to retain the refinery in Ogun State, but others, through their irresponsibility, allowed the project to slip away,” he said.
The governor, however, disclosed that oil exploration and drilling activities have commenced in Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, as part of efforts to position Ogun as an oil-producing state.
He said ”, We are working tirelessly on our port project. The Deep Sea Port is on course, and Ogun State will have one of the deepest and longest ports in Sub-Saharan Africa, if not the entire continent.
“It will boast the longest berth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Very soon, we will unveil full details of the project”.
He reiterated his irrevocable stance in making Ogun an oil-producing state in the face of years of insensitivity and complacency by successive governments despite the huge oil deposits that remained untapped in the state
“During my campaign, I promised that Ogun State would become an oil-producing state under my administration. The oil we are now working to establish in commercial quantities has always been here. Previous administrations had the opportunity, but it is under my tenure that meaningful progress is being made,” Abiodun asserted.
In the same vein and in continuation of his consistent transformational agenda for Ogun State, the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has attracted a $250m diary investment into agricultural sector of the state in which the said firm has proposed mega farm in Ogun West senatorial district.
The company’s representative, Mr Farouk Gumel, disclosed during his recent visit to the governor that the company, Pure Dairy Herds, a specialised cattle and milk production company was planning to establish one of the largest dairy farms in Nigeria in the state
Gumel said the firm is partnering with international experts to develop a world-class dairy farm aimed at boosting local milk production and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
He revealed that the company has already completed the acquisition of land for the project in Ogun West Senatorial District, paving the way for the commencement of development activities.
He specifically mentioned that the choice of Ogun State was informed by its investor-friendly policies, conducive business environment, and ongoing infrastructure development, particularly in Ogun West.
“Ogun is the best. We already have a few operations in Ogun State, and this project is a testament to how well we have been received and treated.
“We are fortunate to have Ogun State as our host, and we are particularly excited about moving into Ogun West, which holds great promise, especially with the critical infrastructure projects taking place in the area”, Gumel said.
It is obvious that the more certain political jobbers and irredeemable obscurantists try to change narratives about the sterling performance of Ogun State helmsman and the profound transformation around state the clearer it becomes to the world that Ogun State is on the path of prosperity.
Kudos, Gomina Abiodun!
Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications
