ABIODUN: OGUN EAST POISED TO EMERGE AS NIGERIA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that emerging economic opportunities in Ogun East, driven by industrial expansion, airport development, road infrastructure, energy prospects and the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port, have the potential to transform the region into a major economic hub and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Abiodun stated that the convergence of these strategic assets would accelerate economic development in Ogun State while strengthening Nigeria’s maritime trade, industrial capacity, logistics network, employment generation and investment opportunities.

The governor spoke at the weekend during the investiture of the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oladimeji Oresanya, as the 19th president of Sagamu Club in Sagamu. He noted that the region’s growing economic importance had further strengthened the argument for the creation of an additional state in the area.

He urged community leaders and other stakeholders to sustain their contributions to regional development and collaborate with the government to maximise the opportunities presented by Ogun East’s strategic location and expanding economic infrastructure.

According to him, the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside are expected to create opportunities across maritime services, manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, export processing and freight transportation.

The projects, when fully realised, could enhance Nigeria’s capacity to handle maritime trade, attract international investment, support export-oriented industries and generate employment across several sectors of the economy.

Abiodun also identified the Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, as another strategic asset capable of improving business travel, cargo movement and investor access while complementing road and maritime transportation networks.

He said the region’s road infrastructure and connections to Lagos and other commercial centres would further facilitate the movement of goods and people, strengthen supply chains and improve access to markets.

The proposed conversion of Ogere Park into a dry port, an initiative advocated by former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Lemo, was also identified as an opportunity to expand logistics capacity and improve freight distribution.

On energy development, the governor noted that emerging prospects associated with the OgunLNG project and other oil-related opportunities could support industrial growth, subject to successful implementation and commercial viability.

He explained that the combined impact of these developments could include increased economic activity, expanded employment opportunities, a stronger revenue base and the emergence of new business clusters, with wider benefits for Nigeria’s industrial and commercial sectors.

Abiodun stressed the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable development, urging community institutions to complement government initiatives through investments in education, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

He specifically charged Oresanya and his executive committee to prioritise youth development, community advancement and members’ welfare while strengthening collaboration with the state government in promoting peace, security, education and sustainable development.

The governor also encouraged the club to invest in young people through scholarships, mentorship programmes and start-up grants for aspiring entrepreneurs, noting that sustainable economic growth required the participation of government, community institutions and responsible citizens.

He congratulated Oresanya and his executive committee, expressing confidence that their administration would contribute meaningfully to the development of the club and society.

In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, commended Sagamu Club for its contributions to the socioeconomic development of Sagamu and Remoland.

The monarch urged the new president to uphold the club’s founding vision and ensure that its activities continued to benefit members and the wider community.

Earlier, the immediate past president of the club, Prince Abdul Abayomi, highlighted achievements recorded during his four-year tenure, including scholarship awards, artisans’ empowerment programmes and infrastructural improvements at the clubhouse.

He expressed appreciation to the club’s founding fathers and past leaders for their contributions to its growth, urging the new administration to build on the achievements of previous leaderships.

In his keynote address, Lemo said Remoland had produced numerous industrious individuals who had contributed significantly to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

He identified the region’s strategic location and proximity to Lagos as major economic advantages that continued to support commercial activities and investment opportunities.

Lemo also proposed the conversion of Ogere Park into a dry port to leverage its location and strengthen trade and logistics activities. However, he called for urgent action to address improper waste management by factories operating along the industrial corridor, warning that environmental challenges must be tackled to protect public health and ensure sustainable industrial development.

In his acceptance speech, Oresanya described social clubs as important platforms for shared values, friendship, family connections and the mobilisation of resources for the common good.

“A social club is not just a place for gathering; it is a community bound by shared values and camaraderie, a sanctuary where bonds are forged, families are connected and resources are mobilised for the greater good of society,” he said.

The new president pledged to strengthen the club’s community impact, improve members’ welfare and deepen cooperation among members. He also promised to make the club more accessible to prospective partners and ensure that its programmes responded to changing societal needs.

Oresanya commended Abiodun’s development initiatives, emphasising that collaboration among government, the private sector and community organisations remained essential to addressing socioeconomic challenges.

He called on members to support his administration, expressing confidence that their collective commitment would strengthen the club’s contributions to youth development, social welfare and sustainable community growth in Sagamu and Remoland.

ENDS