Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, addressing the public on Saturday, pledged that the persistent challenges faced by motorists and commuters on the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta expressway would be resolved as construction work is slated to begin shortly.
The governor also unveiled plans for the launch of Mass Transit Buses running on Compressed Natural Gas, set to debut on the upcoming Monday.
While addressing the audience at the Odun Omo Owu celebration with the theme “A New Dawn” at Oba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, the governor emphasized that the ongoing construction of a Dry Port at Kajola would amplify investment prospects in the state.
As the Special Guest of Honour, Abiodun emphasized that the adaptation of mass buses to CNG is a crucial aspect of the measures implemented to mitigate the impacts of fuel subsidy removal, highlighting the state’s pioneering role in achieving this milestone in the country.
Shedding light on the establishment of the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency and the Ogun State Business Environment Council as measures to facilitate investments and streamline bureaucratic impediments, Abiodun stated that the state ranks third in internally generated revenue and holds the position of the third largest economy in the nation.
He said, ‘We have also invested heavily in security, thus making Ogun State one of the safest and most suitable states for investment to thrive in Nigeria. This has tremendously helped us to curtail pockets of violence across the state, especially the recent cult clashes at Sagamu.’
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‘Without any fear of contradiction, Kabiyesi and distinguished guests here present, I can boldly say that as at today, we have perhaps the most conducive environment and adequate infrastructural development models that ensure that Ogun State is the safest place to live, work and do business and we are proud as a government on this feat.’
‘We are happy because our commitment, initiatives, vision, dedication, resolute and our refusal to be distracted by treacherous politicians and backstabbers have continued to yield positive results, as existing businesses are thriving while new investments are being attracted in multitude into our dear State.’
Commenting on the festival theme as suitable, the governor stressed that the nation has entered a new era following the recent Supreme Court judgment validating President Bola Tinubu’s election, underscoring that the country is on track to regain its proper place among the international community through the implementation of various policies aimed at reshaping the nation’s economy.
Abiodun, who lauded the Odun Omo Owu celebration as a significant avenue to exhibit the rich cultural heritage of the Owu people, noted that in Yoruba history, they have demonstrated valor, resilience, and intellectual prowess. Additionally, he acknowledged that the kingdom has given rise to prominent Nigerians who have made substantial contributions within the country and beyond.
The governor added: ‘Let me make it abundantly clear that the contemporary history of Yoruba race is completely inchoate without the role of the Owu Kingdom, especially in the early 19th century downward.’
‘It is a thing of joy today that despite the temporary setback of those days, the people of Owu has proudly created a common cultural identity and distinct heritage within the Nigeria’s political space, especially in the South West.’
‘Meanwhile, in every analysis and discuss about the people of Owu and their peculiar attributes, one trait continues to be uppermost and dominant, and that is the sense of courage; you can not find any Owu man or woman without courage.’