Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, says the state has become a leading investment destination, recording its highest influx of industries in the past six years compared to previous administrations.
Abiodun spoke on Saturday at his office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, after receiving the distinguished visionary leadership award from the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) for his exceptional leadership and efforts in promoting business growth in the state.
He noted that Ogun is one of six states where special agro processing zones (SAPZ) were created in partnership with the federal government, African Development Bank (AfDB), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the Islamic Bank.
The governor said his administration decided to work with private sector players for the quick take-off of the zone.
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To make Ogun more business-friendly, Abiodun said he set up a business environment council and introduced computerised tax payment to stop multiple taxation.
“This administration has improved the transportation sector by constructing over 1,200 kilometers of roads in six years,” he said.
”We have built the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, and this airport is centrally located.
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“We have adopted a multimodal transport system that incorporates air, road, sea, and rail lines. We are extending a rail line that stopped at Agbado to Ogun State.”
Abiodun said Ogun has a large population, rich natural resources, and is well-placed to benefit from access to the biggest market in the country.
He said the state government is working to provide the cheapest electricity for industries and residents.
The governor asked investors to explore Ogun’s opportunities in agriculture, power, manufacturing, and other sectors, and called on the FIN to help promote the state’s potential worldwide, while assuring them of their involvement in the next state economic summit.
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‘ABIODUN MADE OGUN A SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS DESTINATION’
Presenting the award, Olayinka Fayomi, chairperson of FIN, said Ogun had seen strong economic growth in the last six years under Abiodun’s leadership.
“The governor has done well. Two years ago when we saw what the governor had accomplished, we decided to promote him further,” Fayomi said.
“This award is to acknowledge his efforts in expanding business frontiers in the state. Investors outside are noting what Ogun is doing, especially in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The governor has made the state a significant business destination. We are attending a business summit in Oman, where we will present the business opportunities that exist in Ogun State.”
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Fayomi said her organisation had promoted investments across African countries, including Nigeria, for 45 years, and publishes magazines in English, French, and Chinese to highlight business opportunities globally.
Responding, Abiodun thanked the FIN chairperson for the award, saying it confirmed his administration’s work in developing Ogun.
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