From Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has disclosed that with the production of 18 million metric tonnes per annum from his two cement plants at Itori and Ibese, his company is making Ogun State the highest cement-producing region in Africa.
The business mogul equally said his company had also concluded plans to work with the Ogun State government to construct the largest deep sea port in the country at Olokola Free Trade Zone located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The Olokola port project was conceived in 2007 but its development has been slow due to various challenges.
However, in 2020, the Nigerian government announced plans to revive the project, with a projected completion date by 2025.
Dangote, who stated this on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at his office in Abeokuta, said the policies of the current administration and investor-friendly environment forced him to resume investments at Itori cement plant and Olokola sea port.
He explained that two new production lines have been added to the cement plant in Itori, Ewokoro Local Government Area, boosting its capacity to 6.0 million metric tonnes per annum, while a separate cement plant located in Ibeshe in Yewa North Local Government Area had a production capacity of 12 million metric tonnes per annum.
He lauded the governor’s efforts in making sure that the state, as the industrial hub of the country, attracts more investments through his support for local and foreign investors which made his company consider coming back to the state to reinvest in the construction of the sea port.
Speaking, Governor Abiodun recounted the groundbreaking ceremony of Dangote Refinery in Lagos as a painful moment for Ogun State residents, who watched in dismay as the project shifted away from Olokola.
“I want to thank you for returning to Ogun State and for your belief and trust in your country. I appreciate all that you have done—the number of people you have employed and the impact you continue to make, not just in this state, but across Nigeria.
“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country globally is commendable. Your life and story remain an inspiring narrative for all young men. You have excelled in every endeavour, with the Midas touch.
“These are indeed giant strides. For us in Ogun State, we welcome your return. Today is a historic day—March 17— the same March when you performed the refinery groundbreaking in Lagos and now you are returning to Ogun State,” he said.
