From Our Correspondent In Ogun
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, said his administration has intensified efforts to provide infrastructure and a conducive environment, attracting more industries in six years.
Abiodun said this in a statement at the weekend by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
He spoke while receiving the ‘Distinguished Visionary Leadership Award’ from the Foreign Investment Network ,FIN, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor appreciated the Network for recognising his unique leadership style and tireless efforts in opening up more business frontiers across the state.
Abiodun emphasised that Ogun is among six states where Special Agro-Processing Zones have been created to boost agriculture and industrialisation.
He said the infrastructure was developed in collaboration with the Federal Government, African Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank, and Islamic Bank.
The governor further stated that his administration would partner private sector players to ensure the prompt take-off of the Special Agro-Processing Zone.
Speaking on ease of doing business, he said a Business Environment Council now works alongside the State Investment and Facilitation Agency.
Abiodun explained that tax payments have been computerised to eliminate issues of multiple taxation within the state.
He said: “Our administration has improved the transport sector, constructing over 1,200 kilometres of roads within six years.
“We also have the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, centrally located within Ogun State.
“My administration adopted a multimodal transport system, integrating air, road, sea, and rail, extending a Lagos rail line into Ogun”.
He noted that the state’s strategic location, abundant population, and natural resources offer great advantage in tapping into Nigeria’s biggest market.
The governor disclosed that Ogun is working to deliver the cheapest electricity supply to industries and residents in the state.
He urged investors to explore the numerous opportunities available in agriculture, power generation, manufacturing, and other vital sectors.
Abiodun called on FIN to intensify its efforts to showcase Ogun’s economic potentials globally and promised involvement in the planned State Economic Summit.
Earlier, while presenting the award, FIN Chairperson, Dr Olayinka Fayomi, praised the economic transformation witnessed in Ogun over the past six years.
She said: “Governor Abiodun has done remarkably well. Two years ago, we recognised his achievements and decided to promote him further.
“The award acknowledges his efforts in expanding Ogun’s business landscape and attracting notable investors”.
Fayomi noted that investors are taking keen interest in Ogun’s strides in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
“The governor has made Ogun a significant business destination”, she added.
She revealed that FIN would present Ogun’s investment opportunities at a forthcoming business summit in Oman.
Fayomi said FIN also promotes African investment opportunities through its magazine publications in English, French, and Chinese.
