The Ogun State Executive Council (SEC) has approved a fresh package of infrastructure and economic development projects, including new road constructions, two general hospitals, a power-generation investment and the establishment of an agency to drive the growth of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
The decisions, approved at the weekend, further reinforce the administration’s drive to expand infrastructure, strengthen healthcare delivery, support businesses and provide the energy required to sustain Ogun’s rapidly growing industrial economy.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Council meeting yesterday, said the SEC approved the reconstruction of the 4.87-kilometre Siun Junction–Iperu Junction Road, linking Obafemi Owode and Ikenne local councils.
IN another development,Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the weekend, expressed the readiness of Gateway Air, the state-owned airline, to airlift not only Ogun pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj, but also intending pilgrims from other South-West states.
The governor said that the state would explore opportunities to participate in the emerging private-sector-driven hajj airlift arrangement, particularly for pilgrims from Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states.
Akinmade also said that the Council approved the reconstruction of the 4.87-kilometre Simawa–Lukosi/Ogijo Road in Sagamu Local Council, reconstruction of the Sango–Ota–Ijoko–Agbado–Oke-Aro–Akute Road (Phase I) in Ifo Local Council and the 69.2-kilometre Abeokuta–Abule Egba Road.
He said the projects would improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods and open up more opportunities for economic activities across the state.
In the health sector, the Council, however, approved the construction of new General Hospitals at Itori in Ewekoro Local Council and Aiyepe in Odogbolu Local Council.
According to Akinmade, the projects would expand the state’s healthcare infrastructure and bring medical services closer to residents, particularly in communities where demand for healthcare services continues to increase.
According to the special adviser to the governor, the Council also approved the establishment of the Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency, with a mandate to coordinate and strengthen support for MSMEs across the state.
The Council also approved Ogun State’s participation in power generation through the adoption of Gateway Power Limited, in furtherance of the administration’s plan to provide more reliable electricity for the state’s expanding industrial and commercial base.
Akinmade said the power initiative was particularly important to Ogun’s economic development, given the state’s growing concentration of industries and businesses, adding that a more dependable electricity supply would enhance productivity and strengthen the environment for investment.
Meanwhile, the Council has approved the appointment of Osunsina Olumide John as the new Olu of Ifo in Ifo Local Council.
Abiodun disclosed this when he received a delegation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by its Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, in his office.
Earlier, Elegushi said the Commission had commenced registration for the forthcoming hajj exercise, adding that the registration deadline, which was initially expected to close on Friday, would be extended to accommodate more intending pilgrims.
