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Ogun: Abiodun Flags Off $400m Agro Processing Zone
Ogun: Abiodun Flags Off $400m Agro Processing Zone
The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, performed the groundbreaking of the development of the Ogun State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) at the Agro Cargo International Airport, located in Ilisan-Remo.
The project with its first phase worth $400m is a collaboration between Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms and Ogun, according to the governor, would be completed in the record time of 18 months.
Speaking further, Abiodun said that the special industrial park for agro-processing and allied products is the first of its kind in the country and would generate over 20,000 direct jobs and individual prosperity.
The governor, who noted that the agro cargo airport will probably be the fastest constructed international airport on the continent.
He expressed his delight that the location of the airport that was till March 2021a forest and dump site has now become the airport city.
Abiodun disclosed that apart from the SAPZ, the Nigeria Customs Service has decided to locate one of its biggest facilities in the country and made full payment of N3.2b for the first 100 hectares of land last week .
While noting that the ground breaking was a further testament to the re-established trust between
government and the private sector, he assured that his administration would continue to work assiduously to earn the trust of private investors.
The governor added that the incumbent administration in the state would continue to engender policies and programmes that will remain people-oriented and enable the private sector to thrive.
Abiodun, while thanking the President of the Arise Group, Gangan Gupta for keying into the vision of making Ogun the industrial hub in the country, equally acknowledged the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his support and encouragement to pursue the realization of the project.
“I must then acknowledge and thank the President of the AFREXIM, Dr. Ben ORAMA, who I called to discuss further the PPP/SAPZ model with and who arranged the physical meeting ARISE and myself. Without the trust and confidence Dr. ORAMA had in me, which was the basis of the reference in the first place we definitely won’t be here today.
“Of course all these had to be backed up by financing and I must thank the support of African Finance Corporation led by my brother, Zuberu Samaila, which ensured that the project was significantly derisked and AFREXIM bank for trusting us”, the governor stated.
He explained that the decision by his administration to turn the push factor from Lagos to the pull factor to Ogun, made it to introduce various policies and reforms, and also deploy technology to improve the efficiency of government and increase the state ranking on the ease of doing business index.
“Today, we are adjudged one of the safest if not the safest state in the country. We have constructed over 400km of both interstate roads in three years and six months and worth mentioning that we have at least one road in every one of our 20 local government areas and we have built over 1200 affordable homes across the state creating jobs for artisans.
“We will be back here very soon to commission our international agro cargo airport in another few months and our deep sea port is also loading”, Abiodun submitted.
The President of the ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, Gangan Gupta, said the company had invested in several African countries and he is happy to be in Ogun state, to contribute to its industrial development.
He added that the company would build industrial platforms that would transform the economy of Ogun.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, in his remarks, described the project as a landmark and a step forward to the economic revolution of Nigeria.
He added that SAPZ would help in agri-industrialization and create jobs for the people, noting “this is going to be a regional trading hub.
While acknowledging that Ogun has a rich history in agriculture and agro processing in the country, the Minister commended the governor for his visionary leadership and brokering of the partnership which has attracted a multi million dollar project to the state.
The Chairman, the Senate Committee on Industries, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, who described the project as an example of how the private sector can be harnessed for the economic development of Nigeria, expressed confidence that the SAPZ would boost the agricultural value chain, raise revenue, create jobs and boost export.
The Chairman of the African Finance Corporation, Sumaila Zubairu, said that the project sitting on 5,100 hectares of land, will change the landscape of Ogun in 18 months, noting that “through value-addition like this we can create jobs and wealth”.
“We will continue to play our role in enhancing the industrial development in Nigeria and Ogun”, Zubairu added.
Also, the AFREXIM Bank President, Benedict Oramah, attributed the peace and security in Ogun as key factors that attracted Arise Consurtium to it, commending the governor for creating enabling environment for foreign investment.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dapo Okubadejo, noted that the SAPZ signified a major milestone in the economic revolution of Ogun state.
He disclosed that no fewer than 30 laws had been enacted to simplify business operations and reduce administrative bottlenecks in the state, adding six business clusters were also established across the state, to enhance investment drive.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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