Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday said Ogun Waterside Local Government is on the verge of becoming a major oil, gas and maritime hub as the long abandoned Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas project is set for revival.
Abiodun disclosed this while commissioning the reconstructed Gao-Ibiade Road in Ogun Waterside, saying the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had informed the state government of its decision to revive the multi billion dollar OKLNG project.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the proposed Ogun Deep Sea Port, assuring residents that the project remained on course alongside plans for a refinery, naval base and dockyard to drive investment and economic growth in the coastal area.
According to him, the discovery of premium grade crude oil in the axis has further strengthened its investment potential, while the reconstruction of the Gao-Ibiade Road is part of the infrastructure needed to support the anticipated industrial expansion.
“We are preparing for the imminent explosion of economic activities that is about to happen in this local government area. Ogun Waterside is a jewel that must be fully tapped,” Abiodun said.
The governor added that the reconstruction of the J4-Gao Road would commence soon and extend to Abigi, the headquarters of Ogun Waterside Local Government, to improve access within the coastal corridor.
He noted that despite the infrastructural projects executed across the state over the past seven years, his administration had remained committed to ensuring that development reached all the 20 local government areas.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, said the Gao-Ibiade Road was reconstructed to stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity after years of neglect.
Also speaking, the member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Adegbesan, commended the governor for the intervention and appealed for the reconstruction of the J4 Junction-Iwopin Road and the second phase of the Gao-Ibiade Road.
Similarly, the member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency, Shamsideen Adekunle Lawal, said work had commenced on the Deep Sea Port and Naval Base projects, while oil exploration activities were already underway in the area.
