Startrend International Magazine For Your Latest News And Entertainment Gists
By AbuSatar Hamed
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that with a humble beginning in 1976, Ogun State has grown to become one of the most viable States in Nigeria.
Abiodun who stated this on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, during a broadcast to commemorate the 45th year anniversary of the creation of Ogun state said, “We have grown our internally generated revenue to become the first among States created at the same time with us. We are the fastest growing investment and commercial destination not only in Nigeria, but in the entire West-African sub-region, attracting one of the highest Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and local investments.
“We are the leading State in the production of limestone, granite, glass-sand, etc. This is corroborated by the records of the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its 2019 report which states that Capital importation into Nigeria amounted to 5.3billion US Dollars, and Ogun State ranked 3rd only behind Lagos and Abuja in the destination of these investments.”
He however described the state’s 45 years journey so far as the selfless foundation laid by the founding fathers, saying, ”Let me appreciate the contributions of our founding fathers and mothers whose efforts culminated in the creation of our dear State.
“If Ogun State continues to tower over and above her contemporaries, it is because we are standing on the shoulders of these giants. It is, as a matter of fact, because of the solid foundation already laid for us by those giants that we are where and what we are today at the top of everything good in Nigeria. These people gave their yesterday to give us today that we are proud of. That is why, as a State and citizens, we will never toy with the efforts of our heroes.
“With only one University in 1982; the then Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, having just over 500 students, we have grown to become the education capital of Nigeria with 26 tertiary institutions. OOU alone now has over 50,000 students, offering graduate and post graduate courses in different fields of human endeavours.”
The governor continued, ”Our dear Ogun State provides a more conducive atmosphere where existing investments continue to thrive and new investments are attracted. As a result, more jobs are created; poverty continues to dwindle; and by the grace of God, we have never had and will never have a food crisis because of our investment in food security.”
“I proudly inherit the many projects and programmes of all my predecessors from inception of our dear State. I also appreciate the fact that I owe a sacred duty to the memories of those of them that are now late and to those of them who are still living to deepen the legacies inherited from them. I also restate my commitment to lead the way in achieving this. It is because of this privilege that I have taken the mandate, with my heart and soul.
“On this day of the 45th Anniversary of our dear State, therefore, I enjoin all of us to look back as proud inheritors of worthy legacies. We should even be more proud that we have continued to build together a viable future that is brighter than where we are coming from. On our part, we will continue to put Ogun State on the top amongst the comity of States in Nigeria. Although, no government can claim to possess all the wherewithal for development, but meaningful contributions and cooperation from our people will take our development strides into a higher pedestal.
“All we ask for is more support, cooperation, collaboration and prayers towards the continued development of our dear State. I also use this opportunity to call on individuals and corporate organisations to continue to partner with us in the journey to building a viable future for our dear State.”
