Special adviser to the Ogun State governor on media and strategy, Kayode Akinmade has said the desperate desire to absorb investment spill over from Lagos State necessitated his principal’s huge investment in the upgrade of infrastructure in the state.
Akinmade, who spoke during a chat with journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital, explained that Ogun State has in the last five years, realized the need to take advantage of its proximity to Lagos State, the Nigeria’s commercial hub to upgrade the living standards for the people of the state, as well as creating the needed enabling environment for investment and future development.
Emphasising that provision of infrastructure is critical for socio-economic development in any nation, Abiodun’s media aide declared that the governor’s experience as a boardroom player has in no small way contributed to his desire to reposition the state’s investment trajectory.
“Like many states in the country, Ogun State has had its fair share of inadequate infrastructure such that sectors like transportation, healthcare, agriculture, power and social services, are in dire need of upgrading,” he said.
Akinmade, however, noted the fortune of the state has changed for the better since May 2019 when Abiodun assumed office.
“Abiodun’s view of infrastructure is holistic and it includes boosting agriculture and Micro Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the engine of growth and economic development.
“As a means of exploring the state’s proximity to Lagos, which is the country’s commercial hub, the visionary governor is also partnering with the Lagos State Government on key joint ventures.
“This partnership, which covers infrastructure, security, and tax issues, among others, will further help to fast-track development and create a spillover of commercial opportunities.
“For instance, the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission (LOJDC) is a common alliance between the two states to jointly tackle issues bordering on security, sanitation, traffic and transportation, waste management, water supply, land use planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, urban renewal and slum upgrading for the mutual benefit of our people and the generality of Nigerians.
“Among others, this is to facilitate rapid development of border communities in Ota, Akute Alagbole, Lambe, Ojodu, Agbado, Mowe, Warewa, Isheri and all the eight local government areas that share boundaries with Lagos State.’’