Ogun Seeks Cooperation of Manufacturers, Others for Economic Growth

To further engender economic growth, the Ogun State Government has asked members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to take advantage of the SMEs Park to be established in Ijebu-Isiwo.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe made this known in Abeokuta during a day stakeholders’ enlightenment meeting on economic development cluster, noting that the Park would be a game changer and aid growth of businesses operating in the facility.

Longe said, location of the Park along the Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda road, which is close to Lagos, with its proximity to the Agro-cargo airport and the Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) would be an added advantage to source for raw materials, process and export goods, adding that the park would have necessary amenities.

She pointed out that, “we are deliberately marketing the Master Plan openly in a transparent manner and we are calling on you to also disseminate this information to your members. There will be bigger sessions to engage businesses and there will be more details about the plan. We see you as partners and we welcome ideas and suggestions that will significantly impact the establishment of the SMEs Park”.

Also speaking, her counterpart in the Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL. Tunji Odunlami said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was determined to drive and expand the investment opportunities in the State, as well as enhance the prosperity of the people, adding that the vision had prompted the government to strategically locate Economic Development Clusters across the State.

Odunlami noted that the SMEs Park which was part of the Ijebu Development Cluster would help the State leverage on its huge investment on the Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda road, an infrastructural project which links the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Delivering his presentation titled, “Master Plan for SMEs Park, Ijebu-Isiwo” the resource person, TPL. Moses Ogunleye said the Park which would to be situated on over 1,000 hectares of land was proposed on a ten year-plan, spanning between January, 2023 and 2024.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary, MAN, Ogun State chapter, Ms. Motunrayo Elegberun lauded the State government on the project, calling for a term of agreement among interested investors.

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On her part, a former National President, NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson urged relevant stakeholders to work as a team for the actualisation of the project, as well as its replication across the State.

Others personalities at the meeting include, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Remi Ogunmefun, Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola and Engr. Olayiwola Abiodun respectively, the Senior Special Assistants on Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms. Sola Arobieke and Hon. Ladi Odujinrin, as well as Chairman, Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), Princess Feyikemi Egbeyemi and OGUNCCIMA President, Engr. Mike Akingbade, among others.