Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has congratulated current Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of Ogun State following the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (NNPCL) recognition of Ogun as a frontier state for oil exploration.

This announcement was made through a press statement released by the OGD Media Office on Sunday.

This achievement marks the culmination of initiatives begun during Daniel’s administration, which established Gateway Oil and Gas Development Limited in 2003 with the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Daniel’s tenure saw a comprehensive three-dimensional seismic study of oil and mineral deposits across various locations in Ogun State, from Ode Omi in Ogun Waterside to Tongeji Island in Ipokia. This led to a $50 million investment pledge by PGS Exploration Nigeria Limited in 2004 and the discovery of significant phosphate deposits in Ifo, prompting the creation of the Gateway Fertilizer Company.

Strategic efforts to position Ogun as an oil-producing state included hosting then-NNPC Group Managing Director, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, and formalizing the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OK LNG) project in 2007 through a Memorandum of Understanding involving multiple stakeholders.

Daniel highlighted Ogun’s potential as a “veritable factory of skilled manpower,” supported by numerous educational institutions. His administration established the Gateway Industrial & Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) and several ICT polytechnics to develop technical expertise.

The press release also commended Governor Abiodun’s efforts since his appointment in 2009 as Chairman of the Gateway Oil and Gas Committee. Daniel’s office urged Abiodun to revitalize GIPI and address pending infrastructure projects like the Makun Omi Bridge.

He called for sustained political will and sincerity of purpose, the statement expressed optimism for Ogun State’s economic future, rooted in the 25-year development master plan initiated by Daniel’s administration.