Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, underscored the critical role of the inter-state rail system in fostering regional development across the Southwest.
Speaking at the Western Post 2024 annual retreat in Abeokuta, Akinmade highlighted Governor Dapo Abiodun’s strategic vision for a Multi-modal Transportation Management System.
This comprehensive approach integrates air, water, rail, and road networks to enhance connectivity within Ogun State and facilitate seamless movement of goods and people across the Southwest region.
Akinmade emphasized Ogun State’s leadership in utilizing the inter-state rail network, boasting more stations than any other state in the region. He cited examples of efficient commuting possibilities, illustrating how residents can travel between cities like Ado-Ekiti and Ogun State for work and return home on the same day due to improved transport connectivity.
Addressing upcoming infrastructure projects, Akinmade mentioned the imminent commencement of oil exploration in the state and the forthcoming inauguration of the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport. This state-of-the-art facility, featuring expansive runways and aprons, aims to alleviate logistical challenges for manufacturers by facilitating easier importation of raw materials and exportation of finished goods to global markets.
He also outlined plans for a dry port at Kajola, aimed at enhancing import-export efficiency and providing a viable alternative to the congested Lagos Port. Akinmade reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting the recent completion of over 500 kilometers of new roads to improve regional mobility and integration.
In addition, Akinmade emphasized Ogun State’s agricultural prowess, noting its leading role in poultry and cassava production, crucial for ensuring food security in Nigeria. He highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote mechanized farming and enhance agricultural productivity.
Concluding his address, Akinmade reiterated Governor Abiodun’s holistic development agenda encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra, focusing on infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, job creation, and agriculture. These efforts, he emphasized, aim to position Ogun State as a central hub for regional integration, fostering economic growth and seamless interaction across the Southwest region.
