Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has cautioned towards makes an attempt to create division amongst residents of Tongegi Island and throughout the state over ongoing oil exploration actions in Ogun Waterside Native Authorities Space.
The governor gave the warning whereas commissioning the Abeokuta–Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode, the place he clarified that the oil drilling train is being carried out by the Federal Authorities via the Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Firm Restricted, and never by the Ogun State Authorities.
Abiodun defined that though hydrocarbon deposits have been recognized in components of Ogun Waterside, together with Tongegi Island, their industrial viability is but to be established. He dismissed claims that funds meant for oil exploration had been diverted, describing such allegations as deceptive and politically motivated.
In accordance with the governor, the invention adopted studies of crude-like substances seeping from the bottom, which prompted technical investigations by the NNPCL.
“After conducting preliminary exams, they knowledgeable me that oil had been found in Ogun State. Nevertheless, drilling is critical to verify whether or not it exists in industrial amount, and that course of was permitted by Mr. President,” Abiodun stated.
He added that safety across the drilling space has been considerably strengthened, noting {that a} Naval Base has already been established close to the oil nicely to safeguard nationwide belongings.
The governor expressed concern over what he described as misrepresentation of his feedback in some sections of the media, which he stated sparked pointless controversy.
“At no time did I say that industrial drilling had commenced at Tongegi Island. What we’ve are promising indications, not affirmation of economic amount,” he pressured.
Abiodun additional revealed {that a} Naval publish has additionally been established at Tongegi Island, with approval granted by the Chief of Naval Employees for a Ahead Working Base to bolster Nigeria’s territorial presence within the space.
Commending President Bola Tinubu, the governor stated the revival of the Olokola Deep Sea Port mission would considerably enhance Ogun State’s {economic} prospects, including that the President has directed seen progress on the mission inside the subsequent 12 months.
On infrastructure improvement, Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing highway networks throughout the state, stating that efficiency — not rhetoric — stays the federal government’s response to criticism.
He disclosed that greater than 20 township roads have been reconstructed in Ijebu-Ode, together with Awujale Street, Ijebu-Ode–Epe–Mojoda Street, Molipa–Fusigboye Street, Stadium–Luba–Gateway Annex Street, Imoru Street, Tam-Balogun Street, Osinubi Street, and several other others, with extra tasks at the moment ongoing.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, stated the finished roads had been executed to boost connectivity, cut back journey time, and stimulate native commerce.
Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Native Authorities, Dare Alebiosu, famous that the improved highway community has boosted {economic} actions and strengthened public confidence in authorities.
Additionally talking, the lawmaker representing Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Federal Constituency, Femi Ogunbanwo, praised the governor’s constant funding in infrastructure throughout Ijebu land.
Market leaders, represented by the Otun Akile Iyaloja of Ijebu-Ode, Kikelomo Olufunmi, stated the roads would ease motion of products and improve buying and selling actions.
Conventional rulers and group leaders on the occasion counseled the governor for delivering on his guarantees, describing the tasks as impactful and well timed for the event of the realm.