The Ogun State Government says its giant strides in various sectors of the economy are geared towards putting in place a legacy which would make the State the envy of others in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele when she played host to a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) led by its National President, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, in her office in Oke-Mosan in company of Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, a Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele said that the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government has in the last five years put in place policies that have made Ogun the investors preferred destination of choice.
She said that the springing up of new companies and industries in different parts of the State is a testament that the policies are working and had significantly improved the. livelihood of her citizens
The Deputy Governor also underscored the achievements of the present administration in the agricultural sector with the recent flag-off of harvest on 200 hectares rice farm land near the flood plane of Ogun river in Magboro area and other interventions in the agricultural sector to improve food production and security .
“His Excellency is working on expanding the programme to about 2000 hectares and we are going to bring in more young people into the agribusiness value chain. We will train and support them to start their agribusiness.
“This is one of the areas where we need the support of Bankers and the banking industry particularly for the Small holder farmers that are considered to be high risk . Access to finance is very important for their growth and survival .They are the backbone of the economy because they employ thousands of people, improve food security and standard of living ” she said.
Admonishing the bankers to increase their penetration in the rural areas to reduce rural-urban migration, Engr. Salako-Oyedele said that lack of access to financial services can discourage rural dwellers, thereby compelling them to abandon their agricultural activities.
Earlier, the President of CIBN, Prof. Olanrewaju who made Ogun his first port of call since his investiture, lauded the present adminsitration for its sterling performance ,saying its efforts in rapid industrialization and infrastructural development in the State are the foundations for continuous growth and prosperity.
According to him, the airport being built by the government in Remo industrial cluster of the State is a legacy project and a commendable one.
” I want to give credit to this administration for what they are doing. I saw companies springing up at Ogere, Sagamu-Abeokuta road. An airport is also being built. It is not just an airport, it is an aeropolis with agricultural processing zone and a logistic hub.It is a preparation for the future,” Olanrewaju said.
