The Canadian Government has indicated interest to invest in the agricultural and technological sectors of Ogun State economy to strengthen over 60 years of bilateral relationship with Nigeria.
Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, who stated this at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, said his country was also interested in the infrastructural sector of the state.
RESPONDING, Abiodun said Ogun State with over 16,000 square kilometres of land is blessed with human and natural resources, noting that the land is suitable for the cultivation of food and cash crops.
The governor said the adoption of Public Private Partnership was to turn the push to a pull factor, to enable the people gain from the overflow of Lagos State, adding that provision of needed infrastructure, such as good road network, was to open up the state and attract more investors.
Abiodun, while describing the state as unique and strategically located, informed the Canadian envoy that his administration was currently constructing an airport, just as plans were on to build a seaport at Ogun Waterside Local Council and a dry port at Kajola.
He, however, urged Canadian businessmen and women to explore the huge investment opportunities that abound in the state, assuring that his government is ready to work with them.
IN another development, the decade of gas agenda of the Federal Government has received a boost with the commissioning of 150 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) City Gate gas plant in Ibefun, Ogun State.
The new facility, initiated by Transit Gas Nigeria Limited (TGNL) and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), would enable more firms switch to gas as clean alternative energy for industrialisation, thereby saving about 500 per cent energy costs.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, said in spite of the huge gas reserves in the country, there have been challenges in utilising natural gas, hence the need for firms to brace up and ensure adequate utilisation of gas in Nigeria.
Kyari, who was represented by the Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, NNPC, Abdulkabir Ahmed, said this would lead to economic growth and prosperity of the people.
Abiodun, who officially commissioned the facility, said the gas plant would propel the state’s ‘Iseya’ mantra.
He said the project would facilitate government’s idea of introducing gas fired vehicles and electronic motorcycle.
Chief Executive Officer of TGNL, Bolaji Osunsanya, said the project would further enable industrialisation, promote investments and boost growth of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
