304 new companies established in Ogun in 7 years

Adejoke Adeleye/Abeokuta

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, has revealed that over three hundred new industries and companies have been established in the state between 2011 and 2018.

The industries, according to the governor, have invested in excess of $50 million and $200 million.

Governor Amosun made this known in Abeokuta at a press conference on the 2018 edition of the Ogun State Investors’ Forum, scheduled to hold between Tuesday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 21.

Amosun disclosed that the theme of the forum would be “Consolidating the Gains, Accelerating Growth” and would focus on agriculture because the state is green and known for its agricultural produce.

The forum is expected to be declared open by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo.

According to the governor, his administration, which began the Forum in 2012, had transformed Ogun from being a ‘partial civil service state’, to industrial giant of Nigeria.

“When we came on board in 2011, Ogun state was just a partial civil service state. And since we started this Investors’ Forum in 2012, we have created enabling environment for businesses to thrive and today, Ogun is the industrial giant of Nigeria.

“As we speak, Ogun can boast of 304 new industries and companies, which opened shops within seven years. Out of this, 147 are in the excess $200m and N20b. So in 2018, we want to leverage on the value chains, consolidate our gains over the years and of course, accelerate growth.

”This year’s Investors’ Forum will focus on three key sectors – agriculture/agric business, technology and industry.

“Investors are expected from all over the world to tap into the business opportunities in the state, as our state has become an economic volcano waiting to erupt”.

Earlier in her welcome remark, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Adenrele Adeshina, noted that the state has potentials, but could be tapped through local and international collaborations.