By Ademola Ade
The Ogun State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction of major roads, construction of two new general hospitals, a power project and the establishment of an agency to drive the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, MSMEs, across the state.
The approvals, taken at the weekend, are part of measures by the state government to expand critical infrastructure, improve access to healthcare, strengthen businesses and provide more reliable electricity for its growing industrial and commercial base.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement made available to Vanguard in Abeokuta yesterday.
Among the approved road projects is the reconstruction of the 4.87-kilometre Siun Junction-Iperu Junction road, linking Obafemi Owode and Ikenne Local Government Areas.
The Council also approved the reconstruction of the 4.87-kilometre Simawa-Lukosi/Ogijo road in Sagamu Local Government Area.
Akinmade said the Council further approved variations for the reconstruction of the Sango-Ota-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke-Aro-Akute Road, Phase I, in Ifo Local Government Area, as well as the 69.2-kilometre Abeokuta-Abule Egba Road.
He said the projects were expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities along the affected corridors.
“These projects will improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods and open up more opportunities for economic activities across the state,” Akinmade said.
In the health sector, the Council approved the construction of two new general hospitals in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, and Aiyepe, Odogbolu Local Government Area.
Akinmade said the hospitals would expand the state’s healthcare infrastructure and bring medical services closer to residents, particularly communities facing increasing demand for healthcare.
He said the investments were part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to essential medical services across the state.
The Council also approved the establishment of the Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency to coordinate government support for MSMEs.
The agency will promote entrepreneurship, facilitate access to business opportunities and build the capacity of small businesses to expand, create jobs and contribute more to the state’s economy.
According to Akinmade, the initiative is expected to provide a coordinated framework for supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across Ogun.
In another major decision, the Council approved the state’s participation in power generation through the adoption of Gateway Power Limited.
Akinmade said the initiative was designed to support the government’s efforts to provide more reliable electricity for the state’s expanding industrial and commercial activities.
He said dependable electricity remained critical to Ogun’s economic ambitions, given the concentration of industries and businesses across the state.
“A more dependable electricity supply will enhance productivity and strengthen the environment for investment,” he said.
The latest approvals cut across transportation, healthcare, enterprise development and energy, with the government saying the measures were designed to strengthen the infrastructure and economic base required to sustain growth and improve opportunities for residents and businesses.
Meanwhile, the Council approved the appointment of Otunba Osunsina Olumide John as the new Olu of Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area.
