The former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to revive and complete the Deep Seaport project initiated during his administration.
Speaking during the BATOGD Midterm Community Assessment and Review (MIDCAR) tour in Ijebu East Local Government, Daniel said it would be in the state’s best interest if Governor Abiodun could actualize the Deep Seaport project, just as he successfully completed the Gateway Airport initiative.
Daniel, whose administration (2003–2011) began the process of establishing the Ogun Airport project, also called on the people of the South-West to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying the region stands to gain more under his leadership.
He lamented the loss Ogun State and the Ijebu region suffered following the relocation of the Dangote Refinery to Lagos and urged the people of Ijebu to work together to secure developmental projects being proposed for the area.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun should intensify efforts to actualize the Deep Seaport project in the Ijebu axis, which we started, just as he did with the Airport project,” Daniel stated.
He further emphasized the need to pursue the creation of Ijebu Remo State with Ijebu Ode as its capital, warning that the region must not miss the opportunity this time. According to him, only one new state is likely to be created per geo-political zone, and Ijebu must remain united to secure it.
Daniel also disclosed that the Federal Government would soon commence bitumen exploration in Ogun State, specifically in Ijebu East Local Government, where his administration discovered the largest bitumen deposit in Nigeria.
He revealed that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under Minister Dele Alake, had expressed readiness to begin mining operations soon. Daniel recalled that his administration had envisioned creating a new city centered around bitumen mining and processing to boost Ogun State’s economic prosperity and attract major investments.
Expressing disappointment over the project’s neglect by successive administrations, Daniel said Alake had assured him that the bitumen resources of Ijebu East would soon be put to productive use in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He expressed confidence in the government’s commitment, noting that the solid minerals sector under Tinubu’s leadership has recorded significant growth, with revenue increasing from ₦6 billion to ₦38 billion within one year due to reforms promoting transparency, accountability, and local value addition.
On the purpose of the assessment tour, Daniel explained that it was designed as a listening and feedback session to assess progress and strengthen engagement between elected leaders and the people.
According to him, “This is not a political rally but a governance feedback system that promotes accountability and connection between the people and their representatives. It also serves as a grassroots platform under the BATOGD Movement to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.”
