By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has declared that the recent recognition of Ogun State as a frontier state for oil exploration by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is the fulfilment of a vision his administration initiated over two decades ago.
Daniel, now a Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, made the statement while congratulating the current Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the landmark development.
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Recall that NNPCL on Friday officially announced that Ogun State has joined the league of oil-producing states in Nigeria, with drilling activities already commencing at the Eba oil well in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. This positions Ogun as a potential major contributor to the nation’s oil and gas sector, expanding production beyond the traditional Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Senator Daniel noted that the foundation for this achievement was laid during his administration (2003–2011) through the establishment of the Gateway Oil and Gas Development Limited in 2003, with strong support from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“The recognition of Ogun State oil production status by NNPCL is especially heart-warming as it signposts the fulfilment of the vision kickstarted by the establishment of the Gateway Oil and Gas Development Limited in 2003 by the Daniel Administration,” he said.
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Daniel highlighted several strategic steps taken by his government to unlock Ogun’s hydrocarbon potential:
Commissioning of a comprehensive three-dimensional seismic survey covering vast stretches of Ogun Waterside, including Ode Omi, Laogo Island, Imobi, Itasin riverine areas in Ijebu East, and Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.
The seismic study attracted a $50 million investment pledge by PGS Exploration Nigeria Limited in April 2004.
Discovery of large deposits of phosphate around Olusosun in Ifo Local Government Area, which led to plans for the Gateway Fertilizer Company.
Conceptualisation of the Ogun State Agro-Cargo Airport in Iperu/Ilishan and the Kajola Free Trade Zone in Ifo to provide logistics support for the oil and gas initiatives.
The former governor also appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to revisit and revive the Gateway Industrial & Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) established in 2006 to build local capacity in the sector. He further urged the completion of the Makun Omi Bridge via Efire, a critical infrastructure project conceived during his tenure to improve access to the riverine oil-rich areas.
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Governor Dapo Abiodun has repeatedly described the oil exploration milestone as a historic achievement that will create jobs, attract investment, and boost economic growth in the state, especially in the coastal communities.
The development is expected to significantly enhance Ogun State’s revenue base and contribute to Nigeria’s overall oil production capacity in the coming years.
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By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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