Sen. Adeola Unveils 30-Year Master Plan Vision For New Ogun State

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Ogun-Lagos Border Towns Development Association (OGLABOT) to harness the enormous economic and developmental potential of border communities across the state.

Speaking during a strategic meeting with representatives of the association, Senator Adeola explained that he requested the engagement after reviewing the group’s development document and recognising its relevance to his vision for Ogun State.

He said the document could serve as valuable input into the comprehensive development framework being prepared for the state, particularly in addressing infrastructural deficits, boundary disputes, encroachment and the growing pressure on housing, roads, markets, schools and healthcare facilities in border communities.

Speaking on the group’s formation and activities, Dr. Boye noted that OGLABOT emerged from a shared commitment by residents, business owners and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing communities along Ogun State’s borders with Lagos.

According to him, the association conducted extensive consultations and engagements with residents to identify the peculiar challenges and opportunities within the communities. He highlighted the untapped potential of Tongeji Island, the need for bridges in parts of Ogun Central and the importance of providing infrastructure in densely populated areas where many residents hardly feel the presence of government.

He added that the group documented its findings and proposed several projects that could help the government improve living conditions and unlock economic opportunities across the state.

Also speaking, Hon. Deji Olatunya explained how OGLABOT’s community-based work could positively impact the entire state. He said the association had become deeply integrated into the communities through town hall meetings and direct engagements with residents and stakeholders.

He disclosed that these consultations enabled the group to understand the root causes of the challenges confronting each community and identify practical interventions capable of producing immediate results.

Hon. Olatunya stressed that executing strategic projects highlighted in the group’s document would improve residents’ standard of living, encourage tax compliance, strengthen confidence in government and promote economic development.

He further stated that the densely populated border communities possess significant electoral value, adding that OGLABOT’s established grassroots structure could support wider consultations, effective mobilisation and successful town hall engagements across the affected areas.

Responding, Senator Adeola commended OGLABOT for its detailed research and community-centred recommendations, describing the association’s work as an important contribution to the future development of Ogun State.

He observed that the sharp infrastructural difference between Lagos and Ogun, particularly after the Long Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, demonstrates the urgent need for coordinated planning and deliberate development of border communities.

According to him, work has commenced on a new 30-year master plan for Ogun State, which is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete and will provide a clear framework for the “birth of a new Ogun State.”

Senator Adeola said the master plan would guide the establishment of new residential and commercial clusters, modern transportation networks and essential public facilities. He stressed that development in Ogun State must be properly planned and driven significantly through its strategic border communities.

He further emphasised the need to open up Tongeji Island, strengthen Ogun State’s participation in the exploitation of its mineral resources, address capital flight and ensure that companies operating within the state contribute meaningfully to its economic and infrastructural development.

“We cannot continue to govern without a functional master plan. Development must be properly coordinated, and adequate infrastructure must be provided if our people are to experience the true presence of government,” Senator Adeola stated.

He consequently requested that OGLABOT nominate a three-member committee to work directly with his policy team. The committee will compare the association’s recommendations with his manifesto and economic blueprint, identify existing gaps and further develop proposals relating to border-town development.

Senator Adeola reaffirmed his determination to build a properly planned, economically competitive and inclusive Ogun State where development reaches every community and no part of the state is left behind.