By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
A chieftain of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) and former Ogun West Senatorial aspirant, Abioro Damilare Athande, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for what he described as a historic decision to approve commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island and the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project.
Abioro, an Ipokia-born politician and Chief Executive Officer of Dardolips Information Global Technology, a public relations agency, said the twin approvals marked a turning point in Ogun State’s economic history and fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the state to become an oil-producing hub.
Reacting to Governor Abiodun’s disclosure that President Tinubu had approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, Abioro described the development as “a bold and visionary step that will redefine Ogun State’s economic landscape.”
“This approval is not just about oil drilling; it is about economic inclusion, employment opportunities, and the long-awaited recognition of Ogun State’s coastal and mineral potential,” Abioro said.
“For the people of Ipokia and Ogun West in general, this is a moment of pride. President Tinubu has shown that leadership is about taking decisive actions that impact lives positively.”
The NNPP chieftain also applauded the President for approving the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, noting that the project had lingered for years despite its strategic importance to national development.
“The Olokola Deep Seaport is a game-changer, not only for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole. It will decongest the Lagos ports, enhance maritime trade, and position Ogun State as a major logistics and industrial hub,” he stated.
“I commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for his persistence and strategic engagement with the Federal Government to ensure this project is revived and moved from paper to reality.”
Governor Abiodun had, on Thursday, announced the approvals while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, President Tinubu has a special interest in both projects and has directed that substantial progress be recorded on the Olokola Deep Seaport between now and next year. He also revealed that the new port would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, underscoring its vast economic and commercial potential.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Meets Makinde, Mutfwang as 2027 Politics Loom
Abioro further praised the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, describing it as critical to securing the area and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity along the border with the Republic of Benin.
“Security is key to sustainable development. The presence of the Nigerian Navy at Tongeji Island reassures investors and protects local communities. I commend the Navy for its proactive role,” he added.
Calling on residents of Ogun State, particularly those in the coastal communities, to support the projects, Abioro stressed that the oil drilling initiative and the seaport development would unlock new opportunities in employment, infrastructure, and social development.
READ ALSO:Shock Exit: NNPP Assembly Flagbearer Modawoni Resigns in Ogun
“This is a time for unity and constructive engagement. With the right support and transparency, these projects will uplift our people and place Ogun State firmly on Nigeria’s economic map,” he said.
