The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to revive key economic assets, including the Dagbolu Dry Port and the Free Trade Zone, as part of efforts to improve trade facilitation, strengthen logistics and position the state as a major industrial and export hub.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), also promised to revitalise the Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park and the Ido-Osun Airport as part of a broader plan to attract investment and promote economic growth in the state.
He made the commitment at the weekend while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), who paid him a courtesy visit in Osogbo.
During the meeting, Oyebamiji unveiled his development agenda, titled “A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development”, describing it as a blueprint for economic transformation, inclusive governance and sustainable development.
He said unlocking the potential of strategic assets across the state would stimulate commerce, promote tourism, attract local and foreign investment, support entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The APC candidate also pledged to introduce targeted social intervention programmes for vulnerable citizens, ensure the prompt payment of salaries, improve working conditions and restore dignity to the public service.
He further promised to create employment opportunities through public works programmes, enterprise support initiatives and strategic investments, particularly for young people.
The President of WABOTAN, Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as a capable administrator, saying his achievements at NIWA could be replicated in Osun State.
Fajemirokun said the state had the potential to become a major player in the marine and blue economy sector, particularly through maritime tourism opportunities linked to attractions such as the Osun-Osogbo Grove and Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls.
Meanwhile, the management of Lekki Deep Seaport has strengthened its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to improve port security, facilitate legitimate trade and combat illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, made this known during a familiarisation visit to the port facility at the weekend, where he held discussions with the Lekki Port management on strengthening cooperation in securing Nigeria’s maritime gateway.
Marwa said the agency played a vital role in ensuring that the port operated in line with international security standards as maritime trade continued to expand.
He commended the management of Lekki Port for its contribution to Nigeria’s economy, adding that stronger partnerships, intelligence sharing and effective security measures were essential to protecting ports and safeguarding the country’s supply chains.
The Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, praised the NDLEA for its efforts in preventing illicit drug trafficking while supporting the smooth movement of legitimate cargo.
He said security remained a key pillar of the port’s operations and expressed the company’s commitment to continued collaboration with relevant agencies.
