Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the presence of limestone in large quantities in the Ewekoro Local Government is responsible for the state contributing 36 per cent out of the 38 per cent revenue generation in the non-oil sector to the coffers of the Federal Government.
Abiodun made this known on Sunday at the palace of the Olu of Itoriland, Oba Abdul-Fatai Akamo, in the Ewekoro LGA during the 20th coronation anniversary of the monarch.
The governor praised Itoriland for its contribution to making the state the first in revenue generation from the non-oil revenue sector of the country.
“This town and this local government are very important to this state. This local government is one of the local governments that has put this state on the map.
“Today, Ogun State is the number one in non-oil revenue and the largest of that non-oil revenue comes from this local government because of the abundance of limestone here.
“Today, we are number one in non-oil revenue. Out of 38 per cent that non-oil revenue contributes to the revenue of this country, Ogun State contributes 36 per cent and Itoriland is a major contributor to that success”, he said.
Abiodun, while describing Oba Akamo as a dependable and responsive monarch, said that he was also very passionate.
“Olu of Itori is a good man; he is a very dependable monarch. He is a monarch who is not only responsible, he is responsive. He is loyal, intentional, and consistent.
“When he is with you, you know he is with you. He is very passionate. If he is with you, the whole world will know he is with you.
“I can’t forget when I came to see him in 2018 when he was not with me and I know the difference between 2018 and 2020 till now when he is now with us”, he added.
The governor also noted that his administration had commenced the demolition of the old hospital in the town, adding that a new one would be built soon.
Earlier in his remarks, Oba Akamo thanked Abiodun for his support to the town and its people.
He said he was happy to have been able to transform Itori from its rustic past into a thriving town.
