By Abimbola Bamgbose
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon perform the groundbreaking ceremony for what is set to become the world’s largest cotton and polyester processing facility.
The factory will be located within the Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan, Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun made this known while receiving the former Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, along with members of the Iperu Development Association at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, the project which is part of the “Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative”, will cover 400 hectares of land and is projected to create daily employment for approximately 250,000 individuals.
Governor Abiodun described the project as transformative, noting that it would significantly impact the economic landscape of Iperu, Remoland, Ijebuland, and the entire Ogun State.
In addition to the industrial initiative, the Nigerian Air Force , NAF, is also planning to establish a base in Iperu to bolster security around the airport and surrounding communities.
Highlighting other developmental efforts, Abiodun mentioned the rehabilitation of township roads, the renovation of public schools and primary healthcare centres, and the establishment of a mother-and-child hospital in the town.
Commending Mrs. Madein for her distinguished service, Governor Abiodun described her as a role model who rose through humble beginning in Iperu to serve the nation with integrity, and praised her for facilitating several projects in the town, including a women’s empowerment center, a mini stadium, and an erosion control initiative.
“You have made Ogun State proud. Your life’s journey from your education in Iperu and Abeokuta, through your work at OPIC, to the federal level is a testament to hard work, discipline, and focus. You are a shining example for all, especially women,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs. Madein thanked the governor for his support during her tenure and for creating an enabling environment that has attracted investments to the state.
She noted that her visit was to report on her stewardship and reaffirm her contributions to National and State development.
The Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman Salami, also expressed appreciation for the development strides in Iperu, noting that the town has evolved from a rural settlement into a thriving urban center.
