Former governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, recently lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a naval base and dockyard within the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. Daniel described this significant federal initiative as a crucial asset poised to deliver extensive economic benefits and enhance national security for Nigerians. His remarks were made during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Mid-term Community Assessment and Review Tour in Abigi, an event dedicated to evaluating progress, engaging with constituents, and inspecting community projects.
Transformative Infrastructure: Igniting Regional Growth
Addressing monarchs, party leaders, women, youths, and residents, Daniel, who chairs the Senate Committee on Navy, also commended the President for his support in revitalizing the Olokola deep-seaport project in the same local government. The former governor expressed optimism that the Federal Government's new Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route alignment is already opening up the region, promising unprecedented access and development. Daniel affirmed President Tinubu's genuine intentions for the populace, emphasizing his administration's commitment to empowering citizens through such strategic projects that promise significant job creation and infrastructure development.
A Decades-Long Vision Realized for Ogun Waterside
Daniel reflected on the long journey to this milestone, stating, "I believe God loves this local government, that’s why He gave us a second chance to actualize some of our lofty agenda. This expanse of land has been given to the Nigerian Navy over 50 years ago and nothing happened until this period when God made me a Senator and the Senate Committee Chairman on Navy." He highlighted the deliberate strategic efforts behind this approval, thanking President Tinubu for granting the necessary permissions. Daniel recalled his earlier vision as governor, which included a refinery project and the establishment of the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in Ode-Omi, intended to train personnel for the refinery and the proposed deep seaport. He assured that GIPI would be reactivated with federal assistance, citing the example of Tai Solarin University of Education where the Federal Government intervened to provide funding when the state faced challenges.
Comprehensive Development: The Naval City Project Stages
Regarding the naval base he facilitated for Ogun Waterside, Senator Daniel assured that the Federal Government would provide adequate funding to ensure its full potential is realized. He elucidated the scale of the project, stating, "Many people may not fully know what is meant by naval base. It is a naval city. Wherever it is located, the security of the place is guaranteed." The project is planned in stages: Phase One will encompass accommodation for senior and junior officers, an administrative building, a perimeter fence, and essential security infrastructure. Phase Two involves the establishment of a naval secondary school, while Phase Three will see the development of a naval hospital, further underscoring the comprehensive nature of this transformative initiative for the region.