The media office of His Excellency, Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and all citizens of Ogun State for the recent declaration of Ogun as a frontier state for oil exploration by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

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This significant recognition marks the fruition of a vision initiated by the Daniel Administration with the establishment of Gateway Oil and Gas Development Limited in 2003, with substantial backing from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Daniel Administration laid the groundwork for this achievement by conducting a three-dimensional seismic study of oil and mineral deposits across the state. This comprehensive survey spanned the water bodies in Ode Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government, Laogo Island, Imobi, Itasin riverine areas in Ijebu East Local Government, and Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.

The study spurred a $50 million investment pledge from PGS Exploration Nigeria Limited in April 2004. Additionally, a significant phosphate deposit was discovered around Olusosun in Ifo Local Government Area, leading to the establishment of the Gateway Fertilizer Company at Olusosun.

Several strategic initiatives were undertaken to highlight Ogun State’s potential as an oil-producing state. These efforts included hosting then-NNPC Group Managing Director, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, and other top officials at the Valley View Auditorium of the Government House in Abeokuta. This event was a pivotal moment in advocating for Ogun State’s recognition as an oil-producing state.

In 2007, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the multibillion-dollar Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OK LNG) project. This MoU involved the Ogun and Ondo State governments, NNPC, Chevron, Shell, and British Gas. The Olokola Free Trade Zone was intended to host various petro-allied establishments, including the Dangote Refinery, which has since relocated to Lagos.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as the Governor of Ogun State, emphasised the state’s potential as a hub for skilled manpower, highlighting the numerous higher education institutions within the state. To leverage this skilled workforce, the Daniel Administration established the Gateway Industrial & Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in 2006. This institute was designed to train technical and professional personnel to support the proposed refinery, petrochemical, and allied industries, thereby creating substantial employment opportunities for the youth and citizens of Ogun State. Notably, some students from GIPI were sponsored to study underwater welding in Qatar. Additionally, four ICT Polytechnics were established to provide technical manpower for the Free Trade Zones in Ogun State.

By 2011, over 60 Chinese companies had begun operations at the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone, fulfilling an agreement with the Ogun State government that included sponsoring local students to technical universities in China.

Senator Gbenga Daniel’s media office expresses gratitude to Governor Abiodun for continuing this visionary work. Governor Abiodun was first appointed by Governor Daniel in 2009 to succeed Otunba Alex Onabanjo as Chairman of the Gateway Oil and Gas Committee, alongside other distinguished individuals.

The media office also appeals to Governor Abiodun to revisit the revitalisation of GIPI and support the completion of the Makun Omi Bridge via Efire, a project planned during the Daniel administration but hindered by political challenges.

With the right political will and sincere commitment, Ogun State is poised for significant economic prosperity, aligned with the 25-year development master plan established by the Daniel administration.