The Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has said that the approval to establish a naval base and dockyard at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area will drive the local economy optimally.
Daniel, during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Mid-term Community Assessment and Review Tour to Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, on Sunday, lauded President Bola Tinubu, revealing that the establishment of the naval base and dockyard is one of the ways to enhance national security.
The former governor of the state, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, also submitted that the creation of the base would provide employment opportunities and bring about infrastructural developments.
The lawmaker noted that OgunWaterside LG is being opened up by the Federal Government through the new Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route alignment.
While expressing the assurance of Mr President on the resuscitation of the Olokola Seaport project in the council area, which he submitted in doubt, on successful take off advanced the economy of the state.
‘I believe God loves this local government, that’s why He gave us a second chance to actualise some of our lofty agenda. This expanse of land was 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.
‘Let me underscore one fact: it’s not that the Navy was in a hurry to begin work here, but it’s due to some deliberate strategic efforts. We have to thank our President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for granting approvals to what we needed to do.’
‘You will recall that the refinery project we intended to bring here when I was governor was why we established the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in Ode-Omi and the proposed deep seaport. The school was meant to train those who would work in the refinery. That was part of our plan when I was governor of this state. But when we left the government, the situation turned somehow.
‘However, there is still room for redress. We are going to reactivate the GIPI because, whatever the state government does and fails, we are there at the federal level to assist. Most importantly, our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is ready to assist us. Look at what happened at the Tai Solarin University of Education when it appeared the state was incapable of funding the institution; the Federal Government waded in, took over the school and started funding it. That’s what we are doing with the GIPI,’ he added.
He explained that the strategic projects of President Tinubu were meant to empower Nigerians; therefore, calling on the people of the local government to reciprocate his good intentions by re-electing him in 2027.
Daniel promised his constituents that the federal government would fund the project to harness its potential.
He said, ‘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. This project is in stages: we are embarking on phase one, which consists of accommodation for senior and junior officers, an administrative building, the perimeter fence and security work, etc. The second phase is the naval secondary school, while the third phase is the naval hospital.
‘What we have to do is to thank our President for approving this project here. However, he must be supported for a second term in office to bring into fruition all his laudable programmes and projects. The President means well for Nigeria and well-meaning citizens support his administration.’