The Ogun State Government has engaged a consortium of indigenous professionals for the development of a master plan for its Economic Development Clusters (EDCs) across the State, aimed to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, consolidate its status as industrial hub of the country and to take full advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA)
Penpushing reports that, Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Dapo Okubadejo made the disclosure while speaking at the maiden meeting with the experts in his office in Abeokuta.
The Commissioner explained that the state government decided to design a master plan for the development and creation of the clusters to avoid haphazard development, hence the engagement of the experts
Penpushing further reports that, Okubadejo emphasised that the economic clusters which were conceptualized in line with the “ISEYA” development pillars of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration would deliver large scale legacy infrastructure projects through value chain optimization.
The Commissioner added that the Economic Development Clusters (EDCs) located in Ijebu, Remo, Atan-Agbara-Ota, Abeokuta, Magboro and Imeko Afon-Aworo are deliberately positioned to attract local and international partners as well as investors.
“These locations will also significantly boost productive output, achieve regional planning, stimulate economic growth and development that will lead to individual prosperity among others”, he stated.
Penpushing also reports that, Okubadejo explained that when completed, the clusters would feature Special Agriculture Processing Zone (SAPZ), Aerotropolis, FGN Special Economic Zone, Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) Park, Automobile, Medical, Education and cities, Free Trade Zones.
The Commissioner revealed that,other components of the clusters are Tech Hub, Creative and Entertainment Village, Iledotun Forest Reserve, Distribution and Logistic Hubs, Industrial and Residential estates, among others.
Penpushing reports that, he, therefore, charged the experts to bring their expertise to bear on the delivery of the project which he described as key to sustaining the position of the state as the fastest growing economy in the country.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami in his remarks during the meeting said members of the team were selected based on their proven track records.
Penpushing further reports that, responding on behalf of the team, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, blamed the problem of haphazard development across the country on governments not having adequately master planned projects.
The renowned town planner, however, commended the state government for seeking professional guidance for the establishment of the economic clusters, as well as the confidence reposed in team, and promised that the team would bring expertise to bear on the project.
“I commend the government for taking this initiative. It is a right step in the right direction. The government has briefed us about their plans, we are now to go and do the design and structure professionally”, Kadiri emphasised
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