Oyebamiji Unveils Ambitious Prosperity Agenda, Vows to Revive Dagbolu Dry Port, Free Trade Zone and Strategic Assets to Drive Osun's Economic Renaissance
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has unveiled an ambitious economic transformation blueprint designed to reposition Osun as one of Nigeria's leading investment, industrial, tourism and commercial destinations through the revival of abandoned strategic assets and the implementation of private sector-driven development policies.
Central to the plan is the revival of the long-abandoned Dagbolu Inland Dry Port, the Osun Free Trade Zone, the Ido-Osun Airport, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and the Oba Hills National Park, projects Oyebamiji believes have the capacity to stimulate industrial growth, boost tourism, attract billions of naira in investments and create thousands of jobs for the people of the state.
Oyebamiji made the commitment on Saturday while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria during a courtesy visit to his campaign office in Osogbo.
The visit was facilitated by the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) in recognition of his achievements and contributions to Nigeria's inland waterways sector during his tenure as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Addressing the journalists and maritime stakeholders, the APC governorship candidate formally presented his development blueprint tagged "Osun Prosperity Agenda: A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development," describing it as a comprehensive roadmap for economic recovery, social inclusion, wealth creation and sustainable development.
According to him, Osun State possesses enormous untapped economic resources that, if properly developed and managed, can transform the state's economy, reduce unemployment and improve the standard of living of its citizens.
He explained that one of the major pillars of his administration would be the revival of the Dagbolu Inland Dry Port, a project conceived to ease cargo movement from the nation's seaports, promote inland logistics and reduce transportation costs for businesses operating within Osun and neighbouring states.
Oyebamiji said the operationalisation of the dry port would position Osun as a strategic logistics and distribution hub in the South-West, encouraging manufacturing, warehousing, export activities and regional commerce.
He also pledged to revive the Osun Free Trade Zone, noting that the project would attract local and foreign investors by providing a business-friendly environment for industries, manufacturers and exporters.
According to him, the free trade zone would stimulate industrialisation, increase the state's internally generated revenue, promote technology transfer and create thousands of employment opportunities for youths and skilled professionals.
"We will revive strategic economic assets that have the capacity to transform Osun's economy, stimulate private sector investment, strengthen commerce and create sustainable wealth for our people. These projects are not merely infrastructure; they are engines of economic growth that will open new opportunities for businesses and residents alike," Oyebamiji stated.
The former NIWA Managing Director further disclosed that tourism would occupy a prominent place in his administration's economic agenda.
He said globally recognised tourist attractions such as the UNESCO-
recognised Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, the picturesque Oba Hills National Park and other eco-tourism destinations across the state would receive renewed government attention through improved infrastructure, enhanced security, better promotion and strategic partnerships with private investors.
He added that revitalising the tourism sector would generate significant revenue, encourage hospitality investments and create jobs across the tourism value chain.
Oyebamiji also promised to ensure the full utilisation of the Ido-Osun Airport, saying the facility would serve as a gateway for investors, tourists and business travellers while strengthening trade, agriculture and commercial activities across Osun State.
Speaking on investment promotion, the APC candidate pledged to strengthen the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency by introducing investor-friendly policies, simplifying business registration processes and improving the ease of doing business.
He said industrial parks equipped with modern infrastructure would be developed to attract manufacturing companies, agro-processing firms, technology businesses and export-oriented industries.
Recognising the important role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in economic growth, Oyebamiji promised easier access to affordable credit facilities, grants, business advisory services and entrepreneurship development programmes.
He assured artisans, traders, farmers and young entrepreneurs that his administration would create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish while expanding empowerment programmes for women and youths.
On workers' welfare, the APC governorship candidate pledged prompt payment of salaries and pensions, improved welfare packages and better working conditions for civil servants, stressing that a motivated workforce remains critical to efficient public service delivery.
He also announced plans to implement targeted social intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, reducing poverty and improving social protection across the state.
According to him, employment generation would remain one of the cardinal objectives of his administration through public works programmes, enterprise development initiatives, skills acquisition schemes and strategic investments capable of creating sustainable jobs for thousands of unemployed youths.
Oyebamiji equally outlined plans to transform the education sector by rehabilitating schools, recruiting qualified teachers, strengthening technical and vocational education and expanding apprenticeship programmes that would equip students with practical skills relevant to today's economy.
He noted that investment in education remains the foundation for sustainable economic development and human capital growth.
In the healthcare sector, he promised to upgrade hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the state while leveraging partnerships with development organisations and private investors to improve healthcare delivery and expand access to quality medical services under a universal health coverage framework.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparent and accountable governance, Oyebamiji said the Prosperity Agenda represents a covenant with the people of Osun to deliver inclusive development through prudent management of public resources, strategic investments and strong collaboration with the private sector.
He expressed confidence that with the right leadership and sound economic policies, Osun could emerge as one of Nigeria's fastest-growing economies.
Earlier, President of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Comrade Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as a visionary administrator whose impressive record at the National Inland Waterways Authority demonstrated his capacity to deliver meaningful development.
Fajemirokun said the remarkable reforms and achievements recorded under Oyebamiji's leadership at NIWA earned him the confidence of stakeholders across Nigeria's maritime industry.
He expressed optimism that if elected governor, Oyebamiji would replicate the same achievements in Osun State by unlocking the enormous opportunities in the blue economy.
According to him, Osun possesses significant potential for eco-tourism and water-based tourism through attractions such as the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls and other natural heritage sites.
He urged the people of the state to support initiatives capable of attracting investment, creating employment and positioning Osun as a leading destination for tourism, commerce and sustainable economic development.
Members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria commended Oyebamiji for his contributions to Nigeria's maritime sector and expressed optimism that his proposed Prosperity Agenda, if faithfully implemented, would usher in a new era of economic growth, industrial expansion and improved living standards for the people of Osun State.
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