The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment towards becoming a leading investment hub in Nigeria, driven by bold infrastructure development, innovative land administration reforms, and policies that will support both Local and International investments.

The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, stated this during a Fireside Chat themed “Attracting Philanthropic and Social Investment into the South West and Nigeria” at the South West Philanthropy Summit at Lagos, highlighting key reforms and strategic initiatives positioning Ogun as a top destination for industrial and investment growth.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor and Deputy Director-General of OgunInvest, Ms. Sola Arobieke, Sofela highlighted the State’s tremendous progress in strengthening  infrastructure, saying, one of the major achievements was the construction of over 400 kilometers of strategic highways, designed to enhance connectivity and facilitate the smooth movement of goods and services across the region.

He emphasised that potential investors could partner with the State through its established Public-Private Partnership (PPP) office, with a combination of strategic infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and investor-centric policies, saying Ogun State offers a conducive environment for investment.

He cited significant advancements in land administration through the implementation of the Ogun State Land Administration and Revenue Management System (OLARMS) and improvements to the Geographic Information System (GIS), noting that the initiative had increased transparency and efficiency in land acquisition processes.

Sofela highlighted the role of OgunInvest as a one-stop-shop for investors, providing streamlined access to essential documentation and approvals completely free of charge, adding that the Ogun State Business Environment Council, which works to harmonise policies, eliminate regulatory bottlenecks, and create a more welcoming environment for businesses of all sizes.

He pointed out other transformative projects which includes, the State’s Cargo Airport, Rail infrastructure, and Inland Dry Ports, all designed to support manufacturers and stimulate economic growth by providing efficient logistics solutions.

In his welcome address, Group Chairman of Odua Investment Company Limited and Chairman of the Summit, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said MSMEs were fundamental in fostering job creation and economic development, not only at the regional level but also nationally and continentally.

He emphasised that with the right support, MSMEs would significantly contribute to economic stability, by creating an environment that would encourage business growth, both the public and private sectors would play a crucial role in ensuring long-term economic transformation.

Also Speaking, Chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, Mrs. Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, highlighted the growing importance of philanthropy in Nigeria, noting that strategic social investment and collaboration between the private sector and the government were essential at creating lasting positive change in the country.