The Federal Government is expected to commence construction of a Border Free Trade Zone in Imeko, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, in December, the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has said.
Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, disclosed this on Friday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting at Onimeko Hall, Imeko, saying the project would also be captured in the 2027 budget.
According to him, the proposed trade zone, championed by the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, is designed to expand economic opportunities in Ogun West and strengthen cross-border commerce with the neighbouring Republic of Benin and other West African countries.
Adeola said the facility would place Imeko on the global trade map while supporting agro-processing, industrial development and socioeconomic activities in the area.
He described Imeko-Afon as strategically positioned and rich in agricultural and mineral resources, adding that he had incorporated the local government into his nine-pillar ITESIWAJU Economic Blueprint.
The senator said his proposed administration would seek to address what he described as the economic gap experienced by Ogun West over the past five decades.
Adeola also listed several infrastructure projects he said he had facilitated in the local government since becoming a senator, putting the number at no fewer than 80.
He said he had mobilised contractors to resume reconstruction of the Rounda-Alamala Army Barracks-Olohunda Road within 48 hours.
Work, he added, would also commence on the second carriageway of the Lafenwa-Crescent University-Rounda Road.
According to him, contractors had equally been directed to begin work on nine other roads across Imeko-Afon.
In the education sector, Adeola announced plans for the construction of modern classrooms at Community High School, Iwoye Ketu, and Community Comprehensive College, Idofa.
He further said the four-storey hospital complex being constructed at Imeko General Hospital would be completed in January 2027 and equipped with modern medical facilities.
Adeola said the facility would provide comprehensive healthcare services and could attract medical tourists from the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
On the political front, the APC candidate pledged to implement the promises contained in his manifesto and consider requests presented by residents at the town hall if elected governor in 2027.
He also urged residents to support APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Isiaka, who spoke earlier, commended Adeola for what he described as his infrastructure interventions in Imeko-Afon, noting that the local government occupies about 20 per cent of Ogun State’s landmass.
He said the proposed Border Free Trade Zone would create thousands of jobs for young people and accelerate industrialisation in the area.
The Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, also commended Adeola’s interventions, saying the projects and empowerment programmes had contributed to the socioeconomic development of the local government.
Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ogun State representative on the Federal Character Commission Kayode Oladele, and Director-General of the Ogun APC Campaign Council, Senator Lekan Mustapha, also urged residents to support the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by representatives of community development associations, Christian Association of Nigeria, League of Imams, teachers, local government workers, market women, artisans and civil society organisations.
