Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly called Yayi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State has said that the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and related investments would significantly strengthen Ogun’s position in maritime trade and broaden its economic opportunities.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, September 25, 2026, during a courtesy and familiarisation visit to the Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, Yayi said the port, when operational, would enable goods from different parts of the country to move through Ogun’s waterways, with significant multiplier effects for the state’s economy.
Yayi who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly also disclosed plans for a major dairy project in the Yewa axis, saying an initial 5,000 cows would be deployed for dairy production, with the herd expected to rise to 15,000 within a year.
He also announced plans for a major furniture manufacturing company and expressed confidence that Ogun would soon join the league of Nigeria’s oil-producing states, citing ongoing activities around Eba, Ogun Waterside and proposed exploration at Tongeji Island.
The candidate concluded by urging journalists to hold him accountable to his promises, saying the progress of Ogun State should be treated as a collective responsibility.
Sen Adeola said his proposed administration would be guided by a vision of transforming Ogun State’s natural and human resources into sustainable economic opportunities while promoting inclusive governance and shared prosperity.
He said the agenda would focus on nine cardinal pillars: infrastructure development; tourism and creative arts; education and human capital development; security and law enforcement reform; healthcare; women and youth empowerment; agricultural transformation; job creation and industrialisation; and urban renewal and environmental sustainability.
On infrastructure, Yayi promised to introduce an Ogun State Bus Mass Transit Programme along major corridors, including Abeokuta, Sango-Ota and Sagamu, while working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation towards establishing commuter rail connections between Ogun and Lagos.
He also proposed an OgunRide mobility platform for cars, tricycles and motorcycles, which he said would provide participating drivers with access to health insurance, vehicle financing and cooperative support.
Adeola also placed considerable emphasis on Ogun’s geographical position, describing the state as strategically located between Lagos, neighbouring South-West states, the Atlantic Ocean and the Republic of Benin.
According to him, Ogun should take advantage of its location to become a major export gateway into the ECOWAS region and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area market.
