Ogun State Government has continued to harness the potential of Public Private Sector Partnerships to drive significant developments in line with the vision of Prince Dapo Abiodun - led administration's agenda to create the enabling environment for business which is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of the State.
The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya stated this at the launch of a book titled "Practical Guide to Public Private Partnership Arrangement in Nigeria" authored by a Lawyer, Adebisi Sogunle, held at the Waterfalls Event and Conference Centre, Lagos State.
According to the Head of Service, since the PPP law was passed in Ogun State in 2019, one of the primary benefits has been the efficient use of resources by leveraging on private investment to finance projects, pointing out that notable projects which include the Ogun State Agro Cargo Airport, Housing Development projects, Energy Generation among others have continued to thrive, coupled with the conducive atmosphere created for PPP which has placed the State solidly as the industrial capital of Nigeria.
Onasanya explained that key road networks have also been rehabilitated and expanded through PPP including the reconstruction of the Ijebu-Ode - Epe Expressway while the Abeokuta - Ota-Lagos Expressway would be rehabilitated through a concessioning arrangement based on efficient resource management.
He said the present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration has also embarked on massive rehabilitation and reconstruction of many roads across the state, pointing out that while many communities have benefited from road projects, efforts have been geared towards rehabilitating roads in many locations in the State
He added that pragmatic approach to massive road rehabilitation include strategic engagement with critical stakeholders including Royal Fathers, community and religious leaders as well as lawmakers at State and Federal level among others, adding that not less than 120 roads, spread across the 20 local governments in the State, were submitted for rehabilitation while works have commenced in many locations.
The Head of Service said the State is also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Works for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of additional 14 roads in line with the resolve to bring succour to the people.
Also Speaking, the Former Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said governments accross the world are very keen on using PPPs to deliver infrastructure and public services in order to find more ways to meet the huge demand for infrastucture financing as traditional public funding sources always fall short of the investment needed.
He commended the commitment and proactive steps of Prince Dapo Abiodun - led administration which led to the FG approval of the concessioning of Abeokuta - Ota-Lagos expressway to the State, describing it as a step in the right direction which is also capable of generating employment opportunities and grow the economy.
Speaking in an interview, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Chris Iziguzor said the PPP initiative has assisted Ogun State in achieving much in the area of infrastructural development, and added that the arrangement in turn brought in more investors and provided job opportunities for the citizens.
In his response, the Author, Pst. Adebisi Sogunle said the book will help in examining the roles of stakeholders because they have the responsibility to maintain the environment when political, economic and administrative concerns arise while partnering.
He described the publication as a valuable resource that will guide the public and private sectors in navigating the complexities of PPP arrangement in the country.
At the event which was well attended by members of the organised private sectors and Top Government Functionaries from Lagos, Oyo and Cross River State also has in attendance Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu - Ola Aikulola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Mr Seyi Sokoya and Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pension, Mrs Arinola Adetayo who were on the entourage of the Head of Service.
Omolara Osindele & Tunde Olayiwola
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