The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Monday disclosed his readiness to invest the whopping sum of $700m in Ogun State in different areas of business, including buidling the largest seaport in Africa at Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ).
Dangote, who made this known during an inspection tour to Itori cement plant ascribed his decision to come back to the state to investment-friendly environment provided by Abiodun’s administration which had given the state the status of best state in Ease of Doing Business Index.
He narrated his frustrating and provocative experience during the last administration as the reason why he abandoned his investments and left the state.
“We earlier on abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), but because of your policies and investor-friendly environment, I want to say we are back and are going to work with the state government and return to Olokola and plans are underway to construct the largest port in the country”.
Meanwhile, the President of the Dangote group had earlier hinted that the ongoing two lines of 6.0 million metric tons per annum cement plant at Itori and the already completed 12 million metric tons per annum cement plant at Ibeshe, making 18 million metric tons per annum automatically make Ogun State the largest cement factory region in Africa.
“With the contributions of other cement producers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of other countries across Africa in terms of cement production,” he said.
He, therefore, appreciated traditional rulers and people of the state for their cooperation and partnership which enabled the smooth operations of his businesses across the state, assuring them of continued adherence to his organisation ‘s Corporate Social Responsibilities to host communities.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun eulogised the level of magnanimity displayed by Dangote by returning to the state with massive investments despite his horrible experience in the past, describing him as a truly patriotic Nigerian.
He said: ” I want to thank you for coming back to Ogun State and also for your belief and trust in your country, Nigeria. I want to thank you for all that you have done, the number of people that you have employed, the impact you continue to make not just in this state, but Nigeria as a whole.
” The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough. Your life and story continue to be an inspiring narrative to all young men. You have excelled in everywhere you touch, you have the Midas touch.
“These are indeed giant strides. For us in Ogun State, we welcome your flight back into the state. Today is the day of history, March 17, 2025, the same March when you did the groundbreaking in Lagos of the refinery and you are now coming back in the month of March to Ogun State.
“Not only have you chosen to complete Itori, you have chosen to come back and develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you “.
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