Abiodun promises sustainable urban renewal for unborn generation

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said that the urban regeneration plan of his administration will be holistic and sustainable to take care of the unborn generation.

Abiodun, who stated this at the weekend when he received the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jerome Pasquier, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noted that some cities in the state were very old and needed regeneration.

“We are looking at regenerating some of our old cities. Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and Ilaro are very old cities. We have resolved to look at how to regenerate them, particularly in a sustainable fashion.

“While doing that, we will not compromise the future,” he stated.

According to him, when completed, the new cities would have efficient waste management, adequate means of controlling the environment, clean energy and water supply.

The governor, who intimated the ambassador of the various interventions his administration had carried out in the health, education and infrastructural sectors, added that the state schools, hospitals, and roads were wearing a new look, saying that more infrastructure and basic amenities would be provided to accommodate the spillover from Lagos State.

He said that with a landmass of more than 16,000 square kilometres, a large portion was suitable for all-year cultivation of food and cash crops.

He said that apart from having large palm oil plantation of several thousand hectares, the state also had the biggest fish farm colony, which has become a model for the United Nations (UN).

Abiodun added that with agricultural potentials in state, it was capable of feeding other states, increase its revenue base, provide employment and ensure food security.

Pasquier stated that his home country wants to be active in her relationship with Nigeria, describing Ogun State as a very dynamic and suitable place for investment.

“France is interested in agriculture and we are convinced that we can do many things in the field of agriculture with Nigeria, especially Ogun State.

“Ogun has fertile land and climate condition, which is a very good prospect for us,” he noted.

He said that his country would host an agricultural fair next month in Paris, expressing delight that a delegation from the state would attend the fair, as it would provide a good opportunity to meet with French businessmen and women with expertise who are involved in agriculture, especially tropical agriculture.