BEST STATE OF THE MONTH

Beyond Lagos State, Ogun State emerges as a standout in Nigeria’s current landscape, distinguished by its robust industrial base, strategic location, and progressive governance. Here’s an in-depth look at Ogun State’s features, and characteristics:

Profile of Ogun State

Industrial Powerhouse

Ogun State ranks as Nigeria’s second most industrialized state after Lagos. It hosts a multitude of major manufacturing companies, including:

• Dangote Cement in Ibese
• Nestlé in Agbara
• Lafarge Cement in Ewekoro
• Procter & Gamble in Agbara
• Coleman Cables in Sagamu and Arepo

This industrial concentration has significantly boosted the state’s economy and employment rates.

Economic Resilience

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): In 2023, Ogun State’s IGR rose from ₦120.58 billion to ₦146.87 billion, reflecting its strong economic management and capacity to thrive independently of federal allocations.

GDP: With a GDP of approximately ₦5.03 trillion (around $12.46 billion), Ogun State ranks among Nigeria’s top-performing economies.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Road Networks: Ogun State has invested heavily in road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity within the state and to neighboring Lagos. Notable projects include the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway segment and the development of roads in areas like Sagamu, Ota, and Abeokuta.

Rail Transport: The Kajola Wagon Assembly Plant, the only one in West Africa, is located in Ogun State, underscoring its role in advancing Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.

Agricultural and Mineral Resources

Agriculture: Ogun State is Nigeria’s largest producer of kolanuts and also cultivates crops like cassava, yams, cocoa, and palm oil.

Minerals: The state is rich in resources such as limestone, clay, phosphate, bitumen, and kaolin, supporting industries like ceramics, cement, and glass manufacturing.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Olumo Rock: A historic site offering panoramic views of Abeokuta and insights into the Egba people’s heritage.

Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library: A center for historical archives and cultural exhibitions.

Omu Resort: A family-friendly destination featuring wildlife and recreational facilities.

Educational Excellence

Ogun State is home to several reputable institutions, including:

• Covenant University
• Babcock University
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
• Olabisi Onabanjo University

These institutions contribute to the state’s high literacy rates and skilled workforce.

Governance and Economic Policies

Under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State has implemented policies fostering economic growth, including:

Establishment of a $5 million battery recycling plant by a British company, promoting sustainable industrial practices.

Initiatives to attract foreign investment and improve the ease of doing business.

Human Development Index (HDI)

While Ogun State has a medium HDI of 0.569, it continues to make strides in improving education, healthcare, and living standards for its residents.

In summary, Ogun State stands out as a dynamic and progressive state in Nigeria, characterized by its industrial strength, economic resilience, infrastructural development, and commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

• Official Name: Ogun State
• Nickname: Gateway State
• Motto: “Ise Ya” (Let’s Work)
• Capital: Abeokuta
• Date Created: February 3, 1976
• Named After: Ogun River
• Region: South-Western Nigeria
• Geopolitical Zone: South West

GEOGRAPHY & LOCATION

• Borders:
  • North: Oyo and Osun States
  • South: Lagos State and the Atlantic Ocean
  • East: Ondo State
  • West: Republic of Benin (international border)
• Land Area: Approx. 16,980.55 square kilometers
• Climate: Tropical wet and dry climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons
• Major Rivers: Ogun River, Yewa River, Oyan River

POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHY

• Population Estimate (2023): ~7.6 million (6th most populous state)
• Major Ethnic Groups: Yoruba (Egba, Ijebu, Egbado/Yewa, Awori)
• Languages Spoken: Yoruba (predominantly), English (official language)
• Religions: Islam, Christianity, and traditional religions

GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATION

• Governor: Prince Dapo Abiodun (APC)
• Deputy Governor: Noimot Salako-Oyedele
• Number of LGAs: 20 (including Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ewekoro, Yewa North, etc.)
• Legislature: Ogun State House of Assembly
• Federal Representation: 3 Senators, 9 House of Representatives members

ECONOMY

Industrial Powerhouse

• Ogun State is the most industrialized state in Nigeria after Lagos.
• Industrial hubs: Abeokuta, Agbara, Sagamu, Ota, Ibafo, and Ijebu-Ode.
• Hosts over 5,000 industrial enterprises, including:
  • Nestlé, Lafarge Cement, Coleman Cables, Dangote Cement, Procter & Gamble

Agriculture

• Major crops: Cocoa, kolanuts, cassava, maize, rice, palm oil, yam
• Largest producer of kolanuts in Nigeria
• Livestock farming is also significant (poultry, fish, goats)

Mineral Resources

• Limestone, granite, bitumen, clay, phosphate, kaolin
• Supports cement, ceramic, and construction industries

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)

• ₦146.87 billion in 2023 — among the top 5 highest in Nigeria

HEALTH

• General hospitals in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and other zones
• Health insurance scheme for residents (OGSHIA)
• Ongoing investments in maternal care, primary health centers, and medical outreach programs

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Roads: Rapid road expansion and rehabilitation — Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu-Ode-Epe road, Atan-Lusada-Agbara industrial corridor
• Rail: Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway passes through Abeokuta
• Air: Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport (under construction at Iperu/Ilishan) expected to boost exports and commerce
• Power: Plans for independent power projects to boost industrial clusters

NOTABLE PERSONALITIES FROM OGUN STATE

• Olusegun Obasanjo – Former President of Nigeria
• Chief M.K.O. Abiola – Business magnate and democracy martyr
• Wole Soyinka – Nobel Laureate in Literature
• Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Afrobeat legend
• Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (former VP)
• Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti – Women’s rights activist
• Prof. Ishaq Oloyede – Registrar of JAMB
• Dapo Abiodun – Current Governor

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX & RANKINGS

• HDI: Medium (0.569)
• Poverty Index: Below national average
• Literacy Rate: High — estimated above 75%
• Life Expectancy: ~54 years (in line with national average)

KEY FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS

Feature	Description
Location	Gateway between Lagos and the rest of Nigeria
Industrialization	Highest industrial concentration outside Lagos
Education	Most tertiary institutions in Nigeria
Economic Stability	Strong IGR, agricultural base, and industrial FDI
Infrastructure	Modern roads, rail, and upcoming airport
Youth Population	Vibrant, educated, and entrepreneurially active
Tourism	Rich in history, culture, and natural attractions