Osun Governorship Hopeful, Oyebamiji Targets Dagbolu Dry Port, Free Trade Zone Revival
—Takes Campaign Train to RCCG Church
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to revive key economic assets, including the Dagbolu Dry Port, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park and the Ido-Osun Airport, as part of a comprehensive strategy to reposition the state as a leading investment and industrial destination.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), made the commitment on Saturday while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy visit in Osogbo.
The visit of the maritime journalists was facilitated by the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) in recognition of Oyebamiji’s contributions to Nigeria’s inland waterways sector during his tenure as the Managing Director of NIWA.
Addressing the journalists, Oyebamiji unveiled his Osun Prosperity Agenda themed “A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development,” describing it as a practical blueprint for economic transformation, inclusive governance and sustainable development.
He said unlocking the economic potential of strategic assets such as; the Dagbolu Dry Port, the Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park, the Ido-Osun Airport and the Osun Free Trade Zone would stimulate commerce, strengthen tourism, attract local and foreign investment, support entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities across the state.
According to him, the revival of the Dagbolu Dry Port and the Osun Free Trade Zone would improve trade facilitation, boost logistics and position Osun as a competitive industrial and export hub within Nigeria.
“We will resuscitate strategic economic assets that have the capacity to transform Osun’s economy, stimulate private sector investment and create wealth for our people,” he said.
On poverty alleviation and workers’ welfare, Oyebamiji promised targeted social intervention programmes to support vulnerable citizens while ensuring prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions and the restoration of dignity in the public service.
He also pledged to drive employment through public works programmes, enterprise support initiatives and strategic investments capable of generating sustainable jobs, particularly for young people.
The APC governorship candidate further said his administration would strengthen the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency to attract investors, develop industrial parks with modern infrastructure, improve the ease of doing business and position Osun among Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
He assured micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of improved access to microcredit, grants and business development services, while promising expanded entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes for youths and women.
On education and healthcare, Oyebamiji said his administration would modernise educational infrastructure, recruit and train teachers, strengthen technical and vocational education, expand apprenticeship programmes and upgrade healthcare facilities across the state.
He added that partnerships would be leveraged to advance universal health coverage and improve access to quality healthcare for all residents.
Oyebamiji reaffirmed that his Prosperity Agenda represents a pact with the people of Osun to deliver economic growth, social inclusion and lasting development through prudent leadership, strategic investments and private sector-driven growth.
Also speaking, WABOTAN President, Comrade Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as a high-performing administrator, adding that his success stories at NIWA will be replicated in Osun State.
Fajemirokun opined that under Oyebamiji’s leadership Osun State could emerge as a leading player in marine and blue economy development, especially maritime tourism via Oshogbo Groove, Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, among others.
In a related development Oyebamiji, has urged Christians to take an active role in governance by electing leaders with integrity, competence and the capacity to serve, rather than voting based on sentiment.
He made the call on Sunday during a worship service at the Redeem Breakthrough Cathedral, Region 43 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he also sought prayers for peaceful governorship elections in the state.
The APC flag bearer commended the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for his enduring spiritual leadership and biblical teachings, which he said have positively impacted lives across Nigeria and beyond.
He also lauded the leadership of the Regional Pastor, Mrs. Matthew Oluyinka, for her commitment to the growth of the church and service to the Christian community in Osogbo.
Addressing the congregation, Oyebamiji expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him and thanked God for His faithfulness over his life, family, Osun State and Nigeria.
Quoting Proverbs 14:34, which states that “Righteousness exalts a nation,” he stressed that the Church has a vital role to play in shaping good governance through civic participation, prayers and responsible leadership.
“The responsibility of citizens does not end on election day. People must continue to demand accountability from elected leaders and ensure that public resources are deployed for the common good,” he said.
Drawing lessons from biblical figures such as Joseph, Daniel and King David, Oyebamiji noted that effective leadership is rooted in wisdom, integrity and service.
He assured the congregation that, if elected governor, his administration would be guided by fairness, equity, justice and respect for all residents, in line with Christian values.
“I have come to worship with you today, and I sincerely appreciate the warm reception I have received. If entrusted with the responsibility of governing Osun State, I will lead with fairness, equity and respect for all. I also humbly solicit your prayers for peaceful elections in our state,” he said.
The visit forms part of Oyebamiji’s engagement with faith-based organisations and critical stakeholders as he continues consultations ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
