U.S. agency may invest in Ogun airport, rail project
From Charles Coffie-Gyamfi, Abeokuta
THE Federal Transit Administration of the American Department of Transportation has pledged to enter into partnership with the Ogun State government for the construction of a cargo airport and a light rail system.
The state government had initiated moves to embark on cargo airport and light the project to facilitate transportation of agricultural produce from the state for sale in other parts of the country.
Impressed about the viability of the projects, a 12-man team from the American Department of Transportation on tour of the state, expressed its willingness to be in partnership with the government to bring the projects into reality.
The team leader, Dr. Ufo Eric Atuanya, who made the pledge, said the proposed site of the cargo airport was suitable, adding that when completed, it would boost the socio-economic development of the state in particular and the country as a whole.
According to Atuanya, the delegation was in Nigeria to attend a U.S.-sponsored international workshop on public transportation holding in Abuja.
He said the decision to visit Ogun was informed by the department's conviction that Governor Gengba Daniel's administration has genuine desire to move the state forward.
He said: "We have learnt a lot about the dynamics of the state, especially in the area of transportation and we have found out that there is a big opportunity for some proactive development. We hope to tap into it so that the state can partner with U.S. investors and government representatives.
Chairman of the state Infrastructural Development Committee, Kayode Anibaba, who received the visitors on behalf of the governor explained that the proposed airport, apart from reducing congestion at the Lagos airports, would also facilitate the evacuation of the rich agricultural produce in Ogun. It will also improve the commercial and revenue base of the state and generate employment opportunities for the people.
The delegation later visited the moribund Lafenwa Railway Station where the state Director of Bureau of Transportation, Mr. Femi Egbeoluwa, disclosed that the government had earmarked N8.6 million to refurbish the rail system.
Besides, he said another N8.7 million had been set aside by the government for the development of the Iddo-Idogo rail line to enhance the socio-economic activities of the people in the state.`
