Boosting local manufacturing, a catalyst for economic development - Okubadejo

By Temitayo Taiwo, Abeokuta

In its bid to further engender the economic development of the state through the industrial revolution, the Ogun State government has restated the importance of boosting local manufacturing.

 

The Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, revealed this while receiving the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ogun State Employment Conference in his office.

 

Okubadejo emphasised the crucial role that clustered manufacturing can play in driving economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation. Adding to that, creating an enabling environment for manufacturers to thrive would ultimately lead to a brighter economic future for the state and the country at large.

 

He underscored the importance of creating a hassle-free environment for investors where they can focus on production without grappling with challenges related to water, power, security, and waste management, adding that sharing facilities and infrastructure in a clustered manufacturing setting would reduce production costs significantly.

 

"This is the only way we can turn things around in a positive way," Okubadejo stated. He highlighted the potential benefits of domesticating production, including skill development, foreign exchange savings, job creation, and reduced crime rates.

 

He noted that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration had already initiated efforts to provide a conducive business environment through economic clusters like the Aerotropolis in the Remo region.

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee in Charge of the Ogun State Employment Conference, Dr. Olu.Ola Aikuola, applauded the government's readiness to support development initiatives, saying the committee, in conjunction with its partner, GIZ, was ready to have a robust relationship with the government in order to contribute to policy formulation regarding employment.

 

He also noted that it would help to sensitise the world to collaborate with the government, making sure the state is healthy in the area of employment, which would go a long way in enhancing the economy of the state.