Ex-Ogun HoS urges diaspora investment

n n

The immediate past Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, has called on indigenes of the state in the diaspora to take advantage of Ogun’s investment opportunities, saying the state has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for local and foreign investors.

n

Onasanya said the state’s strategic location, improving infrastructure, business-friendly policies and ongoing public service reforms have positioned it for greater economic growth in the coming decades.

n

The retired Head of Service made the call while delivering a keynote address titled, “Public Service, Institutional Memory and Ogun State at 50,” at the Ogun State @50 London Summit and Jubilee Awards held at the Woolwich Common Community Centre, London. A copy of the speech was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

n

The event, which was reportedly attended by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Aminu Dalhatu, and the President of the Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in the United Kingdom, Chief (Mrs.) Jumoke Ariyo, also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence in Public Service to the former Head of Service.

n

He urged Nigerians abroad to contribute not only financially but also intellectually to the development of Ogun State.

n

“This is the time to come home—not just physically, but economically and intellectually. Your skills, resources and networks are invaluable assets in the next phase of Ogun State’s development,” Onasanya said.

n

The former Head of Service described the event as more than a celebration of the state’s golden jubilee, saying it was an opportunity to evaluate its developmental journey and articulate a vision for the future.

n

“The future is not something we enter; the future is something we create. Today, we are not merely gathered to celebrate a milestone; we are assembled to honour a legacy, reflect on a journey of courage and conviction, and ignite a renewed vision for the generations yet unborn,” he stated.

n

He commended the organisers of the summit for bringing together Ogun indigenes across the United Kingdom, describing the gathering as both symbolic and strategic.

n

Onasanya recalled that when Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, it faced enormous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited administrative capacity and the difficult task of building enduring institutions.

n

He, however, noted that the commitment of successive governments and dedicated public servants had transformed the state into Nigeria’s industrial powerhouse.

n

“The civil service became the engine room of governance, providing continuity, stability and institutional guidance while laying the foundation for the excellence that has become synonymous with Ogun State,” he said.

n

The former Head of Service described Ogun’s proximity to Lagos as a major economic advantage, noting that the state now hosts numerous manufacturing companies, multinational firms and thriving small and medium-scale enterprises.

n

He also described Ogun as Nigeria’s education capital, saying its higher institutions have continued to produce leaders, professionals and innovators across different sectors.

n n