ABEOKUTA – The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Olowu of Owu, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, have expressed their support for the Egba Economic Summit’s initiative to create a new Abeokuta Master Plan, covering six local governments in Ogun Central Senatorial District.
The committee, led by Captain Temilola Okesanjo, comprises seasoned professionals, including Prof Oyesiku, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, Engr. Bayo Adeola, and Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, President of Egba Economic Summit.
The plan aimed to promote controlled development, preserve historical buildings, and boost tourism in Abeokuta.
The Olowu of Owu emphasized the importance of selfless leadership in driving development, praising the Egba Economic Summit’s efforts.
He also pledged his support for all other developmental projects advocacy of Egba Economic Summit.
The Olowu urged the Federal Government to address the poor state of the Apata-Ibadan-Abeokuta road.
The monarch also expressed worry over the state of the road from Apata in Ibadan to Abeokuta via Omi Adio, noting that at some point, there seems to be no clear difference around Ilugun Bakatari, calling on both state and federal government to give desired attention.
Oba Matemilola promised the Egba Economic Summit President and his team that he would work with the Alake of Egbaland to ensure that the Abeokuta New Master plan becomes a reality.
He also posited that right leadership is the secret of development and once people that are selfless are in leadership, development is guaranteed, but the reverse is the case if selfish people are in leadership.
According to the Chairman of the committee, Captain Okesanjo, the committee plans to review the 2026 Ogun State budget, focusing on capital projects affecting the Central Senatorial District.
Captain Okesanjo expressed sadness about the deplorable condition of many roads in Abeokuta, insisting that development must be controlled while some historical buildings must not be sold in order to boost tourism.
Also speaking during a visit to the palace of Oloru of Owu in Abeokuta, President of Egba Economic Summit Dr. Gbenga Adeoye while thanking monarch pleaded for all traditional rulers in Ogun Central to back the summit in achieving the goals set out for the next two years.
He stated that a former President of PENGASAN who is the Chairman of Ecogas and Past President of Egba Economic Summit ; Chief Shina Luwoye the Maiyegun elect of Egbaland have indicated his willingness to join the New Master Plan team both financially and to participate in the committee as a volunteer member in any way his service will be required.
The EES President stated that the team are competent enough to carry out their assignments without any supervision from him, and he is there merely to observe the progress and also raise money to ensure the success of the project.
The Egba Economic Summit also seeks to complete the Ajebo-Idi-Aba express road, which would benefit the University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMSA) and surrounding communities.
