The Member representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and DP World for the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
Adegbesan described the development as a historic opportunity capable of transforming the economic landscape of Ogun Waterside, Ogun State and Nigeria, stressing that the people of the host communities must be positioned to derive tangible and lasting benefits from the investment.
The MoUs were signed in Paris on Thursday in the presence of President Tinubu. According to the Presidency, the projects are expected to attract an initial investment of more than $7 billion and create over 50,000 direct jobs when fully developed.
The proposed Gateway Deep Seaport, located in Ogun Waterside, is planned to have a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft, while the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone is expected to cover about 10,000 hectares. The Federal Government says the integrated development is expected to strengthen maritime trade, logistics, manufacturing and export activities.
In a statement issued by his Media Office,
Adegbesan congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Abiodun, DP World and other stakeholders whose efforts have brought the long-anticipated project to this stage.
He particularly commended what he described as the proactive collaboration between the Federal and Ogun State Governments, saying such cooperation was essential to unlocking the economic potential of Ogun Waterside.
‘I WORK WITHOUT NOISE’
Adegbesan also used the occasion to reaffirm his approach to legislative representation, saying his focus remained on engagement, advocacy, follow-up and measurable results rather than publicity.
“I am always active, working without noise. My records are feasible and available for anyone who genuinely wants to examine them. As a first-term parliamentarian, I am proud of what our team has been able to accomplish through purposeful and proactive representation.”
He said the effectiveness of a legislator should not be measured solely by public statements, but by sustained engagement with government agencies, legislative interventions, follow-up on constituency concerns and efforts to attract development to the constituency.
“When elected representatives, the state government and the Federal Government work within their respective constitutional responsibilities and keep their focus on development, the people are the ultimate beneficiaries.”
‘SEAPORT BENEFITS MUST REACH OUR PEOPLE’
While welcoming the investment, the lawmaker said the project must go beyond impressive financial figures and translate into tangible improvements for the people of Ogun Waterside.
He called for deliberate opportunities for qualified indigenes and residents in employment, technical and vocational training, local business participation and other aspects of the emerging economic ecosystem.
He also urged stakeholders to pay attention to roads and transportation, electricity, healthcare, education, environmental protection and appropriate engagement with host communities.
“This project must not simply be located in Ogun Waterside; it must be integrated with Ogun Waterside.
“Our young people must have opportunities to work, our businesses must be able to participate, our communities must benefit from the infrastructure, and our people must see tangible improvements in their quality of life.”
The proposed port is expected to help decongest the Lagos port corridor and provide an alternative trade and logistics gateway, while the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone is designed to support manufacturing, processing and export-oriented activities.
ADEGBESAN RECALLS EBA ISLAND INTERVENTION
Adegbesan also recalled his intervention on the Eba Island issue, saying it demonstrated the need for elected representatives to remain vigilant whenever matters affecting the territorial, economic and developmental interests of their constituents arise.
He said he would continue to deploy available constitutional and institutional channels to protect the interests of the people of Ogun Waterside.
“Whenever an issue affects the territorial integrity, economic interests or future development of our people, I will not stand aside. I will use every legitimate constitutional and institutional avenue available to me to protect the interests of my constituents.”
According to him, the same principle would guide his engagement on the Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
COMMENDS TINUBU, ABIODUN
The federal lawmaker commended President Tinubu for supporting the development of maritime infrastructure and economic diversification, while also applauding Governor Abiodun for his efforts in positioning Ogun State to attract major investments.
President Tinubu, at the Paris signing, said the Federal Government would provide regulatory clarity, policy stability and institutional support required to move the projects from agreements to implementation. He also said the government would hold the parties accountable for their commitments.
Adegbesan said successful implementation would require sustained cooperation among the Federal Government, Ogun State Government, DP World, host communities and other stakeholders.
He noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would also be important to the emerging maritime and industrial corridor, with the Presidency identifying the 28-kilometre Ogun section as a key transport link for the port and economic zone.
‘THIS IS BIGGER THAN POLITICS’
Adegbesan urged stakeholders to treat the project as a long-term development initiative rather than a political talking point.
“This is bigger than politics. It is about the future of our children, the economic possibilities before our communities and the place Ogun Waterside will occupy in the emerging maritime and industrial economy of Nigeria.
“The signing is an important milestone. Now the real work begins. I will continue to play my part, quietly but actively, using the mandate entrusted to me to advance the interests of my constituents and contribute to the development of our dear state and country.”
He expressed optimism that the implementation phase would deliver employment, infrastructure, business opportunities and sustainable economic growth to Ogun Waterside and the wider Ogun State.
