...commends Gov. Abiodun, Party Chieftains for Their Support

It was a memorable day in Odogbolu, Ogun State, as the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya initiated the establishment of the first truck stop in Ogun State, a strategic investment designed to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) and drive sustainable development across the state.

The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on Monday, marked Diya’s first anniversary in office and attracted dignitaries, royal fathers, and political leaders from across the state.

The TruckStop Initiative is envisioned as a safe and organized parking facility for heavy-duty vehicles, aimed at reducing accidents along expressways, improving environmental safety, and creating employment opportunities; particularly for youths in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

In his address, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya described the initiative as the foundation of a new economic dawn for Odogbolu and its environs, serving truck drivers along the Edo-Lagos corridor.

“As the Yoruba say, ‘Bi a kò bá gbin igi, a ò ní j’ododo rẹ,’ meaning if we don’t plant the tree, we cannot enjoy its shade. The council is planting a tree today that will provide shade for generations yet unborn,” he said.

Diya revealed that the N3.5billion Odogbolu Truck Stop Project represents a monumental stride toward modernizing local infrastructure and expanding the economy, adding that the ultramodern facility will feature parking lots, fuel stations, maintenance bays, hotels, restaurants, drivers’ lodges, and recreational spaces and is expected to create over 300 direct and indirect jobs.

“As we say in Yoruba, ‘Ise ni ogun ise,’ meaning hard work is the cure for poverty. This project will empower our youths, attract investors, and make Odogbolu a logistics and investment hub. Beyond that, it complements the emerging Gateway International Airport corridor, transforming our axis into a commercial and transport powerhouse in the Southwest.”

The chairman expressed deep appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his leadership and for giving him the opportunity to serve.

“Let me express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his steadfast support and visionary guidance. His commitment to developing Ogun State and Ijebuland continues to inspire us.

“I also appreciate my executive members, party chieftains, and councillors for their unwavering support throughout the past year. This journey of progress would not have been possible without you all.”

In the same vein, Mr. Oyeyemi Oke, Deputy CEO of TGroup and 1st TruckStops, emphasized the importance of infrastructure in driving trade and logistics.

“Trade cannot thrive without logistics, and logistics cannot thrive without infrastructure. The Odogbolu Truck Stop is designed to become the backbone of trade along the 49km Sagamu–Benin Expressway,” Oke noted.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to economic growth, job creation, and community development. Construction alone will create at least 300 direct jobs, while ongoing operations will sustain another 150.”

On her part, Ms. Oluwaseun Mamoye, Managing Director of TruckBus and Odogbolu TruckStops, described the project as a transformative investment for Ogun State.

“The Odogbolu Truck Stop is more than infrastructure; it represents a future where highways become arteries of growth rather than bottlenecks of inefficiency.

“Every truck that parks, every driver that rests, and every business that operates here contributes to a cycle of productivity and recurring revenue. With Nigeria’s road haulage industry valued in billions, the opportunity before us is immense.”

In his remarks, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, commended the council for its foresight, describing the initiative as a legacy that would empower future generations.

Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, praised Diya for following the visionary footsteps of Governor Abiodun.

“His Excellency recently completed the Gateway International Airport, a generational investment. Hon. Diya’s Truck Stop initiative aligns perfectly with that vision, and I commend his bold leadership,” Ogunnaike said.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representatives of the Commissioner for Rural Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Odogbolu APC Chairman Akogun Muyiwa Idowu, several royal fathers, Oba Dr. Abdulmojeed Adetoye Alatise (Gbegande of Ososa Ijebu), Oba Musibau Oseni (Alakan of Ilakan-Ayepe), Oba Akalako of Afo-Ayepe, Oba Abdulsalam Kolawole (Jaun Medu Onigbile of Igbile Ijebu), and Oba-Elect Pero of Okun-Owa Ijebu, among others.

- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel