Oil: We’ll protect Tongeji Island, Amosun assures

From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has assured the people of the state that the oil-rich Tongeji Island in Ipokia local government area of the state will not go the way of Bakasi which has been conceded to Cameroon.

The governor, who gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking during an on the spot assessment tour of the local government pointed out that the federal government was planning to have a full fledge Naval base in the area in order to secure the area.

Amosun who assured that his administration has concluded plan to turn the area to a tourist hub, courtesy of a world class foreign investor, said the state government has also concluded plan to construct the road that leads to the area saying the Island is very strategic not only to Ogun state but Nigeria as a whole, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Island is not encroached upon.

The Governor, who applauded readiness of the federal government to annex the resources in the area, explained that the area will be developed and subsequently ensure employment of the teaming youth in the place.

The Governor also assured the people of the local government that his administration will not fail on his electoral promises saying that the government has also concluded plan to start construction of two roads in each of the 20 local government areas of the state.

He used the opportunity to explain that the local government was part of the ones that will benefit from the planned Local Government Development Authority, LCDA.

“I have assured you that when we are doing LCDA, Ipokia Local Government will be split into two and once that is done, that will be a starting point to all forms of development. And I want to assure that your support will not be taken for granted, we will not come here to come and lie to our people,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that his administration is working for the creation of more High Courts to expedite hearing of judicial cases so that justice would not be delayed.