Oyebamiji Pledges to Revive Osun Dry Port, Free Trade Zone

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to revive the Dagbolu Dry Port and the state’s Free Trade Zone as part of efforts to boost trade, logistics and industrial development.

Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), made the pledge while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) during a courtesy visit in Osogbo.

He said the revival of the Dagbolu Dry Port and Free Trade Zone forms part of his economic blueprint, titled “A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development,” which is aimed at driving investment, promoting inclusive governance and ensuring sustainable economic development across the state.

According to him, his administration would also prioritise the revitalisation of the Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park and the Ido-Osun Airport to position Osun as a competitive investment, tourism and industrial destination.

Oyebamiji stated that unlocking the economic potential of these strategic assets would enhance trade facilitation, strengthen tourism, attract local and foreign investments, support entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities for residents.

He also promised targeted social intervention programmes for vulnerable groups, timely payment of workers’ salaries, improved welfare for civil servants and the implementation of public works and enterprise support initiatives to expand employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

Speaking during the visit, WABOTAN President, Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as an accomplished administrator, expressing confidence that his achievements at NIWA could be replicated in Osun State.

Fajemirokun added that the state has significant potential to become a major player in Nigeria’s blue economy through the development of maritime tourism around attractions such as the Osun-Osogbo Grove and Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls.