Calls for Investment in Manufacturing, Agriculture, ICT, and MSMEs to Drive Economic Growth
IJEBU ODE – The Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, has issued a passionate call to the Ijebu Boys Association (IJ—Boys) and other stakeholders to unlock the vast economic potential of Ijebuland, which he described as a “land filled with untapped goldmines.”
Speaking during a strategic engagement with the IJ–Boys, Otunba Ashiru commended the association for its ongoing developmental efforts and emphasized that the future of Ijebuland rests on the strong foundation they continue to build. He pointed out that while Ijebu people are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, industrial and manufacturing activities have declined in recent years, largely due to broader national economic challenges, including the influx of cheaper imports and infrastructure deficits.
Ashiru identified key sectors with high potential for economic revival in Ijebuland, including manufacturing, agriculture and processing, promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), construction, and digital/ICT development. He particularly stressed the need to leverage existing natural and human resources to attract investment, create jobs, and position Ijebuland as an industrial and commercial hub in Nigeria.
“Gas infrastructure is heading towards Ibadan and Abeokuta; Ijebuland must not be left behind. We should push for the gas line to branch off towards Ijebu Ode to attract manufacturing firms. With infrastructure, comes industry,” he said.
On agriculture, Ashiru advocated for an Ijebu Agricultural Development Program that will leverage scientific planning, land mapping, and crop targeting to boost productivity, with a special mention of the globally known Ijebu Garri as a value chain worth expanding.
He stressed the importance of MSMEs in community development, calling for coordinated support through mentorship, funding, and business training. In construction, he highlighted the vast opportunities presented by Ogun State’s raw materials, while also calling attention to the transformative power of digital technology in job creation and wealth generation.
Beyond economic focus, Otunba Ashiru urged for collaborative partnerships between IBA and other socio-economic groups like the Ijebu Development Agenda and Ijebu Poverty Alleviation teams to avoid duplication of efforts and drive collective impact.
He further advocated for:
- Improved access to land for investors
- Corporate social responsibility from businesses operating in Ijebuland
- Active participation of Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora
- Support from local governments, especially in ensuring policy continuity and business-friendly environments
Otunba Ashiru concluded by reminding the audience of the wealth of talent and resources embedded in the people of Ijebuland, urging them to rise to the occasion:
“We have the human and financial capital. Let us build an Ijebuland we can proudly hand over to the next generation. The ball remains in our court”, he noted.
