The Ogun-Lagos Border Towns Development Group (OGLABOT) has called for greater attention to the development of communities along Ogun State’s borders with Lagos, presenting a community-driven agenda focused on addressing infrastructure deficits and unlocking the economic potential of the areas.
The group made the call during an engagement with the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, YAYI, where it presented a development document based on consultations with residents, community leaders, business owners and other stakeholders across the border communities.
OGLABOT said the rapid growth of the communities had not been matched by adequate infrastructure, putting increasing pressure on roads, housing, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other public services.
The group also identified opportunities that could contribute to the wider economy of Ogun State if properly developed, including Tongeji Island and other areas requiring improved transportation links and public infrastructure.
Speaking on the initiative, OGLABOT Coordinator, Simeon Olu Okeowo, said the group was determined to ensure that the concerns of border communities remained part of the state’s development agenda.
“OGLABOT is an initiative that predates 2011 and was initiated by Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI). Since then, the development of the border communities has remained an agenda that we have continued to push. We believe the people in these communities deserve to have their voices heard, and that is why we have continued to engage residents, community leaders and other stakeholders and document the issues that require government attention,” Okeowo said.
He said the group would continue to engage relevant stakeholders and push for practical solutions to the challenges confronting the communities.
Dr. Boye said OGLABOT’s consultations showed that many of the communities had significant economic potential but lacked the infrastructure required to support sustainable growth.
He highlighted Tongeji Island, the need for bridges in parts of Ogun Central and infrastructure challenges in densely populated areas where residents often struggle to see the impact of government.
Hon. Deji Olatunya said OGLABOT’s grassroots engagements had helped the group gain a clearer understanding of the different challenges facing the communities.
“Our town hall meetings have allowed us to hear directly from the people. We have been able to identify not only the problems but also practical areas where intervention can make a difference,” he said.
Pastor Abel Fadebi said the projects identified in OGLABOT’s development document could have a wider impact on Ogun State.
According to him, implementing the strategic projects would improve residents’ standard of living, encourage tax compliance, strengthen confidence in government and promote economic development.
He also pointed to the electoral importance of the densely populated border communities, saying OGLABOT’s grassroots structure could support wider consultations, mobilisation and town hall engagements across the affected areas.
Senator Adeola, while responding to the presentation, disclosed plans for a 30-year master plan for Ogun State and acknowledged the strategic importance of the border communities to the state’s future.
He also commended Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) for his consistency in promoting the several laudable initiatives such as the OGLABOT initiative and acknowledged its longstanding focus on the development of border communities and entire Ogun State.
Adeola said the initiative aligned with his broader development vision for Ogun State and expressed his readiness to incorporate relevant aspects of its recommendations into his policy agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He said work had commenced on the proposed master plan, which is expected to take about 18 months to complete and would provide a long-term framework for residential and commercial development, transportation networks and public infrastructure.
According to him, Ogun could no longer afford uncoordinated development, particularly in communities experiencing rapid growth because of their proximity to Lagos.
“We cannot continue to govern without a functional master plan. Development must be properly coordinated, and adequate infrastructure must be provided if our people are to experience the true presence of government,” Adeola said.
He also identified Tongeji Island, mineral resources and industrial development as areas with potential to contribute to the state’s economic growth.
The senator subsequently requested that OGLABOT nominate a three-member committee to work with his policy team. The committee is expected to review the group’s recommendations alongside his manifesto and economic blueprint and develop further proposals on border-town development.
The engagement was facilitated by Gboyega Nasir Isiaka as part of efforts to connect the OGLABOT development agenda with Senator Adeola’s broader policy direction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
OGLABOT said it would continue to advocate for deliberate planning and investment in Ogun’s border communities, particularly in areas where population growth and economic activity are placing increasing demands on infrastructure and public services.
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