The real takeoff of the Ogun State International Airport, Wasinmi, Ewekoro Local Government Area has gone to another stage of development with the compensation of farmers in the 20 villages of Wasinmi.
Giving out the cheques to beneficiaries at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the compensation was to ameliorate the hardship that would be experienced by the farmers who might have lost their means of livelihood.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Abayomi Sobande, the governor averred that the airport would help open up the area for more development as well as ease the transportation of agricultural produce to other parts of the world.
Before now, Ewekoro axis of Ogun State remains the industrial hub of the state with varying degrees of heavy industries including cement giants, pharmaceuticals and other Fast Consumer Moving Goods (FCMGs) manufacturing concerns.
Though analysts say the airport is to some extent far away from the seat of government, Abeokuta, the state capital, government considered the economic benefits and business viability more than serving government.
Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo, said the new development would promote socio-economic activities in the host community and the state at large.
According to her, “This project will attract foreign investors, create employment for the teeming youths and promote socio-economic activities in the state. The state government is committed to prompt payment of crop compensation to farmers whose farmlands were affected for this great mission to develop our state”.
Speaking in a goodwill message, Chairman, Ewekoro North Local Council Development Area, Kehinde Adepegba, said the development of the cargo airport would bring rapid transformation to Ewekoro, empower the youths and create opportunity for export of farm produce.
Beside, the scheme will draw more manufacturing and allied businesses to the axis going forward.
