By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Barely 15 years after it was stalled by the 2010/2011 turbulent politics of Ogun State, the reactivated Daily Farm project in Ikenne when completed will provide over 10,000 skilled and unskilled jobs.
Senator Gbenga Daniel who disclosed this yesterday, said that the farm was initially conceived as a state project in the twilight of his administration as then Governor, but added that it would be pushed for consideration and implementation through the new South West Development Commission (SWDC).
Daniel disclosed this at Ilisan in Ikenne Local Government during his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for accenting the Bill for the creation of SWDC and the constitution of its Board of Directors to chart the path to development for the region.
The Senator representing Ogun East in the 10th National Assembly also pledged to work closely with the Board and Management to achieve the objectives guiding its creation.
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Daniel clarified that the yesterday outing was not a campaign tour but an opportunity to listen to his constituents and collect feedback on issues bothering them. He also used the tour to distribute power generating sets, sewing machines, bags of fertilizer, grinding machines, refrigerators among other items to empower the people.
The former governor who also inspected the Federal Government Strategic Grain Reserve in Ikenne before the rally, said it was time that the multi-billion-naira facility served the people of Ikenne; not just as a monument, but as a machine for food security and job creation.
According to him, “No federal project should live in darkness while the host community starves beside it.”
He said, “The dairy farm was designed to create over 10,000 employment (of skilled and unskilled work force under its value chains in Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises).
“We will continue to thank Mr President for accenting the Bill for the creation of SWDC and the Constitution of its Board of Directors. As the Vice Chairman, The Senate Committee on SWDC, we will work together closely with the Board and Management to achieve more in the spirit and principles that guided its creation. This will be fashioned after heritage institutions like the old Western Nigerian Development Corporation (WNDC) of the late sage, Pa Awolowo in the 60s/70s.”
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He noted that the BATOGD Movement is about extending the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to the grassroots, explaining that Renewed Hope is not a mere slogan, but a thing that must wear overalls and go to work.
The Senator also noted that the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo is not honoured by wearing his cap, but by continuing his cause, stressing that a Bill for the establishment of Aviation School at Ilara in Remo North, which he initiated isnow at an advanced stage.
He said the Aviation School when established, will train youths for careers in aviation sector.
He said, “The BATOGD Movement is about extending the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to our grassroots. Renewed Hope is not a mere slogan, it must wear overalls and go to work!
“That’s why as part of our Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour, we bring empowerment items, medicare, and other forms of support. Because, the only hope that work brings change. Hope is not what you promise people; it is what you make happen for them.
“We honour Awolowo not by wearing his cap, but by continuing his cause. The Aviation School Bill at Ilara, Remo North, now at an advanced stage, will train our youths for careers in aviation. Though sited in Remo North, its benefits will spill over to Ikenne Local Government and even beyond. You are not spectators in governance; you are the stakeholders. Protect these projects, own them, demand accountability.
“The government can provide structures, but the community sustains them. No project survives when the people stand aloof. The future we seek is clear: An Ogun East where agriculture meets technology. Where Remo becomes an aviation and logistics hub. Where every youth can learn a trade, start a business, and live with dignity.”
