By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor and Deputy Director-General of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke, has lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun’s transformative reforms and pro-investment policies for driving the state’s sustained industrial growth and positioning it as Nigeria’s manufacturing hub.
Arobieke gave the commendation at the commissioning of the ₦1.3 billion Monolithic Refractory Plant of African Refractory and Allied Products (ARAP), a subsidiary of African Industries Group (AIG), in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
Describing the plant as a major milestone in Ogun’s industrialization journey, she said the project reflects the result of a “productive partnership between government and the private sector,” fostered through consistent policy direction and infrastructural development.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State remains steadfast in creating an enabling environment for investors through sound economic reforms, improved infrastructure, and institutional support,” Arobieke stated.
She emphasized that the newly commissioned ARAP facility the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa will cater to multiple industries including steel, cement, glass, aluminium, and food processing, thereby reducing the nation’s reliance on imported steel products and enhancing its industrial capacity.
According to her, OgunInvest continues to streamline investment processes and provide post-establishment support to local and foreign investors, reinforcing Ogun’s reputation as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most competitive business destinations.
In his remarks, ARAP Director, Mr. Don Terblanche, reaffirmed the company’s resolve to deliver world class refractory products that meet growing industrial needs across the continent.
Also speaking, AIG’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Taiwo Okeowo, said the new facility underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth, describing the investment as a testament to the confidence the private sector has in Ogun State’s business climate.
The event also had in attendance the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ARAP, Mr. Arindam Gupta, and other top management executives of the company.