The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Diya, has launched the establishment of Ogun State’s first Truck Stop, a ₦3.5 billion strategic infrastructure project aimed at boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and advancing sustainable development.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Monday in Odogbolu, coincided with Diya’s first anniversary in office and drew a large gathering of dignitaries, royal fathers, government officials, and political leaders from across Ogun State.
The Odogbolu Truck Stop Initiative is designed as a modern, organized rest and service hub for heavy-duty vehicles, providing a safer alternative to roadside parking along major expressways. The project aims to reduce accidents, improve environmental safety, and create over 300 direct and indirect jobs, especially for youths within the local government area.
In his remarks, Dr. Diya described the initiative as the foundation of a new economic dawn for Odogbolu and its neighboring communities along the Edo–Lagos corridor.
“As the Yoruba say, ‘Bi a kò bá gbin igi, a ò ní j’ododo rẹ’ — if we don’t plant the tree, we cannot enjoy its shade. The council is planting a tree today that will provide shade for generations yet unborn,” he said.
He explained that the ultramodern Truck Stop will include well-planned parking bays, fuel stations, maintenance workshops, hotels, restaurants, lodges, and recreational areas.
“Ise ni ogun ise — hard work is the cure for poverty. This project will empower our youths, attract investors, and transform Odogbolu into a logistics and investment hub,” Diya added. “It complements the emerging Gateway International Airport corridor, turning our axis into a commercial and transport powerhouse in the Southwest.”
Hon. Diya expressed deep gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his leadership and encouragement.
“I thank His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his steadfast support and visionary guidance. His commitment to developing Ogun State and Ijebuland inspires us daily,” he said.
“I also appreciate my executive members, councillors, and party chieftains for their loyalty throughout the past year. This progress would not have been possible without your unwavering support.”
Mr. Oyeyemi Oke, Deputy CEO of TGroup and 1st TruckStops, commended the council’s foresight, stressing that infrastructure remains the backbone of trade and logistics.
“Trade cannot thrive without logistics, and logistics cannot thrive without infrastructure,” Oke said. “The Odogbolu Truck Stop will become the backbone of commerce along the Sagamu–Benin Expressway.”
Ms. Oluwaseun Mamoye, Managing Director of TruckBus and Odogbolu TruckStops, described the project as a transformative investment that will reshape road transport operations in Ogun State.
“Every truck that parks, every driver that rests, and every business that operates here contributes to a cycle of productivity and recurring revenue. With Nigeria’s haulage industry valued in billions, the opportunity before us is immense,” she noted.
Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, and Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, also lauded Diya’s initiative. Ogunnaike likened the project’s vision to the recently inaugurated Gateway International Airport, describing both as “generational investments” in Ogun’s economic future.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of the Commissioner for Rural Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Odogbolu APC Chairman Akogun Muyiwa Idowu, and multiple royal fathers:
Oba Dr. Abdulmojeed Adetoye Alatise (Gbegande of Ososa Ijebu), Oba Musibau Oseni (Alakan of Ilakan-Ayepe), Oba Akalako of Afo-Ayepe, Oba Abdulsalam Kolawole (Jaun Medu Onigbile of Igbile Ijebu), and Oba-Elect Pero of Okun-Owa Ijebu, among others.
With the launch of the Odogbolu Truck Stop, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Diya continues to advance progressive, people-focused governance, reflecting the vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to make Ogun State a hub for commerce, logistics, and sustainable growth.
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