Ogun State government has finalized plans to build a 60-story skyscraper in Abeokuta. The edifice, named Abeokuta City Centre, will be the tallest structure on African soil.

When the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State council raised alarm over the deteriorating state of the old secretariat of the Ogun State government located adjacent to the council’s secretariat at the Oke Ilewo axis of the state capital in Abeokuta recently, not many believed that soon it would become the proposed site for the tallest building not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa. NUJ had written the state Ministry of Works on the abandoned expanse land when reports came that the place had become kidnappers’ and ritual killers’ den.

The council chairman, Comrade Wole Sokunbi at the July congress of the union informed members that reports suggested that the former secretariat had become hideout of men of criminal activities. “In fact, an okada [commercial motorcycle] rider was found half dead in the complex. He eventually gave up the ghost in hospital. We wrote the ministry and action was taken with the demolition of the entire disused buildings,” Sokunbi explained.

On Friday, August 2, 2013 the ministry officials demolished the buildings and gave insight into the plans by the government on the future use of the complex. The buildings were constructed in the late 1970′s after the creation of the state by construction giant, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEC).

Mr Mohammed Afeez, the Urban Designer and Project Director of the proposed Abeokuta City Centre said the master plan of the project was being finalized. It will be a 60-story skyscraper. He said the project will be handled and financed by a Malaysian-based company known as Urbanisima Ltd.

According to the designer, there will be adjoining structures which will redefine the landscape of the capital city. Other structures expected on the land are shopping mall, recreation centre, signature tower, office complex, hotels and world class convention centre. Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato Sri Mustapha Mohammed said the 60-storey building which is part of the features in the proposed Abeokuta City Centre and Government City will re-define the skyline and landscape of the Ogun State capital.

Mohammed who addressed the team led by Governor Ibikunle Amosun who were on an investment drive in Malaysia described the government’s initiative as laudable and capable of attracting more investors into the state, noting that the commitment of the administration to bring the Gateway State out of infrastructural decay is a right step in the right direction.

The project, according to him, is possible in all ramifications with the political will the government is using to drive its vision.

On his part, the Nigeria High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ambassador Bello Shehu Ringim commended Amosun for what he called his “daring willingness” to make Ogun the envy of the world. Responding, Amosun, who was accompanied on the trip by some members of his cabinet and professionals, said, “We’re always ready to partner with genuine investors in our mission to rebuild Ogun”.

Arguments have been trailing the proposed project. While some see it as part of development conceptualized by the late Chief Obafemi Awololo in the 50′s and 60′s culminating in the construction of the Cocoa House in Ibadan, some contend that it is the least among the priority of the people of Ogun State for now.

Mr Olagbebikan wondered, “Why white elephant project should be our priority now? Why Eko Atlantic City in Lagos and now the tallest building in Ogun State when the masses are yearning for better roads, power supply, water, good hospitals, good affordable schools? The money or loan spent or to be spent on this grandiose project that soon may suffer decay and collapse due to the non availability of basic infrastructural support, should not be given the priority accorded it.”

But Shodeinde Ebenezer asserted, “This is development! Development brings jobs, opportunities and tax revenue for roads and the other things.” He argued that with the Lagos’ overflowing population, Ogun State must be ready to absorb the overflow so there has to be investments and infrastructure upgrade. To him, the late Awolowo didn’t think shallow when he built the tallest building in Africa decades ago.

Our reporter who visited the proposed site recently observed that the area has been fenced off with sections of the land earmarked for the Shoprite plaza, which is also in the pipeline. Will this be a true trailblazer in Africa? Time will tell.

Render

render 2

Odua Republic, i hail ooo..,. Una history making habit is simply legendary.. what with the.First TV station in the blackworld. First university? First Lawyer, First carpenter,, Longest runway in the universe' shortest one way to Arewa slavery and now they want to give us the burj khalifa right there in the middle of the jungle. Cocoa house is still standing there in the middle of red mud and rusted corrugated sheets 50 years after. Una sabi run even before una comot from una mama womb sef..

owobokiri: Odua Republic, i hail ooo..,. Una history making habit is simply legendary.. what with the.First TV station in the blackworld. First university? First Lawyer, First carpenter,, Longest runway in the universe' shortest one way to Arewa slavery and now they want to give us the burj khalifa right there in the middle of the jungle. Cocoa house is still standing there in the middle of red mud and rusted corrugated sheets 50 years after. Una sabi run even before una comot from una mama womb sef..

Omo Ibo go and die with your jealousy. It ain't our fault your land is landlocked, erosion raved and kidnapping den that people run away from. It ain't our fault your governors have nothing to show for billions they get every year.

Once again, omo Ibo go and die and take your fellow haters with you.

'Appy' New Year my dear payless

payless: Omo Ibo go and die with your jealousy. It ain't our fault your land is landlocked, erosion raved and kidnapping den that people run away from. It ain't our fault your governors have nothing to show for billions they get every year.

Once again, omo Ibo go and die and take your fellow haters with you.

Another meaningless project.

Ogun is gradually positioning itself as a viable alternative business/residential hub, apart from Lagos. This will hopefully decongest Lagos.

Yorubas are known for their foresight. That is why all other tribes cannot stay in their states. They simply gravitate to where hope resides. Yorubas are the hope of Nigeria.

slim fit :
Another meaningless project.

Do you realize how many thousands of jobs will be created by the building of this project and afterwards?

ROSSIKE:

Do you realize how many thousands of jobs will be created by the building of this project and afterwards?

Educate that illiterate!

CFCfan: Ogun is gradually positioning itself as a viable alternative business/residential hub, apart from Lagos. This will hopefully decongest Lagos.

I dey tell you!

Let's all be frank, is that "wizard of Oz" project what Abeokuta needs?

And to think some people are already dancing and rejoicing is what makes me wonder if the subjects in Ogun have a brain.

I implore them to rise up and stop this fantasy before it turns into a looting reality.

Another giant stride,and who says SW aint the leader of all other region.

If there is one project that is most suited to ogun state,this is it .
By the time this phase is completed,I am sure the thousands of dollar millionaire from ogun state state will be scrambling to put up a skyscraper right there too.putting up the headquarters of their businesses right there will become another way of showing off . Before you know what is happening ,hotels ,shopping malls ,international companies will start showing up and I believe that this is a good way for showing off because the people will benefit .
The governor knows what he is doing .
Good one from amosun.
Also this kind of project is the sort of project that screams
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
BELIEVE



YOU CAN TOUCH THE SKY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrPZOazfAHY

Ogun state is in the best position to absorb the population/development over flow of Lagos.

Nice foresight.

We need more Governors that have long term plans for their States, not "We will build new Secretariat" kind of plans.

This is interesting...

*In Dagrins voice*proudly omo ogun!

If they can do it they should, I can't help but agree with those who believe unitary government slowed down south western Nigeria

Can they do it? Let's wait and see.

The southwest have foresight and are very progressive people. As much as I hate tinubu, his party has done a lot. And am very sure if southwest was under pdp, there would still be progress but on a very small scale. I have always known that ogun state is the next lagos state. From the time people started living at sango, mowe, ibafo etc. And as time goes on, its gonna keep spreading like that to shagamu.
What is paramount for the whole of south-west right now is rail transport that will link u to every state in the south-west. Once its done, a whole lot of things would change. Life is gonna be easier and will decongest the roads

sandijey: The southwest have foresight and are very progressive people. As much as I hate tinubu, his party has done a lot. And am very sure if southwest was under pdp, there would still be progress but on a very small scale. I have always known that ogun state is the next lagos state. From the time people started living at sango, mowe, ibafo etc. And as time goes on, its gonna keep spreading like that to shagamu.
What is paramount for the whole of south-west right now is rail transport that will link u to every state in the south-west. Once its done, a whole lot of things would change. Life is gonna be easier and will decongest the roads

100 percent correct. We seriously need a rail system that will aid transportation.

There's no major city without a well planned rail system.

skyscrapper ko. Crypton ni?

geeez:

Well said and that's the essence of the DAWN programme

However, Mimiko seems to see it as an APC agenda to capture Ondo State

The more we begin to focus on the people and development, the better we will become

I think Kwara state should also participate in the DAWN arrangement.

This is one of the reasons I crave for regional autonomy

Like Dr. Sola said, the unitary system under the military slowed down the SW

A regional system of government will move the SW even faster than it is advancing today

Very true.

in dagrin's voice.."omo naija aya mi oja,omo ogun omo todun akogun".
the most progressive and well foresighted region in nigeria.
but this news have been overstretched.
make them finish am first before we start jubilating.

slim fit :
Another meaningless project.

how is it meaningless ? U just show us ur hatred for my darling state.
Omo Ogun Iseya
Omo Ijebu to the core

Story story