Ogun State, Nigeria: An Overview

Ogun State is known as the "Gateway State" due to its strategic position connecting Lagos to other regions. Established on February 3, 1976, during Nigeria's state creation exercise. its capital is Abeokuta ("under the rocks"), famed for the iconic Olumo Rock.

Geography

• Borders: Lagos (South), Oyo and Osun (North), Ondo (East). and the Republic of Benin (West).

• Terrain: Features rocky landscapes, forests, and agricultural plains. Major rivers include the Ogun and Yewa.

Demographic

• Population: Approximately 7.1 million (2023 estimate).

• Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Yoruba subgroups: Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Awori, and Yewa (formerly Egado).

• Language: Yoruba is widely spoken, with English as the official language.

Economy

• Agriculture: Key cash crops include cocoa, kola nuts, oil palm, and rubber. Food crops like cassava and maize are also cultivated.

• Industry: A major industrial hub with the Ogun-Guandong Free Trade Zone and factories in Agbara and Sango-Ota. Proximity to Lagos boosts manufacturing and real estate.

Culture

• Festivals: Ojude Oba (Ijebu-Ode), Egungun festivals, and the Lisabi Festival (Egba).

• Traditional Rulers: The Alake of Egbaland, Awujale of Ijebuland, and Akarigbo of Remoland hold significant cultural influence.

• Arts: Home to Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

Education

• Tertiary Institutions: Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ago-Iwoye), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Covenant University, and Bells University of Technology.

Tourism: 

• Olumo Rock (Abeokuta): A historical sanctuary and tourist highlight.

• Oyan River Dam: Provides irrigation and recreational activities.

• Birikisu Sugbo Shrine (Oke-Eri): Linked to the legendary Queen of Sheba.

• Ebute Oni Beach: Scenic waterfront in the Yewa region.

Infrastructure

• Transport: Well-connected via the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and rail links. The upcoming Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway enhances connectivity.

• Urban Development: Growing real estate in areas like Arepo and Mowe due to Lagos's expansion.

Government

• Governor: Dapo Abiodun (re-elected in 2023).

• Administration: 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Abeokuta North/South, Ijebu-Ode. and Ado-Ado/Ota.

Notable Personalities

• Olusegun Obasanjo: Former Nigerian President.

• Mike Adenuga: Billionaire businessman (Globacom).

• Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: Women's rights activist and Fela Kuti's mother.

Challenges

• Urbanization Pressure: Traffic congestion on major highways and housing demand.

• Environmental Issue: Industrial pollution and deforestation.

• Rural-Urban Divide: Disparities in infrastructure and services.