How Diya’s Truck Stop Initiative Complements the Gateway Airport as Ogun’s Growth Engine.
When the sun rose over Odogbolu on Monday morning, few could have anticipated the weight of history that the day would carry. What began as a simple anniversary celebration for Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya, Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, evolved into a defining moment for the entire Ogun development blueprint: the groundbreaking of the first-ever ultramodern Truck Stop in Ogun State.
For a chairman marking just one year in office, Diya could have chosen to celebrate quietly. Instead, he chose to plant—quite literally—a seed for the future.
“As the Yoruba say, Bi a kò bá gbin igi, a ò ní j’ododo rẹ, meaning if we don’t plant the tree, we cannot enjoy its shade,” he declared, moments after turning the sod for what he described as “a new economic dawn for Odogbolu and its environs.”
Truck Stop has been conceived as more than a parking facility. It is a logistics hub—complete with fuel stations, restaurants, maintenance bays, hotels, drivers’ lodges, and recreational spaces
And indeed, the tree he is planting is no small one.
With a N3.5 billion investment, the Odogbolu Truck Stop has been conceived as more than a parking facility. It is a logistics hub—complete with fuel stations, restaurants, maintenance bays, hotels, drivers’ lodges, and recreational spaces—positioned strategically along the Edo–Lagos corridor. The project is expected to create about 300 direct jobs and another 150 ongoing operational jobs, a major economic boost for the council area.
A Vision Aligned with Ogun’s Emerging Growth Axis
For many observers at the ceremony—including traditional rulers, political leaders, and private-sector players—the message was clear: Diya’s initiative is not an isolated project. It is a complementary engine to the larger transformation unfolding under Governor Dapo Abiodun, especially along the rapidly evolving Gateway International Airport corridor.
With the completion of the state-of-the-art airport, the Southwest is gradually witnessing a shift in economic activity—toward Ijebuland and its environs. Diya’s Truck Stop fits seamlessly into that vision, providing crucial infrastructure for goods movement, driver welfare, and trade stimulation across the Sagamu–Benin Expressway.
His Excellency recently completed the Gateway International Airport, a generational investment. Hon. Diya’s Truck Stop initiative aligns perfectly with that vision.”
Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, captured this connection clearly:
“His Excellency recently completed the Gateway International Airport, a generational investment. Hon. Diya’s Truck Stop initiative aligns perfectly with that vision.”
The Logistics Backbone Ogun Has Long Needed
For years, Ogun has been a major transit state, witnessing heavy vehicular traffic that often stalls commerce and endangers road users. Yet, it lacked a structured facility where heavy-duty trucks could park safely, refuel, rest, undergo repairs, and contribute to revenue generation.
The new Odogbolu Truck Stop fills this gap.
“Trade cannot thrive without logistics, and logistics cannot thrive without infrastructure,” said Mr. Oyeyemi Oke, Deputy CEO of TGroup and 1st TruckStops.
According to him, the facility is poised to become “the backbone of trade along the 49km Sagamu–Benin Expressway."
For Ms. Oluwaseun Mamoye, Managing Director of TruckBus and the Odogbolu TruckStops, the significance is even more far-reaching.
“The Odogbolu Truck Stop is more than infrastructure; it represents a future where highways become arteries of growth rather than bottlenecks of inefficiency.”
In a country where the road haulage industry is valued in billions, such infrastructure has long been overdue.
A Chairman with a Development Philosophy
From his speech, it was clear that Diya’s vision is rooted in a philosophy of hard work and proactive problem-solving.
“As we say in Yoruba, Ise ni ogun ise—hard work is the cure for poverty, This project will empower our youths, attract investors, and make Odogbolu a logistics and investment hub.” he noted.
This project will empower our youths, attract investors, and make Odogbolu a logistics and investment hub.”
His gratitude was also evident. He openly acknowledged Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership and the support of party chieftains, councillors, and his executive team, stressing that the project is a product of collective commitment.
Royal Blessings, Political Support
The groundbreaking ceremony drew an impressive line-up of dignitaries, including:
Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency
Odogbolu APC Chairman, Akogun Muyiwa Idowu
Representatives of the Commissioners for Rural Development and Local Government
A host of royal fathers including:
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
Oba-elect Pero of Okun-Owa Ijebu
Their presence underscored the political and communal importance of the project.
A Development Axis Taking Shape
With the Gateway International Airport at one end and the new Truck Stop rising along the expressway, Ogun’s economic geography is changing dramatically. What is emerging is a growth corridor:
— movement of goods
— flow of investment
— job creation
— new hospitality clusters
— logistics-driven commerce
Diya’s initiative plugs directly into this momentum.
More Than an Anniversary—A Statement of Intent
While some leaders mark their first year in office with speeches, Hon. Babatunde Diya has chosen to mark his with a legacy project that will outlive his tenure.
The Odogbolu Truck Stop is not just infrastructure—it is a statement of intent. A declaration that local governments can innovate. That grassroots leadership can drive big ideas. And that Ogun State’s development story is entering a bold new chapter.
In the words of Diya himself:
“We are planting a tree today that will provide shade for generations yet unborn.”
For Odogbolu, for Ogun, and for the Southwest, that tree may soon become a towering symbol of growth.
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