Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says the state’s significant deposits of limestone in the Ewekoro Local Government account for 36% of the state’s total revenue generated in the non-oil sector, which goes toward funding the federal government.

Abiodun revealed this at the palace of Oba Abdul-Fatai Akamo, the Olu of Itoriland, in the Ewekoro LGA during the monarch’s 20th coronation anniversary on Sunday.

The state became the nation’s top revenue-generating state outside of oil and gas, thanks in large part to Itoriland, the governor said.

“This town and this local government are very important to this state. This local government is one of the local governments that has put this state on the map.

“Today, Ogun State is the number one in non-oil revenue and the largest of that non-oil revenue comes from this local government because of the abundance of limestone here.

“Today, we are number one in non-oil revenue. Out of 38 per cent that non-oil revenue contributes to the revenue of this country, Ogun State contributes 36 per cent and Itoriland is a major contributor to that success,” he said.

Oba Akamo was described by Abiodun as a resolute and accommodating ruler, and also highly passionate.

“Olu of Itori is a good man; he is a very dependable monarch. He is a monarch who is not only responsible, he is responsive. He is loyal, intentional, and consistent.

“When he is with you, you know he is with you. He is very passionate. If he is with you, the whole world will know he is with you.

“I can’t forget when I came to see him in 2018 when he was not with me and I know the difference between 2018 and 2020 till now when he is now with us,” he stated.

The governor also announced that the town’s old hospital was being demolished by his government, and he promised that a new one would be constructed shortly.

Oba Akamo had earlier commended Abiodun for his assistance to the community and its residents.