Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, has said construction of a proposed Border Free Trade Zone in Imeko will begin in December 2026, with provision expected in the 2027 federal budget. The announcement concerns a planned development in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, near Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin.
Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, made the announcement at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting at Onimeko Hall in Imeko, according to an account published by The Sun on Saturday, 7 November. He said the project was being championed by Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, the member of the House of Representatives for Yewa North and Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency.
The senator described the proposed zone as a means of expanding agricultural processing, cross-border commerce and industrial activity in Ogun West. He said land had been requested for the project and linked its proposed location to the area’s agricultural and mineral resources.
“Work on Border Free Trade Zone in Imeko will begin in December, and I assure you it will be part of the budgetary allocation for 2027,” Adeola said at the meeting, as quoted by The Sun. The statement sets out his proposed timetable, but it does not establish that construction has started or that an appropriation has already been enacted.
The announcement comes as Adeola campaigns for the Ogun governorship in the 2027 election. He referred to his nine-pillar ITESIWAJU economic blueprint and said he would seek to address infrastructure and development gaps in Ogun West if elected. Those campaign commitments are separate from the proposed federally backed trade-zone project.
Adeola also announced intended work on several roads. He said he had mobilised a contractor to resume reconstruction of the Rounda-Alamala Army Barracks-Olohunda Road within 48 hours, and that work would begin on the second carriageway of the Lafenwa-Crescent University-Rounda Road.
He further said contractors had been instructed to begin work on nine roads in Imeko-Afon. Plans for new classrooms at Community High School, Iwoye Ketu, and Community Comprehensive College, Idofa, were also outlined at the meeting. The statements describe announced or intended works rather than independently verified completion.
On healthcare, Adeola said a four-storey complex under construction at Imeko General Hospital was expected to be completed in January 2027. He said the facility would be equipped to serve local patients and potentially attract patients from neighbouring Benin. The reported completion date and proposed services remain commitments pending delivery.
Isiaka, who represents the constituency in the National Assembly, said the trade zone could create employment and encourage industrial activity. His estimate of future economic benefits was presented as an expectation rather than an independently measured outcome.
The Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, also spoke at the meeting, commending projects and empowerment initiatives associated with Adeola. Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele and other APC figures were among those reported to have attended.
The proposed zone would require further official documentation to establish its precise legal status, approved financing, implementing authority and construction timetable. Adeola’s announcement places a specific December start date and a proposed 2027 budget provision on the public record, against which subsequent federal and project-level actions can be assessed.
