Public and private stakeholders are expected to converge on the Valley View Auditorium, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta, Ogun State on 26 March for the first Gateway Lands Forum, a national conference where experts will brainstorm to evolve strategies for optimal development of the land resources in the state.  The conference, which is organised by the state’s Bureau of Lands & Survey, will focus on the theme, “Agenda for a Secure Future: Challenges and Prospects of Real Estate Development in Ogun State.”

Governor Gbenga Daniel, the state chief executive will be the special guest of honour and chief host for the conference to be chaired by Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, former minister of finance.

Guest speaker for the conference, Professor Kayode Oyesiku will deliver the lead lecture entitled “The Ogun State Plan & Challenges of Implementation.”

Oyesiku holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and is the vice-chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode.

Surveyor Gbenga Ogunnoiki, director-general of Bureau of Lands & Survey, the state’s land development agency, said the forum seeks to provide a platform for collaboration between private stakeholders and government on the orderly development of the land resources of Ogun State and optimal exploration of opportunities for real estate and other investments in the state. Ogunnoiki said the forum will also offer an opportunity for government and private operators in the real estate sector to fashion out the best way to public private partnership in land resource utilisation in the state.

The conference is one of the steps being taken by the state government to reposition Ogun State as the next frontier of development in the South West. By the rebranding, the state is hoping to capture for its real estate sector a part of the investment capital now in full flight from the capital market.