According to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the extraordinary progress made in the state over the past four years is a result of his administration’s “Building Our Future Together Agenda” and the ISEYA motto, which states that development can only pick up speed.
In advance of the 2024–2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2024 Appropriation Bill, which were held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, Abiodun disclosed this during the Egba Division Townhall meeting.
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stated that the bulk of the populace, regardless of social class, political, religious, or racial affiliation, benefits from his administration’s policies and programmes.
“You see in our system a strategic approach towards the formulation and implementation of our policies and programmes which are geared towards the welfare, wellness, and well-being of our people,” stated Governor Abiodun.
He highlighted that the level of dedication to swift development and good governance was a glaring example of his administration’s determination to uphold the democratic ideals of fairness, justice, accountability, transparency, and equity.
Abiodun reaffirmed that his administration would continue to give the state’s citizens a prominent role in demonstrating a genuine commitment to good governance and urged all essential parties to work together to “build our future together.”
He acknowledged the impressive turnout of individuals in attendance, particularly the royal fathers, and said that the Egba division had once again lived up to its reputation for political intelligence, commending them for their unwavering support of his administration and constancy.
Commissioner for Finance and Governor Dapo Okubadejo’s Chief Economic Advisor stated in his letter of goodwill that the government was dedicated to implementing more inclusive and budgeting practises in order to advance the state.
He stated that the administration’s genuine commitment to good governance was the reason for the meeting and reiterated that it would continue to follow policy thrusts and create policies that will directly benefit the state’s residents.
Okubadejo pointed out that the administration of Prince Abiodun is implementing a number of policies, including fiscal restraint, opposing overspending, and promoting inclusivity and bottom-up participation in the budget process.
“The Ogun State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2020, as amended, was enacted by the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in an effort to achieve sustainable economic development in the State and institutionalise public sector reforms and governance. This law outlines the expected fiscal activities in the State and has helped with the annual budget preparation process,” the statement read.
In his remarks, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, said that the goal of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration was to provide good governance, finish all ongoing projects, start new ones, and create policies that would benefit all of the state’s citizens.
He disclosed that 215 projects in the Egba Division had been finished in the previous 12 months.
Gbenga Obadara, a former senator who represented Ogun Central in the National Assembly, made a contribution in which he urged the state government to repair the Adatan road and the road that connects to the Laderin rail station in Abeokuta.
The Osile of Oke-Ona, HRH, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso, on behalf of the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, thanked the state government for incorporating royal fathers into all of its programmes and policies and urged it to take more initiative in repairing the Lagos-Abeokuta road.
Speaking as well, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, HRH, asked the government to invest more in primary healthcare, excellent education, and infrastructure development.
Elders Papa Kunle Adeshina and Chief Joju Fadairo begged the government to move quickly on the Lafenwa-Aiyetoro road, which connects to various areas of the state, as well as the Coker Ifo to Ibogun and the Mapoly road to the new estate at Kobape, in their respective speeches.
Head of Ifo Speaking on behalf of the local government chairmen in Ogun Central, Mrs. Kikelomo Delano implored the state government to investigate the possibility of constructing additional rural roads and to allocate more funds for the development of infrastructure in rural schools.
Rev. Stephen Adeyemi, a representative of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, a representative of the Muslim community, brought the Saje, Mokola, Elega, Ilugun, Bode Olude, and Ajitadun axis of the Abeokuta metropolis to the government’s attention.
Additionally, they advised the state government to focus more on job opportunities, youth and women empowerment, and skill development, arguing that this is the only way to minimise social vices in society.
