₦airaland Forum

Our Reporter

Reconstruction work on the critical Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Ore–Benin Expressway is reaching an advanced stage, with noticeable achievements being recorded daily on key sections of the highway. The Federal Government’s intervention is aimed at restoring the strategic route that links the South-West to the South-South and South-East regions of the country.

The project, approved by President Bola Tinubu, covers a total stretch of over 250 kilometres, beginning from the Sagamu Interchange and extending to Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. The road is considered one of Nigeria’s busiest economic corridors.

Work officially commenced in October 2024 following an inspection tour by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alongside Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. The inspection underscored the urgency of rehabilitating the deteriorating highway to improve safety and economic activities.

Currently, massive reconstruction is ongoing across several sections of the expressway, with a focus on rigid pavement using reinforced concrete for enhanced durability. Notable progress has been recorded between Sagamu Interchange and Ijebu Ode, where one carriageway is often open to traffic while work continues on the other.

Construction efforts have intensified, with over 10 kilometres of newly completed sections already visible around Ijebu Ode. Work is also steadily advancing toward Ore and further down to Benin, reflecting significant momentum on the project.
Motorists and commuters using the highway have commended the Federal Government for the quality and pace of the reconstruction. Many noted improvements such as durable concrete pavement, proper drainage systems, and proposed installation of solar-powered lighting along the route.

Despite the ongoing construction, traffic flow has remained relatively smooth, although occasional slowdowns are experienced around active work zones. Traffic management measures have helped minimize disruptions for road users.

As the project approaches completion, finishing works such as lane markings and final surface treatments are underway. The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to delivering the Lagos–Sagamu–Benin Expressway project on schedule, raising hopes for improved connectivity and safer travel across the regions.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has plunged deeper into crisis following the emergence of two state chairmen from parallel congresses held ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rival congresses, conducted amid escalating internal disagreements, saw two factions lay claim to legitimacy, despite both aligning with the party’s national leadership under former Senate President, David Mark.
One faction, led by the party’s Deputy National Financial Secretary, Dimeji Fabiyi, held its congress at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta under the supervision of national officer, Olatunji Shoyinka. The exercise produced Emmanuel Famojuro as the state chairman.
Shoyinka, while presenting what he described as a harmonised list of state executives, maintained that the process complied with party guidelines and reflected the consensus of critical stakeholders.
In his acceptance speech, Famojuro called for unity within the party and pledged to reposition the ADC through aggressive grassroots mobilisation, emphasising the importance of youths and women in strengthening the party’s structure.
In a parallel development, another faction conducted a separate congress at the party secretariat in the Itoko area of Abeokuta under the supervision of national officer, Rasheed Salvador. The congress returned Dr. Femi Soluade as the substantive state chairman.
Other officials elected at the congress include Prince Babatunde Adedeji as Deputy State Chairman and Hon. Agbebiyi Olusoji as State Secretary, alongside members of the State Executive Committee. The State Legal Adviser, Femi Aina, affirmed that the exercise complied with party regulations and upheld due process.
The Soluade-led faction, however, distanced itself from the congress held at the OOPL, describing it as unauthorised and lacking legitimacy.
The parallel congresses underscore deepening divisions within the Ogun ADC, raising concerns over the party’s cohesion as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Our Reporter
The Yewa People Development Council and the Yewa Traditional Council have celebrated the life of service, integrity and leadership of the 22nd Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the first IGP from Ogun State of Yewa extraction.
The honour was bestowed at a grand civic reception held in Ilaro, Ogun State, which drew dignitaries from across the country, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and the Minister of State for Health, Iziak Adekunle Salako, alongside traditional rulers and prominent Yewa sons and daughters.
Speaking at the event, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Kehinde Olugbenle, and Chairman of the Yewa People Development Council, Prof. Abdulrahman Bello, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Egbetokun as IGP. They described his tenure as a reflection of professionalism, dedication and exemplary leadership.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Moshood Jimoh, said the reception was not only a celebration of an illustrious son of Yewaland but also recognition of decades of sacrifice, discipline and commitment to national development.
Jimoh noted that Egbetokun’s 35-year career in the Nigeria Police Force was marked by diligence, professionalism and visionary leadership, adding that his contributions significantly improved policing effectiveness and service delivery nationwide.
He further stated that Egbetokun’s tenure as IGP witnessed notable successes in crime prevention and control, leading to a reduction in violent crimes, while his compassionate leadership and institutional reforms strengthened the police force.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described Egbetokun’s service as a shining example of integrity, patriotism and professionalism, noting that his emergence as the first IGP from Ogun State remains a landmark achievement.
Other prominent Yewa leaders, including Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial district Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and the Minister of State for Health Iziak Adekunle Salako, praised Egbetokun’s invaluable contributions to national security, as the event attracted royal fathers, and top government functionaries including HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle MFR, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Dr. Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya Ogun State Head of Service, Hon. Kayode Oladele, former Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Rt. Hon Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly and a host of others.

By Staff Reporter
Ogun State’s political and developmental landscape over the past two decades has been defined by the leadership of three former and serving governors—Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Dapo Abiodun—whose administrations, though differing in style and priorities, collectively transformed the state’s economic and physical outlook.
Interestingly, the trio share a longstanding personal relationship that predates their time in office, even as they governed under varying political climates and party platforms.
Gbenga Daniel, who governed between 2003 and 2011, is widely credited with laying the foundation for Ogun State’s industrial growth. His administration prioritised the establishment of industrial estates and attracted significant private investment, particularly in Ogun East. While his tenure also witnessed road development and urban renewal efforts in key areas such as Abeokuta and Ijebu, critics raised concerns over uneven project distribution and allegations of financial mismanagement. Nonetheless, analysts agree that his era positioned Ogun as an emerging industrial hub.
The administration of Ibikunle Amosun from 2011 to 2019 marked a shift towards massive infrastructural development. His government embarked on aggressive road construction across the three senatorial districts and delivered landmark projects including flyovers, model schools and housing estates. Widely regarded as bold and decisive, Amosun earned public commendation for transforming the state’s physical landscape and improving connectivity. However, his leadership style drew criticism in some quarters, particularly over demolitions and concerns about inclusiveness, as well as debates surrounding the state’s debt profile.
Since assuming office in 2019, Dapo Abiodun has focused on consolidating existing gains while promoting economic stability and inclusive growth. His administration has prioritised the completion of inherited projects, expansion of industrial clusters along the Lagos-Ogun corridor, and initiatives in agriculture, digital economy and youth empowerment. The launch of the Gateway International Airport and a state-backed airline project further underscored his economic agenda. Widely perceived as consultative and investor-friendly, Abiodun’s approach has strengthened investor confidence, though some observers argue that infrastructure delivery has been comparatively gradual.
Stakeholders note that while public opinion varies on which administration performed best, each governor’s impact reflects different governance priorities. Daniel is often associated with industrial expansion, Amosun with visible infrastructure, and Abiodun with economic consolidation and sustainability.
Observers, however, maintain that Ogun State’s development story is best understood as a continuum, with each administration building on the achievements and lessons of its predecessor, rather than in isolation.

Gateway Air, the Ogun State-owned airline, has announced the commencement of new flight operations connecting key cities across Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening regional air travel and enhancing passenger convenience. The development signals a strategic push to improve accessibility and foster economic integration across the country.
The announcement was made in a statement released over the weekend by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade. The statement highlighted the airline’s commitment to delivering efficient and customer-focused services while expanding its operational footprint.
According to the release, the new scheduled flights will begin on Monday, April 13, 2026, covering multiple high-demand routes. These include Iperu to Abuja, Abuja to Port Harcourt, Abuja to Calabar, Abuja to Jos, and Iperu to Kano—linking both commercial hubs and emerging regional centers.
The airline disclosed that the flights will operate four days a week—Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—offering passengers consistent and reliable travel options. This schedule is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers seeking flexible and time-saving alternatives to road transport.
In a bid to remain competitive and accessible, Gateway Air has set its economy class fares starting from as low as ₦100,000 for one-way trips. The pricing strategy is expected to attract a wide range of passengers, particularly amid growing demand for affordable domestic air travel.
Industry observers note that the expansion marks a significant milestone in improving regional connectivity, potentially stimulating trade, tourism, and investment flows between the connected cities. Enhanced air links are also expected to reduce travel time and support broader economic development initiatives.
Passengers are advised to make early bookings and stay informed through the airline’s official communication channels for updates on schedules and services. Gateway Air reiterated its commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction as it continues to expand its reach within Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Despite the deployment of additional gas analysers across Ijebu Ode, authorities in Ogun State are yet to determine the source of a suspected chemical exposure that left dozens of students hospitalised and triggered widespread concern among residents. The incident, which began at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, has since evolved into a broader environmental mystery following reports of a lingering offensive odour across parts of the town.
At least 30 students were admitted to hospital after reportedly inhaling an unidentified chemical substance within the school premises earlier in the week. While some have since been discharged, a few remain under medical care as health officials continue to monitor their condition. The situation worsened two days later when a pungent smell spread across several neighbourhoods, raising fears of a larger environmental hazard.
Residents say the lack of clear information from authorities has heightened anxiety. A local resident, Muhammed Koya, expressed frustration over what he described as official silence on the matter. “The odour has stopped, but till date nobody in government has told us the cause of the leakage, the type of gas, or the location of the leakage,” he said, echoing the concerns of many in the community.
Koya added that residents are increasingly worried about potential long-term health implications, especially for children and the elderly. According to him, many families are eager for clarity, not just to understand what happened, but to ensure preventive measures are put in place to avert a recurrence.
In response to the growing concern, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Ola Oresanya, disclosed that the government has intensified its investigation by deploying additional gas monitoring equipment across affected areas. He noted that two new monitoring stations are currently being installed to enhance early detection of any hazardous emissions.
Oresanya also revealed that initial investigations have ruled out some possible causes, including industrial emissions and gas pipeline leaks. He said extensive field inspections were carried out in several locations, including Oke Aje, Epe Garage, Ilese Barracks, Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, and Igbeba-Ikoto, in a coordinated effort involving environmental officials, security agencies, and local government authorities.
As part of the response efforts, the commissioner confirmed that he personally visited affected students receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Ijebu Ode. He assured the public that the government remains committed to safeguarding public health and would continue to deploy all necessary resources to uncover the source of the incident.
While the offensive odour has since subsided, uncertainty still lingers across the town. Authorities have pledged to get to the root of the problem within 48 hours, but residents say they will remain watchful until definitive answers are provided and concrete measures are implemented to prevent future occurrences.