₦airaland Forum

Ogun 2026 budget and Abiodun's bold revenue target








Femi Ogbonnikan






Following the series of town hall meetings organized by the Ogun State government to seek stakeholders’ inputs into the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday, precisely December 3, 2025 presented a ₦1.668trn 2026 budget to the State House of Assembly, tagged "Budget of Sustainable Legacy" for consideration. This amount represents a 63 percent increase from the previous budget. In a radical departure from the past, the entire framing of the budget preparation focuses on high capital allocation driven by aggressive revenue generation. A high Capital Expenditure (CapEx) ratio is the hallmark of a development-focused budget. ​ The 2026 budget is fundamentally designed as a Capital-Intensive Budget, with the aggressive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target being the required fuel for this elevated spending on development projects.​ As presented before the state assembly, the budget essentially focuses on ambitious Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) targets, amounting to ₦509.88 billion to finance the new fiscal year.
For the realization of this significant increase, the administration intends to leverage the state's position as an industrial hub and a rapidly expanding economy. As the Governor rightly pointed out in his address to the lawmakers, the Ogun’s economy continues to grow strongly with the annual GDP now standing at ₦17 trillion. The net effect of this sustained growth has further increased the State’s capacity for IGR which has been in an upward trend from ₦52bn in 2020 to ₦192bn 2024, leading to a projected ₦250bn in 2025.
In this regard, the Governor specifically tasked the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), including OPIC, the Bureau of Lands, and relevant Ministries to contribute ₦250 billion of this total. He charged each of these relevant agencies to intensify their revenue generation efforts, while also aiming at an aspirational target of about ₦750 billion by 2027. “Over the past six years, we have grown our State economy to an estimated Gross Domestic Product of about Seventeen Trillion Naira (₦17 trillion). Our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown considerably from about Fifty-Two Billion Naira (₦52 billion) in 2020 to close to One Hundred and Ninety-Two Billion Naira (₦192 billion) as of 2024, and is projected to reach about Two Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira (₦250 billion) for the full year 2025,” Abiodun enthused.
To engender effective collaboration, the Governor emphasized the need for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prepare ambitious budgets, viewing them as "pieces of a jigsaw that must fit together to complete the bigger picture." The overall approach is one of fiscal discipline combined with accelerated investment in growth-enabling sectors. The overall analysis of the proposed budget highlights a renewed determination by the government to consolidate the gains made under its ISEYA Development Agenda, which stands for: Infrastructure, Security/Social Wellbeing, Education, Youth Empowerment/Job Creation, and Agriculture. Making specific reference to the government’s sustained effort for the creation of an enabling environment for industrial investment, Governor Abiodun highlighted key infrastructure achievements over the last six years, including the Gateway International Airport, now operational, as well as the ongoing work on the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports.
Other than these landmark projects, he also gave a long list of road interconnectivity, amounting to1500 kilometres over the last six years. He said: “We have constructed and rehabilitated over 1,500 kilometres of roads-more than the achievements of previous administrations over a combined period of sixteen years. This unprecedented milestone has opened rural communities, improved urban mobility, reduced transport and logistics costs, enhanced trade, and boosted productivity across all sectors.“Major roads either completed or under construction in the Central Senatorial District include the 13.1km Ijana–Alapako–Oni–Mosa Road in Obafemi-Owode; 12.98km Kila–Alagbagba Road in Odeda; 10.34km Tepona Road in Wasimi, Ewekoro; 6.5km Olodo–Adawo Road in Odeda; 19.02km Akinsinde–Coker Market Road; 4.3km Akute–Ajuwon Road; and the 1.45km Alagbole–Ajuwon Road, all in Ifo.In the West Senatorial District, key projects include the 10.08km Agosasa–Idolorisa Road in Ipokia; the 16.02km Oja-Odan–Orobiyi–Ebute Igbooro Road in Yewa North; and the 3.12km Oke-Erinja Road (Phase I) in Yewa South.In the East Senatorial District, projects include the 15.19km Itebu–Ago-Isobo Road in Ogun Waterside; the 14.09km Mamu–Aba Panu Road in Ijebu North; the 8.64km Ganganbiaro–Odo Ona Road in Remo North; the 1.5km Awomasu–Agbato Road in Ogere, Ikenne; the 1.6km Odolewu–Lasesi–Isiwo Road in Odogbolu; and the 1.4km Awokoya Road in Ijebu-Ode.We also facilitated the construction of a dedicated access road leading to the Prof. Wole Soyinka Railway Station in Abeokuta, and have prioritized key federal corridors such as the 103km Sagamu–Papalanto Road and the 72km Ota–Abeokuta Road—critical steps toward regional integration and transport efficiency. ”The breakdown of sectorial allocation in the new budget further reveals the government’s intension to prioritize infrastructure as a key driver for industrialization. Out of the total annual budget proposal, infrastructure alone gulps ₦526.15bn, representing the largest single sectoral allocation, reflecting the administration's stated commitment to using infrastructure-specifically roads, bridges, and transport facilities—as the primary accelerator for economic growth, industrialization, and improved connectivity between the state and Lagos.This renewed commitment focuses on completing and rehabilitating road projects across all three senatorial districts to improve connectivity and economic activities. By focusing on infrastructure, the administration intends to cement the state's position as an industrial hub. It also emphasises the planned urban renewal, including the redevelopment of areas like Kara near Isheri, which is described as an important gateway to the state, to address its poor condition.​
The government’s decision to invest massively in infrastructure is like using one stone to kill two birds. Besides investment attraction, directly and indirectly, infrastructure will in turn generate massive employment for local engineers, artisans, and labourers through road construction and urban renewal projects. The administration’s human capital development initiative focuses on continuation of rehabilitation of science laboratories and technical colleges, training of STEM teachers, and enhancement of digital learning initiatives. For this realization, ₦275.40bn is earmarked for the education sector.
This is closely followed by the health sector receiving an aggregate allocation of ₦210.59bn. Among others, expansion of access to quality healthcare through the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, renovation and equipping of Primary Healthcare Centres, and installation of solar power systems constitute the primary focus of the administration. Recalling the giant strides the administration has recorded, the Governor said: “Through targeted renovations, new facilities, solar-powered energy systems, and the implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) at over 140 Primary Health Care Centres, we have strengthened healthcare delivery across the State.
“The expansion of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme has increased enrolment to over 70,000 citizens, reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses and improving access to quality care—an achievement that continues to ease the financial burden of healthcare for thousands of households. ”For the Agriculture sector, the government’s focus on food security signals a determined effort to leverage the state's arable land to achieve food self-sufficiency and boost exports. This involves strengthening value chains, procuring modern farm machinery, rehabilitating farm settlements, and transforming rural markets like Kila Market into modern agro-logistics centres.
More importantly, the Ogun Youth Agricultural Programme aims to train thousands of youths annually in modern techniques like greenhouse management, creating new farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, thereby addressing food security.Youth empowerment and job creation focuses on empowering young people, supporting small businesses, and strengthening social protection systems. ​The strategy in the 2026 budget is focused on two main directions: direct skills provision and financial support for entrepreneurship. By projection, the budget is expected to fund the scaling up of OGYES, which is designed to provide grants and interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs. Previous announcements indicated grants ranging from N500,000 to ₦10 million for business-oriented youths and women. The new budget proposal aims to increase the reach and scope of these grants.​For business support initiative, the plan is to strengthen support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are the largest employers of labour outside of government. This includes funding for capacity building and access to markets.​
To enhance skills development and employability, dedicated funds will be allocated to strengthen the Ogun Job Centre and Work Hubs like the one at Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. These centres serve as a one-stop shop for career guidance, vocational training, and linking job seekers with industrial employers in the state.​Additionally, arrangement has also been made for the continuation and expansion of partnerships with international agencies (such as GIZ-SKYE) to train graduates in essential employability and soft skills needed for the 21st-century labour market.
A significant provision has equally been made for intensive digital literacy and technical/vocational training to equip youths with market-ready skills. The biggest indirect job creation efforts are tied to the major capital projects, which the ₦500 Billion IGR target is meant to finance. The Governor views security as indispensable for achieving the ambitious ₦500 Billion IGR target. According to him, investment in security ensures investor confidence. A safe environment is crucial for maintaining and attracting new industrial investments, which are the main engine of the state's revenue. The huge allocation for security aims to ensure that the major transit corridors, especially the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and border towns like Kara, are secure to facilitate commerce and movement of goods. A significant portion of the budget will be channelled towards capital expenditure for procuring high-tech equipment, vehicles, and security infrastructure to solidify Ogun's position as a peaceful industrial state.​ Given the fact that security is one of the core pillars of the Governor Dapo Abiodun's ISEYA agenda, the administration's stated focus and previous spending history provide clear indicators of its priority. ​The renewed strategy is focused on enhancing three major areas: Community Policing, Technology, and Infrastructure Security.
Consequently, the budget prioritizes the recruitment and enhanced equipping of Amotekun operatives (the Western Nigeria Security Network) to strengthen community surveillance and crime prevention, especially in rural areas, forests, and border communities. By providing recurrent support and overhead for the operational activities of Amotekun, the corps will play a crucial role in complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police.​ For enhanced surveillance, allocation for the deployment of solar streetlights in strategic locations and industrial areas has been made in the budget to improve visibility at night, which is a significant deterrent to crime. This is coupled with investment in communication equipment, patrol vehicles, and technological aids for security agencies to ensure rapid response times.​
More than a finance document, the budget maintains a careful balance between fiscal discipline and effective service delivery, ensuring that every naira expended yields measurable value. It addresses unemployment and poverty, supported transformative economic growth, and social well-being, while also committing to strategic investments that secure long-term prosperity.








Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

I have painstakingly watched and systematically studied Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State with his unprecedented political will, capacity, and critical mind.

Sincerely, Gov. Peter Mbah comprehensively dwarfed every contemporary political leader in Nigeria, his masses-oriented policies and decisive move to change old order in the South Eastern State is highly inspirational and commendable.

From his super technologically driven security architecture, human capital development and aggressive infrastructural advancement, indeed, this Gov. Uba is from another world.

I continue to wonder how this man has exposed cosmetic solution a professor claimed to be providing in the neighbouring state and beyond convergence of global community called SUMMIT.

As a matter of fact, the traditional progressive governors of the South West must sit up unless this Enugu helmsman will soon surpass them in all ramifications even the almighty Lagos. Watch out.

And for Governors in the North where criminal elements have taken over the nooks and crannies of their domains, killing , maiming , raping and burning at will, they need to pocket their pride and visit Enugu for tutorial.

With Gov. Mbah, there is hope of good leadership in Nigeria .

Owolabi Olabode

Let's imbibe spirit of oneness- Fedpoly Ede Rector

The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State , Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, fnse has charged the Polytechnic Community to always imbibe the spirit of oneness.

He made the remarks during the official unveiling of the Christian Central Board, The Federal Polytechnic Ede on Thursday, 4th December, 2025

Engr Dr Sani Man Yahaya also used the occasion to eulogize the sterling qualities of the immediate past Chaplain of the institution, Dr. Ayodeji Adebesin, for his selfless service not only to the Christian Community but the entire Polytechnic Community

He said,'' I must commend the outgone Chaplain for his contribution in maintaining peace throughout his tenure, I, therefore, charge the new Chaplain to emulate his exemplary style".

The Rector also praised the immediate past executives of the Christian body of the institution for their foresight for the building of a befitting Chapel for the Polytechnic

Engr Dr Sani Man Yahaya also thanked the outgone Chaplain for his selfless service for twenty five years as the Chaplain, he then advised the new Chaplain to put more energy and sustain the already existing peaceful co-existence among members of the Polytechnic Community, irrespective of religion, tribe and affiliation.

Earlier in his address, the immediate past Chaplain of the institution, Dr. Ayodeji Adebesin appreciated the Rector for his contribution in both cash and kind towards the building of the Chapel, he solicited for more support for his predecessor.

Pastor Dr. Adebesin also used the occasion to show his appreciation for the immediate past executives of the Christian body for their maximum support and pledged his assistance to the newly inaugurated executives whenever they need his assistance.

The outgone Chaplain, thereafter, introduced and handed over the new Chaplain of the Polytechnic, Pastor Dr. Hezekiah Olalekan Olaleye and the new executives to the Rector

Present at the occasion were:
*Rector, Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya
*Deputy Rector, Academics, Alhaji Isiaka Lawal
*Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Adeoye Ileladewa
*Registrar, Alhaji Sanusi Ayantoye Rafiu
*Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Muftau Akorede Diyaolu
*Bursar, Alhaja (Mrs) Sade Aishat Adebayo
*Director, Physical Planning, Arc. Kayode Lawal
*Principal Private Secretary to the Rector, Mr Adolphus Adamu
*Ag. Director, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Sola Lawal.

Federal Polytechnic Ede Emerges Best Polytechnic in Research and Development 2025

.....shines at TETFAIR and ASIP Innovation Programmes

The Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, on Thursday in Abuja recorded yet another historic milestone, sweeping top honours at two national innovation programmes, clinching the prestigious title of Best Polytechnic in Research and Development of the Year 2025, at this year's editions of Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) and the Academic Staff Incubation Programme (ASIP)

The two flagship initiatives are being funded by TETFund with technical support from Innov8 Hub.

This remarkable achievement has profoundly positioned the citadel
as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising hubs for research excellence and technological innovation.

A statement by the Institution's Acting Director, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Sola Lawal, and made available to newsmen on Friday said the Polytechnic delivered an outstanding performance at the two events.

According to the statement, Powermantech Team Wins TETFAIR Market Validation Champion Nominated earlier in March 2025, the team, which comprises Mr. Saka Lukman Ayinde, Mr. Goodness Oreoluwa Edaogbogun, and Mrs. Ogunwusi Adebimbe Abosede are all from the Department of Physics and represented the Polytechnic among 11 innovators from higher institutions of learning across the country.

At the grand finale, the team emerged Market Validation Champion, securing the overall best position with their groundbreaking Smart IoT-Enabled Distribution Box. This innovation also earned the team a patent, marking the second successful patent recorded by the Polytechnic.

Also, the CoolTech Team from the institution emerged as ASIP 2025 Overall Pitch Champion, with impressive outing, the team was led by Dr. Ben Festus (Director of R&), Dr. Yusuf Taliat Ola (Director, Rector’s Office), and Mr. Oke Timothy (Department of Physics)

Both teams received their prizes, certificates, and patent awards from the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sunday Echono, in the presence of other dignitaries, including:Dr. Salihu, Director of Research & Development, TETFundInnov8 Hub Management and Board Members Representatives of WIPO, NASENI, Rectors, as well as delegates from beneficiary institutions.

In the same vein, the Polytechnic, by evening of the same day won an institutional award as the Best Polytechnic in Research and Development of the year Award 2025 presented by the International association of research scholars and administrators (IARSA) at the Nigerian national merit award house, Maitaima Abuja.

Amb. Prof. Ogunsakin-Akin B, who represented the organizers hinted that the Federal Polytechnic, Ede has consistently demonstrated a dedication to fostering a vibrant research environment, impressive groundbreaking technologies, and successful collaborations with industry's national and international partners to enhance research capabilities and broaden its academic network, high-impact publications, facilitating collaborative projects and knowledge exchange.

He said,'' The institution's commitment to nurturing researchers and providing them with the resources and support necessary for success is truly commendable. Obviously, the Federal Polytechnic Ede's commitment to research and development serves as an inspiration to other institutions and individuals, and we are confident that its continued effort will lead to further breakthroughs and advancements in the future".

Meanwhile, Dr Taliat OlaYusuf, Director, Office of the Rector stood in for Rector, Engr Dr Sani Man Yahaya, alongside two other members of management, they are:

Dr Thompson Ojo - Director, Academic Planning.

Dr. Ben Festus - Director Research and Development.

Alhaji Sarafa Adiat Adigun. - Director Innovation and Commercialization.

Abiodun’s renewed security strategy amidst rising banditry







Femi Ogbonnikan







The current escalating insecurity in the country is not only alarming but also calls for an urgent action from the government. At this critical juncture in our national development effort, governments at all levels (local, state and Federal) can no longer sit back and watch the growing trend of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping. It has become an existential threat that requires effective collaboration of all the stakeholders, including the citizens. To be safe, citizens too must contribute to intelligence gathering and timely release of information that can help to prevent attack of bandits or kidnappers who now see ransom-taking as a lucrative business. Everybody’s vigilance can go a long way to ward off criminal elements in our midst before they wreak havoc. They are not invincible, they are cowards.

The manner of attack by bandits and their surreptitious movement show that they are weak, cowardly, and callous. And this, of course, cuts to the heart of the psychology behind their asymmetric warfare. It shows the classic tactics of a force that knows it cannot win a direct, conventional engagement, so it resorts to terror to project power it does not actually possess.

In military strategy, a force that hides, moves only at night, or relies entirely on ambush tactics often does so because it lacks the capacity to hold ground. Bandits engage in asymmetric warfare because they know they are numerically or technologically inferior to state security forces. Their stealth is an admission that they cannot sustain a prolonged battle. If they were strong, they would occupy territory openly. Instead, they strike and run, which is a tactical admission of fragility.

True courage is often defined by facing a challenge where the odds are equal or against you, usually to protect others. Banditry is the exact opposite. Bandits almost exclusively target soft targets—unarmed civilians, travelers, or isolated villages—rather than hard targets like fortified military bases. Lying in wait to attack someone who is unprepared is the definition of a cowardly act. It relies on the victim’s vulnerability rather than the attacker’s skill. By disrupting livelihoods, farming, trade and instilling fear in entire communities, bandits show a total lack of empathy for human suffering.

When kidnapping or looting is involved, they reduce human life to a mere commodity or transaction. This detachment requires a profound hardening of the heart. As human beings like us, their tactics is to latch on the security loopholes in our communities to launch their attacks. We can contain them, if we all volunteer to be a part of community policing. Community policing means taking ownership of the security arrangement around us. It is practically impossible to have security personnel in every corner of the country. But when we all see security as our collective responsibility and ready to work with the police, the task of protecting our lives and property would become easier to handle. As it is often said, if you see something, you must say something.

On the part of the government, there is a need for a review of approach to security matters in our nation. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his quick response to the security concern on Monday, November 24, 2025 held an urgent meeting with security chiefs in the state to review the current security landscape and assess emerging issues at both the state and national levels. The meeting, held in Iperu, his home town, focused on strengthening coordination among security agencies and sustaining the state’s reputation as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.

Stressing the need for proactive measures to tackling the rising security challenge during the engagement, the governor noted that the best time to prepare for war is during a period of peace. This, he said, was necessary to sustain the Ogun State reputation as a peaceful and stable environment. He explained that maintaining this position requires proactive planning, consistent evaluation, and the implementation of measures designed to prevent threats before they arise. While similar meetings have been held in the past, he described Monday’s session as particularly crucial in reinforcing the state’s collective readiness.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to preserve peace, enhance public safety, and ensure that Ogun State remains secure for residents, investors, and visitors.

Additionally, Abiodun assured that a robust security arrangement would be put in place to secure the state against the spiraling spate of banditry, terrorism and other heinous crimes in some parts of the country. He disclosed that the state government would soon begin the documentation of all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies operating in the state. According to him, new non-indigenes entering the state for the first time would undergo proper screening by their community leaders to ensure they are not used to orchestrate violence, stressing that government must know their purpose and means of livelihood.

Addressing journalists at Iperu after a security meeting, Governor Abiodun said the measures formed part of proactive steps to safeguard lives and property across the state. He revealed that about 70 foreigners, mostly from Niger Republic, Sudan and Chad, had been arrested in recent days after failing to provide clear explanations for their presence in the State. “The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here.

We are going to process these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). We will also be calling on our non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so that we know who is here and why they are here,” he said.

The governor further expressed concern over the activities of scavengers, noting that they had become a security threat to communities in the state. “We discussed the issue of scavengers who have become more of a threat. Law enforcement agencies will pay particular attention to them. We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state,” he added.

Prince Abiodun emphasized the need to extra vigilance to contain the rising wave of insecurity in the country, noting that as Nigeria’s industrial capital, Ogun receives more than five million daily commuters, making it crucial for government to maintain close watch on criminal elements. Accordingly, he directed the police to immediately move into areas such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and similar enclaves across the state and clear them out, warning that properties used by criminals would henceforth be seized by the government.

Speaking on the recent incident at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, the governor noted that security officers had visited the settlement to verify that its occupants pose no threat. He also assured that the state’s forest reserves would be thoroughly combed to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts.

Referencing the concern trends in the mining sub-sector, Governor Abiodun said the government was aware that some miners operate as miscreants, and working with security agencies to flush out criminals from mining sites and forest reserves. He appealed to residents to actively support community policing efforts by providing credible information to security agencies. “Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them. We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement can respond promptly. We must be observant and be our brother’s keeper,” he said.

He also assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary logistics to security agencies and cautioned Obas and Baales against allocating government land to strangers, warning that any traditional ruler found culpable would be held accountable for undermining the state’s interest. He commended security agencies for their cooperation and synergy, which he said, had contributed significantly to the peace Ogun State currently enjoys.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilizing the economy as well as his swift response to the new emerging security situation in the country, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.

Complementary to the effort of President Tinubu, security also topped the agenda of the South West Governors’ Forum at a meeting held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Other than security, there was equally an extensive deliberation on various issues, including agriculture, economic and regional development. The Forum’s resolutions formed part of the broader approach to the new security challenge confronting the nation. While the governors commended Mr. President for his economic reforms and other developmental agenda, they also pledged their support in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. They particularly expressed solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary's in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.

The meeting holds major significance as it resulted in concrete, unified, and technology-driven decisions aimed at tackling the region's escalating security challenges and strengthening regional integration. ​The key significance lies in the creation of new joint mechanisms to secure the region and the renewed, urgent call for State Police.

​The core of the meeting's significance was the approval of a new regional security architecture in response to rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining. Their renewed demand for state police underscores the imperative of a review of the current security architecture. The governors collectively reaffirmed their long-standing support for the establishment of State Police, declaring that "The Time is Now" and the reform can no longer be delayed. This is a powerful, unified position aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to decentralize policing.

​They also agreed to set up a dedicated South West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission, to be overseen by the Special Advisers on Security from all six states. This provides a sustainable, regional financial mechanism to fund security operations and technology.

​The Forum resolved to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform across all six states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti). This platform will coordinate threat notifications and incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and ​state-to-state rapid response.

​The governors called on the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts used as hideouts by criminals and agreed to deploy Forest Guards with states providing personnel to reclaim these spaces from bandits and kidnappers.

They expressed deep concern over illegal mining, which threatens regional security and environment, calling for strict licensing and enforcement. They equally agreed to intensify collaboration to monitor unregulated interstate migration to prevent it from becoming a conduit for insecurity, calling for collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

​Beyond security, the meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to collaborative economic development and integration. The governors commended farmers for their efforts in agricultural output and reiterated the need for regional collaboration to curb food inflation.

​For regional cooperation, they welcomed the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and praised the efforts of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) in promoting integration.

​In essence, the Ibadan meeting shifted the Forum's focus from mere discussion to the implementation of actionable, integrated security measures backed by a dedicated fund and a digital coordination system, while collectively re-emphasizing the critical need for State Police to secure the South West region.

Properly implemented, these measures will complement the renewed effort of Governor Abiodun to make Ogun State a secure environment for all residents. We all must support the administration in our collective interest.









Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

Insecurity: Eternal Vigilance As Best Panacea, The Ogun Example

By Olaniyi Ajibola

The third American President, Thomas Jefferson, in recognition of the indispensability of consciousness at all times posited,'' The cost of freedom is eternal Vigilance". As one of the 5-man committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence for America in the year 1776 at the age of 33, Jefferson must have had satisfactory knowledge about the necessity of vigilance in the quest for freedom from shackles.

At present, Nigeria is under the shackles of insecurity, which is posing profound existential threat to the corporate entity, especially in the Northern part, with the surge of terrorism and banditry ravaging the region and portending a great danger to the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, it is a general knowledge that Ogun State remains the Gateway to Nigeria in all areas, from being the industrial capital of the most populous black nation in the world to being a transit state that connects every part of the country and the only neighbour of Lagos, the financial nerve centre of Nigeria.

According to experts, between 5 million and 6 million people visit the state on daily basis, making the State very vulnerable and densely populated with this level of influx of people of different backgrounds and orientations.

It is against this backdrop that the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer of the State in his usual manner rose to the occasion and swiftly moved to nip any unpleasant incident in the bud.

Of course, great thinkers conclude that,''The greatest litmus test of a great leader is ability to recognise problem before it becomes an emergency". This thought indeed speaks to the leadership style of Governor Dapo Abiodun since he assumed office as Governor, moving proactively ahead of every situation and remains perpetually on top of it at all time.

The Governor, on Monday called the meeting of heads of security agencies and other critical stakeholders alike, to deliberate on topical issues of concerns in the state's security architecture, to fine-tune appropriate steps to be taken towards securing the state.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the end of the extensive deliberations assured residents of the state that an all-inclusive security arrangement would be put in place to secure the state in view of the recent threat, noting that the state government will begin the documentation of all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies operating in the state.

He also said new non-indigenes entering the state for the first time would undergo proper screening by their community leaders to ensure they are not used to orchestrate violence, stressing that government must know their purpose and means of livelihood.

To show the world that the state is practically in control of its security architecture, the Governor informed journalists at the briefing that about 70 foreigners, mostly from Niger Republic, Sudan, Mali and Chad, had been arrested in recent days after failing to provide clear explanations for their presence in the State.

Governor Abiodun said,'' The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here.
We are going to profile these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
We will also be calling on our non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so that we know who is here and why they are here.

Speaking specifically about shanties around the state which have allegedly become hideouts for criminals, the Governor directed police to immediately move into areas such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and similar areas across the state and clear them out, warning that properties used by criminals would henceforth be seized by the government.

The helmsman addressed the recent incident at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, as he assured the people of the state that security officers had visited the settlement to verify that its occupants pose no threat. He also assured that the state’s forest reserves would be thoroughly secured to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts.

Among areas of security concerns discussed at the meeting according to the Governor was the nefarious activities of the scrap dealers and scavengers. There are plethora of video evidence and eye witnesses' accounts across Nigeria on how these scrap dealers perpetrate heinous acts in different communities, making them highly dangerous to the society.

Addressing this menace, the Governor said security agents would properly monitor their activities and engage them to ascertain individuals among them who may be aiding criminal networks.

''We discussed the issue of scavengers who have become more of a threat. Law enforcement agencies will pay particular attention to them. We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state".

In the same vein, the Governor spoke about the scourge of illegal mining in the state, saying that the government is aware that some miners operate as miscreants, and that the government is working with security agencies to flush out criminals from mining sites and forest reserves, he then appealed to residents to actively support community policing efforts by providing credible information to security agencies.

“Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them. We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement agents can respond promptly. We must be observant and be our brother’s keeper,” he said.

As a responsive and responsible leader, Governor Abiodun assured security agencies operating in the state of adequate supports in all areas of intervention, especially logistics as he has been doing.

The briefing would not have been comprehensively delivered without touching on the excesses and abuse of power by traditional rulers in their domains, who were fond of allocating government lands to strangers thereby undermining the state's security architecture and making the state vulnerable, warning that whoever caught in the act would be held accountable in the face of law.

The commendation Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the hunters in the state was inspiring and encouraging, it reflected the innate knowledge of a leader who understands the place of community policing in national security arrangement.

Governor Dapo Abiodun glowingly praised Ogun hunters for their patriotism and consistency in flushing out criminal elements from forests across the state and their significant contributions to the peace and tranquility in the State.

The Governor concluded his briefing by eulogising the synergy among security agencies working in the state, as he applauded the swift and proactive response of President Bola Tinubu to array of security challenges facing the nation presently, as well as the brilliant way he has stabilized the economy.

All in all, Governor Dapo Abiodun has shown responsible leadership and capacity to be at the fore-front leading his people with vision , at the middle inspiring them with passion and at the back defending them with courage.

Kudos Omo Baba Teacher!

Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communications

Insecurity: Remove age barrier on recruitment of security agents- ADAPHAI tells FG

A Civil Society Organisation working on peace advocacy in Nigeria, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace &Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI) has urged the Federal Government to henceforth remove age barrier in the recruitment process of security agents, considering the present security challenge in the country.

ADAPHAI argued that several individuals with requisite zeal, capacity and patriotism to contribute substantially in the fight against insecurity have been denied the opportunity as a result of the policy of age barrier.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the organisation, Comrade Sulaimon Suberu on Monday in Abuja, against the backdrop of the recent surge in criminal activities of insurgents and bandits in the Northern part of Nigeria.

The statement noted that the Federal Government must quickly look inward and change it's policies on internal security for better outcome adding that doing the same thing in the same way always end up in failure.

According to the statement, the methodology of engagement in internal security arrangement must not be static but dynamic in all ramifications because of the evolving global environment, especially with the advent of internet which has made the world a global enclave.

It further suggested the need to strengthen Forest Guard and decentralise it across all the states of the federation to entrench sanity in forests across Nigeria and immediately stop criminal activities.

The statement read,'' It is now expedient for the Federal Government to immediately direct all the security agencies to as a matter of importance remove the age barrier clause from their recruitment process and allow all Nigerians who are willing and fit to serve the county to do so.

"Obviously, our organisation through comprehensive investigation has discovered that there are many Nigerians with necessary capacity, zeal, integrity and bravery to serve in various security formations in Nigeria who have been denied the opportunity as a result of this age barrier.

"Sincerely, the present security situation in Nigeria does not give room for such consideration, we can not continue to do the same thing in the same way and expect different results. How has this illogical age barrier helped us to solve our security quagmire?

"In the same vein, the Federal Government must quickly restructure Forest Guard and decentralise it by giving the sub-national governments powers to establish Forest Guards in their domains and arm then with assault rifles to quickly stop various criminal activities in forests across Nigeria".

Abiodun mourns Segun Awolowo


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of Mr Olusegun Awolowo Jr., grandson of former Nigerian nationalist, and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a deeply profound personal loss.


Abiodun, who described the lawyer and ex- executive director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, as a gentleman par excellence, voice of courage and consummate public servant, at 62 as a deeply shocking incident, said he received news of his passing with utter disbelief, but will however treasure memories of his acquaintance.


He said that to all who knew him, Mr Segun Awolowo was affable, highly intelligent, extremely affable and easy going, adding that he will be sorely missed.


He said: "It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the decision of the Almighty God, who has called him into His bosom.

"We are deeply heartbroken, but we will take consolation in the exemplary great lessons his life taught us, for he was such a jolly good fellow.

"Born two months after his father's death, Awolowo Jr. was acquainted with grief from childhood, but he rose above the challenges and became an icon in his own right.

" After Awolowo working with the law firm of Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and also with the law firm of GOK Ajayi & Co. after his call to bar in December 1989, he served in President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration as a Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence and Legal Matters.

" His record as Special Assistant to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport from 2007 to 2011 executive director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, was unblemished.

"He gave his best in advancing the fortunes of Nigeria, and it was not by accident that he was, in July 2021, he was unanimously elected as the President of National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member States.


"His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful. I commiserate with his dear wife and children, the Awolowo family, and Nigerians in general. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose."

Roads: Abiodun’s critics are drowning in their politics


By Seyi Bakare

IF a lie journeys for 20 years, truth will catch up with it in just a day, so says the Yoruba people of Nigeria’s South-West. And that aptly captures the situation in Ogun State where, despite ceaseless onslaughts sponsored by dark forces, the achievements of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, continue to dwarf the noise of naysayers.

From deep ports to airports, and from rail to road, the Iperu-born Prince continues to record landmarks that establish the Gateway State as Nigeria’s top investment destination. FInheriting a state in which propaganda often overshadowed the provision of infrastructure, Abiodun had his work uncannily cut out for him—bad roads everywhere, chaotic transport infrastructure, a health sector in crisis and an education sector clearly comatose--and it did not help that the same forces who left vast swathes of the state in a state of disrepair for so long were always intent to incite the public and pile their failures on his government using hack and hired writers. They never wanted him, and they loaded the public space with bile against his person and his office.



Instructively, though, in the last six years, hardly a day has passed without stories or videos of road construction in Ogun State. The Abiodun government has taken over the reconstruction of federal roads time and again. The situation he inherited was so gross; it was as if there was no government in place before he came on board. But instead of trading in blames, he took the bull by the horns. He held town hall meetings with stakeholders in each of the three senatorial zones and asked them to list roads they wanted attention on based on priority needs. The demands were daunting, even overwhelming, but even in the first 100 days his intent to reconstruct those roads had become sufficiently clear. He built road after road in various communities, often without fanfare, but blackmail over federal roads, roads which Ogun has more than any of the 36 states, festered anew.



Among others, the road linking the Sagamu Interchange to Abeokuta was in a very deplorable state; it took two hours to reach Abeokuta. The place became a spot for accidents because of the lorries bulldozing their way through. Abiodun reconstructed the road, made it a double lane, and put in place all the necessary furniture. Now instead of two hours, it takes just 20 minutes to reach Abeokuta. Road users rejoiced but the naysayers went haywire: they announced that Abiodun had done nothing even while enjoying the pleasant trip to Abeokuta, their blindness an article of faith. For four years running now, the road has remained in good shape; except for the thieves that stole traffic lights. The Epe Mojoda road and many other roads critical to Ogun interest have been built. The Atan-Agbara-Lusada road was in a very deplorable state, and some residents wanted to relocate. Despite the road being federal, Dapo moved there and started work. Go there and see things for yourself.



Nigerians will recall the sad case of the Abeokuta-Sango Ota road where the then Works Minister, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), refused Governor Abiodun taking over. Still, the governor did palliative works there. Of course, people do not readily separate federal from state roads, which require strict procedure to work on. If you don’t have federal permission, you are on your own. Thanks to President Bola Tinubu that allowed Ogun to attend to the Abeokuta-Sango Ota road that has been a nightmare for a long time.


Abiodun promised to spread development across the state, so that all the 20 LGs will have a feel of government presence, and he has done excellently well on that pledge. But of late, somebody held surreptitious meetings with a group of mercenaries and started de-marketing the governor, saying that all roads in Ogun are bad. The intent is to erase all the good things he has done just because of politics.



But falsehood cannot overcome truth, and what the people see is what they see. People living in Magboro now heave a sigh of relief because the road there will stand the test of time. In the next 20-30 years, there will probably be no need for reconstruction. People living in Arepo are happy. Those in Ajuwon, akute and other areas are happy. These places use to be eyesores Many places in Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo and Ilaro were just like that. The chief blackmailer does not want people to see these: he hired disgruntled hacks to go to areas with bad roads and start posting them on the internet. A 'pastor' even promised to lead a vanguard against bad roads.



What happened to the roads before Dapo came into Oke Mosan? If those roads had been well built, how did they suddenly degenerate to their present level? Abiodun’s predecessor was busy demolishing houses everywhere–Mowe, Ibafo, Alagbole, Ilaro, etc--saying that he wanted to create 16-lane roads. But it was a hoax. Yet the critics are laser-focused on the man working day and night to address the years of failure and
ensure that Ogun becomes a centre of excellence, a place of pride for investors. People are now trooping into Ogun to work and live. There is peace and stability. But the naysayers are bad, sad and mad. They believe that in the history of Ogun State, no governor has ever had stability. These evil ones barraged Segun Osoba, and the same Gbenga Daniel who is now throwing stones at Abiodun and his government had a second term that was like hell on earth. Lawmakers’ nudes were published. Political violence was rife. And when Ibikunle Amosun came, it was the same scenario.




Now, 18 months to the end of Abiodun’s tenure, there is peace and stability and the destabilizers are not happy. They believe that he must be distracted. It behooves the people of Ogun State to stop them in their tracks.

They cry day and night that Abiodun has done nothing, yet Ogun now targets 500bn in IGR and recording an influx of industries. The Abiodun government is working simultaneously working on four major highways around Ifo, Sango and Idiroko axis alone, and is fixing the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. Abiodun has grown Ogun's GDP from N3.5 trillion to N16 trillion, built over 1,500 kilometres of roads; built an airport that is truly world class; and signed partnerships with many investors, including the Chinese energy firm, CteeC, to build power infrastructure and an industrial parks. He is extending the Lagos State Red and Blue Rail Lines to Ogun, he has exponentially increased the production of rice, maize, and cassava; massively increased primary school enrolment, and upgraded healthcare facilities.



Since the critics harp on roads, then let’s list just a few out of the many that the Abiodun administration has done. In Ogun Central alone, they should go see the Idi–Aba–Elite–One Lantoro Road , Bayo Oju–Ejigbo–Ijeun–Ake Road, Flyover Bridge at Kuto, Lafenwa Rounder–Ayetoro Road (First Phase), Olomore–Sanni Road, Elega–Mokola Bridge Entrance; Ake–Ilupeju–Ago–Ika , measuring 0.4419 kilometres, Obantoko Road (Fajol–American Junction–Unity Estate–Gbonagun; Somorin–Kemta–Idi Aba Road, Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, the City Gate Monument Development, Panseke–Adigbe Road, aArepo Road, Siun–Owode Road, Ofada Road, Kuforiji Olubi–Quarry Road, Iyana Oloke Junction to MAPOLY School Gate, Laderin–Train Station–School Gate Road — all completed. Again, there are the Ifo–Tajudeen Adeniran/Olose Titun–Visin Road; Old Bank Road , Olusosun Osoba Town–Agbado Road, Sango–Ota–Oke Aro–Ojodu Abiodun Road, Akute–Denro–Shasha Road, Ajayi Kosoko Street, Ojodu–Abiodun; and the Inner Roads at Itori Junction.



In Ogun East, we have the 3-kilometre Awujale Road, the Ijebu Ode–Epe/Sagamu Bridge Interchange Flyover Bridge, Molipa/Fusigboye/Ayegun/Ofosa Road, and Asafa Oke / Asafa Isale / Ofosa Street. Other roads include Molipa Expressway (Igbeba Garage–Ijebu Ode), Ejirin/Ososa/Igbogun Road, Ayegbami–Olu IGA Streets, Onijogbo–Olia–Saka Asiru–Ijebu Ode Road, Abeokuta Road–Omilowo–New Road, and Ijebu Ode Club Road; Ijebu Ode–Mojoda Expressway and Erunwon–Idowa–Awa–Ibefun–Itokin Road. What about Oru–Awa–Ilaporu–Ibadan Express Road; Igan Road, Ikenne–Ilisan–Ago Iwoye Road, internal road of OGU, Ago Iwoye, Molusi College Road in Ijebu Igbo, and Martin Ikoye Street, Ago Iwoye (1.5 km), Erunwon–Atan Road, Esure–Ijebu Mushin Road, Ogere/Amotekun Base to Orita Imobi Road, Togburin–Agodo–Togura Road (6.1 km), Ibiade/Old Garage Roundabout–LGA Secretariat–Efire–Ijunction Road and Orita Aja–Ibiade–Ipokin Road?

In Sagamu, major roads completed include Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu Junction–Papalanto Road, Sagamu–Ikenne Road, GRA Road, Hospital Road, Bishop Fashina Baruwa Street, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Access Road, Aregbale Road, Olumele/Sote Road, Makun, and Hospital Road, Ogijo . In Ikenne, completed roads include Idarika Street Road, Olabisi Onabanjo Road, Araromi/Sokoto Street Road), Iregun/Ita Osikilu/Ilisa Road, Ilisan Market Road, Iperu Roundabout–Ode Phase 2, Oju Ale Road, Ilisan–Ilara Road, Awolowo Road, Ilisan Roundabout–Babcock University Road, and Babcock Road. In Remo North, the Orile Oko Road has been completed, while in Ogun West, projects include the Ikola/Navy/Osi Ikola Road, RAY Power Road, Singer–Toll Gate Road, Joju Road, Sango, Igbesa–Ehila Road (4.5 km), and GRA Road, Ota. In Yewa North, go see the Imasai–Igan Okoto–Ayetoro Road, while in Imeko Afon, the Oke–Ola Road, Imeko is there. In Ipokia, the Ilaro–Koko–Alari Road has also been completed and commissioned and in Yewa South, the Ilaro–Iwoye Road, Iwoye–Owoode–Yewa Road, Owode Yewa–Owode Junction, and the Oke–Erinja–Ibiri Road have all been completed and commissioned.



Governor Abiodun will not be deterred by devious politics. He will instead keep taking Ogun eagle to greater heights.

Bakare sent this piece through seyibakre@gmail.com

Senator Gbenga Daniel remains suspended from APC, says Ward 4 of Sagamu LG



The Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 4, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has declared that the suspension of the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Gbenga Daniel, remains in effect.


The committee, which made this declaration in a statement issued by the chairman of
APC Ward 4 in Sagamu Local Government
Ogun State, Hon. Adebayo Ismail and the Secretary, Hon. Durojaiye Oluwole, on Wednesday,said that going by the APC's Constitution, tthe National Working Committee (NWC) of the party cannot issue any directive to review, nullify, set aside, or reverse the valid suspension earlier imposed on Daniel by the appropriate party organs in Ogun State.




It, therefore, dismissed the press release issued by MJS Partners on behalf of Senator Daniel regarding a letter from the National Secretariat of the party dated 17 November, 2025.



It said that while it is not the intention of the ward to publicly engage non-members on issues concerning the party, it is considered imperative to clarify and restate the issues in contention.


It said that the communication made to NWC by the State Chapter was in relation to the suspension of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, adding that the decision to suspend him was itself taken and communicated to the State Executive by the Ward Executive, so as to allow for thorough investigation of allegations made against the senator, which pertained to anti-party activities. This, it said, was after the senator failed to honour invitations extended to him to appear to defend the allegations.


The statement added that contrary to the assertion of the APC National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru contained, the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against a party member is, to use the exact words of the Party Constitution, the exclusive preserve of the "Executive Committee Concerned" which depending on the allegations made, may be any of the Executive Councils at the Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal or National levels.


It added that whilst Article 21(5)(vii) of the Constitution also grants the National Working Committee the power to suspend erring members, that power does not in itself abrogate that of the Executive Councils, nor does it subject their decisions at any level to the review of the National Working Committee.


It added: "On the contrary, the exercise by any Executive Council of its disciplinary power, inclusive of the power of suspension such as that made in relation to Senator Gbenga Daniel, is subject only to appeal as outlined in Article 21.4.

"Again, at the risk of repetition and for the purpose of emphasis, no provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend the Senator to the overview of the National Working Committee.


"Consequent upon the foregoing, the directive contained in the letter of the National Secretary is misplaced and has no foundation in the Party's Constitution.

"The NWC cannot issue any directive to review, nullify, set aside, or reverse the valid suspension earlier imposed on Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel by the appropriate Party organs in Ogun State.


"While it may be conceded that Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel is yet to be expelled from the party, the fact of suspension, which remains unchallenged in accordance with the Party Constitution, brings a temporary halt to his rights, privileges and obligations in the party.



"This entire episode originated from the last general elections, when Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel acted in open defiance of the Party and engaged in actions inimical to the interest of the party and its candidates in Ogun State.


"Beyond the elections, he further attempted to obstruct and frustrate the course of justice during the Election Petitions Tribunal sittings by actions and interventions that were directly hostile to the interests of the APC and its candidates. These and many more are the unchallenged anti-party activities of the suspended senator.



"We therefore reaffirm that the suspension of Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel remains in full effect."


The statement said that the leadership of Ward 4 remained committed to upholding discipline, fairness, and due process within the party.

OGUN’S ROAD REVOLUTION: Hidden Realities, Hard Facts, and How One Governor is Rewriting a Decades-Old Story

Between Years of Federal Neglect and a Governor’s Relentless Infrastructure Rebirth

By Abimbola Doherty

Ogun State’s sprawling road network is finally receiving the attention it has long deserved—not because the deterioration is new, but because, for the first time in years, the state is experiencing a bold and methodical infrastructure renaissance under Governor Dapo Abiodun.

For decades, federal roads slicing through Ogun—Ota to Idi-Iroko, Sagamu to Abeokuta, Sagamu to Ore, Sagamu–Papalanto–Ilaro–Idi-Iroko, the Berger–Ondo axis, and the Oyo-border stretch—suffered chronic neglect. Yet Ogun arguably hosts the highest mileage of federal roads in Nigeria, a burden often overlooked in national discourse. Lagos, with fewer federal kilometres, consistently received faster and more frequent interventions.

One uncomfortable truth frequently lost in political debates is this: Abiodun inherited these roads at their worst. The decay was generational, but responsibility for a response fell squarely on his administration.

What followed—and continues—is a blend of political tact, fiscal innovation, intergovernmental diplomacy, and a refusal to succumb to the politics of blame.

Following countless attacks on the Dapo Abiodun-administration on social media platforms and by political adversaries, I took a tour round the state, and also obtained a copy of the data containing the projects that are being executed by the government from the Ministry of Works. In this piece, some of the efforts of the administration have been highlighted. This, I believe, will provide insight into the myth surrounding road infrastructure in Ogun State, and also set the record straight for a disinformed populace.

Despite being Nigeria’s most industrialised subnational hub and Lagos’s economic hinterland, federal investment in Ogun’s road infrastructure remained shockingly inadequate. Even after Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu jointly requested urgent reconstruction of the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, the proposal stalled at the Ministry of Works under Babatunde Fashola.

With the project frozen, Ogun faced a difficult decision: watch the roads collapse or intervene on federal assets outside its legal jurisdiction.

Abiodun chose action. He deployed palliative works, stabilised critical sections, and sustained pressure on Abuja until President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu graciously conceded major parts of the reconstruction. This persistence led to the landmark award of the Papalanto–Sagamu Interchange to Dangote Industries—an industrial logistics game-changer.

The Ijebu-Ode–Epe–Majoda Breakthrough: A New Gateway for Ogun

Perhaps the most transformative intervention under Abiodun is the Ijebu-Ode–Epe–Majoda Road. As reported by Punch, its completion created a reliable alternative to Lagos routes, deepened market access, and significantly boosted investor confidence.

In his widely circulated commentary, Seyi Bakare described Ogun under Abiodun as a “construction site”, where roads are no longer political rhetoric but economic enablers intentionally linked to commerce, industrial growth, and improved mobility.


Magboro–Makogi: A Model for Community-Centred Development

Once crippled by seasonal flooding and near-impassable during rainy periods, the Magboro–Makogi Road is being rebuilt with concrete interlocking blocks—a terrain-responsive solution solicited directly by residents.

Community leaders, including Uche Okoro and Alhaji Wasiu Sanusi, commended the state for choosing a sustainable model instead of the usual temporary fixes. The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, accelerated the project to optimise the dry-season window.

Columnist Funmi Branco highlighted Abiodun’s listening leadership, noting that many road projects under his administration emanate from community engagements rather than political expediency.


New Roads and Housing Estates: The Latest Approvals

Reflecting Ogun’s expanding industrial footprint and its growing population, the State Executive Council recently approved several strategic road projects and new housing units at its first meeting in the newly commissioned Exco Chambers, Abeokuta.

Newly Approved Roads

Miliki Junction – Bode Olude – Alhaji Sugar Avenue Road, Abeokuta North (1.05 km, 10 m width)

Paddy Arikawe Road, G.R.A Sagamu (3.39 km, 9 m width)

Itanrin–Sabo Road, Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu (5.0 km, 10 m width)


Newly Approved Housing Units

Twenty-six duplexes at Ogun State Housing Corporation, Ibara, Abeokuta

Nine duplexes at HID Estate (Iseya Court), Obasanjo Hilltop, Abeokuta


The council also ratified new traditional councils and approved appointments of traditional rulers across multiple LGAs, reinforcing administrative stability alongside infrastructural expansion.


Ongoing Asphalt Laying on Alagbole–Akute Road

As of Sunday, 16 November 2025, sweeping, priming, and asphalt overlay had been completed on major stretches of the Alagbole–Akute Road. About 700 metres of asphalt were laid in a single day, with full completion of the 2.68 km stretch projected for the following day.

Road marking will follow immediately to enhance safety. Once fully reopened, this vital corridor will ease congestion and stimulate daily commercial activity.


Abiodun: “We Will Complete Akute–Ijoko Road Soon”

During a recent inspection, Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his resolve to complete the 20 km Akute–Ijoko arterial road, describing it as one of the state’s most significant inter-zone connectors.

He criticised the previous administration’s haphazard interventions, which worsened the road’s condition, and emphasised that his administration adopted a phased and engineering-driven approach.

“This road is almost 20 kilometres long—20 kilometres of dual carriageway, which means 40 kilometres with drainage. By His grace, we will finish this road,” he said.

Residents expressed gratitude during the inspection—a testament, the governor noted, that governance must remain people-driven.


Major Roads Completed by the Abiodun Administration

Abeokuta & Ogun Central

Idi-Aba–Elite–One Lantoro Road (2 km)

Bayo Oju–Ejigbo–Ijeun–Ake Road (1.42 km)

Olomore–Sanni Road (3.41 km)

Lafenwa Rounder–Ayetoro Road (6.5 km, Phase I)

Somorin–Kemta–Idi-Aba Road (5.7 km)

Obantoko Road (7.5 km)

Kuto Flyover & Interchange

Elega–Mokola Bridge Entrance


Ijebu-Ode & Ogun East

Sixteen completed urban roads

Molipa/Fusigboye/Ayegun/Ofosa Road (3.1 km)

Molipa Expressway (3.2 km)

Oru–Awa–Ilaporu–Ibadan Road (7.1 km)


Ado-Odo/Ota & Ogun West

Ikola/Navy/Osi–Ikola Road

Singer–Toll Gate Road

Completed phases of Atan–Lusada–Agbara Road

Palliative works on Sango–Idi-Iroko and Sango–Ota–Abeokuta corridors


Major Roads Currently Under Construction

Federal & Inter-State Arteries

Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway (50% completed)

Papalanto–Sagamu Interchange (Dangote-led)

Sango–Idi-Iroko Highway

Sagamu–Abeokuta–Papalanto Corridor


Inner-City & Community Roads

Magboro–Makogi Road (8.17 km)

Alagbole–Ajuwon–Akute Road (3.25 km)

Sango–Ijoko–Agbado–Oke Aro–Lambe–Akute Corridor (~30 km)

Atan–Lusada–Makogi Toll Road (19.2 km)

Igbeba–Eid Ground Road

Imoro–Imegun–Opopo Road

Odelewu–Ladeshi–Ishiwo Road


Campaigns of Calumny and the Politics of Perception

Despite obvious progress, certain opposition actors continue to circulate images of collapsed federal roads to push narratives of state-level neglect. Many of these failed roads predate Abiodun by decades and remain federal responsibilities.

As Funmi Branco noted in one of his essays, this is “a deliberate distortion of truth”. While critics weaponise federal liabilities, Abiodun continues to intervene—responsibly and strategically—where Abuja has failed.


A Governor, His Reputation, and the Facts That Matter

From over 1,000 kilometres of completed or rehabilitated roads—with some assessments putting the figure above 1,500 km—to new housing estates, intercity links, industrial corridors, and urban regeneration projects, Ogun State is experiencing its most deliberate infrastructure renewal in decades.

The roads exist.
The communities feel them.
The economy reflects them.

In a state long disadvantaged by federal neglect, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s infrastructure drive is not just governance—it is a reclamation of dignity, opportunity, and the future prosperity of the Gateway State.

Doherty , a public analyst , sent this piece through abimbhorty@ aol.com

Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole and the change narrative about neglected corridor







Femi Ogbonnikan







At last, the long‑abandoned Akute‑Ajuwon‑Alagbole road has been completed and commissioned by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, bringing significant relief to residents. It’s another promise kept. The road, once a nightmare of infrastructure neglect, now eases commuting with reduced traffic and travel time. Efficient public infrastructure, especially good roads, boosts community connectivity, economic growth, better access for businesses, higher quality of life, less wear on vehicles, and lower stress for commuters.
​ ​The commissioning of Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State by the Governor represents a significant event, delivering a promise of relief to that corridor. The strategic importance of this road goes far beyond local relief. The completion of the road significantly enhances the connectivity between Ogun State and Lagos State.  This is particularly bearing in mind that Akute, Ajuwon, and Alagbole are border communities in Ogun State that are geographically closer to the economic hubs in Lagos, like Ikeja and Ojodu-Berger than to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The road is a major artery for thousands of people who live in Ogun but work in Lagos.
​For this economic corridor, the successful completion of the road makes the movement of goods and people between the two commercial centres much more efficient, potentially stimulating socio-economic activities and commerce in the benefitting communities.
​In terms of infrastructure network, the Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole road forms part of a larger network of roads the Ogun State government is working on, which includes other vital links like the Denro–Ishasi–Akute Road and the ongoing Akute–Ijoko–Sango road project. Completing these links creates a robust transportation backbone that serves the entire border area.
​The reconstruction of the road transforms a previously terrible commuting experience-which had been neglected for years-into a viable, smoother link, making it easier to live and work across the two states.
​It is worth noting that the Akute road network project involves several components, with varying lengths for the specific roads.​ Based on recent government announcements and project updates, Akute–Ijoko Road is about 20-kilometre dual carriageway project. It is being executed in phases. The first phase currently under reconstruction covers a 9.7-kilometre stretch up to the Agbado Train Station area. The total length of the dual carriageway, including drainages, is put at 40 kilometres (20 km x 2 lanes).
​The Akute-Ajuwon Road is about 4.5 kilometres, while the Alagbole–Akute Road is about 1.5 kilometres. Akute Bridge to Agbado (Lateef Jakande) Train Terminal/Pass/Agbado Bridge has a length of 9.2 kilometres. The entire Sango-Ijoko-Akute corridor is said to be about 17 kilometres long.
Out of all these, the largest single road is the Akute–Ijoko Road which is about 20 kilometres. The surrounding network involves several other critical roads like the Akute-Ajuwon and Alagbole-Akute roads, adding several kilometres to the overall commissioned and working network.
​To be explicit, the total combined length is not a single, fixed figure because the network is being implemented in phases and consists of separate, adjoining roads. However, based on the lengths of the major components being commissioned, ​Akute–Ijoko Dual Carriageway, according to the Governor, is 40 kilometres, including drainages.
Combining the major road segments that are either completed or actively under construction, the total length of the road network on this corridor is approximately 60 kilometres if you include the full 20-kilometre Akute-Ijoko dual carriageway along with the other single-lane roads.
​ While commissioning the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road in Ifo Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun promised to award 11 more projects across the state. This, he explained, was in fulfilment of his electoral pledge and his administration’s efforts to further open up the state for economic development.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun described the completion of the road as a transformative milestone for both Ifo Local Government and the state at large. He stated that the project was in response to the long-standing yearnings of residents, confirming that his administration had earlier rehabilitated and reconstructed several adjoining roads in the axis, including Alhaji Kosoko Road (which links Denro–Ishasi–Akute), Segun Osoba Road, Toyin Street, and Yakoyo–Alagbole Road.
“We also focused on the Hercules–Oke Aro–Giwa Road. That road was in terrible condition, but by the grace of God, it is now 100 percent completed. I will be back soon to commission it,” the governor said.
He explained that the reconstruction of the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road formed part of a broader network linking several communities. His words: “We reconstructed the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole axis and the Alagbole–Akute stretch, which connects to Denro–Ishashi. Next, we will take on the Akute–Lanbe–Oke Aro–Agbado–Ijoko–Sango roads. The Akute–Sango corridor is a 17-kilometre dual carriageway started by my predecessor but abandoned, rendering it impassable.
“We have divided it into two phases. The first phase, covering 9.7 kilometres up to the Agbado Train Station and about 700 metres beyond, is currently under reconstruction. The second phase, which will extend to Sango, will be awarded soon.”
The governor further disclosed that the two roads commissioned at the event were the 1.5-kilometre Alagbole–Ajuwon Road and the 4.5-kilometre Akute–Ajuwon Road. “The Alagbole–Akute Road should be ready in about two to three weeks. I will return to commission that alongside the Hercules Road, hopefully before the New Year,” he added.
The Governor stressed that the road projects in Ifo II were part of a wider infrastructure drive covering Ifo I and II in the Ogun Central Senatorial District. Other completed or ongoing roads in the district, he said, included the Sango–Ijoko–Agbado Road, Adesan Road in Obafemi Owode, Magboro–Makogi Road, Elega–Isaje–Miliki–Bode–Olude Extension, Oke–Lantoro–Yidi Lane, and the Sango–Abeokuta Road.
During the commissioning of roads within the Akute network, the Governor consistently emphasizes that these projects are a fulfillment of his promise to ensure equitable and fair distribution of infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State.
​Specifically regarding the Akute roads network, which falls under Ifo Local Government Area, the commissioning events are often highlighted as a correction of past neglect, demonstrating the administration's commitment to balancing Development. In effect, the aim to ensure that critical border communities like Akute, which serve as a major link to Lagos, receive significant attention and investment.
​This aligns with the administration’s overall development blueprint encompassing Infrastructure, Social Well-being, Education, Youth Empowerment, and Agriculture.
​Therefore, successful completion of these roads is meant to transform previously dilapidated but economically vital corridors to improve commerce and the quality of life for residents who had endured years of hardship due to poor roads.
​The commissioning of roads like the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road serves as a concrete demonstration that no part of the state will be left behind in the infrastructure drive.
​The Governor berated previous administrations for neglecting the area despite its economic significance, stressing that his government’s intervention was aimed at compensating residents for years of abandonment.
He emphasized that the project forms part of his administration’s Urban Renewal Programme, which cuts across the ISEYA mantra, encompassing roads, hospitals, education, security, and human capital development.
Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting state governors in transforming Nigeria into a construction site and also thanked the people of Ifo for their patience and cooperation throughout the project.
In his remarks, the member representing Ifo II State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Fola Salami, lamented that past administrations had neglected the area, adding that the project represents the true dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area, Mr. Lekan Kusimo, said residents and business owners suffered for over two decades due to the deplorable state of the roads, expressing joy that the situation had finally been reversed.
On behalf of the community, Alhaji Bashiru Akande thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise, while the Odofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, lauded the government for delivering the road project at a most critical time.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the completion of the road would bring huge relief to commuters and revive business activities in the corridor. He assured that the government was making steady progress on other ongoing road projects and urged residents to take ownership of the new road by keeping it clean and avoiding the dumping of refuse into the drainage channels.
This appeal is critical for the long term sustainability of the projects. Taking ownership of the roads includes keeping them clean and avoiding the dumping of refuse into the drainage channels.  This is critical, as blocked drainages are the primary cause of road failure during the rainy season. The Governor himself has issued strong warnings regarding the protection of public utilities, which applies directly to the new road infrastructure, including street lights and road furniture. He has warned vandals of public infrastructure that anyone caught will be punished according to the law.
​Government can build the infrastructure, but its longevity and sustainability depend entirely on the active participation and vigilance of the host communities.








Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

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Infrastructure: Ogun Approves New Roads, Housing Estates





In a bid to further bolster infrastructure across the state and consolidate on its expanding industrial base, the Ogun State Executive Council, on Friday, approved the construction of another set of roads and housing units across the state.



The council took the decisions during the first meeting at the newly commissioned Exco Chamber in the Governor's Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun.



The Council also ratified the declaration of traditional councils set up for the appointment of some traditional rulers in the state.



The roads approved for reconstruction are Miliki Junction – Bode Olude – Alhaji Sugar Avenue in Abeokuta North Local Government (1.05km Length, 10.0m average width); Paddy Arikawe Road, G.R.A. Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area (3.39km length, 9m average width), and Itanrin-Sabo Road, Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Local Government Area (5.0Km length, 10m width).



The new houses are 26 duplexes comprising 12 five-bedroom detached duplex with two-room attached boys' quarters, and 14 four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes with one-room attached boys' quarters within the Ogun State Housing Corporation Office, Ibara, Abeokuta.



Others are nine duplexes comprising five 4-bedroom detached duplex (plus one-room attached boys' quarters, and four four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes within the Ogun State Housing Corporation HID Estate (Iseya Court), Obasanjo Hilltop, Abeokuta.



The Council also approved the appointment of Chief Lai Labode as the Are Egba from Abeokuta South and Dr. Oluwadairo Adeleke also from Abeokuta South as the new Ogboye Egba.



It further approved the declaration for the appointments of the Ongbeyi in Yewa South Local Government Area, the Olofin of Ijofin in Ipokia Local Government Area, the Elebote of Elebote Iboro in Yewa North and the Awujoko of Ijoko Orile in Yewa North.



Others are the Akoko of Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government, the Oniwuye in Yewa South, the Opo of Idosemo in Ipokia Local Government, the Alaye of Oniro-Agute I Ipokia Local Government, the Olodan of Odan, and the Abujafole in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

We'll Complete Akute –Ijoko Road Soon — Abiodun





Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured residents that his administration will soon complete the 20-kilometre Akute–Ijoko Road in Ifo Local Government Area.



The governor gave the assurance while inspecting ongoing work on the first phase of the 9.7-kilometre stretch of the road, shortly after commissioning the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road, also in Ifo Local Government.



Governor Abiodun noted that the Akute–Ijoko project is being executed in phases as part of a well-structured implementation plan designed by his administration. He added that the government had a clear vision for the road and was committed to bringing it to fruition.


“This road is almost 20 kilometres long — 20 kilometres of dual carriageway, which means 40 kilometres with drainages. By His grace, we will finish this road,” he said.


The governor recalled that the road had been abandoned for years, stressing that its condition was further worsened by poor and uncoordinated attempts at intervention by a previous administration.



“What you see here was an abandoned road. The road would probably have been better left the way it was. An administration did whatever and made it much worse than it ever was.



“You know it is impossible for government to function without coordination. You must have a plan and you must have priorities,” he said.



Abiodun added that the implementation plan for the project aligns with the yearnings of the people, noting that his administration places a premium on public consultation.


According to him, nothing is more heart-warming than seeing the joy and relief on the faces of residents during his inspection.



“This road is a very important connector between Ogun West and Ogun Central, linking Sango-Ota — a neighbouring local government to Lagos — and Ifo II through Ifo I,” he explained.


He further disclosed that the project has been divided into two phases, with the first phase extending slightly beyond the Agbado Station area, up to the Sango–Lanbe–Ijoko Road corridor.

Senator Daniel's press conference of falsehood

Senator Gbenga Daniel's media team organised a sham press conference where they presented individuals unknown within the Ogun APC as APC leaders. He lied even about his ward, and the media helped him to amplify the falsehood in a desperate bid to pin his sinking fortunes on Governor Dapo Abiodun. A basic check on INEC's voter register would confirm that Daniel belongs to ward 04 of Sagamu LG, Ogun State. That easily puts a lie to the fraudulent submission of OGD's spokesperson on the status of his ward.

Senator Gbenga Daniel has always had difficulty subjecting himself to the laid-down rules. He cannot be greater than the party that gave him a platform to contest election. As a political party, APC has rules. He was given ample opportunity to defend himself over the allegations levelled against him but he chose not to. He was credibly accused of working against the party. He connived with the opposition to undermine his party; the evidence was corroborated by his media aide who said he did not work for Governor Abiodun. The audacity is staggering. Daniel also campaigned against APC during the last by-election in Remo Federal Constituency.

Daniel consistently ignored summons. The state chairman wrote to the NWC informing it of its decision. For Daniel to now gather impostors and parade them as APC leaders is most unfortunate. It is profoundly sad and unfortunate that he can stoop so low as to allege that Governor Abiodun is against him because of the 2027polls. Due process was followed in his suspension. The state Chairman and state party secretary duly endorsed the letter to the national secretariat. The complaints from the local government were endorsed and signed by the Local Government Party Chairman, the Party Secretary, and other party organs. The senator was found culpable for working against the party by his own ward, and it was stated in writing and signed by his ward chairman, party secretary, and others from his ward.

The list of people his team is calling “APC Leaders” in Ogun East is fake. These individuals are actually Coordinators for his Gateway Foundation in their areas. They are people that had worked with him in PDP. Not a single Ward Chairman or Local Government Chairman is on that fake list. Why not list Ogun APC's actual, elected party officials? How can Gbenga Daniel's Gateway Foundation coordinators be paraded as Ogun APC leaders?

Let's be clear about this suspension of OGD. This is an internal party matter, pure and simple. Our State Working Committee looked at the reports—reports that clearly indicted Otunba Justus Olugbenga Daniel for anti-party activities—and they ratified them. Now, just because some people don't like the decision, they’re turning around and calling the same SWC members "compromised." Hilarious!


Pray, when this very same State Working Committee that he now say are "compromised" ratified his candidacy for the Senate, did he complain then? The real question people should be asking is this: by our party's own constitution, did the SWC members have the power to do what they did, or not? That’s the core of this whole issue. We’re talking about leaders of Chief Yemi Sanusi's caliber, a man who has served at the National Executive Council level of a major party. And our State Legal Adviser, a seasoned barrister. These are credible people. For the Gateway Foundation Coordinators to so casually throw caution to the wind and label them "compromised" is just unfortunate.

Anyway, the party's decision on this matter stands. The window to appeal, as clearly laid out in our constitution, has lapsed. If the Daniel wailers want to wail, that's their right; we can't take that away from them. They can sustain their appeal on social media.


Still on his so-called "APC Leaders," how many have even bothered to attend a simple APC meeting in their respective wards? And since he became a Senator, when has he ever come back to his party constituency for a feedback session, to actually sit down and ask the people what they want? It really makes you think.

Nuberu Adesanya Olufemi*
Director of Publicity
All Progressives Congress,Ogun Chapter

Abiodun Hails A/Court President for Approving Ogun Division, Says Move Will Boost Justice, Economic Growth



Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, for approving the establishment of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal, describing it as a landmark decision that will deepen justice delivery and strengthen the ease of doing business in the state.



The governor made the remarks while addressing participants at the State Treasury Board Meeting for the 2025–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget Session held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.


He expressed profound gratitude to Justice Dongban-Mensem for what he called a visionary and pragmatic approval that recognises Ogun State’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s judicial and economic landscape, noting that she has demonstrated exceptional understanding of the challenges faced by the state and its growing judicial workload.



Abiodun said the President of the Court of Appeal deserves commendation for graciously approving the establishment of the Ogun State Division of the Court of Appeal, adding that her leadership has brought renewed vigour to the appellate system.


He said her decision reflects a deep commitment to justice, fairness, and accessibility, noting that she has shown outstanding foresight by granting the approval in response to the peculiar needs of Ogun State.


The governor explained that the state government had earlier met all requirements set by the Court of Appeal for the establishment of the new division.


He said his administration had deliberately ensured that every necessary condition was fulfilled, from providing land to ensuring infrastructure readiness because of the value the institution brings to the justice system and the state’s economy.


Abiodun stressed that the new court would not only bring justice closer to the people but would also play a key role in enhancing investor confidence and promoting economic growth.


He said the project was a major pillar in the state’s Ease of Doing Business Index and a significant enabler of commercial activity. According to him, about 75 percent of appeal cases handled by the Ibadan Division originate from Ogun State, making it imperative to have a division in Abeokuta where business and commercial disputes can be dispensed with expeditiously, giving investors greater confidence to invest in the state.



The governor revealed that the site for the new Court of Appeal complex had already been secured adjacent to the Judiciary Complex along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, and that construction would begin immediately.


He said his administration would not wait for federal funding before commencing the project and would finance it pending future reimbursement, adding that the court would be completed and fully operational before the end of his tenure.



Abiodun reiterated that the establishment of the Abeokuta Division was a testament to the foresight and fairness of Justice Dongban-Mensem and her dedication to efficient justice delivery across the country.


He said the new division would significantly decongest the Ibadan Division, ensure timely resolution of appeals, and bring judicial services closer to the people of Ogun State.

The governor also commended the Ogun State judiciary for its steadfast cooperation and professionalism, describing it as the last hope of the common man and a vital partner in the state’s progress.


He said the synergy between the executive and judicial arms of government had contributed immensely to the successes recorded by his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to providing the judiciary with the best working environment and support.


Abiodun said the decision to establish the new Court of Appeal division was both a judicial and governance milestone, aligning perfectly with his administration’s commitment to institutional reform, equitable governance, and economic development.


He described the move as a legacy project that would stand as a symbol of collaboration between the federal judiciary and the Ogun State Government.


The governor concluded by saying that the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal would revolutionise the justice delivery system in Ogun State, reduce delays, and make justice swifter, fairer, and more accessible, while reinforcing confidence in governance and the rule of law.

Ogun Targets N500bn IGR for 2026 Budget



The Ogun State Government has set an ambitious target of generating ₦500 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to finance the 2026 fiscal year.



Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the charge on Tuesday during the Treasury Board meeting on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.




The governor noted that as Nigeria’s industrial hub, Ogun State would leverage its strategic proximity to Lagos State—the nation’s largest economy—and its vast landmass of over 16,000 square kilometres to achieve the target.



“This State has no business generating less than ₦500 billion a year, and that has to be our target,” Abiodun declared.



“By the time we are leaving in 2027, Ogun State’s revenue should rise to about ₦750 billion. That is what ambition looks and feels like.”



He specifically tasked the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) to contribute ₦250 billion of the total target, while other key revenue-generating agencies—such as the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Bureau of Lands, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Housing—were directed to scale up their efforts.




Abiodun emphasized that every Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) had a critical role to play in achieving the goal, describing them as “pieces of a jigsaw that must fit together to complete the bigger picture.”



“Our comparative advantage was not fully harnessed by previous administrations. Our strength lies in providing what Lagos cannot offer. I expect every MDA to prepare an ambitious budget—aim for the stars, and if we miss, we’ll at least land on the moon,” he said.



The governor urged agencies to adopt creativity and innovation in their revenue drive, commending those that had already demonstrated commendable results.



On the deplorable condition of Kara, near Isheri, Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to urban renewal, stressing that the area would be cleared and redeveloped.



“The new Ogun State cannot allow that place to continue to wear that look. You cannot be entering the new Ogun State and what you see first is an eyesore. There is no better time to act than now—we can’t leave it as an albatross for the next administration,” he added.


He revealed that an inter-ministerial team comprising officials from the Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Bureau of Lands, and other relevant agencies had been set up to handle enumeration, compensation, and relocation efforts necessary for the corridor’s transformation.

Remo Fed. Constituency Bye-election: Tribunal strikes out SDP's petition against APC

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State over the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo Federal Constituency Election of August 16th, 2025, in its ruling on Wednesday struck out the petition of Social Democratic Party(SDP) for want of diligent prosecution.

Counsel to the Petitioner, Mr Ebenezer Akingbuli, had informed the Tribunal on Tuesday that his witness was not in Court again for the second time and applied for adjournment, in which Prof Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, counsel for Elegbeji Ayoola Adesola, and Dr Remi Olatubora SAN, counsel for APC opposed the application for adjournment and urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petition for want of diligent prosecution.

The Tribunal, after listening to the arguments for and against the application for adjournment, thereafter adjourned its ruling to today 12th November 2025.

It will be recalled that at the sitting of the Tribunal on Monday 10th November 2025, the Petitioner, based on the Tribunal's pre-report and scheduling was required to call its sole witness

In the Tribunal's pre-hearing report, the Petitioner was assigned 10th and 11th November 2025 for the presentation of its case.

However, the counsel to the Petitioner, informed the Tribunal in the proceedings of Monday that the Petitioner's sole witness was indisposed, thereby applied for adjournment to 17th November 2025.

Counsels to the two respondents opposed the Petitioner Counsel's application for adjournment and urged the Tribunal to strike out the petition for want of diligent prosecution.

Meanwhile, Tribunal refused to strike out the petition on that day and graciously adjourned the case to 11th November 2025, urging the Petitioner's counsel to ensure that the Petitioner's sole witness attended the Tribunal to testify. Unfortunately, the sole witness failed to show up at the court thereby resulting to the ruling of Wednesday.

Based on today's ruling of the Tribunal, Elegbeji Ayoola Adesola is now left with PDP's petition to contend with.

Infrastructural rejuvenation as hallmark of governance in Ogun

By Olaniyi Ajibola

As a leading state in human and material resources, coupled with it's comparative advantage of location, Ogun State, which is proudly the Nigeria's Gateway of modernity deserves a thought leader, as a compass for consistent advancement and development in all ramifications.

While successive administrations in the State had embarked on various policies to build infrastructure that could support the status of the state, the political will and capacity to drive it to fruition and sustain it were missing along the line, resulting into dilapidated and abandoned projects.

To this end, the Ibara Government Reservation Area(GRA) in Abeokuta, the Gateway International Airport in Iperu and the 250-bed hospital at Oke-mosan, also in Abeokuta metropolis quickly came to mind for review, as the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has been very deliberate and intentional in changing narratives in total departure from the past.

Starting from the Ogun state Medical Centre of Excellence, a world-class medical facility of 250-bed capacity, sited at Oke-mosan but recklessly abandoned by the immediate past administration left a lot to be desired in the consideration of quality leadership, however, Governor Dapo Abiodun, being a visionary leader with utmost interest of the state at heart is not following the bandwagon of inemptitude.

The residents of the state were ecstatically happy on Tuesday, when the Governor, during inspection of the level of work done at the hospital announced that the Medical Centre of Excellence would be commissioned in December, 2025.

Governor Abiodun also disclosed that the hospital, when commissioned would be managed by the Abuja Medical Centre of Excellence, which has the King's College Hospital as one of its international partners, noting that the hospital would be a 'Spoke' for the Abuja Medical Centre of Excellence and that the Ogun State Medical Centre of Excellence would be everybody's first bus stop.

In his words '', We are looking forward to the completion of this project. You can see the exterior is looking very nice, we've started landscaping, they've built an entrance canopy and the gate, oxygen equipments are working. I have told them to double up on manpower so that we commence operations in the next 2-3 weeks.

"My intention is to come by the grace of God to commission this project sometime in December. This will be one of our Christmas present to Ogun State, this facility was left with a lot of civil engineering gaps, I mean a lot, a lot of structural engineering gaps, a lot of electrical engineering gaps, almost nil electrical engineering.

"The Abuja Medical Centre of Excellence has agreed in principle that if indeed this facility is completed in line with what we planned to, the way we've conceived it, if indeed it is going to be run by Healthshare, that they will partner with this facility".

According to the Governor, the hospital when finally commissioned would help reduce medical tourism to the barest minimum, saying that the facility would rival others around it.

"We know how much Nigerians spend on medical tourism. We know how many instances people are rushed from Ogun State to Lagos hospitals, from Abeokuta to Babcock to Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital and when that case is beyond them, they now take them to Lagos.By the time this hospital is commissioned, all that will stop".

That is the kind of hope every Nigerian expects from their leader, it is called responsive leadership in political parlance and governance with human face in the social arena, it is the only way to go if truly democracy is all about the people.

It is the same spirit and zeal of a visionary leader that changed the story of Gateway International Airport in the State. The project, which was conceived by the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2006 but suffered the same fate of reckless abandonment before Prince Dapo Abiodun took it upon himself and reversed the gear.

From a tick forest OGD left his supposed Airport without a single structure, Governor Dapo Abiodun built a world standard Airport of pride, where both President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR and the Vice-president, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, GCON had landed in the recent past.

The airport's inaugural flight took off on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, as Governor Dapo Abiodun witnessed the screening process and takeoff. Passengers who used the airport expressed their delight with the facilities and services, commending the governor for his vision and leadership.

In the same vein, every resident of Abeokuta is a witness to the state of Ibara Government Reserved Area(GRA) before now, a total eyesore and embarrassing cluster within the metropolis, until the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun changed the ugly situation through it's Urban Regeneration Scheme.

As it stands, over 150 houses out of more than 200 planned for the GRA have been completed, giving the area a befitting ambience expected of a Government Reservation Area located in a state capital.

Speaking after inspecting the houses, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said his administration would ensure that Abeokuta has modern houses that befit its status as the state capital, as he described the former state of the GRA as an eyesore, noted that the dilapidated structures, apart from serving as a haven for criminals, were occupied illegally by people who made use of the buildings as their personal properties.

He said: "Sometime in March, having held different townhall meetings and consultations with those that were living here, most of whom were illegal inhabitants---some as a matter of fact were illegal and turned themselves into landlords, renting out spaces to people illegally.

"But, nonetheless, because it was not our desire to make people homeless, we discussed with them, we agreed on different terms and we managed to do what previous administrations either did not envision or have the foresight to do, or did not have the political will to achieve.

"We were able to convince people that the future is here and now and Ogun State capital cannot be looking like what it was looking like, particularly the high brow area called the GRA in Abeokuta. So in March, we began to clean up this place, and began to demolish and implement the regeneration scheme.

"In all, we have what we planned, about 213 to 220 houses that are earmarked to be built here, either directly by the state government, Ministry of Housing, or by allocation to others to build in line with stipulated designs".

While John Maxwell describes a leader as ," One who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way", Warren Bennis, posited that,'' Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality".

In truth and indeed, the above thoughts capture the leadership traits embedded in the man called Dapo Abiodun, and that is the reason why his naysayers and traducers would continue to rant in total delusions while the Prince of Iperu continues to build an enduring legacies in the Gateway State.

Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

Ibara GRA Regeneration Project on Course - Abiodun

...says his administration has surpassed predecessors' 16-yr record on roads



The Urban Regeneration Scheme of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State is progressing with the completion of over 150 houses out of more than 200 planned for the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Abeokuta, the State capital.



Speaking after inspecting the houses, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said his administration would ensure that Abeokuta has modern houses that befit its status as the state capital.



Abiodun, who described the former state of the GRA as an eyesore, noted that the dilapidated structures, apart from serving as a haven for criminals, were occupied illegally by people who made use of the buildings as their personal properties.



He said: "Sometime in March, having held different townhall meetings and consultations with those that were living here, most of whom were illegal inhabitants---some as a matter of fact were illegal and turned themselves into landlords, renting out spaces to people illegally.



"But, nonetheless, because it was not our desire to make people homeless, we discussed with them, we agreed on different terms and we managed to do what previous administrations either did not envision or have the foresight to do, or did not have the political will to achieve.



"We were able to convince people that the future is here and now and Ogun State capital cannot be looking like what it was looking like, particularly the high brow area called the GRA in Abeokuta. So in March, we began to clean up this place, and began to demolish and implement the regeneration scheme.



"In all, we have what we planned, about 213 to 220 houses that are earmarked to be built here, either directly by the state government, Ministry of Housing, or by allocation to others to build in line with stipulated designs.



"Till date, we have about 150 houses already built, others at different stages of completion and this is just the beginning."



He assured that similar regeneration project would be carried out in other GRAs across the State to provide modern houses for the people of the State.



"Let me assure you, this level of development is not situated just in Ogun Central. As we are building and generating in Ogun Central and Abeokuta, we've done the same in Yewa, we have affordable housing units in Ilaro.



"Kobape has almost 600 houses and still counting. In Sagamu, we have other affordable housing scheme in Sagamu and Iperu of course, leading to the airport and in Ijebu-Ode," he added.



He stated that his administration would not take its eyes off its set goals by being distracted by frustrated individuals, noting that while they had the opportunity, they failed to do exactly what his government is doing due to lack of foresight or not understanding what was required of them.



"We are doing what we promised the people of Ogun State that entrusted their mandate to us and to them we remain accountable. Not to the few faceless Facebook, faceless Twitter sponsored media; we are not accountable to those few people.



"I am throwing a challenge to my detractors and opponents, I stand to be corrected, if we have not constructed more roads in six years than anybody else has constructed in a 16 year period, I think that is enough to reply those that are sponsoring faceless videos and negative narratives on social media," he concluded.

Why We're Prioritising Road Development in Ogun- Abiodun

...economic importance determines priority

...I won't be distracted by rhetorics-Gov



Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has explained why his administration is prioritising road development across the Gateway State.



He cited the desire to shore up the socio-economic status of the state and the economic importance of infrastructure as major forces driving priorities.



He, however, restated commitment to the delivery of dividends of democracy to every part of the state.





According to him, his focused administration would not be distracted by the rhetorics of arm-chair critics and fault-finders.



According to him, the state had the longest kilometres of federal, state and local government roads, which were in deplorable conditions when he assumed office.



He said that his administration consulted widely with stakeholders on the roads with the greatest economic importance to the state to guide prioritization.



He also noted that roads that connect the state to adjacent states, be they intrastate, interstate or roads that connect farms to markets, have been enjoying attention.



Abiodun, who stated this in Abeokuta, the state capital, said his focus is to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people and not to respond to baseless criticisms by out-of-favour politicians.



He said: "For the avoidance of doubt, we have reconstructed every major expressway connecting Lagos State to Ogun State as a matter of fact; every major expressway connecting Ogun State to adjacent states, from those that were not existing before to those that were existing. Is it Agbara-Atan-Lusada that was not motorable or the Epe-Ijebu-Ode that was not motorable? Between Epe-Ijebu-Ode takes you 12 minutes now and it is a world class expressway.



"Between Epe and Ijebu-Ode, we now have two adjacent roads, one built by us, another one facilitated with Dangote, using his tax credit," he added.



Abiodun maintained that his administration is currently reconstructing the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway, regarded as the second busiest road in Nigeria, noting that he met the road in a deplorable state, as it was not attended to by past governors.



"But we saw that road as a road of high economic importance and we fought tooth and nail to take over that road. Today, we are reconstructing the Interchange to Papalanto in reinforced concrete in partnership with another company using their tax credit.



"We constructed Abeokuta to Sagamu that was probably the worst road ever constructed in the history of this state. It was like laying asphalt on laterite, you know how many lives it claimed even in the last administration and so many other roads," he said.



He, consequently, declared that he would not be distracted by rhetorics sponsored by disgruntled politicians who sees nothing good in his administration.



He said: "We will continue to remain focused despite the sponsored barking of some nay sayers.



"You know I am not one to respond to the frivolous sponsored rhetoric of some frustrated politicians. This is not politics here, this is governance, I am the Governor of Ogun State and I know what I am doing.





"Some of our governors before, they didn't know what they were doing, but they now see a governor in action and rather than applaud, they were sponsoring cheap political rhetoric, but we know how to deal with those kinds of people.







"The most important thing is that all the sponsored rhetoric about bad roads here and there, you know performance is undeniable. It can't lie, you know you can sponsor all the Twitter and Facebook in the world, but people can see what we are doing.





"Almost going to 1500 kilometers of roads, it is unprecedented in the history of this state.The roads I am reconstructing did not degenerate to that level after I became Governor, I inherited them but that is not an excuse."





The governor said apart from roads, his administration built an airport in line with its multi-modal transport master plan which reaffirmed the location as suitable for an airport.



"Every indication suggested that we needed to have an airport in Ogun State and I am glad that has been validated today. We built the best airport in this country today, the best equipped airport in this country today.



"The flights arriving and departing there are full. We are now getting ready to increase passenger traffic, that airport is in our Aerotropolis.



"Ogun State is the fastest developing economy in this country today and one of the safest if not the safest state in this country today. Our internal revenue has quadrupled, our GDP has quadrupled from N3.56 trillion to N17 trillion, so, what are they talking about?" the governor queried.

OGD and the stigma of disloyalty







Femi Ogbonnikan






The myth and controversy surrounding Otunba Gbenga Daniel's loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have been ultimately unveiled. ​Now, a shocking revelation by his media aide, Steve Oliyide, has shown that he actually aligned with the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Ladi Adebutu, in a deliberate move to thwart the re-election of Governor Dapo Abiodun. This open confession essentially confirms the long-running speculation and the basis for the anti-party activities charge levelled against him. It is a smoking gun that validates the long-held suspicion. By aligning with Adebutu and working against Governor Abiodun's re-election, OGD engaged in the precise definition of anti-party activity under the APC constitution. His actions benefited the opposition and undermined his own party's candidate. It confirms that the suspicion surrounding his loyalty were not mere propaganda but were rooted in a practical political decision he made to back his longtime ally over his new party's candidate in the governorship race.
Over the last two years, the APC has repeatedly accused OGD of not fully supporting the party during the 2023 elections, alleging his quiet support for the opposition in some areas. Having sustained the intrigues for so long, the Oliyide's online conversation has finally revealed an inherent contradiction between the old narrative and the new reality. While his camp argues that the suspension is solely a political witch-hunt to block his 2027 Senatorial ambition, the suspension is a justifiable response to a proven anti-party activity in the 2023 election, which violated the most basic tenet of party membership.
This public admission makes Senator Daniel's legal and political fight to overturn the suspension at the National APC level significantly more difficult. With this revelation, the National Working Committee (NWC) is less likely to overturn the decision of the state leadership when there is public evidence from the accused's own camp confirming the core disciplinary charge.
In its recent release, the Ogun State Chapter of the APC restated that the suspension remained in full effect, warning that any engagements with him as a member of the party would be regarded as invalid.
The party made this known in an official correspondence to the APC National Chairman, drawing attention to what it described as Daniel’s “continued public disregard for party discipline” despite his suspension.
In a letter, dated October 3, 2025, and jointly signed by the State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and State Secretary, Hon. Tella Aderibigbe, the APC stated that Senator Daniel was suspended on August 19, 2025, and that the decision had been formally communicated to him. The party further emphasized that, under the APC Constitution, a suspended member automatically loses all privileges and rights associated with party membership.
Quoting Article 21, subsection (vii) of the APC Constitution, the party stressed that a suspended member is stripped of voting rights, attendance at party meetings, and participation in party activities until the suspension is lifted.
“As part of the disciplinary processes outlined in our constitution, a member suspended pending investigation is expressly barred from participating in the proceedings of any party organ,” the statement noted.
The party urged government institutions, political actors, and the public to take note that Daniel cannot act or be recognized in any capacity as a member of APC while the suspension stands.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, order, and adherence to constitutional guidelines.
The suspension, affirmed by the Ogun State APC chapter, was the final administrative step in a series of political moves that defined the rising tension in the state. The suspension was preceded by highly public confrontations that escalated the perceived rivalry between OGD and the Governor. For instance, when the Abiodun administration recently marked properties linked to Senator Daniel, including his private residence and a luxury hotel, for demolition, for certain infractions, his camp quickly condemned it as political vendetta and an abuse of state power.
In a similar reaction, his media team has accused the Governor of working in concert with the State Working Committee (SWC) to neutralize his rising political influence within the state party structure by stripping him of his rights and privileges as an APC member, including voting and participating in party organs, thereby weakening his ability to contest the 2027 primary election. The team argued that the Ward Executive that suspended him was illegitimate, illegally constituted, or did not follow the due process outlined in the APC Constitution regarding the setting up of the Disciplinary Committee or the notification process. Accordingly, they interpreted the suspension as an open struggle for supremacy and control of the Ogun East political space.
The argument is simplistic. Loyalty and discipline are very critical for a political party to function effectively and achieve its goals. It ensures that all members speak and vote as a united block. This prevents internal friction and presents a strong, consistent front to the public and opposing parties. Suspension is the least severe formal sanction for anti-party activities such as the one Daniel was accused of. Other than punitive, the primary intent is to compel the member to reflect, apologize, and conform to the party line. However, Daniel's suspension is not merely an internal party slap on the wrist; it is a strategic administrative move to enforce discipline. By its decision, the party signals its displeasure and removes his influence and access to party resources, while still leaving the door open for rehabilitation and reconciliation.
Regrettably, Daniel has failed to explore the window of opportunity for reconciliation. By his refusal to appear before the party's disciplinary committee to absolve himself of the alleged anti-party activities levelled against him, he has closed the door for any possible amicable resolution of the issue. This refusal can certainly be viewed as the nadir of his current political chapter. With the suspension, he is essentially rendered politically deaf, dumb, and blind within the party structure that brought him to the Senate. It signifies that he has been politically dismantled by the very structure that gave him the leverage to the Senate.
Already, there is a feeble attempt to
appeal to the National leadership of the APC, claiming the suspension was orchestrated by a wrongful ward and by individuals afraid of his relationship with President Bola Tinubu. In this scenario, his political survival hinges on whether he can get the right attention to overturn the state chapter's decision.
The APC Constitution mandates a strict appeal process for disciplinary actions, moving sequentially from the local level up to the highest party organ. The disciplinary action originated from Ward 4, Sagamu Local Government Area). So, his first official step is to challenge the decision at the next tier. But since the initial suspension was ratified by the State Working Committee (SWC), this step will be largely a formality or an effort in the futility. If his immediate focus is to get the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to intervene, as they are the only party organ with the power and political authority to override the Ogun State chapter's decision, it will be a great miscalculation. Oliyide's public admission of anti-party activities makes OGD's legal and political fight to overturn the suspension at the National APC level significantly more difficult. The National Working Committee (NWC) is less likely to overturn a State Chapter's decision when there is public evidence from the accused's own camp confirming the core disciplinary charge.
The APC Constitution generally defines anti-party activities as any action that undermines the party's candidates or electoral chances. By supporting or canvassing for an opposition candidate, Adebutu, against the party's official candidate Abiodun, OGD's camp has, through the Oliyide's statement, provided evidence that confirms the core charge. The public admission transforms the internal disciplinary process from a potential political vendetta, as his camp initially framed it, into a justifiable party disciplinary action based on verifiable electoral and circumstantial evidence, making it much harder for the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to intervene on his behalf without appearing to condone disloyalty.
The context of OGD's historical ties to the PDP and his relationship with Ladi Adebutu against his own party's candidate, Governor Dapo Abiodun (APC), creates a classic case of intra-party conflict.
The closeness of the 2023 Governorship Election results in Ogun State provides the clearest statistical justification for the APC State Chapter's action, confirming that a split loyalty could have been decisive.
The gubernatorial race was exceptionally narrow, highlighting how every single vote, and therefore every political structure was critical.
However, in the worst scenario, if
Senator Daniel decides to leverage his closeness to President Tinubu to overturn the suspension slammed on him, he will sooner than later realize that no one can force a wife on an unwilling husband. While power can influence, it often cannot overcome deep-seated opposition or lack of trust within the core party structure. The formal removal might be undone, but the political isolation will remain.
He may win the short-term battle, lifting the suspension, but lose the long-term war political relevance.
​He will likely be viewed as a member who needs external protection, rather than one who is internally accepted.
​His continued survival in the party will depend entirely on his powerful patron, making him vulnerable if that patronage ever wavers. The stigma of disloyalty will persist, making it difficult for him to secure key appointments or party nominations in the future.
While President Tinubu can use his authority to open the door for Daniel, he cannot force the party to embrace him wholeheartedly. The APC as a disciplined organisation is typically governed by its own rules and sense of loyalty to its principles, not necessarily to the President's personal wishes. Amidst this dilemma, party faithful are keenly watching how Daniel will navigate the complex situation he has found himself.









Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Ogun State Governor on Media

Kwara South Senatorial Aspirant, Kazeem Salaam, lauds Tinubu, AbdulRazaq on Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Egbe road

A UK-based financial expert and leading aspirant for the Kwara South Senatorial District seat on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Kazeem Olayimika Salaam, popularly known as Alabaja has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the recent approval of the reconstruction of the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Egbe Road.

Salaam, also expressed gratitude to the entire Federal Executive Council as well as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his resilience and political will that made this possible, describing the approval as a long-awaited and economically vital infrastructural project.

The financial guru explained that the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Egbe Road is not merely a route of convenience but a lifeline for trade, agriculture, education, and social integration, adding that the road has served as major corridor linking the South-West , North-Central and other Northern States for decades.

According to him, the reconstruction of the road will not only boost economic activities and enhance regional integration along the corridor but will greatly promotes the movement of goods and people across regions and significantly improves security in the Kwara South axis.

Dr Salaam, however, appealed to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to prioritize the Ajase-Ipo–Omu-Aran–Osi axis in the first phase of reconstruction, given the deplorable condition of that section of the road, saying Its rehabilitation will deliver immediate relief to thousands of road users and residents who suffer daily due to its current state.

"I greatly appreciate the responsiveness and compassion displayed by our quintessential leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the entire Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the approval of the reconstruction of the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Egbe Road; this approval is historic and indelible in the consciousness of every citizen of Kwara South.

"In the same vein, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his steadfast commitment and proactive engagement that facilitated the inclusion and approval of this crucial road project at the Federal Executive Council. His leadership continues to open doors of development and strengthen the bond between the State and the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

"Over the years, the deterioration of the road has had dire consequences, disrupting commerce, limiting access to markets, and exacerbating insecurity. The once-thriving route has become a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping, posing grave dangers to commuters and residents alike. The approved reconstruction will not only revive economic opportunities but also restore safety and confidence along the corridor, particularly in the Okun axis, where insecurity had become rampant.

Without mincing words, the people of Kwara South remain deeply committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirm their trust in the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Under his administration, Kwarans are truly beginning to enjoy the dividends of democracy through impactful governance and inclusive development.

"Furthermore, we appeal to the Federal Executive Council to urgently consider the rehabilitation of the Erin-Ile–Ajase-Ipo Road, another critical federal route that links Kwara and Osun States. Its current condition has become a major impediment to inter-state trade and mobility, hampering the socio-economic cooperation that binds both states together.

"Once again, I want to profoundly thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Hon. Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for listening to the yearnings of our people and demonstrating responsive leadership. The people of Kwara South stand ready to support and partner with the government in ensuring the successful completion of this landmark project".

Abiodun congratulates Soludo







Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on his re-election as governor.







Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emerged the winner of the Anambra State governorship election held on Saturday, following the announcement of results from all the 21 local government areas (LGAs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).







According to INEC, Soludo secures 422,664 out of a total of 584,054 valid votes cast during the poll, defeating his closest challenger, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes, as well as the ADC (8,208 votes) and PDP (1,401 votes), by a wide margin.







In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun said that the results showed in unmistakable terms that the people of Anambra State have huge confidence in the leadership of Professor Soludo, charging him to use the victory as a tool of greater delivery of the dividends of democracy, and to unite all political tendencies in the state for its development.











He said: "With the results of Saturday's election, the people of Anambra State spoke in clear, unmistakable terms, affirming their belief in the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.







"I heartily congratulate my brother and Vice Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and urge him to continue inspiring the people of Anambra State with life-changing policies and projects.







"By uniting various political tendencies in the state, he will further consolidate on the dividends of democracy under his leadership in Anambra State."







Abiodun, who lauded Soludo for always extending the hands of fellowship to the President Bola Tinubu-led federal administration, urged him to keep the flag of democracy and good governance flying.

Vote Buying:Court dismisses Adebutu's application against criminal charge, proceeds to trial

The Ogun State High Court on Wednesday dismissed the application filed by Muyiwa Obanesa Esq, on behalf of Ladi Adebutu and five others asking the court to strike out the criminal charge levelled against them.

At the resumed hearing of charge number AB/10C/2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria vs Ladi Adebutu & 5 ors, the presiding judge, Justice T.A Okunsokan directed the prosecution to proceed to trial.

It will be recalled that Ladi Adebutu, who was the gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2023 general election was alleged to have been involved in massive vote- buying across the State during the said election. An act which constitutes an offence under the Electoral Act 2022.

Rotimi Jacobs, SAN who appeared alongside S.A Obafemi for the prosecution had opposed the said application, considering the argument of counsel to Adebutu that the Attorney General of the Federation lacks the requisite power to prosecute the defendants.

However , the court held that sections 144 and 145 of the Electoral Act contravenes the provision of section 174 of the Constitution. That, it is the Attorney General of the Federation that has the power to institute criminal charge in this circumstance.

On the argument of Adebutu's counsel that the instant charge against the defendants amounts to Double Jeopardy, the court considered Section 245(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ogun State (ACJL) and held that the doctrine of Double Jeopardy does not support the case of the Defendants.

In conclusion, the court held that application of the Defendants/Applicants lacks merit and it was accordingly dismissed.

The case was thereafter adjourned to 29th and 30th January, 2026 for trial.

Magboro–Makogi Road: Residents Commend Ogun Govt, Seek Speedy Completion


Residents of the Magboro–Makogi community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area have commended the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, for the ongoing construction of the 8.17-kilometre Magboro–Makogi Road.


The project, which features concrete interlocking, is particularly significant given the area’s history of waterlogging.

During an inspection of the project by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Ade Akinsanya, on Wednesday, residents expressed appreciation for the quality and standard of work being executed.

They described the initiative as a major infrastructural milestone that would enhance transportation, beautify the community, and boost socio-economic activities in the area.

Speaking on behalf of shop owners, Mr. Uche Okoro and Alhaji Wasiu Sanusi praised Governor Abiodun for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal across Ogun State.


They noted that upon completion, the project would bring lasting relief to residents, business owners, and commuters who have long endured challenges posed by poor road conditions.



While commending the pace of work, the residents appealed to the contractor to expedite construction and ensure timely completion, especially as vehicular and pedestrian traffic continues to increase along the corridor.


Reaffirming their support for Governor Abiodun’s administration, the residents described the project as a testament to good governance and a demonstration of the government’s responsiveness to the needs of its citizens.


Addressing journalists after inspecting the project, Engr. Ade Akinsanya stated that he had directed the contractor to accelerate construction activities and take full advantage of the dry season to deliver the road within record time.


He reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing durable infrastructure that meets global standards.

“The government is determined to ensure this project is delivered promptly and to the highest quality. With the rains now subsiding, I have instructed the contractor to intensify efforts so residents can begin to enjoy the benefits of this new road as soon as possible,” Engr. Akinsanya said.


Also speaking, the Project Manager, Mr. Jason Zhang, confirmed that work is progressing steadily.


He commended the cooperation of both residents and the state government, assuring that the project would be completed according to specifications and delivered on schedule.

49 years after, Ogun Set to Rebuild Legislative and Commissioners’ Quarters

As part of efforts to modernize critical government infrastructure and ensure safe, functional housing for top public officials, the Ogun State Government has announced plans to rebuild the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, the Legislative Quarters, and the Commissioners’ Quarters.

According to the government, the decision followed extensive structural assessments by the Ministry of Housing, which revealed that the existing buildings—constructed in 1976—have become severely dilapidated and unsafe after over five decades of use.

Despite multiple renovation attempts over the years, the structures have continued to deteriorate, resulting in high maintenance costs with minimal improvement.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, said the reconstruction project was necessary to align the State’s public infrastructure with modern safety, design, and efficiency standards.

He explained that the decision was guided by the National Building Code of Nigeria (NBC, 2006), which stipulates that public buildings must meet minimum standards of safety and habitability.

According to him, structures that have exceeded their useful life—typically around 50 years—require either major rehabilitation or complete reconstruction, especially where repairs have become uneconomical.

“The existing Legislative and Commissioners’ Quarters were constructed in 1976, nearly 50 years ago. Over the years, successive governments have spent enormous sums on repairs and maintenance, but these have yielded diminishing results. A technical evaluation conducted by the Ministry confirmed that the structures are no longer safe for habitation. In line with global best practices and the provisions of the National Building Code, the State Government has chosen to rebuild these facilities for long-term sustainability,” Omoniyi said.

The Commissioner added that the new developments would be modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, with upgraded utilities, improved spatial design, and smart infrastructure to enhance functionality.

He said the design would also reflect the State’s broader commitment to urban renewal and environmental responsibility.

Omoniyi further clarified that the initiative was not an act of extravagance but a necessary investment in public safety and administrative efficiency.

He explained that the move was based on foresight and prudence, noting that delaying reconstruction could expose officials living in the quarters future to greater risks.

“If we fail to act now, successive governments will face even greater financial and safety challenges. This decision is therefore about foresight, prudence, and the responsible management of public assets,” he stated.

The rebuilding project, he noted, is a component of the Ogun State Urban and Housing Renewal Master Plan, which aims to replace obsolete infrastructure with durable, cost-effective, and sustainable developments that meet modern needs.

The State Government assured that all processes related to the reconstruction would be transparent, accountable, and guided by due process, with priority given to local contractors, artisans, and suppliers to boost job creation and stimulate the local economy.

Omoniyi reaffirmed that the Dapo Abiodun-led administration remains committed to delivering people-centered infrastructure that supports efficient governance and reflects Ogun State’s vision of growth and modernization.

It will be recalled that in 2024, the Ogun State government launched a regeneration initiative for the Ibara Housing Estate, aimed at transforming the area into a modern and vibrant urban centre.

It began implementing infrastructure upgrades within the Ibara GRA to enhance exclusivity for residents, including road repairs, drainage and culvert maintenance, electrification and water supply upgrades, with the regeneration initiative further expanded to other GRAs in the state, including Sagamu, Igbeba in Ijebu Ode, and Ilaro.
It segmented the development into clusters, with Cluster 1 involving three hectares of land g developed into a thriving urban center with 35 duplexes.

The area was further subdivided into individual plots, with around 60 plots allocated for 12 semi-detached units and 47 fully detached units are planned.

Abeokuta -Sango-Ota road construction and Governor Dapo Abiodun's responsiveness

By Olaniyi Ajibola

It was a plethora of applause for Governor Dapo Abiodun and huge jubilation among the residents of Ogun State when the Governor, after all odds and seeming obstacles eventually got the nod of the Federal Government to construct the Abeokuta-Sango-Ota road, which had been in a very deplorable condition and almost impassable for 21 years.

Being the second busiest road in Nigeria, with significant economic impact for the people of the state and other Nigerians alike, the Governor swiftly moved to ease the sufferings of the people as soon as he assumed office in 2019, but unfortunately met a brick wall from the Federal Government, as the then Minister vehemently warned the Governor to stay clear of the Federal road irrespective of the degree of urgency of the intervention.

For four years, the Governor kept pushing and lobbying the Federal Government to construct the road, having being disturbed by the daily suffering of the people on the road and the attendant economic quagmire caused by the bad road and his struggle eventually paid off with the current administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which put the former Governor of Eboyin State, Engineer David Umahi in the saddle.

Breaking the 21-year jinx of stagnation on the very important road made the jubilation among the people of the State and other road users very unprecedented, they commended the Governor for his tenacity, resilience and compassion, despite suffocating provocation.

The flag off of the 70-kilometre road on August 23, 2024 marked a turning point in the history of infrastructural development in the state, as the road significantly constitutes part of humongous infrastructural deficit Prince Dapo Abiodun inherited upon assumption of office, as he promised to complete the road within 18 months.


Since that time, the contractor handling the project has been working assidiously and consistently to fix the road, through five gangs working simultaneously at Olomore, Midgad/Metroxide, Papanlanto Junction, Owode, and the Toll Gate axis. Meanwhile, the state Government has appealed to motorists and residents plying the road to remain calm and exercise patience as construction work continues along the busy corridor.


A statement issued recently by the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, acknowledged the temporary inconveniences being experienced by road users, noting that some sections of the road have become slippery due to ongoing earthworks and the prevailing rainy season.

He advised motorists to drive carefully and comply with traffic directives to prevent avoidable accidents, explaining that concrete pavement casting currently ongoing along parts of the Ewekoro axis has necessitated the temporary closure of certain sections and the introduction of traffic diversions.

Engr. Akinsanya assured the public that the government is working tirelessly to rehabilitate and restore the road’s full functionality.

While admitting that persistent rainfall in recent weeks has slowed down the pace of work, he reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to completing the project within record time.

“Key sections such as Obada Oko, Ilese Awo, Onijanganjangan, and Ewekoro are receiving focused attention from the contractor. Efforts are being intensified to improve driving conditions and enhance accessibility across the entire stretch,” he stated.

The Commissioner reiterated that although the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway is a federal road, the Ogun State Government, in its magnanimity and in line with its people-oriented governance philosophy, has taken over its reconstruction to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

He added that the state’s intervention aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and prevent the loss of lives and productive hours commonly associated with poor road conditions along the corridor.

Expressing optimism about progress on the project, Engr. Akinsanya assured residents and motorists that as the rains subside, the current challenges would soon be over. He assured the people of the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering durable, safe, and quality road infrastructure across the state.

It is the same compassion and responsiveness the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has exhibited in tackling similar challenges since inception, in the face of accumulated deficit in road infrastructure across the state, the menace the Governor inherited from previous administrations.

Since government is a continuum, the Governor has no other choice than to correct the anomaly to the best of his ability and within the limit of available resources, which he is doing with utmost determination and commitment, despite the campaign of calumny by naysayers and fifth columnists.

There is no doubt that Governor Dapo Abiodun has creditably done very well to change the ugly face of road infrastructure in the state, from the central senatorial district to the west and east, without abandoning other sectors like Health, Education, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and Security among others.

Of great significance is how he has eased the sufferings of residents living at the Lagos-Ogun borders in Ifo Local Government, namely :Alagbole, Akute and other adjourning communities whose roads have been abandoned for years without single intervention after the administration of Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Finally, in the face of this accumulated deficit of road infrastructure, the solace is that the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun is showing unflinching commitment to right the wrong of the past and ensure greatness happiness to the greatest number of Ogun State's residents.

The Governor's commitment is assuring and his responsiveness remains very inspiring.

Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

Be Efficient, Diligent in service- Ede Poly Rector charges new Deans, HODs

The newly elected Deans and Heads of Departments of The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State have been advised by the the Rector, Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, FNSE, to be efficient and diligent in their day-to-day activities in the citadel of learning.

The Rector, gave the advice on Thursday, 30th October, 2025 during the 223rd meeting of Academic Board, held at S.O.B. Hall of the Polytechnic.

The helmsman, who doubled as the Chairman of Academic Board also enjoined the new Deans and Heads of Departments to take the welfare of the students as top priority, saying", You should always show love and kindness to both staff and students in your various Schools and departments, because those students under your tutelages today will be eventually excell in their various fields in future and become important personalities".

Dr. Sani Man Yahaya also used the occasion to eulogize the sterling qualities of the immediate past Deans and Heads of Departments for their various contributions while in office; he, therefore, charged the new members of the Academic Board to build on the legacy for the betterment of the Polytechnic

The Rector, thereafter, admonished the newly elected Deans and Heads of Departments to come out with a blueprint on how to complement and uphold the legacy of the founding fathers of the Polytechnic in order to sustain the motto of the institution which is "KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND CHARACTER.

E-signed
Sola Lawal, mnipr
Ag. Director, Information, Protocol, and Public Relations.

Ogun State 's infrastructure growth under Abiodun: A response to critics








Femi Ogbonnikan






The principle of armchair expertise is universal. By human nature, it takes little effort to spot flaws when you aren't bearing the responsibility of an action. From the safety of the sidelines, the amateur passenger is always ready to co-drive the professional, and the spectator always knows how to outplay the team on the field. They believe they possess the superior strategy to the eleven athletes battling on the pitch. Often times, people criticise actions they don't have to execute.In Ogun State, it has become a regular pastime of some politicians to put the government on the spot for purely selfish reasons. Recent reports show that an ex-governor is allegedly gaslighting the incumbent Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, criticizing his administration for the poor state of road infrastructures.
The state chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a released statement, raised the alarm over the plot by some disgruntled politicians to discredit Abiodun's government by hiring mercenaries to record videos of bad roads with intent to incite the public against the administration. While the government remains focused on its commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state, pointing to several of its landmark projects which have positioned the state as preferred investment destination, the sinister plot has sparked debate, with some questioning Abiodun's commitment to addressing Ogun's infrastructure challenges. These critics argue that the efforts are insufficient, lamenting the deplorable state of roads in areas like Sango-Ota, Ijoko (Ado-Odo/Ota LGA), and Agbado (Ifo LGA). They advocate for a comprehensive infrastructure plan prioritizing economic corridors and credible contractors.
Already, the APC, in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Olufemi Nuberu, has alerted the public of the ploy to cause disaffection in the state, citing the over 1500 kilometres of roads spread across the three Senatorial Districts as an unbeatable landmark achievement of the administration.“This deceptive campaign, which is not from concerned citizens but from evil politicians seeking to pollute the air space, is demonstrably silly, especially as no government is on record to have matched Abiodun’s achievement in Ogun State,” APC stated.
As a quick reminder, the party listed Atan-Lusada-Agbara road, Mojoda-Epe road, Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta road, Sango Ota-Lagos road, among others, as some of the critical landmark infrastructure projects the government had completed.
Focusing on the administration's agenda of turning Ogun State to an industrial hub in the West Africa sub-region, the Governor has also consistently emphasized that his administration is tirelessly working to address the infrastructure deficit, highlighting completed projects like the Ikorita Meta-Adenrele/Olose Titus Vespa Road and the Sango-Ota-Oke Aro-Ojodu Abiodun Road. He also mentioned that the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa Road is included in the 2026 budget for reconstruction.
Development is an endless work in progress. The world is made better, not by grand gestures, but by the accumulation of small efforts. If every single person would change one thing about themselves or their surroundings, the global transformation would be instant.The goal of sustainable development is achievable only when viewed through the lens of individual action. If we all commit to changing one thing at a time, this world will be a better place. The vast improvement all of us are craving for is the sum of tiny, deliberate changes we make in our respective capacities. Sustainable community development is rarely achieved through one massive project, a big leap. Instead, it relies on what is often called incremental change or community ownership-the accumulation of small, consistent improvements. This is the approach of Governor Abiodun to governance as encapsulated in the administration’s “Building Our Future Together” mantra. Effective leadership development, whether in a corporation or a government, is a continuous process of incremental growth. Great leaders understand they are not a finished product. They embody the work in progress mentality by constantly seeking feedback, engaging in continuous learning, and admitting mistakes. Leaders who ask others to change or improve must first change one thing about themselves. They must create a culture of continuous improvement often known by the Japanese term Kaizen.
Unfortunately, there is no mechanism for enforcing personal accountability in our system. A mechanism for personal responsibility requires three key elements: Clear expectations, tracking & measurement and consequence. People must know precisely what they are responsible for and by when. There must be an objective way to measure the outcome against the expectation. There must be a reliable response to the outcome. This is how the blame game is prevented. Without this mechanism, it becomes incredibly convenient for people to play the blame game because the cost of pointing fingers is always lower than the cost of admitting fault.
This is where one can situate the action of the ex-governor who is stoking the ember of public discontent by criticizing the administration for the deplorable condition of state roads. They find it convenient to play the blame game because of a lack of personal accountability.
Questions to ask: Were these terrible roads that suddenly caught their attention not there when they were in government? What did they do about them? Why are they now crying blue murder, knowing that we are in another cycle of election and politics has taken a centre-stage?
This is a new era of stocking-taking. There is no gain in pulling the wool over anyone's eyes or, deceiving anyone. Those who are confident of their track record should simply showcase their past achievements and place them side-by-side with Governor Abiodun's performance.There are two fundamental principles of public scrutiny: factual presentation and comparative accountability. Comparative accountability places the performance of one individual, the challenger, against the incumbent Governor Abiodun using the same criteria. Instead of obfuscation or misleading claims, they should come out for an open debate. They should discard vague promises and focus only on what has been measurably accomplished. Side-by-side comparison offers opportunity for both parties to address similar issues and enables the public to make an informed, non-emotional choice based on verifiable output.
Over the last six years of the present administration, the performance of Governor Abiodun can aptly be described as a catalogue of road infrastructures, cutting across all sections of the state. The zone-by-zone account of completed and ongoing road projects shows that the government has so far constructed over 1500 kilometres of roads.
In Ogun Central Senatorial District, precisely Abeokuta South, key infrastructure projects attributable to the administration include Idi–Aba–Elite–One Lantoro Road (2 km)–Completed & Commissioned, Bayo Oju–Ejigbo–Ijeun–Ake Road (1.42 km)–Ready for Commissioning, and Flyover Bridge at Kuto, Abeokuta (0.576 km)–Completed. In Abeokuta North, some of the landmark road project are Lafenwa Rounder–Ayetoro Road (First Phase) (6.5 km) – Completed, Olomore–Sanni Road (3.41 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Elega–Mokola Bridge Entrance (0.9 km) – Completed, and Ake–Ilupeju–Ago–Ika Road (0.4419 km)–Completed.Odeda-Obantoko Road (Fajol–American Junction–Unity Estate–Gbonagun) (7.5 km) – Completed & Commissioned, and Somorin–Kemta–Idi Aba Road (5.7 km) – Completed & CommissionedObafemi Owode-Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway (42 km) – Completed & Commissioned, City Gate Monument Development – Completed & Commissioned, Panseke–Adigbe Road (3 km) – Completed, Arepo Road (2.35 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Siun–Owode Road (6.6 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Mowe-Ofada Road (8 km) – Completed, Kuforiji Olubi–Quarry Road, Abeokuta (1.85 km) – Completed, Iyana Oloke Junction to MAPOLY School Gate (1.45 km) – Completed, Laderin–Train Station–School Gate Road (3 km) – CompletedIfo–Tajudeen Adeniran/Olose Titun–Visin Road (3.1 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Old Bank Road (Orimerunmu–Coker Junction–Olomoo Spur) (1 km) – Completed, Olusosun Osoba Town–Agbado Road (2.4 km) – Completed, Sango–Ota–Oke Aro–Ojodu Abiodun Road (Phase 1) (1.5 km) – Completed, Sango–Ota–Oke Aro–Ojodu Abiodun Road (Phase 2) (8.5 km) – Completed, Akute–Denro–Shasha Road (4.786 km) – Completed, Ajayi Kosoko Street, Ojodu–Abiodun (Sectional Rehabilitation) (0.9 km) – Completed. Ewekoro-Inner Roads, Itori Junction Road (2 km) – Completed & Commissioned.
In Ijebu Ode, Ogun East Senatorial District, the list of major projects include Awujale Road (Awujale, Stadium & Oke Aje) (3 km) – Completed, Ogbagba Street (1.2 km) – Completed, Ijebu Ode–Epe/Sagamu Bridge Interchange Flyover Bridge – Completed & Ready for Commissioning, Molipa/Fusigboye/Ayegun/Ofosa Road (3.1 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Asafa Oke / Asafa Isale / Ofosa Street (1.514 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Molipa Expressway (Igbeba Garage – Ijebu Ode) (3.2 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Ejirin/Ososa/Igbogun Road – Completed, Ayegbami–Olu IGA Streets (1.146 km) – Completed, Onijogbo–Olia–Saka Asiru–Ijebu Ode Road (1.6 km) – Completed, Sectional Rehabilitation (Abeokuta Road–Omilowo–New Road) (2.15 km) – Completed and Ijebu Ode Club Road (Near Bisi Onabanjo Mausoleum) (0.6 km) – Completed.Odogbolu-Ijebu Ode–Mojoda Expressway (14 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Erunwon–Idowa–Awa–Ibefun–Itokin Road (27 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Bishop Awolowo Street (1.2 km) – Completed and Rehabilitation of Ososa Road (2.4 km) – Completed.
Ijebu North-Oru–Awa–Ilaporu–Ibadan Express Road (7.1 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Igan Road (2 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Ikenne–Ilisan–Ago Iwoye Road (24 km) – Completed & Ready for Commissioning, Internal Road of OGU, Ago Iwoye (1.2 km) – Completed, Molusi College Road, Ijebu Igbo (4.5 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Martin Ikoye Street, Ago Iwoye (Phase 1) (1.5 km) – Completed.Ijebu North East-Erunwon–Atan Road (8 km) – Completed & Commissioned and Ogbogbo-iworo ongoing. Ijebu East-Esure–Ijebu Mushin Road (2.1 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Sectional Rehabilitation of Ogere/Amotekun Base to Orita Imobi Road (7 km) – Completed.Ogun Waterside-Togburin–Agodo–Togura Road (6.1 km) – Binder Asphalt Completed, Ibiade/Old Garage Roundabout–LGA Secretariat–Efire–Ijunction Road (7 km) – Completed, Orita Aja–Ibiade–Ipokin Road (24.5 km) – Ongoing.Sagamu-Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu (4 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Sagamu Junction–Papalanto Road (Phase 1, 4 lanes) (5.9 km) – Completed, Sagamu–Ikenne Road (Phase 1) (6.1 km) – Completed,GRA Road, Sagamu (1.4 km) – Completed, Rehabilitation of Hospital Road, Sagamu (2 km) – Completed, Rehabilitation of Bishop Fashina Baruwa Street, Sagamu (1 km) – Completed, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Access Road (1.8 km) – Completed, Rehabilitation of Aregbale Road, Sagamu (1.7 km) – Completed, Rehabilitation of Olumele/Sote Road, Makun, Sagamu – Completed, Hospital Road, Ogijo (1.5 km) – Completed.Ikenne-Idarika Street Road (3.1 km) – CompletedOlabisi Onabanjo Road (0.75 km) – Completed,Araromi/Sokoto Street Road (0.75 km) – Completed, Iregun/Ita Osikilu/Ilisa Road (0.75 km) – Completed, Ilisan Market Road, Ilisan (1.2 km) – Completed & Ready for Commissioning, Iperu Roundabout–Ode Phase 2 (4 lanes) (3 km) – Completed, Agro-Cargo Airport (Iperu Phase 1A & 2A) – Ongoing, Rehabilitation of Oju Ale Road, Iperu (1.2 km) – Completed, Ilisan–Ilara Road (4 km) – Completed, Awolowo Road, Ikenne (3.5 km) – Completed, Ilisan Roundabout–Babcock University Road (1.2 km) – Completed, Rehabilitation of Babcock Road (via Ilisan Market Road) (1 km) – Completed.Remo North-Orile Oko Road (Surface Dressing) (8 km) – Completed.
Ado–Odo/Ota, Ogun West Senatorial District-Ikola/Navy/Osi Ikola Road (1.8 km) – Completed & Commissioned, RAY Power Road (2.1 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Singer–Toll Gate Road (Lagos–Ogun Boundary Rehabilitation) (7.5 km) – Completed, Joju Road, Sango (1.3 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Igbesa–Ehila Road (Chemical Treated) (4.5 km) – Completed and GRA Road, Ota (0.787 km) – Completed.Others are-Imasai–Igan Okoto–Ayetoro Road (Phase 1) (7 km) – Completed, Oke-Ola Road, Imeko (2.4 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Ipokia-Ilaro–Koko–Alari Road (3.8 km) – Completed & Commissioned, Ilaro–Iwoye Road (Phase 1) (13 km) – Completed, Iwoye–Owoode–Yewa Road (Phase 2) (8 km) – Completed, Owode Yewa–Owode Junction (Phase 3) (6 km) – Completed, Oke–Erinja–Erinja–Ibiri Road (3.12 km) – Completed & Commissioned.
In addition to all of these, the administration has further embarked on a massive reconstruction covering Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road, the 140km Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road as well as 63km Sango-Idiroko road. All of these areas have been turned into massive construction sites where not less than 50 per cent progresses have been made. Additionally, the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa which is trending has been captured in the 2026 budget. Beyond roads, Ogun State is breaking new frontiers with the world-class Gateway International Airport which has already commenced commercial flight operations, the new Sports Arena and the largest cement factory in West Africa, among others. In furtherance of its developmental agenda, the Ogun State Government, on Wednesday, reaffirmed its resolve to complete all ongoing road projects across the state, assuring that the Dapo Abiodun-led government will never take the yearnings of the Ogun people with levity.
The government, which made this declaration in a statement issued by Hon Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Media and Strategy, said that its resolve to spread development across the three senatorial districts and 20 local governments in the state remained unshaken.
The challenge is up to those who hide behind the needle to discredit the administration to come out to show the evidence of their past performance for public scrutiny.








Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

Ogun govt affirms commitment to economic devt through road construction, lists completed, ongoing projects

The Ogun State Government, on Wednesday, reaffirmed its resolve to complete all ongoing road projects across the state, saying that the Dapo Abiodun-led government will never take the yearnings of the Ogun people with levity.

The government, which made this declaration in a statement issued by Hon Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Media and Strategy, said that its resolve to spread development across the three senatorial districts and 20 local governments in the state remained unshaken.

It said that it was important for critics to note the poor condition of most of the roads when Governor Abiodun assumed office, and how he was able to intervene on some of the most strategic roads.

It pointed out that travellers using the Sagmu-Abeokuta Interchange road now spend about 25 minutes instead of the grueling hours they spent there, stuck in traffic before the Abiodun government came on board, adding that the intervention in Atan-Lusada-Agbara road and the Ijebu Ode-Mojoda-Epe roads had transformed travel experience in the state.


It also stated that when Governor Abiodun failed to get the Federal Government to attend to its roads in Sango Ota axis, he carried out palliative works on them to ease the burden of road users.

Releasing a comprehensive list of completed, commissioned, and ongoing road projects across the three senatorial districts, the government reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development across the state.

According to it, in Ogun Central Senatorial District, several strategic roads have been completed and commissioned. In Abeokuta South, the Idi–Aba–Elite–One Lantoro Road spanning 2 kilometres has been completed and commissioned, while the 1.42-kilometre Bayo Oju–Ejigbo–Ijeun–Ake Road is ready for commissioning. The Flyover Bridge at Kuto, Abeokuta, measuring 0.576 kilometres, has also been completed.

In Abeokuta North, completed road projects include the 6.5-kilometre Lafenwa Rounder–Ayetoro Road (First Phase), 3.41-kilometre Olomore–Sanni Road, and the 0.9-kilometre Elega–Mokola Bridge Entrance.

The Ake–Ilupeju–Ago–Ika Road, measuring 0.4419 kilometres, has also been completed, while in Odeda Local Government Area, the administration has completed and commissioned the 7.5-kilometre Obantoko Road (Fajol–American Junction–Unity Estate–Gbonagun) as well as the 5.7-kilometre Somorin–Kemta–Idi Aba Road.

Obafemi Owode Local Government has witnessed major projects including the 42-kilometre Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, the City Gate Monument Development, and the 3-kilometre Panseke–Adigbe Road, all completed and commissioned.

Others include the 2.35-kilometre Arepo Road, 6.6-kilometre Siun–Owode Road, Ofada Road, Kuforiji Olubi–Quarry Road (1.85 km), Iyana Oloke Junction to MAPOLY School Gate (1.45 km), and the 3-kilometre Laderin–Train Station–School Gate Road — all completed.

In Ifo Local Government, completed and commissioned projects include the 3.1-kilometre Ifo–Tajudeen Adeniran/Olose Titun–Visin Road, the 1-kilometre Old Bank Road (Orimerunmu–Coker Junction–Olomoo Spur), and the 2.4-kilometre Olusosun Osoba Town–Agbado Road. The Sango–Ota–Oke Aro–Ojodu Abiodun Road (Phase 1) covering 1.5 kilometres and Phase 2 covering 8.5 kilometres have been completed, alongside the 4.786-kilometre Akute–Denro–Shasha Road and the 0.9-kilometre Ajayi Kosoko Street, Ojodu–Abiodun; while in Ewekoro, the Inner Roads at Itori Junction, measuring 2 kilometres, have been completed and commissioned.

Akinmade added: "In Ogun East Senatorial District, the administration has delivered a wide range of completed, including the 3-kilometre Awujale Road (covering Awujale, Stadium and Oke Aje areas), Ogbagba Street (1.2 km), the Ijebu Ode–Epe/Sagamu Bridge Interchange Flyover Bridge (completed and ready for commissioning), the 3.1-kilometre Molipa/Fusigboye/Ayegun/Ofosa Road, and Asafa Oke / Asafa Isale / Ofosa Street (1.514 km), both completed and commissioned.

"Other roads include Molipa Expressway (Igbeba Garage–Ijebu Ode) (3.2 km), Ejirin/Ososa/Igbogun Road, Ayegbami–Olu IGA Streets (1.146 km), Onijogbo–Olia–Saka Asiru–Ijebu Ode Road (1.6 km), sectional rehabilitation on Abeokuta Road–Omilowo–New Road (2.15 km), and Ijebu Ode Club Road near the Bisi Onabanjo Mausoleum (0.6 km).

"In Odogbolu, the 14-kilometre Ijebu Ode–Mojoda Expressway and 27-kilometre Erunwon–Idowa–Awa–Ibefun–Itokin Road have both been completed and commissioned, while Bishop Awolowo Street (1.2 km) and the 2.4-kilometre Ososa Road have been rehabilitated."

According to Akinmade, in Ijebu North, completed projects include the 7.1-kilometre Oru–Awa–Ilaporu–Ibadan Express Road; 2-kilometre Igan Road, 24-kilometre Ikenne–Ilisan–Ago Iwoye Road (ready for commissioning), the 1.2-kilometre internal road of OGU, Ago Iwoye, the 4.5-kilometre Molusi College Road in Ijebu Igbo, and Martin Ikoye Street, Ago Iwoye (1.5 km), while in Ijebu North East, the 8-kilometre Erunwon–Atan Road has been completed and commissioned.

In Ijebu East, he said, the 2.1-kilometre Esure–Ijebu Mushin Road and the 7-kilometre Ogere/Amotekun Base to Orita Imobi Road have been completed, while in Ogun Waterside, the Togburin–Agodo–Togura Road (6.1 km) has binder asphalt completed, while the 7-kilometre Ibiade/Old Garage Roundabout–LGA Secretariat–Efire–Ijunction Road has been completed. The Orita Aja–Ibiade–Ipokin Road, spanning 24.5 kilometres, is ongoing.

He also added: "In Sagamu, major roads completed include the 4-kilometre Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu Junction–Papalanto Road (Phase 1, 4 lanes) (5.9 km), Sagamu–Ikenne Road (Phase 1) (6.1 km), GRA Road (1.4 km), Hospital Road (2 km), Bishop Fashina Baruwa Street (1 km), Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Access Road (1.8 km), Aregbale Road (1.7 km), Olumele/Sote Road, Makun, and Hospital Road, Ogijo (1.5 km).

"In Ikenne, completed roads include Idarika Street Road (3.1 km), Olabisi Onabanjo Road (0.75 km), Araromi/Sokoto Street Road (0.75 km), Iregun/Ita Osikilu/Ilisa Road (0.75 km), Ilisan Market Road (1.2 km), Iperu Roundabout–Ode Phase 2 (3 km), Oju Ale Road (1.2 km), Ilisan–Ilara Road (4 km), Awolowo Road (3.5 km), Ilisan Roundabout–Babcock University Road (1.2 km), and Rehabilitation of Babcock Road (1 km). Work is still ongoing on the Agro-Cargo Airport (Iperu Phase 1A & 2A).

"In Remo North, the Orile Oko Road (8 km) has been completed, while in Ogun West, projects include the Ikola/Navy/Osi Ikola Road (1.8 km), RAY Power Road (2.1 km), Singer–Toll Gate Road (Lagos–Ogun Boundary Rehabilitation) (7.5 km), Joju Road, Sango (1.3 km), Igbesa–Ehila Road (4.5 km), and GRA Road, Ota (0.787 km) — all completed and commissioned.

"In Yewa North, the Imasai–Igan Okoto–Ayetoro Road (Phase 1) covering 7 kilometres has been completed, while in Imeko Afon, the Oke–Ola Road, Imeko (2.4 km) has been completed and commissioned.

"In Ipokia, the Ilaro–Koko–Alari Road (3.8 km) has also been completed and commissioned and in Yewa South, the Ilaro–Iwoye Road (Phase 1) covering 13 kilometres, Iwoye–Owoode–Yewa Road (Phase 2) (8 km), Owode Yewa–Owode Junction (Phase 3) (6 km), and the Oke–Erinja–Ibiri Road (3.12 km) have all been completed and commissioned."

All parts of Ogun will feel govt presence, says Abiodun

• Working ongoings on four major highways in Ifo-Sango Ota axis

. Ota-Lafenwa-Ayetoro Road captured in proposed Budget 2026

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has reassured residents that no part of the state will be left undeveloped.
He promised that ongoing infrastructure upgrade will spread to all communities across the three Senatorial districts.
The government, according to a statement by the Governor's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, is simultaneously working on four major highways in the Ifo, Sango Ota and Idiroko axis of the state.
He dismissed as mischief the claim in certain quarters that the government had left some bad portions on other roads unattended to, saying that the administration has plans to spread development as dividends of democracy to all parts, including the roads in Lafenwa-Itele Ayetoro areas of the state.
The special adviser noted that the 140-kilometer Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway is being fixed by the state government despited being a federal road.
He added that the, Sango- Ido Iroko, also a Federal Government road,is under construction by the state government.

He added that the government is attending to the Sango-Idiroko Highway, while it had completed about 22 kilometres between Ijoko, Agbado and Alagbole road
"The area being mostly complained about -the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa stretch, which is about 24 kilometres - had been incorporated into the 2026 budget long before social media hoopla" Akinmade clarified in the statement
The decision, he said, was a confirmation of Governor Abiodun's determination to spread even development to all books and crannies of the state as fast as he is allowed to do by time and resources.

Akinmade further said the underlisted roads have been completed in Ifo- Ado Odo-Ota axis of the State.
1. Ikorita Meta, Adenrele/Olose Titus Vespa Road (3.1km)
2. Old Bank Road-Orita Meta - Coker Junction, Olumo Spur Road (1km).
3. Olusegun Osoba, Toyin, Agbado Road(2.4km).
4. Reconstruction of Sango, Ota- Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road, Lagos end (Yakoyo to Mr. Biggs) Phase 6(1.6km).
5. Reconstruction of Sango Ota, Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road (Sango Roundabout to Ijoko bridge) phase 1, (8.5km)
6. Akute, Denro, Ishasi Road (4.8km).
7. Alhaji Kosoko Street, Ojodu Abiodun (Sectional Rehabilitation,Resurfacing (1km)
8. Ajulo-Akute Road (3km).
9. Hercules-Giwa Road (1.3km).
10. Alagbole-Ajulo Road (1.7km).
11. Akute bridge- Oke Aro bridge)9.2km).
12. Atan - Lusada- Marogbo Toll Road (19.2km).
13. Lanfenwa - Osi, Ikola Road (7km).
14. Reconstruction of Bible College, Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (3.89km).
He said: "While recognizing the rights of the good people of Ogun State to continue to demand for the dividends of democracy, the government warned the public to be wary of the antics of opposition politicians and their quest to call a dog a bad name in other to hang it.
"In its determination to run a transparent and people-driven government, the Dapo Abiodun led administration will never fail to respond to public scrutiny. However, we are not unaware of the ongoing move by political detractors to tarnish the image of the government by whipping up unnecessary incitements.

"The road is in question, like many others in Sango-Ota axis, had been in that deplorable state for many years before the coming of Governor Abiodun. They are part of the huge infrastructure deficit inherited by this administration in 2019.
"Aside from the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa road, other very important roads, including Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road; Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road and Sango-Idiroko road were in terrible states of disrepair when Governor Abiodun took office.

"Today, however, the story is different, as can be attested to by the good people of the area who daily pour prayers and appreciation messages on the current government in the state.
"The Dapo Abiodun administration, rising up to the challenges posed by the huge road deficit in the axis, and moved by the cries of the people, embarked on a massive reconstruction of three out of the four major roads in the axis, almost at the same time. The remaining one, which is the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa, is covered by the 2026 budget.

"The Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road, which is about 30km; and 140km Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road; as well as Sango-Idiroko road that stand at 63km, have all been turned into massive constructions sites where not less than 50 per cent progresses have been made.

"But for the rains, work would have moved on at a much higher pace. Governor Abiodun has never left anyone in doubt of his determination to work assiduously till the very last minute of his tenure. The good people of Ogun State should be rest assured that the ongoing widespread development that is sweeping across the state will not exclude any part of the state.


"At a time when our dear state is in the news for numerous never-seen-before feats, including a world class airport, a global standard Sports Complex, the largest cement factory in West Africa, and many others, we must not lose sight of the many reasons to be proud of our home state due to the antics of a few naysayers."