₦airaland Forum

OGD vs OGS: Govt gives clarification on misleading media report

Ogun State Government has debunked the misleading media report from the camp of former Governor Gbenga Daniel on the court proceedings over a case filed regarding Daniel's property, claiming that the government's legal team were at the receiving end.

The said report also falsely claimed that the State's default caused the court to extend the interim injunction protecting the property, saying the state government failed to act in the defence of the matter.

A statement by the Attorney-general and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Oluwasina Ogungbangbe, SAN, on Friday described the claim as total falsehood and a deceptive move to dubiously change narrative for cheap political gains.

It said the government, contrary to the claim had actively participated in every stage of the proceedings and equally demonstrated a commitment to defeat Daniel's claims, urging the general public to believe only the court's record as authentic report of proceedings.

Ogungbangbe, according to the statement challenged the former Governor, his media and legal team to come out and support their narrative in the media space with verifiable evidence from the court.

The statement read: ''The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has observed media reports suggesting that the State Government was on the receiving end of judicial rebuke in a case filed regarding Senator Gbenga Daniel's properties.

"This report is false.The true facts are as follows: On 14 October 2025, the three consolidated suits – HCS/371-373/2025 came up merely for mention. Honourable Justice Oloyede in High Court 2, Sagamu Judicial Division presided. A M Kotoye SAN with O T Are and A O Adeniyi represented Senator Daniel's interest while Ogun State was represented by Mrs R B Kadiri (Director, Civil Litigation), Mrs A E Odukoya (Assistant Director, Civil Litigation), Mr. W A Onawole (Assistant Director, Civil Litigation), and Mr A T Fadipe (State Counsel).

"Even before the case was called, the judge announced to the court that he would not take any contentious matters because he was about to proceed on vacation. As such, Mrs Kadiri identified all the papers that the State had filed. Mrs Kadiri informed the Court that the State could not serve Senator Daniel's team with the documents filed because the lawyer who the Senator's team had designated to accept court papers in Ogun State – Mr A A Ogunba – had died and Mr Kotoye had not nominated a new person to accept court documents for him.

"Mr Kotoye SAN made unfounded accusations against State officials, alleging contempt and non-cooperation in purported settlement efforts. Mrs Kadiri responded that it was rather Senator Daniel and his team who refused to submit their building documents to the permit authorities as directed by the court, but instead merely filed a further affidavit with an exhibit labelled as “building approval,” unverified by the appropriate agencies.

"Mr Kotoye SAN applied to the court for an extension of the interim injunction granted to the Claimants, but Mrs Kadiri was quick to remind the court that the interim order had already expired seven days after it was granted and could not be extended. The Judge agreed and instead renewed his direction to all parties to maintain status quo and repeated his advice that the parties explore the amicable settlement option.

In view of the Judge's impending vacation, Mrs Kadiri then applied that the matter should be transferred to another Judge for expeditious hearing since the State had completed all filings expected of it. Mr Kotoye had no response to this application.

"Accordingly, the Judge enjoined the State to take necessary action to transfer the case to another Judge then adjourned the proceedings before him in the alternative e to 14 January 2026.At no point at the proceedings did the court express dissatisfaction or reprimand the State Counsels present in court. To the contrary, the Honorable Court had to expressly advise the Senator Daniel's counsel – Mr Kotoye SAN – to refrain from using uncouth language against colleagues during proceedings.

"We challenge Senator Daniel, his lawyers and his partisan media talebearers to produce any record from court that supports the falsehood circulated in the media yesterday. We enjoin the public to not be deceived or misled by partisan distortions of court events or sensationalised media reports. The report from the Senator's team even by its hyperbolic tone and theatrical presentation should caution discerning members of the public. If the Senator is confident in the case he has filed in an actual court of law, why is he so determined to make his case in the court of public opinion? With lies, no less".

Engage in illegal water connection, pay heavy fines, Ogun water corporation warns residents



The Ogun State Water Corporation has warned residents of the state against illegal water connections, meter bypasses, and other revenue leakages across the State, saying that violators risk heavy fines.


The corporation, which handed down this warning in issued by the Special Adviser on SDGs & Water Resources, Ogun State Water Corporation, unfolded Operation SWEEP, a comprehensive enforcement campaign targeting unlawful acts.



According to the statement, perpetrators of these unlawful acts, whether through unauthorized tap-downs or meter tampering, will face strict sanctions and heavy fines.


It warned residents involved in such practices to desist immediately, as anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.



It said: "The government will not continue to lose vital revenue due to illicit and sharp practices. We are coming to the neighborhoods, consider this a final warning.



"Customers owing above ₦300,000 will have their water supply disconnected unless they settle their debts, either in full or through approved installment arrangements.


"Defaulting customers hinder the Corporation’s capacity to sustain and improve water supply infrastructure and services.




"Furthermore, the “Use or Lose” policy will now be strictly enforced. Any customer whose water meter has not been vended within the last 3–6 months will have their meter repossessed and reassigned to active, compliant customers.


" All consumers are therefore urged to vend regularly or allow Corporation officials access to recover such meters."



The statement urged all Ogun State Water Corporation customers to pay up and avoid sanctions or disconnections.

Daniel’s Criticisms Driven by bitterness to revenge past disagreement












Femi Ogbonnikan







Former Ogun State Governor and current Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (aka OGD), continues to intrigue the reading public. Driven by a quest for political attention, he has lately emerged as a vocal critic of Governor Dapo Abiodun, questioning the commensurability of infrastructure development with the revenue allocations received from the Federation Account. And he is pursuing it with zest and gusto.
In a manner that is unbecoming of his adversarial politics, Senator Daniel recently charged the people of his constituency in an incisive tone to demand accountability from the Abiodun administration, declaring that allocation to states and local governments had increased substantially over the last two years. While lamenting what he described as “the state underdevelopment”, he told his audience that the government was under obligation to justify the humongous funds from the federal allocation by showing the things they had done with the funds. He threw the charge while addressing a crowd of political stakeholders, supporters and constituents at Idokunnusi Ijebu Imushin in continuation of his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour in Ijebu East Local Government. His words: “For our people here in Ijebu East, I share in some of your pains on the current state of underdevelopment, especially because I am aware that this whole community should be thriving in wealth and prosperity, especially with the abundance of natural resources which God Almighty has endowed us which has the capacity to sustain an entire nation.
“During my time as Governor of Ogun State, we discovered that Ogun East has the largest deposit of Bitumen anywhere in Nigeria. Our vision then was very clear: to create a whole new city for Bitumen mining and exploration which we believe would increase the economic prosperity and impact positively on the lives of the people living in the area. We envisioned this area bubbling with multinational investments, industries, jobs, and infrastructure, all driven by Bitumen exploration and processing.
“Unfortunately, that vision stalled due to neglect after our administration. That is why I started by sympathizing with you because I understand your frustration and share in your hope for a new dawn". On another occasion, he decried the poor state of road network infrastructure in the state, questioning what the government had done with the humongous money received from the Federal government. In an unrestraint outburst at the Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour of the BATOGD Movement in Ijebu North East, Daniel lamented that many roads had been abandoned for decades despite their importance to the socio-economic life of the people.
“The condition of our road infrastructure is dire, and rehabilitation can no longer be delayed. We therefore implore the government to immediately commence the rehabilitation of eleven (11) key road networks that are central to the economic and social wellbeing of this local government,” he declared,
And he gave a long list of the roads crying for attention.
These include Atan–Odo Eran–Etiobu–Ododeyo–Ilumerin–Atan Circular Road (15km), Ogidi Junction–Odoregbe–Odosenlu–Imomo (7km), Odosenbora–Ibido–Okeaye–Omu (8km),Ogbogbo–Iworo–Odogogo–Odosiwonade (10km), as well as the Ilese Toll Gate–Ilefon stretch, Post Office Junction–Erunwon (10km), and others.
Done with objectivity, criticism itself is not a bad thing. Criticism, when directed at specific policies or actions of government, forces those in power to justify their decisions and spending. Such constant scrutiny is the bedrock of accountability and it helps prevent corruption and misuse of public resources.
As no government is perfect, constructive engagement acts as an early warning system, highlighting unintended negative consequences of a policy before the damage becomes irreversible. It provides a feedback loop for necessary adjustments. By engaging with criticism, the government is often forced to consider a broader range of perspectives, leading to more inclusive and representative governance.
Constructive criticism can challenge the status quo and propose alternative, more efficient solutions. A government that openly accepts, considers, and responds to criticism demonstrates maturity and respect for its citizens. In all his dealings, Governor Abiodun's transparent policy endures public scrutiny. He has shown no aversion to constructive engagement since he assumed office with the “Building our future together” mantra of the administration, meeting stakeholders in Town Hall meetings to seek their inputs into decision-making that directly touches their lives. No one else had done that before him. However, when a man suddenly develops a penchant for attention-seeking, he may either make unfounded claims or launch personal attacks just to maintain the spotlight. That is what is widely understood as psychological dynamic, particularly in the realm of politics. In politics, visibility is equivalent to relevance. If a politician’s popularity is waning, the temptation to resort to sensational, aggressive or obsessive criticism becomes very high. And once a pattern of sensational criticism begins, he has to continually escalate his rhetoric to keep drawing headlines.
In an attention-seeking scenario, the goal is no longer to offer constructive solutions but simply to generate noise. And so, the content of the criticism becomes secondary to the spectacle of the conflict itself. Once criticism becomes an obsession, it raises legitimate questions about the underlying motive. In all his public comments directly at the Abiodun administration, OGD's motives have shifted from public service to personal political gains. And the reason is simple. He needs Governor Abiodun to remain in the political limelight. His incessant, dramatic criticism is a guaranteed way to dominate headlines and secure airtime. It is the reason the intensity and consistency of his criticisms are driven more by bitterness and a desire for revenge over past disagreements or potential election battles.
What makes this scenario particularly more intriguing is that the criticism is coming from a past governor whose performance record remains a subject of controversy years after his exit from office. By constantly shining a negative light on the incumbent, he hopes to avoid scrutiny of his past. But the public is naturally inclined to look past the policy claims and focus on the political theatre—asking whether the critique is driven by a genuine concern for public funds or by a focused effort to reclaim political influence in the state ahead of future polls.
Every discerning members of the public knows that Daniel’s incessant outburst is pure political grandstanding to position himself as the voice of the masses to score cheap political point. The motive is to divert public and media attention away from his dismal performance as a former governor or controversies he might be facing as the nation prepares for another cycle of election.The public is not unaware of some of the myths surrounding his election into the Senate. Now, realising that the time has come for his stewardship, he has chosen the blame-game tactic to deal with issues that could ordinarily be resolved behind closed doors or normal official channel such as he did in his reaction to the stop-work order recently placed by the Ogun State Ministry of Works on the construction of Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo road, in Sagamu GRA, to divert attention away from public scrutiny. The road project is one of his constituency projects. But the Ministry of Works, in a letter written on behalf of the commissioner, Ade Akinsanya, noted that the contractor’s action “negates the normal due process that is to be followed before commencing work on a State Government road.”
However, his media aide, Steve Oliyide, twisted the matter, describing the stop-work order as a “sinister motive.” It is interesting to note that the same Daniel who accused the state government of hindering development of his constituents is now the one craving for cooperation. Listen to what he had to say during his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour of the BATOGD Movement in Ijebu North East Local Government: “The primary responsibility for that road lies with the local and state government. The plank of my message to our state government is simple: we need encouragement, not discouragement, to bring more development home. What we expect and indeed require from the state government is cooperation.”
Oddity; putting the last thing first. Dialogue and conflict, which one comes first? This, of course, speaks to the futility of undue political grandstanding and petty power politics which have become OGD’S regular past time in recent times. His recent activities and unwarranted outbursts have shown that his criticism of the Abiodun administration is motivated by attention-seeking rather than public good. His public conducts are designed for spectacle rather than constructive substance. His critique is political posturing. And it is not a one-off thing but a consistent recurring habit. By constantly raising the issue of bad roads, Gbenga Daniel is not engaging in good governance but is simply playing on public sentiment-exploiting a common, easily understandable pain point for political gain.
The current administration under Governor Abiodun sees road infrastructure as a catalyst for industrial transformation and has consistently highlighted the completion of over 1,200 kilometres of roads and signature projects like the Gateway International Airport as evidence of its development focus. The impact of this achievement is evident in the attraction of investments into the state, leading to a rapidly growing number of industries that have transformed its economy from dependency syndrome to a self- sustaining entity. The core of the administration's pride is that its infrastructure projects are not just for transportation but are a catalyst for economic growth. This has made the state a preferred destination for investors. Ogun State currently tops the chart in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction. Apart from the big industries already operating in the state, the government has consistently announced new investment pledges and the establishment of new factories and businesses. For instance, the administration recently announced a major investment pledge for a Disneyland-style resort, which is a testament to the state's growing reputation as a top investment destination.
This is in addition to the long list of other potential investors seeking for a space to berth in the state, including the Taiwanese multinational conglomerate and global tech giant, Foxconn, which has expressed interest in setting up its manufacturing plant in Ogun State.These investments are a direct result of the improved infrastructure and the administration's investor-friendly policies. It therefore implies that Daniel’s criticism is not only biased, unfair, but also misplaced. Road construction is one of the most visible and successful aspects of the Abiodun administration’s tenure, making his criticism of it politically motivated rather than sincerely developmental.








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

Ogun Set To Reposition As Nigeria's Transportation Hub--Abiodun

...We're proud of gov's achievements --Akarigbo


The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its determination to transform the state into Nigeria’s foremost regional transportation hub through strategic infrastructural investments.



The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stated this during the Town Hall Meeting on the preparation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget for the Remo Division, held at the Remo Royal Event Centre, Akarigbo Palace, Ita-Oba, Sagamu.



Represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, the Governor noted that the administration has demonstrated a bold and strategic commitment to infrastructural development.



He noted that his administration had shown strong resolve by committing 130 hectares of land to the construction of the proposed Inland Dry Port, strategically positioned to connect the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Kajola Dry Port.



He added that this initiative aligns with the state’s landmark Gateway International Airport project, which recently commenced commercial operations, a feat he described as a “significant milestone” that would accelerate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and position Ogun as a regional aviation and transportation hub.



“These projects will open new frontiers for seamless travel, enhance connectivity, and boost economic activities across the state and beyond,” he said.



Governor Abiodun also highlighted remarkable achievements recorded in other sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and education.



Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, noted that the forum reinforces the government’s belief that citizens are the bedrock of governance and development.



He emphasized that the meeting serves as a crucial avenue for inclusive engagement, transparency, and accountability, aimed at delivering quality service and measurable impact across Ogun State.



Olabimtan encouraged residents of the Senatorial District to actively contribute their ideas and suggestions to the budget process, assuring that such inputs will guide government decisions and ensure that development reaches every community at the grassroots level.



In his remarks, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi commended the Ogun State Government for its numerous developmental strides across the Division and the State at large. He expressed profound appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun, for his visionary leadership and people-oriented policies that continues to transform lives and communities.



The paramount ruler noted that the people of Remo are particularly proud of the Governor’s remarkable achievements, especially the successful completion of the Gateway International Airport project that has positioned Ogun State as a hub for economic growth and investment opportunities.

Ogun Deepens Administrative Reforms with New Public Service Framework

In a decisive move that consolidates his administration’s commitment to reforming governance and strengthening institutional frameworks, Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, has again set Ogun State on the path of administrative modernization with the unveiling of the reviewed Statutory Books and the newly introduced Induction and Orientation Manual for the Civil/Public Service. The event, held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, marked what the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, MNIPR, described as a landmark in the administrative history of the Gateway State, symbolizing both continuity and progress in public service management.

The Head of Service, whose stewardship has focused on strengthening institutional discipline and operational coherence, said during his address that the Civil/Public Service remains the foundation upon which governance stands, and that its performance determines both the quality of service delivery and public confidence in government institutions. He explained that rules and procedures serve as the compass guiding the conduct of every officer, and where such rules become outdated or misaligned with modern realities, efficiency inevitably suffers. According to him, the comprehensive review of these statutory instruments is a deliberate effort to align the State’s administrative framework with evolving governance standards and global best practices.

The reviewed documents—the Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, and the newly introduced Induction and Orientation Manual—are, in his view, not just regulatory texts but strategic tools designed to promote professionalism, ethical consciousness, and accountability among public officers. Onasanya observed that over the years, several provisions in the existing statutory books had become obsolete and inconsistent with contemporary administrative reforms. While periodic circulars and internal memos had introduced incremental changes, they could not substitute for a holistic review capable of unifying practices across the entire service. He said the State Government’s decision to undertake this exercise underscored its determination to sustain a disciplined, fair, and responsive bureaucracy that reflects order and clarity in the discharge of official duties.

The Head of Service expressed deep appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as gracious approval and financial backing for the review exercise, which he said reflected true leadership and genuine interest in strengthening the machinery of governance for better results. He noted that the Governor’s intervention reaffirmed his well-established reputation as a worker-friendly leader who believes that the strength of any administration lies in the capacity of its workforce to deliver efficiently and transparently. In the same vein, Onasanya acknowledged the foresight of his predecessor, Mr. Kolawole Peter Fagbohun, whose administrative insight gave rise to the idea of reviewing the statutory documents. He described Fagbohun’s initiative as a gesture of vision and continuity that laid the groundwork for what has now become a transformative reform milestone.

The Head of Service equally commended the committees that undertook the review of the documents for what he called diligence and technical competence displayed throughout the process. These committees, chaired respectively by Alhaji Kehinde Ogunfowodu for the Public Service Rules, Pastor Seye Senfuye for the Financial Regulations, and Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite for the Induction and Orientation Manual, were praised for their thoroughness and sense of duty. Onasanya said he was confident that posterity would hold their efforts in lasting esteem because of the enduring impact of the reforms they helped institutionalize.

In his remarks, he highlighted that the reviewed Statutory Books were designed as comprehensive reference materials to guide officers in the discharge of their responsibilities with precision and ethical discipline. He emphasized that the newly introduced Induction and Orientation Manual was particularly significant because it provides new entrants into the Civil Service with foundational knowledge to navigate the system confidently and professionally. He remarked that the manual would instil a culture of learning, accountability, and performance orientation that would sustain the long-term efficiency of the service.

Onasanya explained that the sensitization workshop accompanying the public presentation was a vital step toward ensuring that participants understood the contents and implications of the reviewed documents. He warned that knowledge without proper interpretation could easily lead to misapplication, adding that the workshop was therefore conceived to guarantee uniform understanding and compliance across all ministries, departments, and agencies. He encouraged officers to listen attentively, ask questions, and seek clarifications so that implementation could be consistent and effective throughout the service.

In articulating the broader vision behind the reform, the Head of Service reiterated that the Ogun State Government, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, remains dedicated to evolving a modern and professionally oriented Civil Service that matches the demands of contemporary governance. He said the administration would continue to introduce reforms that align its operations with global benchmarks, noting that a service guided by modern rules and continuous learning is the true reflection of a worker-centered agenda and the collective aspiration for a results-oriented government.

Beyond policy renewal, the initiative, according to analysts, underscores the administration’s long-term commitment to institutional continuity. The Governor’s decision to fund the review and the Head of Service’s methodical implementation reflect a governance philosophy that values structure, accountability, and sustainability over improvisation. By consolidating the rules that govern administrative conduct, Ogun State is reinforcing the principle that effective governance begins with a disciplined and competent civil service.

In his appreciation note to the Governor, Onasanya described the unveiling of the reviewed documents as yet another significant achievement of the Abiodun administration and a major boost to the ongoing reforms in the Civil/Public Service of the State. He observed that the Governor’s support clearly demonstrates visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the continuous modernization of the civil service. He wrote that the reviewed Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, and the new Induction and Orientation Manual would serve as invaluable guides for improved efficiency and professionalism across all levels of the Service, noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with the Building Our Future Together Agenda and reflects the Governor’s steadfast dedication to good governance and institutional development.

Onasanya appealed to Accounting Officers across all MDAs to organize step-down trainings within their establishments so that every officer, regardless of cadre or grade level, can understand and apply the new provisions. He cautioned that the Service cannot afford to continue operating on outdated norms and that knowledge dissemination at every level is essential to ensuring consistency and compliance. He urged officers to see rules and regulations not as obstacles but as safeguards for accountability, fairness, transparency, and discipline, adding that adherence to these guidelines would strengthen professionalism and public trust in government institutions.

As the Head of Service formally declared the sensitization workshop open, he commended everyone who contributed to the success of the process—the review teams, the Bureau of Establishments and Training, the Bureau of Service Matters, the Office of the Head of Service, and all stakeholders whose commitment ensured that the review exercise was completed successfully. He expressed conviction that the outcome of the review would reposition the Ogun State Civil/Public Service for greater efficiency and impact, consolidating its role as the foundation of good governance in the State.

Observers and policy analysts have since described the unveiling as a forward-looking intervention that not only modernizes Ogun State’s administrative framework but also deepens the culture of professionalism in public governance. By setting a clear standard for ethical conduct, procedural uniformity, and knowledge-based operations, the State has established a foundation for a public service capable of supporting long-term development goals.

In essence, the unveiling of the reviewed Statutory Books and the new Induction and Orientation Manual is not merely an administrative event but a reaffirmation of Ogun State’s belief in governance through structure, discipline, and learning. Under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reform-driven vision and the strategic leadership of Head of Service Kehinde Onasanya, the State has demonstrated that the path to good governance begins with a well-equipped, ethically grounded, and future-ready public service. In the words of the Head of Service, a service guided by modern rules and continuous learning is indeed the true reflection of a worker-centered agenda and the collective aspiration for a results-oriented government—a vision now firmly taking root in Ogun State.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor,
Ogun State

Glitz and Glamour as Iperu Hosts Star-Studded 90th Birthday for Governor Abiodun’s Mother

By Tayo Mabeweje

The ancient town of Iperu-Remo shimmered under the October sun, its calm streets transformed into an arena of royalty, influence, and nostalgia. From the churchyard to the canopies of celebration, the air was thick with excitement. The town pulsed with rhythm and reverence as dignitaries, celebrities, and cultural icons trooped in to celebrate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, mother of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun — a matriarch whose name echoes with love, faith, and legacy.

Long before the first hymn echoed through the hallowed walls of St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu had already transformed into a living postcard of glamour. The streets wore a festive look — banners fluttering, flowers nodding in the breeze, and residents waving joyously as convoys of tinted SUVs and luxury sedans rolled by like scenes from a Nollywood premiere.

At the heart of it all stood Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun — elegant and radiant in her immaculately tailored white dress and crowned with a matching royal blue gele. The soft shimmer of her fabric caught the light with every graceful step, reflecting both purity and majesty. The crowd rose in admiration as she entered, her poise commanding respect, her smile warming the room. It was not merely a birthday; it was history dressed in Ankara and gratitude.

Leading the federal delegation was Vice President Kashim Shettima, flanked by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi. Their presence underscored the national significance of the day — a rare gathering where politics took a back seat to family, faith, and friendship.

Governors came in full force — Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom — turning the thanksgiving into a reunion of Nigeria’s leadership elite.

The front pews were lined with familiar faces of power and prestige. Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo sat in quiet reflection, nodding approvingly as the choir sang. He was joined by former governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Senator Lekan Mustapha.

The atmosphere sparkled even brighter with corporate royalty in attendance — Chief (Dr.) Toyin Okeowo, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, Dr. Tunde Lemo, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Mr. Segun Alebiosun of First Bank, and FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, among others too numerous to mention. The crowd was a roll call of those who define influence in modern Nigeria.

Representing Ogun State with pride and unity was the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo. Also in attendance were the State Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, and all members of the Ogun State Executive Council, who stood solidly behind His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, in giving Mama a celebration worthy of her grace and legacy.

Their collective presence radiated loyalty and love — the mark of a team that mirrors the Governor’s spirit of gratitude and continuity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, captured the mood perfectly. He described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun as “a pathfinder and nation-builder whose quiet strength shaped generations.” Her life, he said, “is a masterclass in humility, discipline, and divine purpose — the kind of legacy that births leaders and outlives time.” He lauded Governor Abiodun for “upholding the family’s honour through governance rooted in values Mama instilled.”

For Governor Dapo Abiodun, it was a deeply personal moment. Fighting back emotion, he spoke from the heart: “My mother’s prayers built invisible bridges for us; her sacrifices lit our paths; and her faith steadied our feet. She is our moral compass, our prayer warrior, and the matriarch of miracles. Everything good in me began with her.” His words, heavy with gratitude, drew soft murmurs of admiration from the congregation.

Royalty came draped in splendour and symbolism. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, led the distinguished royal procession, his presence filling the atmosphere with ancestral dignity. Alongside him were the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, CFR; Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA; and Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu and Adele Awujale of Ijebuland, who led the eminent Ijebu delegation with stately grace and unmistakable Ijebu pride.

It was royalty meeting royalty — tradition embracing modernity — and the spectacle glowed with reverence and power.

The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, delivered a moving sermon titled “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God.” With the cadence of conviction, he likened the celebrant to the biblical Mary, saying, “Just as Mary birthed greatness into the world, Mama Victoria birthed a son whose leadership has illuminated Ogun State.” He extolled her life of service as Iya Egbe Bishop of the church, describing her as “a vessel of grace and generosity whose faith has become a light to others.” He ended with a gentle reminder — that 90 years of life is not just longevity, but testimony. The congregation nodded in agreement; some smiled, others fought back tears. It was more than a sermon — it was a eulogy for the living.

As the choir’s last note dissolved into applause, Iperu exhaled into full celebration mode. The grand reception that followed was pure class — an orchestration of colour, culture, and camaraderie. The marquee, dressed in gold, ivory, and champagne hues, sparkled like a royal ballroom. Guests glided in wearing green Ankara aso ebi with white and royal blue gele — a vibrant expression of Nigerian elegance, unity, and cultural identity.

The ambience was warm, sophisticated, and alive. Crystal centrepieces glowed against floral cascades, while laughter and clinking glasses blended into a melody of joy.

Then came the music — and the entire town caught the groove. King Sunny Ade, the evergreen juju maestro, took the stage and, with his voice, strummed memories into melodies. The hall swayed with nostalgia as his rhythms danced across generations, uniting young and old in sound and soul. BJ Sax followed with his velvet-smooth saxophone tunes — a symphony of gospel, jazz, and joy that wrapped the crowd in sonic warmth. The Vintage Band sealed the night with infectious rhythm — the kind of groove that made even the most conservative dignitaries loosen up, nod to the beat, or exchange knowing smiles. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was heritage in harmony.

The evening unfolded like a well-written ballad. High table dignitaries toasted to longevity, while old friends embraced amid laughter and stories. The energy was electric yet elegant — a blend of pageantry and homecoming. From the clinking of glasses to the syncopation of talking drums, every moment pulsed with poetry. The blend of English, Yoruba, and laughter created a rhythm that no DJ could mix better. It was a carnival of hearts — dignified yet dazzling, holy yet hip.

And through it all, at the centre of the celebration, sat the star of the day — Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun — regal, composed, and radiant. She smiled softly as the music played, her gaze sweeping across her children, grandchildren, and the dignitaries who came to honour her. Her eyes said it all: gratitude, peace, and a quiet triumph of purpose fulfilled.

Mama Abiodun’s journey reads like a hymn of perseverance. A teacher, mentor, and devout Christian, she spent decades shaping lives with faith and discipline. Her children and community are living proof of her enduring influence. Her life is the kind that poets describe and preachers celebrate — one of grace that grows with age, like fine wine or a sacred melody.

By nightfall, the mood mellowed into quiet reflection. The laughter softened, the drums faded, and conversations turned to legacy and gratitude. There were no fireworks — only the subtle glow of chandeliers and the unspoken warmth of shared admiration.

As guests departed, one truth shimmered gently in the Iperu breeze: Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun did not just mark 90 years — she marked nine decades of grace, grit, and glory. For Iperu, it was not merely a celebration; it was a sonnet of heritage, a living testament that goodness truly echoes. That night, the town did not just host a birthday — it hosted a legacy. And long after the music faded, the rhythm of that day still lingered — gentle, golden, unforgettable.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor, Ogun State

Mama Victoria Abiodun @90: The Day Iperu -Remo Hosts All Nigerians

The most philosophical denotation of the word 'Grace' is the one that describes it as ' Courteous Goodwill', which entails among others kindness shown to others in the course of interactions. Meanwhile, when a mortal enjoys that Grace from God, the grand progenitor, every question of life gets immediate answers.

This is exact scenario that played out on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, in the heart of a sleepy town of Iperu-remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun state, which became a convergence of all strata of Nigerian society on that day, as the quintessential Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his siblings honoured their jewel of inestimable value, the Matriarch of Abiodun dynasty in Iperu -Remo, Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun.

Of course, there are prominent and economic giants of Iperu extraction, who have in the past honoured their loved ones in grand style and with classic ambience, however, the event of Wednesday in the Abioduns' domain remains distinctively different in all seriousness and ramifications, and it will remain a subject of discussion among the good people of the town for a long time.

It was the day the inherent Grace in Abiodun dynasty reverberated across the world and beyond their ancestral home of Iperu-remo, putting the serene community in the consciousness of all Nigerians, asides the euphoria of the world class Gateway International Airport.

The day clearly spoke to the relevance and larger than life popularity and influence of Governor Dapo Abiodun beyond power and politics, and a reaffirmation of his capacity and sagacity to relate beyond ethnic, religion and social status.

In the same vein, the courteous and civilised nature of the Governor have made him a friend of many people across Nigeria and beyond, as they came in droves to honour the woman that raised such a wonderful personality in Prince Dapo Abiodun.

From the number one citizen of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was ably represented by his competent Vice-president, Senator Kashim Shettima, and eulogised the Nonagenarian's attributes of commitment, faith, selflessness and discipline, describing her as a pillar of success for the family and the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, in her virtual goodwill message described the Abiodun's Matriarch as the mother of Ogun State for giving the state such a resilient and focused leader that has transformed the Gateway State to the admiration of everyone in the last six years.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was at the event alongside the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, they came with large numbers of lawmakers from across the 306 Federal Constituencies and 109 Senatorial Districts.

The Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila together with scores of senior officials from the Presidency were on ground to honour Mama Victoria Abiodun.

The Chairman of the Governors' forum,His Excellency, Governor Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq led other governors across the party lines to Iperu, as Governor Hope Nzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors spoke glowingly about the celebrant and her Governor's son in his goodwill message.

Also, the Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, led party faithful across the country to Iperu-remo to honour the mother of one of their own and Chairman of Southern Governors' Forum.

The Minister of Works and former Governor of Eboyin State, Senator David Umahi led other Ministers to the event alongside the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi and several heads of parastatals and agencies of the Federal Government.

The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and two former governors of the state, Akinrogun Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun also came with former deputy governors of different administrations in the state, together with former speakers and members of the state house of assembly.

Several captains of industry were present at the event, led by the African Richest Man, Aliko Dangote and the Billionaire father of afrobeat superstar, Davido, Dr. Deji Adeleke. While the relationship between Aliko Dangote and Prince Dapo Abiodun is a public knowledge and known to many Nigerians, the presence of Dr. Deji Adeleke surprised many because of his quiet and low profile style, which further confirmed the reach and spread of Governor Dapo Abiodun's sociopolitical tentacles.

Royal fathers, led by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, the Ooni of ife also graced the occasion together with arrays of chiefs and coronets across Nigeria, as well as religious leaders of all faiths.

As bright as the climatic condition in Iperu-remo was on Wednesday, so also the event was from the church service to the reception, as Grace reverberates the entire town with profound intensity.

In the words of Sharon Jaynes,'' Successful Mothers are not the ones who have never struggled.They are the ones who never give up despite their struggles". The event of Wednesday was indeed a worthy reward for a resilient, dogged and prayerful mother of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who consistently and continually holds the family together in peace and harmony for almost seven decades.

As we celebrate the great Matriarch of Abiodun dynasty of Iperu-remo, Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun on her 90th birthday, we pray for more years of great accomplishments in sound health and congratulations to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the entire Abiodun family on the successful event.


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

Ogun partners two leading RESCOs to generate 1,100MW solar power


Ogun State Government and two leading renewable energy service companies (RESCOs) have entered into a landmark partnership agreement to generate around 1,100 MW of solar power in the state to strengthen its industrial base.


The companies are: Tranos Contracting Limited, which is to establish 600MW solar panel manufacturing plant and battery pack in the state, and Vision Gas and Power Limited, which is also to establish 500MW solar panel manufacturing plant with potential expansion to 1GW.



The partnership was sealed at the instance of the Vice-President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum(NREIF) 2025, holding between October 14th and 15th, 2025 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.


A statement by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media & Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that the forum was convened under the Federal Ministry of Power and co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) with Vice-President Kashim Shettima as Chairman for the year 2025.



With the theme: "Implementing the Nigeria first policy: Facilitating Local Content Development and Manufacturing in the Renewable Energy Ecosystem NREIF2025", the forum, according to the statement, is Nigeria's premier platform to shape the future of renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria by bringing together global leaders, investors and policy makers, among others.


"These partnerships will ultimately spotlight Ogun state as a leader in innovation, industrial readiness and inclusive growth, while affirming our state's commitment to economic diversification and environmental sustainability.



"This is in tandem with our vision to attract investments that drive robust economic base, create jobs, and ensure that our State remains a model of innovation and sustainability.

"By expanding local capacity for clean energy production, we are reducing dependence on imports and laying a foundation for inclusive industrial growth", the statement read.

Osun NUJ set to honour Telecom giant, Hakeem Ogunkoya

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council, has concluded arrangements to honour the Chief Executive Officer of Imbil Telecom Solutions Services, Hakeem Olawale Ogunkoya with "Outstanding Telecommunications Leadership &Impact Award.

A statement signed by Mr. Wasiu Ajadosu and Yemi Aboderin, Chairman and Secretary of the Council respectively, revealed that the event will take place during the Dinner and Award Night organised to mark the 2025 Press Week of the union.

According to the statement, the programme has been slated for Thursday, 30th October, 2025 at the Union's Press Centre, located along Iwo-Osogbo road and will have members of the union from both print and electronics media across the country in attendance, alongside political and religious leaders.

"Our union, through thorough investigation and comprehensive assessment has found Mr. Ogunkoya worthy of this prestigious award based on his exceptional savvy in telecommunications and technological development in Nigeria as well as his philanthropic gesture towards the less privileged in the society.

"This award is aimed to spur the Telecom giant to do more for humanity and encourage others of his kind to follow suit", the statement read.

OPEN LETTER OF APPEAL TO SENATOR (AREMO) SOLOMON ADEOLA YAYI ON THE ABANDONED STATE OF AFFAIRS IN IBESE COMMUNITY, YEWA NORTH, OGUN STATE.

***Ibese People’s Expectation of Dividends of Democracy Under the Renewed Hope Agenda — Call for Urgent Intervention on Dilapidated Roads, Educational Infrastructure, and Other Matters of Interest

Distinguished Senator Sir,

With the highest regard, we begin by conveying the warm greetings of the good people of Ibese Community to Your Distinguished self. We appreciate your administration’s laudable and landmark achievements, which have continued to receive accolades across the length and breadth of our dear state.

Distinguished Sir, as someone who has been an active grassroots mobilizer and loyal stalwart of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I deem it a patriotic duty to bring to your worthy attention, in the most constructive and respectful manner, some of the pressing challenges confronting my fellow constituents at the grassroots—particularly in our hometown, Ibese Land. Ibese is constitutionally recognized as the headquarters of Ibese Ward in Yewa North Local Government.

Since your assumption of office in 2023, we have witnessed remarkable strides under your capable representation at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, which have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our dear Gateway State, especially your constituency. These achievements have undoubtedly improved the welfare and well-being of citizens across Ogun West and beyond, and we remain proud of your accomplishments so far.

However, as we continue to build confidence in your leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, we must humbly bring to your attention, on behalf of the entire Ibese Community, several pressing issues requiring your urgent intervention—just as other communities have benefited from your development-oriented programs.

First, Ibese Community is the next and closest to Ilaro–Ijanna communities. In fact, we share many social and economic ties, to the point that some people still regard parts of Ibese as part of Ilaro/Ijanna. Since your return home to Ilaro as the Senator representing Ogun West, there have been many visible developmental projects in Ilaro. Unfortunately, Ibese Community has been left behind, creating a clear disparity between the two communities. This has left us deeply concerned and asking if, in any way, our community has offended you, Sir.

A major point of concern is the abandoned Ilaro–Ijanna–Ibese Road project, which was halted at Frontier Hotel, Ibese. The remaining stretch of the road is in a deplorable condition and requires urgent attention.

Similarly, Ibese’s intra-community road network is in a terrible state. We would greatly appreciate your intervention in fixing at least some of our major link roads to ease movement and improve the daily lives of constituents.

Our educational infrastructure also urgently needs your attention. Ibese Community has over five public primary schools and one secondary school. Sadly, since their establishment decades ago, these schools have received little or no government intervention. The buildings are deteriorating, putting pupils at risk of collapse. There is an acute shortage of writing materials, furniture, and basic learning resources.

It is heartbreaking that children now have to wash away animal waste every morning before settling in for classes. Many sit on broken chairs or directly on the floor. Sir, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we strongly believe our schools deserve immediate rehabilitation and support.

Ibese Town is one of the most liberal and industrial communities in Yewaland and serves as the headquarters of Ibese Ward. It is primarily an agricultural hub, producing cocoa, kola nut, palm oil, coffee, cassava, timber, maize, and vegetables in large quantities.

In addition, Ibese plays a strategic role in the economic growth of Ogun State and Nigeria through its vast limestone deposits, which remain one of the nation’s greatest assets. Yet, despite these contributions, the community has been largely neglected—no motorable road networks, no potable water, inadequate infrastructure, and unstable electricity supply.

Furthermore, Ibese hosts the largest cement plant in Africa—Dangote Cement, Ibese. Ordinarily, one would expect such a globally recognized company, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), to help elevate the community to international standards. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case. Continuous limestone blasting has left many houses and school buildings with dangerous cracks. Youth unemployment remains high, and most of those who manage to get jobs at the plant are engaged as casual workers with little or no prospects of growth.

We believe that by now, there should be collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and Dangote Cement PLC to build housing estates for the over 10,000–15,000 staff working at the plant to ease transportation stress and reduce insecurity.

Ibese covers a vast expanse of land with many sub-communities under its authority, and with a population of no fewer than 200,000 people, the town urgently deserves a 1,000-seater community hall and other modern civic infrastructure.

Dear Aremo, we recognize that the road to success is not easy, yet you have continued to excel and earn accolades across the nation. We congratulate you on the numerous infrastructure projects already executed during your tenure as Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District.

We, your constituents in Ibese Community, are proud to be part of a government that listens to its people. We trust in your capacity to address these highlighted challenges and bring meaningful development to Ibese Land. As you continue to work hard, we pray that God will guide you, grant you wisdom, and bless all your plans for the betterment of Ogun West and Ogun State.

May your leadership continue to leave a lasting legacy that future generations will proudly reference.

Yours faithfully,

Ibese Central Youth Association (ICYA)
Ibese, Yewa North.

Gateway Airport: A Major Strength to strategic Industrial and economic hub, globally







Femi Ogbonnikan






Finally, intending passengers can now take flights to their desired destinations at the Gateway International Airport (GIA). The official inauguration of commercial flights at the Airport located in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, amid public excitement.
For Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose vision and commitment culminated in the epoch-making event, this is a dream come true. As rightly pointed out in his keynote address, the journey that began in 2021 has been dogged by skepticism and negative commentaries. Despite the odds, the administration remained focused on its vision to provide a well-modeled multi-modal transport system for the State. Thus, Tuesday's event marked the final round out of the tortuous journey. Contrary to the persistent negative mindset and expectation of failure by pessimists, the airport recorded its first historic commercial flight on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the administration's sustained effort to achieve industrial and economic growth.
Beyond the celebration of this great achievement, there is an important lesson for pessimists to learn. If you have a vision, don't allow pessimism to derail your dream. Pessimism is a killer of dreams. A pessimistic attitude stifles aspiration and prevents success. Once you are convinced that something will fail, you are less likely to put in the effort required to succeed. While toiling day and night to actualize this lofty dream, cynics didn't spare the Governor any negative words. They said the initiative was unrealistic, unsustainable, selfish, unreasonable, and so on. Against all odds, the maiden test flight took place on February 23, 2023 with a nod of approval by the regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), signifying its readiness for full operations. The event was graced by an erstwhile Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the then Minister of Aviation, and other top government officials.
Finally, Tuesday's historic event marked the formal beginning of full commercial flight operations at the airport, positioning it as an integral part of Ogun State's multi-modal transportation master plan and a potential hub for cargo and agro-allied exports. It signifies a key step for the airport's full certification and licensing by aviation regulatory bodies.
Nothing can stop a man with a clear vision. Abiodun dreamt big and nurtured it with a passion. Having a vision is more than just a vague wish; it's a clear, mental picture of what your future should look like. A dream is the seed, vision is the soil, water, and sunlight that nurtures and causes the seed to take root, grow, and bear fruit. A clear vision is the foundational element that nurtures, guides, and fuels the pursuit of big dreams. Dreaming big requires you to be prepared for challenges and think beyond your current limitations. When challenges and setbacks are inevitable, your vision acts as an anchor in the wind of adversity.
No one else can explain adversarial comments that trailed the ground- breaking foundation ceremony of this project better than the man who led the bold initiative. Speaking against the background of cynical commentaries deliberately made to discourage the completion of the project, Governor Abiodun recounted:
"We came here in 2021; some people said it was just a photoshop, they said it was just politics, they mocked us, and they said this place is nothing but a dumpsite. Some even said that we were going to use this place as a cattle ranch.
"Some others had this airport built on a PowerPoint, but again, we are here today, and we have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, when there is collective vision, inclusive vision, inclusive participation, and when there is passion and diligence.
"We began to construct in late 2021; in February 2023, this same "Valuejet" was the first plane to land on this runway; it was a test flight of our runway. Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing because it is a very highly regulated industry."
The Governor stressed the unwavering commitment of the administration to infrastructure, making Ogun State the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria.
The Cargo Airport is the legacy project of the administration. "It ticks the box of our multi-modal transport master plan where we connect roads to rail to air, and soon, we will be connected to the sea," Abiodun added.
This is not just another airport. It’s a benchmark Airport. A game changer. Among other distinguishing features, its state-of-the-art facilities have been judged to be world-class and a source of pride for Ogun State. While construction was going on, a combined team of regulatory authorities, including the NCAA, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had, in December last year, visited the airport, hailing the quality of facilities put in place as one of the best in West Africa. They unanimously concluded that the infrastructure at the airport, including the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations, and the Apron, could rival any of their type around the world.
Apart from that, the airport has a 4-kilometre (4,000-metre) long and 60-metre-wide runway, which is one of the longest and widest in West Africa. This design allows it to accommodate wide-body and ultra-long-haul aircraft, including a Boeing 777 and even an Airbus A380.
Additionally, the runway is equipped with a sophisticated and solar-powered lighting system, including Category I approach lighting, elevated runway end lights, and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI). It also has a Doppler VOR/DME navigation system, which is considered more precise than those at many other airports in Nigeria.
The airport equally features a five-story, 36-metre-tall air traffic control tower equipped with state-of-the-art aviation control systems, including ADS-B transponders and fully calibrated ground-to-air communication systems. The building itself has a dedicated, uninterruptible power supply, with backup inverters to ensure continuous operations.
Its terminal building is not only designed for both domestic and international processing, the apron, which is built on 82,000 square metres, also has the capacity to park up to 20 aircraft at once. The lighting system on the apron is noted for being advanced, with a winch-based system that allows for easy maintenance.
The entire airport is surrounded by a 12-kilometre perimeter fence, which is a key security feature. Above all, its communication system is built on a high-speed fibre-optic network, with a satellite-based backup (Starlink) to ensure seamless internet connectivity.
Strategically located near the nation’s commercial nerve centre, the airport will serve as a designated alternate airport to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in, Ikeja, Lagos, helping to ease congestion and provide a diversion point for Lagos-bound flights.
The commencement of full commercial flights will significantly boost trade, investment, and tourism in Ogun State and contribute to Nigeria's economic diversification by facilitating the export of agricultural produce.
It is strategically positioned to serve as a logistics hub for the entire Southwestern region and is a designated alternative to the congested Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This ensures a steady flow of both cargo and passenger traffic. The long runway, capable of accommodating large ultra-long-haul aircraft, gives it a unique competitive advantage for international freight.
Its economic multiplier effect is immeasurable. Beyond direct financial returns, the project is expected to generate a massive economic multiplier effect. The creation of over 25,000 jobs, the attraction of new industries, and the boosting of agricultural exports will lead to increased tax receipts and a more robust state economy. This indirect but substantial return on investment is a key part of the government's long-term vision.
While the project's initial cost has been reportedly put at $800 million, the prospects for a positive Return of Investment (ROI) are strong. The government's strategic approach of leveraging a public-private partnership, combined with the airport's diverse revenue streams and strategic location, positions the airport for long-term financial viability and economic success.
In summary, the Gateway International Airport holds immense significance for the Ogun State economy, going far beyond just facilitating air travel. Its development is a central part of Governor Dapo Abiodun's strategy to transform the state into a major industrial and economic hub.
By providing a dedicated facility for the swift export of perishable goods, it will reduce post-harvest losses. Farmers can now get their produce (e.g., fruits, vegetables, flowers) to international markets quickly, reducing waste and increasing profitability.
Its potential as foreign exchange earnings gives a brighter future of the state’s economy, as the airport will serve as a gateway for exporting goods, generating foreign currency for the state and local businesses.
Due to deliberate policy of the government focusing on developing a Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) around the airport, the airport will attract companies to process and package agricultural products for export, adding value and creating jobs.
The development of an aerotropolis (an airport city) around the facility will also attract investment in real estate, hospitality, retail, and commercial services, creating a wide range of opportunities.
The major strength that supports its sustainability is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model. This model is a major strength. It shifts the operational and financial risks to a private entity that has the expertise to manage a commercial enterprise, giving it high prospects for a return on investment (ROI). While the initial capital expenditure is substantial, the long-term vision and projected revenue streams suggest a positive financial outlook.
Encomium poured in torrents on Governor Abiodun for his visionary approach to development. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi), in his congratulatory message, commended the Governor for his forthright leadership. He said: "The realization of this world-class aviation facility is not just a triumph of vision and leadership, but a bold testament to your un-wavering commitment to infrastructural and socio-economic transformation.
"The Gateway International Airport stands today as a symbol of progress-a tangible expression of your administration's determination to connect Ogun to the rest of Nigeria and the global economy. With its maiden flight now a reality, you have opened new frontiers for trade, investment, tourism, and industrial growth.
"We are immensely proud of the far-reaching impact of your developmental agenda - from roads and education to health, agriculture, and industrial expansion. These achievements, coupled with the successful takeoff flight operations from the Gateway International Airport, are unprecedented in the annals of Ogun's history. Indeed, it cannot get better than this."
Speaking in the same vein, the Speaker of the State's House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, noted that the conception of the airport was in tandem with the dreams of the State's founding fathers and would serve as a window to the outside world.
"I give it to the governor. This place was a refuse dump, but now it is the site of a world-class airport. I feel happy; I feel on top of the world. There will be economic gains, and there will be comfort, as it will reduce the hassle of going to Lagos to travel by air," he stated.
The member representing Imeko-Afon-Yewa North at the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka (aka GNI), expressed delight that the airport had finally come to stay, calling on investors to take advantage of the project.
The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona-Najomo, in his commendation, noted that the state government kept faith with all dictates of the regulatory agencies and expressed satisfaction with the project. He further expressed his willingness to give further support to the airport where necessary, especially for the takeoff of international flights in the nearest future.








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

When Ogun Took to the Skies: A Dream That Found Its Wings

By Tayo Mabeweje

The morning of October 7, 2025, dawned with a different light over Ilishan-Remo — soft, golden, and deliberate, as if the sun itself had come to bear witness. The land that once echoed with the sound of bulldozers now hummed with the anticipation of flight. On that morning, the Gateway International Airport, Ogun State’s most daring vision, finally came alive.

At the heart of the ceremony stood Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, calm and reflective, the quiet pride of accomplishment in his eyes. Around him, a cross-section of Ogun’s finest — public servants, engineers, lawmakers, journalists, and residents — gathered not merely to witness an event, but to see a dream take shape against the clear Remo sky.

At precisely 10:10 a.m., the ValueJet CRJ-900 aircraft, registration number 5N-BXS, rolled forward with steady poise, its engines singing like a chorus of fulfilled promises. As it lifted gracefully into the air, applause thundered through the terminal and across the tarmac. In that moment, the Gateway State truly became what it had always called itself — the entry point to progress.

The flight from Iperu to Abuja carried not only passengers but purpose. On board were dignitaries whose dedication had shaped Ogun’s journey — Senator Lekan Mustapha, Senator Shuaib Salisu, former Chief of Staff to the Governor when the idea was conceived; Hon. Ganiyu Isiaka, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, Hon. Biyi Adeleye, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the Commissioner for Transportation; Engr. Ade Akinsanya, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Head of Service; and Chief Kunle Soname, the Chairman of ValueJet, among others. Each carried an expression that told of satisfaction long earned — the quiet reward of resilience.

Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was one of dignified excitement. The ValueJet crew exuded professionalism — pleasant, courteous, and reassuring. Every gesture was deliberate, every smile sincere, and every announcement calm and clear. The hostesses moved with the grace of those aware they were part of history, offering refreshments and comfort with a warmth that mirrored Ogun’s hospitality. Their composure and precision reflected the airline’s growing reputation for safety and service excellence. The flight itself was seamless — the kind of calm passage that inspires trust, faith, and fulfillment.

Everywhere in that cabin, pride blended with reflection. The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described the flight as “a triumph of leadership and foresight,” adding that Governor Abiodun’s determination had “turned doubt into concrete and dreams into departure gates.” His words captured the spirit of the moment — the transformation of what once seemed improbable into living proof of possibility.

Senator Lekan Mustapha, speaking with quiet conviction, observed that “progress does not wait for permission — it finds its wings when the right hands guide it.” His statement resonated deeply among fellow passengers who had witnessed the Governor’s persistence in seeing the project through to fruition.

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, who oversaw the airport’s construction, was visibly moved. He described the experience as “a personal and institutional victory,” saying that “every second in the air was a reminder that Ogun can dream, design, and deliver.” His counterpart, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the Commissioner for Transportation, nodded in affirmation, remarking that “Ogun did not just fly an aircraft today — it flew a message of competence and continuity.”

Hon. Biyi Adeleye, noted for his eloquence, called the journey “the manifestation of a long-awaited dream that has now found its wings.” He continued, “Ogun has written her name upon the skies, and history will remember this not merely as a flight, but as the declaration of a destiny fulfilled.”

Also on board, Chief Kunle Soname, the visionary Chairman of ValueJet, could hardly conceal his delight. His joy was palpable — the kind that comes from seeing a dream align with destiny. Upon return to Iperu, his face bore the unmistakable glow of fulfillment. “This is more than business,” he said with emotion. “This is legacy — the affirmation that private enterprise can complement public vision to create something truly historic.” His words summed up the spirit of partnership that powered the flight and the broader development dream of Ogun State.

The flight was flawless from takeoff to touchdown — a portrait of precision, grace, and confidence. When the aircraft landed in Abuja, the applause that filled the cabin carried more than excitement; it carried history. Ogun had officially joined the ranks of Nigerian states with operational, world-class airports.

The return flight to Iperu was equally symbolic. When the aircraft began its descent at exactly 4:40 p.m., it did so beneath a golden sunset, the sky glowing in hues of victory. From the ground, drums rolled, and flags waved in celebration. The Gateway International Airport welcomed its own — homecoming under heaven’s applause.

As the passengers disembarked, emotion filled the air. Smiles mingled with tears of pride; laughter echoed through the terminal. The commissioners and dignitaries, visibly elated, spoke as men who had been part of something far greater than themselves. “We have built not just an airport,” said Engr. Dairo, “but a legacy — a symbol of what Ogun can achieve when vision meets will.”

The symbolism of the day was unmistakable. It was not merely about aviation; it was about affirmation — the validation of vision through perseverance. Once dismissed as “a farmland too far from anywhere,” the same soil now cradled a modern marvel, a hub ready to connect Ogun to the world. As Walt Whitman once wrote, “The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” Ogun had indeed contributed her verse — bold, beautiful, and bound for greatness.

As dusk settled, the runway lights glimmered like constellations newly charted by progress. The terminal gleamed, the control tower stood tall, and the Ogun flag fluttered beside the national colors — a quiet testament that the Gateway State had found its wings. Murmurs of awe filled the evening air, each carrying a single shared sentiment: that history had smiled upon Ogun.

For Governor Dapo Abiodun, this was more than an infrastructural triumph; it was a moral vindication — the proof that persistence conquers doubt. His administration had pledged transformation through infrastructure, technology, and partnership, and on that day, that promise quite literally took flight. “We have not just opened an airport,” he remarked softly, “we have opened Ogun’s future.”

The Gateway International Airport now stands as a metaphor — a monument to what leadership can achieve when guided by vision, courage, and faith. Its first commercial flight was not just a journey between two cities, but between disbelief and belief, intention and realization, vision and victory.

As the night fell and the lights shimmered across the runway, they seemed to whisper one enduring truth: no dream is too high for Ogun to reach. The skies that once seemed distant now belong to her. And in the heart of every Ogun citizen that day, pride soared higher than any aircraft ever could.

Because on October 7, 2025, the Gateway truly opened — and Ogun, at last, took to the skies.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor, Ogun State

Abiodun Makes History, Inaugurates First Commercial Flight at Gateway International Airport



Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, inaugurated the first commercial flight of the Gateway International Airport, Ilishan Remo.


The aircraft owned by Valuejet, with registration number 5N-BXS and 90 passengers on board, departed the airport at 10:10 a.m. to Abuja.


Speaking at the airport located along the Iperu-Ilisan road in the Ikenne Local Government Area of the State, the governor said the journey to actualize the airport started in 2021 and was part of the vision to provide a well-modeled transport system for the State.


He said: "I am glad to be here today to actually witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State; this is not like AI, this is real. Commercial operations are starting from Ogun State in the lifetime of an administration.


"We came here in 2021; some people said it was just a photo op, they said it was just politics, they mocked us, and they said this place is nothing but a dump site. Some even said that we were going to use this place as a cattle ranch.



"Some others had this airport built on a PowerPoint, but again, we are here today, and we have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, when there is collective vision, inclusive vision, inclusive participation, and when there is passion and diligence.


"We began to construct in late 2021; in February 2023, this same Valuejet was the first plane to land on this runway; it was a test flight of our runway. Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing because it is a very highly regulated industry."


He emphasized that his administration was determined to have the best-constructed, equipped, and befitting airport for the state, noting that apart from being the industrial capital of the nation, the State is blessed with a population, making it the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria today.



The administration's vision, Governor Abiodun maintained, is supported by several business cases, adding that the airport is situated in an Aerotropolis, with many companies springing up, just as the biggest textile plant in the world and the Nigeria Customs Village are sited around the airport.

"It speaks for itself; more people are coming to live, work, and play in Ogun State, so this airport makes sense; it ticks the box of our multimodal transport master plan where we connect roads to rail to air, and soon, we will be connected to the sea," Abiodun added.



He appreciated regulators in the aviation sector, especially the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for providing quality supervision for the airport.

Speaking in an interview, the Speaker of the State's House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, noted that the airport is in tandem with the dreams of the State's founding fathers and would serve as a window to the outside world.



"I give it to the governor. This place was a refuse dump, but now it is the site of a world-class airport. I feel happy; I feel on top of the world. There will be economic gains, and there will be comfort, as it will reduce the hassle of going to Lagos to travel by air," the Speaker said.



On his part, the member representing Imeko-Afon-Yewa North at the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, expressed delight that the airport has finally come to stay, enjoining industrialists to take advantage and leverage their businesses while soliciting people's support for the project.


The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona-Najomo, commended the state government for keeping faith with all regulatory dictates of the regulatory agencies, just as he expressed satisfaction with the project.



He expressed his willingness to give further support to the airport where necessary, especially for the takeoff of international flights in the nearest future.



The Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Farouk Umar, and other officials from the aviation sector were at the ceremony.

From Awolowo’s Chalkboard to Abiodun’s Runway: History Takes Off at Gateway International Airport

By Tayo Mabeweje

Long before the hum of jet engines began to echo over the quiet skies of Iperu, there was once the rhythmic sound of chalk against a blackboard. In that modest classroom, where the scent of chalk dust mingled with the afternoon breeze, a young boy named Dapo Abiodun sat among his peers, his eyes fixed on his teacher, who spoke with passion about a man who had changed the destiny of the Western Region — Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The teacher’s voice carried reverence. He spoke of Awolowo’s genius, his courage, his unyielding belief that progress was not a privilege but a right. He told the story of how Awolowo brought to life the first television station in Africa, the first free education policy, and the first industrial estate in Nigeria. Each achievement was painted as a pillar of light — a testament that a leader’s vision could transform generations.

The young Dapo listened, heart pounding with curiosity. The tale of Awolowo’s “firsts” was not merely history to him; it was prophecy waiting for a vessel. The teacher, with every stroke of chalk, unknowingly etched a dream into the mind of the boy who would one day carry that same torch — the dream to write his own chapter of firsts in the story of Ogun State.

That boy is now Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Governor of Ogun State. And the dream his teacher unknowingly planted is about to take flight — literally. On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Gateway International Airport, Iperu–Ilishan, will welcome its first commercial flight, operated by ValueJet Airlines.

This moment will not merely be about the take-off of an aircraft. It will be the take-off of a vision — a moment when Ogun’s sky will mirror the limitless ambition of its people.

It is said that “dreams are the seedlings of reality,” a timeless truth from James Allen that captures the essence of this moment. For years, the idea of Ogun having its own international airport was spoken of like a distant star — admired, discussed, but seemingly unreachable. Yet, as all visionaries know, dreams may sleep, but they never die; they wait for the right dreamer to awaken them.

Prince Dapo Abiodun became that dreamer.

From the moment he assumed office, he saw not what was, but what could be. The airfield that once lay bare in Iperu’s red soil became, in his mind’s eye, a gateway of opportunity. He believed that if Lagos could have its Murtala Muhammed Airport and Abuja could have Nnamdi Azikiwe International, then Ogun — the Gateway State — deserved an airport that would open its doors to the world.

His conviction was clear: Ogun must no longer serve as a passage; it must become a destination.

When the first bulldozers rolled in, the sceptics rolled out. Some called it political theatre, others labelled it an impossible dream. But as Nelson Mandela once reminded the world, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Abiodun’s answer to doubt was diligence. Through heat, rain, and bureaucratic hurdles, he pressed forward — quietly, steadily, relentlessly. He was building not just an airport but a metaphor — the physical embodiment of what Ogun could achieve when guided by purpose and precision.

Today, the Gateway International Airport stands as a symbol of that determination. Its four-kilometre runway, its state-of-the-art control tower, its cargo and passenger terminals, and its safety and firefighting facilities all speak of a vision executed with excellence. Licensed for commercial operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the airport is ready for the skies.

The ValueJet aircraft that will take off on October 7, 2025, will carry not only passengers but pride — the pride of a state that has refused to be defined by proximity to greatness but by participation in it.

As Governor Abiodun himself once reflected, “This is not merely an airport of steel and concrete. It is an airport of faith, dreams, and of our collective future.”

The truth of that statement runs deep. The Gateway International Airport is not just Ogun’s first; it is Ogun’s statement to the world — a declaration that the spirit of enterprise, resilience, and innovation that defines its people is alive and ascending.

As the countdown begins to that historic Tuesday, one can feel the hum of expectancy across the state. Hoteliers are preparing for guests. Journalists are polishing their lenses. The air is thick with anticipation — the kind that comes only when history is about to unfold.

And yet, this moment is more than infrastructure; it is lineage. The connection between Awolowo and Abiodun is more than geographical; it is ideological. Both men are architects of firsts. Awolowo gave his people education and industry; Abiodun gave his people wings.

They are bound by an invisible thread — that belief that progress is not an accident but an intentional act of governance.

When the first aircraft lifts from the runway on October 7, it will not just pierce the clouds; it will pierce doubt itself. For years, critics had scoffed at the idea of Ogun becoming an aviation hub. But as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

That is precisely what Abiodun has done. He has built not where others built, but where others believed it could not be done.

The Gateway International Airport is more than a terminal; it is a transformation — a bridge between the past and the future. It stands strategically between Lagos and Ibadan, two of West Africa’s largest economic corridors. With this project, Ogun State positions itself as a key logistics hub, easing congestion in Lagos while attracting investment and trade.

It will fuel the growth of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) nearby, enabling farmers and producers to export directly to global markets. It will stimulate tourism, commerce, and employment. From hospitality to transport, from small traders to multinational firms, the ripple effect of the airport’s operations will be felt across the state.

In this, Abiodun’s vision mirrors that of John F. Kennedy, who said, “We choose to go to the moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” The Gateway International Airport was not an easy choice. It was a bold one. But boldness, as history often shows, is the birthplace of legacy.

As the sun rises on October 7, the tarmac at Iperu–Ilishan will gleam like polished silver, ready to welcome the world. Somewhere in the crowd, perhaps an old teacher will stand among the onlookers, eyes moist with pride. He may whisper to himself, “He listened.” For in that moment, the lesson of decades past will come full circle — a lesson about greatness, about firsts, about daring to dream.

That is the poetry of destiny: a story that begins in a classroom and ends in the clouds.

When the ValueJet aircraft roars to life, the sound will carry meaning beyond its mechanics. It will be the sound of ambition validated, of patience rewarded, of a people finding flight. It will say to the sceptics, “We told you it could be done.” It will say to the dreamers, “Keep dreaming — it works.”

For every generation, there are those who build bridges and those who cross them. Awolowo built for his time; Abiodun builds for his. Both men, in their own ways, have ensured that Ogun State does not just exist in geography but in greatness.

As Walt Disney famously said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” On October 7, 2025, courage will take flight from Ogun’s soil, rising on the wings of vision and vindication.

And when that first aircraft fades into the horizon, it will leave behind more than vapour trails. It will leave behind a truth that no cynic can erase — that vision, when married to will, always finds its wings.

From Awolowo’s chalkboard to Abiodun’s runway, Ogun’s story continues. The dream once taught has now become tangible, roaring, ascending — a living monument of possibility.

The Gateway International Airport stands not only as infrastructure but as a metaphor. It tells the world that Ogun’s journey is not confined to the ground; it soars.

As the engines prepare, as the runway awaits, as the morning of October 7 draws near, one truth resounds across the state — Ogun is no longer waiting for opportunity. Ogun is now creating it.

And as the plane lifts into the skies of destiny, carrying the name Gateway across the clouds, it will also carry the echo of a timeless lesson first taught in that quiet Iperu classroom — that those who dream, and dare, will always define history.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media,
Office of the Governor,
Ogun State.

Chinese firm set to establish power generation plant, industrial park in Ogun


A Chinese power generation firm, CCETC, has expressed its readiness to establish a power generation plant as well as an industrial park in Ogun State.


Chairman of the company, Mr Guo Xianda, disclosed this at the weekend during an extensive meeting between his team and the Ogun State Governor, at the Governor’s office in Abeokuta, pledging the company 's readiness to install a 3MW power plant at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu-Ilishan, free of charge, in order to accelerate economic activities at the arena.


The investment pledge comes on the heels of the recent visit of Governor Dapo Abiodun to China, in continuation of his investment drive across the globe.



The Governor, who led a powerful economic team from Ogun State to China, had engaged numerous investors on partnerships and collaborations in different areas of investments, raging from tech, energy and manufacturing, among others.



According to Mr Guo Xianda, the company based in Jiangsu, China, already has a substantial investment footprint in Nigeria and Africa, with over 250MW projects operating in Nigeria, and is now seeking to expand its operations further across Africa, with its capacity standing in excess of 5,000MW for distribution.


Xianda stated that the interest of the group in Ogun State covers power generation and distribution, investment in a dedicated state transmission network, and the establishment of an Industrial Park that will attract more Chinese manufacturers to Ogun State.



Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the group for bringing such strategic investment opportunities to Ogun State.



According to him, "The company will strategically focus on three fundamental areas of intervention, namely: strengthening power generation and distribution within the state, investing in the State's transmission network, and establishing an Industrial Park that will attract more Chinese manufacturers to the state while integrating power projects."


Meanwhile, the Governor is scheduled to take the team on an inspection tour of the ongoing distribution infrastructure and power project currently being executed by Sahara and Powergen, as part of efforts to secure reliable energy supply across the state.

Nigeria @65: Together We Can Build the Nation of Our Dreams – Abiodun

At the 65th Independence anniversary celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, painted a picture of Nigeria as a ship navigating through turbulent waters, insisting that every citizen must paddle with the crew if the vessel is to reach the shores of greatness.

He described the journey of nationhood as an unfinished symphony, stressing that “to build a stronger Nigeria is not the sole responsibility of government but a collective duty, one that every Nigerian at home and abroad must rise to.” For him, the theme of the celebration, All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation, is not just a slogan but a timeless reminder that a nation is only as strong as the sum of its people’s hands, hearts, and hopes.

The governor likened Nigeria’s present season to a rebirth, noting that President Bola Tinubu has taken courageous steps long avoided by past leaders. These economic reforms, he explained, are not just temporary measures but a blueprint designed to respond to the 21st-century realities of governance and development. Abiodun added that Ogun State remains a proud contributor to the Nigerian project, its story inseparable from the nation’s struggles and triumphs.

Looking inward, he said his administration has deliberately moved from “plans to action,” proving that governance is not about “political promises or empty PowerPoint projects” but about bricks of transformation laid one by one, forming structures of lasting impact.

The governor described the anniversary as more than a date in history. It is, in his words, “a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to choose freedom, unity and shared prosperity envisioned by our founding fathers.” For him, democracy is the anchor of national building—the compass that keeps the nation steady in stormy seas, empowering citizens, ensuring accountability, and sustaining unity.

The ceremony drew goodwill from other leaders. Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, urged Nigerians to “stop complaining and start doing the right thing,” likening growth to a seed watered by right actions. Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, said Nigeria is “on the verge of overcoming its challenges” and called for prayers. Former Military Governor, Maj.-Gen. Seidu Balogun (rtd), recalled how small beginnings paved the way for Ogun’s industrial growth. The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, admonished Nigerians to plant prayers, not curses, while the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, declared that greatness will come if citizens work together and speak positively about the nation.

For Ogun, the anniversary was also a mirror of progress. Under Governor Abiodun, the state has been repositioned through deliberate action, infrastructural renewal, and inclusive policies. In him, Ogun has found a leader who matches vision with courage, and words with deeds.

At sixty-five, Nigeria is still on her journey. But in Ogun, a model of purposeful leadership is already unfolding—a reminder that when government delivers and citizens support, the ship of state can indeed sail into calmer waters and a brighter tomorrow.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor
Ogun State

Don’t Let Frustrated Politicians Tarnish Jonathan’s Record

By Tayo Mabeweje

In 2015, Goodluck Jonathan performed an act that turned the tide of Nigerian history. He placed a phone call to his opponent, conceded defeat, and in that instant chose peace over power. It was as if, in the noisy theatre of Nigerian politics where ambition often roars louder than reason, Jonathan quietly dimmed the lights, walked off stage, and left the audience applauding. He departed when the ovation was loudest, and that decision transformed him from a politician into a statesman.

In the decade since, Jonathan’s legacy has matured like fine wine, appreciated more in value the longer he has remained above the fray. He has become the diplomat summoned to troubled lands, the steady hand in stormy waters, the voice sought when dialogue breaks down. From ECOWAS mediation in Mali to peace missions under the African Union, he is now Nigeria’s elder envoy, a trusted counsellor whose moral authority travels beyond borders. That is no small achievement for a leader once dismissed as weak by his critics. Ironically, it was his humility — his refusal to spill blood for power — that became his strength.

Yet today, some frustrated old politicians are trying to drag Jonathan back into the arena he left with dignity. Like moths circling a flame, they are desperate to warm themselves by his reputation. Among them is Professor Jerry Gana, who announced in Minna that Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the PDP. His words are less prophecy than projection: projection of a fading political class that sees in Jonathan’s name a ladder to climb back into relevance. They invoke him not out of love for Nigeria, but because his glow makes their shadows disappear.

This is not the first time Nigeria has witnessed such recycling of ambition. Too often, politics here resembles a carousel where the same horses go round and round, painted fresh but creaking with age. Instead of nurturing new leaders or articulating bold visions, some elders prefer to hitch their fortunes to a familiar face. They mistake nostalgia for strategy and think reviving yesterday’s men is the answer to tomorrow’s problems. Jonathan is the latest mask they want to wear.

But the danger is profound. If Jonathan allows himself to be conscripted into their tired play, he risks losing the very aura that now distinguishes him. The statesman would be recast as a partisan, the global mediator reduced to one more contestant in Nigeria’s endless tug-of-war. His name, which today opens doors in Bamako and Monrovia, in Addis Ababa and New York, would once again be dragged through the dust of local quarrels. The man who became a symbol of peace would be repainted as just another player in the same noisy market.

Consider what he has achieved outside the ballot box. In 2020, ECOWAS appointed Jonathan as Special Envoy to Mali after disputed elections threatened stability. He sat across tables where guns had silenced dialogue, persuading factions to talk instead of fight. Later, he returned to Bamako to continue guiding the fragile transition after a coup. In Liberia, he stood beside Mohamed Ibn Chambas to dissect West Africa’s political and security challenges, calling for credible elections and stronger democratic institutions. His words carried weight not because of party backing but because he embodied the principle that power is not worth blood. When Nigeria assumed the chair of ECOWAS Authority, Jonathan pledged regular consultations with the presidency to ensure regional diplomacy stayed on course. These are not the errands of a partisan candidate; they are the assignments of a moral compass.

Why then should he descend from the high table of statesmanship to the noisy beer parlour of partisan wrangling? Why should he allow men who have exhausted their own influence to gamble with his? To do so would be to trade a crown of respect for a cap of ridicule. It would be like a retired general who, after winning glory on the battlefield, agrees to wrestle in a village square just to entertain those who never marched.

Jonathan himself once declared, “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.” That single line has become the golden thread in the tapestry of his legacy. It separates him from those who treat politics like war and power like spoils. Returning now would unravel that tapestry, leaving his legacy frayed by contradictions. For how could a man who elevated himself above ambition be persuaded to return by men whose only currency is ambition?

The truth is that Gana and his cohort are not speaking for Nigerians. They are speaking for themselves — men stranded on the shore of relevance, clutching at Jonathan’s name as though it were a lifeboat. But lifeboats are for the drowning, not for those still sailing. And Jonathan is still sailing, steering the ship of African democracy across troubled waters. To climb aboard his vessel only to redirect it toward Aso Rock is to hijack a journey meant for peace and turn it into a voyage of vanity.

Nigeria today needs Jonathan the mentor, not Jonathan the candidate. It needs him to nurture young leaders, to guide institutions, to counsel those in power regardless of party. It needs his soft voice in hard times, his humility in a political culture bloated by ego. His greatest service now is not to stand on a campaign podium, but to stand above it, reminding the nation that politics is not a do-or-die affair.

Let us not forget: history is already kind to Jonathan. His concession in 2015 remains a beacon across Africa. His image as an international mediator gives Nigeria moral capital at a time when its global reputation often falters. These are treasures that should not be gambled away for one more lap around the political carousel. To heed Gana and his fellow moths would be to place those treasures on a poker table where the stakes are ambition and the prize is power. And in that game, everyone loses — most of all Jonathan.

So let the relevance-seekers shout. Let them write headlines and grant interviews. Let them paint visions of Jonathan’s triumphant return. The nation knows better, and so should he. The true triumph is not to return to power, but to remain above it. The real victory is not another election, but the preservation of a legacy untarnished. Goodluck Jonathan has already walked off the stage to a standing ovation. He should not let anyone drag him back for an encore that risks turning applause into pity.

Tayo Mabeweje is a public relations consultant and political analyst.

Ogun gov mourns Somtochukwuu Maduagwu, urges security agencies to hunt down killers

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the killing of ARISE News anchor, reporter and producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, as a most horrendous event that must be quickly unraveled in the interest of justice.

Abiodun, who said that he received news of the 29-year-old’s brutal killing by armed robbers in her Katampe, Abuja home with profound shock, commiserated with the management and staff of Arise News, urging them not to allow their spirits to be dampened by the sad incident but to take solace in the legacy of truth and forthrightness that the deceased left behind.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun urged the security agencies to work together and unravel the killers of the news anchor in the shortest possible time.

He said: “The killing of the popular, extremely versatile and personable news anchor on Monday, September 29, 2025 during an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja is a most horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.

“For every hour that the perpetrators are left un-apprehended, Nigeria suffers colossal mental and institutional damage. The killers must be fished out very quickly, tried and sentenced in accordance with the law.

“Sommie, 29, a lawyer and vibrant voice that engaged and connected with Nigerians on a daily basis, must not be allowed to die in vain. The killers must be punished most severely, and very quickly.

“I commiserate with her parents, family and friends, and the staffers of Arise News on this most unfortunate incident.
“It is my sincere prayer that Almighty God will comfort their hearts in this terrible hour and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Abiodun Charting Nigeria-China Multi-pronged Strategies For Investments









Femi Ogbonnikan








The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been unrelenting in his sustained effort to positioning Ogun State as the Gateway to investment destination of choice through a well-coordinated policy of providing a conducive business environment, backed by aggressive marketing on the global stage, which is designed to ensure the administration leaves a legacy defined by industrial growth and economic prosperity.
Over the last six years of the administration, he has personally led numerous investment missions, serving as the state's Chief Marketer, striving to turn the state into the nation's foremost industrial and economic hubs. The latest in the series of the administration’s investment hunting initiatives is the recent China trip along with his economic team. So far, this aggressive drive has yielded significant results and pledges, including the $5 million British battery recycling plant, and major expansions by existing players, cementing its status as the nation's industrial capital. Not only that the relentless effort has translated into Ogun State maintaining its status as a top investment destination, it has also increased the economy more than fourfold, from N3.5 trillion to N16 trillion over the past six years.While in China, Governor Abiodun-led investment team met with the Governor of Shandong Province, Mr. Zhou Naixiang, as part of the administration’s efforts to rekindle and strengthen a Shandong-Ogun State Economic and Trade Partnership under the broader Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (NCSP) as agreed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, September 2024. The partnership initiative between Ogun State led by Governor Abiodun, and Shandong Province holds immense significance, acting as a crucial model for sub-national economic development within the larger Nigeria-China relations. The meeting was held with the specific goal of reviving and strengthening a Shandong-Ogun State Economic and Trade Partnership. Shandong is one of China's most industrially advanced regions.
So, the visit was a high-level strategic move to unlock large-scale, provincial-level investment and technical collaboration across the critical sectors necessary for Ogun State's long-term economic master plan. The partnership aims to leverage the Chinese expertise to further solidify Ogun State's status as Nigeria's emerging industrial capital. By this initiative, the Governor sought to attract more Chinese manufacturers, adding to the over 160 Chinese companies already operating in the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone. One of the outcomes of the meeting was a pledge of a $50 million fresh investment from a Chinese firm, Lee Group, for the expansion of its detergent operations and the establishment of two new food-processing factories in Ogun State. Further discussions centred on exploring opportunities in the agriculture sector, where Ogun State is positioning itself as a major food basket. Shandong's agricultural technology and large-scale farming models are key areas of potential knowledge transfer and investment. By targeting manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy, the administration’s initiative aligns with Nigeria's national goals of moving away from oil dependence by promoting local content and value addition in the non-oil sector. The continued influx of major foreign investors, like the Lee Group and Royal Ceramic validates the state's efforts in creating an attractive and friendly Public-Private Partnership (PPP) environment. This serves as a strong signal to other international investors that Ogun State is a preferred and safe destination for global capital.Another central focus of the team was the development of Olokola Deep Sea Port project, in Ogun Waterside, which the Governor described as critical to Ogun's future as a maritime hub. Pursuant to that objective, the team met with the Mayor of Rizhao, a coastal city in Shandong known for its port economy, to discuss collaboration that would bring world-class technical knowledge and investment to the Olokola project. While in the city, the Governor took tour of the fully automated Rizhao sea port to study its operations. The focus on collaborating with Rizhao is vital for the development of the Olokola Deep Sea Port. This is particularly critical for turning Ogun State into a major maritime and industrial hub and a Gateway for trade between Africa and Asia, easing the perennial congestion at Lagos sea ports. By partnering with Rizhao on port management, Abiodun aims to bring world-class technical knowledge and investment to a key infrastructure project in Nigeria. He highlighted the State’s rich mineral deposits and the opportunities that exist for exploration and value-added development, stressing the administration’s readiness to partner with reputable global players in the sector. He expressed confidence that the collaborations would boost industrialization, create jobs, and expand Ogun’s revenue base.
Beyond economic pursuits, the Governor underscored the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Ogun State and Rizhao, explaining that these ties would foster mutual understanding, strengthen bilateral relations and open new frontiers for educational and tourism cooperation.
Following the meeting with the mayor, Abiodun visited the fully automated Rizhao sea port in Rizhao to view firsthand port operations and potential port development plans.
"We envisioned replicating this natural deep sea port in Ogun State with collaboration and technical knowledge from Shandong Port Group owners of the Rizhao Port," he said.
Additionally, the team visited BlueCarbon, a world-renowned manufacturer of solar technologies, at the company’s headquarters and production facilities in Rizhao, Shandong Province. BlueCarbon is internationally acclaimed for its cutting-edge expertise in the production of solar panels, batteries, inverter systems, and DC-powered fridges.
The Governor and his team took a guided tour of the company’s factory floors, where they observed first-hand the sophisticated processes and advanced technologies that power BlueCarbon’s global operations. Impressed by the scale of innovation, he remarked: “What we have seen here today is truly remarkable. BlueCarbon’s operations clearly demonstrate the transformative potential of renewable energy. This resonates strongly with our vision in Ogun State to develop a sustainable energy sector that will accelerate industrialization and enhance the well-being of our people.
”During the engagement, BlueCarbon executives pointed out that Ogun State is uniquely positioned for solar energy investment, citing its abundant silica deposits, a critical raw material in solar panel production, and its long hours of daily sunlight as natural advantages that could make the State a leading hub for renewable energy in Nigeria.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to advance discussions with BlueCarbon, especially in exploring the establishment of solar manufacturing plants within Ogun State. He emphasized that such initiatives would not only boost access to affordable and clean power, but also generate employment opportunities, attract new investments, and reinforce the State’s industrial base.
“Ogun State is determined to convert its natural endowments into engines of economic growth. By partnering with global leaders such as BlueCarbon, we will harness renewable energy to drive sustainable development, expand opportunities for our citizens, and maintain our position at the forefront of Nigeria’s transformation journey,” the Governor declared.
The visit to BlueCarbon forms part of a broader series of high-level engagements during the Governor’s working visit to China, which is focused on attracting strategic investments across renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
The team equally engaged with Inspur, one of China's leading IT companies based in Shandong, focusing on collaboration to drive digital transformation, knowledge exchange, and support for the Ogun Tech Hub. Discussion with IT firms like Inspur and the focus on the Ogun Tech Hub aims to drive digital transformation and knowledge exchange, helping Ogun State become an African digital innovation hub. The Province of Shandong, through its Foreign Affairs Office, organized and participated in an Ogun–Shandong Matchmaking Event, which showcased an impressive array of products and innovations from several SMEs and manufacturers across the province. Exhibitors spanned key industries including power, textiles, equipment manufacturing, and electric vehicles. At the event, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, presented a compelling business case on why Ogun State remains the preferred destination for investment in Nigeria. He highlighted the state’s strategic advantages, robust infrastructure, and enabling environment that continue to attract global partners.Following the Governor’s presentation, several businesses expressed strong interest in working with Ogun State, signaling the beginning of promising collaborations that will further strengthen trade and investment ties between Shandong Province and Ogun State. It is worth noting that the Abiodun's investment hunting is not random; it's anchored on a clear, multi-pronged strategy. One of the core strategies of the administration is the establishment of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest) as a one-stop-shop to streamline processes, cut bureaucratic red tape, and quickly provide necessary permits, titles, and approvals for investors.This is in addition to the heavily invested multi-modal infrastructure projects aimed at creating a conducive environment for industrial investments. The key infrastructure projects that position Ogun State as investment destination of choice include the Gateway International Airport (GIA) at Iperu/Ilisan, construction and upgrading of over 1, 200 kilometers of roads, the Olokola Deep Sea Port and the Kajola Dry Inland Port, to enhance maritime and logistics connectivity.
The administration’s initiative of creating strategic economic development clusters like the Remo Economic Development Cluster anchored by the Airport and the Ijebu Economic Development Cluster near the Dangote Refinery is for no other reason than to attract industry-specific investments. Major industrial and manufacturing investments-foreign and domestic-the administration has attracted or facilitated since 2019 include, among others, the Inner Galaxy Group, $400 million Hot Rolled Coiled Steel Factory in Ewekoro Local Government Area, projected to create about 6,500 direct and indirect jobs, the Biggest Cotton and Polyester Processing Factory in the World at the Special Agro Processing Zone, Gateway International Airport, with an estimated potential to employ around 50,000 workers, the British Battery Recycling Company (Hinckley), a $5 million investment in the first year, supported by the UK's Manufacturing Africa Initiative and reconstruction of Dangote Cement Plant, Itori and expansion of capacity. According to a report by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State has attracted over 70 percent of new manufacturing investments in Nigeria in recent years, including 311 manufacturing plants setting up or expanding operations under the Abiodun administration. The administration's key strategy for this feat is the creation of specialized hubs and infrastructure projects designed to attract private sector.










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

Paddy Arikawe Road: Ogun Govt Slams Daniel, Says He Thrives on Trouble

The Ogun State Government has condemned as reckless and misleading the comments made by the senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, against Governor Dapo Abiodun over the ongoing 260-meter rehabilitation of Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road in Sagamu.

The government said rather than stirring controversy and seeking cheap popularity, Daniel should learn to respect due process, which he has persistently ignored.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government accused the former governor of Ogun State of deliberately distorting facts, inciting the public with false claims, and using pliant media outlets to promote discord and confusion in the state.

Akinmade explained that contrary to Daniel’s allegations of obstruction, the only directive given by the government was for the contractor handling the project—who had commenced work without notifying the state—to regularize its operations by following laid-down procedures.

“Only a mind bent on mischief will describe adherence to due process as obstruction,” Akinmade said. “The same contractor has since accepted the government’s recommendations, which makes Daniel’s claims even more misleading.”

The governor’s aide questioned why Daniel remains the only federal lawmaker in Ogun State constantly embroiled in disputes over constituency projects. He noted that others have executed projects without encountering resistance from the government.

“It is ironic that Senator Daniel, who spent years undermining state institutions while in power, now pretends to seek collaboration,” Akinmade said. “A genuine statesman would comply with established processes rather than attempt to impose shoddy and unsafe engineering works on the people.”

He further recalled Daniel’s past confrontations with the law, including his refusal to present documents for properties in Sagamu during a routine verification exercise, adding that such disregard for due process is unbecoming of a former governor and now a senator.

“Daniel, who is currently under suspension by his party’s state executive, has made it a pastime to attack the government at every turn. He complains about roads, yet how many did he construct as governor? Meanwhile, the present administration has built over 1,000 kilometers of roads across the state,” Akinmade stressed.

He concluded that while Daniel may continue his “media war,” the Ogun State Government under Governor Abiodun will never compromise the rule of law or endanger the public simply to satisfy the whims of a single individual.

Governor Abiodun Strengthens Ogun’s Renewable Energy Prospects with BlueCarbon Partnership Talks in China

As part of his continuing investment promotion drive in China, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his delegation paid a strategic visit to BlueCarbon, a world-renowned manufacturer of solar technologies, at the company’s headquarters and production facilities in Rizhao, Shandong Province.

BlueCarbon is internationally acclaimed for its cutting-edge expertise in the production of solar panels, batteries, inverter systems, and DC-powered fridges. Governor Abiodun and his team were given a guided tour of the company’s factory floors, where they observed first-hand the sophisticated processes and advanced technologies that power BlueCarbon’s global operations.

Impressed by the scale of innovation, Governor Abiodun remarked: “What we have seen here today is truly remarkable. BlueCarbon’s operations clearly demonstrate the transformative potential of renewable energy. This resonates strongly with our vision in Ogun State to develop a sustainable energy sector that will accelerate industrialization and enhance the well-being of our people.”

During the engagement, BlueCarbon executives pointed out that Ogun State is uniquely positioned for solar energy investment, citing its abundant silica deposits, a critical raw material in solar panel production, and its long hours of daily sunlight as natural advantages that could make the State a leading hub for renewable energy in Nigeria.

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to advance discussions with BlueCarbon, especially in exploring the establishment of solar manufacturing plants within Ogun State. He emphasized that such initiatives would not only boost access to affordable and clean power, but also generate employment opportunities, attract new investments, and reinforce the State’s industrial base.

“Ogun State is determined to convert its natural endowments into engines of economic growth. By partnering with global leaders such as BlueCarbon, we will harness renewable energy to drive sustainable development, expand opportunities for our citizens, and maintain our position at the forefront of Nigeria’s transformation journey,” the Governor declared.

The BlueCarbon visit forms part of a broader series of high-level engagements during Governor Abiodun’s working visit to China, which is focused on attracting strategic investments across renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor
Ogun State

Dapo Abiodun, driving Ogun's economy beyond borders

By Olaniyi Ajibola

Considering the remarkable and unprecedented achievements of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State, cutting across all strata of the state's economy, from infrastructural development to enhanced digital economy and speedy industrial advancement among many others, one would have concluded that the Governor should be relaxing by now when he has just exactly 20 months to leave office.

Of course, history of political-economy in Africa has shown that majority of African leaders suffered chronic complacency towards the tail end of their tenures and rather focused more on themselves and cronies at the detriment of the general interests, with attendant retrogression in all areas of growth and development.

However, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has defied this primordial mindset and decided to break the jinx of such inemptitude in government that have pameated the fabric of leadership in Africa.

Few days after securing an investment pledge in the range of $1.8bn to $2.5bn from Mac Group, focusing on hospitality and entertainment as well as the interest of a Taiwanese Multinational Conglomerate and Global Tech Giant, Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer with an annual revenue of $200bn coming to establish their manufacturing plant in Ogun State, one would think Abiodun is already fulfilled and should take some time off to relax.

Moreso, when he declared with empirical facts during the meeting with those investors that the Ogun state's economy has increased in fourfold, jumping from $3.5 trillion to $16 trillion between 2019 when he came into the saddle and 2025. He added that the state's foremost Tourist Centre, Olumo Rock, after renovation has started to generate N20 million on a weekly basis, a testament of creativity, ingenuity and responsive leadership.

Despite these monumental achievements, Prince Dapo Abiodun did not rest on his oars, he kept pushing for the best without hesitation, and before one could say Jack Robinson, the Ogun State's Chief Marketer has again arrived in far away China with his economic team, hunting for more investments and armed with selling points of the Gateway State, namely: Advanced infrastructure, Strategic Location, Skillful Labour Force, Accessibility to Energy, Safer Security Architecture, Multi-modal Transport System, Friendly and Cultured Host Communities among others.

From Inspur, one of the foremost IT firms in Shandong Province and indeed across China, the Governor's team was pleased to know that there are avalanche of similarities between the company's trajectory and the concept for the Ogun Tech Hub, which reaffirmed the creativity and genuity of efforts by the state government to make Ogun State a digital innovation hub in Africa.

According to Governor Abiodun on the visit", Our conversations with Inspur were focused on how we can translate this meeting into meaningful collaborations that will drive knowledge exchange, create opportunities for our people, and further strengthen the foundation of our digital economy".

Meanwhile, in the course of this engagement, the team played host to Mrs. Linshuang Zhang (Esther), the Chairman of Royal Ceramic, a foremost player in Nigeria’s ceramic manufacturing industry, with their state-of-the-art factory situated in Sagamu, Ogun State, where she shared her testimonies concerning the integral comparative advantage of the state that makes it the preferred destination for investment in Nigeria and within the West Africa corridor.

This inherent advantage in Mrs Zhang's words includes: Availability of critical infrastructure, strengthened security, and policies that enable manufacturers like her to thrive; as the Governor further
reaffirmed his administration 's commitment to sustaining trajectory of growth by continuing to create the right atmosphere for investment, innovation, and industrial expansion.

The team also had a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of Lee Group, where they were informed about the company 's upcoming investments in Ogun State valued at about 50 million dollars and Governor Abiodun in response to this commitment submitted",This is yet another testament to the attractiveness of our state as the emerging industrial capital of Nigeria, and we remain committed to sustaining policies that make Ogun a preferred destination for global investors.

"We are equally delighted to note that Lee Group is expanding its detergent business, which proudly stands as the number one in Nigeria in terms of sales. This expansion will not only consolidate their market leadership but also create more job opportunities for our people and stimulate economic activities across the value chain.

"In addition, Lee Group is broadening its footprint in the food processing sector with the establishment of two new factories dedicated to exports to the United States and Europe. This bold step underscores the growing confidence of international markets in products made in Ogun State, while also positioning our state as a hub for export-driven industrialization.

In another development, Governor Dapo Abiodun also had an engagement with Governor of Shandong Province, Mr. Zhou Naixiang, as part of efforts to rekindle and strengthen a Shandong-Ogun State Economic and Trade Partnership under the broader Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (NCSP).

This engagement was in line with the earlier agreement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and and President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, September 2024.

Furthermore, the Governor on Saturday morning held a strategic meeting with the Mayor of Rizhao, Wang Xinsheng, to deepen economic and cultural ties between the State and the Chinese coastal city. At the meeting, Governor Abiodun emphasized the centrality of the Olokola Deep Sea Port project to the future of Ogun State, noting that its development would not only position the State as Nigeria’s leading industrial and maritime hub, but also serve as a gateway for enhanced trade between Africa and Asia.

He disclosed that discussions with Rizhao – a city renowned for its thriving port economy – were aimed at fostering collaboration that will bring world-class technical expertise and investment into the project, as he highlighted the State’s rich mineral deposits and the opportunities that exist for exploration and value-added development, stressing the administration’s readiness to partner with reputable global players in the sector, saying such collaborations would boost industrialization, create jobs and expand Ogun’s revenue base as well as
strengthening bilateral relations and opening new frontiers for educational and tourism cooperation.

The Governor, at the end of the discussion summarised the engagement this way,'' The meeting with Mayor Wang Xinsheng, is another milestone in Ogun State’s international investment drive, reinforcing the State’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for global partnerships".

In the evergreen postulation of Bill Bradley,'' Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better". As Prince Dapo Abiodun is going across the globe to unlock the potential of Ogun State towards making the people better, we pray for safety and success always over his team.

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

LG Allocations: Osun under semi-state of emergency -Jackson Lekan Ojo

A Security Expert and Global Affairs Analyst, High Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo has asserted that the rationale behind the withheld Local Government Allocations in Osun State is tantamount to semi-state of emergency, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) will lose ignominiously in the state in 2026 and 2027.

Ojo argued that the original aim of the APC and President Bola Tinubu was to cause large scale crisis in the state and use that as an excuse to declare state of emergency in the State as it was done in Rivers State purposely to create opportunity for the opposition party in Osun to seize the machinery of government through the back door.

He opined that if a President of Yoruba descent and Central Bank's Governor, another Yoruba man, including the Minister of Finance and Attorney General of the Federation, all of Yoruba extraction could unlawfully and callously dealt with a Yoruba state in that manner, obviously, the other Non-yoruba regions are in palpable danger.

He, however, added that the political development in Osun State has distinguished Governor Ademola Adeleke and his followers as people with requiste political maturity and sagacity as they remained calm and law abiding in the face of suffocating provocation.

He alleged that the election those Yes/No Chairmen and Councillors are relying upon have been nullified and declared illegal by the competent court of jurisdiction and thereby remains null and void.

The Security Expert noted that contrary to the expectations of President Tinubu and the APC, Governor Adeleke has been able to maintain peace and sustain usual support among the workforce as a result of his financial prudence.

He further berated President Tinubu for remaining adamant despite several appeals by many prominent Nigerians to intervene on the political debacle in Osun and find an amicable resolution of the matter.

He asserted that they should never attempt to pay to the Yes/ No Chairmen and Councillors the withheld Local Government Allocations through the back door, except they want to attract the wrath of God.

According to Ojo, the inhumane treatment meted out to the people of Osun state and the government in power was not more than that of strangers, adding that it is indeed a crime against humanity, law and God.

Ojo said", It is very unfortunate that at the assumption of office, many people overlooked the way the election that brought President Bola Tinubu went in 2023, as people were comfortable with his history and antecedents, until they realized his undemocratic tendencies .

"Obviously, Tinubu and his co-travellers on Osun Local Government Allocations are strategically planning a state of emergency in Osun for them to come back to power through the back door, thank God for the financial prudence of t the Governor which has made him to continue paying salary of workers including that of the Local Government staff and many others.

"Meanwhile, I will not blame Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) the Attorney General of the federation or the Minister of Finance but leaders of APC in Osun State in the persons of Chief Bisi Akande, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, Gboyega Oyetola among others, who are the main actors of this illegality.

"Going forward, except the APC retraces it's step and prevail on the Attorney General to reassign the case in the spirit of fairness and equity, the people of Osun will vote against APC in protest come 2026 and 2027, their would-be gubernatorial candidate and President Bola Tinubu will lose woefully in the state".

Ogun State Deepens Global Trade Ties in Shandong, China, Unlocks New Investment Opportunities

The Ogun State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has taken a bold step in deepening global partnerships with the ongoing engagement in Shandong Province, China. The visit forms part of the broader Nigeria–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (NCSP), reaffirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and President Xi Jinping during the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing earlier this month.

Governor Abiodun, leading a high-powered delegation from Ogun State, met with the Governor of Shandong Province, Mr. Zhou Naixiang, to rekindle and strengthen the Shandong–Ogun State Economic and Trade Partnership. The meeting underscored the state’s unwavering commitment to expanding the frontiers of investment, cooperation, and innovation for the benefit of its people.

Speaking during the engagement, Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun State is strategically positioned as Nigeria’s gateway to industrialization, with unique advantages in agriculture, infrastructure, human capital, and proximity to Lagos, Africa’s largest market. He said discussions with Shandong Province covered agriculture, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and human capital development. According to him, Shandong, as one of China’s most industrially advanced regions, presents immense opportunities for collaboration, and the partnership is expected to translate into new trade opportunities, investment inflows, job creation, and skills transfer for the people of Ogun State.

As part of the activities, the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office organized an Ogun–Shandong Matchmaking Event, featuring exhibitions from Chinese SMEs across diverse industries, including power, textiles, equipment manufacturing, and electric vehicles. Ogun State seized the opportunity to present its strong business case as Nigeria’s premier investment destination.

The event recorded encouraging outcomes, with several businesses declaring interest in working with Ogun State. This development reflects the growing confidence of international partners in the state’s vision and its enabling environment for investment.

Beyond the immediate gains of this visit, its significance lies in the bold and deliberate economic diplomacy of the Abiodun administration. By leading this delegation, Governor Abiodun has once again demonstrated the foresight that has made Ogun State the leading destination for investment in Nigeria. Committees and technical teams within the administration have been instrumental in projecting Ogun’s industrial potential globally, ensuring that the state continues to attract strategic partnerships that deliver jobs, technology transfer, and sustainable growth.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that the mission aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and build a sustainable future for Nigerians. He added that this engagement in China is another milestone in the drive to build an economy that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and global partnerships. He further affirmed that Ogun State remains resolute in positioning itself as the gateway to Nigeria’s industrial future.

The Ogun–Shandong partnership is expected to open a new chapter in trade and investment, reinforcing Ogun State’s status as the investment hub of Nigeria and cementing the legacy of the Abiodun administration as a government of vision, action, and results.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor
Ogun State

Excitement as Gateway International Airport Set to Commence Commercial Flights – A Dream Fulfilled

Excitement is reaching a fever pitch in Ogun State as the much-anticipated Gateway International Airport (GWI) prepares to commence its first commercial flights on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

The inaugural flight, to be operated by Value Jet Airlines on the GWI–Abuja route, marks the realization of a vision that many had once dismissed as unrealistic. For Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, this milestone is more than just infrastructure—it is the fulfillment of a great dream and a lasting legacy.

Much like the historic moment in 1959 when Chief Obafemi Awolowo established Africa’s first television station, WNTV Ibadan, Ogun State once again stands at the frontier of innovation and progress. At that time, skeptics ridiculed Awolowo’s audacity, but history proved him right. Today, history is repeating itself, as Gateway International Airport silences doubters and places Ogun State on the global aviation map. Awolowo’s reminder that “it is not life that matters, but the courage you bring into it” perfectly captures the spirit that has carried this project to reality.

That courage, seen in Awolowo’s free primary education policy, the Cocoa House in Ibadan, and the first regional television service in Africa, is the same spirit embodied by Governor Abiodun in bringing the Gateway International Airport dream to life. For years, skeptics and naysayers doubted the possibility of an airport in Ogun State. Some ridiculed it as a political stunt, others dismissed it as a “white elephant project.” But as the state-of-the-art facility prepares to welcome its first passengers, history has vindicated the dreamers and silenced the cynics—just as Awolowo’s legacies once did.

The Gateway International Airport, already certified by aviation regulatory agencies, is set to transform travel options for the Southwest and beyond. It will serve as a strategic hub that shortens distances for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and leisure travelers across Ogun, Lagos, and neighboring states. With scheduled flights twice weekly—Tuesdays and Thursdays—the GWI–Abuja route will take off at 8:30 a.m. and return at 5:15 p.m., offering travelers the advantage of convenient, same-day trips to the nation’s capital without the burden of long road journeys or congested terminals elsewhere.

Governor Abiodun, speaking ahead of the commencement, said that when his administration dared to dream, many thought it was impossible, but today, by the grace of God and the support of the people, Ogun State is ready to take its rightful place on the aviation map of Nigeria. He affirmed that the Gateway International Airport is not just an airport but a symbol of determination, resilience, and capacity for greatness.

Industry watchers have hailed the development as a game-changer that will not only ease the movement of people and goods but also attract investment, boost tourism, and cement Ogun’s place as a regional economic hub. In the same vein, Awolowo’s belief that “the glory of the nation is in the education of its youth” reminds us that the true value of this airport lies in the opportunities it will unlock for future generations.

With tickets going on sale from September 25, 2025, anticipation is high among travelers who have long awaited this historic moment. The Gateway International Airport is no longer a promise—it is a dream fulfilled, a rebuke to doubters, and an enduring testament to visionary leadership. And just as Awolowo once declared that “after rain comes sunshine; after darkness comes the glorious dawn,” October 7 now stands as that glorious dawn for Ogun State—a day when vision becomes reality, and history is made.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor, Ogun State

Gateway Airport: Value Jet begins lifting passengers October 7


Excitement is in the air as Value Jet airlines is scheduled to begin two flights per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Gateway International Airport (GWI), Ogun State, beginning from Thursday, October 7


This follows the green light given to the state-of-the-art airport by regulatory agencies.


According to the flight schedule, every Tuesday and Thursday, the airline will operate the GWI-Abuja route, departing GWI at 8.30 am and arriving Abuja at 9.45


In the return flight, Value Jet will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja at 4pm and arrive GWI at 5: 15 p.m


A statement released by the airline indicates that tickets will be available as from Thursday, September 25; online, through travel agents and at ticket desks at the Gateway International Airport.


With the announcement, many travellers based in Ibadan, across State Ogun, and in Abuja and Lagos will have connectivity by air to Abuja and and Lagos and beyond via Ogun State whilst enjoying the added benefit of unbeatable facilities at GWI.


Members of the business and industrial sectors, contractors, bankers, government officials and leisure travelers, among others, are said to be particularly eager to take off and arrive at GWI, from where they have indicated they can easily connect Lagos and other parts of the country.

E signed

Hon. Kayode Akinmade
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy.
Ogun State

Gateway Airport: Value Jet begins lifting passengers October 7


Excitement is in the air as Value Jet airlines is scheduled to begin two flights per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Gateway International Airport (GWI), Ogun State, beginning from Thursday, October 7


This follows the green light given to the state-of-the-art airport by regulatory agencies.


According to the flight schedule, every Tuesday and Thursday, the airline will operate the GWI-Abuja route, departing GWI at 8.30 am and arriving Abuja at 9.45


In the return flight, Value Jet will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja at 4pm and arrive GWI at 5: 15 p.m


A statement released by the airline indicates that tickets will be available as from Thursday, September 25; online, through travel agents and at ticket desks at the Gateway International Airport.


With the announcement, many travellers based in Ibadan, across State Ogun, and in Abuja and Lagos will have connectivity by air to Abuja and and Lagos and beyond via Ogun State whilst enjoying the added benefit of unbeatable facilities at GWI.


Members of the business and industrial sectors, contractors, bankers, government officials and leisure travelers, among others, are said to be particularly eager to take off and arrive at GWI, from where they have indicated they can easily connect Lagos and other parts of the country.

E signed

Hon. Kayode Akinmade
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy.
Ogun State

We Will Not Compromise on Standards in Senator Daniel’s 260-Metre Road – Ogun Government

The Ogun State Government on Wednesday dismissed as laughable and ridiculous claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun is insisting on unusually strict technical standards for the Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road in Sagamu, a constituency project proposed by Senator Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East.

In a statement signed by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Strategy, the government clarified that the requirements given to the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, are the same standards applied to all state road projects and are designed to protect public safety.

It added that any push by Senator Daniel’s associates to lower these standards amounts to a blatant attempt to compromise public safety and is dead on arrival.

The statement further described as a name-dropping pile of garbage, a report allegedly from Daniel’s media team titled “Dapo Abiodun Takes on Tinubu Over Standard of Road Constructed in Ogun” calling it a hastily assembled fabrication driven by desperation and ulterior motives.

The statement challenged the authors to present evidence that President Bola Tinubu is carrying out a 260-metre road project anywhere in Ogun State, expressing surprise that Daniel’s team seemed to assume Nigerians cannot distinguish between road projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and those initiated by individual federal lawmakers.

It added that the government discovered the drainage and concrete pavement design failed to meet Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) standards only after the contractor submitted the project drawings.

Following this, it said, it made its observations known to the contractor through a letter dated 22nd September 2025, asking it to make necessary corrections and re-submit for approval accordingly.


The statement added: "It is pertinent to state that whenever Ogun State Government wants to work on any FG road, it is statutory and mandatory that we must get necessary clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works and this had been the practice since the beginning of the previous administration.

"In line with this, the Federal Government also requests for our drawings, specification and any other documents relating to the projects which we have always obliged them before they give us the approval to commence such projects.


"Likewise, whenever the Federal Government wants to work on Ogun State Projects, they follow the normal procedure by informing the Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, attaching the necessary documents related to such roads. They have always followed this process to avoid clashes or duplication of road projects among other reasons, therefore, Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo road should not be an exception.


"It should be noted that the Contractor did not inform the Ministry before he commenced work. His action negates the normal due process which ought to be followed before commencing work on the State Government road. He was therefore informed through letter Ref. No. AD. 1198/48, dated 17th September, 2025 to formally inform the Ministry about the concerned project and seek necessary approval."

The statement added that after going through the documents submitted by the contractor, the government discovered that the Contractor intends to construct 300m out of the entire stretch of 3000m, which represents 10% of the whole road Project, but the Ogun State Ministry of Works had earlier carried out palliative work up to the stone base level on some parts of this project, while the design work for the entire stretch is already at the final stage of execution.

The statement added: "The directive by the Ogun State Ministry of Works is not an “interference” in a federal initiative, as mischievously alleged, but a responsible and necessary step, rooted in his constitutional duty to safeguard the interests of the people of Ogun State.


"The Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure identified clear technical shortcomings in the contractor’s proposal, and dragging Mr. President into this matter is a needless distraction.


"Pray, what does the Presidency have to do with a contractor’s failure to meet acceptable technical standards? This is simply an old-fashioned ploy by the OGD media team to divert attention from the substance of the issues raised.


"How can anyone describe the Ogun State Government's insistence on higher grade concrete, stronger stone base layers, reinforced tensile strength, and full compliance with Federal Ministry of Works standards as political if not for sinister motives?

"The Ogun State Government will not compromise on quality, nor will it allow substandard projects to be executed within the State. The people of Ogun deserve roads that stand the test of time, not propaganda-driven distractions.

"The antics of the OGD media team will not succeed. The facts remain clear, and the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to transparency, accountability, and lasting development for all."

Alleged Mismanagement of Federal Allocations In Ogun, OGD's malicious criticism ignores core values of Accountability

By Femi Ogbonnikan

These are interesting times. As it is elsewhere in other parts of the country, politics is abuzz in Ogun State. When politics takes the centre-stage, anything can happen-the thinkable and the unthinkable. And that's precisely why arguably politics is the only field of human endeavour where one can turn logic upside down and get applause for it, particularly where susceptible audience is prevalent. Ernest Benn, a 19th century British Publisher and Writer, captured it better as he defined "Politics as the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedy."
Benn's postulation is a vivid characterization of Otunba Gbenga Daniel's recent remarks about the performance of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun during the commissioning of the "Renewed Hope International Market" in Igodè, Sagamu.
In a surprising move that arose the curiosity of the media, OGD (as he's fondly referred) did the unthinkable, alleging that Governor Abiodun had received
a large amount of federal allocation without commensurate developmental projects and charged the people to demand accountability.
"This commissioning could have been done in a bigger town with better roads, but we chose Igodè for strategic reasons. The state government cannot continue to abandon communities like this, while sitting on record allocations from Abuja.
“The fallout of subsidy removal is that more funds have been returned to states and Local Governments. Their allocations have increased more than fourfold, and governors must now give a good account of this generosity from the President.
“With the allocations you now receive, Ogun people must not continue to suffer. Our communities must not remain in darkness, our roads must not remain death traps, and our markets must not rely on private interventions to survive," he charged.
These remarks are overtly incisive, disparaging and misleading. They are antithetical to the core values of transparency, public trust and inclusive governance style of the Abiodun administration. The danger of it coming from a former governor is that if the audience is receptive, it can gain traction and become a widely held belief, regardless of the motive behind the outbursts.
It is needless to restate here that public accountability is a core tenet of participatory democracy. Public probity is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical necessity for a healthy and functioning democratic system. In a democratic setting, it is the obligation of government and institutions to explain and justify their actions and decisions to the public. As a matter of necessity and the need for essential social capital, the government must routinely provide information and a rationale for its policies and use of public funds.
This concern is the primary reason the Abiodun administration has adopted the policy of engaging the grassroots in town hall meetings during the budget preparation process as a consistent practice since its inception. This is a core part of the "Building Our Future Together" mantra of the administration and its commitment to an all-inclusive governance style.
Over the last six years, the administration has shifted from a traditional top-down approach to a more inclusive, bottom-up model for budget preparation. Every year, the administration, led by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, organizes a series of town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts of the state (Ogun East, Ogun Central, and Ogun West) and the four political divisions, RIYE (Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba). These meetings are not just for a general audience. They are strategically designed to gather inputs from a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, artisans, market men and women, youth and student representatives, civil society organizations, professional bodies, trade unions, and community development associations.
During these meetings, citizens are given a platform to express their needs and present their proposals directly to the government. This direct feedback is then documented and considered by the administration's budget team.
The aim is to incorporate a high percentage of the inputs from these meetings into the final budget proposal. For instance, a significant portion of the demands made at the various town hall meetings were incorporated into the 2025 budget proposal passed by the State Assembly. This approach is a key element of the administration's political and governance strategy, and it aligns with the principle of participatory democracy.
By publicly soliciting inputs from the grassroots, the administration creates a basis for public accountability. With the initiative, citizens can then monitor the implementation of the budget to see if the projects they requested have been included and executed.
Taking into cognizance the possibility of malicious cynicism, this practice has been meticulously followed by the government to demonstrate that it is listening to the people. And not only that it has helped to build public trust but also promotes a sense of shared ownership over the state's development.
To a great extent, the town hall meetings have equally helped the government to prioritize projects based on the real and articulated needs of the people, rather than on the whims and caprices of political elites. Contrary to OGD's cynical comment on community neglect, the government's focus has been on rural roads, primary healthcare centers, and schools as a direct result of broad consultations.
This practice serves to distinguish the Abiodun administration from previous governments, portraying it as more responsive and inclusive. It is a powerful political tool that has been used to counter accusations of being disconnected from the populace.
The practice of engaging the grassroots in town hall meetings for budget preparation is a key feature of the Abiodun administration. It is a deliberate move to institutionalize citizen engagement, promote transparency, and create a
governance model that is more directly responsive to the needs and demands of the people.
Regrettably, Senator Daniel ignored these core values when it charged Governor Abiodun on accountability. Reading between the lines, his curious quest for accountability is a political maneuvering, where logical consistency and objective facts can be subordinated to strategic gain. So, in all intents and purposes, OGD is merely trying to use accountability issue as a core principle of good governance to fight a battle that is widely perceived to be a self- preservation strategy. By raising issues of public accountability, he is attempting to clothe his political ambition in the garb of public good. But beneath the facade is a clear desire for future political relevance.
Beyond rhetoric, Governor Abiodun's performance in the last six years transcends narrow exclusion of any particular section of the state or community. His administration's score card in all indices of development, including economic prosperity infrastructure, healthcare delivery and human capital development index, remains unbeatable. In the first place, the emergence of the state as one of the most economically viable states that are independent of federal allocation under the administration is a well-documented claim supported by figures and a number of independent reports. This did not happen by accident. It is a direct result of infrastructure transformation agenda of the Abiodun administration.
Statistics show that Ogun State economy has quadrupled in size from N3.5 trillion in 2019 to N16 trillion in 2025. This growth, according to the government, is a direct result of its strategic investments and policies aimed at making the state a preferred destination for investors.
In terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Performance, Ogun State has consistently been ranked as one of the top-performing states in Nigeria, coming second only to Lagos State. The enhanced IGR capacity is a key metric that indicates the state's economic viability and its ability to fund its own projects without relying heavily on federal allocations. And, of course, this significant milestone has a direct link with policy initiative of the administration which centres around the use of technology, reforms in land administration, as well as the creation of an environment that encourages businesses to thrive and pay taxes.
The role of infrastructure in attracting investment is evident in the rapidly growing number of industries that have transformed the state's economy from dependency syndrome to a self-sustaining entity. The core of the administration's pride is that its infrastructure projects are not just for transportation but are a catalyst for economic growth. By focusing on key arterial roads that connect industrial hubs to Lagos, the administration has made it easier for businesses to transport goods and raw materials. Examples include the Ijebu-Ode/Epe Expressway and the Atan/Lusada/Agbara road. These projects are crucial for the seamless movement of commerce and have been praised by manufacturers and business owners.
The flagship infrastructure project of the Abiodun administration is the Gateway International Airport (GIA). Yet, OGD, in his public comment, introduced an intriguing dimension to this when he acknowledged Abiodun’s role in sustaining the airport project but warned against any attempt to rewrite its history. While it is undeniable that the project conception took place under his past administration, it would have remained a paper tiger if Governor Abiodun had not taken up the challenge of the implementation and pursued it with a passion. Vision without a passion is like a bird without wings. It can not fly.
No thanks for the digression. As a major game-changer, the Airport is envisioned as a cargo and logistics hub that will significantly boost the state's economy by facilitating exports and imports, attracting new businesses, and creating jobs.
Ogun State currently tops the chart in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction. Apart from the big industries already operating in the state, the government has consistently announced new investment pledges and the establishment of new factories and businesses. For instance, the administration recently announced a major investment pledge for a Disneyland-style resort, which is a testament to the state's growing reputation as a top investment destination.
The latest in the long list of potential investors seeking for a space to berth in the state is the Taiwanese multinational conglomerate and global tech giant, Foxconn, which has expressed interest in setting up its manufacturing plant in Ogun State.
AVP, Corporate BD Chairman Office, Mr. Vincent Lee, disclosed this over the weekend when he led a delegation to meet Governor Abiodun, at the Gateway City Gate Interchange, along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.
He said the delegation was in the state to explore business opportunities with a view to establishing their operations.
According to Mr. Lee, his organization is the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, with an annual revenue base of over $200 billion, employing thousands in its various manufacturing plants.
Governor Abiodun, while receiving the delegation, highlighted Ogun’s unique advantages-which include its strategic location, industrial base, skilled workforce, and supportive policy environment-which serve as a major attraction to the global community.
He said the introduction of advanced geo-mapping systems has led to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in land allocation, which, apart from preventing multiple allocations and closing loopholes, had built investors' confidence by providing clear, reliable, and accessible land data and bolsters the State's revenue.
"By leveraging private investors' acumen and a forward-looking development strategy, Ogun has emerged as a shining example of how sub-national governments can thrive in a challenging economic environment," Governor Abiodun submitted.
According to him, these investments are a direct result of the improved infrastructure and the administration's investor-friendly policies, such as the digitization of land allocation processes.
One of the high points of the Abiodun administration's policy is its deliberate focus on connecting industrial clusters, reducing the cost of doing business through improved infrastructure, and a more transparent approach to governance. This has indeed transformed the state's economic landscape, leading to its high performance on key economic indices.








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

Ogun Faults Design of Gbenga Daniel's 260-metre Road Project, Presses Contractor for Revisions



Ogun State government has directed Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling Senator Gbenga Daniel's constituency project on Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo road in Sagamu, Ogun State, to revise the engineering designs substantially, and ensure transparency in all submissions to the state government.


This development comes after the contractor, on Monday, submitted a bill of quantities to the state government, days after violating regulations by commencing work on the state road without approval and subsequently being directed to follow due process.


According to the state government, the design submitted by the contractor is not acceptable for now, as it falls below specifications.



The government conveyed this decision through
a letter dated September 22, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Dr. Yusuf I. O and addressed to the managing director of the company.


In the letter, the Ogun State Ministry of Works observed that whereas the total length of the road in question is 3 kilometres, the contractor failed to specify the portion of the road the 260 metres approved for construction will cover.


Available records show that Daniel's proposed 3-kilometre road project is divided into four phases, out of which approval has been granted only for the first phase, covering 260 meters.



Also, out of the three other phases, only one, namely 740metres concrete road and drainage (phase 2) is awaiting federal approval, as phases 3 and 4 with 1km concrete road and drainage each are mere suggestions.




While welcoming the contractor's eventual decision to seek the Ogun State Government's approval for the project, the government said concrete binding should be of Grade 20 while concrete grade for the reinforced concrete base, walks and deck must be Grade 25 minimum, with high yield tensile strength not less than 460 N/mm2, among other specifications.



It also asked the contractor to use 220m thick reinforced concrete pavement of not less than grade 35 concrete, preferably Grade 40 concrete,
instead of the 150m concrete thick pavement of grade 20 that it had proposed, adding that the thickness of the stone base should preferably be 200mm.



It further asked the contractor to provide the full layout with elevation and grades, and concrete pavement details with reinforcement details at the joints, among others; provide the list of engineering materials and the material testing for the quality assurance of the work; and to include design criteria code while re-presenting drawings to reflect the observations.

OGD the Land Grabber: From PowerPoint Airport Scam to Missing Title Documents

*By Adetobi 'Seye Odunlami*

His Excellency, former governor and now Senator Gbenga Daniel (OGD), is once again in the news — and, as always, for all the wrong reasons. His reckless, desperate, and hypocritical attacks on the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun are nothing but a smokescreen, an attempt to distract the public from his own fraudulent past. But Ogun people are not deceived. They know Daniel all too well: a serial betrayer, a failed governor, and a shameless land grabber whose legacy is defined not by progress or development, but by fraud, deception, and abandoned dreams.

The most notorious of his scams remains the so-called Agro-Cargo Airport. For eight long years, OGD paraded what he called an airport project, but it was nothing more than a PowerPoint presentation designed to fool the people. His plan was scandalous: surrender 10,000 hectares of Ogun’s land, demand $50 million, and, in return, produce nothing. No land was cleared, and no foundation laid. Not a single brick was set. The “PowerPoint Airport” was a monumental fraud, and it stands today as the clearest evidence of Daniel’s deceptive style of governance.

In sharp contrast, Governor Dapo Abiodun has turned that abandoned fraud into a reality. Today, Ogun boasts of a world-class international airport — built with discipline, vision, and accountability. Where OGD left dust and deceit, Abiodun has delivered concrete, runways, and global recognition. Ogun people see the difference: OGD built illusions; Abiodun builds the future.

But the airport scam is only one example of Daniel’s disastrous misrule. His tenure is remembered for deepening Ogun’s debt profile, leaving workers unpaid, abandoning contractors, and crippling key sectors of the economy. Teachers and civil servants still recall months of unpaid salaries. Pensioners remember the indignity of waiting endlessly for their dues. Contractors, who staked their livelihoods on his promises, were left stranded with half-completed projects that became monuments of failure. Even his so-called “legacy projects” ended as white elephants, rotting in weeds and dust.

Today, the scandals continue to follow him. In a recent land dispute, Daniel was given a two-week ultimatum to present his title documents. Weeks after, he has still failed to produce them. The question is simple: if he truly acquired those lands legitimately, why is he unable to show his papers? The truth is that OGD has always been a land grabber — grabbing what does not belong to him, exploiting loopholes, and using power for personal enrichment. Instead of answering these questions, he resorts to shouting and attacking a government that has outclassed him in every way. But no amount of noise will erase the fact that he is yet to bring forth his documents.

Politically, Daniel remains the same betrayer Ogun people have always known. He was suspended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for anti-party activities — a mark of disloyalty that underlines his double-dealing character. Yet today, he pretends to be an Apostle of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But the truth is clear: his real mission is to embarrass the president in Ogun State while bargaining for personal survival. A man who betrayed yesterday cannot suddenly claim loyalty today. His record is that of a politician who uses alliances as stepping stones, only to turn around and stab his benefactors in the back.

Even his sudden noise about Ijebu State is nothing but a smokescreen. When he held the reins of power, he did absolutely nothing tangible for the cause. Now, when his political relevance is collapsing, he resurrects it as a bargaining chip. Genuine advocacy requires sincerity and consistency — two qualities OGD has never possessed.

The truth is undeniable: OGD’s record is one of betrayal, fraud, debt, and land grabbing. His airport was a PowerPoint scam. His projects were abandoned. His government left bitterness and broken promises. His party suspended him for disloyalty. And now, his land dealings expose him further as a man unfit to talk about transparency or good governance.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the other hand, is building a legacy of progress — roads, schools, hospitals, industries, and a real airport that stands as a jewel of Ogun’s future. No rant from a bitter, failed politician can distract Ogun people from the truth.

Gbenga Daniel’s era has passed. His voice today is nothing more than the desperate cry of a disgraced land grabber who fooled the people once but will never fool them again. Ogun has moved forward, and OGD has been left behind — trapped in the shadow of his own failures.

*Dr. Adetobi 'Seye Odunlami writes from Obafemi Owode*