₦airaland Forum

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*

Ogun’s Transformation: Exposing OGD’s Confusion and Hallucinations

With the remarkable achievements recorded in Ogun State over the past six years—achievements that have attracted multi-billion-naira investments from global investors, thanks to the business-friendly environment provided by the present administration, particularly in road infrastructure—it is unsurprising that any negative outburst from a character like Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) can only be seen as the cry of frustration.

OGD’s tantrum in Igode, Sagamu, during an event over the weekend—where he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of neglecting communities—was nothing more than a frustration-induced diatribe from a man of yesterday, weighed down by a baggage of failures and the absence of moral capital.

It is sheer contradiction for Daniel—a former governor notorious for policy somersaults and abandoned projects during his eight years in office—to accuse Governor Abiodun, who has constructed more roads than the combined records of his predecessors, of “neglecting communities.”

The records speak for themselves: upon assumption of office, Governor Abiodun inherited a massive deficit in road infrastructure. Across the state, roads were deplorable, many of which deteriorated further during Daniel’s tenure. Aremo Olusegun Osoba was reputed to have constructed more rural roads, but due to the lack of maintenance and insensitivity by his immediate successor, those roads collapsed, leaving communities stranded.

It is common knowledge in Ogun State that while OGD’s administration was defined by deception and cosmetic projects that bred disillusionment, Governor Dapo Abiodun has been deliberate, intentional, and strategic in his governance approach.

Every part of the state has received attention. In the last few months alone, the Governor approved several key road projects in Remo axis, with some nearing completion—such as the 12km Ilisan-Akaka-Ilara-Ode-Remo road, among others.

Despite inheriting an infrastructural deficit deepened by the negligence of the likes of Gbenga Daniel, Governor Abiodun has remained consistent in changing the ugly trend and bringing tangible relief to the people of Ogun State. He has assured citizens that no project will be abandoned and that his administration will continue to construct roads and other infrastructure in fulfilment of his solemn pledge.

It is, however, imperative for those close to Otunba Gbenga Daniel to counsel him to show courage and composure in the face of his dwindling political relevance. He must not allow frustration to push him into confusion and hallucinations.

Without mincing words, the indelible achievements of Prince Dapo Abiodun have exposed the ineptitude of former Governor Daniel. His ingratitude to his successor—who rehabilitated him from political oblivion—will continue to haunt him as history bears witness.

Olaniyi Ajibola
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

Ogun's N16trn economy and investment destination of choice in Africa
By Olaniyi Ajibola

Like the state of California with 22, 052 manufacturing firms employing 1,340, 647 workers, Ogun State, South West Nigeria is leading as the hotbed for manufacturers among subnational governments in Africa, hosting over 7,000 manufacturing firms and employing thousands of workers in different industrial clusters across the state.

The industrial revolution in Ogun steadily started in 2019 with change in government and resultant change in government policies that entrenched favourable Ease of Doing Business and therefore transformed the state to an investment destination of choice on the continent .

The transformation in the industrial sector of the state is significantly massive as manufacturers thronged the state in droves with Millions of dollars investments and exploring the multifaceted comparative advantages embedded in the state, ranging from its proximity to commercial capital of Nigeria in Lagos, strategic location in the West Africa business corridor as well as it's functional gas reticulation system.

Also, unlike other states in Nigeria with cumbersome and bureaucratic process of land allocation, which gives room for sharp practices that make land allocation extremely difficult for investors, the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun proactively eliminated such hindrance by deploying advanced technology that fast tracks issuance of Certificate of Occupancy within weeks and without any room for exploitation.

In addition to that, the introduction of geo-mapping systems has led to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in land allocation, which, apart from preventing multiple allocations and closing loopholes, also builds investor confidence by providing clear, reliable, and accessible land data.

These creativity and commitment by Governor Dapo Abiodun in changing the old order and conscientiously developing the state have yielded tremendous success beyond imagination and expectations of many, putting the state on a very solid economic footing of N16trn as at the last quarter of 2025 fiscal year.

The Governor made this known over the weekend, saying the state's economy has increased fourfold, jumping from N3.5 trillion to N16 trillion in the last six years as the state secured an investment pledge in the range of $1.8 billion to $2.5 billion.

Prince Abiodun, while addressing Messrs. Fayad Fayad, the Strategic Advisor, and Hassan Fayad, Public Relations and Communication Officer of Mac Group, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta also revealed that the state’s foremost tourist center, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, generates about N20 million on a weekly basis after its renovation, compared to the same amount generated yearly before the turnaround of the tourist center.

According to the governor, Ogun State has, in the last six years, grown in leaps and bounds in the areas of economic development, improved infrastructure, provision of basic amenities, and reinvigorated tourist centers across the state.

In his words,"We are one of the two best-performing states in Nigeria. We are the fastest-growing economy in the country. Our economy, between 2019 and 2025, has quadrupled from N3.5 trillion to N16 trillion.

"I don't have any doubt about the competitive advantage of this state. All the ingredients that you need for the patronage of a large leisure facility are here, and I think that you have not made any error in coming as we provide the best option for investments".

Responding, the Strategic Adviser, Mac Group, Fayad Fayad, said his organization is bringing an investment worth between $1.8 billion and $2.5 billion that would focus on hospitality and entertainment.

"We are very happy to be here today in Ogun State; we are very proud to initiate this project. This is definitely the first project, and it is between the range of $1.8 billion to $2.5 billion. Very soon, you will hear very good news.

"There is an initiative that we presented to His Excellency, which is about having a Disneyland resort within Ogun State; it will be the first in Africa.

"It is a huge project for entertainment and tourism. There will be parks, entertainment, hotels, and water parks.

"We have a lot of projects to do together; we can see the vision, we can see the leadership, and we can see the growth of the economy. Hopefully, we will work side by side with Ogun State, and the sky is the limit," he said.

In the same vein, a Taiwanese multinational conglomerate and global tech giant, Foxconn, has expressed interest in setting up its manufacturing plant in Ogun State.

This was also disclosed over the weekend by AVP, Corporate BD Chairman Office, Mr. Vincent Lee, when he led a delegation to meet Governor Dapo Abiodun, at the Gateway City Gate Interchange, along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.

He explained that the delegation was in the State to explore business opportunities with a view to establishing their operations, adding that 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.

He said: "We are here in Ogun State today to meet with Mr. Governor to discuss investment opportunities that will lead to establishing our business here in Ogun State."

The Governor has earlier informed his guests that the State is gradually emerging as Africa’s investment and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) powerhouse due to the various reforms and conducive business environment put in place by his administration.

He stated that the State's success story is its unmatched ability to generate sustainable revenue and attract private capital without relying exclusively on federal allocations. This fiscal creativity, the governor emphasized, has positioned the State as an economic model for Nigeria, with ICT serving as a central driver, from automating revenue processes to expanding its digital economy.

All in all, the relentless and selfless efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun as the Chief Marketing Officer of the State have really paid off and the transformation is far beyond the reach of his naysayers and destructive critics. The success has been confirmed by all and the consensus is that the Governor has really done well and surpassed initial threshold.

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

Ogun Emerges ICT Powerhouse, Woos $200bn Tech Giant Foxconn

Ogun State’s reputation as Nigeria’s industrial gateway and a rising ICT hub received a major boost with the visit of a delegation from Foxconn, the $200 billion Taiwanese multinational and the world’s largest electronics manufacturer.

Foxconn, which produces about 75 percent of Apple iPhones and between 40 to 45 percent of components used in IT equipment globally, is considering establishing operations in Ogun State’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ). If concluded, the investment would represent one of the most significant foreign direct investments in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors.

The visiting delegation was led by Mr. Vincent Lee, AVP, Corporate BD Chairman Office, accompanied by Mr. Jesse Chao, Senior Director, and Mr. Brian Chen, Counselor, Government Relations. The team met with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the Gateway City Gate Interchange along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway to discuss investment opportunities and assess the State’s business climate.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Lee said Foxconn’s mission in Ogun was to explore opportunities to establish a manufacturing base in the State. “We are here in Ogun State today to meet with Mr. Governor to discuss investment opportunities that will lead to establishing our business here,” he said.

Governor Abiodun welcomed the delegation, noting that Ogun’s emergence as an ICT and investment powerhouse is the result of deliberate reforms designed to attract global investors. He highlighted that the State has consistently grown its internally generated revenue and reduced reliance on federal allocations by creating an efficient, technology-driven system.

“Our administration has placed ICT at the center of governance and economic development,” Abiodun said. “By unveiling our tech hubs, supporting digital entrepreneurs, and encouraging partnerships with international firms, Ogun has aligned itself with global trends in digital competitiveness and innovation.”

He further outlined reforms in land management, particularly the introduction of advanced geo-mapping systems, which have improved transparency and accountability. According to him, the reforms prevent multiple allocations, enhance tax remittances, and strengthen investor confidence by ensuring reliable land data.

Governor Abiodun also stressed his commitment to direct investor engagement, describing himself as the State’s “Chief Marketing Officer.” He emphasized Ogun’s comparative advantages, including its proximity to Lagos, established industrial base, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policy environment.

“As Nigeria’s industrial gateway, Ogun State is cementing its place as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for investment and innovation. By leveraging private sector expertise and a forward-looking development strategy, Ogun has emerged as a model for how subnational governments can thrive in a challenging economic environment,” the governor said.

Foxconn’s consideration of Ogun’s SAPZ highlights the State’s growing appeal to multinational corporations seeking to expand into Africa. It also underscores the breadth of opportunities available in ICT, industrial development, agriculture, and real estate.

The engagement with Foxconn reinforces Ogun’s determination to showcase itself as a global destination for investment. With strong policies anchored on technology, transparency, and accountability, the State is positioning itself as a preferred choice for international investors.

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

Ogun Govt: Igbimo Road Project Suspended for Legal Clearance, Not Cancelled

The Ogun State Government has reiterated that no individual, contractor or agency has the authority to carry out road construction or rehabilitation in the state without first securing approval from the appropriate authorities, as stipulated by law.

In a statement issued by the government, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, dismissed as mischievous the claim that work on the Paddy-Arikawe Oye, Igbimo Road was stopped to settle political scores, stressing that the directive was strictly in line with due process.

According to him, the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was asked to suspend operations pending clearance from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, in compliance with the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning Law (2005) and the operational guidelines of the Ogun State Public Works Agency (OGPWA).

Quoting Section 93 of the 2005 Law, Akinsanya said: “The Commissioner, with the approval of the Governor, may make regulations for the general execution of the purpose of the Law.” He noted further that the 2022 Planning and Development Permit Regulation defines development to include “construction, alteration, improvement or repair of infrastructure.”

“The law is clear. Any physical development, including roads, must be subject to the approval, supervision and regulation of the State Government. This guarantees quality control, proper coordination and prevents duplication of projects,” the Commissioner emphasized.

He explained that the Igbimo road had already been captured in the state’s rehabilitation programme. It was therefore necessary for the contractor to obtain clearance and submit the project’s scope to enable government to make adjustments to its schedule.

“For clarity, the suspension directive was issued by the Ministry of Works through its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Dr. Yusuf L.O., not to frustrate development, but to safeguard public interest and ensure adherence to procedure. This is the same process Ogun State follows when intervening on federal roads, where it must first obtain clearance from the Federal Government,” he said.

Citing precedent, Akinsanya recalled that on February 1, 2025, former federal lawmaker Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga sought approval to undertake construction on four rural roads in Simawa, Ilara and Irolu. “That is the lawful and responsible route to take, and it demonstrates that no one is above the law,” he added.

The Commissioner urged the public to disregard politically motivated reports, stressing: “No project has been cancelled. It was only suspended pending compliance with the law. The Ogun State Government remains fully committed to road development across the state but insists that all facilitators must operate within the law.”

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

Abiodun Connects Renewed Hope, Ogun Interventions, and Church’s Role in Fighting Poverty

At the 70th Foundation Anniversary and 12th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, placed the fight against poverty at the center of Nigeria’s development challenge. Speaking as Chairman of the lecture, held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, the governor drew a compelling connection between government policy, grassroots interventions, and the moral authority of the Church as a tripod on which the nation’s hope for poverty reduction rests.

The event, attended by the crème de la crème of the society, was both a celebration and a moment of sober reflection. The Foursquare Gospel Church, founded in Nigeria in 1955, has for seven decades combined evangelism with social impact—building schools, hospitals, and universities, while also engaging in humanitarian outreach and empowerment programmes.

Governor Abiodun praised this dual legacy of faith and service, calling it a model for how religious institutions can align spiritual mission with national development. “Since its establishment in Nigeria, the Foursquare Gospel Church has stood as a beacon of light, spreading the Gospel with power, humility, and love,” he said. “Beyond the pulpit, the Church has demonstrated Christ-like compassion through initiatives that touch countless lives.”

But beyond commemoration, the Governor used the platform to underscore poverty alleviation as a shared responsibility. He reminded the audience that poverty in Nigeria is not just a statistic but a human reality. Citing Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, he noted that poverty goes beyond a lack of money—it is the denial of human capability and potential. “Government cannot do this alone,” Abiodun stressed. “Faith-based organizations, private sector players, and community leaders must join hands with us to provide education, mentorship, and micro-financing. These collaborations uplift individuals and foster resilience in communities, making them less vulnerable to poverty and social dislocation.”

Connecting national and state efforts, Abiodun drew parallels between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Ogun State’s grassroots poverty-reduction initiatives. At the federal level, he pointed to interventions such as the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme to vulnerable households, the expansion of social safety nets, the National School Feeding Programme targeting over 10 million pupils, and the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has already disbursed more than ₦100 billion to support students. These, he argued, are designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term opportunities for Nigerians.

At the state level, the governor pointed to programmes like Oko Owo Dapo, a women’s cooperative scheme which has empowered more than 100,000 women to save over ₦1.5 billion, boosting their trade and even inspiring discussions about establishing a community bank. In addition, his administration has supplied farm inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and improved seedlings to increase agricultural yields and curb food inflation. Other interventions include free healthcare services for the elderly and vulnerable, as well as the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) mass transit buses and electric motorcycles to cushion transportation costs.

“These immediate interventions are extremely important until the medium- to long-term initiatives begin to kick in,” Abiodun explained. “Our goal is to empower citizens to rise above poverty while we build critical infrastructure like good roads, affordable housing, power supply, and water systems that enable sustainable prosperity.”

The governor also emphasized the Church’s unique contribution to the national struggle against poverty, describing it as a custodian of moral capital. With its vast membership, grassroots networks, and spiritual influence, he argued, the Pentecostal Church can reinforce values of discipline, stewardship, and accountability—qualities vital for both governance and development. “The Church must continue to inspire values of hard work, integrity, and accountability,” he said. “Together—Church, Government, and People—we can build a Nigeria where faith fuels development, and development strengthens faith.”

In his response, Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, commended Governor Abiodun’s administration for investing in infrastructure, agriculture, education, youth empowerment, and social welfare. He noted that such policies have not only improved Ogun State’s profile but also mirrored the Church’s own commitment to holistic human development.

The intellectual highlight of the occasion was the lecture delivered by Dr. Doyin Salami, titled “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy.” Dr. Salami dissected Nigeria’s persistent poverty challenge, noting that although numerous reforms have been attempted, many have failed to yield lasting results. He contrasted Nigeria’s slow progress with China’s dramatic poverty reduction over the last three decades, attributing the difference to a lack of consistent reform, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance.

“Poverty is not just about income but about access—access to education, healthcare, reliable data, and secure environments,” Salami argued. He identified electricity as the backbone of industrialization, while stressing the urgent need for quality education and a functional healthcare system to improve human capital. He also floated the idea of a seven-year tenure for elected officials, contending that it could reduce the distraction of electoral cycles and give leaders more time to implement transformative policies.

Dr. Salami’s prescription dovetailed with Abiodun’s call for shared responsibility. Both emphasized that poverty alleviation requires not just policy but partnership—between government and people, between vision and values, between reforms and resilience.

As the Foursquare Gospel Church marked its 70th anniversary, the celebration became more than a milestone; it was a reminder that faith and action must remain intertwined in Nigeria’s journey towards a just and prosperous future. The Church’s legacy, Abiodun’s grassroots initiatives, and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda all point in the same direction: poverty is not inevitable, but defeating it demands unity of purpose across every sector of society.

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

Legal Year of new hope in Ogun

As the Ogun State's judiciary marks the 2025/2026 legal year with a special thanksgiving service on Monday, people of the state were fascinated by the news of approval by the Federal Government to establish Court of Appeal in Abeokuta, the state capital.

This development came as an addition to scores of enduring accomplishments recorded by the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, as the state continues to witness speedy advancements in all sectors.

Recalled that the Governor recently got approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland dry port, making it two inland dry ports in the state as NCAA granted certification to the Gateway International Airport to commence commercial flights operations, that is even as the state was being ranked 2nd in Nigeria with N299,000 per capital assets, according to StatiSense 2024.

It is in the face of these remarkable achievements by Prince Dapo Abiodun that the news of the establishment of the second ranking court of jurisprudence in Ogun State was greeted with excitement and commendation among the residents, praising the Governor for his resilience and selfless efforts to take the state to higher level of development.

Announcing the development at Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, the venue of the special thanksgiving, Governor Abiodun noted that
the establishment of the Appellate Court would bring justice closer to the people of the state and as well ensure quick dispensation and administration of justice .

He said: "We have finally received the formal approval for the establishment of the Ogun State division of the Federal Court of Appeal in Abeokuta.

"This is indeed a landmark achievement of an initiative proudly and aggressively championed by our administration to bring justice closer to our people and to ease the heavy caseload currently on the Ibadan division.

"As a government, we recognize that justice is the foundation of every prosperous society, and we appreciate the fact that the Ogun State judiciary has not only maintained its independence but has also taken commendable strides towards improving access to justice, reducing case backlogs, and embracing reforms."

As a man with conviction about the indispensability of judiciary in the continuity and survival of democracy, Governor Abiodun charged judicial officers to uphold the principles of integrity, impartiality and courage as essential ingredients of justice.

Expressing his firm belief in judiciary as the last hope of common man, the Governor enjoined judicial workers to ensure justice for everyone irrespective of social status, gender or language.

Speaking from his impeccable background and political culture , which intrinsically rooted in decency and rule of law, Governor Abiodun harped on independence of judiciary as an integral tools for good governance .

The Governor further expressed his deep penchant for strong judiciary and balanced adjudication of justice by pledging to support the appellate court to efficiently fulfil it's statutory obligation.

He posited,"Our administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance judicial efficiency and uphold the integrity of the legal system in our dear state.

"We will continue to prioritize the welfare and accommodations of judicial officers by making adequate housing arrangements and providing other essential support for our judges and other judicial staff who may be posted to serve in the Ogun State division of the Court of Appeal''.

This ideology of the Governor about the necessity of the judiciary as harbinger of liberty and rights of the citizenry is highly commendable and enviable, it speaks volume of his democratic credentials and certification.

Olaniyi Ajibola, SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communications

From Policy to People: Ogun’s 1,200 Assistants and the Politics of Compassion

For a few days now, Ogun State has been buzzing with debates over Governor Dapo Abiodun’s appointment of 1,200 political assistants across the 236 wards of the state. Detractors have rushed to dismiss it as political patronage. But beyond the noise lies a more compelling truth: this is not politics as usual—it is governance with compassion.

Let’s be clear. The essence of this initiative is not about titles or politics, but about people. By embedding five assistants in each ward, the governor has ensured that every community, no matter how remote, has a bridge to government. Governance, which often feels distant, is suddenly local, accessible, and responsive.

And the impact? Enormous. These 1,200 assistants are not just officeholders; they are sons, daughters, and breadwinners with families and dependents. Even at a conservative estimate of five dependents per assistant, over 10,000 individuals will feel the ripple effect each month. In today’s Nigeria—where inflation is biting hard, school fees weigh heavily on parents, and families are cutting meals—this is not tokenism. It is relief.

Picture the widow who can now keep her children in school because a stipend reaches her household. Think of the farmer who finally has a channel to raise concerns about irrigation or market access. Or the young graduate, instead of joining the “Japa” wave, finding mentorship and opportunity through the ward structure. These are not statistics. They are human stories, and this initiative meets them at their point of need.

Globally, history supports this approach. India’s Panchayati Raj brought governance to the grassroots and transformed rural life. South Korea’s Saemaul Undong lifted entire villages out of poverty through community-driven leadership. In Nigeria, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has, for decades, placed graduates into communities, blending service with grassroots development. Ogun’s 1,200 assistants follow this same logic: empower people locally, and society becomes stronger collectively.

Critics call it a stunt. But what is truly “stunt-like” about paying school fees? What is political about food on the table? When 10,000 households find succour monthly, when youths are drawn into governance, when farmers and traders finally feel heard—this is not patronage. It is participation. It is policy turned into people’s welfare.

Of course, the programme must be well-coordinated, transparent, and results-driven. These assistants will be trained, monitored, and held to accountability frameworks. Done right, this becomes more than an appointment—it becomes a model for grassroots democracy in Nigeria.

Governor Abiodun’s decision is a reminder that governance is not only about building roads or commissioning bridges. True governance is measured in the dignity of families, the relief of communities, and the empowerment of ordinary people.

So yes, let the critics keep talking. But for the mother who can now buy food, the farmer who now has a voice, and the young graduate who now finds purpose, this is not noise. This is reality.

From policy to people—that is the Ogun difference.

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

Dapo Abiodun, strengthening Participatory Democracy Beyond Rhetorics

An American political pundit and astute strategist, Tip O'Neill, who once held sway as the Speaker of the U.S.House of Representatives was so famous for his political culture of local participation and mobilization. He popularized the common phrase,"All Politics is local''.

Indeed, all politics is local, especially in a democratic setting where the integral purpose of every consideration revolves around the people with different and distinct local identities.

Thus, leader that worth his salt handles local segment of the political structure with all seriousness and attention for the purpose of strengthening mechanism for good governance through feedbacks.

There is no doubt that Governor Dapo Abiodun is one leader that knows his onions. The Governor over times has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he understands the tenets and dynamics of democratic governance beyond rhetorics.

He has demonstrated his deep knowledge of bottom -up social inclusion and local engagement, knowing fully well that good governance clearly requires comprehensive participation predicated on robust channels for feedbacks.

It is against this backdrop that the Ogun State Government on Friday announced the appointment of 1,200 political assistants to serve as agents of good governance at the grassroots and to enhance civic engagement across the state.

Announcing the initiative in a statement, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the move as a strategic effort to strengthen democratic governance across all nooks and crannies of the state.

According to him, the assistants — five from each of the 236 wards in Ogun State — will ensure greater local participation in governance, effectively bridging the gap between the grassroots and the state government.

Akinmade said,"The newly appointed political assistants are to support the delivery of democratic dividends, articulate the needs of their respective wards, and communicate these needs to the state government. They are also expected to provide accurate feedback from the government to the wards and vice versa''.

He added that the initiative fulfills Governor Dapo Abiodun’s electoral promise to carry every ward along in his administration’s development programmes and to run an all-inclusive government that values the people’s inputs in shaping policies and initiatives.

It is, therefore , pertinent for these newly appointed political assistants to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Governor and hit the ground running by initiating modalities for strong engagement at the grassroots.

They must carefully and steadily interrogate the sociopolitical needs of the people at that level of societal structure and communicate all policies and programmes of government to the people in a very clear language they will understand better.

In the same vein, they should never hesitate to educate the people on the need to cooperate and support the Government of the day in its quest to take the state to an enviable height.

Meanwhile, with these appointments, Governor Dapo Abiodun has redefined democratic governance in a more dynamic dimension, thereby taking governance to the grassroots and the very basic of social structure.

This creativity of the Governor reminds one of what the former Prime Minister of Philippines, Gloria Aroyo, called the litmus text of a good leader by saying",What defines a good leader is the capacity to be at the fore-front leading with courage, at the middle inspiring and at the back defending the superior interests of his people".

Obviously, the interests of the people of Ogun State are paramount in the heart of Governor Dapo Abiodun, he has broadened the mechanism for engagement with the grassroots and expanded the scope of political communication.

We salute the sagacity of the Governor and his ingenuity to deepen democracy in Ogun State, by consistently upholding the guiding principles of his administration," Building Our Future Together ''.

Olaniyi Ajibola, SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communications.

Abiodun Lights the Path of Sustainable Industrialisation in Africa

When Ogun State emerged winner of the “Most Sustainable/Going Green Stand” at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, it was far more than an accolade. It was a torch raised across the African skyline, fuelled by the vision and determination of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, and his dynamic economic team. Like a lighthouse standing tall on a restless shore, this honour beams a guiding light for the continent, proving that industry and sustainability can indeed march together as companions on the same road.

Ogun State, long celebrated as Nigeria’s industrial heartbeat, has under Abiodun’s stewardship blossomed into more than a factory hub. Today, it is hailed as a land where commerce breathes alongside conscience, where growth unfolds like a garden in bloom—flourishing without choking the soil. The award affirms that Ogun is not just erecting industries but also planting the green shoots of tomorrow’s prosperity.

At the core of this achievement lies Governor Abiodun’s masterstroke of vision—a blueprint where sustainability is not a decorative afterthought, but a golden thread woven into the State’s economic tapestry. Through multi-modal infrastructure, industrial clusters, and free trade zones, the Governor has carved not only centres of commerce but engines of responsible growth. His economic team, steadfast and strategic, have cultivated these projects with the care of gardeners nurturing fertile land, ensuring that innovation and responsibility rise together like twin pillars of progress.

The symbolism of this continental recognition is powerful. In an Africa striving to unlock the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ogun under Abiodun’s leadership has stepped forward, not merely as a participant, but as a pioneer. The Gateway International Cargo Airport, the dry ports, the expanding road networks, and the gas infrastructure are not isolated achievements. They are bridges arching across Africa’s fragmented trade corridors, weaving together a fabric of deeper exchange, wider opportunities, and shared prosperity.

For the people of Ogun, this honour translates into tangible blessings. It promises jobs for restless youth, fertile ground for entrepreneurs, and cleaner, safer communities for families. It is a pledge that industrialisation will not crush the environment, but rather protect it as a cherished inheritance for generations yet unborn.

The “green laurels” won in Algiers are more than a trophy—they are a flame lit by Governor Abiodun, a symbol of steadfast leadership and forward vision. They prove that a state can industrialise without losing its soul, that smokestacks can rise without smothering the skies, and that prosperity can be pursued without mortgaging posterity.

As the applause of Algiers resounds across Africa, Ogun State stands tall, its Governor celebrated as a leader who chose not merely the path of growth, but the luminous path of sustainable industrialisation. With this award, Abiodun has inscribed Ogun’s name not only into the annals of IATF but into the unfolding story of Africa’s economic renaissance.

Ogun’s laurels in Algiers are more than recognition—they are a torch. And with Prince Dapo Abiodun carrying it aloft, Ogun State is lighting Africa’s journey toward a greener, more prosperous tomorrow.

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

Ogun and the transformation towards alternative Nigeria's commercial capital

Analysts have depicted the various projects of great economic impacts initiated and implemented by Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration as a conscious efforts towards transforming Ogun State to a formidable alternative to Lagos as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.

They have argued that the greatest selling points of the Gateway State that qualify it as a better alternative to Lagos is it's landmass, present infrastructural development, and the proximity of the state to the age-long commercial capital of Nigeria among others.

While Ogun state land mass stands at 16, 762 square kilometres, Lagos State is just 3,345 square kilometres, making Ogun about five times bigger than Lagos State. Unfortunately, this comparative advantage has not been optimally explored and transformed into economic value for the state until now.

Warren Bennis once posited that," Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality'', and that is exactly what Prince Dapo Abiodun has done in Ogun State. As a man of vision and vigour, the Governor has systematically taken the state from where he met it to where it supposed to be.

As Ogun State indigenes all over the world are basking in the euphoria of having the best Airport in Nigeria located in the State and the recent authorisation to begin commercial flights operations , the Federal Government approved the establishment of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway, Ijebu-Ode.

This is in addition to the one in Kajola, making it two inland dry ports in Ogun State. This recent approval remains a significant milestone for the state. The project, to be sited on 130 hectares of land graciously allocated by the Ogun State Government, follows a request by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and granted on an ex-gratis basis, reflecting the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting national infrastructure and creating enabling environments for trade and investment.

By design and according to the projections of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the new Ijebu -Ode inland Dry Port when completed will automatically operates to decongest the Lagos Port System, which will serve as a big relief for the commercial city and eliminate economic quagmire caused by congestion.

The Port will also serve as a cargo consolidation and distribution hub for the South-West region, which invariably consolidates the regional efforts to stimulate local production and exportation, as it particularly enhance Ogun State’s competitiveness in trade and logistics;

Obviously, the operations at the Port will jack up the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria and strengthen the national economy the more in the same manner it will immensely contribute to the advancement of Ogun State Industrial Hub initiative.

Another pertinent area of advantage of the Port for Ogun State and Nigeria at large is the potency of unlocking ample opportunities for the youths by creating decent jobs and productive economic engagement, coupled with it's socio-economic impacts on Ijebu-ode and it's environs.

In his reaction to the Federal Government's approval, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his delight on this laudable achievements, describing it as a cheering news for the state and all sons and daughters of the state across the world

He said," The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large.”

Obviously, the Gateway International Airport and the two Inland Dry Ports of Kajola and Ijebu-Ode are important national assets domiciled in Ogun state. This enduring legacies of the present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun speak volume of the Governor's creativity and clarity of purpose.

It further explains the innate leadership capacity in a man some unscrupulous political elements once underrated in the consideration of ability for quality leadership and good governance. It is indeed a lesson of sort for political players in Nigeria.

Without mincing words, Nigeria and Nigerians need this pattern of developmental drive in the body polity to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration and the manifestoes of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

Olaniyi Ajibola, SSA to Ogun State Governor on Strategic Communications

Abiodun, the Ogun Chief Marketer always on the move

Speaking from the position of satisfactory knowledge about good leadership and selfless service, the first American President, George Washington once said," Ninety percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want".

This submission unequivocally describes the nature and vision of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has consistently and convincingly taken up the responsibility of the Chief Marketer of the state, communicating with the international community about Ogun products of great value and prosperity.

Changing the business environment through decisive and deliberate policies that made the state the Best In Ease of Doing Business within a secured security architecture and necessary infrastructure, Governor Dapo Abiodun indeed has a lot in stock to market to the world.

The Governor's recent visit to Algiers to participate in the high-level panel session titled “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns” at the just concluded IATF25 in the capital of the North African country is a further testimony of a leader superintending a leading subnational government adjudged as the country's number one investment destination.

Delivering his speech with profound clarity and precision at the panel, the Ogun Chief Marketer emphasized the pivotal role of subnational governments in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Highlighting factors militating against favourable balanced of trade across the continent of Africa, Governor Abiodun argued that despite Africa’s enormous potentials, intra-continental trade still accounts for only about 15 percent of total trade, largely due to weak infrastructure, cumbersome regulations, and fragmented value chains.

The Governor, however added that his administration, right from it's inception in 2019 has revolutionalized the Ogun State business ecosystem to make it more efficient and functional, by proactively breaking these barriers through bold initiatives designed to attract investment and deepen trade.

Abiodun, then began to articulate arrays of his legacy projects that continued to drive the state's economy as a leading industrial hub in Nigeria, which includes: The Multi-modal transport system that intrinsically connects the state through road, air and rail.

He mentioned the Gateway International Cargo Airport, located along Iperu-Ilisan road, which is a contiguous zone to Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria as well as the dry ports in Ijebu-Ode and Kajola.

The Governor was particularly excited to announce his enviable feat in road construction despite inheriting humongous deficit in road infrastructure at the beginning of his administration and went ahead to construct over 1,200 kilometres of roads and upgraded many others.

Of paramount importance for the sustainability and advancement of the real sector in the state is the expanded gas reticulation networks that affords manufacturing firms the opportunity to access energy easily without blemish.

Governor Abiodun also informed the panel of creating Economic Development Clusters and Free Trade Zones across the state. According to him, the Remo Economic Development Cluster was strategically established to be anchored by the newly licensed Gateway International Airport.

In the same vein, the Ijebu Economic Development Cluster enjoys the proximity to the Dangote Refinery and Agro-Allied Industries, while the Agbara Industrial Cluster; the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone; and several other hubs were consciously designed to support co-location, shared utilities, and value-chain optimisation.

Also, unlike in the past when the process of acquiring lands was highly problematic cumbersome for investors, the Governor announced his policy of simplified processes for investors through the One-Stop Investment Center (OgunInvest) and a GIS-enabled Land Bank covering 300,000 hectares of pre-verified land, with enabling faster permits, titles, and approvals.

He went ahead to state that policy certainty, which encompasses frameworks under the 2019 PPP Law, as well as risk-sharing partnerships with AfDB and IFAD, and structured government-industry dialogue further made Ogun business environment very friendly for every investor.

He stated that Ogun State has a distinct comparative cost advantage of location, strategically positioned for seamless access to Lagos ports, ECOWAS markets, and the Benin Republic border for regional distribution.

Governor Abiodun concluded by saying that with these deliberate and intentional interventions, Ogun State is positioning itself as Nigeria’s foremost AfCFTA hub—where scale, speed, and certainty converge to unlock shared prosperity for Africa.

As the Chief Marketer continues to be on the move to communicate with the global community and market Ogun Products, the people of the state are very proud of their thought leader.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

Paul Alaje vs Seun Okinbaloye: Between Better and Best

By Olaniyi Ajibola

I was watching my favourite Talk Show on Channels Television yesterday, Sunday Politics, anchors by Seun Okinbaloye, featuring Dr. Paul Alaje, a Chief Economist at SPM Professionals, to dissect the fiscal and monetary policies of the Federal Government with regards to the statement made by President Bola Tinubu in Brazil about the stability of the Nigeria's economy, and something very interesting happened in the course of the programme.

Okinbaloye, in his usual dramatic gesticulation made allusion to the sterling performance of Zacch Adelabu Adedeji as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) who graduated with a first class from OAU, Ife. The commendation was sharply corroborated by Alaje in a normal tradition of every 'Great Ife' saying such performance is expected of Adedeji being a product of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife(OAU)

The anchor would not allowed that comment to go without a corresponding response to eulogize his Alma Mater too, and he responded by describing his Alma Mater, University of Ilorin as 'Better' among it's equals; Alaje, therefore, punctured Okinbaloye's statement with lucidity,"Yes Seun, but there is difference between Better and Best".

I knew Paul Alaje back then on OAU campus, not through academic activities and interactions as I was a year ahead of him and from different faculties but at the popular Awo Hall Café, the traditional Legislative Chamber for OAU Students' Representative Council(SRC) the most powerful and revolutionary Students' Parliament in Nigeria and the point of convergence of Great Ife Students for deliberations on topical issues of interests.

Paul Alaje was not a member of the SRC, but a member of the parliament by the virtue of his studentship, in line with the Union's tradition. He had the right of contributions from the 'Gallery', while I was a Parliamentarian representing Faculty of Arts. Alaje became so famous by the quality of his contributions and exceptional oratory prowess, which endeared him to many students.

Prof, as he was fondly called then, the name given to him by his course mates in the Department of Economics because of his brilliance and analytical capacity would not missed a single parliamentary session, despite the fact that the meeting normally held at night till early morning sometimes. His consistent and informed contributions later gave him an identity that later threw him up politically.

By the end of the parliamentary year and in tandem with the constitution of the OAU Students' Union, the Students' Electoral Committee must be constituted at the last meeting, and I emerged as the Chairman of the Electoral Committee. Immediately my Committee lifted ban on political activities and reeled out activities for elections into different offices in the Union, ranging from the HEC(Hall Executive Council ) to SRC(Students' Representative Council) and CEC(Central Executive Council) Paul Alaje expressed his interest in the CEC for the position of the President .

Although, he was popular among the students, Alaje to us then was a rookie n OAU politics, because the politics on that campus then was ideologically driven and inclined, dominated by leftist tendencies, so it appeared practically impossible for someone from the reactionary right like Alaje Paul to lead the students in that exalted capacity.

Expectedly, Alaje set up an all-inclusive Campaign Committee, including all shades of students. He began an aggressive campaign in every nook and cranny of the campus, including churches and mosques, mobilising the mass of students in the most efficient manner.

Despite this effective campaign strategy, the left still perceived Alaje as mere jester and political clown, who was simply advertising his eloquence and gift of the garb among great Ife students, saying the tall guy would not make any difference in the elections.

As an umpire, my position was extremely dangerous, first as a result of my fraternity with the left and secondly because of my affinity with two of the contestants for the position of the President, namely Olorunwa Emmanuel Adeleke, popularly known as Godey and the former Speaker of the SRC, Destiny Adodo, who is now a very successful Legal Practitioner in Lagos.

Adeleke, a member of the Democratic Socialist Movement(DSM) was my 'Comrade' at the bar, while I contested against Adodo for the position of the Speakership of the Parliament , which brought us together after the election and in the course of parliamentary sessions as I led the clique of resistance in the parliament.

Alaje was aware of all these and on one fateful day, he accosted me around Moremi Hall, expressing his fear and reservation about the credibility of the election, citing my closeness to two of the contestants. I quickly allayed his fear and assured him of my determination and resolve to conduct credible election that would be free and fair to all.

After studying the political environment carefully and painstakingly, I devised an electoral methodology that seamlessly and practically made manipulation implicitly impossible, which I coined: "Anti- Manipulation In Transit". Unlike the usual method of voting at the faculties which represented polling units for students and counting and declaration of results at the Central Collation Centre, I made every faculty the collation centre in which results at every faculty were counted in the full glare of all voters and agents and subsequently declared after endorsement by all the agents

This method unprecedently made the elections highly credible, free and completely fair, as Paul Alaje emerged as the President of the OAU Students' Union. My two friends lost the election gallantry and we continued our friendship thereafter in principle.

It is therefore, very fascinating and interesting seeing the great mobilizer and orator of those days, Paul Alaje , doing profoundly well in what he knows how to do best across the globe, flying the flag of Great Ife with utmost pride and confidence.

There is truly difference between Better and Best.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications.

08/09/2025

PRESS RELEASE

NCAA Grants Nigeria’s First Aerodrome Operational Permit to Ogun’s Gateway International Airport
...As NAMA Satisfactorily Calibrates ILS/DME System on Runway 23

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued Nigeria’s first-ever Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP) to the Gateway International Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State. This historic approval makes the facility the first airport in the country to attain this certification under the NCAA’s enhanced regulatory framework. The NCAA conducted audits, inspection of the airport, the equipment , NAVIDS, fire fighting apparatus, operationally readiness of the staffing response time to incidents and response time and airport facilities. Based on the assessment, the airport met all the standards.

In addition, the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) installed on Runway 23 of the Gateway International Airport has been declared “totally satisfactory in all respects” and cleared for unrestricted use after a successful flight inspection conducted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on September 4, 2025. This will allow for 24-hour operation in all types of weather.

Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, described the milestone as a validation of his administration’s vision to make Ogun State a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity.
“This achievement is not just for Ogun State but for Nigeria as a whole. The Gateway International Airport is a symbol of progress and a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure,” he said.

The certifications position the Gateway International Airport as a game-changer in Nigeria’s aviation sector, promising safer and more reliable operations, direct international market access for farmers, job opportunities for youths, and reduced congestion at Lagos airports.

With these approvals, Ogun State has firmly established itself as a leader in aviation development, setting new standards for infrastructure, safety, and global competitiveness.

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

NELFUND: FEDPOLY EDE HAILS TINUBU, DESCRIBES IT AS REVOLUTION IN EDUCATION

The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, fnse has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his foresight and ingenuity in the introduction of National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) saying the initiative has revolutionalized the education sector.

The Rector made the commendation in an interactive session with Journalists in his office, saying the scheme has expanded access to quality education among Nigerian students, especially indigent students of low means of survival.

Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya told the newsmen that with the introduction of Nelfund, no students would be deprived of higher education again as a result of financial constraints.

The Rector expressed his conviction about the potency of the initiative and many other reforms of the Federal Government in transforming all sectors, especially the education sector, with resultant goals of nation-building and egalitarian Nigerian society.

Reeling out the analysis of disbursement among the students of the Polytechnic, Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya disclosed that two batches of payment have been received by the institution.

He explained that in the 2023/2024 academic session, 583 students benefited from the loans, amounting to #34, 769,341.10, also in 2024/2025, a total of 969 Students received a sum of #65,453,430.00 from NELFUND. The Rector expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government while assuring the students' populace that the process of disbursement is still ongoing



He, therefore, advised beneficiaries of the Nelfund loans to reciprocate this good gestures of the Federal Government by ensuring an hitch free academic session in the institution, charging them to be a good ambassador of the school where ever they found themselves

In a related development, the Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Prof Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya, Esq, on 26th June, 2025 presented a refurbished Toyota HIACE BUS to the Students Union Leadership (SUL), a move many observers described as laudable step in complementing the efforts of the Federal Government to bring succour to the students populace.

Meanwhile, cross sections of students have applauded the development as a pragmatic way of giving the students a sense of belongings and also strengthening their association for quality contributions to the development of the institution.

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

Dapo Abiodun, changing Ogun narratives with utmost alacrity

By Olaniyi Ajibola

The 49-year old Ogun State remains a significant federating unit among the rest, considering it's cosmopolitan posture in location and history, as well as the sophistication of it's human endowment; the gateway state is without doubt a leading light in all ramifications.

Like many other sub-nationals, the state had its share of the suffocating military Junta with resultant stagnation in development and absence of direction in leadership, as inherent potentials of the state left untapped and in the state of inertia.

Successive civilian governments, however, made some efforts to change the ugly trend, especially between 1999 and 2003, when rural roads were substantially constructed and rehabilitated for smooth connectivity within communities.

Meanwhile, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun from 29th May, 2019 came with aggressive determination to change the old order and transform the existing projects of value, strictly working in tandem with the maxim,'' Building Our Future Together ".

In a swift and decisive move, Governor Dapo Abiodun left his friends and foes in total astonishment. In less than six years of being in the saddle, he has constructed over 1200kms of roads, the feat that surpassed the combined efforts of all his predecessors in road construction.

Of profound significance and fascinating is the Abeokuta-Sango-Ota -Lagos Expressway. The road that was not only frustrating and a nightmare but constituted total embarrassment to the state with serious economic quagmire.

As a responsive and responsible leader, Governor Dapo Abiodun made frantic efforts to take over the construction of the road from the Federal Government during his first term in office, unfortunately, the man that held sway as the Minister of Works at that time remained insensitive and indifferent to the issue, he even reiterated his illogical stance on the National Television, claiming the road belongs to the Federal Government and the State has no legal authority to work on it irrespective of what the road users were passing through daily.

Governor Abiodun perseverance and consistency later paid off in this dispensation, as the new man in charge of the Ministry thinker along with the Governor and saw reason for quick action, thereby granting the request of the Ogun State Government to repair the road.

The conspicuously elated Governor broke the 21-year jinx of stagnation and frustration by flagging off the construction of the 70-km road on 23rd August 2024, with assertions of commitment and completion within 18 months.

As it stands, and about a year after the flag off, the Governor has truly proved to be a talk and do leader, a rare attribute in the political enclave of Africa. As the construction of the road nears it's completion, motorists and commuters alike have begun to praise and commend the Governor for his ingenuity, sincerity and clarity of purpose.

Five gangs are working simultaneously at Olomore, Midgad/Metroxide, Papanlanto Junction, Owode, and the Toll Gate axis, where earthwork, stone base, and drainage have been completed while asphalt is being laid.

Also, the failed portions at Brewery, Obada, and Itori Junction up to Lafarge Cement Factory, Ewekoro, have been repaired and opened for motorists, the development that elicited jubilant reactions from different individuals in the axis.

The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, said: "This road has been abandoned for so many years, and I thank God that Governor Dapo Abiodun took the bull by the horns and committed to doing the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road.

"Though it is a federal road, Governor Abiodun said he would complete the road, and he has started it. Our governor is a man of his word, and his word is his bond.

"I have never witnessed such a governor in the state since my enthronement who says something and achieves it. We will tell our stories by ourselves; the giant stride of the governor on this road is still unbelievable.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun is a man of the people; he feels the people's pain, and the governor is doing fine because he has someone at his back. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been our governor's pillar of support, what he met on the ground when he became the governor was so sad, but today, we thank God that God has revealed Himself."

As the people of the state and many road users await the completion of this all-important road in the next few months, the euphoria of this triumph resonates across board, from elite to the peasants and artisans, including students and market women, they continue to say Thank You Mr Talk and Do, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.

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

Abiodun Secures Approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

.....weeks after Gateway International Airport gained NCAA certification.

Ogun State has recorded yet another landmark achievement under the vl leadership Prince Dapo Abiodun, with the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway, Ijebu-Ode.

This Fresh milestone in the quest of the Governor to deliver several national projects as enduring legacies of his administration has been widely celebrated in the state and beyond.

The project, to be sited on 130 hectares of land graciously allocated by the Ogun State Government, follows a request by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to Governor Abiodun. The allocation, granted on an ex-gratis basis, reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting national infrastructure and creating enabling environments for trade and investment.

When completed, the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port will:

Decongest the Lagos Port System;

Serve as a cargo consolidation and distribution hub for the South-West region;

Enhance Ogun State’s competitiveness in trade and logistics;

Increase national Gross Domestic Product (GDP);

Strengthen the Ogun State Industrial Hub initiative;

Create jobs and unlock new economic opportunities;

Add aesthetic and infrastructural value to Ijebu-Ode and its environs.


This milestone comes on the heels of another major infrastructural success — the Gateway International Airport recently received its official certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), positioning Ogun State firmly on Nigeria’s aviation map and boosting its appeal as a destination for global trade, investment, and tourism.

Speaking on the approval, Governor Abiodun affirmed:
“The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large.”

With the Kajola Inland Dry Port already secured for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster and now the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port for the Eastern corridor, Ogun State is strategically balancing industrial growth across its three Senatorial Districts, ensuring equity and sustainable development.

These achievements stand as shining testaments to Governor Abiodun’s visionary leadership and his administration’s unrelenting drive to deliver modern infrastructure, attract investment, and unlock prosperity for all.


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

28th August 2025

₦299K per capita assets – Ogun State ranks 2nd in Nigeria under Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON (StatiSense 2024)


In 2024, Ogun State has demonstrated what visionary leadership can achieve. With ₦299,000 per capita assets, the state ranks second nationally, a remarkable feat that underscores the transformative leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON. This milestone is more than a statistic—it is a clear rebuttal to those who doubted the state’s potential under his stewardship.

While critics have questioned whether states can achieve sustainable development independently, Ogun State has defied expectations. Under Governor Abiodun, the state has strengthened its revenue base, diversified its economy, and implemented policies that translate growth into tangible benefits for citizens. The state’s GDP continues to expand, supported by robust manufacturing, commerce, agriculture, and services sectors. Internally Generated Revenue has surged, demonstrating fiscal discipline and the capacity to fund strategic projects without over-reliance on federal allocations.

The ₦703 billion 2024 budget reflects careful planning and prioritization, channeling resources to infrastructure, social protection, and economic initiatives. The 2024 National Sports Festival is a testament to Governor Abiodun’s foresight, creating jobs, upgrading infrastructure, and stimulating local commerce. Roads have been improved, social amenities enhanced, and opportunities for entrepreneurship expanded—proof that leadership under Abiodun is inclusive, effective, and transformative.

The ₦299K per capita figure is more than a number—it is evidence that principled, visionary governance delivers results. Ogun State has set a benchmark for Nigerian states, showing that with strategic planning, discipline, and a focus on citizens’ welfare, even the skeptics must acknowledge progress.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, embodies leadership that is resilient against cynicism and unwavering against opposition. Ogun State in 2024 is not merely growing—it is thriving under a leader who turns vision into measurable prosperity, proving that effective governance can change the trajectory of a state.

Under his stewardship, Ogun has become a model of economic resilience, fiscal prudence, and citizen-centered development—a living testament to what dedicated and strategic leadership can accomplish.

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

OSUN 2026: OMISORE REMAINS ONLY AND BEST OPTION FOR APC

Osun State, since it's creation in 1991, has remains a very politically inclined and conscious environment, possibly owing to it's former affinity with the old Oyo State, which was hitherto the headquarters of the defunct Western Region and the epicentre of it's politics.

The intensity and tempo of political trajectory of the state signified a vibrant political ambience of sensitivity, especially in certain towns like Ile-ife, Ede, Ire, Ila, Osogbo, Ijesha land and many others, which had in the past produced brilliant and courageous politicians of notes, who have succeeded in building strong political enclaves and empires that continued to birth witty political players till today.

Names like Bola Ige, Chief Sunday Afolabi, Isiaka Adeleke, Bisi Akande, Iyiola Omisore were leading political players that made and shaped the State from the aborted third republic to the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

These individuals, despite their shortcomings as humans contributed immensely to the political survival and development of Osun State in all ramifications, making them heroes worthy of celebrating at all times .

Meanwhile, among these individuals, only one person remains very active in the politics of the State and Nigeria at large. While three among them were late, Baba Bisi Akande is old and only performs advisory role to the people in power, only Iyiola Omisore remains very active as usual and making waves in the Nigerian body politics as a very shrewd and tactical player.

Omisore's political sagacity is exceptionally distinct, calm but calculative in every of his moves with clear precision. He was the first man in Nigeria that had won election in incarceration, before the truth eventually surfaced to exonerate him and was acquitted and discharged by the competent court of jurisdiction.

The innocence of Omisore in the case concerning the death of late Bola Ige was proven by the court of public opinion and court of law. His election to the Senate from his senatorial district, which even comprised of Ijesha land, the ancestral home of Chief Bola Ige while the case lasted was a clear testament of his innocence as strongly understood by his people.

Chief Bisi Akande, in a recent Podcast admitted that the then political imbroglio between him and his Deputy had nothing to do with the death of Bola Ige, alleging state's killing. What a revelation!

The pronouncement of the court after comprehensive investigation by experts finally put the ugly incident to rest and the rest became history. Meaning Senator Iyiola Omisore was absolved of any wrongdoing by both court of public opinion and competent court of justice.

Meanwhile, his experience as a Deputy Governor for that short period of time had equipped him with requiste capacity and sagacity which he brought to bear as one of the 109 senators between 2003 and 2011, even as the Chairman of one of the most sensitive and respected Committee of the Red Chamber, Committee on Appropriations.

His eight years in the upper legislative chamber was a turning point for Osun East Senatorial District and the state at large, his huge achievements remain a reference point in his senatorial district and Osun State in general.

Iyiola Omisore was the most popular candidate in the Osun gubernatorial elections of 2014 and 2018, in which he lost by a whisker. He later displayed a rare political maturity and sagacity when he threw his weight behind the candidacy of Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the re-run of September, 2018, which brought Oyetola to power as Governor, against Ademola Adeleke of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Omisore's action that saved the APC in 2018 endeared him to many electorate in the state who had ignorantly been fed with lies about his personality and what he stands for; Omisore then became the cynosure of all eyes in Osun political space and beyond.

The Ife-born politician again displayed his innate political strength and acumen, when he courageously dislodged the sectional political hegemony that were trying to deny President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the APC presidential ticket in 2022, in his capacity as the National Secretary of the APC.

Against all odds and contrary to the primordial campaign of calumny against him, Iyiola Omisore has exhibited Capacity, Courage, Compassion and Charisma, rooted in unflinching Loyalty than any of these present aspirants in the APC jostling for the party's ticket against the 2026 gubernatorial elections in Osun State.

He is the only one among the APC's aspirants that combines satisfactory political experience with capacity and boldness to confront the inemptitude administration in power and dislodge the Government By Proxy in Osun State without blemish.

In that regard, if APC truly desires to wrestle power back from the PDP in Osun and not for the fun of it, the only option they have is Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Dr. Hakeem Salako writes from Osogbo.

OGD's 2027 Campaign Materials Adorn Adebutu Property: A Justification for APC Suspension

The recent sighting of Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s (OGD) 2027 senatorial campaign materials displayed on the building of Ladi Adebutu’s father and at the Ladi Adebutu Pork Factory in Iperu has sent shockwaves through Ogun State politics, but really not shocking to those who have long understood the reasons for his suspension by the APC. For a supposed APC stalwart, this is not only a blatant act of anti-party conduct but also a reaffirmation of Daniel’s well-documented history of betrayal.

In the 2023 gubernatorial elections, OGD reportedly collected a substantial sum of money from Ladi Adebutu’s father, directing his followers to vote against his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in favour of the PDP candidate, then-incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun. This betrayal was not a one-off event. During the August 16, 2025 bye-election for the Remo Federal Constituency, Daniel again instructed his supporters to vote against the APC candidate, Elegbeji, repeating the pattern of treachery.

Such actions clearly justify his suspension by the APC at the ward level, a decision ratified by the party’s State Executive Council. The evidence is undeniable: a man whose loyalty swings with financial inducements cannot be trusted to uphold party principles. While some may argue against expulsion, the record is damning. Daniel has switched parties multiple times — from AD to PDP, then Labour Party, back to PDP, and most recently to APC — consistently prioritizing personal ambition over party loyalty.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s conduct is a disgrace to any political institution. He has repeatedly demonstrated a complete disregard for party rules, ethical standards, and public trust. The display of campaign banners on the property of a political opponent’s family is not only brazen but a direct insult to APC members and supporters.

For the integrity of the party and the message it sends to other members, serious consideration must now be given to OGD’s expulsion from the APC. Tolerating such serial betrayal would set a dangerous precedent and embolden other opportunists. A man of this character, unrepentant and self-serving, has no place in a party that values loyalty, discipline, and the collective good.

History will judge OGD not just for his political ambitions, but for the repeated acts of disloyalty that have defined his career. The APC must act decisively to protect its principles and restore the confidence of its members.

Kassim Adeseyitan writes from Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State.

Ogun East: Who is afraid of Dapo Abiodun?

Dissecting the sequence of political activities in the Ogun East Senatorial District in the last few months, especially in the build up to the by-election of August 16th, 2025, in which the outcome gave a landslide victory to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), political watchers have convincingly concluded that there is total paradigm shift in the political configuration and arithmetic of the zone.

These pundits, by their empirical observations inferred that the transformational revolution embarked upon by Prince Dapo Abiodun -led administration in that senatorial district, based on its geographical advantage of proximity to Lagos has tremendously changed political dynamics of the axis in favour of the governing APC.

Just like the late Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Winston Churchill rightly puts it,'' The empires of the future are empires of the mind". A very focused, urbane and strategic Dapo Abiodun started what turned out to be a huge success for his party and his political career in the senatorial district long time ago, despite the suffocating opposition to his advancement and progress, he remained resilient and consistent.

Arrays of propaganda, innuendoes and campaign of calumny did not deter the Prince of Iperu to stop mobilising and engaging his people in all clusters across the district and beyond, which came into fruition on May 29th 2019, as he became the 5th Civilian Governor of Ogun State after almost two decades of his active and relentless participation in the politics of his state.

Dapo Abiodun, in his pragmatic and steady style continued the assemblage of his political empires of the future through the empires of his mind without noise and with innovations and creativity, in line with his laudable agenda of all-inclusive transformation.

The Governor has successfully implemented people -oriented projects across the three senatorial districts, truly to his promise to the people of the state that no section of the state would be developed at the detriment of others, his impacts have tremendously changed perspectives and perceptions in no small measures.

This change in perceptions and perspectives clearly played out on Saturday, 16th August by the unprecedented turnout of voters to vote for the ruling APC even in the face of dangerous propaganda and campaign of calumny from certain strangers within and drowning opposition elements of no values.

Analysts were surprised how the calculated attempts by criminal elements in the opposition to manuevre and compromise the electorates in the Federal Constituency failed woefully and ignominiously; it was indeed a big blow to the main opposition party.

The people of Remo Federal Constituency jettisoned immediate and ephemeral gains through electoral corruption to show appreciation to their Governor and the son of the soil, who have made them proud across the globe through his excellent performance.

The people of the Federal Constituency have seen the light above darkness of deception and ready to stand by a star boy, who has been underrated for long because of his gentleman posture and noiseless approach to issues.

They have now realised that so much can be achieved silently without much noise and pathological lies. They can see the difference between a passionate and responsive leader and a blatant liar and serial betrayal of trust and people.

It is then obvious that the 2027 general elections in Ogun East senatorial district will be a walk over for the APC based on the larger than life popularity and influence of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. The man who have stooped gently to conquer in the murky political space.

Who is now afraid of the man called Dapo Abiodun in Ogun East senatorial district? It is crystal clear that some individuals are afraid of the Governor considering the degree of his performance and enduring achievements in the zone, ranging from the World Class Airport to the largest garment factory in the world among several legacy projects of note.

Dapo Abiodun, unlike his predecessor from the zone, Otunba Gbenga Daniel of famous deceptive and cosmetic projects that ended on papers, has genuinely and conscientiously delivered the real dividends of democracy to the people of the senatorial district and still doing more.

Strictly speaking, as it stands, there is nothing Governor Dapo Abiodun would request from his people in the senatorial district that would not be handed over to him, he is presently in their consciousness and psyches.

It is on that note that I was not surprised when I sighted the campaign postal of Otunba Gbenga Daniel today on Adebutu Kessington's building, located at Iperu Remo junction, I quickly concluded that it was a decision based on fear of the Star Boy of Ogun East.

Ride on Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Emmanuel Olabode writes from Iperu

Debt, Division and Disorder: Reflections of a Retired History Teacher on OGD’s Era in Ogun State

I have walked many roads—first as a young teacher in Ogun’s secondary schools, then as an elder observing politics from the sidelines and finally, reflecting on those years with both pride and sorrow. My journey spans the hopeful days of the Alliance for Democracy under Chief Olusegun Osoba, through the tumult of Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s governance. I retired from active politics just as his era began—and what followed surprised me deeply.

Ogun State, once a beacon of progressive rules and development, fell into what many of us came to call the “seddon look” syndrome — watching in dismay as our beloved state drifted, unmoved by credibility or consensus, even as visions were launched with fanfare.

In the legislature, I recalled my shock when the Ogun State House of Assembly became a theatre of conflict. The removal of Speaker Titi Oseni in 2008, after five years of service, stood out to me as irrevocable proof that our democracy was unravelling from within. The Assembly, which should have been a check and balance, unravelled under factional politics, leaving governance brittle and divided.

On the financial front, the consequences were painfully real. When lecturers at Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu-Ijebu, began walking out in the early 2010s, something had gone deeply wrong. By mid-2016, lecturers were owed upwards of 13 to 14 months’ salaries, prompting student-led protests demanding answers and relief—only for systemic neglect to prolong their hardship . These scenes were repeated later: by 2019, staff were still reporting arrears stretching into years and recounting how colleagues succumbed to illness and despair from the burden .

The grand projects—oh, how they glittered on paper. Olokola Free Trade Zone and the agro-cargo airport were showcased as Ogun’s springboard to industrial relevance. Yet the years passed, and the seaport remained a mirage, the corridors silent, investors gone, leaving the project a monument to unmet aspiration rather than development. Only in later administrations were these dreamscapes tentatively revived—but under Daniel, they remained largely symbolic pieces of political theatre.

Worse still, the streets themselves became arenas of fear. Cult clashes and thuggery, especially during election seasons, fractured communities. The tone of Ogun politics had shifted—from civil engagement to intimidation. As a teacher and an elder, it pained me to see our schools, formerly places of enlightenment, become marginal amidst the chaos.

Now, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, I see flickers of restoration. The agro-cargo airport has been resurrected with renewed purpose—no longer a dormant promise but a working hub for agricultural export. Where chaos once reigned, there is now order and progress. Governance has shifted from buzzwords to delivery.

My heart remembers the old Ogun—safer, scholarly, hopeful. My account of OGD’s administration is rooted in those memories and the sour lessons we endured: eight years of debt, institutional rupture, unrest, and broken promises. As someone who taught history, I believe the true measure of leadership is how well the present corrects the errors of the past. In Dapo Abiodun’s course corrections, I see the possibility of that redemption.

That, for me, is not just a history lesson—it’s a life lesson.

Chief Adesola Omilani writes from Ipokia.