₦airaland Forum

Olumo Rock: When Vision Meets Passion in Governor Abiodun’s Ogun State

The transformation of the historic Olumo Rock Tourist Complex has become a defining testament to what happens when vision meets passion. In just one month after the unveiling of its renovated facilities, the iconic site witnessed an unprecedented influx of visitors—more than the total number recorded in nearly a whole year before its rebirth.

From far and near, thousands have flocked to Abeokuta to experience the new Olumo Rock. Families, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and international guests have been united by one desire—to be part of the breathtaking transformation. At times, the sheer crowd almost led to a stampede, but the swift response of security personnel and the facility managers ensured safety. Such overwhelming interest could only mean one thing: the people had been yearning for a true world-class resort, and Governor Dapo Abiodun has delivered it.

The beauty of the new Olumo Rock is enchanting. Visitors are welcomed with improved access roads, a rejuvenated arts and crafts gallery, cozy restaurants, secure walkways, and thoughtfully designed relaxation points. Every detail of the upgrade reflects a deliberate effort to blend heritage with modernity—a place where the story of the Egba people is preserved while offering a truly global tourism experience.

For many, the Rock has become more than a tourist attraction—it is now a symbol of what is possible when governance is driven by visionary leadership. Prince Dapo Abiodun has proven, once again, that tourism is not a side attraction but a strategic pillar of Ogun State’s socio-economic development. His decision to initially grant free entry into the complex was not only generous but also profoundly strategic. It allowed indigenes and visitors alike to rediscover the cultural heartbeat of the state. The result? A surge in visits, renewed pride, and a rekindled sense of ownership among the people.

It is important to note that this transformation is not just about aesthetics—it is about economic value. With Olumo Rock repositioned as a first-class destination, Ogun State is fast becoming a hub for tourism-driven commerce: hotels are busier, transport operators are thriving, artisans are making brisk business, and the state’s image is soaring across national and international platforms.

To those who once dismissed the governor’s cultural agenda as mere fanfare, the evidence is now before them in the numbers, the smiles, and the testimonies of visitors. The naysayers must surely reflect: if a single monument can attract such prosperity when properly repackaged, what more awaits Ogun State as the administration continues to invest in its rich cultural assets? Indeed, it is time for doubters to repent and align with the new Ogun—a state where the past is honored, the present is celebrated, and the future is being built with purpose.

Governor Abiodun’s intervention at Olumo Rock is more than a facelift—it is a statement of intent. It declares to the world that Ogun State is ready to stand tall as a cultural and tourism capital of Nigeria. It also reassures the people that governance, when anchored on vision and commitment, can turn even the oldest stones into stepping-stones for prosperity.

In the story of Olumo Rock’s rebirth, we find not just history, but destiny. And under the Abiodun administration, destiny is being carefully, boldly, and beautifully shaped.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

KAYODE OLADELE BAGS LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY AWARD

The Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and former lawmaker, Hon. Kayode Oladele, Esq., has been honoured with the Leadership and Advocacy Award for his outstanding contributions to human rights, legal excellence, and legislative development in Nigeria.

The award was presented during the 12th Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe Memorial Lecture held at the University of Lagos, in recognition of Oladele’s lifelong commitment to fairness, justice, and inclusivity.

Widely respected as a lawyer, human rights advocate, and public servant, Oladele has played a pivotal role in promoting equity—first as a legislator, and now as Acting FCC Chairman, where he ensures the fair distribution of opportunities and resources nationwide.

In his remarks, Oladele paid glowing tribute to the late Prof. Sofoluwe as “a man of integrity, vision, and service.” He further pledged that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the FCC will strengthen fairness in appointments, jobs, and infrastructure delivery. “Fairness must go beyond offices; it must reflect in schools, hospitals, roads, and social services so that every Nigerian feels a true sense of belonging,” he stated.

The well-attended event brought together government officials, captains of industry, politicians, alumni, friends, and staff of the FCC Lagos State Office, who celebrated Oladele’s achievements and reaffirmed his place as a champion of national unity and social justice.

Opinion: Betrayed, Yet Unbowed — Dapo Abiodun’s Trials Through the Lens of Gandhi

By Kunle Ojerinde

In every age, great leaders are tested not by comfort but by conflict, not by loyalty but by betrayal. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has endured more than his fair share of betrayals and resistance, yet like Mahatma Gandhi, whose life and philosophy still illuminate the meaning of resilience, he has turned adversity into triumph.

Gandhi once remarked, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” This is not just a profound reflection on India’s struggle for freedom; it is also an apt description of Abiodun’s political odyssey. In 2018, as he sought the APC governorship ticket, he was dismissed as an outsider, mocked by those who believed he lacked structure, and bitterly opposed by then-Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who worked strenuously to impose his own successor. Against the weight of incumbency and entrenched structures, Abiodun prevailed, proving that destiny cannot be silenced by noise or power plays.

Yet betrayal did not stop there. In 2023, the PDP’s Ladi Adebutu became entangled in a bitter intra-party crisis, one that produced multiple primaries, violent clashes, and conflicting court judgments. While the opposition descended into chaos, Abiodun chose calm, focusing instead on governance and his “Building Our Future Together” agenda. Gandhi’s reminder that “Nobody can hurt me without my permission” was strikingly evident in his conduct. Rather than grant his opponents the pleasure of distraction, he maintained focus and confidence in the record of his administration.

The governorship election of 2023 itself became another crucible. Adebutu rejected the outcome, alleging malpractice and demanding reruns. It was a moment designed to destabilize even the strongest leader, but Abiodun stood firm. As Gandhi put it, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” With patience, composure, and the quiet strength of one who knows he carries a legitimate mandate, Abiodun weathered the storm and secured re-election.

Perhaps the deepest wound, however, came from betrayal clothed in friendship. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who rode on Abiodun’s goodwill to secure his senatorial seat, was accused of turning against him soon after his victory. For many leaders, such treachery from a supposed ally would provoke open hostilities. Yet Abiodun chose restraint, drawing instead from Gandhi’s wisdom that “Truth is powerful and it prevails.” He refused to abandon his greater vision for Ogun State in order to indulge in political vendettas.

These three tests—Amosun’s resistance in 2018, Adebutu’s debacle in 2023, and Daniel’s volte-face in the same year—represent not just betrayals but refinements of character. Rather than weaken him, they have solidified his stature. His ISEYA agenda continues to move forward, with significant strides in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, social welfare, and agriculture. Ogun State is witnessing growth because its governor refuses to be defined by betrayal.

What makes Abiodun’s story compelling is not only that he won battles but that he chose the higher road in winning them. He has proven that leadership is not about vengeance but vision, not about settling scores but shaping futures. Betrayal may be loud, but service speaks louder. Detractors may fight, but as Gandhi taught us, in the end, the truth always wins.

History will not remember the noise of his detractors, but the endurance of a leader who, like Gandhi, understood that betrayal may delay destiny, but it can never deny it.

Kunle Ojerinde
Mowe, Ogun State

Gbenga Daniel: Ogun’s Political Tourist — Never Unpacks, Always Suspended

An Open Letter to the People of Ogun State by Tolulope Adenuga

Fellow sons and daughters of Ogun State,

Our memory must not fail us. Some politicians are known for their loyalty, others for their courage. But Otunba Gbenga Daniel? He is only known for betrayal and selfishness. Every party he joins, he wrecks it. Every ally that helps him, he stabs in the back. Every time he rises, he falls in shame — suspension, expulsion, disgrace.

Let us remember clearly. Daniel began his journey in the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999. But when party elders advised him to wait in 2003, he refused. Instead, he brazenly contested against Chief Olusegun Osoba, then governor of Ogun State. To gain cheap sympathy, he turned to blackmail — going as far as painting over his own outdoor campaign materials just to deceive the public into thinking his supporters were being oppressed. That was the beginning of his politics of desperation and deceit. Shortly after, he jumped ship to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he became governor. That was the start of his endless political tourism. He himself even admitted that before abandoning AD, he consulted Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. From the beginning, Daniel was never about service — only about his personal ambition.

What happened in PDP? His ward suspended him. The Buruji Kashamu faction expelled him for gross misconduct. He was accused of causing physical harm to party officials and destroying party assets. When PDP tired of his wahala, he moved to Labour Party. And guess what? Labour Party also expelled him — for holding dual memberships and destabilizing their house.

Later, he crept into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Did he change? Not at all. In 2023, APC youths openly accused him of betraying the party, secretly working with PDP while pretending to be loyal. By 2025, even his own ward in Sagamu could not take it anymore — they suspended him indefinitely, and the APC State Working Committee wasted no time ratifying it. Ogun APC leaders even mocked his TV defenses as “confessions of guilt.”

And now, the biggest betrayal of all. Governor Dapo Abiodun lifted him up when he was politically finished. Abiodun made sure he got the APC senatorial ticket for Ogun East. That mercy brought him back to relevance. But how did Daniel repay Abiodun? By allegedly collecting huge sums of money from the father of PDP’s Ladi Adebutu, just to sabotage Abiodun’s governorship election. Imagine that! The same man who gave him a lifeline, he tried to bury. An ingrate of the highest order! A selfish man who would sell his own party’s victory for personal profit.

But God is greater than man. Despite Daniel’s betrayal, Dapo Abiodun still won his election. Ogun people rejected treachery and stood with their governor.

And we must not forget how he betrayed Senator Buruji Kashamu. When Daniel was drowning politically, Kashamu pulled him up, spent money on him, and gave him a platform. Yet Daniel turned around and stabbed him. The man is like a scorpion — it will sting even the hand that carries it.

So I ask you, Ogun people:

Is this the kind of man to be trusted again?

A man suspended in PDP, expelled in Labour, expelled again in PDP, and now suspended in APC?

A man who betrayed Kashamu, betrayed Abiodun, betrayed every platform he ever stood on?


Gbenga Daniel is no statesman. He is Ogun’s political tourist — a visitor everywhere, a traitor every time, and a man who never unpacks because he knows he will soon be suspended again.

Let us not be deceived by his smiles or empty promises. Ogun people, shine your eyes. Daniel is not loyal to any party, to any friend, or to any cause beyond his selfish ambition. He is not an asset. He is a burden. He is not a bridge builder. He is a bridge burner.

I write this openly so that Ogun people will never forget. Our memory must not fail us. Gbenga Daniel is a man who betrays. Full stop.

Ogun State must never again allow this man to deceive us. Let every son and daughter share this truth so his record of betrayal will remain forever exposed.

Yours sincerely,
Tolulope Adenuga

China Endorses Abiodun’s Economic Drive as Ogun Emerges Nigeria’s Fastest-Growing Investment Hub

The visit of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, to Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta has reinforced what many already acknowledge: Ogun State is steadily becoming the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economic growth, propelled by the Governor’s visionary leadership, pragmatic reforms, and relentless pursuit of investment opportunities.

Speaking during the courtesy visit, Ambassador Dunhai declared: “Governor Abiodun’s economic vision is a model for Africa. His government has built an enabling environment where investors feel confident, protected, and encouraged to thrive. This is why over 160 Chinese companies have already invested more than one billion dollars in Ogun State, with another 100 preparing to join.”

He noted that Ogun’s progress is not by chance but the result of purposeful leadership and deliberate policy choices. According to him, the State’s conducive climate, human capital, and investor-friendly governance have made it a magnet for Chinese businesses and an anchor of the China-Nigeria partnership.

For the envoy, the State stands tall as a prime beneficiary of the strengthened agreements recently signed between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping, especially in manufacturing, infrastructure, and trade. “When we talk about the future of Nigeria’s economic cooperation with China, Ogun State represents the shining example,” he affirmed.

Governor Abiodun’s economic drive has been defined by a strategic harnessing of Ogun’s vast natural and human resources—its solid minerals, fertile agricultural land, and skilled workforce—while rolling out reforms that dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks and enforce transparency. His zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining and insistence on structured partnerships have created both security and stability for investors.

Infrastructure development remains a centerpiece of this drive. The Gateway International Airport, now licensed for commercial operations, promises to unlock regional and international access. The Kajola Dry Inland Port under construction will enhance logistics, while the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport and planned extension of the Lagos Blue Rail Line into Ogun are set to position the State as Nigeria’s leading industrial and logistics hub.

The Ambassador’s invitation to Governor Abiodun to participate in the forthcoming Shandong Province investment roadshow in China stands as further proof that Ogun’s economic transformation has earned global recognition. It signals a new chapter where the State is no longer just a destination for investment, but also a voice shaping international economic partnerships.

Chairman of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Hajia Hafsat Balewa, also lauded the visit, stressing that the Zone has become a significant contributor to Ogun’s economy and to Nigeria’s GDP, further validating the Governor’s policy direction.

In truth, the Ambassador’s words were both commendation and confirmation: Ogun State is being noticed across the world, and Governor Abiodun’s economic drive is the catalyst. His vision has placed Ogun firmly on the map as Nigeria’s fastest-growing investment hub, a State where opportunities translate into jobs, prosperity, and lasting development.

The visit was not just diplomatic—it was a global endorsement of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s resolve to redefine Ogun’s economic future and to turn the Gateway State into the Gateway of African industrial growth.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Ogun Court Orders Gbenga Daniel to Submit Property Documents Within Two Weeks

The Ogun State High Court sitting in Sagamu has directed former Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator, Otunba Justus Gbenga Daniel, to submit property documents requested by the state government within two weeks.

The order was given on Tuesday during the resumed hearing of Suit No: HCS/371/2025 – Otunba Justus Gbenga Daniel and Anor vs. The Governor of Ogun State and Others, presided over by Justice O.S. Oloyede. The case revolves around compliance with notices issued by the Ministry of Physical Planning to property owners in the state.

Appearing for the Ogun State Government, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, O.T. Olaotan, alongside R.B. Kadiri (Deputy Chief Litigator), A.E. Odukoya, and W.A. Onawole, informed the Court that the government had filed an interlocutory injunction and counter-affidavits in response to the Claimants’ motion, and that the processes had already been served on the Claimants’ counsel. Olaotan stressed that the matter was not ripe for hearing and that the Court itself was not inclined to entertain the pending applications at this stage.

Counsel to the Claimants, A.O. Kotoye (SAN), appearing with O.T. Are and A.O. Adeniyi, moved for an extension of the interim order earlier granted by the Court, which was due to abate after seven days. He argued that the Claimants required protection from possible enforcement measures by the government pending determination of the substantive suit.

In opposition, the Defence team urged the Court to direct Senator Daniel and his co-Claimant to take advantage of the two-week extension already announced by the government to submit the necessary documents to the Ministry of Physical Planning. The lawyers pointed out that several other residents who received similar notices had already begun complying with the government’s directive.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Oloyede ruled that all parties should maintain the status quo while encouraging them to explore settlement options out of court. He specifically directed the Claimants/Applicants to make use of the government’s extension period to furnish the relevant ministry with the requested property documents.

Following consensus by counsels on both sides, the Court adjourned the matter to 13th October 2025 for the hearing of pending applications.

Ogun Soars: From NCAA’s Green Light to the World’s Largest Garment Factory

When history records the industrial rebirth of Nigeria, Ogun State will stand as its epicenter. The NCAA approval of the Gateway International Airport was not just a regulatory milestone; it was the signal fire that announced Ogun’s ascent into the skies of global relevance. And now, barely has the ink dried on that certification when another thunderous step forward is unveiled — the groundbreaking of the world’s largest garment factory, a $2 billion industrial colossus set for September.

With capacity to churn out 1,000 tons of garments every day — over 4.4 million pieces daily — and anchored on 10,000 hectares of cotton cultivation, this project is more than an industry; it is a revolution stitched into fabric. It promises 120,000 direct jobs, 300,000 indirect jobs, a revival of cotton farming, and the rebirth of Nigeria’s textile pride. Together with the new airport, Ogun is weaving air, earth, and industry into a single tapestry of prosperity.

“Great achievements,” Aristotle once said, “are born of great sacrifice, and never is victory without endurance.” For Governor Dapo Abiodun, this sacrifice has been the tireless work of building investor confidence, nurturing partnerships, and refusing to let Ogun’s dreams be drowned by the noise of doubters. His zeal as Ogun’s chief marketer has made the state a beacon that multinationals and financiers cannot ignore.

Like Abraham Lincoln who declared that “the best way to predict your future is to create it,” Ogun under Abiodun is not waiting for miracles — it is manufacturing them. Each project, from the Gateway International Airport to this mega garment factory, is proof that promises are not made to be remembered but to be delivered.

Winston Churchill’s timeless words resonate here: “You will never reach your destination if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks.” Ogun State is not pausing for the cynics. It is soaring above them, propelled by vision, infrastructure, and determination.

This garment factory is not just an investment; it is a statement. A statement that Ogun is Nigeria’s industrial hub, Africa’s new textile powerhouse, and a state where ambition is no longer aspiration but reality. With the sky open for global trade through the Gateway International Airport and the ground secured with industrial giants like Arise IIP, Ogun is proving that in the race for Nigeria’s future, it is already many strides ahead.

Ogun is no longer asking for recognition; it is commanding it. In the words of Shakespeare, “What’s past is prologue.” The true story of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance is only just beginning — and its title is boldly written: Ogun Soars.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Remo Federal Constituency By-election: A new chapter in our democratic journey -Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday's by-election in Remo Federal Constituency as a new chapter in the democratic journey of Ogun State.

While congratulating the representative -elect, Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, on her well-deserved victory, the Governor urged her to carry this sacred mandate with humility and diligence.

Governor Abiodun stated this on Sunday while addressing press at his residence in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government area of the state, adding that the celebration of the victory encompasses the reflection on the journey that heralded the victory.

He explained that the victory did not come by chance but a product of dedication, commitment , teamwork, and absolute trust in God, saying his team from the onset resolved that the election would not be an ordinary contest but an opportunity to showcase the strength of APC, the resilience of the people, and the clarity of shared vision.

He noted that the election has turned out to be a true testament to the popularity of his administration and APC across the country as well as a validation of the success of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's revolutionary 24 months in office.

While eulogising the sterling qualities of Elegbeji, the Governor described her as a
round peg in a round hole, noting that the representative -elect embodies competence, vision, and dedication.

He, therefore , assured the people of the constituency of quality representation with dignity and commitment at the Green Chamber, saying she would carry the voices of Ikenne, Sagamu, and Remo North to the national stage.

"While we were all saddened by the shocking demise of the late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, whose absence we still sorely feel, the massive turnout of our people to overwhelmingly vote for our party and our candidate, Princess Dr.Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, has brought indelible solace and restoration to us all ,particularly against the background of the deceit and attempted theft of the 2023 Gov elections in this constituency .

"The victory is indeed a testament of our unprecedented achievements in all sectors of our state, we have been very deliberate and intentional in our quest to improve the lives of our people and to transform our towns and cities through aggressive and massive infrastructural development across the state.


"I have consistently stated that this administration will remain unstoppable in its pursuit of rapid development and human capital advancement, ensuring that no part of our dear state is developed at the expense of another.

"The people of Remo Federal Constituency have spoken loudly and this is a referendum on our exceptional strides in governance through their votes in this election—despite desperate attempts by agents of darkness to intimidate, harass, and compromise them with unholy inducements . I sincerely thank you, our people for your resilience and for standing firm and saying enough is enough.

"Interestingly, this is a dual celebration for us in Ogun State. Just on Friday , the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted approval for our Gateway International Airport to commence commercial flight operations. Without doubt, this is a monumental achievement that will leave a lasting imprint on the history of our state. I heartily congratulate us all on this remarkable feat.

"I must also commend the professionalism and patriotism of the umpire, Independent Electoral Commission ,INEC for conducting a free, fair, and credible poll. I salute the gallantry and neutrality of our all our security agencies Army Police SSS NSCDC for being on top of their game ensuring a peaceful and rancour-free exercise. To the electorate, I extend deep appreciation for displaying political maturity and a high sense of civic responsibility, which translated into the massive turnout and peaceful conduct we witnessed. I also thank the media for their balanced and effective reportage of the entire process", Abiodun said.

The representative -elect, in her remarks thanked the Governor and all the leaders of the party in the axis and the state at large for their supports and encouragement, as she reiterated her resolve to provide inclusive representation.

She however, canvassed for more inclusion of women in elective positions during the general elections of 2027.

Ogun Govt Dismisses PDP’s Claims, Says Party is “Crying Wolf After Defeat”

The Ogun State Government has dismissed allegations of electoral violence and security compromise made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the Federal Constituency Bye-election held in Sagamu, Remo North, and Ikenne.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Tayo Mabeweje, the government described the PDP’s claims as “baseless theatrics and empty lamentation,” insisting that the election was free, fair, and credible.

According to the statement, the PDP’s allegations of violence and intimidation were a cover-up for its rejection at the polls. “Their outburst is nothing more than the wailing of a frustrated opposition that had hoped to rig the election but was stopped in its tracks by the vigilance of security agencies and the resilience of the good people of Remo,” it read.

The government also defended the role of security agencies, particularly the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), saying they acted professionally throughout the exercise. It explained that the arrest of some PDP members was based on credible intelligence suggesting plans to disrupt the election, not victimisation.

“The electorate voted freely, and their will was clearly reflected in the outcome. No amount of propaganda or manufactured crisis from the PDP can erase this fact,” the statement added.

Commending voters for their courage, the government maintained that the PDP lost because the people of the constituency rejected them at the polls. “Instead of accepting defeat honourably and returning to the drawing board, they have chosen the path of blackmail, falsehood, and incitement,” the government said.

It further assured that Ogun State, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, remains peaceful, progressive, and committed to good governance.

Remo by-election: Police nab PDP chieftains, INEC officials with huge sums of cash


Men of the Ogun State command of the Nigeria Police, on Saturday, arrested two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Iperu Remo, with huge sums of cash allegedly meant for rigging the by-election into the Remo Federal Constituency House of Representatives.


The suspects, who were arrested in the early hours of Saturday, are reported to have provided very useful information to the police regarding their respective roles in the grand plan to bribe election officials and rig the House of Representatives by-election.


In a video recording, police could be seen interrogating the suspects comprising four males and a female.


The INEC staffers, a man who identified himself simply as Constance and a woman who identified herself as Amina, claimed to have been sent by their supervisor to collect the money from a certain PDP politician in the area.

Silencing the Doubters: Abiodun Delivers Ogun State’s Historic NCAA Commercial Permit

For years, cynics scoffed, critics jeered, and naysayers dismissed Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport as a castle built in the clouds — beautiful in theory, but destined to vanish in the winds of reality. Yet today, that “castle” has landed solidly on the tarmac of history, as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grants it a Commercial Aerodrome Operational Permit — the very first of its kind in Nigeria.

This is not merely an approval; it is the sounding of a victory gong loud enough to echo beyond borders. Governor Dapo Abiodun has shown that “while the pessimist complains about the wind, the leader adjusts the sails and reaches the shore.” Against the sneers of doubters and the whispers of cynics, he has proven that “when results speak, excuses fall silent and criticism runs out of breath.”

For the first time in the nation’s history, a State-built airport has met and surpassed the NCAA’s most rigorous technical, operational, and safety benchmarks, earning full authorization for scheduled commercial air transport. This feat did not happen by accident; it is the fruit of vision as sharp as an eagle’s sight, planning as precise as a pilot’s flight path, and execution as steady as a captain’s hand on the controls.

With an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C, ARFFS Category 6, a non-precision runway for Runway 05/23, and RNAV approach capability, Gateway International Airport is now the compass point for West African logistics, trade, and tourism. Soon, two weekly cargo flights from London will connect Ogun’s economy directly to global markets, while its role as the designated alternate to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos will channel new streams of commerce and opportunity into the Gateway State. Passenger flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt are poised for launch, knitting Ogun into the national and international air network like never before.

The economic impact is a rising tide: thousands of jobs will be created, hospitality and service industries will flourish, the tax base will expand, and foreign investment will flow like a river in rainy season. Farmers will see their harvests fly from field to foreign shelf, manufacturers will deliver to markets once beyond their reach, and tourists will arrive with curiosity and currency in hand.

This is leadership that understands that “vision is not just seeing the future, but building the runway to get there.” Governor Abiodun has not only kept his promises; he has turned skepticism into applause and transformed political prophecy into concrete achievement. And as history turns this page, one truth will remain unshaken: “Facts do not wrestle with opinions; they simply replace them.”

Ogun State is no longer just the Gateway in name. Under Abiodun, it is the runway to prosperity — engines roaring, altitude climbing, and the horizon open wide.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Ogun State Makes Aviation History as NCAA Grants Commercial Operational Permit

In an unprecedented move in Nigeria’s aviation sector, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport has clinched an Aerodrome Operational Permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) — granting full authorization for Scheduled Commercial Air Transport operations.

This is not a routine clearance; it is the first approval of its kind in the nation’s history, the result of exhaustive technical inspections, on-site verifications, and meticulous facility audits. NCAA officials have hailed the Gateway International Airport as “a benchmark for what airports should be in the country.”

The airport is now certified with an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an ARFFS Category of 6, with a non-precision runway category for Runway 05/23, and an Area Navigation (RNAV) approach type.

Global attention is already shifting towards Ogun State: a major international company will commence two weekly cargo flights from London, while the facility’s designation as the alternate airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, marks a seismic shift in West Africa’s air transport dynamics.

Passenger operations will follow imminently, with direct flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt primed for launch.

This milestone redefines Ogun State’s place on the global aviation map — unlocking powerful gateways for trade, investment, and tourism, and heralding a new era in Nigeria’s air travel evolution.

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

ADC is Unknown in Ogun Politics, Says Ogun Govt, Denies Stopping By-Election Campaign

The Ogun State Government has asserted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not a significant player in the political landscape of Ogun State.

In response to claims by the party that the state government and security agencies were sabotaging their campaign, the government, in a statement on Thursday, noted that it has not intervened in the electoral campaign process for the ongoing by-elections for the Remo Federal Constituency in any way.

According to the statement, the ADC lacks substantial recognition and influence within the state's political sphere to threaten the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The statement added that the ADC claim did not reflect the reality on the ground, noting that the party is afraid of its expected poor electoral showing on Saturday.

The statement further reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to maintain a fair and transparent electoral process, adding that all political parties, including the ADC, are free to engage in campaigning activities without interference.

The statement described the interim National Secretary of ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, as a spent force whose electoral fortune, even in his home state, has dwindled.

When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES!

“Yes is the most beautiful and powerful word in any language,” wrote Pablo Neruda, and history has proven him right. It was “Yes” that sent explorers across uncharted seas, “Yes” that put men on the moon, and “Yes” that broke chains, tore down walls, and lifted nations from despair to destiny.

Today, that same word carries the power to shape the future of Remo. On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC), we are called to write our own chapter in that long story of courage and conviction — by saying YES to Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.

When Remo stands together, Elegbeji wins. And when Elegbeji wins, Remo wins. As Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In the spirit of that optimism, our vote for Elegbeji is a vote for roads that lead to opportunity, schools that shape tomorrow’s leaders, and a voice in Abuja that will fight for our people with clarity and conviction.

In every village square, on every street corner, in every marketplace, the whisper of unity must become a chorus. And in that chorus, the word YES must rise like the morning sun — steady, unshakable, unstoppable. A YES for Elegbeji is a YES to fairness, to progress, and to the unbreakable bond that ties every Remo son and daughter together.

On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, let us march to the polls with the spirit of those before us who said YES to the future they believed in. As Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded the world, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Our first step is the ballot. Our destination is victory.

When the ballot is cast and the dust settles, one truth will remain: When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES! Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES!

“Yes is the most beautiful and powerful word in any language,” wrote Pablo Neruda, and history has proven him right. It was “Yes” that sent explorers across uncharted seas, “Yes” that put men on the moon, and “Yes” that broke chains, tore down walls, and lifted nations from despair to destiny.

Today, that same word carries the power to shape the future of Remo. On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC), we are called to write our own chapter in that long story of courage and conviction — by saying YES to Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.

When Remo stands together, Elegbeji wins. And when Elegbeji wins, Remo wins. As Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In the spirit of that optimism, our vote for Elegbeji is a vote for roads that lead to opportunity, schools that shape tomorrow’s leaders, and a voice in Abuja that will fight for our people with clarity and conviction.

In every village square, on every street corner, in every marketplace, the whisper of unity must become a chorus. And in that chorus, the word YES must rise like the morning sun — steady, unshakable, unstoppable. A YES for Elegbeji is a YES to fairness, to progress, and to the unbreakable bond that ties every Remo son and daughter together.

On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, let us march to the polls with the spirit of those before us who said YES to the future they believed in. As Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded the world, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Our first step is the ballot. Our destination is victory.

When the ballot is cast and the dust settles, one truth will remain: When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES! Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Ogun By-election: The eloquence of Dapo Abiodun as opposition remains in coma

By Olaniyi Ajibola

It is obvious that the by-election in Remo Federal Constituency, slated for Saturday, 16th August, 2025, to replace the late Parliamentarian, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly called IJAYA in the political parlance has naturally changed the dynamics of political trajectory in Ogun state.

The leader of the governing party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Dapo Abiodun, is known for his gentleman nature and urbane approach to issues, with consistent implementation of people -oriented projects across the State without noise even in the face of provocation. However, the pattern has changed this time around, the development many have attributed to the unprecedented achievements of the Governor in the last six years.

Prince Abiodun has been at the fore-front of the campaign for the candidate of APC, Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, in the scheduled by-election, explicitly and oratorically reeling out several achievements of his administration that directly touched the lives of millions of Ogun state residents in general and the constituency in particular.

The Governor was seen convincingly dissecting the creativity and ingenuity behind his developmental drive across the state, ranging from infrastructure to human capital development, youth empowerment, food security, welfare of workers in different strata of the workforce as well as improved security.

The sequence of analysis of his legacy projects was comprehensively and comparatively lucid, considering the decades and degree of ineptitude of consecutive administrations before him, and the manner he had taken up such humongous deficit in all sectors to change the old order and ugly past.

A practical example the Governor gave was the recent debacle concerning the Contributory Pension Scheme, which he attributed to trust deficit created between the state workforce and past administrations in the state, which was inherited by his administration.

He added that the political will and sincerity of purpose of his administration have made the resolution of the conflict possible, with the full cooperation of the state's workforce, which has eventually strengthened government–labour relations in the State.

Another salient reversal of misfortune embarked upon by the administration as enunciated by the Governor is the Gateway International Airport, located within the Federal Constituency. The project, which was conceived by the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2006 was recklessly abandoned, as the proposed site remained a thick forest for years without a single structure until Dapo Abiodun came into the saddle and commenced his usual magic of resuscitation.

As it stands, the airport has been adjudged by Federal Authority as the benchmark for airports in Nigeria, with it's longest runway and other distinct features that distinguish its sophistication from others around the country, as it awaits approval to commence domestic and international commercial flights any moment from now.

Another significant difference Dapo Abiodun's administration has made is the way it conscientiously kept it's promise of regular payment of salaries of workers across board and without blemish, the feat the governor recently spoke about while addressing teachers in the axis, "You are all witnesses to what God has allowed me to achieve in the past six years, nobody here can say we have unpaid salaries. I made a promise on my first day to pay salaries on time, and I have kept that promise. When discussions on the Contributory Pension Scheme began, it was stormy, but with your cooperation, we overcame the challenges. By God’s grace, Ogun State will be better for it.”

These are in addition to the construction of over 7,000 houses, 2,000 classrooms, and more than 1200kms of roads in all the 20 local government areas of the state. Indeed, the Governor needs to talk more with utmost precision, eloquence and conviction.

Meanwhile, in the midst of all these, the opposition elements in the state are in perpetual silence and expectedly comatose, which many opinion moulders and political watchers have ascribed to effects of intimidating and overwhelming achievements of the ruling APC in Ogun State, and the turn-around witnessed in Remo Federal Constituency.

Without mincing words, it is a resounding victory for the APC on Saturday, the people of Remo are grateful and ready to reciprocate.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Strategic Communications

*Exclusive Media Chat with Elegbeji at Her Residence in Sagamu*

*Opening Statement by Elegbeji*:

Before I speak on my vision, I must first acknowledge the towering legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, fondly known as Ijaya—whose passing left a profound void in Remo Federal Constituency and in the Green Chamber itself. As the first woman ever to represent our constituency in the House of Representatives, she shattered barriers. Every panel she graced, every bill she sponsored, was underscored by a fierce commitment to uplift our youths, women, and the marginalized.

She did not just occupy a seat—she transformed its meaning. From her tenure as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to her elevation in 2023 as Deputy Chief Whip, Ijaya’s years of service were defined by courage, compassion, and impactful representation. Her loss on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness, was not only a personal blow to her family and constituents, but a national sorrow. The absence of her voice still echoes in the halls she once led with grace and determination.

To the leadership of our great party—particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun, the apex leader of the APC in Ogun State—I extend my sincere gratitude. Your decision to entrust me with our party’s candidature in this bye-election is humbling. Your leadership has long championed inclusion—highlighted by your 2022 Executive Order endorsing 35% affirmative action for women in political roles—and by opting for a female successor to Ijaya, you’ve not only maintained that vision—you’ve fortified it with purpose and conviction.

To the women leaders across Ogun State, who urged party structures to preserve Ijaya’s spirit of representation through another female voice, and to all members of the APC working tirelessly in our favor—I am deeply thankful. Your faith in me is a reflection of your trust in continuity, in honoring Ijaya’s legacy, and in believing that Remo deserves no less than purposeful, inclusive, and dynamic leadership.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What inspired you to step forward to represent Remo Federal Constituency at this time?

*Elegbeji*: My inspiration comes from a deep sense of duty and continuity. Ijaya was more than a political figure—she was a sister in service and an example of selfless leadership. Her unfinished work calls for someone who not only understands her vision but is committed to advancing it. I have lived among our people, shared in their struggles, and celebrated their victories. I see this role as a calling to continue her legacy, build on her foundations, and bring fresh energy to the Green Chamber.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How do you plan to continue the work Ijaya started?

*Elegbeji*: I plan to adopt a continuity-plus approach. Ijaya laid the groundwork in areas like women’s empowerment, education, and infrastructure. I will carry these projects forward, ensuring they reach completion, but I will also expand into new frontiers—especially in digital inclusion, vocational skills for youths, and agricultural value chains. My goal is to make sure our people not only benefit from what was started but also see new initiatives that respond to today’s challenges.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What are your top priorities if elected?

*Elegbeji*: My top priorities are threefold:

1. Economic empowerment through skill acquisition centers and SME support.


2. Quality education by improving school infrastructure and ensuring access to learning technology.


3. Constituency inclusiveness where every ward feels represented and heard.

I will also prioritize health outreach programs and infrastructural upgrades in rural areas. The well-being of our people is non-negotiable.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you ensure women’s voices continue to be heard in national policy?

*Elegbeji*: I will stand as a strong voice for women, building coalitions in the National Assembly to advance gender-focused legislation. I will support bills that protect women from violence, ensure fair labor practices, and open up leadership opportunities. Ijaya was a champion for women, and I intend to amplify that voice with even greater determination.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: Many constituents are worried about unemployment. How will you address this?

*Elegbeji*: I understand the urgency. My plan includes creating youth enterprise hubs, promoting apprenticeship programs in trades that have high local demand, and connecting our young people to tech-based jobs. I will also partner with industries to bring vocational training closer to our wards, so no one has to travel far to gain employable skills.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you work with Governor Dapo Abiodun to achieve your goals?

*Elegbeji*: Governor Abiodun has shown unwavering support for our constituency and for the empowerment of women. I will maintain close collaboration with his administration to align federal projects with state initiatives. This synergy will help us avoid duplication, maximize resources, and deliver impactful results faster.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: Some believe politicians forget their promises after elections. How will you be different?

*Elegbeji*: Accountability is at the heart of my leadership style. I will establish quarterly constituency briefings where I report progress directly to the people. I will also maintain an open-door policy—my office will remain accessible both in Abuja and in Sagamu, so citizens can always reach me.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you balance legislative duties with constituency needs?

*Elegbeji*: By building a strong constituency office staffed with competent professionals, I will ensure issues from our wards are documented, prioritized, and acted upon even when I am in Abuja. My role in the Green Chamber will be to influence policy, attract federal projects, and push for legislation that benefits Remo.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What message do you have for youths who feel disconnected from politics?

*Elegbeji*: My message is simple: politics shapes your life, so your involvement matters. I will actively engage youths through town halls, social media interactions, and mentorship programs. I want them to see politics not as a distant game but as a tool for shaping their own future.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How do you plan to handle opposition criticism during this campaign?

Elegbeji: I believe in constructive engagement, not personal attacks. I will respond to criticism with facts, clarity, and results. My focus will be on issues, policies, and tangible solutions for our people.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: Will you be pushing for any special projects in Remo?

*Elegbeji*: Yes. I am particularly interested in establishing a Remo Innovation & Agro-Tech Park—a hub that combines agriculture, processing, and technology-driven market access for our farmers. This will not only boost local productivity but also attract investment to our constituency.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How important is education in your vision?

*Elegbeji*: Education is the foundation of any thriving society. I will prioritize scholarships for brilliant but indigent students, sponsor ICT labs for schools, and advocate for improved teacher welfare. Education is the one gift that keeps on giving, and I want every child in Remo to receive it.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you ensure equitable development across wards?

*Elegbeji*: I will adopt a rotational development plan, ensuring that every ward has at least one major project each year. Development should never be lopsided; all parts of Remo deserve to grow together.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What are your views on constituency projects?

*Elegbeji*: Constituency projects, when properly executed, are vital. They bring federal development closer to the grassroots. I will ensure every project in our constituency is need-based, transparent, and completed to standard.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you maintain Ijaya’s connection with grassroots people?

*Elegbeji*: I will spend significant time in the constituency, just as Ijaya did. I will attend community meetings, respond to emergencies, and celebrate with our people. Leadership is not just about passing laws—it’s about being present in the lives of those you serve.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What role will agriculture play in your plans?

*Elegbeji*: Agriculture will be central. We will promote mechanized farming, support cooperative societies with grants, and invest in storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Remo has fertile land; we must harness it fully.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you unite party members during the campaign?

*Elegbeji*: By being inclusive, recognizing contributions from all quarters, and ensuring that every member feels valued. A united party is the foundation of electoral victory.


*Gentlemen of the Press*: What is your message to women in the constituency?

*Elegbeji*: My message is that this is our time to rise, speak, and lead. I will continue the fight for equal opportunities, economic independence, and safety for women. Your voice matters—and I will be that voice in Abuja.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you measure your success in office?

*Elegbeji*: My success will be measured by visible changes in people’s lives—better roads, more jobs, stronger schools, functional health centers, and a constituency that feels heard and respected.


*Gentlemen of the Press*: Why should the people trust you with their vote?

*Elegbeji*: Because I have a proven track record of service, I have lived among you, worked with you, and I understand your dreams and pains. My candidacy is not about ambition—it’s about service, continuity, and delivering results.

Press Statement

OGSG Extends Deadline for the Presentation of Property Documents by Two Weeks

The Ogun State Government has extended the deadline for property owners/occupiers affected by the ongoing audit exercises to submit their title documents by two weeks.

This extension is aimed at giving property owners and developers more time to either present their planning permits or approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and its agencies to regularize their unapproved developments.

This extension demonstrates the goodwill of the State Government in response to representations made by a cross-section of the affected property owners both in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode and reflects its commitment to the rule of law and transparency. The government emphasizes that this magnanimity does not derogate whatsoever from its constitutional and statutory actions already carried out on the matter. The government again reiterates that the physical development audit exercise currently taking place in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and elsewhere across the State is not a witch hunt of any individual or organization, but a continuous effort towards ensuring sustainable urban development across the state.

Signed:
TPl Olatunji Odunlami FNITP
Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development
13th August, 2025.

OGD and the dual burden of innocence

By Olaniyi Ajibola

One of the most captivating submissions of the late Uthman Dan fodio was the one speaking to the sanctity of truth and it's sacredness. He said ", The conscience is an open wound and only the truth can heal it".

A leading national newspaper in Nigeria has since adopted the above maxim as it's guiding principle in editorial judgement and reportage. This is to explain how deep and logical the postulation is in every human consideration.

It is against this backdrop that I consider the dramatic responses and reactions of the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to the accusations of building against the extant law of Ogun state as strange, inappropriate and too low, considering his personality and degree of exposure.

In as much as I am not a lawyer, I understand some basic legal doctrines and rudiments, one of which clearly considers evidence as the only ingredient of proving one's innocence or otherwise on every issue and which the lawmaker has refused to do.

Also, it is indeed morally incorrect for a status like Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who is a former Governor of the State and serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be running from pillar to pole with array of cheap propaganda and innuendoes instead of coming out clean and clear to prove Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning wrong on these accusations by submitting relevant documents proving the legality of his properties to the Ministry.

I do not think a pubic figure like Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not aware of this simple action to be taken as appropriate response to the controversy except he is hiding something from the government and the people of Ogun State.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel is presently carrying a legal burden of refusal to prove the legality of his properties in line with the extant laws of Ogun State to the appropriate authority as a lawful citizen.

Secondly, he is carrying the moral burden of hiding behind a finger on issue that requires evidence against accusation of infractions as a pubic figure who ordinarily should be an exemplary figure in the society.

The antics of smear campaign against the government of Ogun State and the personality of the Governor can not in anyway replace concrete evidence of legality, it can only diminish the integrity and dignity of the former Governor the more in the public space.

It should be noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun has a contract with the people of the state to always act in line with the dictates of the law at all times irrespective of the status that is involved, so, he is under statutory obligation to sanction any act of illegality.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel should also know that the court is not a safe haven for illegality but a sanctuary of justice based on truth, therefore, running to court for cover instead of simply doing the right thing is totally absurd and utterly pointless.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Strategic Communications

Faith in Harmony, State in Progress: Grand Chief Imam Joins Christian Chorus as Religious Leaders Unite Behind Elegbeji

It was a moment that transcended politics — a gathering where faith met fellowship, and where the shared hope for a greater Ogun State was stronger than any divide. Christian and Muslim clerics from across Remoland converged in Iperu under one roof to celebrate the visionary leadership of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and to pledge their unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Elegbeji, in the forthcoming elections.

The event was graced by eminent religious leaders — the Chief Imam of Remoland, Alhaji Junaid Kadir; Chairman, Remo Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Bankole; Coordinating Chairman, CAN Remo, Reverend Bankole; and the State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Apostle David Otaro. Together, they embodied the Governor’s creed that “when we walk together in peace, we build together in progress.”

In his address, Governor Abiodun painted a vivid picture of an Ogun State in motion — delivering 7,000 housing units and steadily advancing toward the 10,000-unit target; breaking records with over 2,000 Certificates of Occupancy issued monthly; climbing to third position in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); and cementing its place among Nigeria’s top three destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

With pride, he spoke of the Gateway International Airport at Ilishan — a world-class project set to welcome both local and international flights, with commissioning by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the coming weeks. These milestones, he noted, were made possible through President Tinubu’s enabling reforms, including the floating of the Naira and deregulation of the oil sector, which have rekindled investor confidence.

One by one, the clerics took the stage. Their voices were steady but filled with conviction as they hailed the Governor’s role as a bridge-builder, recalling the African proverb: “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” They spoke of a State where Christians and Muslims live, work, and worship side by side, bound by mutual respect and a shared destiny.

In a single, unified declaration, they proclaimed: “A vote for Elegbeji is a vote to strengthen the hands of Mr. President at the Green Chamber, enabling him to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people.” And, echoing the timeless wisdom of John F. Kennedy, one leader urged: “Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past; let us accept our own responsibility for the future.”

Then came the unforgettable moment: the Grand Chief Imam of Remoland stepped forward, his voice breaking the gentle hum of the hall. To the astonishment and delight of the audience, he began to sing a Christian chorus. The crowd responded — some clapping, some smiling, all deeply moved. And then, as if to seal the moment, the entire hall joined in the timeless anthem, “We Are Family.”

In that chorus, there was no Christian, no Muslim — only brothers and sisters of one Ogun State. It was, as one attendee whispered, “unity in its purest form.” And in that unity lies the Governor’s enduring message: faith may differ, but the future we desire is shared.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Abiodun: Oil, Ports, and Airports – Ogun Gears Up for Global Competitiveness

Ogun State stands at the edge of a new dawn, with the horizon lit by the flames of opportunity. Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced that the long-awaited harvest beneath the earth’s crust—commercial oil drilling—will soon begin in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. Like a farmer finally ready to reap from a fertile field, the state has, through careful cultivation and with the blessing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prepared itself to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states.

The governor, speaking at Iperu-Remo after being adorned as the Grand Patron of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation (OSCOFED), revealed that the machinery is already in motion. He declared that, by the grace of God, the drills will roar to life this month, setting in motion a chain of events that could redraw the economic map of Ogun.

Oil, he explained, will become a new tributary feeding Ogun’s economic river, deepening its internally generated revenue and granting it greater fiscal muscle. This stream of wealth will irrigate infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industry, strengthening a state that now proudly stands third nationwide in IGR and ranks among the most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment.

Governor Abiodun placed this discovery within a wider constellation of strategic projects—like stars in Ogun’s economic sky—naming the ongoing Dry Seaport at Ewekoro, the planned Dangote Deep Seaport, and the Gateway International Airport, poised to open its runways to the world. Together, these assets will serve as the wind in Ogun’s sails, propelling it toward the shores of global competitiveness.

He envisioned the oil industry as a tree with far-reaching branches, offering shade in the form of jobs—direct in engineering and operations, indirect in hospitality, logistics, and commerce—while its roots nourish skills transfer and technological advancement. Small and medium-scale enterprises, which he called the “pillars of the state’s economy,” will be empowered through revolving loans to expand their reach and resilience.

OSCOFED President, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, praised the governor for settling outstanding cooperative deductions and urged the establishment of a revolving loan scheme to further ease credit access for members.

With the oil wells about to sing, ports rising like gateways to new markets, and the Gateway International Airport preparing to open its wings, Ogun State is stepping into an era where vision meets opportunity. Under Governor Abiodun’s stewardship, the state is not merely chasing growth—it is scripting a renaissance, aligning its natural treasures with human ambition to stand tall among the economic giants of Africa.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

When Competence Becomes the Opposition’s Worst Nightmare

Competence is like a sunrise — it does not rush, it does not shout, yet it dissolves the darkness with a quiet inevitability. In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership has been that sunrise, spreading light in steady layers, until even the shadows have nowhere left to hide. His governance has not been a carnival of noise but a symphony of results, played to the rhythm of the people’s needs.

It is no wonder, then, that the opposition finds itself restless. As the American writer Mark Twain once noted, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” Yet in Ogun today, the truth has not only laced its boots — it is marching with evidence in every ward, every community, every home touched by progress.

The roads that wind through formerly forgotten hamlets are not mere strips of asphalt; they are arteries of opportunity, carrying life to the state’s economic heart. Classrooms are no longer shells of learning but are now beacons where the next generation can see beyond the horizon. Farmers who once stood in the wilderness of neglect now plant in the fertile field of government support, with harvests that speak louder than slogans.

But progress, like a mirror, often forces those who fear their own reflection to look away. For such people, competence is not an inspiration but an irritant — a reminder that their era of excuses has expired. In the words of Aristotle, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Governor Abiodun has chosen the harder road — to act, to deliver, to be present in the lives of his people — and it is that very presence that keeps his detractors awake at night.

Every pothole filled, every hospital bed upgraded, every skill acquisition programme launched is a quiet statement: governance is not theatre, it is stewardship. The Governor understands that performance is not a sprint of grand gestures but a marathon of deliberate steps. As Winston Churchill once said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” And so, he does not pause to answer every shout from the roadside; his eyes are fixed on the road ahead.

Yet, the irony is sharp — the more he achieves, the more the opposition’s anxiety grows. Their propaganda has become like smoke in the wind, curling upwards for a moment before vanishing into the clarity of tangible results. History itself offers a warning in the words of Abraham Lincoln: “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

In Ogun State today, the people are not fooled. They know that asphalt is harder than adjectives, that school roofs last longer than rumours, and that harvests feed more mouths than hashtags. They have seen that competence, though calm, is a storm against mediocrity — and it is this storm that has become the opposition’s worst nightmare.

For in the quiet moments, when propaganda fades and the evidence stands, one truth remains: competence is not only unshakable, it is unforgettable.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Elegbeji: A Legacy of Love, A Promise of Change

In the vast garden of Remo, where hopes bloom and dreams take root, there stands a tree whose roots run deep—Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji. She is not a fleeting breeze that rustles the leaves only in season; she is the enduring tree that shelters, nourishes, and grows with the people.

Her legacy is not written in the fleeting dust of slogans, but in the steady, nurturing love that has watered the soil of our communities. Like the mighty baobab that shelters generations beneath its branches, Elegbeji’s service has been a constant canopy—offering protection, strength, and life.

This is a promise she carries—a promise of change, not as a storm that uproots and unsettles, but as the gentle rain that renews and restores. Her vision for Remo is a landscape where every child can flourish, every woman’s voice is heard, and every elder’s wisdom is honored.

Drawing inspiration from the towering figures before her—the legendary Madam Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Madam Tinubu—Elegbeji is the living embodiment of their dreams. They planted seeds of courage, resilience, and hope; Elegbeji cultivates them with unwavering devotion.

As Madam Funmilayo once said,
"I fought to awaken the conscience of my people and give voice to the voiceless."
Elegbeji carries that torch, lighting the path for Remo’s future.

This August 16th, the people of Remo are called not just to cast a vote, but to nurture a future—a future shaped by a leader who is a legacy of love and a promise of change.

Elegbeji is not just a candidate. She is the soil, the roots, and the bloom. She is the promise that Remo’s garden will flourish for generations to come.

Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji —
Where legacy meets love, and promises become reality.
Bye-Election: Saturday, August 16th
Remo Federal Constituency

Vote All Progressives Congress


Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR GBENGA DANIEL

My Second Letter in Less Than 24 Hours – The People Deserve Answers

Senator,

This is my second letter to you in less than 24 hours. I am writing again because the more I reflect on the revelations about your time as Governor of Ogun State, the angrier I become. The details are nauseating, the implications shameful, and the damage to the public trust unforgivable.

Let’s go straight to it. You took land meant for Ogun State judges — a space that symbolized the dignity and independence of our judiciary — and built your Asoludero Mansion on it. Do you understand the gravity of that? Do you realize that beyond the physical theft of space, it was a calculated insult to an entire arm of government?

Then there’s Ijebu Ode, where the state’s driving school — an institution that should have continued to train and equip our citizens with valuable skills — disappeared under the shadow of your hotel expansion. The public lost a service, but you gained another revenue stream. How do you justify that?

And let’s not forget The Tabernacle — a church on land that belonged to the people of Ogun State. You will claim it serves God, but tell me, Senator, since when did service to God require appropriating public property? Faith should inspire sacrifice, not acquisition.

These are not small mistakes. They are not misunderstandings. They form a pattern of betrayal — a catalogue of calculated moves to turn what belonged to the people into monuments of your personal empire. This is why I say, without hesitation, that your tenure as governor represents a deep wound on the conscience of Ogun State.

Public office is a sacred trust, not a blank cheque for personal aggrandizement. You were given power to build for the people, not to fence off their land and stamp your name on it. And yet, here we are, years later, with the citizens of Ogun State looking at mansions, hotels, and churches that stand as constant reminders of what they lost under your watch.

Senator, I will not mince words — these actions demand answers, explanations, and accountability. The fear that may haunt you today is not baseless; it is the shadow of choices you made when you thought power was permanent.

You can dismiss this as politics, but it is far deeper than that. This is about trust, about truth, and about the soul of leadership. And right now, your legacy reads like a handbook on how to betray the people who trusted you.

I will not stop asking. I will not stop writing. And I will not stop demanding until Ogun State gets the truth it deserves.

The people are watching. History is recording. Posterity will judge.

Signed,
Toyosi Adenaike
A Very Angry Concerned Citizen of Ogun State, writing from Ijebu Ode

“When Women Rise, Communities Thrive”
The Elegbeji Declaration

There is a tide rising across Remo — not of noise or empty promises, but of purpose. A movement wrapped in courage. A voice carved from silence. A woman standing, not for herself, but for her people.

Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji does not seek the spotlight. She seeks to turn pain into policy and silence into structure. She steps forward not to be praised, but to ensure that the ignored — the market women, aging fathers, restless youths, and daughters afraid to dream — are finally seen, felt, and respected.

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world. And Remo holds that reservoir in its markets, schools, farms, kitchens, and street corners. But talent without opportunity is tragedy. Elegbeji’s mission is to end that tragedy by giving women more than applause — by giving them access, protection, participation, and power.

She is not here to speak for women alone, but to speak for a Remo where everyone matters. Her belief is clear: there cannot be true democracy unless women’s voices are heard. And when those voices rise — not as echoes, but as architects — the entire community begins to heal.

She offers women not pity but partnership — cooperatives that multiply their earnings, legal frameworks that defend their dignity, and representation that puts them in rooms where decisions are made. Because when a woman is empowered, a family grows stronger, a street becomes safer, a town starts to thrive.

To the men of Remo, she offers no rivalry. She recognizes your dignity, your sweat, your struggle. You deserve more than recycled projects and empty slogans. You deserve a government that builds for you — roads that carry your goods, clinics that treat your children, and a future that honours your labour.

She stands with the farmers whose hands feed this land, the artisans who fix what is broken, and the graduates still waiting for their first real chance. She does not promise miracles. She promises merit. Her vision is not gender warfare — it is balance, inclusion, equity. A society cannot fly with one wing.

She remembers the elders, those whose bones built our communities long before microphones and manifestos. These men and women must not be left to fade. They deserve not only our memory, but our care — through accessible healthcare, rural outreach, and social systems that reflect their sacrifice.

To the youth, she says: hope is not something you have. Hope is something you create — with your actions. That action begins with your vote. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. This is your moment to choose a future you won’t regret. To move from helplessness to history. To vote, not just for her, but for yourselves.

Princess Elegbeji does not approach politics as theatre, but as responsibility. Her commitments are not rehearsed — they are rooted. She speaks of mobile clinics in wards that hospitals forgot. She speaks of trained midwives and maternal care in places where childbirth has become a risk. She speaks of functional schools that serve as ladders — not locked doors — for every child. She speaks of real water flowing from real taps, of electricity that doesn’t blink out on the future.

She knows that governance is not glamour — it is grit. She knows representation is not about being visible, but about being valuable.

She says, I will not be silent. I will not stand by. I will not wait my turn.

Because Remo cannot wait any longer. Not for worn names and tired circles. Not for rehearsed smiles and unreachable hands. Remo deserves a leader who listens, who acts, who serves.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, you have the power to choose not just a candidate, but a direction. Choose progress over pity. Choose truth over noise. Choose a woman who sees you, who knows the road, and who has the will to walk it with you.

Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.
House of Representatives, Remo Federal Constituency.
All Progressives Congress (APC).

Because when women rise, communities thrive.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

“When Women Rise, Communities Thrive”
The Elegbeji Declaration

There is a tide rising across Remo — not of noise or empty promises, but of purpose. A movement wrapped in courage. A voice carved from silence. A woman standing, not for herself, but for her people.

Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji does not seek the spotlight. She seeks to turn pain into policy and silence into structure. She steps forward not to be praised, but to ensure that the ignored — the market women, aging fathers, restless youths, and daughters afraid to dream — are finally seen, felt, and respected.

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world. And Remo holds that reservoir in its markets, schools, farms, kitchens, and street corners. But talent without opportunity is tragedy. Elegbeji’s mission is to end that tragedy by giving women more than applause — by giving them access, protection, participation, and power.

She is not here to speak for women alone, but to speak for a Remo where everyone matters. Her belief is clear: there cannot be true democracy unless women’s voices are heard. And when those voices rise — not as echoes, but as architects — the entire community begins to heal.

She offers women not pity but partnership — cooperatives that multiply their earnings, legal frameworks that defend their dignity, and representation that puts them in rooms where decisions are made. Because when a woman is empowered, a family grows stronger, a street becomes safer, a town starts to thrive.

To the men of Remo, she offers no rivalry. She recognizes your dignity, your sweat, your struggle. You deserve more than recycled projects and empty slogans. You deserve a government that builds for you — roads that carry your goods, clinics that treat your children, and a future that honours your labour.

She stands with the farmers whose hands feed this land, the artisans who fix what is broken, and the graduates still waiting for their first real chance. She does not promise miracles. She promises merit. Her vision is not gender warfare — it is balance, inclusion, equity. A society cannot fly with one wing.

She remembers the elders, those whose bones built our communities long before microphones and manifestos. These men and women must not be left to fade. They deserve not only our memory, but our care — through accessible healthcare, rural outreach, and social systems that reflect their sacrifice.

To the youth, she says: hope is not something you have. Hope is something you create — with your actions. That action begins with your vote. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. This is your moment to choose a future you won’t regret. To move from helplessness to history. To vote, not just for her, but for yourselves.

Princess Elegbeji does not approach politics as theatre, but as responsibility. Her commitments are not rehearsed — they are rooted. She speaks of mobile clinics in wards that hospitals forgot. She speaks of trained midwives and maternal care in places where childbirth has become a risk. She speaks of functional schools that serve as ladders — not locked doors — for every child. She speaks of real water flowing from real taps, of electricity that doesn’t blink out on the future.

She knows that governance is not glamour — it is grit. She knows representation is not about being visible, but about being valuable.

She says, I will not be silent. I will not stand by. I will not wait my turn.

Because Remo cannot wait any longer. Not for worn names and tired circles. Not for rehearsed smiles and unreachable hands. Remo deserves a leader who listens, who acts, who serves.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, you have the power to choose not just a candidate, but a direction. Choose progress over pity. Choose truth over noise. Choose a woman who sees you, who knows the road, and who has the will to walk it with you.

Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.
House of Representatives, Remo Federal Constituency.
All Progressives Congress (APC).

Because when women rise, communities thrive.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Osun LG Allocations: Massive Revolt Awaits Tinubu in 2027-Jackson Ojo

A leading Security Expert in Nigeria and Global Affairs Analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo has berated the Federal Government as it continued to withhold the allocations meant for the 30 local governments across Osun State

Recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria had been withholding allocations for the third tier of government in the state following the controversies that trailed the removal of Yes or No Local Government Chairmen and Councillors hurriedly inaugurated in the last days of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in office.

Ojo, in an exclusive interview with newsmen on Monday said Governor Ademola Adeleke had acted in line with the rule of law by addressing the anomaly that brought the Yes or No Chairmen into the office and conducted proper election that produced substantive leadership in all the local governments in Osun State.

He, however, frowned at what he termed as lawlessness and brigandage on the part of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi for superintending the seizure of allocations to the local governments in Osun despite clear-cut pronouncements by different courts of competent jurisdictions, which declared the election conducted by Oyetola as null and void.


The Security Expert noted that the seizure of allocations to local governments in Osun in the past six months had left majority of the people in abject poverty and serious misery considering the civil-service nature of Osun State.

He explained that the level of economic hardship and frustration caused by the withheld allocations would naturally push people to the wall in which they could take laws into their hands and revolt against the Bola Tinubu-led administration in the 2027 presidential election.

Ojo, therefore, appealed to President Tinubu to quickly direct the Attorney General to facilitate the release of withheld allocations to Osun State to douse the tension across the state.

He said", It is undisputably correct that the local government election conducted by Adegboyega Oyetola 30 days before the end of his tenure and was boycotted by many political parties was a charade and ruse, it was a criminal attempt to take the jugular of the local government through the back door.

"Obviously, the PDP government has done the right thing by challenging this anomaly in court and their prayers were granted from the Federal High Court up to the Appeal court, which gave them the legal right to conduct election properly into the councils.

"It is now disheartening that even the hitherto Human Rights Crusader, Lateef Fagbemi , who now holds sway as Attorney General and Minister of Justice is supporting this illegality and brigandage, this is really sad and unacceptable.

"The implications of this seizure is that the affected workers in the local governments are being abandoned in the cold of hunger and impoverishment, they are hungry and frustrated, many of them have been chased out by their landlords, the situation is really getting out of hands.

"While we are saying that our people should vote for Tinubu, the same Tinubu is treating them like third class citizens with total disdain, how can hungry and angry people be convinced to vote for their oppressor.

"Only in osun state today is where the local government statutory allocation is withheld with open lawlessness.
I believe the former governor who is presently enjoying the Ministerial slot of Osun state is the author of this satanically concocted punishment for the people he formerly governed.
Little did they know that they are demarketing President Tinubu electoral values and chances come 2027.

"I want to therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to quickly direct the Attorney General for the immediate release of the local government allocations to Osun in order to prevent imminent resentment of the people in the state against his government.

"In criminology, they say when the people lose confidence in the state, they will take to self-help, which is a state of anarchy with attendant break down of law and order".

PRESS RELEASE!

The Governing Council of The Federal Polytechnic Ede, at its 71st regular meeting held on Thursday, 30th July 2025, approved the appointments of Alhaji Sanusi Ayantoye Rafiu as Substantive Registrar and Mrs Aishat Shade Adebayo as substantive Bursar respectively

Until his appointment, the new Registrar is the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs at The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, while the new Bursar is presently the Chief Accountant, School of Business Administration and Management at The Federal Polytechnic, Ede

The appointments are for five (5) years single term, while the appointments take effect from Monday, 1st September, 2025

The Management on behalf of the Governing Council, Staff and Students Congratulates them and wishes the new Principal Officers a successful tenure of office.

E-signed

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

Ede Poly Rector bags another Award of Excellence

.....true leadership is ability to achieve set goals-Council Chairman


The Yoruba Study Group, on Tuesday conferred Golden Leadership Award of Excellence on the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, at the Conference room 1 of the institution.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the citadel of learning, Prof. Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya, in his reaction has said the award was a reflection of the level of competence and leadership displayed by the Rector, saying" The ability to lead comes from within and great leaders, are those who can connect, inspire change, see positive values in others, and bring those values to the fore".

Prof. Olaiya, on behalf of the Council, expressed his appreciation for the award and was optimistic that the award would spur the Rector to achieve more feats.

In his acceptance speech, The Rector expressed his appreciation to the Governing Council, Management and staff of the institution for their unwavering support since he took over the mantle of leadership in the institution, he also urged members of staff and students of the institution to sustain the tempo of commitment and efficiency for the institution to move to greater heights.

Earlier in his address, the coordinator of Yoruba Study Group, Comrade Adeosun Williams eulogized the landmark performance and groundbreaking achievements of the Rector in the upliftment and development of the Polytechnic, especially in areas of critical infrastructure across both campuses of the institution.

He said, for demonstrating exceptional competence and capability, especially in achieving full accreditation and approval to commence additional eighteen (18) programmes in ND and HND within a short period of time, the Rector really deserves the award.

Comrade Adeosun also described Engr Sani Man Yahaya as a thorough breed disciplinarian and an outstanding role model.

Present at the occasion were members of the Governing Council, top management, and other Polytechnic functionaries

E-signed

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

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IJEBU CONGRESS DISOWNS MISREPRESENTED DOCUMENTARY, COMMENDS GOVERNOR ABIODUN FOR LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT IN IJEBU AREAS

The leadership of the Ijebu Congress has condemned in strong terms the recent and deliberate misrepresentation of a documentary titled “The Rot in Ijebuland”, originally produced in April 2019 as a development-focused advisory for the incoming administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.

In a statement released to the media, Chairman of the Ijebu Congress, Prince Bunmi Mebude, described the resurfacing and mischaracterization of the 2019 video as "a calculated act of blackmail by political elements desperate to create friction between the Ijebu people and a government that has been truly responsive and development-driven."

Prince Mebude clarified that the documentary was produced prior to the swearing-in of the current administration and was never intended as a tool of opposition or discredit. “It is important to state clearly that the said documentary was a well-intentioned project aimed at sensitizing the incoming government to the critical infrastructural gaps in Ijebuland at the time. It was never a critique of any administration, and certainly not of the one currently in office, which has done so much for our people,” he said.

To reaffirm its commitment to truth and development, the Ijebu Congress has now commenced production of a new documentary aimed at capturing the transformational projects currently underway across Ijebuland. According to Prince Mebude, “We believe it is time to also tell the new story—the story of roads being built, schools being rehabilitated, the Gateway International Airport rising from vision to reality, and the remarkable industrial investments flowing into the Ijebu corridor.”

The Ijebu Congress lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for his focused leadership and commitment to inclusive growth, especially the impact of his administration on the Ijebu axis of the state.

“From the historic Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport to the growing number of manufacturing and processing industries setting up in the Ijebu zone, the dividends of democracy under Governor Abiodun are clear for all to see. We commend His Excellency for his visionary leadership and encourage him to stay the course,” Prince Mebude added.

The Ijebu Congress reaffirmed its apolitical, non-partisan stance and warned political jobbers to desist from dragging its name into partisan controversies. The Congress reiterated its full support for development-oriented governance, partnership with government institutions, and a commitment to the well-being of all Ijebu sons and daughters.

Signed:
Prince Bunmi Mebude
Chairman, Ijebu Congress
28th July 2025

Dapo Abiodun, changing Ogun narratives through industrialization

By Olaniyi Ajibola

Many analysts have critically argued in the past that the proximity of Ogun State to Lagos, the commercial nerve centre and financial headquarters of Nigeria had not been optimally explored and made to transform the economy of the Gateway State in the most significant way it should be.

They averred that Ogun State, being strategically located in a very cosmopolitan arena of such should be the centre of attraction to both indigenous and foreign investors.

The story, however, changed with the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2019. Abiodun, a board room guru of long standing with satisfactory experience in development economy and investment spanning decades came into the saddle with vision and vigour.

Working strictly in line with the tenets of his ISEYA mantra, the Governor changed the old order of policy summersaults that made Ogun State unattractive to both local and foreign investors, despite its inherent opportunities.

Abiodun, after stimulating the swift formulation and implementation of policies that changed the business environment in Ogun State, to make it more friendly and attractive then embarked on aggressive consultations with investors locally and globally, preaching the gospel of new Ogun with renewed business opportunities as the Chief Marketer of the Gateway State.

The Governor's strategy and efforts truly paid off, as investors around the world started coming into the state for massive investments in different sectors, thereby turning the state to a leading industrial hub in Nigeria.

A practical example from within is that of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the African richest man and business mogul. After leaving the state for years with abandoned investments due to crude and cruel governmental policies of old in the state, the business giant was called back to the state by the Governor to reactivate his investments and start operations.

Consequently, construction works resumed immediately at the abandoned cement factory at Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the State, which after completion would be one of the biggest cement plants in Africa, which was unfortunately abandoned out of frustration and intimidation by the immediate past administration of Ibikunle Amosun.

In addition to that, the Dangote Groups recently announced it's readiness to start work on the establishment of Olokola Deep Seaport, the largest of its kind in entire Africa. In all of these, Alhaji Dangote glowingly praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his ingenuity, creativity and resilience in changing the business environment in Ogun State to make it extremely attractive to investors.

The latest achievement of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration's efforts to attract foreign investors into the industrial hub of Ogun state is the partnership between the State and an India-based company, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), a leading multinational company in textile industry. .
The company, in partnership with Ogun State is putting together a project implementation team for the takeoff of the biggest garment production company in Nigeria, in which the groundbreaking ceremony of the project comes up in September this year.

During a recent visit of the company 's delegation, led by its President, Mr. Gagan Gupta, alongside the representative of AFRIXEM Bank to the Governor 's office in Abeokuta, the Governor said the $2 billion investment would significantly contribute to the economy of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

According to the Governor, with the capacity to produce 100 tons per hour, 1,000 tons per day, 40,000 tons per month, and about 350,000 tons per year, the factory would turn out about 4.4 million garments every day and employ between 120,000 to 150,000 direct and indirect laborers.

He said: "What we are here for today is to put together a project implementation team to identify what needs to be done and when, to jointly establish timelines for each of the tasks so that we can prepare for the groundbreaking of the project in September.

"What I find most exciting is how this project will resuscitate cotton farming and cotton growing in Nigeria and the ripple effects on the economy.

"Ogun State fortunately grows the highest quality cotton in Nigeria. We dedicated 10 hectares of land in the first instance for cotton growing. We have a very active grower association in our state.

"I am hoping that you find the right cotton inputs that you will make available to these farmers, and they will become the outgrowers. That way, you will take over the ownership of the entire process, and Offtake agreements would have been signed with them so that they know what is expected at harvest."

With this trajectory of industrialization in Ogun state, where the state welcomes new manufacturing firm almost on monthly basis across it's industrial clusters, Ogun State is without doubt positioning itself as the New Jersey of Nigeria.

Without mincing words, Prince Dapo Abiodun is deliberately and intentionally changing narratives in Ogun State with utmost precision and determination; he has taken the role of a Chief Marketer of the state's products and really making sales.

Kudos, Prince Dapo Abiodun

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