Over the past 10 months, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has achieved substantial progress in redefining governance in Ogun State. The areas of infrastructural development, security, healthcare, education, and Information and Communications Technology have seen significant advancements, with a commitment to further progress in the future. The governor’s ‘Building the Future Together’ agenda, outlined at the start of his tenure in May, has been followed through with remarkable zeal and dedication.
During a recent media tour, it became evident that Governor Abiodun is not only a visionary leader but also a pragmatic and hardworking individual dedicated to establishing an Ogun State that garners pride from its citizens, investors, and visitors. While the achievements listed below are not exhaustive, they serve as a testament to the innovative and people-centric approach to governance in Ogun State.
OGUN TECH HUB AND STEM CENTER: A PIONEERING INITIATIVE
Our first visit was to the Ogun Tech Hub and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Center along Kobape Road, Abeokuta Expressway. The transformation of an abandoned school building into a flourishing tech hub is a testament to the governor’s vision of positioning Ogun as a hub for technological innovation in Africa. The Ogun Tech Hub aims to foster creativity and facilitate the achievement of goals for technologists, social entrepreneurs, tech companies, impact investors, and government within Ogun State. It also serves as a knowledge platform for citizens to connect, share, and develop new skills to address local challenges and improve the quality of life.
REVAMPED ICT CENTER AT OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY
The Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, is now home to the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) center in any Nigerian university. This state-of-the-art complex, commissioned in February, is designed to accommodate 3,000 individuals at a time and is equipped with modern facilities to facilitate learning, research, and development.
RECONSTRUCTION OF IJEBU-EPE ROAD FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
The reconstruction of the long-neglected Ijebu-Ode-Epe road signifies a crucial infrastructure project undertaken by the administration. The dual-carriageway road, with planned toll plazas, not only aims to ease traffic congestion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway but also promises economic and social development for the region, in addition to improving the connectivity to Lagos.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ‘OKO- OWO DAPO’
The ‘Oko-owo Dapo’ initiative, launched in September 2019, is dedicated to empowering women involved in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the state. Its goal is to bolster trade and enhance the economic prospects of women, with a vision to benefit at least 100,000 women within the first year of Governor Abiodun’s administration.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT VIA THE Ogun JOB PORTAL
The establishment of the Ogun Job Portal has been a game-changer in the fight against unemployment, linking job seekers with suitable employment opportunities. This platform not only addresses unemployment but also revitalizes various sectors of the state’s economy.
FOCUS ON SECURITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE
The administration has prioritized security, evident in the establishment of the Security Trust Fund committee, procurement of patrol vehicles and bikes for law enforcement, and the creation of the Western Nigeria Security outfit, known as Operation Amotekun. These efforts seek to ensure a safe and conducive environment for residents and potential investors in Ogun State.
ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER SUPPLY
The establishment of the Ogun State Public Works Agency signifies a commitment to improving the state’s road infrastructure. Additionally, the restoration of water supply in communities across the state has been a significant achievement, addressing the scarcity of potable water and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Governor Abiodun has been commended for his proactive approach in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures such as the identification and quarantine of contacts, and the designation of healthcare facilities for disease surveillance, reflect the administration’s dedication to public health and safety.
UNITY AND INCLUSIVITY IN GOVERNANCE
Governor Abiodun’s commitment to inclusivity and diplomacy has garnered support from various political quarters, with several key figures and opposition members aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC), a testament to the governor’s unifying leadership.