In a recent town hall meeting at the Bisi Rodipe Event Center in Ijebu-Ode, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State emphasized that his administration is committed to inclusive development across all regions of the state as part of the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the upcoming 2025 budget. “No part of Ogun State has been overlooked in our developmental projects,” he stated, highlighting that initiatives are equally spread across the three Senatorial Districts.
Governor Abiodun praised the contributions of various stakeholders during consultations for the 2024 budget, revealing plans for significant road reconstruction in the Ogun East Senatorial District. The roads set for reconstruction include Imoro-Imegun-Opopo, Igbeba-Eid praying ground to Prison, Imoru road in Ijebu-Ode, and the Odelewu-Ladeshi-Ishiwo road.
The Governor, represented by his Chief Economic Adviser and Finance Commissioner, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, acknowledged the financial pressures facing the administration but maintained that over 64 kilometers of rural roads are under construction statewide. “These rural road projects are vital for enhancing infrastructure, ensuring easy access to rural areas, and improving agricultural productivity,” Abiodun remarked.
In addition to road improvements, Abiodun shared that the administration is collaborating with Lagos and Oyo State governments to enhance security along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway by procuring 25 patrol vans and surveillance drones. He also noted the construction of the Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport, which is expected to establish Ogun State as a key logistics hub in the region, leveraging resources like the Africa Quality Assurance Center.
Governor Abiodun reported that his administration has successfully completed over 600 kilometers of roads statewide, with 243.3 kilometers in the Ogun East Senatorial District alone. Notable completed projects include Chris-Ogunbajo-Erunwon road and various internal roads within Olabisi Onabanjo University, along with ongoing work on Alaran River’s double self-culvert in Ijebu-Ode.
During the meeting, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, revealed that the recent town hall meetings generated 377 input suggestions, with 90% incorporated into the budget. He assured that the remaining inputs would be addressed in the 2025 budget and the MTEF.
Local monarchs, including Oba Toye Alatishe of Ososa and Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adenugba of Ago-Iwoye, expressed their gratitude for maintaining the town hall meeting initiative, which fosters community engagement in budget planning. They pledged their continued support for the administration’s vision and goals. Various trade unions, associations, religious organizations, and traditional leaders contributed valuable insights for the 2025 budget, further emphasizing the collaborative effort behind Ogun State’s development strategy.
