Abiodun Promises to Increase Tempo of Development in Ogun

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince  Dapo Abiodun, has stated that the phenomenal strides being experienced in the state in the last four years under his watch are in fulfillment of his ‘Building Our Future Together Agenda’ and the ISEYA mantra of his government, adding that the pace of development will continue to increase.

Abiodun made this known during the Egba Division Town hall meeting, in preparation for the 2024–2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2024 Appropriation Bill held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto in Abeokuta.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the policies and programmes of his administration are in the best interests of the majority of the citizenry, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliation, or social status.

Abiodun said: “What you see in our system is a strategic approach towards the formulation and implementation of our policies and programmes, which are geared towards the welfare, wellness, and well-being of our people.”

He emphasised that the degree of commitment to good governance and speedy development was a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to continue to be fair, just, accountable, transparent, equitable, and dedicated to democratic ethos.

Abiodun reiterated that his government would continue to accord the people of the state an important position in the demonstration of the sincere commitment to good governance, urging all critical stakeholders to join hands in the task of “building our future together.”

While appreciating those present at the interactive section, especially the royal fathers, for their impressive turnout, he said the Egba Division had again lived up to its reputation of political sophistication, applauding their consistency and unalloyed support for his administration.

In his goodwill message, the state Commissioner for Finance and the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said the government is committed to adopting increased budgetary and inclusiveness in its drive to move the state forward.

He noted that the meeting resulted from a sincere commitment of the administration to good governance, reiterating that it would continue to adhere to policy thrusts and formulate policies that would lead to the direct benefit of the citizens of the state.

Okubadejo noted that the Abiodun-led administration is adopting increased transparency, inclusiveness, and bottom-up engagement in the budget process, and fiscal discipline, and discouraging extra-budgetary expenditure, among others.

 “In a bid to achieve sustainable economic development in the state and institutionalise public sector reforms and governance, the present administration of Governor Abiodun enacted the Ogun State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2020, as amended, which highlights the roles and functions of all the stakeholders as well as spells out the expected fiscal activities in the state, and this has assisted in the annual budget preparation process,” he said.

Also, the state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, in his remarks, stated that the vision of the Abiodun-led government was to deliver good governance and complete all ongoing projects, and implement new ones, as well as formulate policies that will benefit the citizens of the state.

He revealed that 215 projects were completed within the last 12 months in Egba Division.

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland,  Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, represented by the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, thanked the state government for including royal fathers in all its programmes and policies, urging the state government to take more proactive steps towards fixing the Lagos-Abeokuta road.