By DAMILOLA ADESULU
Town Hall Meeting Highlights Commitment to Infrastructure and Stakeholder Engagement
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has affirmed that his administration is committed to ensuring that all parts of the state benefit from developmental projects outlined in the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2025 Budget. This assurance was made during a town hall meeting held at the Bisi Rodipe Event Center in Ijebu-Ode, where he emphasized equitable distribution of projects across the three Senatorial Districts.
Key Developments and Infrastructure Plans
1. **Road Reconstruction Initiatives**:
– Governor Abiodun announced the approval for the reconstruction of several major roads in the Ogun East Senatorial District, including:
– Imoro-Imegun-Opopo Road
– Igbeba Road to Eid Praying Ground to Prison
– Imoru Road in Ijebu-Ode
– Odelewu-Ladeshi-Ishiwo Road
– He highlighted that these projects are part of a broader initiative to enhance infrastructure and accessibility in the region.
2. **Rural Road Construction**:
– Despite facing fiscal pressures, the governor noted that his administration has begun constructing over **64 kilometers of rural roads** throughout the state. This effort aims to improve rural accessibility and boost agricultural productivity.
3. **Collaboration for Security**:
– In collaboration with Lagos and Oyo State governments, Ogun State has procured an additional **25 patrol vans and surveillance drones** to monitor activities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, enhancing security in the region.
4. **Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport**:
– The construction of the Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport is underway, which is expected to position Ogun State as a major logistics hub in the sub-region. The airport will leverage the Africa Quality Assurance Center developed by the Africa Export-Import Bank.
5. **Road Network Expansion**:
– Governor Abiodun reported that his administration has constructed over **600 kilometers of roads** across Ogun State, with **243.3 kilometers** completed in the Ogun East Senatorial District. Notable completed projects include:
– Chris-Ogunbajo-Erunwon Road
– Palace Road, Ijebu-Itele
– Club Road, Balogun Kuku Road, Ijebu-Ode
– Internal roads within Olabisi Onabanjo University
– Ongoing projects include the double self-culvert on Alaran River, Liberty Road in Oru, and Awokoya Road in Ijebu-Ode.
Stakeholder Engagement and Community Input
During the meeting, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, shared that **377 inputs** were received during the last round of town hall meetings held in 2023. He noted that **90%** of these inputs, translating to **340**, were incorporated into the budget, with remaining inputs to be addressed in the 2025 budget and MTEF.
Community Support and Royal Endorsement
The town hall meeting received commendations from local royalty, including:
– **Oba Toye Alatishe**, the Gbegande of Ososa
– **Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adenugba**, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye
Both monarchs expressed their support for the administration’s efforts to engage the community in the budgeting process, emphasizing the importance of citizen input in governance.
Conclusion
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to inclusive development in Ogun State is evident through the structured approach to budget planning and execution. By prioritizing infrastructure projects and actively engaging stakeholders, his administration aims to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents across all regions of the state.