Sworn to surpass the legacy of his predecessors, Prince Dapo Abiodun has transformed the Gateway State into a shining beacon of diligence, integrity, and excellence. It's no wonder the people of Ogun State gave him a second mandate. He's revolutionized the political landscape, replacing it with long-lasting infrastructure that will endure for decades to come.
The journey to Prince Dapo
Abiodun's re-election as Governor of Ogun State was a tumultuous one, marked by
internal and external political strife. ‘However, despite the challenges, I was
eager to make the trip down to Ogun State to congratulate my egbon and mentor
in person.’
As I arrived at the governor's
mansion, I was struck by the regal atmosphere and the sense of triumph in the
air. The victory was hard-fought and well-earned, and I felt honoured to be
able to share in the celebration.
Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, Prince Dapo Abiodun expressed his gratitude for the grace of God and the support of the people of Ogun State. He spoke passionately about his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people and how his nickname "Mr. Works, Mr. Projects" reflected his unyielding dedication to developing sustainable projects that would benefit the state for generations to come.
As we spoke, I was struck by the
sheer brilliance of his visionary leadership, it's been over two decades since
1999, and there's been a remarkable change in technology, roads, and infrastructure.
His reign in Ogun State witnessed an unprecedented surge in growth,
particularly in the areas of technology, road construction, and infrastructure.
Under his guidance, the state has attained a newfound financial stability, with
its internally generated revenue (IGR) skyrocketing to an impressive N74
billion within just the first nine months of 2021. This achievement has
propelled Ogun State to rank fourth among states with the highest revenue, a
testament to the undeniable success of his administration.
He had taken a barren forest,
turning it into an asset and aerotropolis of epic proportions spanning 50
million square metres, a feat that had never been seen before in Africa. The
Ijebu Ode-Epe express road that he had constructed was a work of art, rivalling
the best road construction projects in Nigeria.
Under his visionary leadership,
Ogun State has made remarkable strides that have left many in awe. The
extensive construction and reconstruction of over 270.88 kilometers of roads,
coupled with the rehabilitation of an additional 300 kilometers, have
dramatically transformed the state's infrastructure. The impact of these
initiatives has not gone unnoticed, as even national authorities have taken
notice. The Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has begun construction on a new
jetty in Iwopin Beach, a testament to the state's progress under his
stewardship.
From the majestic Abeokuta-Sagamu interchange
road to the stunning Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, his immense contribution to
education and healthcare has resulted in significant improvements that are
changing lives for the better. It's clear that his vision for Ogun State is not
one of personal gain but of a future of progress and prosperity for all.
As we reminisced the challenging
journey leading up to his re-election, the memories flooded back like a rush of
waves crashing against the shore. We laughed and joked as we recounted the
backstabbing and disloyalty that had threatened to derail his journey to
victory. Despite the daunting challenges and seemingly insurmountable hurdles
that stood in his path, his ironclad determination and tenacity led him to the
ultimate triumph.
Our re-elected Governor's
unwavering focus on the progress of Ogun State is a testament to his strong
leadership. Regardless of the distractions of the election, he remained
resolute, holding meetings with stakeholders and contractors to discuss ongoing
and upcoming projects. While others may have prioritised their own leisure over
the needs of their constituents, our hardworking and determined governor burned
the midnight oil until 2 AM, tirelessly working for the betterment of his
people. He is truly a leader that puts States over Self. And, his dedication to
the future of Ogun State are a powerful reminder that true progress can only be
achieved through tenacity, grit, and a sense of purpose.
Many people may perceive him as
being tight-fisted because they believe that he should be using his position to
open up the government's vault for their own personal gain. However, what
impressed me the most was his commitment to governance, which extended beyond
the narrow focus on "stomach infrastructure" type of politics to
project infrastructure politics, building projects that will that would endure
four decades, rather than just four years. He has demonstrated a strong
willingness to take on challenging projects that will have a lasting impact
rather than taking the easy route for short-term gains. He has always made it a
point to not just be an "APC governor", but rather a governor for the
people who is committed to developing an inclusive government that benefits all
corners of the state.
As I said my goodbyes and left the
governor's residence, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for Ogun State
and its people. With leaders like Prince Dapo Abiodun at the helm, I have no
doubt that the state is about to see part two of "pro max"
development that would be comparable to international standards.
Congratulations once again,
Governor re-elects, Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, the crown jewel of the
prestigious gateway state.
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