Obasanjo, others eulogize Abiodun at 65, six years in office

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been commended for his unwavering commitment to the development of the state over the past six years.

The commendation was given by some members of the State Executive Council to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the administration and the governor’s 65th birthday.

Speaking in an interview, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo lauded Governor Abiodun for his monumental achievements in the last six years and on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

The former president specifically commended the governor for hosting a befitting National Sports Festival, describing it as a huge success.

“To our Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, once again, I offer my deepest personal appreciation. Your leadership commitment and unwavering dedication have delivered not just a festival but also a legacy.

“You have shown the world the strength, capacity, and hospitality of Ogun State. This was a world-class event, and you have raised the standard for all to follow in the future.

“You have not only organized a festival, but you have also provided us with proud and exciting moments in our national life and laid the foundation for the future,” Chief Obasanjo said.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the governor, as a transformational leader, has lifted the state beyond all expectations, as he has consistently delivered on his promises.

She said: “I have been working hand in hand with him for the last six years, and I have seen his dedication, his commitment, and his passion—how he puts his body and soul into everything that he does. We thank God that we are seeing good results from the very hard work.

“His Excellency is dedicated, he is committed, he is passionate about anything he does, and if he sets his mind to something, he gives it 100%. I wish His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, a very happy 65th birthday.”

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, noted that Governor Abiodun, in the last six years, has put in place measures that have led to the economy growing in leaps and bounds, as well as building confidence, which has brought about unity among people of different tribes, classes, and religions.

Prince Abiodun, the SSG observed, has been consistent in his development plans, saying that the provision of infrastructure and a conducive business environment has placed the state as a force to be reckoned with in the comity of states in the country.

“Prince Abiodun values lives and people’s progress. The level of acrimony and rancor has gone down during his tenure. Most of the issues we had to deal with when we came in, like people going on strikes and violence all over the place, have gradually normalized, step by step.

“I am proud to say that in Ogun State, there has not been a workers’ strike in the last 18 months. Now everybody knows that Governor Abiodun does not play games with people’s lives, their earnings, and progress,” he stated.

While wishing the governor a happy 65th birthday, Mr. Talabi pledged his unalloyed loyalty and support to enable him to end his tenure on a sound note.

The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the past six years have been remarkable with purposeful and visionary leadership dedicated to the overall well-being of the people.

According to the Head of Service, the meticulous planning and sense of dedication as encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra have propelled the state to be the industrial capital of the country, just as the administration has fared well in all sectors of the economy.

He lauded the governor for his worker-friendly posture, saying this has led to increased productivity and more dedication to duties on the part of the workforce.

The Head of Service noted with delight the efforts of the present administration in rejuvenating the civil service through training programs, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as the release of funds for pensioners’ gratuities.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, on his part, said the governor has been able to reach across the 20 local government areas in terms of road infrastructure, as the roads are either being reconstructed or the old ones rehabilitated.

“In primary healthcare, the state government has been able to rehabilitate close to 177 facilities and is targeting about 236 across the state. In terms of housing, we’ve been able to do close to 4,000, but our target is to reach 10,000. It is also key for me to mention that in terms of infrastructure, the Gateway International Airport is very key; it is an unprecedented and monumental achievement,” he said.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Oladapupo-Oladapupo, noted that the state has experienced a tremendous positive overhaul in the last six years, emerging as the fastest-growing economy in the country, backed by facts.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Olukayode Akinmade, said Ogun has become the most sought-after state in terms of investment, as it has been able to take advantage of its proximity to Lagos State.

“Since Governor Dapo Abiodun came on board, we have not had issues with thuggery or assassination; Ogun State has never had it so good like this. Everywhere is peaceful, and everyone is going about their duties without molestation or harassment, and you can feel peace and freedom in the air,” he said.