Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his commitment to the rapid development of Ogun West Senatorial District, citing its long history of neglect by previous administrations.
Speaking on Sunday at the grand finale of 2024 Oronna Day celebration in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, Abiodun emphasized that despite the district’s significant contributions as a major non-oil revenue generator and the state’s agricultural hub, it had been overlooked for years.
“When I assumed office and for some reason, most of my predecessors did not accord this zone the place and attention it deserved, Kabiyesi called me and said, ‘Before you, all that happened here is that they will do some groundbreaking but they never inaugurated any project in this local government or in this zone.’ And I told Kabiyesi that the narrative would change,” Abiodun recalled. “We will do groundbreaking and we will also inaugurate projects. I beat my chest and proudly say that we have done just that.”
He highlighted the reconstruction of the Ilaro-Owode road, a key route connecting Yewa South to Ado/Odo-Ota and other local government areas.
According to him, what once took two and a half hours now takes mere minutes. “We have inaugurated at least one road in each local government in this zone, and some even have more,” he added.
Abiodun underscored the district’s strategic importance, noting its role as home to the Agbara Industrial Estate with over 500 industries, the largest limestone deposit, and the country’s biggest cement factory.
He also mentioned the completion of one lane of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara dual carriageway, with efforts underway to finish the second lane.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jubril commended the state government’s commitment to community development, describing the event as a platform for cultural revival and economic advancement.
He remarked that such celebrations could foster development and generate foreign exchange.
In his address, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, called the event a celebration of heritage with the potential to drive growth.
Oba Olugbenle also expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his promises and urged him to prioritize the commissioning of a housing estate in the town.
