The Ogun State Executive Council has approved a fresh package of infrastructure and institutional development projects, including new housing units, legislative quarters, road reconstruction and the rebuilding of the state Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The approvals were made as part of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure development, urban renewal and the preservation of Ogun State’s traditional institutions.
Among the projects approved is the construction of 450 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, complete with basic infrastructure, as well as 28 official quarters for members of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
The council also approved the construction of 28 sellable duplexes at the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) Scheme II and the reconstruction of the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the projects are aimed at replacing ageing public infrastructure with modern and functional facilities capable of meeting the state’s growing needs.
Akinmade said several government buildings inherited by the present administration were more than five decades old and had deteriorated beyond economical rehabilitation.
He explained that their reconstruction formed part of the government’s broader urban regeneration programme, which seeks to transform ageing and distressed public structures across the state.
The 450-unit housing project, he added, would complement the government’s affordable housing programme by providing more residents with access to decent accommodation while also stimulating economic activity in the construction sector.
The council also approved the reconstruction of several major roads across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts.
The projects include the Okun-Owa–Ijebu-Ode Road, covering parts of Odogbolu and Ijebu-Ode Local Government Areas; the Ago-Iwoye–Ijebu-Igbo–Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Road in Ijebu North, covering 19.05 kilometres; and Phase One of the Odeda-Olugbo Road, measuring 5.5 kilometres.
Other approved projects include the Ayobo (Mopol Junction)–Lafenwa Junction Road in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, covering 3.6 kilometres, and the Agbala Road in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, which spans 2.78 kilometres.
Akinmade said the road projects would improve connectivity, reduce travel time and provide better access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and industrial areas.
He added that the projects were expected to contribute to economic growth by opening up communities and facilitating commercial activities across the state.
In a further move to strengthen traditional institutions, the Executive Council approved the upgrading and appointment of the Akoko of Tongeji Island as a recognised chieftaincy.
It also approved the declaration of the Onitafin of Orile Itafin as a recognised chieftaincy and the appointment of the Olu of Orile Itori-Odo into a recognised chieftaincy.
The council further approved the creation and upgrading of certain coronet stools under the Ijebu, Egba and Yewa Traditional Councils.
Akinmade said the decisions were part of the government’s commitment to preserving Ogun’s cultural heritage and strengthening traditional institutions as partners in grassroots governance, peace and community development.
He said the recognition and upgrading of deserving traditional stools would promote orderly traditional administration while enhancing collaboration between traditional rulers and government.
The Special Adviser reaffirmed that Governor Abiodun’s administration remained focused on delivering sustainable infrastructure, strengthening governance institutions, preserving public assets and creating an environment capable of attracting investment and improving residents’ welfare.
