Ogbeni Afolabi Odulate Declares Re-Election Bid, Highlights Successes in First Term

By: Oluwapelumi Ogunleye

Immediate past Executive Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Afolabi Odulate (AFO), has announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term in the upcoming Local Government election scheduled for November 16, 2024.

During a media parley at his political office in Ijagba, Sagamu, on August 12, 2024, Odulate highlighted his achievements during his first term, which began on July 26, 2021. He emphasized his operational theme, “Build, Operate, and Transfer” (BOT), which facilitated various infrastructure projects, including road construction, street lighting, and more.

“My first three years in office were nothing but all to the satisfaction of the people. I did what I can do to ensure that Sagamu became a better place. And this is what I still have in mind going into the second term. The results are there to speak for itself,” he stated.

Addressing youth involvement, he urged unity among youth bodies in Sagamu, stressing the need for collective effort towards community development. “The youth bodies in Sagamu are divided, and there’s nothing we can build with a divided house. I had a plan of creating a job center/Hub in Sagamu, but the youth who were supposed to help me achieve this aim were busy fighting for supremacy and power, forgetting that this is not the primary objective. They need to come together so we can achieve the greater good,” he said.

AFO promised to involve youth and the entire community in his administration’s decision-making processes. “When I get elected for the second term, I will ensure I involve the youth appropriately into the administration. Not only the youth, but the whole community will be carried along, to avoid misconception and misinformation,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of regular town square meetings to ensure transparency and community engagement. Odulate also pledged to continue road construction projects across Sagamu Local Government, prioritizing the needs of the community.

On security, Odulate emphasized that it is a collective responsibility, requiring collaboration among stakeholders, security agencies, and community leaders. “Security is a collective responsibility, and everyone — stakeholders, security agencies, indigents, and respective community leaders — needs to see it as a priority and take it as such,” he declared.

He highlighted his administration’s financial prudence, citing the clearance of outstanding loans from Wema Bank and Gateway Mortgage Bank. “My first three years in office saw my administration clear the outstanding loan my predecessor left with Wema Bank and Gateway Mortgage Bank, which is a sign of my financial Prudence and transparency,” Odulate said.

He assured that his administration managed resources effectively, despite financial constraints. “Even with the paucity of funds to the LG, I did everything within my capacity to ensure that projects continued as stated in the BOT agenda,” he explained.

Regarding the delayed reconstruction of Aiyepe Road, Odulate explained that the road is a state responsibility. “The construction of the Hospital road in Ogijo is a beamer that the executive governor hasn’t forgotten about Aiyepe road, following the approval of the road construction at the exco meeting,” Odulate added.

“The development of Sagamu is our responsibility, and I will always do what needs to be done, without any selfish interest or personal motive, to ensure the everyday development of Sagamu Local Government,” he stated.