Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Development and Citizens’ Participation in 2026 Budget Planning
Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Development and Citizens’ Participation in 2026 Budget Planning
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance that emphasizes citizens’ participation, transparency, and accountability. He highlighted that consulting residents before presenting the state budget remains a key feature of his government’s approach.
Abiodun made this declaration during the Town Hall Meeting for the Egba Division, part of the preparations for the 2026 Budget. He called on residents and stakeholders to continue collaborating with the government to build “a state that works for everyone.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okuboyejo, the governor noted that his administration has implemented strategic public financial management reforms aligned with international standards, fostering fiscal discipline and effective service delivery.
He stated that the ISEYA Development Agenda continues to guide policy decisions, resulting in significant progress across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, housing, education, agriculture, security, and youth empowerment.
“In the past year, our administration has achieved notable milestones through enhanced fiscal discipline, transparency, and efficiency, which have propelled socio-economic development and laid the groundwork for sustainable growth,” Abiodun said.
He listed ongoing projects, including road construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation across the state, particularly in the Egba Division, aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic activity.
In healthcare, efforts have included renovating and equipping primary healthcare facilities, installing solar power systems, and expanding access to quality healthcare via the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme.
The governor also mentioned initiatives to improve electricity supply, such as installing solar streetlights and deploying transformers, alongside completed affordable housing projects like the Olumo Residential Court Apartments and the Ibara GRA Regeneration Project (Phase I).
On security, he disclosed that more Amotekun operatives have been recruited to enhance community surveillance and crime prevention. In education, the government has rehabilitated science laboratories, renovated technical colleges, and trained STEM teachers to improve learning outcomes.
Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s successful hosting of the 2024 Gateway Games, which reinforced the state’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence and cultural unity. The modernization and renovation of sports facilities, culminating in the commissioning of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, have positioned Ogun as a premier venue for continental and regional competitions. The state recently hosted the Confederation of African Athletics U18/U20 Championships and continues to host CAF events at the Arena.
On employment, the governor announced the establishment of the Ogun Job Centre and Work Hub at the Government Science and Technical College in Abeokuta—serving as a one-stop shop for career guidance, entrepreneurship support, and job opportunities.
In agriculture, the state has procured modern farm machinery, rehabilitated eight farm settlements, and upgraded the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) to a digital platform, helping farmers access markets and participate in government schemes. Plans are also underway to transform rural markets like Kila Market in Odeda into modern agro-logistics centers, aimed at strengthening value chains, improving storage, and reducing post-harvest losses.
As the 2026 Budget preparations continue, Abiodun emphasized that his administration would focus on empowering youth, supporting small businesses, and enhancing social protection for vulnerable groups.
“Let us keep working together to identify priorities, craft solutions, and build a state that works for everybody,” he urged.
He assured residents that their feedback from the Town Hall Meetings would be instrumental in shaping the upcoming fiscal plan. He noted that insights from previous engagements have already influenced ongoing initiatives, such as the comprehensive rehabilitation of science laboratories and the renovation of all eight government technical colleges—three of which are in Ogun Central—aimed at strengthening technical education and fostering skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship among youth.
The governor concluded by stating that the 2026 Budget would build on existing gains in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation, reflecting the priorities gathered during the town hall sessions.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, praised the governor’s efforts in infrastructure development but urged the state to engage federal authorities on the rehabilitation of federal roads within Ogun.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, described the Town Hall Meetings as a vital part of participatory governance, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing that “meaningful progress begins with the people.”
Traditional rulers, including the Onijale of Ijale Papa, Oba Michael Babalola, and the Olu Suin, Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, commended the government for its development strides, especially in road construction, while appealing for more interventions to improve access in their communities.
A community elder, Baba Adeleke Fajimi, also lauded the government for maintaining peace and security across Ogun and called for continued support for security agencies.
