By Lekan Lisoye
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on the people of the State to embrace this year, 2024, with renewed hope as his administration is working hard to make life bearable for them.
Congratulating the people for making it into the New Year, Abiodun said his administration would redouble its efforts towards meeting their needs, pledging to do so with sincerity, humility, and integrity. He promised to govern with unwavering dedication, equity, inclusiveness, and accountability while upholding the rule of law.
The governor, who made the call in his New Year broadcast to the people of the state, noted that 2023 had been a challenging year for many Nigerians as a result of the precarious economic situation in the country, however, lauded the people for remaining steadfast despite all odds.
He said: "In 2023, we faced numerous challenges, but together we were resolute, focused, and we emergency united and stronger. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you, the good citizens and residents of Ogun State, for your unwavering support, cooperation, resilience, and unflinching loyalty."
Reflecting on the journey so far, Governor Abiodun emphasized that his government has achieved significant milestones, covering substantial grounds across the state, assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed while new frontiers would be opened under the "ISEYA" mantra, even in the face of global socio-economic challenges.
"We have prioritized the provision of the required infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector. We have constructed or rehabilitated over 500 kilometres of roads across the state, thus ensuring improved transportation and connectivity. Our commitment to equitable development is evident, as these works are spread across our 20 Local Government Areas in the state.
"We have also embarked on our multi-modal transport master plan, encompassing land, air, water, and rail modes of transportation. The Gateway Agro-Cargo airport project initiated a little over 2 years ago is set to commence passenger and cargo operations in the first quarter 2024. This world-class airport and economic enabler will provide over 25,000 job opportunities," Prince Abiodun said.
He noted that power supply is being enhanced and expanded to improve electricity, while the state remained the first in Nigeria to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled buses, which has resulted in reduced transport fares.
Over 700,000 tree seedlings, the governor stated, have been planted in the forest reserves to combat deforestation, while over 40,000 farmers have been empowered to ensure food security and promote agribusiness
He announced the restoration of water supply to major towns, especially Abeokuta and its environs, as the results of complete rehabilitation of the Arakanga waterworks and pipeline reticulation, just as he said over 5,000 beneficiaries were issued the new one-page double-sided CofOs.
On healthcare delivery, the governor said over 100 primary healthcare centers in 100 wards were renovated and equipped; Ilera-Dero, a Health Insurance Scheme, was established, while over 3,000 affordable housing units were constructed across the state.
The governor further disclosed that over 60,000 women have been empowered through various intervention programmes, adding that over 1,200 classrooms have been reconstructed, 5,000 teachers recruited, and thousands of desks and chairs provided to make learning environment conducive.
"Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we have been rated the number one state in the country in industrial revolution by Forbes Africa. We have also been adjudged by BudgIT as the number one state in improved internally generated revenue, IGR, and also as one of the 2 resilient states having generated more IGR than allocations received from the Federal Government.
"As we navigate the New Year, having signed the 2024 Budget named 'Budget of Sustained Growth & Development' into law, our commitment to your well-being, welfare, development, and prosperity remains unwavering We will continue to build on the foundation established in the last four years," he added.
Prince Abiodun called for more support and prayers from the people, assuring that his government would fulfil all the promises made in the course of campaign and electioneering, leading to the 2023 general elections.
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