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ONE YEAR IN OFFICE: WHY OGUN GOVERNOR ABIODUN IS BEING WIDELY COMMENDED

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=INTRODUCTION=

A lot has been achieved within the one year that Prince Dapo Abiodun has spent in office as the Executive Governor of Ogun State. As it was evident when he took over the leadership of the State on 29th May, 2019, there was so much to be done, but so much has been done already within the first year of the Governor’s four-year term. This article highlights briefly some of the many achievements of the Governor Abiodun-led administration so far, according to sectors.

EDUCATION

  1. Induction of Principals, VPs: Prince Dapo Abiodun has so far inducted a total of 132 Principals, 122 Vice Principals and 4 Zonal Secretaries to fill the deficit the administration met across secondary schools in the State.
  2. Release of Promotion Letters: On 6th September, 2019, Governor Abiodun approved the backlog of teachers’ promotion exercise for 2016/2017, and letters were immediately issued to that effect by the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Altogether, 10,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in the State have been promoted in a massive promotion move.
  3. Schools’ Rehabilitation: In the 1st Phase of its Rehabilitation Plan of Schools across the 20 Local Government Areas in the State, the Dapo Abiodun administration has renovated 95 public primary and junior secondary schools in the year under review. This is not a shoddy project, as the renovated structures can be seen in the different schools. The project conforms to the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC’s recommended standard.
  4. MAPOLY Resuscitation: As at 29th May, the prestigious and long-existing Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere was a walking corpse. The immediate past government led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for reasons best known to them, uprooted the established working system of the tertiary institution, making unnecessary claims of the need to convert the school to a university of science and technology – a move that would have cost all academic and non-academic staff of the institution to lose either their jobs or some years of service. However, today, MAPOLY is back on her feet, with a good number of employed staff, matriculated students, robust IGR and an overall working system; thanks for Governor Dapo Abiodun who intervened. In fact, the institution commenced the processing of registration and issuance of admission letters to their ND new intakes for the 2019/2020 academic session via their Central Admission Processing (CAP) portal.
  5. TASCE Revival: Another needless mission of abandonment embarked upon by the Amosun-led administration was the Tai Solarin College of Education. In less than two months in office, Governor Dapo Abiodun set up a visitation panel to make reformatory recommendations on the situation of the school. Fast forward to November, 2019, Governor Dapo Abiodun inaugurated a 12-member Governing Council chaired by Chief Yemi Adefulu, and today, TASCE is starting to return to its old glory, having held its first combined convocation ceremony in December.
  6. Cancellation of Levy: When Governor Abiodun took over the administration of Ogun State, he met a needless so-called N3,700 PTA levy being paid by students of public schools. The Governor promptly ordered the immediate cancellation of the levy that had been regularly collected during the immediate past administration, and which clearly burdened the already strained parents and guardians. The students now enjoy access to all items initially being paid for, and all the public schools are instead now being given monthly running costs by Governor Abiodun’s administration.
  7. DigiClass on State Television: As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools remain shut, to curb the community spread of the virus amongst pupils and students. Having in mind, however, that pupils and secondary school students have the tendency of derailing academically due to the distance from school, Governor Dapo Abiodun directed the Ogun State Television, OGTV to commence televised classes to reach the target students. According to the Governor, the medium was chosen so that a larger audience can be reached even to the grassroots, since viewing does not require paid subscription.
  8. Special Needs Schools: The Ogun State Governor has facilitated, in the year under review, the renovation of Special Needs School, Sagamu, while 53 Interactive Boards have been donated to all Special Needs Schools across the State.
  9. EMIS: The State Government in the year under review, has procured and installed the Education Management Information System (EMIS) equipment and gadgets to aid data collection, collation and analysis in the Education Headquarters and all the 20 LGEAs.

HEALTH

  1. PHCs’ R Hospitals’ Rehabilitation: Like he did to public schools in all wards of the State, Governor Abiodun ensured that 236 primary health centres across all wards and 2 General Hospitals have been rehabilitated. To increase access to health facilities especially as the State battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has now also done fully renovation of 8 select PHCs, since PHCs are the closest and most easily accessible to the people.
  2. Hospitals’ Equipping: The current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, in filling the deficit in medical equipment, saw to the delivery of needed medical equipment to two State Hospitals, including the State Hospital in Ijaiye, Abeokuta. Over 30Million Naira have been transparently spent on equipping hospitals across the 3 senatorial district, including the new fleet of 10 ambulances.
  3. Immunisation: Over 1,258,844 children have been vaccinated against polio, being a 33% increase from the total recorded number in the previous year.
  4. Medical Staff Recruitment: In September, Governor Abiodun approved the recruitment of resident doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in various cadres into the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu. As at now, 82 health workers have been recruited in the Hospital, while 56 others have been recruited across the State Hospitals.
  5. Medical Outreach: On 4th September, Governor Abiodun flagged off a medical outreach in Ilishan-Remo to reach the whole of the State, offering free medical examination including free eye glasses, immunisation, and BP checks. This followed the Hepatitis outreach, flagged off at a PHC in Sango on 28th July and currently ongoing across the State, offering free hepatitis tests, counselling and vaccination. Altogether in another initiative of the Government, 8,000 women enjoyed the life-saving interventions offered during the Maternal and Child Health Week.
  6. COVID-19 Isolation Centres: Ogun State hosts 5 COVID-19 Treatment and Isolation Centres, some of which were set up by the State Government of Prince Dapo Abiodun while others are private sector donations. They are located in Ikenne, Sagamu, Iberekodo and Abeokuta, with the total bed capacity of over 300.
  7. COVID-19 Drive-Through & Walk-In Testing Centre: In a bid to increase the testing capacity of the State, the Dapo Abiodun-led administration set up a testing centre in Ota. The centre, which is equipped with a specially designed protective glass box to be used by medical personnel collecting samples, allows suspected patients drive their cars in or simply walk in and get tested, with results getting ready in no time.
  8. COVID-19 Molecular Lab: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ogun State had to send collected samples of suspected cases to Lagos and Osun for testing and this took quite some time for results to be ready. The State Government, led by prince Dapo Abiodun quickly moved into action by setting up in the OOUTH, Sagamu, the first Molecular Laboratory solely funded by a state in Nigeria.
  9. COVID-19 Mobile Lab: In the current month of May 2020, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) accredited the Africa’s first COVID-19 Mobile Laboratory established by the Ogun State Government. With the capacity to run 400 tests a day, the Lab is contained in a 40ft container, in the intended 250-bed hospital in Abeokuta, the State Capital.
  10. COVID-19 Test Index: As at now, May 2020, Ogun State has screened over 10,000 people for the Coronavirus, with over 920 samples tested. This record is as a result of the high number of Centres set up for sample collection, testing, isolation and treatment. Also, the use of mobile technology by health workers to aid the testing process has increased the State’s testing capacity.
  11. 250-Bed Hospital ICU: It would be recalled that the immediate past administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun claimed to have spent a staggering 7Billion Naira on the intended 250-bed hospital in Abeokuta, even as the hospital remained uncompleted and with uninstalled medical equipment. However, in a bid to increase the handling capacity of the State, Governor Abiodun has made sure that ICU floor of the hospital has been completed. The floor has 18 available beds, 8 of which are high dependency and 10, ICU.
  12. 300% Hazard Allowance Increment: In order to compensate health workers in Ogun State for the daily sacrifice they make during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Dapo Abiodun has permanently increased their hazard allowance by 300%.
  13. Life Insurance for Health Workers: The Ogun State Government has enrolled over 8,000 health worker for life insurance, which is essential to secure the frontline health workers against the risks of their jobs especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  14. HIV Prevention & Treatment: The Government, through the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), has upgraded selected State Hospitals to provide Prevention of HIV from Mother to Child (PMTCT) and Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) services. While the Agency continues to distribute HIV test kits to health facilities, the number of infants exposed to HIV but who tested positive to the virus in the PMTCT has significantly reduced by over 94%.

ENVIRONMENT

  1. Flood & Erosion Control: The administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, on assumption of office, met towns in the constant path of flooding, so it embarked on a waterway clearing project along streams/rivers and tributaries, including Ijeun Lukosi and the Joint Community Development Ilogbo, Ota.
  2. COVID-19 Disinfection Exercise: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government through the Ministry of Environment, embarked on a disinfection exercise of commonly touched surfaces such as in major open markets, motor parks, and other public spaces.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

  1. World Bank OGSTEP Facility: Facilitated by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Government has received US $250million credit from the World Bank towards the financing of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP). The objective of the project is to improve the status of the State on the Ease of Doing Business index, through the strengthening of its agriculture value chains, developing skills and fortifying its business environment. These measures are set to increase the role played by the private sector in the State’s economy, in line with the Abiodun-led administration’s Public- Private Partnership initiative (PPP).
  2. One-Stop Shops: In line with his promise to provide an overall enabling environment for businesses and investors in Nigeria, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has set up agencies that serve as one-stop shops for investors in the State and ensure that all intersectorial agreements meet global best practices. These agencies include: the Investment and Facilitation Promotion Agency, the Business Environment Council and the Public- Private Partnership Office.
  3. Investments: Early 2020 (January), Governor Abiodun together with his Lagos State counterpart, His Excellency Babajide Sanwoolu and other governors, was in London with President Muhammadu Buhari to meet with many potential UK investors and reached viable agreements across sectors including power, health, agriculture, education, security and infrastructure.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT & SOCIAL WELFARE

  1. Skills Acquisition: The Government, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, has trained 300 unemployed women and youths in the State in 4 different vocations (Catering & Decorations, Hair Dressing, Make-Over & Gele Tying, and Fashion Designing).
  2. Nigeria for Women Project: Governor Dapo Abiodun has released counterpart fund for the NFWP. The World Bank project provides support for the development of living conditions of women in Ogun State, through grants, skills training, and the overall socioeconomic upliftment of women.
  3. Oko’Wo Dapo Loan Programme: Launched on 5th September 2019, the social empowerment programme initiated by the Dapo Abiodun administration and named the Oko’Wo Dapo Loan Program has so far benefited over 2,000 women, as a means to economic empowerment and increased productivity for collective development.
  4. Social Cases: In the last one year of the administration, the State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has reconciled 210 Estranged Couples, closed 901 cases, resolved 132 knotty cases, with a total of 1,140 Family Cases handled by the State’s Social Development Area (SDA) offices in their host LGAs.
  5. Child Development: The Abiodun-led State Government has rescued 9 Baby Factory victims at Akute and continues to care for them. Also, in the drive to maintain global best standards in Homes, the Government has commenced the Standardised Remedial Programme of two Homes (Stella Obasanjo Children and Juvenile Correctional Homes).
  6. COVID-19 Relief Package Distribution: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ogun State, the Abiodun-led administration has embarked on an aggressive distribution of palliatives to the poor, vulnerable and elderly on the one hand, and the youth across all 20 LGAs in the State. The first phase of the distribution reached about 300,000 individuals across the State, while the second reached about 80,000, translating to around 400,000 targeted individual. The relief package distribution to the poor and vulnerable youths has reached about 20,000 youths.
  7. Rehabilitation Services: The Government has evacuated from the streets, 312 destitute, beggars and vagrant lunatics, while it has reunified 297 of them with their families within the last one year. 4 vagrant lunatics have been repatriated to their respective states, while Ogun State has received 2 other mentally ill persons from Cross Rivers State who have now reunited with their families after receiving treatment at the Community Psychiatric Hospital, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. The Government has also facilitated free treatment of 11 mentally ill persons at the same hospital.
  8. Home-Grown School Feeding Programme: The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, has disclosed that it will continue the home grown school feeding program despite the stay-at-home directive. According to the FG, it is necessary that the program continues, so that the mental and physical development of school pupils will not be stopped at any time. Governor Dapo Abiodun has facilitated the inclusion of Ogun State in the social intervention program, with over 60,000 Primary 1-3 pupils set to benefit across all 20 LGAs in the State.
  9. Pensioners’ Welfare: With a 96% increase in the number of pensioners on the State payroll in the year under review, the State now has 13,718 pensioners on its payroll, and they have been paid over N10Billion Naira. Ogun’s Bureau of State Pension has also made arrangements with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) towards clearing 649 retirees for refund of their contributions to the old Contributory Pension Scheme between May, 2019 and February, 2020. Gratuities are now also being computed with all relevant allowances, unlike before the administration when only Basic, Rent and Transportation allowances were used.
  10. Social Development: In the year under review, Governor Abiodun has facilitated the establishment of the World Bank-assisted Ogun State Community and Social Development, and has approved the release of 50Million Naira counterpart fund. The 1st and 2nd tranches of the grant from the World Bank has been released to 13 selected communities in 6 LGAs, including Abeokuta North, Ipokia, Yewa, Remo North, Ado-Odo/Ota and Odeda.

EMPLOYMENT & EMPLOYMENT GENERATION

  1. Ogun Job Portal: One of the highly lauded technological initiatives of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration is the setting up of an online platform where unemployed persons or business owners, seeking career advancement, register their profiles towards getting the desired result. The platform has so far yielded a good number of employments to mostly the youths in Ogun State, while it continues to be useful to the Government to further understand the rate of employment and underemployment, providing a better approach to tackling the issue.
  2. 1,500 Teachers Employed: The Ogun State Government had earlier announced that it would be recruiting 1,500 teachers to the public schools across the 20 LGAs in the State. Using the Ogun Job Portal, more than the targeted number of applicants applied for the job by opening profiles on the site, personally receiving updates and invites to tests and interviews. However, as the world battles the global COVID-19 health scourge, the recruitment process has been put on hold, but will resume once things return to normal.
  3. Absorption of ASCON Entrants: Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in the twilight of his administration, claimed to have employed about 2,000 ASCON entrants – without actually entering their files into the civil service record. Unlike how Senator Amosun acted vindictively when he assumed office in 2011, Governor Dapo Abiodun absorbed all entrants into the State Civil Service and paid the backlog of all salaries owed them. This was indeed the humane thing to do, especially when there was the easy but heartless option of letting them go – without pay, like Amosun in 2011.
  4. Reinstatement of Unjustly Sacked Labour Leaders: In 2017, Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun sacked the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Akeem Ambali, his Deputy, Comrade Dare Ilekoya, the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olusoji Majekodunmi and 13 others for trumped up allegations of misconduct. Fast forward to 5th October, 2019 on World Teachers Day, Governor Dapo Abiodun reinstated all 16 workers, who are mostly teachers, stressing that teachers are the bedrock of society.
  5. Mass Recruitment: In February, 2020 alone, Ogun State recruited 1,000 people from across all 20 LGAs into the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA). In the same month, 400 youth artisans were recruited across crafts (plumbing, electrical and building) as Direct Labour initiative into the State Ministry of Housing’s Building Programme.

AGRICULTURE & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

  1. Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP): Governor Dapo Abiodun has facilitated the crediting by the CBN of 3,500 farmers drawn across all 20 LGAs with over N700Million. Each farmer received 60bundles of improved Cassava stems, 4bags of fertilisers, 11litres of herbicides and fund of N210,275. The Governor disclosed this when he flagged off the 2020 Planting Season, while distributing fertilisers and other inputs to the beneficiaries of the Ogun State ABP. The Programme involves 7 commodities, including cassava and rice. The Government is also providing technical expertise and assistance to the farmers, with world- class agric tutors handling training and consultancy.
  2. Ogun Broiler Project: The Ogun Broiler Project is being carried out in phases. In the first phase, 54 youth beneficiaries were each empowered with 1,000 day-old broiler chicks. Each beneficiary made an average profit of N130, 000 every six weeks of production. Over 9,000 youths have now registered with the State Ministry of Agriculture for the second phase of the Project. The aim is to produce over 110,000kgs of broiler meat in six weeks, and each beneficiary will make an average profit of N180,000 per six weeks of production. This Project, done in conjunction with the Bank of Industry and Amobyn Nigeria Ltd, has proven to provide employment for the youth, while ensuring food security without reliance on foreign poultry products mostly ridden with preservatives and other chemicals.
  3. Rice Intervention: Governor Dapo Abiodun, who had always stressed the importance of food security to the welfare of the people, has given support, through the State Ministry of Agriculture to rice farmers across the State. One of the farmlands provided by the State Government is the 120,000 hectare rice farm in Sowunmi Village along the Ofada/Mokoloki axis of the State. The Joint Ogun State and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Project is already ongoing across 8 LGAs of the State, including Obafemi-Owode, Yewa North & South, Ijebu North & East, Ifo, Odeda and Odogbolu.
  4. Agro-Industrial Processing Zone: After competitive bidding with other southwest states, Ogun State was on 8th April, 2020 shortlisted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as a major hub for Industrial Cassava, Poultry, Agro-Forestry and Fishery.
  5. Fish Farming: In the year under review, the Ogun State Government has constructed and maintained 385 (Dug-Out – 235; Tank – 130) new fish ponds/tanks 300 Fish Farmers across the State. This is as 2,815 farmers were assisted in stocking 2,815,000 Clarias Fingerlings.
  6. FADAMA Scheme: The FADAMA Graduate Unemployed Youths Scheme (GUYS), which was flagged off by Governor Abiodun, has credited 200 beneficiaries with a total grant of over 74Million Naira with varying individual amounts depending on the chosen agricultural enterprise. The enterprises include cultivation of Cassava, Maize, Rice, Yam and Vegetables as well as rearing of Poultry, Fisheries, Piggery, Snailry, Large Ruminants and Agro-Processing, among others. All beneficiaries have completed the first cycle of their enterprises, under the close supervision/mentoring of the State FADAMA Office, and with bountiful harvests.
  7. Training, Advisory Services: Governor Abiodun has validated the recruitment of additional 100 Agricultural Extension Agents for overall provision of training and advisory services to farmers, while the Extension Agents on board have conducted 153,600 technical advisory field visits to service 360,000 farm families through contact Farmers’ Groups across the State.
  8. Plant Sucker Distribution: The State Government in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology distributed improved varieties of plantain, banana, and pineapple to 100 farmers as a way to promote increased productivity of farmers.
  9. Potable Water for Farmers: In the year under review, the State Government has constructed 4 solar-powered boreholes, to make a total of 11 of the type, resulting in 2,500 beneficiaries of the Ogun State Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) having access to safe drinking water.

SECURITY

  1. Ogun State Security Trust Fund (OGSTF): In August 2019, Governor Dapo Abiodun launched the reinvigorated OGSTF. The Governor set up an oversight Committee to source for, receive and manage donations from the private sector, of funds and equipment for crime prevention. The Committee also mobilises these funds and resources for the training and retraining of security personnel. Already, within less than a year since Governor Abiodun signed the 2019 State Security Trust Fund Bill (as amended) into law, the OGSTF has made remarkable achievements that have strengthened the security architecture of the State and significant donations have been received from the private sector such as the 25 fully equipped operational vehicles donated by the Dangote Group on 8th May, 2020.
  2. Donation of Patrol Vehicles & Motorbikes: In September 2019, the Abiodun-led Ogun State Government, through the OGSTF, donated 100 patrol vehicles and 200 motorcycles to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police. The donations were gladly received by the Inspector General of police, Mohammed Adamu, who was in the State for the purpose. The Government on 28th April, 2020 again donated 15 additional operational vehicles and 91 motorbikes to security agencies in the State. The Nigerian Army got 2 vehicles, the NSCDC got 2, the DSS got 2, the NIS got 1, and the Police got an additional 5. Of the motorcycles, the Police received 69, while the QRS got 10, TRACE 10, and the NSCDC 2.
  3. Handling COVID-19 Lockdown Security Unrest: The April donation of additional operational vehicles and motorbikes to numerous security agencies was a fulfilment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s promise to provide material and logistic support to further strengthen the security architecture of the State. The Governor had made this promise in a 12th April statement which was released after the Ogun State Police Command made arrests of 150 suspects in connection with the security unrest that erupted within the Agbado Ijaiye, Sango, Ijoko and Ifo axis, when the State began enforcing the FG-directed COVID-19 lockdown. The Governor emphasised that in his usual manner of not condoning crime from any quarters, he immediately directed the Command and other relevant agencies to promptly move with full force against the criminals.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

  1. Housing: Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is working assiduously to fill the deficit in housing, while also ensuring that the existing housing units come at an affordable cost.

(A)There is currently a low cost housing project (Prince Court Estate) ongoing at Kemta Idi- Aba, Abeokuta. The first phase of the project will deliver 150 units, and as at May 28, 2020, 130 units of these were already ready to be delivered at a discounted rate. Equally, there is the ongoing King’s Court Estate Development project at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

(B) Another project is the 23-unit Laderin Estate Civil Servants Scheme, with 2- and 3- bedroom bungalows.

(C) Governor Abiodun has seen to the downward review of the selling price for the 160-Unit AAK Degun Estate situated in Laderin, Abeokuta, from N7Million to N5.5Million for the 92 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached flats and from N5Million to N4Million for the 68 units of 2-bedroom apartments.

(D) The State Government has also refunded payments to allottees of the AAK Degun Estate who had earlier made full payments. This, for instance, translates to the refund of N1.5Million to some allottees of the 3-bedroom apartments.

(E) The Government has also relaxed terms and conditions of sale of the units, including the reduction of interest rate from 18% to 6%.

  1. Water: Having earmarked N9.823Billion for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, The State Government through the Governor had promised that over 70% of the rural populace would have access to potable water supply. On 8th January, 2020, the Governor held an assessment tour of the Ogun State Water Project in Arakanga, Abeokuta North LGA, where a directed a liaison between the State Water Corporation, the OORBDA and the IBEDC for an expedited revival of rural water supply. As at February, both the Arakanga and Ikenne Water Treatment Plants had commenced operations, with potable water being supplied to Abeokuta and 14 other major communities, including Ikenne. The water schemes that the Government has so far attended to include Igbogila, Ibooro, odnopa, Ipokia, Idowa, Omu Ijebu, Ago Iwoye, Igbesa, Owode Yewa, Imoru, Ibefun and Ikangba. The Powerline at Ikangba Borehole Scheme in Ijebu-Odehas also been reconstructed.

The Government is currently rehabilitating the Barrage across the Ogun River and is constructing cofferdam structures for ease of installation of the Barrage. This is as the Ota Regional Water Supply Project, which is being executed together with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, has been completed.

  1. Road: On assumption of office, Governor Dapo Abiodun had asked the good people of Ogun State to identify roads across the 236 wards of the State that were in need of immediate attention. As a quick-fix mechanism, the State Government immediately set up the Ogun State Public Works Agency, OGPWA which has since carried out palliative works on the identified roads. Also, the State Government, through the Ministry of Works, has commenced the reconstruction of key roads, including even Federal roads, across the 3 Senatorial Districts to ensure safe travels for its citizenry.

Altogether, a total number of 87.4km of new roads now at different stages of completion have been reconstructed across the three senatorial districts of the State while, a total number of 246.26km of roads have been rehabilitated throughout the State.
These roads include: (A) Ijebu Ode-Epe Expressway; (B) Ota Owode-Idiroko, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA; (C) Bright Fashion Baruwa Street, Sagamu, Sagamu LGA; (D) Iberekodo General Hospital Internal Road, Abeokuta North LGA; (E) Ikola/Navy-Osi Ota Road, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA; (F) Raypower Road, Ado-odo/Ota LGA; (G) Hospital Road, Sagamu, Sagamu LGA; (H) State Hospital, Ilaro Internal Road Network, Yewa South; (I) Oru-Awa-Alaporu-Ibadan, Ijebu North LGA; (J) Molipa-Fusigboye-Ojofa Street, Ijebu-Ode LGA; (K) Asafa Oke-Asafa Isale-Ayegun- Ojofa Street, Ijebu-Ode LGA; (L) Obantoko Road (FAJOL-American Junction-Unity Estate-Gbonagun) Phases I-III, Abeokuta South/Odeda LGA; (M) Idi Aba- Elite-Oke Lantoro, Abeokuta South LGA; ? Ikoritameje-Adenrele/Olose Titun-Vespa, Ifo LGA; (O) Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange; and (P) Oba Erinwole Dual Carriageway, Sagamu LGA.

  1. Urban Development: Towards achieving its pledge to implement a sustainable urban development programme, the Abiodun-led Government has set up 3 parastatals to handle Planning and Development, Slum Regeneration, and Building Production Management.
    Furthermore, the Government has signed an urban renewal MOU on the 3-year Future Cities Nigeria programme in a partnership drive with the UK, through the UK Prosperity Fund. The programme will result in multiple local and foreign investments, employment generation, and reduction in poverty.

YOUTH & SPORTS

  1. Marathon Race Hosting: In the 7 months of Governor Abiodun’s administration in 2019, Ogun State hosted two different marathon races, namely: JAC Motors 10km Race, and the Valuejet IAU African Championship, tagged Remo 2019. The winner of the former which had over 5,000 participants went home with US $5,000, while the winner of the latter which had over 10,000 participants took home $2,000. The Governor had always stressed that Ogun State had all it take to become the sports capital of the Nation because of the large number of athlete indigenes, conducive business- enabling environment, and available resources. Apart from empowering and encouraging the youth through agriculture and social intervention programmes, the Governor opined that sports was also another viable way of reaching the youth populace.
  2. NYSC Orientation Camp: The Ogun State Government has, in the year under review, renovated all facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu, including hostels, chalets, halls and clinics. The Government has also provided 2 industrial boreholes for use in the Camp.
  3. Paralympic Games Hosting: Ogun State has hosted the 1st Western Zonal Competition of the Paralympic Games at the Ijebu-Ode Stadium, after Prince Dapo Abiodun became Governor. This is the same Stadium that the State Government renovated by reroofing of Grand Stand and comprehensively renovating hostels.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CHIEFTAINCY MATTERS

  1. Reversal of Undue Promotions: The immediate past administration wrongly promoted 75 Minor Chiefs to Coronet Obas. The current Administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun set up a Committee to review the process that put the Chiefs in the position. The Committee discovered that due process was not followed, and they recommended a reversal of the process, which when adopted by the Government, restored the sanctity of the Traditional Institution in the State.
  2. LG Transition Committees: In January, 2020, Governor Abiodun inaugurated Transition Committees with appointed Chairmen for all 20 LGAs, in order to fill the vacuum of functionaries created with the exit of the last administration.

=CONCLUSION=
Governor Dapo Abiodun is a man who will not rest on his oars until he achieves the best, especially as he has pledged to God and people to uphold the best standards in the line of duty and the execution of all capital and non-capital projects. A man who has achieved all these within the short period of a year, despite having lost over 3 month of the State economy to the global COID-19 pandemic ravaging the State, will definitely do more than the mind can imagine in 4 years.

Ogun State people, prepare for a ride of more achievements in the #BuildingOurFutureTogether Agenda of Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR.

SF. Ojo Emmanuel Adediran.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media

DapoAbiodun365Days

Politics

NATIONAL UNVEILING OF THE IGBO PRESIDENCY PROJECT (IPP)

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NATIONAL UNVEILING OF THE IGBO PRESIDENCY PROJECT (IPP)

 

The Peaceful Path Toward Equity, Unity and Democratic Representation for the Igbo People of Nigeria

1. Introduction & Rationale

The Igbo Presidency Project (IPP) is a peaceful, pro-Nigeria, and pan-Igbo political advocacy initiative established by the Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation. It is dedicated to the pursuit, in perpetuity, of electing—constitutionally and democratically—a President of Igbo extraction in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The IPP is premised on the principle that every major ethnic group in Nigeria must participate fairly in the leadership and governance of the nation, especially one that has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s unity, independence, economy, and democratic culture.

Since the early formation of political parties in Nigeria in the 1940s, the Igbo have been deeply active in the struggle for self-government and eventual independence. Notably, Igbo-led political movements viewed Nigeria as one indivisible entity and deliberately embraced inclusiveness, accommodating Nigerians of all tribes, religions, and ethnic backgrounds in leadership structures. This spirit was exemplified under the leadership of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose NCNC reflected equitable representation across the North, West, and East.

The struggle for equitable rights and representation for the Igbo people is therefore non-negotiable, irreversible, and essential for national peace, cohesion, justice, and sustainable development.

This project calls upon Igbo communities in Southeast Nigeria, throughout the Nigerian federation, and across the global diaspora to unite in a common civic purpose: the restoration of dignity, representation, and rights through constitutional means.

2. Historical Context: Who Are the Igbo?

The Igbo are one of Nigeria’s three largest ethnic groups, concentrated in the southeastern region of the country, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and parts of Delta and Rivers States. Estimates place the Igbo population at roughly 45 million people today, with vibrant diaspora communities across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and West Africa.

Unlike many West African societies, traditional Igbo political organization was decentralized, rooted in autonomous villages and republican consensus systems rather than centralized kingdoms. This indigenous tradition fostered entrepreneurship, achievement through individual merit, and a culture of civic engagement.

Historically, the Igbo demonstrated uncommon sacrifices for Nigerian unity. For example:

In 1957, when Britain offered self-government to the regions if two agreed, Dr. Azikiwe rejected the offer because he believed the North should not be left behind, comparing Nigeria to “a fleet of ships” that must not abandon one vessel mid-voyage.

In 1959, Azikiwe again rejected an offer from Chief Awolowo that would have made him Prime Minister, choosing instead a coalition that preserved national balance and prevented crisis.

These are among the countless sacrifices made by the Igbo in the interest of peace and stability in Nigeria.

The Igbo also experienced one of the most tragic episodes in African post-colonial history—the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)—which resulted in the death of over one million civilians, mostly Igbo.

3. Post-War Reality: Marginalisation and Structural Exclusion

Despite their sacrifices, the post-war experience of the Igbo has been marked by deep structural injustice.

After the civil war, Igbo citizens who had legitimate bank savings were given only twenty pounds sterling, regardless of the amounts they held. This was followed by the declaration of many Igbo-owned homes as “abandoned properties,” particularly in Rivers State, where such properties were undervalued, seized, and sold under discriminatory conditions.

Other patterns of exclusion include:

Persistent relocation and dispossession of Igbo traders in Lagos and other states

Unequal state creation, leaving the Southeast with fewer states than other zones

Systematic denial of key national security and judicial positions to qualified Igbo citizens

Tenure extensions deliberately preventing Igbo succession in strategic offices

These realities continue to fuel perceptions of second-class citizenship, despite the Igbo having no other homeland outside Nigeria.

4. Systematic Injustice and the Unrewarded Sacrifices of the Igbo People

The call for an Igbo Presidency cannot be separated from the long record of sacrifices the Igbo have made for the unity, stability, and progress of Nigeria—sacrifices that have too often been met with exclusion rather than recognition.

From the earliest days of Nigeria’s amalgamation, through the independence struggle and the turbulent years that followed, the Igbo have consistently acted in favour of one united Nigeria, even at great cost to themselves. The massacres of 1953, the pogroms of 1966–1967, and the catastrophic genocide of the civil war remain among the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s history. Yet, despite these wounds, the Igbo people have repeatedly chosen forgiveness, reintegration, and renewed commitment to the Nigerian project.

One of the most defining sacrifices occurred in 1957 when Britain offered self-government to Nigeria’s regions on the condition that two of the three major regions accept. While the Western Region agreed and the North declined, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe—then leader of the Eastern Region—also refused, insisting that Nigeria must move forward together and that the North should not be left behind. Had he accepted, Nigeria would likely have fractured permanently into separate countries. The survival of Nigeria’s federation today is therefore inseparable from Igbo statesmanship and restraint.

Even in the political arrangements preceding independence, Igbo leaders repeatedly accepted less advantageous positions in order to preserve national balance. In 1959, Dr. Azikiwe declined the opportunity to become Prime Minister through a southern coalition, choosing instead a weaker ceremonial role to avoid pushing the North into opposition at independence—a decision he described as becoming “a prisoner in a gilded cage.”

Yet, rather than being honoured for such nation-building sacrifices, the Igbo have endured decades of collective demonization and structural punishment. The January 1966 coup was unfairly stamped an “Igbo coup,” despite evidence that Igbo officers played key roles in crushing the coup and that Igbo senior officers were also among its victims. No other ethnic group in Nigeria has been so persistently stigmatized in this manner.

Following the civil war, policies such as the infamous “twenty pounds” restitution—regardless of the savings Igbo citizens held—represented not reconciliation but economic devastation. The seizure of Igbo properties through the “abandoned property” system further dispossessed thousands of families, many of whom never recovered their homes, investments, or dignity.

In contemporary Nigeria, these patterns of exclusion continue through unequal representation in federal appointments, denial of career progression within national institutions, politically motivated removals of Igbo technocrats, and systematic sidelining of the Southeast in strategic national committees and decision-making structures.

Recent developments—including disproportionate ministerial allocations, dismissals of Igbo professionals from key economic agencies, and increasing threats of economic disenfranchisement in major commercial centres such as Lagos—reinforce the reality that marginalisation is not historical alone, but ongoing.

The consistent lesson is clear: patriotism has too often been rewarded with exclusion, and sacrifice has been met with structural imbalance. In a true democracy, such a pattern is unsustainable.

Therefore, the demand for an Igbo President is not a plea for favour, but a legitimate call for justice, equity, and national stability. Nigeria cannot continue to thrive while one of its most nation-building peoples remains permanently shut out of the highest office. The time has come to correct this imbalance peacefully, constitutionally, and democratically—by giving the Igbo people their rightful place in the leadership of their only homeland: Nigeria

5. National Justification for an Igbo Presidency

Beyond questions of ethnic sentiment, the demand for an Igbo President must be understood as a legitimate national necessity rooted in Nigeria’s history, contributions, sacrifices, and the principles of equity that sustain stable federations. The Igbo Presidency Project (IPP) is not an agitation against Nigeria, but rather a call for Nigeria to finally reflect its own democratic ideals through inclusive leadership representation.

The Igbo people are among the original occupants of their homeland long before colonial amalgamation created modern Nigeria. Since that colonial union, the Igbo have demonstrated an enduring instinct for national development, contributing immensely across all spheres of human endeavour—agriculture, commerce, industry, education, health, sports, and civic life. Their presence has never been limited to the Southeast; rather, the Igbo are uniquely pan-Nigerian in settlement, enterprise, and integration.

A defining characteristic of the Igbo is their uncommon openness to other ethnic nationalities. They are widely known for hospitality, inter-ethnic coexistence, and cross-cultural family ties. In many cases, Igbo families living outside their homeland adopt names and identities from host communities, reflecting deep social integration. Even Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, gave Yoruba names to his first children born in Lagos—symbolic of the Igbo spirit of belonging everywhere in Nigeria.

Igbo communities also record the highest patterns of inter-tribal marriages across Nigeria, producing generations of Nigerians whose identities embody unity itself. This makes the Igbo question not merely regional but fundamentally national: no group has more invested emotionally, socially, and economically in Nigeria’s collective survival than the Igbo.

Economically, the Igbo remain among the most productive drivers of Nigeria’s internal trade and industrial energy. There is virtually no Nigerian town where Igbo entrepreneurs, artisans, builders, mechanics, traders, and professionals are absent. Their reputation for adaptability, innovation, and resilience has made them indispensable to Nigeria’s commercial ecosystem. This entrepreneurial culture is deeply rooted in the Igbo republican tradition—decentralized governance, merit-based advancement, and competitive excellence.

Historically, Igbo leadership has repeatedly demonstrated visionary commitment to national progress. A striking example is the industrial foresight of Dr. Michael Okpara, Premier of Eastern Nigeria, who proposed a steel complex that would have transformed Nigeria’s industrial base decades earlier. The federal refusal of this initiative, followed by its later fragmented execution outside the East, reflects a broader pattern of missed opportunities and structural sidelining of Eastern contributions.

Even after the civil war, highly qualified Igbo technocrats such as Dr. Eze Melari played central roles in national projects like Ajaokuta Steel, only to be removed through political manoeuvres that undermined competence and delayed national development. Nigeria’s failure to industrialize effectively cannot be separated from the systematic exclusion of capable contributors due to political imbalance.

The post-war era further entrenched Igbo marginalisation through policies such as the infamous “twenty pounds” restitution regardless of savings, and the widespread seizure of Igbo properties under the “abandoned property” framework. These actions reinforced perceptions of second-class citizenship for a people with no other homeland but Nigeria.

Politically, the exclusion of the Southeast from the presidency remains one of the clearest structural injustices in Nigeria’s leadership history. Since independence, nearly all regions have produced multiple Heads of State or Presidents, through democratic and military transitions alike, while the Southeast has remained the most persistently denied zone in the highest office of the land.

Equity demands fairness. In any federation, peace and stability are sustained when all major components feel represented at the centre. Continued denial breeds alienation, while inclusion fosters loyalty, trust, and unity.

The Igbo Presidency Project therefore represents more than an ethnic aspiration—it is a democratic correction, a moral restoration, and a strategic necessity for national renewal. Nigeria’s problems are not insurmountable, but they require competent, merit-driven, nationally invested leadership. The Igbo have consistently demonstrated these qualities across generations.

It is time, morally and politically, to allow the long-marginalised Southeast to contribute at the highest level—not as a concession, but as a rightful step toward a more balanced, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

6. The Igbo in Contemporary Nigeria & the Global Diaspora

Today, Igbo communities remain deeply engaged in national life and international diaspora networks. Igbo excellence is globally visible in entrepreneurship, innovation, literature, and governance.

Notable examples include:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, globally respected for her economic leadership

Philip Emeagwali, credited with pioneering breakthroughs in computing

Indigenous industrial innovators such as Ezekiel Izuogu and Innoson Motors, often under-supported despite their contributions

The continued neglect of Igbo potential is not merely an ethnic issue—it is a national development failure.

7. Vision, Mission and Values of IPP

Vision

A united, equitable, democratic Nigeria where all peoples, including the Igbo, share power, dignity, and opportunity at the highest level.

Mission

To mobilize Igbo communities—locally, nationally, and internationally—to build consensus, political strategy, and civic engagement that culminates in the constitutional election of an Igbo President.

Core Values

Peaceful Advocacy

Civic Empowerment

Equity and Fairness

Inclusivity

Democratic Participation

8. Strategic Objectives

Advocacy & Sensitisation: Promote awareness among Igbo communities and Nigerians at large about the importance of equitable representation in national leadership for peace and unity.

Voter Education: Ensure widespread knowledge of electoral processes, civic rights, and political organization.

Diaspora Mobilization: Build a global network of supporters to complement grassroots and national efforts.

Partnership & Alliances: Engage like-minded groups interested in inclusive governance across Nigeria and globally.

Leadership Development: Groom and mentor future leaders from the Igbo community geared toward national service and presidency eligibility.

Data & Research: Conduct rigorous historical, political, and sociological studies to inform policy proposals and strategic direction.

9. Proposed Sub-Projects & Campaign Programmes

To ensure the IPP is systematic and sustainable, the following sub-projects and campaign initiatives are proposed:

A. Igbo Political Empowerment Academy (IPEA)

A specialized institution for political training, civic education, leadership readiness, and strategic campaigning.

B. Global Igbo Civic Forum (GICF)

A diaspora network that fosters global dialogue, lobbying, and resource mobilisation supporting the IPP agenda.

C. Youth Engagement & Future Leaders Programme

Focused on mentoring Igbo youths in political processes, debate, advocacy, and public service.

D. Media and Narrative Counter-Campaign (MNCC)

To counter misinformation, promote positive Igbo narratives, and build bridges with national and international media.

E. Research & Policy Development Wing

A think-tank producing position papers, policy proposals, and historical analyses to support constitutional arguments and widespread understanding.

F. Cultural Revival & Identity Project

This engages arts, festivals, language preservation, and cultural education to strengthen pride and identity among Igbo youth and diaspora.

10. Organisation & Structure of IPP

The IPP will be governed by a hierarchical and inclusive framework to ensure accountability, representation and grassroots engagement:

The Governing Council – Highest decision-making body of IPP consisting of esteemed Igbo Heroes and Icons.

Board of Trustees – Founders of the Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation.

National Executive Committee – National leadership team.

International/Diaspora Executive Committee – Global coordination body.

Zonal & State Executive Committees – State-level governance structures.

Local Government & Ward Executive Committees – Grassroots organisation.

Polling Unit Grassroots Committees – Base ten-member bodies per polling unit to mobilise citizens.

11. Call to Action

This is a clarion call for peace, unity, and democratic equity. We invite Igbo youths, elders, professionals, women leaders, and all stakeholders of goodwill—inside and outside Nigeria—to join in advancing this historic cause.

By joining hands, minds, logistics, financial and intellectual resources, we can realize a Nigeria of equal opportunities (COEO)—a nation that celebrates diversity and includes all peoples meaningfully in its leadership structures.

Our Tomorrow Starts Today!

SIGNED

HON. PRINCE CHINEDU NSOFOR (KPAKPANDO NDIGBO)
NATIONAL COORDINATOR IGBO PRESIDENCY PROJECT AND FOUNDING PRESIDENT IGBO HEROES AND ICONS FOUNDATION
19/02/2026

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Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration

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Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration

…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance

 

LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.

Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.

The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.

The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.

The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.

The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.

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Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustainable Development

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Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustainable Development

 

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to guiding Zamfara State towards sustainable development by inaugurating and initiating a series of pivotal projects in the Anka Local Government Area.

Among the key undertakings announced are the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Emir of Anka’s palace, signaling a revitalization of traditional leadership; the initiation of work on the crucial Anka–Abbare Road, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity; and the construction of a new Local Government Secretariat.

Additionally, the projects encompass the establishment of dedicated offices for the Hisbah Commission and the Community Protection Guards, alongside the reconstruction of the Safe School in Anka, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enhancing educational infrastructure.

During the commissioning event, Governor Lawal highlighted that these projects are a fulfillment of commitments made during his campaign, aimed at transforming the local landscape by improving infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, bolstering public service efficiency, and enhancing the capacities of security agencies. He called for a collective effort from the community to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities, underscoring the shared responsibility in preserving public assets.

Governor Lawal shared that similar projects have also been inaugurated in Tsafe, with plans for upcoming projects in Kaura Namoda, Moriki, Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi, all expected to be completed and inaugurated by the year’s end. This ambitious timeline reflects the administration’s urgency in addressing the development needs of various regions within the state.

In his remarks, the governor urged residents and local traditional institutions to collaborate closely in maintaining the newly commissioned structures and supporting the overarching objectives of his administration. “I stand here in Anka today to honor our commitments to the people of Anka Local Government and all of Zamfara State. The official opening of the new palace for the ‘Sarkin Zamfaran Anka’ and the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs is a significant milestone that wraps up today’s agenda,” he stated.

Governor Lawal emphasized the strategic importance of the Anka–Abbare Road, describing it as a critical artery that will not only enhance access to remote areas but also stimulate economic activities and generate multiplier effects throughout the local economy. He articulated the necessity of providing a conducive work environment for civil servants, affirming that the new local government secretariat and dedicated offices will significantly contribute to strengthening law and order within the state.

“Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. Our focused initiatives are oriented towards fostering a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students. I am also proud to announce the completion and commissioning of the reconstructed SAFE School Anka today,” he remarked, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education.

The governor further noted that the commissioning of the Emir’s Palace serves to restore the historical prominence of traditional institutions, which he regards as pivotal custodians of the region’s culture and heritage. He underlined the administration’s awareness of the invaluable role that these institutions play in fostering the state’s growth and emphasized the necessity of aligning development projects with cultural values.

In conclusion, the governor mentioned that after the successful commissioning in Anka and Tsafe, future projects in Kaura Namoda and Moriki will follow suit, while those in Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi remain on track for completion and official commissioning before the year concludes.

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