Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has implored the newly sworn-in ministers from the state to be good representatives of their people and leverage on the experience they have gathered over the years to achieve the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu’s led-administration.
Abiodun, who spoke at a reception organised in honour of the new ministers, Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Dr Ishak Kunle Salako, Minister of State for the Environment and Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, held at the SilverBird Galleria, Zone 4, Abuja, also charged them to use their offices to support and compliment the implementation of his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together Agenda.’
He noted that the state has produced people who have served the nation meritoriously and therefore much is expected of them.
He said, “We are the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity, the nation’s educational capital, the industrial capital, number one in cassava, poultry, eggs, religious capital, emerging breadbasket of the nation and fast becoming the economic heartbeat of Nigeria. These appointments by Mr. President are a further testament to our first position and the abundant capacity we are known for and possess.
“You have been selected because of your excellent antecedents in the public and private sectors. Your credentials speak for each of you.
“Amongst others, you will use your offices to support and compliment the implementation of our Building Our Future Together and our vision which is to create a focused and qualitative governance whilst providing an enabling environment for public-private partnerships which is very fundamental to the economic growth of the state and the individual of our people.”
The governor said his administration has constructed over 400 km of roads, built over 2000 affordable homes, and rehabilitated over 100 primary health centres while over 100 schools were built during his first term in office.
A world-class airport, Governor Abiodun, stated was built in less than two years, adding that his government is leading other states in the energy transition by the conversion of state-owned buses from diesel to 100 per cent compressed natural gas and will soon begin the implementation of E-mobility programme aimed at swapping petrol okadas for electric ones, all as part of initiatives to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.
“We will endeavour to have bi-quarterly meetings with you to ensure we sustain this bond that is being established here today. Go forth and do exploits. We do not doubt that you will do us proud. May the Almighty grant you the grace and health so you make the best of the opportunity,” the governor submitted.
Speaking in an interview, the deputy governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the appointment was an opportunity to serve, emphasising that with their wealth of experience, coupled with their outstanding qualifications, she is hopeful that they would perform creditably well.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, on his part, said the appointment of three ministers from the State was the best thing that has happened to the state since the return to democracy in 1999, expressing the hope that they would perform to showcase the stuff the state is made of.
In their goodwill messages, the Alake of Egbaland Oba Aremu Gbadebo described the new ministers as people of high integrity and impeccable character who are ready to serve their fatherland, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, said the appointment was historic in the anal of the state.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Asiwaju of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, said the ministers are trustworthy and dedicated sons of the State who are well equipped to handle any responsibilities, while the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, noted that the State is blessed with natural leaders who can excel wherever they find themselves, appreciating the President for finding them worthy to serve in his cabinet.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Tijani, lauded Governor Abiodun for his infrastructural development and for leveraging technology to drive the State’s economy. He said the State would achieve more when it is fully digitalized.
He stated further: “Ogun is rich in culture, talents, opportunities and resources. We are a great people in Ogun State. I want to assure you that we will work for the good of Ogun State and Nigeria. We will play our parts in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The occasion attracted important dignitaries including; the governors of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Imo State counterpart, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, serving and past members of the National Assembly, APC stalwarts in the State, government officials, captains of industry, friends and well-wishers of the ministers, among others.
