Ogun Waterside Residents Applaud Abiodun, Odunnoiki as Governor Commissions 11 Projects

Reconstructed classrooms, health centre, market shops, solar streetlights, tractor, security facilities bring relief, renewed hope to Communities

Residents of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area have applauded the Ogun State Government and the administration of the Council Chairman, Hon. Odunnoiki Adetoye AbdulGaniyu, following the commissioning of 11 infrastructural and developmental projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, security, commerce and general living conditions across the Area.

The projects, commissioned on Tuesday, November 11, 2026, at the Local Government Secretariat, Abigi, on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, represent another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to grassroots development and the delivery of democratic dividends to rural communities.

For pupils and teachers of Local Government Primary School 2, Ibiade, the occasion carried particular significance as a previously collapsed block of two classrooms, which gave way in March 2026, has been reconstructed and equipped with new benches, desks and an adjoining office.

The reconstruction has restored a conducive learning environment for the pupils and provided renewed hope for teachers and parents who had been concerned about the condition of the school.

Their excitement was evident as pupils and members of staff trooped out in large numbers to welcome the governor’s representative and his entourage during the commissioning exercise.

Speaking through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Azeez Bello, Governor Abiodun commended Odunnoiki and his team for translating governance into tangible projects that directly address the needs of the people.

The Governor, who was represented by Bello, applauded the council chairman’s commitment to community development, describing the completed projects as evidence of his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of residents.

He particularly acknowledged the Chairman’s love for his people, noting that the visible infrastructural improvements across the council area reflected a genuine commitment to grassroots service delivery.

Governor Abiodun reiterated that infrastructural development and improved living standards remain central to his administration’s agenda, assuring the people that the state Government would sustain its efforts towards fulfilling its promises.

He also appreciated the residents of Ogun Waterside for their continued support and prayers, assuring them that his administration remained committed to taking development to every part of the State.

The commissioning plaques were unveiled by Bello on behalf of the Governor.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Hon. Odunnoiki Adetoye AbdulGaniyu, expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for what he described as the support and cooperation extended to his administration.

He particularly acknowledged the prompt release of funds by the state government, which he said had enabled the council to execute the projects and respond to some of the pressing developmental needs of its communities.

Odunnoiki also praised the Governor’s leadership style, pointing to several ongoing and proposed strategic projects across Ogun Waterside as evidence of the state’s determination to unlock the economic potential of the area.

Among the initiatives he highlighted were the rehabilitation of the GAO-Ibiade Township Road, the approval of the Dangote Deep Seaport and Free Trade Zone project in Ode-Omi, petroleum exploration activities by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Eba, the revival of the long-standing OKLNG gas project and the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the establishment of a Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.

According to the council Chairman, these developments hold enormous prospects for economic expansion, employment generation, infrastructure improvement and increased commercial activities, not only for Ogun Waterside but also for Ogun State and the wider South-West region.

He thanked political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market men and women, community stakeholders and residents for the opportunity to serve over the last two years.

The Chairman also appealed to residents to take ownership of the newly commissioned facilities, stressing that their sustainability would depend largely on proper maintenance and collective responsibility.

The 11 projects commissioned cut across critical sectors of grassroots development.

They include the reconstruction of a block of two classrooms with an office, alongside the provision of chairs and tables, at Local Government Primary School 2, Ibiade; procurement of 50 solar-powered streetlights to improve illumination and security; and the provision of 500 chalkboard renovators for schools across the Local Government.

Others are the renovation of the Head of Local Government Administration’s quarters and the Treasurer’s quarters at the staff quarters in Abigi; construction of five lock-up shops at Ibiade Market and 10 additional shops at Iwopin Market; and the purchase of a brand-new tractor with implements to strengthen the council’s operational and agricultural support capacity.

The list also includes the construction of a health centre at Efire Township, an Amotekun security building at Irokun and the procurement of 10 motorcycles to support security operations and official assignments.

The projects are expected to address some immediate community needs, particularly in education, healthcare access, market infrastructure, agricultural operations and local security.

Reacting to the developments, the Onisin of Ilushin, HRM Oba Abimbola Jimoh Mafe, commended Odunnoiki and Governor Abiodun for what he described as their commitment to democratic promises and the delivery of dividends of democracy at the grassroots.

The traditional ruler, however, appealed to the government to extend its developmental interventions to other critical social amenities that would further improve the living conditions of residents.

The commissioning ceremony attracted several political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders and government officials.

Among those present were Hon. Lawal Samsideen Adekunle, member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Emiloju Gazal, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Alhaja Hon. Ogunlana Olabode, Vice-Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government; and Alhaji Okuwoga Nojeemdeen Adeyinka, Secretary to the Local Government.

Also in attendance were councillors, supervisors, special advisers, Mr Awobotu Victor, Head of Local Government Administration, directors from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the local government, traditional rulers, party leaders led by Asiwaju Dele Odulaja, religious leaders, community representatives, Iyalojas, Babalojas and career officers.

For communities across Ogun Waterside, the commissioning goes beyond the unveiling of project plaques. From the return of pupils to a safer classroom environment to improved market facilities, healthcare infrastructure, street lighting and security support, the interventions represent practical efforts to bring governance closer to the people.

The Governor’s commendation of Odunnoiki also underscored the importance of collaboration between the state and local governments in translating development policies into projects that have a direct impact on everyday life.

Global Mirror News reports that the long-term value of the projects will ultimately be measured not only by their completion but also by their effective utilisation, proper maintenance and the extent to which they improve the welfare and economic opportunities of Ogun Waterside residents.