It has been 100 days since I took the oath of office as the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government and I can say it has been a worthy experience of steering Abeokuta North on a path of meaningful progress.
My campaign slogan which we all know as AYO NI O” is a reflection of my plan to bring the feel-good factor into the administration of Abeokuta North local government. Although, the past 100 days have brought its own fair share of challenges, we have created the basis to better the lives of our people — after all, governance is essentially about the people.
On that note, I want you all to join me in thanking almighty Allah for the grace to witness this day. We have lots to be thankful for. For renewed peace, for progress, for unity, for love, and for the good things to come in our dear local government.
I am grateful to our people for their staunch belief in our capacities to chart a new course for a greater Abeokuta North local government. I must say that each and every day, it has been a privilege to serve you and bring the dividends of democracy to your doorstep.
I would also like to extend my profound appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, HE Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR for the opportunity to serve and replicate his giant strides in the administration of Abeokuta North Local Government.
Let me state here today that I have been blessed by the remarkable wisdom of our leaders in the local government who have consistently guided and supported this administration. They have shown exemplary leadership which has created an enabling environment for our government. I am indeed grateful.
Without being immodest, I am pleased to say that we have given a good account of ourselves in the execution of our mandate in the past 100 days. According to renowned American industrialist, Harvey Firestone “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” This is why the positive feedbacks from our people in the last 100 days have further strengthened our resolve to put the people first in whatever we do and I am confident that together, we can accomplish the task of building Abeokuta north.
Understandably, we have the challenge of low revenue generation, but as an administration, we are thinking out of the box to shore up our revenue and facilitate best development to our birthplace. We are conscious of the yearnings and expectations of our people and we are poised to deliver on every promise made.
Our administration’s primary concern is the security of lives and property. No meaningful progress can take place where kidnapping, cult clashes, robbery and other criminalities is the order of the day. As we all know, serious investors would like to set up their enterprises in a place where their peace and safety is guaranteed.
I am pleased to announce to you that one of the very first things we did when we assumed office was to meet with all relevant security agencies to make Abeokuta north a safe place for all.
We have also read the riot act to criminally minded persons that this government would not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and safety we have labored to achieve in Abeokuta north local government. Anyone caught sabotaging our security efforts will be made to face the full wrath of the law. We would continue to partner our security agencies to maintain the peace we now enjoy.
Road rehabilitation of varying degrees have formed the fulcrum of our 100 days in office. Ajitadun/Ita-Ika road, Lafenwa road, Elega roads have all undergone repairs, and we are not stopping at that. We understand that most of our roads are federal roads, but they are used mostly by our local people, so we would not ignore the poor state of these roads. We will keep carrying out palliative measures to ease the burden of our road users. We would also keep calling government’s attention to these roads so proper rehabilitation can be done.
We have had various meetings with private entities and we have gained the trust of corporate organizations to support our quest to move Abeokuta north local government forward. The business of government cannot be done in isolation of private sector support. This is why we are appealing to all well-meaning Sons and Daughters of this great local government to support our administration financially and or materially. Be rest assured that your resources will be put to great use.
One thing we have also identified since we assumed office is the need to be more technologically-compliant. We would be providing free Wi-Fi facility at the Local Government secretariat and other key places in the LG to aid access to information. This would ease the work of our staffers and promote the business of the local government.
More importantly, we are at the final stages of launching an official website for Abeokuta north local government. I can assure you the website will be coming up in few days, and should expectedly encourage e-participation, bring governance closer to our people and act as a platform to promote local businesses. This website would help connect artisans and professionals with job opportunities, thereby keeping our people productively engaged. We have many endowments in Abeokuta North local government and we would take full advantage of this by showcasing our rich cultural heritage to the world. A register will be made available to everyone in the coming days to promote the businesses of our Artisans and facilitate markets for them.
As a demonstration of our commitment to promoting qualitative education, we are giving out ‘Back to School’ backpacks to our Children in various schools. We would continue to do all that is necessary to shape their lives positively, build their character and prepare them for a brighter and rewarding future.
We are also setting up a health insurance scheme for our people at highly subsidized fees. I am personally sponsoring 50 indigenes of our local government for this health scheme. This is my own way of giving back to my local government. We are also going to sensitize our people on the importance of signing up for this insurance.
I am sure we all agree that ours is a youth-friendly administration. This explains why we have sponsored 100 indigenes of Abeokuta North local government in the forthcoming 10km Abeokuta Road Race.
We are in talks with some investors on the modernization of the Olomore market and Oba Odeleye Park. Whatever development we are situating in both areas will be in the best interest of our people there. We are not displacing anyone and no one will feel hard done by. It will be a win-win situation for everyone. We would bring all stakeholders on the table for further discussion on the best way possible to develop the market with the barest minimum inconvenience on our market women and men.
Over and above, we are off to a good start, but we are not going to let complacency set in. While I am proud of what we have achieved in the last 100 days, I am determined to do even more. We will build the Abeokuta North local government of our dream.
On this note, I sincerely thank everyone that has contributed in one way or the other to enhancing our performance in the past 100 days. I appeal for your continued support, especially in the prompt payment of your levies. We are operating an open-door policy. You’re welcome to give us your suggestions and ideas on how to move our dear local government forward.
Igbega Ijoba Ariwa Abeokuta, Ajose wa ni!
Thank you!
God bless Abeokuta North LG
God bless Ogun State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria