New dawn in Ogun as Dapo Abiodun takes oath-of-offiice

Governor Dapo Abiodun

It was a new dawn in Ogun State on Wednesday as Prince Dapo Abiodun took oath-of-office as the 5th elected governor of the state.

Prince Abiodun was sworn in alongside his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, by the state Chief Judge, Justice M.A Dipeolu.

The ceremony, which took place at the M.K.O Abiola stadium, Abeokuta, was witnessed by unprecedented jubilant crowd.

The new governor in his speech promised to give Ogun State, focused and qualitative governance, and create an enabling environment for a public private sector partnership which is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun assured that his administration will empower and strengthen the local governments in order to discharge their statutory roles, functions and responsibilities effectively.

Dep. Gov. Salako-Oyedele

He further affirmed that he will govern with character, serve diligently and sincerely, make people's interest core of governance, not personalise or abuse the mandate and above all not betray the people's trust.

On what the people should expect from his administration, the governor said his administration will professionalise and empower the civil service to carry out the basic mandate of running government operations effectively and efficiently. Therefore, massive retraining and relevant skills acquisition programmes will be organised for civil servants from time to time.

Governor Abiodun also emphasised that his administration will ensure transparent public finance via full implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and full automation of Ogun State finance functions.

In dealing with unemployment, Abiodun said a portal will be opened soon to register unemployed persons who will be available for employment by state and new investors.

On physical infrastructure development, the governor gave assurance that his administration will be fair in the allocation of infrastructure to all parts of the state.

Governor Abiodun said his administration will invest heavily in education  and increase budget allocation on yearly basis for the sector to meet the 26% UNESCO benchmark.

On security, the governor promised that the law enforcement agencies will be motivated and given adequate incentives, while his administration will establish Ogun State Neighbourhood Safety Agency to complement Police efforts.

According to the governor, the Health sector will receive a boost, as the existing Primary Health Centres will be refurbished, equipped and upgraded, while additional ones will be constructed where necessary. Children under the age of 6 years will enjoy free healthcare.