Giant Strides of Dapo Abiodun As Governor of Ogun State

When Dapo Abiodun assumed office as Governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019, he inherited a state with immense potential; bordering Lagos, rich in human and natural resources, but still under-leveraged in terms of infrastructure, industrialisation, and modern public services. 

Over the past six years, his administration has launched a sweeping agenda of reform and investment, positioning Ogun State as a model for innovation, growth and stakeholder-driven governance in Nigeria. The following are some of the key areas in which his giant strides are most visible.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Arguably the most visible hallmark of Abiodun’s tenure is the scale and ambition of his infrastructure programmes. 

According to several reports, his administration has undertaken the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometres of roads across the state. 

Notable projects include the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road corridor, which links major industrial zones, and the planning of the long-awaited Lagos-Ota‐Abeokuta Expressway upgrade. 

Moreover, under his “Building Our Future Together” agenda, the state is building the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in the Ilisan-Iperu axis; a bold infrastructure move hinting at Ogun’s ambition to be a logistics and agro-industrial hub.

These infrastructure investments serve multiple purposes: unlocking commercial corridors, improving internal mobility, enhancing investment appeal, and strengthening the state’s strategic link to Lagos and beyond.

Investment, Industry & Economic Diversification

Abiodun’s administration has made strong inroads in transforming Ogun into a destination of choice for investors. Reports indicate that the state now hosts over 6,000 manufacturing firms under his watch. 

The state also significantly increased its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), from about N50 billion in 2020 to nearly N150 billion by 2023; placing Ogun among the top-three revenue-generating states in Nigeria.

To facilitate this, the Ogun State Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency (OGUNIPA) and the Ogun State Business Executive Council (OGUNBEC) were established. 

By streamlining processes, digitising land acquisition, and promoting an investor-friendly climate, the administration has led a shift in the industrial profile of the state.

Agriculture, Food Security & Rural Development

Abiodun has emphasised agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economy. His administration launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, empowered thousands of agripreneurs, and built infrastructure to support farming and processing. 

 The state is now being cited as a leading producer of rice, maize and cassava. These efforts are anchored on boosting both production and forward linkages into processing and export.

Through targeted programmes, rural communities have benefited from farm roads, irrigation support, extension services and input subsidies. This focus is part of what is referred to as Abiodun’s “I-S-E-Y-A” development pillars: Infrastructure; Social Development; Education; Youth; Agriculture & Food Security. 

Social Development, Education & Healthcare

Governance under Abiodun is not just about bricks and mortar. Substantial attention has been given to education, healthcare, and the well-being of citizens. According to coverage:

Education: Over 1,000 schools have been renovated or built; teacher recruitment drives, ICT programmes and the “Ogun TEACh” initiative (filling public schools’ staffing gaps) were established. 

Healthcare: The state expanded ambulance services, established 24-hour emergency services across 20 local government areas, deployed molecular labs, and upgraded primary health centres. 

Social Infrastructure: Housing schemes delivering thousands of affordable homes, rural amenities, and community-level services are underway. 

Progressive News

These initiatives indicate a broad-based approach — not just high-profile flagship projects, but systemic investments in human capital and quality of life.

Awards, Recognition & Governance Credibility

Abiodun’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received multiple awards including:

Forbes “Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution” (2022) 

Nigerian Observer

Numerous “Governor of the Year” recognitions from major Nigerian media houses. 

These accolades underscore how his governance style; combining business-oriented strategy with political service; has won both domestic and international recognition.

Challenges & The Road Ahead

No transformational administration is without its challenges. While Abiodun has secured many wins, observers note that scaling rural infrastructure, fully reaping the benefits of large-scale industrial projects, and sustaining inclusion remain ongoing tasks. The success of flagship infrastructure like the agro-cargo airport still hinges on global market dynamics and effective execution.

The next phase of his administration will likely focus on ensuring that the infrastructure and investment emphasis fully translate into job creation, quality employment, and inclusive growth. Ensuring that the fruits of growth reach rural communities, youth, women, and small business owners is a key frontier.

Dapo Abiodun’s tenure so far offers a compelling narrative of transformation in Ogun State; taking advantage of strategic location, private-sector mindset, and policy continuity to reposition the state for the future. 

From roads to agro-industrial airports, from rural agripreneur programmes to education and health system upgrades, the scope of his agenda is broad and arguably ambitious.

His administration stands as a case study in how sub-national governance in Nigeria can mobilise investment, drive diversification, and improve citizen services. While there is still work ahead, the giant strides already taken provide a strong foundation for Ogun State’s next chapter.