Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to urban renewal, stating that the transformation of major towns across the state is shaping up in line with his vision.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing housing projects at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Abeokuta, the governor emphasized that these initiatives are not only beautifying the cities but also enhancing the standard of living for residents.
“We are redefining urban spaces in Ogun State. Our housing projects in Kobape, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ilaro have turned these locations into smart cities,” Abiodun stated.
He noted that the first phase of the urban renewal project in Abeokuta has seen the completion of 35 houses in the Ibara GRA, which had previously deteriorated.
“The GRAs in this state were in a deplorable condition. They had become slums, unfit for human habitation. We took it upon ourselves to change that narrative,” he said.
Abiodun explained that the project is being executed through direct labor, employing local artisans, thereby creating job opportunities while ensuring affordability.
“The houses are of high quality, yet affordable. This construction is being carried out by our local artisans—bricklayers, carpenters, welders, and painters. It is a way to empower our people,” he added.
During the tour, the governor expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that key infrastructure such as drainages, sidewalks, solar-powered streetlights, electricity, and water reticulation were already in place.
“These structures are of international standard. Abeokuta, as the capital of the Gateway State, must reflect the excellence Ogun is known for. We have ensured that these houses can compete with any in the world,” he stated.
He assured that similar urban renewal projects would be extended to other GRAs in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota, adding that Ogun remains an attractive alternative for people moving out of Lagos.
At the Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abiodun highlighted the challenges his administration faced in reviving the project, which was initially stalled due to legal disputes inherited from the previous government.
“This estate was tied up in litigations, but we successfully resolved them. Abandoning it was never an option because state resources had already been invested,” he explained.
He revealed that the estate was redesigned to improve functionality, leading to the development of 116 fully detached and semi-detached houses.
“These houses are of top quality. The semi-detached units have four en-suite bedrooms, a private sitting room upstairs, a boys’ quarters, and space for four cars. The fully detached houses have an additional study and an attached boys’ quarters,” he detailed.
The governor noted that demand for the estate has been overwhelming.
“We are struggling to manage the level of interest. Our people in the diaspora are already making deposits. Top executives from Lagos and Abuja are securing their units. This has encouraged us to roll out the second phase,” he said.
He reiterated that government projects with direct benefits to the people should not be abandoned, regardless of political differences.
“I saw beyond personalities. What mattered was the collective good of Ogun people. That’s why we resolved the issues and delivered a first-class estate,” he asserted.
Governor Abiodun encouraged potential buyers to take advantage of current prices, warning that inflation could drive costs up in the near future.
Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, explained that the Ibara GRA renewal project is aimed at modernizing the old estate, originally built in 1976.
“We are working in four clusters. The first batch of about 200 duplexes will be ready for commissioning in two months, while the remaining will be completed by December,” Omoniyi said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Prince Faruq Adenugba, lauded the project, describing it as a landmark achievement for Abeokuta.
“This estate is a testament to Governor Abiodun’s vision. It will redefine Abeokuta’s skyline. I urge people to subscribe while the prices are still affordable,” he said.
