Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has said that the scale of infrastructure projects attracted to Otta is a direct response to its rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion, noting that development must align with population growth and economic realities.
Adeola, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, spoke on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2025 Iganmode Cultural Festival, also known as Odun Omo Iganmode, held at the Otta Mini Stadium, Otta, Ogun State.
Hosting the grand finale, Adeola said his consistent presence at cultural festivals across Ogun West and the state underscored his belief in culture as a unifying force and a tool for tourism and socio-economic development.
“I have always made it a point of duty to actively participate, either in person or by effective representation, in any community day or cultural festival taking place in Ogun West Senatorial District and across Ogun State when duly invited,” he said.
The senator congratulated the Olota of Otta-Awori, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, Lalenge Ekun II, on his birthday celebrated earlier in the year, praising his leadership and commitment to cultural revival.
“Under your exemplary and enlightened royal leadership, the Otta-Awori Kingdom has continued to witness commendable strides in cultural renaissance and peaceful community development,” Adeola said.
He added that the monarch had successfully projected Awori culture and fashion as a strong identity marker for the people.
“Your Royal Majesty has brought to the fore the peculiar culture of the Aworis and fashion as a language of identification of the Awori people in Ogun, Lagos and beyond,” he said.
Adeola noted that cultural expressions, including masquerade displays and fashion, could stimulate tourism and economic growth if properly harnessed.
“When properly packaged, aspects of our culture and fashion inclinations are catalysts to societal economic development,” he stated.
He commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for supporting tourism through various festivals across the state and for investments in security, infrastructure, healthcare and education, including the Gateway Cargo Airport at Iperu.
“My prayer always is that God Almighty will continue to be your strength, your guide and your counsellor as you move our dear state to greater heights,” Adeola said.
The senator disclosed that he had facilitated about 300 infrastructure projects within just over two years to complement the efforts of the state government.
“These include over 115 road construction projects, 30 school buildings, 32 primary healthcare centres, 25 modern markets, 13 town halls, 10 ICT centres, two intensive care units, two libraries and eight police stations,” he said.
He added that over 200 electricity transformers and 250 solar streetlight projects covering about 26,000 poles had also been facilitated, alongside repairs of major electricity infrastructure affecting about 100 communities.
“Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area is a beneficiary of these interventions,” he noted.
Adeola said empowerment programmes under his watch had reached over 50,000 constituents, while thousands of traders, farmers and students benefited from cash grants, farm inputs, scholarships, bursaries and laptop support.
Addressing the concentration of projects in Otta, Adeola said the area’s rapid growth justified the level of intervention.
“Let me place it on record that my development projects in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area are proportionate to its rapidly urbanising and industrial status, which requires massive infrastructure, particularly in roads, healthcare, streetlights and energy-related projects,” he said.
He pledged to continue complementing the state government’s efforts in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said she was honoured to stand with her people at the festival, describing it as a celebration of history, culture and enduring family bonds.
“I am honoured to stand with my kinsmen at the grand finale of the 2025 Odun Omo Iganmode, celebrating our history, culture and enduring family bonds as proud sons and daughters of Ota,” she said.
Salako-Oyedele who conveyed the goodwill of Governor Dapo Abiodun, assured the community of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Aworiland.
“I conveyed the warm greetings of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, who remains committed to infrastructure development in Aworiland,” she said.
She disclosed that key projects in the area were progressing steadily.
“These include housing estates in Ota and Agbara-Igbesa, road reconstruction within the Ota axis and the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Road,” the deputy governor said.
She congratulated the Olota and the people of Ota on another successful celebration, noting that this year’s festival deliberately shifted focus from politics to family, unity and shared identity.
“This year, Kabiyesi deliberately refocused the day away from politicisation and centred it on families, unity and shared identity under the Ota Awori Fashionista theme,” she said.
According to her, the celebration showcased the creativity, pride and strong kinship ties of the Awori people.
Salako-Oyedele also acknowledged the presence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing his support for Ota and Aworiland as invaluable.
“We were deeply honoured by the presence of our father, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, whose continued support and encouragement for Ota, Aworis and Aworiland remains invaluable,” she said.
She prayed for more celebrations in good health and unity, urging the people to continue working together for progress.
“May we witness many more celebrations in happiness and good health as we continue to stand together and work collectively for the progress of our people,” she said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and The Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Idris Osolo Otenibotemole II, , were among dignitaries at the event.
