After a hard‑fought electoral battle, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has secured a second term. In his acceptance speech, Abiodun thanked the electorate, attributing his victory to divine providence and describing it as a vote of confidence in his administration. He pledged to complete ongoing projects and to develop the state equitably, without favoring any region. Barely 48 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission announced his win—276,298 votes to the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Oladipupo Adebutu’s 262,383—various stakeholders began presenting their expectations for his second term.
The former Students’ Union President of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ajani Sodiq, urged Abiodun to prioritize education, noting that unpaid lecturer salaries are forcing students to bear the burden. He called for improved school infrastructure and consistent supervision. In the labour sector, newly elected Nigeria Labour Congress state chairman Hamid Ademola appealed for a meeting with organised labour to review the July 2022 memorandum of action, while Trade Union Congress chairman Akeem Lasisi emphasized that labour issues must be placed on the “front burner.” Lasisi reminded the governor of the memorandum’s provisions on gratuities, eight‑year leave allowances, deductions and the need to increase allocations for these payments.
Health workers also voiced concerns. Dr Kunle Ashimi, state chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, highlighted the “japa” syndrome and called for incentives, better working conditions, accommodation for staff in remote areas, regular in‑house training, and the replacement of outdated equipment. He advocated for upgrading existing facilities, building new ones where services are lacking, conducting regular audits, integrating private practitioners into the health plan, fostering public‑private partnerships, and ensuring an efficient procurement process for drugs and supplies.
Traders and business owners raised issues ranging from agriculture to infrastructure. Mrs Bukunmi Oladele, a soft‑drink trader, argued that high market prices stem from insufficient investment in agriculture; she urged the governor to support farmers with loans and resources to lower consumer prices. Resident Olamilekan Taiwo called for greater youth empowerment and employment, as well as improvements to infrastructural and educational projects. National Youth Service Corps member Ogungbayi Abdullateef echoed the need to unlock the state’s economic potential and empower young people.
Market traders highlighted specific challenges. Jewellery seller Fasilat Adigun complained about the lack of proper trading spaces, forcing her to sell on the roadside, and asked the governor to provide adequate market facilities. Mariam Olopade stressed that unstable electricity hampers small and medium enterprises, urging the administration to ensure reliable power to reduce fuel costs. Food vendor Oyindamola, operating in the Oloke axis, reiterated the call for greater agricultural investment to secure food availability.
Community residents, especially those living between Ogun and Lagos, urged the governor to address infrastructural deficits, including completing projects started by his predecessor and constructing roads in Sango‑Ota. Alhaji Abbas Adewale of Ibafo reminded Abiodun that his strongest support came from Ado‑Odo/Ota, Obafemi‑Owode and Odeda, and cautioned him to remember these areas. He also noted that former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun were more active in their first terms than in their second, suggesting that Abiodun should avoid a similar decline in performance.
Comments are closed for this story.