In a bold demonstration of his commitment to grassroots development and economic revitalization, the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, officially laid the foundation for the construction of 16 modern lockup shops at the bustling Obu Odo Market, Odogbolu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Diya expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his consistent support and keen interest in the development of Odogbolu Local Government. He noted that the Governor’s intervention in critical infrastructure—such as Federal Government College Road—continues to positively impact the lives of residents, among other projects.
The Chairman highlighted that the market project is part of a broader development drive, under Special Agro-industrial processing zone ( SAPZ’s ) programme, revealing that 27 more projects will be embarked on to be executed across the 15 wards of the local government. These initiatives, he said, are strategically designed to boost Agri-businesses, create jobs, tackle food insecurity and to ensure nobody goes to bed at night hungry.
Dr Diya further announced that the Odogbolu Truck stop project, soonest, will not only reduce road traffic accidents, prevent delayed travel times but it will generate employment for over 300 youths and over all boost the socio-economic drive of the entire area.
Providing further insight into SAPZ-Odogbolu LGA’s administration’s agricultural and infrastructural plan, the Supervisor for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Afuwape Fakoya, outlined the details of the aforementioned projects to be executed which includes – the establishment of processing facilities for rice and cassava; construction of commodity storage facilities; development of local markets; installation of solar-powered boreholes; and various road, culvert, and bridge projects.
The Supervisor also spoke on the 10 hectares of land has been cleared, with the provision of two 21,000Ltrs water tanks for irrigation by NALDA, in collaboration with the ODLG, for horticulture farming. This will empower 100 women in the Odo Epo and Imaka communities.
He also revealed further plans under the leadership of Hon Diya of a SAPZ projects which 200 hectares of land in Ibido-Ogbo, 20 hectares in Imodi, will be cleared and used for crop cultivation. The projects has entered it’s first phase with land clearing which has commenced since the 19th of April.
Community leaders and stakeholders took turns to commend the Chairman’s efforts : Chief Ganiu Odunlami (Double Chief) praised the initiative, noting its potential to boost commerce and improve livelihoods. The Iyaloja General, Chief (Mrs.) Muibat Adebanjo, described the project as timely and transformative for traders, while Chief (Mrs.) Oyinkansola Cole proudly lauded the Chairman’s performance, called him her son she is proud of but will not hesitate to point out cracks and gaps here and there.
Dignitaries in attendance included Hon. (Princess) Victoria Olusola Adeyinka, Vice Chairman, ODLG; Rt. Hon. Adesoye Akeem Tunde, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Odogbolu Local Government; Deacon Stanley Olunogun, Secretary to the Local Government; Chief (Mrs.) Oyinkansola Cole, Commissioner, Judicial Service Commission; Alhaji Odunlami (Double Chief); Hon. Afuwape Fakoya, Supervisor for Agriculture and Food Security; Prince Adeleke Adebajo, General Manager, Public-Private Partnership; Mr. Adedamola Vincent Fayemi, Chief of Staff; Mr. Akintunde Abiola, Head of Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Mrs. Titilayo Ayanwale, Head of Department, Information, Education and Sports. Also in attendance were all five Supervisors and all five Special Advisers of the Local Government, alongside key market leaders such as Chief (Mrs.) Muibat Adebanjo, Iyaloja General, and Chief (Mrs.) Taiwo Solebo, Iyaloja. Other notable attendees include Hon. Wasiu Saka, Education Secretary, Odogbolu Local Government; Hon. Monsuru Dauda Sunday, Councillor, Ward 4; Hon. Taofeek Oyetunji Olawale, Councillor, Ward 5; Hon. Seun Aderibigbe, former Councillor; Mr. Folorunso Odukoya; and Mrs. Silifa Onabamiro. Security agencies were also well represented, including the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Odogbolu Security Team (OST). The religious community was not left out, with the presence of Bishop Ademosu Adebisi, Founder of Holy Mount Jahwoiah, and Imam Abdul Majid, among other dignitaries.
Comrade Otudero Seyi Oluwaseun
Chief Press Secretary
Office of the Executive Chairman
Odogbolu Local Government.
