Abiodun revitalises Ogun’s urban housing projects

Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says his administration’s vision is taking shape through urban renewal initiatives across major towns in the state.

Abiodun stated this during his visit to an ongoing construction project at the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Abeokuta on Thursday.

He said his administration’s housing projects had enhanced the beauty of major cities across the state, transforming areas such as Kobape, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ilaro into smart cities.

Speaking at the project site, Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising GRAs, which he described as state treasures that should reflect Ogun’s standard of excellence.

However, he decried the deplorable state of the GRAs, saying they had become slums and were no longer fit for human habitation.

He said: “We began urban renewal projects in Abeokuta, the state capital, in phases, starting with three hectares of land.

“The first phase consists of 30 to 35 houses, and what we have achieved here is exemplary,” he said.

He explained that local artisans handled the construction, creating employment while ensuring high-quality yet affordable housing.

“This project presents a new face of Abeokuta,” the governor said.

Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that while work continues, essential infrastructure like drainage, sidewalks, streetlights, electricity, and water supply is already in place.

“You can see that the designs are visually appealing, and the completion is commendable.

“This project was not outsourced to foreign contractors. Instead, it was built using direct labour, allowing local painters, bricklayers, carpenters, and welders to participate,” he said.

The governor commended the Commissioner for Housing and his team for successfully implementing the vision.

He said, “If you have a vision but lack an efficient team, implementation will suffer. Fortunately, our team has worked closely with us, and the results are clear.”

Abiodun emphasised that Ogun’s capital must meet the state’s high standards.

“These structures are comparable to any in the world. We believe this will attract more people to live in Abeokuta,” he said.

He assured that similar projects would be replicated in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting people from Lagos State, ensuring Ogun remains a preferred place to live and invest.

At the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abiodun acknowledged inheriting the project from the previous administration.

However, he lamented that it was embroiled in legal disputes, which his government successfully resolved out of court.

“This project is noble and provides decent accommodation in a prime location within Abeokuta,” he said.

He explained that the estate’s construction was restructured into phases and redesigned for better functionality.

Abiodun urged prospective buyers to take advantage of the current prices before inflation drives them higher.

Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Omoniyi, said the Ibara GRA renewal project aimed to modernise the estate, which was built in 1976 when the state was created.

He noted that four clusters are currently active, with the first batch of 200 duplexes set for commissioning within two months, while others will be ready by December.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mr Faruq Adenugba, commended the governor for initiating a landmark estate.

He encouraged potential buyers to subscribe while prices remain affordable.