By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to urban renewal, announcing significant progress in the ongoing Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) Regeneration Project in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Abiodun disclosed that over 150 of the more than 200 houses planned for the Ibara GRA have been completed under the state’s Urban Regeneration Scheme. He made this known after inspecting the newly built houses, noting that the project reflects his government’s vision to give Abeokuta a befitting modern outlook.
Describing the former state of the Ibara GRA as “an eyesore,” the governor said many of the old structures were dilapidated and illegally occupied, with some occupants turning themselves into landlords and renting out portions of the buildings.
He explained that his administration had engaged extensively with residents before commencing the redevelopment, ensuring that those affected were not left homeless.
“Having held several consultations with the illegal occupants, we agreed on different terms and implemented what previous administrations either lacked the foresight or political will to achieve,” Abiodun said. “We began the cleanup and demolition in March and rolled out the regeneration plan to give this highbrow area the facelift it deserves.”
According to him, between 213 and 220 houses are earmarked for construction some by the government and others by private developers under strict design and planning guidelines. “So far, about 150 houses have been completed, while others are at various stages of construction,” he added.
The governor further assured that similar regeneration efforts would be extended to other GRAs across Ogun State. “As we are building and regenerating in Abeokuta, we are also doing the same in Yewa, Ilaro, Kobape, Sagamu, Iperu, and Ijebu-Ode. In Kobape alone, nearly 600 housing units have been completed,” he said.
Abiodun emphasized that his administration remains focused on its developmental goals despite criticisms from detractors. “We are accountable to the people of Ogun State who entrusted us with their mandate, not to faceless individuals spreading falsehood on social media,” he stated.
Challenging his critics, the governor asserted: “I stand to be corrected if we have not constructed more roads in six years than anyone else has in sixteen years, then let the facts speak for themselves.”
He reiterated that the regeneration initiative is part of his broader commitment to modernizing Ogun State’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its residents.