Oke-Ogun Council of Elders visits Oyo Acting Gov, Pledges Support, Presents 10-Year Development Blueprint
The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders, OCE, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, describing his emergence as a “historic moment of honor” for the Oke-Ogun region.
Led by its President, Otunba Bamidele Dada, OON, FIS, former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, the delegation conveyed felicitations and prayers from the people of the 10 Local Government Areas that make up Oke-Ogun.
Addressing the Acting Governor and members of the State Executive Council, Otunba Dada commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the confidence reposed in Barr. Lawal, from his days as Chairman of the State Housing Corporation to Deputy Governor and now Acting Governor.
“That a worthy son of Oke-Ogun seamlessly stepped into the role of Acting Governor is not just a triumph for you personally, but a historic moment of honor for our entire region,” Dada said.
He added that the Acting Governor’s career trajectory “reflects the core virtues of our heritage: integrity, competence, humility, and unwavering loyalty to the public good. You surely embody the true Omoluabi spirit of Oke-Ogun.”
The Council used the opportunity to present key priorities for the region’s development, including in the area of roads, agriculture, security, and education.
On Infrastructure, Dada commended ongoing road projects linking Oke-Ogun to the state capital and urged government to prevail on contractors to accelerate completion, noting the roads “serve as economic arteries for our agrarian communities.”
For Agriculture, he described Oke-Ogun as the agricultural backbone of Oyo State and called for integrated agribusiness centers and direct support for rural farmers. He also welcomed the renewed push to bring the *Ikere Gorge Dam* on stream “to deliver services contained in the original plan and more.”
On Security, the Council appreciated government efforts and urged continued strengthening of regional security networks and support for indigenous initiatives to protect farmlands and communities.
In Education and Youth Empowerment, the elders appealed for sustained investment in tertiary institutions within the region to provide accessible higher education and vocational skills.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of the “OKE-OGUN DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT (2025-2035)” to the Acting Governor. The document is an update of the 2016 agenda.
According to Dada, the 10-year strategic roadmap covers: _Agriculture, Education, Electricity, Health, Water Resources, Industries, International Boundaries, Road Networks, Security, Solid Minerals and Tourism._
He announced that five copies of the Blueprint would also be presented to Governor Seyi Makinde upon his resumption.
The OCE President assured the state government of the region’s unalloyed support and prayers for the current administration.
“Oke-Ogun Council of Elders and Oke-Ogun people stand firmly behind you and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde,” he said.
“We pray that Almighty God grants you wisdom, good health, and strength to discharge the duties of this office successfully. May your tenure bring unprecedented peace, unity, and development to our state.”
Reacting, the Acting Governor thanked them for the visit and assured them that the current administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde will continue to serve the people of Oyo state till the last day of this tenure.