Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Thursday, allocated farmlands to 26 members of the state House of Assembly as part of efforts to ensure food security and support the Federal Government’s agricultural resurgence initiative.
Abiodun presented letters of allocation to the lawmakers to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th legislature at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor said the gesture was to make them contribute towards making the state the country’s food basket.
He said, “I recall that I had promised to allocate agricultural land to all the Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“Today, in fulfilment of the promise and commemoration of your one year in office. I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 26 members of the House of Assembly, and I hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that you begin to grow what you eat and eat what you grow.
“This will be your way of ensuring the fulfilment of our desire to make Ogun State the bread basket of the nation.”
Abiodun, who lauded the Assembly members for their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the welfare of the citizens, observed that their dedication to legislative excellence has been instrumental in driving the progress and development of the state
The lawmakers, the governor emphasised, have in the last year, passed numerous bills and resolutions aimed at improving the lives of the people, noting that their tireless efforts, unwavering integrity, and collaborative spirit with the executive have made the state one of the best in the country.
“For each of us, whether in the Executive or Legislative branch, history has presented a rare opportunity to lead and serve the people who have placed their hopes and aspirations on our ability to deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy. In doing so, we must understand and decide which side of the divide we want to be and how we wish to be remembered,” he added.
Abiodun assured the lawmakers that his administration is committed to working closely with them to advance key initiatives that would further drive the state’s development just as he pledged to prioritise investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, to make the state remain competitive and prosperous.
“Together, we have a great task ahead. The expectations of our people are vast. We must strive to create an inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” he noted.
Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide described the last year as turbulent and filled with tension but maintained that the desire to give the people a purposeful representation saw them through the turbulent period.
Elemide lauded the governor for embarking on the complete renovation and restoration of the assembly complex, adding that 24 new toilets have been added while water supply has been restored in offices of the legislators in the complex.
While assuring the governor of the Assembly’s cooperation in making laws that would fast-track the socio-economic development of the state, he noted that members would be guided by the fact that they were in the Assembly to represent the interest of their constituents.
