Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba has praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in urban renewal, particularly the housing initiative.
Osoba described the initiative as unmatched in the state’s history.
According to a statement released on Monday, Osoba expressed his appreciation during the inauguration of a newly installed dual electronic gate that he donated at the Olusegun Osoba Hilltop Estate in Abeokuta.
The former governor highlighted Abiodun’s clear vision for housing, noting that no previous administration in the state has developed more housing estates than the current one.
He criticized those opposing the redevelopment of the Ibara Housing Estate in Abeokuta and urged the Egba people to reflect on past errors, noting that the University of Ibadan could have been located in Abeokuta if not for their internal disagreements, which resulted in it being moved to Ibadan.
“The governor has a vision for housing. I don’t think any governor in Ogun State has created as many housing estates as Abiodun has done.
“When I heard that some people were protesting about the urban renewal of Ibara Housing Estate, I was furious, and I want to appeal to us, Egba. We should learn. The University of Ibadan was supposed to be situated in Abeokuta, but because of the division within Egba, the university was taken to Ibadan.
“This time around, those who say they are opposed to the urban renewal of Dapo Abiodun at Ibara Housing Estate can pack and go. We will continue to support Dapo Abiodun. When he leaves office, he’s not going to take Ibara Housing to Iperu. The colonial people who created GRA didn’t take GRA to the UK when they were leaving,” he said.
The ex-governor expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Housing, Akande Omoniyi, for his exceptional work and unwavering commitment in all his tasks. He also commended the state’s civil servants residing there for their cooperation in facilitating the demolition.
He reaffirmed his unwavering backing for Abiodun’s housing estate policy and disclosed that all available resources would be utilized to assist him. He also mentioned that anyone interested in purchasing land within the estate could do so.
Osoba expressed his gratitude to the residents of Hilltop Estate for naming the estate after him. He acknowledged that their support and cooperation in maintaining the estate’s calm, peace, and tranquillity motivated him to continue his efforts. He also promised to enhance security in the estate by installing more CCTV cameras.
In his remarks, the Estate Chairman, Julius Oke, stated that the inauguration was held to honor Chief Osoba, who established the estate 26 years ago, and to recognize his outstanding leadership and support.
“The residents of the estate unanimously agreed to change the name of the estate from Presidential Hilltop Estate to Olusegun Osoba Hilltop Estate in recognition and as a mark of honour to the man who created it 26 years ago when he was the governor of Ogun State.
“Apart from the various contributions of residents to the development of this estate, Akinrogun Osoba has spent nothing less than N60 million on infrastructure in the estate,” Oke said.
In his earlier welcome address, Ogun State Head of Service and Estate Secretary, Kehinde Onasanya, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that the efforts initiated over 25 years ago have flourished in every aspect. He emphasized that the launch of the E-Gate further reinforces the estate’s security measures established by the residents.
Onasanya extended his congratulations to Osoba, acknowledging that he now enjoys the rewards of his hard work and commended him as a champion of due diligence.
He also mentioned that the association secured the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for the various projects completed within the estate.
Onasanya expressed his gratitude to the residents for making the estate a source of national pride.
