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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured the people of the state that his administration will not relent, retreat or become distracted in its final lap, promising to hand over a better, stronger and more prosperous state.
Abiodun spoke at the weekend during the grand finale of the 2026 Afotamodi Day Festival in Isara Remo, Remo North Local Government Area, where he joined sons and daughters of the town at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the 57 year old festival.
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the governor congratulated the Odemo of Isara, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, on his emergence on the throne, describing it as a significant chapter in the history of the ancient community.
He also congratulated the chiefs, kingmakers, elders and the entire people of Isara, praying for a long, peaceful reign distinguished by prosperity, unity and development.
The Governor described Afotamodi Day as much more than an annual cultural celebration, saying that for 57 years it has remained a powerful symbol of the history, values, traditions and collective identity of the Isara people, preserving cultural heritage, strengthening family bonds, promoting religious harmony and renewing togetherness.
He commended the impressive turnout of Isara indigenes from different parts of Nigeria and across the world, saying their presence proved that distance has not diminished their attachment to their roots, nor has individual success weakened their commitment to the development of their ancestral home.
Abiodun also commended the Afotamodi Planning Committee and community leadership for mobilising resources towards the proposed N600 million befitting palace project.
He described a palace not merely as a physical structure, but as an enduring symbol of traditional authority, cultural continuity, communal pride and dignity, and urged all sons and daughters of Isara to contribute generously to its realisation.
Speaking on his administration’s development strides in Remoland, the governor listed strategic road projects including the Iperu Ilishan Road, Ilishan Ilara Akaka Ode Remo Road, Ode Junction Sapade Road, Sagamu Junction Iperu corridor, Oba Erinwole Road and Hospital Road, Ogijo.
He said the roads are not simply roads, but economic lifelines connecting people to markets, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and new opportunities.
He said particular attention is being given to the Ode Remo Isara Road and other connecting routes, stressing that meaningful development cannot take place where communities remain difficult to access, and assuring that the administration will continue to address infrastructure gaps in Remo North and the wider Remo Division.
Abiodun said his vision for Remoland extends beyond roads, pointing to the Gateway International Airport in the Iperu Ilishan axis as a transformational investment that will reposition the region for commerce, logistics, tourism and industrial development, stimulate employment, attract investments and create new opportunities for generations yet unborn.
In healthcare, he said the administration is advancing the establishment of a legacy hospital in Isara Remo to strengthen healthcare delivery, create employment and provide a lasting social investment for the community, alongside investments in primary healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and social welfare under the ISEYA pillars.
The Governor, who described himself as a proud son of Remoland, assured the Odemo of Isara and the people of Remoland that his commitment to the region remains unwavering. He also disclosed that with their acceptance and support, he looks forward to continuing to serve in another capacity as Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District.
He said his administration is building a state with improved infrastructure, stronger institutions, greater investment opportunities, expanded social services and a more vibrant economy, and expressed hope that the next administration will consolidate on the foundations laid and protect the gains already recorded, insisting that development must be continuous and must never be sacrificed on the altar of political succession.
Earlier at the gathering, Oba Ogunbayo disclosed that his reign has so far prioritised peace, security and welfare of the people, leading to the deployment of about 42 tactical and specialist police personnel to Isara during a period of heightened security concerns.
The monarch, however, stressed that security remains a collective responsibility, urging traditional institutions, government, security agencies, corporate organisations and residents to sustain cooperation in protecting lives, property and the future of the community.
On economic development, Oba Ogunbayo said his vision for Isara Remo extends beyond security, with commitment to attracting investment, improving infrastructure, creating employment and opening new pathways for growth.
He disclosed that through engagements with stakeholders, three companies have been attracted to Isara Remo and have commenced land clearing activities on land acquired from the state government within the Isara Industrial Cluster 2 Scheme along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.
The monarch also revealed that plans are being pursued for the development of a multipurpose market close to the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, which when realised, would strengthen commercial activities and provide a platform for traders, farmers, entrepreneurs and other business operators to expand their enterprises.
