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- Says project will transform state
Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Ogun State, Bukola Olopade, has called on the residents of the state to support the redevelopment plan of Government Residential Areas (GRAs) embarked upon by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Olopade, who is the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, described the project christened ‘GRA Regeneration Programme’ as ambitious redevelopment plans aimed at transforming the state and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
The sports administrator said that Governor Abiodun must be commended for his exceptional leadership and forward-thinking approach by birthing the idea of reinventing the GRAs in the state as the prime areas have been underutilised and undervalued.
“Historically, the GRA in Ijemo Titun known as Ibara GRA has been a pivotal location within Abeokuta, offering shelter to civil servants since the inception of Ogun State in 1976. However, over the years, this prime area has been underutilised and undervalued. The current administration’s decision to rejuvenate and redevelop this prime real estate space marks a significant step towards harnessing its potential and creating value for the people of Ogun State.
“Governor Abiodun’s administration has demonstrated remarkable political will by envisioning and initiating the regeneration of Ibara GRA and the Government Housing Units at Idi Aba, among other locations. This project, which spans 40 hectares in Abeokuta alone, is set to deliver modern, smart cities where residents can live and work in a holistic ecosystem. The inclusion of between four and five-bedroom housing units, complemented with world-class infrastructural facilities, is a reflection of the governor’s commitment to excellence and modern urban living.
“This redevelopment not only addresses the urgent need for modern estates across Ogun State, especially in its capital, but also showcases the ingenuity of the government in leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive its I.S.E.Y.A initiatives. By prioritising local content, engaging artisans, suppliers, and developers within the state, this project is poised to create approximately 20,000 direct and indirect jobs within the construction value chain. Such a move, coming around the same time the state is set to host the National Sports Festival, is indicative of the administration’s strategic approach to job creation, youth empowerment, and economic development.
“Governor Abiodun’s magnanimity and empathy are evident in his directive to prioritise the housing needs of civil servants through flexible options like rent-to-own, outright purchase, and mortgage facilities. This inclusive strategy, which birthed the housing schemes in Kobape, Kemta, Ilaro, Sagamu, and others, ensures that public servants across different income levels can also benefit from the new housing schemes, thereby enhancing their welfare and productivity,” Olopade stated in the statement.
While lauding what he described as a “visionary initiative” by the incumbent administration, the former sports commissioner expressed his full support for the governor’s efforts to reinvent and redevelop key residential areas within Ogun State.
“This project not only rejuvenates decaying assets but also ensures Ogun State’s sustained positive growth and development. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has continued to set a high standard in governance and urban development, reinforcing Ogun State’s status as a model for other states to emulate,” he submitted.
