Governor Dapo Abiodun has allocated farmlands to 26 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly as parts of efforts aimed at ensuring food security and in support of the agricultural resurgence initiative of the federal government.
Prince Abiodun during presentation of letters of allocation to the lawmakers to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th legislature at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Thursday, described the move as gesture to make them contribute towards making the state the food basket of the country.
"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 Ahmed Tinubu", he stated
"Today, in fulfilment of the promise and in commemoration of your one year in office. I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 25 members of the House of Assembly, and I hope that you would 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," he charged
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 emphasized, has in the last one 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 has 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.
Governor 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 prioritize investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, to make the state remains competitive and prosperous.
"Together, we have a great task ahead. The expectation of our people is vast. We must strive to create an inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive," the noted.
Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the house, Right Honourable Oludaisi Elemide described the last one year as turbulent and filled with tension but maintained that the desire to give the people a purposeful representation saw them through the turbulence period.
He 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.
Elemide while assuring the governor of the Assembly's cooperation in making laws that would fast track the socio-economic development of the state, noted that members would be guided by the fact that they were in the Assembly to represent the interest of their constituents.
The State House of Assembly had earlier during a special plenary to commemorate its first year of inauguration, assured the people of the State of more people oriented legislations and facilitation of projects that will have direct positive impact on their lives in the coming months.
The Assembly members led by the Speaker Elemide gave the assurance during the special plenary attended by dignitaries including some of the former Speakers of the State House of Assembly including Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, Titi Sodunke- Gomez, Tunji Egbetokun and Suraju Adekunbi held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
"it is with great joy that I on behalf of the Principal Officers, distinguished colleagues, management and staff of this Honourable House express our hearty gratitude to the almighty God for giving us all the opportunity to witness this day and our appreciation to the Executive Governor of our dear State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his continued support in promoting mutual interdependence among all arms of government in the State",
Today is not just an anniversary for merry making, rather it is a day to rejoice that the sanctity of the legislative arm in the State is being restored to deliver on its core duties and responsibilities of promoting quality representation through the passage of people oriented legislations and resolutions meant to advance good governance, thereby enhancing democratic ideals.
Dear colleagues, guests, ladies and gentlemen, you will recall that for certain reasons or circumstances, this 10th legislative session was inaugurated on the 20th of June, 2023, and has since started working relentlessly to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the State through various bills, resolutions and community engagements as well as other intervention programmes to make life better for the people of the State.
"In view of the foregoing, no fewer than seven (7) bills have been passed into laws, while seven others are at the various stages of legislative process with over 24 motions passed into resolutions. Each of the bills passed touches on the day- to -day running of government in the State, including the yearly appropriation bill, the judiciary fund management and Legislative funds management, as well as amendment to the Magistrates' Court and the amendment of the Local Government law, 2024"
It is on record that the various issues that required urgent public importance and those that need the immediate attention of government to enhance socio-economic and political development of the State were equally given immediate attention through House Resolutions, and as such have been passed to the relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies for necessary actions.
Such issues passed into resolutions including those requesting for a review of the security architecture of the State to strengthen security to further protect lives and properties.
Other resolutions passed with a view to promoting good governance and cultural heritage of the residents are those on adoption of the harmonised standing order/ rules of procedure for the Nigerian legislature, urgent need to stem the subtle take - over of native/ Kampala local industry by the Chinese, urgent need to clamp down on the activities of cultists across the State and the appointment of a Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth in the State.
This tenth legislature also made a strong case through the passage of resolution requesting the urgent need for the State Government to address the menace of fake and expired drugs in the State; just as the Assembly passed another resolution lifting the suspension restricting the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( MURTW) from performing any union activities across all motor parks and garages in the State and confirmation of Commissioner nominees and other appointment related resolutions.
Those resolutions bordering on conflict resolutions amongst companies and other individuals as well as those protecting human rights were also passed in the last one year".
Commending Governor Abiodun for his efforts in turning around the fortunes of the State for better, the Speaker implored his colleague-lawmakers to continue to work collectively for the overall success of the current administration in the State.
In their various remarks, all the State lawmakers unanimously commended the Governor for non- interference in their legislative oversights, especially those involved in appraisal of budget performance, public accounts and anti-corruption and compliance with appropriation law amongst others.
They also acknowledged the Governor’s efforts at creating an enabling environment for the State lawmakers in performing their legislative duties, which culminated in the ongoing renovation of the State House of Assembly Complex.
The lawmakers equally extolled the leadership style of the current Assembly Speaker Elemide for providing qualitative leadership which had help repositioned the Assembly to record laudable achievements within a short time.
In their goodwill messages, the former Assembly Speakers commended the Governor for providing the necessary enablement for the lawmakers to perform their duties, commending the Speaker and the members for their collective resolve to give quality representation to the people.
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