By Femi Dokunmu
For the people of Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State, the transition from the tenure of Senator Tolu Odebiyi of the 9th Senate to the three-time Senator, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) has heralded not only a continuity and consolidation of on-going projects but also an improvement in the number of projects and programmes being executed.
Unlike the hostile atmosphere that usually greet such transition whenever the legislators involved belong to different political parties or even irreconcilable factions of the same party, the case with Odebiyi and Adeola has so far exhibited a supremacy of brotherhood, maturity, common heritage and shared objectives for the development of the Senatorial District over mere sentiments and petty self -aggrandizement.
A cursory look at some projects started by Senator Odebiyi in the 9th Assembly are either already receiving support from Senator Adeola or are already listed in the 2024 budget. This is also the trend with bills initiated by Odebiyi with strong value for the development of Ogun West which are now being moved and promoted in the 10th Senate by Adeola.
Examples of such on-going projects which have received further attention from Senator Adeola are the rehabilitation of the Joga-Orile-Iboro-Imasayi-Ibese Road; Renovation/Rehabilitation of Iboro Water works and relaying of new water pipes between Joga, Iboro and Imasayi; Construction of Farm Access Road to Ijaka Irrigation Project started by Senator Kola Bajomo; Construction of Iwoye Ketu Dam and a Micro Irrigation Scheme at Igan-Alade, both started during Senator Bajomo’s tenure. Also, the bill for the establishment of the National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko which was pushed by Senator Odebiyi and had been passed by the 9th Senate but could not get the accent of President Buhari has now been re-presented to the 10th Senate by Senator Adeola.
With the level of rehabilitation work facilitated by Senator Odebiyi on the Joga-Orile- Iboro- Imasayi- Ibese Road, traditional rulers, chiefs and people of the affected communities as well as commuters on the road are very excited. However, their excitement and joy has further been raised by the information that Senator Adeola has also ensured that the 2024 budget consolidates on the earlier works done on the road.
The new additions being provided by Senator Adeola will extend the rehabilitation beyond Ibese towards Ilaro, cover construction of a township road in Imasayi and extend towards Isaga-Orile.
The renowned international scholar on Border Studies, Professor Anthony Asiwaju, gleefully expressed his appreciation to both Senator Odebiyi and Adeola over their impressive roles in ensuring that the bill on the establishment of the National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko which was vigorously pursued by Odebiyi in the 9th Senate has now been re-presented with zeal by Adeola.
“I am very impressed and feel highly honoured by the collaboration between the two Senators on this bill and I pray that they will succeed at the Senate and their brothers in the House of Representatives will facilitate its concurrence in House”, Professor Asiwaju said.
Presently, Senator Solomon Adeola has launched a robust and passionate holistic approach towards achieving a rapid and sustainable socioeconomic development of Ogun West with intervention in education, health, commerce, roads, employment, community development, capacity building, security, erosion control, small scale processing industries, among others.
In similar vein, members of the House of Representatives from Ogun West, Honourable Abiodun Akinlade, Honourable Gboyega Isiaka and Honourable Tunji Akinosi, have all imbibed the spirit of promoting effective representation for their respective constituencies. For instance, many constituents of Ogun West enjoyed provision of free JAMB Forms not only from Senator Adeola but also from the members of the House.
No doubt, a conscious healthy drive and motivation to perform permeates the entire Senatorial District.
Political analysts in Ogun West and beyond who spoke on this healthy development, expressed their happiness and hope that if members of the National Assembly at the Senate and the House of Representatives representing Ogun West can strengthen their collaboration and consolidate on various on-going and new projects, then Ogun West stand to witness unprecedented development across the district in the ongoing 10th Assembly and beyond.
