By Caleb Ishaya
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has described Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, as the best governor the state has produced in contemporary history, citing his transformative leadership and measurable achievements across key sectors.
Bankole made the assertion on Friday during an end-of-year media interaction in Abuja, where he reviewed the governor’s six years in office and credited his administration with redefining governance, economic growth, and stability in Ogun State.
According to Bankole, Governor Abiodun’s tenure has been marked by visionary policymaking, fiscal discipline, and an inclusive leadership style that has entrenched peace while driving development across the state.
Highlighting the administration’s economic record, Bankole noted a significant rise in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Ogun State’s IGR, which stood at about ₦70 billion in 2019 and dipped to ₦50.6 billion in 2020, rose sharply to ₦100.7 billion in 2021 and reached ₦146.0 billion by 2023.
“This unprecedented growth reflects robust revenue reforms and sound fiscal management, far exceeding the inconsistent revenue performance recorded before Governor Abiodun assumed office,” he said.
He added that the state has also recorded over 150 percent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increasing from ₦2.9 trillion in 2021 to ₦7.3 trillion in 2024, attributing the surge to targeted industrial policies and economic.
Bankole further stated that Ogun State has been deliberately positioned as Nigeria’s industrial hub under Abiodun’s leadership. He said investor-friendly policies and improved infrastructure have attracted major manufacturing firms and expanded opportunities in mining, agro-processing, and technology.
On infrastructure, he disclosed that over 600 kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, restoring access to communities and supporting trade and industrial expansion. He cited key road projects, including the Denro–Ishashi–Akute corridor and several township roads, as game changers.
The APC chieftain also noted the administration’s delivery of affordable housing through site-and-service schemes and new estates designed to serve civil servants and retirees.
In agriculture, Bankole said the government has invested more than ₦2.2 billion, empowering over 15,000 farmers through mechanisation, improved value chains, and rural access roads that have enhanced productivity and market access.
He also commended the administration’s interventions in education, including school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment, and improved learning environments, as well as the revitalisation of sports facilities and youth development programmes aimed at talent discovery and community engagement.
Beyond physical development, Bankole described Governor Abiodun’s calm temperament and inclusive approach as his greatest strength, noting that Ogun State has enjoyed uninterrupted peace and stability for six years.
“This atmosphere of tolerance and harmony has strengthened governance, ensured party cohesion, and kept the state firmly on the path of growth,” he said.
Bankole concluded that Governor Abiodun has set a new benchmark for governance in Ogun State through prudent resource management, strategic partnerships, and long-term planning focused on citizens’ welfare.
He called on political stakeholders and residents of the state to sustain their support for the governor in 2026 and beyond, stressing that peace and harmony remain essential for continued progress and development.
“In peace and harmony, progress and development are guaranteed. Igbega Ipinle Ogun, ajose gbogbo wa ni o!” he said.
