BALOGUN CELEBRATES ONE YEAR IN OFFICE WITH LANDMARK PROJECTS, MASS EMPOWERMENT IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH

By Adeolu Sobowale

The Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez (BOA), has marked his one year in office with a grand celebration, rolling out an impressive catalogue of people-focused achievements that have earned him widespread commendation across the Council Area.

At a well-attended ceremony held at the Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat, Ake, the Chairman highlighted major milestones of his administration, anchored on his inclusive governance mantra, “Everyone Matters.”

Health, Infrastructure, Empowerment Take Centre Stage
Hon. Balogun presented a comprehensive scorecard, with health care topping the list. He announced the rollout of a Health Insurance Scheme designed to ease medical burdens on residents, alongside multiple completed and ongoing health-related projects, including the groundbreaking of a new health center in Oke-Bode.

In continuation of his pro-people initiatives, the Chairman also commissioned a newly constructed pedestrian bridge at Abule-Oloni—a project aimed at enhancing safety and easing mobility for residents of the area.

As part of efforts to strengthen Local participation in Governance, Balogun disclosed the appointment of 75 Senior Political Assistants and Political Assistants to the State Governor, selected across the 15 wards of the Local Government and 20 Consultants to the Chairman of the Local Government.

The Administration also rolled out cash grants and empowerment packages targeted at widows, the aged, petty traders, and the less privileged, as well as youth and women entrepreneurs across all wards.

“Every Penny Will Work for the People” — Balogun

Speaking at the event, Hon. Balogun reaffirmed his commitment to transparent, inclusive Governance.

“Our Administration is built on the foundation that every resident matters. Every penny earned by this Local Government will be used for projects that directly benefit our people. We are here to serve, and we will continue to deliver people-oriented programmes,” he said.

He added that several more initiatives focused on health, education, and community welfare are already in the pipeline.

Afuape, Oseni, Others Applaud Balogun’s Performance
The event drew notable political leaders and community figures who lauded the Chairman’s achievements within just a year.

Hon. Afolabi Afuape, Member Representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, praised the Chairman’s dedication to improving the well-being of residents.

He urged party members to embrace unity, saying:

“With unity, Abeokuta South can achieve everything. We must set differences aside for the collective progress of our constituency.”

Former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni, Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Sunday Sowunmi, and former LG Chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Lemboye, also commended Balogun’s impactful governance, encouraging him to sustain the momentum.

Appreciation to Governor Abiodun
Hon. Balogun extended heartfelt appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the State Government’s support and project interventions that have complemented local development efforts.

He further charged the newly inaugurated aides to view their appointments as a call to serve, urging them to uphold integrity and commitment in discharging their duties.

Dignitaries Who Graced the Event
Among those present were:
Hon. Afolabi Afuape (House of Representatives), Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni (Former Speaker, OGHA), Hon. Olufemi Ilori (Commissioner for Rural and Urban Development), Hon. Lukmon Atobatele (OGHA Member, Abeokuta South Constituency 1), Hon. Wasiu Igbalaye (OGHA Member, Abeokuta South Constituency 2), Hon. Mrs. Oluranti Ogunjemilusi Ogunmoku (Vice Chairman), Hon. Jamiu Ogundairo (Leader of the House), Hon. Mustapha Kodaolu (SLG), Chief Henry Adetunji Fagbenro (APC Chairman), Hon. Akeem Odejimi Ologbonwon (Former LG Chairman), Councillors, Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Career Officers

A Year Marked by Purpose and Progress
The celebration of Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez’s first year in office stands as a strong reflection of his commitment to transformative leadership at the grassroots level. With visible projects and impactful programs already in place, many residents say the Chairman has set a new standard for Governance in Abeokuta South.