Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has again assured that his government is committed to Ogun State urban renewal across the state and transforming them into smart cities. During his recent tour to inspect government residences in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Abeokuta, the governor observed the development in the building of new homes.

Building Houses in Major Cities

The governor averred that his government's housing estates in strategic locations such as Kobape, Iperu, Ijebu Ode, and Ilaro have beautified the state beyond measure, transforming the places into urban, well-planned cities. He added that the vision of Ogun State urban renewal is taking shape as his administration works towards the development of infrastructure.

Ibara GRA Project and Urban Development

Governor Abiodun stated that the initial batch of 35 houses in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, is complete. He lamented the state of how poorly the GRAs previously were, making them undesirable to live in. To this his administration began work to upgrade the city, starting with a three-hectare land development in Abeokuta.

"These houses were constructed by our workers, and they created employment for the people around here. The houses are good and yet within reach," Abiodun added. "This project reveals a new face of Abeokuta and demonstrates that we are determined to improve living conditions."

Construction and Community Participation

Governor Abiodun was satisfied with the development of the project. He said quality infrastructure, such as drainage facilities, sidewalks, solar streetlights, electricity, and water pipes, have been installed. He further mentioned that the houses were constructed by local workers and not foreign contractors, i.e., bricklayers, painters, carpenters, and welders are assisting in the development of the state.

He appreciated the Commissioner for Housing and his staff for performing a wonderful job in executing the government's plans. He stated, "If you have a vision and no great team to execute it, it is still a dream. The achievements we see today are the product of the hard work our team has done."

 Expansion to Other GRAs

The governor assured residents that the same would be done in other GRAs in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota. He noted that the state needs to make Ogun State a preferred place to live and invest in, adding that the state continues to get attention from people relocating from Lagos.

 President Muhammadu Buhari Estate Project

Addressing the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate on Kobape Road, Abeokuta, the governor explained that the project was inherited from the last administration but was abandoned because of legal issues. His government was able to resolve the issues and reorganized the estate for functionality.

"The estate was redesigned, and we reallocated plot sizes to improve functionality. Today, we have 116 fully detached and semi-detached houses of high quality that meet international standards," Abiodun explained. He said the estate has experienced unprecedented demand, especially from the diaspora and corporate leaders from Abuja and Lagos.

Government Continuity and Affordable Housing

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed that the action of his administration to finish abandoned projects demonstrates government continuity and that the public funds are not squandered. He called on prospective buyers to capitalize on the present affordable prices before inflation hits prices.

Commissioner's and Adviser's Remarks

The Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, stated that the Ibara GRA renewal project aims to update the old estate built in 1976. He said that about 200 duplexes would be finished in two months, with others in December. Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Prince Faruq Adenugba, also received the project, calling on individuals to invest early since prices are still affordable. According to him, the estate would be a landmark development, further enhancing the status of Abeokuta and solidifying the success of Ogun State urban renewal.