Oke-Ogun elders present 10-year development blueprint to Oyo govt

The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has presented a 10-year development blueprint to the Oyo State Government, seeking increased investment in infrastructure, agriculture, security, education, healthcare and other critical sectors to accelerate development across the region.

The elders made the presentation on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, at his office in Ibadan.

The blueprint, titled Oke-Ogun Development Blueprint (2025-2035), is an updated version of the development agenda earlier published by the council in 2016 and is intended to serve as a strategic roadmap for the development of the region over the next decade.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the President of the council and former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Otunba Bamidele Dada, said the document identified key areas requiring urgent attention to unlock the economic potential of Oke-Ogun.

He said the priority areas included agriculture, education, electricity, healthcare, water resources, industrial development, international boundaries, road networks, security, solid minerals and tourism.

Dada said, “Oke-Ogun is the agricultural backbone of Oyo State and requires integrated agribusiness centres and direct support for rural farmers to maximise its agro-industrial potential.”

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He also called for accelerated completion of ongoing road projects linking Oke-Ogun communities with other parts of the state, saying improved connectivity remained critical to the economic development of the largely agrarian region.

“We commend the ongoing efforts of this administration to ensure that road networks in Oke-Ogun are opened up for ease of connection with other parts of the state, including the state capital.

“We urge the government to prevail on the contractors handling the projects to accelerate work for early completion, as these roads serve as economic arteries for our agrarian communities,” he said.

The council also expressed interest in the ongoing efforts to revive the Ikere Gorge Dam, saying its full utilisation would provide significant benefits to the region.

Dada said, “We have shown interest in the effort to have Ikere Gorge Dam come on stream to deliver the services contained in the original plan and more. We thank God that the project is taking off the ground in earnest now.”

On security, the elders commended the state government for its efforts to improve security across Oke-Ogun and called for further strengthening of security networks to protect residents, farmlands and businesses.

“The safety of our communities remains vital. Oke-Ogun Council of Elders, and indeed Oke-Ogun people generally, appreciate the efforts of the government in trying to secure our communities.

“We urge the state government to continue strengthening regional security networks and support indigenous security initiatives to protect life and property across our farmlands and communities,” Dada said.

The elders further appealed for sustained investment in tertiary institutions and youth empowerment programmes in the region to expand access to higher education and vocational skills.

The council also commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, passing a vote of confidence in the government and pledging continued cooperation and support.

Dada said the people of Oke-Ogun stood firmly behind the administration, adding that the council would continue to support efforts aimed at developing the state.

“Oke-Ogun Council of Elders and Oke-Ogun people stand firmly behind you and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde. We assure you of our continuous prayers and unalloyed support as you steer the affairs of Oyo State,” he said.

Also speaking, a member of the council, Sir Oladoja Oladele, appreciated the Acting Governor for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity for the elders to present their development concerns.

He commended the Makinde administration’s efforts towards strengthening security in the state, particularly the procurement of a surveillance aircraft to enhance security operations in Oke-Ogun and other parts of the state.

Responding, the acting Governor commended the elders for developing what he described as a useful framework for the advancement of Oke-Ogun.

He assured the delegation that the issues contained in the blueprint would be presented to Governor Makinde upon his return for appropriate consideration and action.

Lawal said the government valued the contribution of stakeholders to the development of the state and would continue to engage communities and leaders in identifying areas requiring intervention.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of five copies of the Oke-Ogun Development Blueprint (2025-2035) to the Acting Governor for onward transmission to Governor Makinde.

The Oke-Ogun region comprises 10 local government areas and is one of the major agricultural belts of Oyo State.