Abiodun disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2026 World Food Day, themed “Innovation Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

The governor said the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) had supported farmers involved in crop production, aquaculture and poultry farming, while mechanisation services had been provided on 9,014 hectares of farmland at a 65 per cent subsidy.

He added that the government had distributed fertilisers, agrochemicals and animal feeds at subsidised rates, completed 28 agricultural projects and registered more than 160,000 farmers and agricultural value-chain actors under its Farmer Information Management System.

As part of efforts to improve agricultural productivity, Abiodun announced the allocation of one tractor and accompanying farming equipment to each of the state’s eight farm settlements, alongside two additional tractors for farmers’ associations.He also announced plans to distribute 1,200 Android phones equipped with agricultural applications to farmers across eight participating local government areas.

According to him, the government is providing fertilisers and urea to 10,000 rice and cassava farmers, alongside improved cassava stems and herbicides to boost yields and reduce production costs.

The governor said his administration would continue to expand agro-processing, support young agricultural entrepreneurs, improve access to modern farming technologies and attract investments capable of creating jobs and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.

Abiodun also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their continued support for agriculture and food security, while commending farmers and development partners for their contributions to the sector.He said the administration’s vision was to make farming profitable, ensure food abundance, promote agribusiness and improve the livelihoods of rural communities across Ogun State.

Abiodun disclosed this during an on-the-spot inspection of the ultra-modern facility, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the project.

The governor said the groundbreaking ceremony for the secretariat was held less than a year ago, noting that the project was now nearing completion.

“We were here for the groundbreaking ceremony less than a year ago, and I must say that I am impressed with what I am seeing. I am happy with the location and the level of completion. I am sure that within another week or so, this should have been completely rounded off,” he said.

The new facility features a conference and banquet hall with a seating capacity of more than 500 people, offices for party officials and members, as well as adequate parking space.

Abiodun described the project as a significant milestone for the APC in Ogun State, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the strategic location and imposing structure would make the secretariat a landmark for the party in the state.

“Even just driving past our office itself, you begin to feel a sense of defeat if you are not in our party,” he said.

Abiodun said the project would move into the construction phase immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the governor, the port is expected to be substantially completed within two and a half years.

He said the project would unlock Ogun State’s maritime and economic potential, attract major investments, create employment opportunities and position Ogun Waterside as a major maritime hub in West Africa.

Abiodun also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode–Ore Road and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying they would improve connectivity and boost economic activities across Ogun East.

The governor said his administration was also exploring the state’s mineral and energy resources, particularly the vast bitumen deposits in the Ijebu East axis and crude oil potential identified in parts of Ogun State.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support for the Gateway Deep Sea Port project, describing it as a historic initiative with the potential to transform the state’s economy.

Abiodun said his administration would continue to combine planning with implementation in its efforts to attract investment, create opportunities and promote sustainable prosperity for the people of Ogun State.

Abiodun disclosed this during an engagement with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, in Ogun State, where he highlighted the impact of the programme on women, families and communities across the state.

The governor said the progress recorded through the initiative had strengthened his administration’s conviction that meaningful economic empowerment of women is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, strengthen families and build thriving communities.

According to him, women empowerment should not be limited to political appointments, but should also focus on providing women with the skills, resources, financial opportunities and support needed to establish sustainable livelihoods and live with dignity.

“When the World Bank shared with us the Nigeria for Women Project, we did not only key into it; we took ownership of it,” Abiodun said, stressing that the programme created an opportunity to reach women who may not have access to political positions or conventional structures of empowerment.

He explained that his administration saw the programme as an avenue to reach women at the grassroots, particularly those who may never contest elections or occupy political offices, but who still require support to improve their households and businesses.

The governor said the state’s implementation of the programme has recorded significant progress since Ogun joined the initiative as one of the six pilot states in 2020.

Under the programme, 8,759 Women Affinity Groups comprising 247,273 women have been established across all 20 local government areas of Ogun State, according to the programme’s state coordinator, Bola Fadairo. The state has also exceeded its original target by 105 per cent.

Fadairo said beneficiaries have received training in areas including financial management, record-keeping, gender awareness and life skills, aimed at equipping them with the knowledge needed to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their household incomes.

Abiodun said the success of the programme has attracted attention from other states, with more than 25 states visiting Ogun to understudy its implementation model.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would be expanded across Nigeria so that more women could benefit from similar interventions.

“It is my prayer that this deepens across the length and breadth of the 36 states and the FCT,” the governor said, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded in Ogun.

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, also commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to the programme, particularly the provision of seed funding and its focus on helping women grow their businesses.

Mohammed praised the beneficiaries for demonstrating resilience, creativity and enterprise, saying their achievements showed what women could accomplish when provided with the right support and opportunities.

She said she would take the Ogun experience back to her home state as an example of how deliberate investment in women can produce wider social and economic benefits.

“A country is as strong as its women,” Mohammed said while commending the women who have benefited from the initiative.

Abiodun further maintained that investing in women goes beyond individual beneficiaries, as economically empowered women are better positioned to support their families, improve household welfare and contribute to the development of their communities.

In a goodwill message, Abiodun described the monarch as a distinguished traditional ruler, scholar and custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage whose reign has contributed to peace, unity and development in Ota Kingdom and Ogun State.

The governor commended Oba Obalanlege for his leadership, wisdom and commitment to the wellbeing of his people, as well as his contributions to the development of Ogun State.

Abiodun, on behalf of his family, the Ogun State Government and the people of the state, prayed for the monarch’s continued good health, greater wisdom and renewed strength.

He also wished the Olota many more years of fruitful service and glorious years on the throne of his forefathers.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the late actor as a shining light whose talent, discipline and commitment contributed significantly to the promotion of Nigerian culture and Yoruba heritage.

The governor said Hassan, an indigene of Ilaro in Ogun State, distinguished himself throughout his career through exceptional artistry, humility, dignity and professionalism, earning the admiration of colleagues, fans and generations of Nigerians.

According to Abiodun, Ogogo’s contributions to theatre, film and television helped preserve and promote Yoruba language, traditions and cultural values to audiences in Nigeria and beyond.

The governor noted that the actor’s death had created a painful void for his family, the people of Ilaro and Ogun State, the Nigerian artistic community and his numerous admirers.

“Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo, was a shining light. His voice may have fallen silent, but his works, values and contributions to our cultural heritage will continue to speak for generations,” Abiodun stated.

The governor extended the state government’s condolences to Hassan’s family, friends, colleagues in the creative industry, the people of Ilaro and his fans across Nigeria and beyond.

The governor disclosed this following a massive reception held in Ijebu-Ode for the new members, who he said came from the nine local government areas of Ogun East Senatorial District.

Abiodun described the large turnout and movement of opposition members into the APC as a demonstration of the confidence residents continue to have in his administration and the ruling party.

According to the governor, the development further strengthens the APC’s position in Ogun State and reflects growing support for what he described as the party’s progressive agenda.

The governor said the APC remained committed to providing effective leadership and delivering development across the state.

Abiodun, in his message to mark the celebration, said Ogun State was blessed with a proud history, diverse cultural expressions and a people who had continued to demonstrate that differences in faith and belief could coexist in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and peace.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen and creating an environment where people of different faiths and traditions can live together peacefully.

He urged traditional religion practitioners and all residents of the state to promote tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of values that strengthen the bonds among the people.

According to him, the 2026 Isese Day celebration should serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the unity of residents and contribute to the continued peace, progress and prosperity of Ogun State.

Abiodun wished traditional religion practitioners across the state a peaceful and joyous celebration, while extending his greetings to all residents marking the occasion.

The South-West launch, held in Makun, Sagamu, on Tuesday, is the fourth zonal flag-off of the programme.

The initiative is targeted at children under six years, pregnant women and lactating mothers, providing them with access to healthy and nutritious food.

Speaking at the event, Oluremi Tinubu said the programme was designed as a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households across the country.

She said, “The programme was designed to ensure that children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers have access to nutritious food easily.”

The First Lady said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on food security, improved health outcomes and building a more prosperous nation.

She commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his wife, Bamidele Abiodun, for establishing three food banks in Sagamu, Yewa North and Abeokuta.

Oluremi Tinubu also acknowledged the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina, for their efforts in driving the programme.

During her visit to Ogun State, the First Lady also commissioned the Muhammadu Buhari Housing Estate in Kobape.

The estate, located along the Oke-Mosan-Kobape Express Road, comprises 108 housing units.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Abiodun said addressing the housing deficit remained important to improving the living conditions of residents.

He assured that his administration would continue to provide affordable housing units for the people of the state until the end of its tenure.

Oluremi Tinubu also commissioned the Gateway Medical Center of Excellence and met with traditional rulers in the state as part of her engagements in Ogun.

In a birthday message issued to mark the occasion, Abiodun described Adeola as a committed public servant whose years of service have been characterised by diligence, resilience and dedication to improving the lives of the people.

The governor praised the senator for his contributions to the development of Ogun State, particularly through his representation and interventions in communities across the state.

Abiodun also described Adeola as an important member of the All Progressives Congress and commended his commitment to the progress and unity of Ogun State.

According to the governor, Adeola has demonstrated the values of accessibility, compassion and responsiveness in his dealings with the people.

He expressed appreciation for the senator’s partnership in efforts to build a more prosperous Ogun State, while praying for him to enjoy sound health, greater wisdom and renewed strength for continued service.

“On behalf of our family, the Government and the good people of Ogun State, we heartily congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, CON, FCA, on his 57th birthday,” Abiodun said.

The governor wished Adeola greater accomplishments and fulfilment in the years ahead.