Abeokuta North Local Government has continued to attract commendations as the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) celebrates the first anniversary of its Executive Chairman, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, describing his one year in office as a model of purposeful, transformative, and people-centred governance.
In a statement e-signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, and Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, the NUJ praised Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo for recording significant strides across critical sectors including infrastructure, environmental health, revenue reform, education and social welfare. The body noted that the Chairman’s achievements within just one year reflect uncommon dedication and an impressive understanding of grassroots needs.
According to the NUJ, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo has set a new benchmark with the commissioning of 17 legacy projects, ranging from the renovation of a two-classroom block at St. Paul Primary School to the conversion of an abandoned structure into a fully functional Skills Acquisition and Enterprise Development Centre. These also include solar-powered boreholes, modern public toilets, the rehabilitation of the local government secretariat, and the refurbishment of the marriage registry—projects the union described as both practical and impactful.
The union further applauded the Chairman’s hands-on approach to environmental health, recalling his personal participation in clean-up exercises and enforcement campaigns against open defecation, indiscriminate waste disposal and illegal constructions. This, they said, clearly demonstrates his commitment to restoring urban order, safeguarding public health, and improving the general living conditions of residents.
On revenue administration, NUJ highlighted the Chairman’s sweeping reforms, including the introduction of a digital tracking system, review of old revenue contracts, expansion of revenue points and implementation of a fair pump-based taxation model for petrol stations. These, they emphasized, have strengthened transparency and boosted the local government’s internally generated revenue.
The association also celebrated Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s welfare-driven policies, particularly the introduction of the “Eto Ilera ati Itoju Awon Agba” initiative targeted at 2,000 elderly residents. Through this program, senior citizens now enjoy subsidized meals, transportation for medical visits, and recreational engagement—an effort NUJ described as humane, thoughtful and unprecedented at the local government level.
Education, they noted, has equally received special attention, with teachers and school administrators from Abeokuta North winning top honours at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration. NUJ attributed this feat to the Chairman’s investment in school infrastructure, teacher support and enhanced learning environments.
Crowning the year, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo was recently honoured with the Local Government Chairman of the Year Award at the South West Investment Summit and Advancement Awards—an accolade the NUJ says reflects his visionary leadership and exceptional service delivery.
The Ogun NUJ expressed optimism that Abeokuta North will continue to witness even greater progress under Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s leadership, reaffirming its readiness to collaborate with his administration for the sustained development of the local government.
