President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his 66th birthday, praising his administration for what he described as major achievements in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development across the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President described Abiodun as a committed and focused leader whose policies and programmes have improved governance and positively affected the lives of the people of Ogun State.
Tinubu said the governor’s leadership style and development agenda had continued to position Ogun as one of Nigeria’s fast-growing economic and industrial centres.
The President also noted that Governor Abiodun’s birthday coincides with his seventh year in office, a period he said had witnessed important progress in different sectors through the implementation of the administration’s “Building Our Future Together” Agenda.
According to Tinubu, the development plan has focused on key areas including infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, job creation and agriculture.
The President said the policies introduced under the agenda have contributed to improving the quality of life of residents and boosting economic activities in the state.
“Governor Abiodun has demonstrated commitment to people-centred governance through policies and programmes that continue to transform Ogun State,” the statement said.
Tinubu particularly commended the governor for the ongoing transformation of infrastructure in Ogun State, including road projects, transportation initiatives and industrial development.
He praised the construction of a modern airport in the state and the establishment of an airline, describing the projects as bold steps toward improving connectivity and attracting investment.
The President also highlighted the state government’s introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles into the transportation system.
According to him, the move reflects efforts to modernise transportation, reduce environmental pollution and support cleaner energy alternatives.
In recent years, the Federal Government has encouraged the use of CNG vehicles as part of measures to reduce dependence on petrol and lower transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Tinubu said Ogun State’s adoption of such initiatives aligns with the broader economic and energy reforms being promoted at the national level.
The President also praised the Abiodun administration for expanding healthcare services and improving access to quality medical care for residents across the state.
He acknowledged efforts aimed at strengthening the education sector, including investment in schools, learning facilities and youth development programmes.
According to the President, the governor’s administration has also created a more business-friendly environment that continues to attract local and foreign investors.
Tinubu further commended Abiodun’s role in promoting industrial growth and improving the Ease of Doing Business in Ogun State.
Ogun State is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s major industrial hubs because of its strategic location near Lagos and its large concentration of factories and manufacturing companies.
Over the years, the state has attracted several industries involved in cement production, food processing, manufacturing, logistics and construction materials.
Analysts say improved road networks and industrial policies under successive administrations have contributed to making Ogun an important destination for investors.
The President stated that Governor Abiodun’s achievements support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic growth, infrastructure development and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
“As the Governor celebrates this special occasion, I join his family, friends and the good people of Ogun State to wish him good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve his state and the nation,” Tinubu stated.
Governor Abiodun, a businessman and politician, became governor of Ogun State in 2019 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was re-elected for a second term in 2023 after a closely contested election.
Apart from serving as governor, Abiodun is also the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, a platform made up of governors from the southern region of the country.
The forum has played active roles in discussions on national issues including security, economic development, constitutional reforms and power rotation.
The President and the Ogun governor have often appeared together at political and government events, especially during discussions relating to economic development and regional cooperation.
Supporters of the governor have also pointed to ongoing road projects, housing schemes and industrial expansion as evidence of progress under his administration.
However, like many state governments, the Ogun administration has also faced criticism from opposition groups over issues such as rising living costs, taxation and infrastructure challenges in some communities.
Despite these concerns, analysts say Ogun State remains one of the country’s economically important states because of its growing industrial base and proximity to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
As Governor Abiodun marks his 66th birthday, political associates, traditional rulers, business leaders and supporters across the state have continued to send goodwill messages and commendations.
Many residents also expressed hope that the administration would sustain its development projects and continue improving living conditions across Ogun State.
For the Presidency, the birthday celebration offered another opportunity to highlight achievements recorded by one of the APC governors and reinforce the Federal Government’s support for development initiatives at the state level.