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Why Dapo Abiodun, Osoba Were Absent as Buhari Commissions Amosun’s Projects
President Muhammadu Buhari in Abeokuta, on Saturday, inaugurated the projects done by Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
However, the state governor-elect, Mr Dapo Abiodun; a former governor of the state, Chief Segun Osoba; and some other prominent leaders of the state All Progressives Congress were absent from the event.
The projects are the Ogun State Television ultramodern studio, Adire Mall, Judiciary Complex, a 10,000-seater amphitheatre at the Abeokuta City Centre and, a 250-bed multi-specialty tertiary Hospital at Oke-Mosan.
Buhari, who arrived in Abeokuta in a presidential chopper NAF 540, was received by Amosun, governors Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan.
Reacting to the absence of the APC leaders, spokesman for the party’s caretaker committee in the state, Tunde Oladunjoye, said Abiodun, Osoba and other party leaders were not invited to the programme.
He said, “The leaders were not invited either via text messages, phone calls or any other means of communication.
“Perhaps, the governor did that because, technically, he is not a member of the APC; he is on suspension. The President came as the President of Nigeria relating with a state governor. And you can’t see a notable APC leader either from within or outside the state at the event.”
Abiodun’s media aide, Remmy Hassan, also said the governor-elect was not invited to the event.
He said, “Abiodun was apparently not invited to the event.”
Buhari, after inaugurating some of the projects, said Amosun was “a very clever person”, who had demonstrated foresightedness by embarking on projects that would outlive his administration.
Buhari described the projects otherwise called legacy projects as “first-class”.
He said, “I think he has prepared for this governorship seat. He prepared himself for it. He has put infrastructure that will last.
“I congratulate you for having the foresight and saving enough resources to make sure that your footprint remains permanent, very clever person. Thank you very much.
“The infrastructure you took me through, the flyovers, hospital and this complex (Judiciary Complex), are first-class. I think you have done well for yourself and Ogun State.”
He expressed optimism that he would get the outgoing governor’s support at the Senate.
The President said, “The Senate, being the highest decision-making body of the country, is patriotic and pragmatic. In the sense, for example, Bayelsa has eight local governments; Kano has 44 local governments and you try to check the population, and yet, in the Senate, they are equal. I think this is impartial, very, very much impartial.
”I think he (Amosun) can continue to serve not only Ogun State, but the whole country.
“I am very pleased that I have been in his good books at least publicly; so, in the Senate where he is going to sit for four years, and I am going to remain, God willing for four years as the President, I will automatically assume that he will support me.”
Among other personalities at the inauguration were the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and a former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire.
Amosun said the Judiciary Complex would serve as the headquarters of the state High Court.
Amosun said, “Even as we prepare to bow out of office, our desire to continue to contribute our quota to the socio-economic development of our dear state remains undiluted.”
The Punch
Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.
Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.
More than just music, the ALAT: The Evolution jingle represents a clear statement of intent. It signals a shift towards banking that feels natural, responsive, and in tune with the user. As customers update their app and explore ALAT: The Evolution, the jingle serves as a reminder that a better, smoother way to bank is already here. Wema Bank is not just evolving its technology; it is shaping how banking feels.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community development through its sponsorship of the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, one of the most revered cultural celebrations of the Egba people.
Held under the distinguished leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the festival remains a symbolic institution that celebrates the unity, resilience, and historical legacy of Egbaland. It pays tribute to the legendary warrior Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, whose courage and leadership united the Egba people and secured their freedom.
Through this strategic sponsorship, Adron Homes and Properties Limited continues to position itself not only as a leading real estate developer but also as a custodian of culture and a partner in sustaining the traditions that shape communities across Nigeria.
Speaking on the importance of the festival, Oba Gbadebo emphasized that Lisabi serves as a vital platform for preserving the Egba people’s values, traditions, and identity, while inspiring younger generations to remain connected to their cultural roots.
For Adron Homes, the partnership reflects a deliberate alignment with the socio-cultural aspirations of Egbaland. By supporting the festival, the company is contributing meaningfully to the preservation of indigenous heritage, the promotion of unity, and the celebration of a people whose influence continues to shape the cultural landscape of Abeokuta and beyond.
Notably, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State is also home to key Adron Homes developments, including the prestigious Adron Homes Sunrise Park and Gardens located in Alabata, and Southgate Park and Gardens Estate in Alamala. These flagship estates further reinforce the company’s deep-rooted presence and long-term investment in the socio-economic growth of the region.
The 2026 edition of the Lisabi Festival, themed “Integrating Apprenticeship Training into Education: Opportunities and Challenges,” highlights the intersection between tradition and modern development, an area where Adron Homes continues to make an impact through its community-driven initiatives.
The festival will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural and social activities, including the iconic Woro procession, traditional rites, arts and crafts exhibitions, educational programmes, and community engagements, all reflecting the richness of Egba heritage.
By Oki O. Samson
In what is already generating significant grassroots political momentum across Surulere, immediate past Executive Chairman of Coker-Aguda LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ibrahim Olamilekan, popularly known as RIO, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency II.
The declaration, made on Saturday, March 21, 2026, positions the youthful and widely regarded grassroots mobilizer and a party loyalist as a strong contender in the evolving political landscape of Lagos State.
At the official declaration on Saturday morning, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders gathered in large numbers to witness what has been described as the formal transition of a tested local administrator into state-level legislative politics.
A Grassroots Politician with Development Credentials
Hon. Olamilekan’s entry into the race is backed by a track record that spans infrastructure renewal, social welfare interventions, education support, and community-driven security initiatives during his tenure as Council Executive Chairman.
Described by admirers as detribalized and accessible, RIO built a reputation for inclusive governance for all tribes, implementing policies and programs that cut across religious, ethnic, and political divides. His administration’s interventions ranged from road construction and drainage systems to healthcare upgrades and youth empowerment schemes.
In the area of healthcare, his government reconstructed the Orile-Iganmu Primary Healthcare Centre and facilitated multiple medical outreaches in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, bringing free medical services closer to residents in underserved communities.
Security Advocacy, Peacebuilding and Policy Direction
A major highlight of his public service profile is his consistent advocacy for sustainable security funding and community peacebuilding. Speaking at an event marking his induction as Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Southwest Nigeria in 2024, Hon. RIO emphasized the need for a maintenance culture in security investments.
“Buying equipment is not enough,” he noted. “We must make deliberate provisions for maintenance to ensure long-term effectiveness of support to the Nigeria Police Force.”
During his tenure, he provided operational vehicles for Police formations and institutionalized monthly security meetings with Divisional Police Officers and other community stakeholders. These measures were noted to have improved safety coordination across the LCDA and were largely applauded by the community, the Media industry.
His collaboration with security leadership, including engagements with former Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, further reinforced his administration’s proactive approach to tackling crime and improving public safety infrastructure.
Beyond institutional support, Hon. Olamilekan also demonstrated a firm commitment to peace and conflict resolution at the community level. Following incidents of unrest in Orile Iganmu, a densely populated community and cultural hub hosting the National Theatre, he convened a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting involving community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and transport union representatives.
The engagement led to the inauguration of an Enquiry and Peace Taskforce Committee tasked with addressing recurring street clashes in areas such as Awe, Aloko, Alagba, and Memudu streets. The committee, working with the council’s security architecture, was mandated to develop recommendations and drive a comprehensive sensitization campaign across the LCDA.
Describing peace as a collective responsibility, the former Chairman stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and mutual coexistence.
Social Intervention and Community Impact
Hon. RIO’s leadership gained widespread attention and commendation from political party leaders during the post-fuel subsidy removal period, when his administration rolled out sustained palliative distributions. Over a six-month period, thousands of residents comprising youths, widows, elderly citizens, and vulnerable groups benefited from food and financial support initiatives.
Unlike many local governments criticized for slow response, Coker-Aguda LCDA under Hon. RIO leadership executed multiple phases of relief distribution, reaching over 12,000 residents. The initiative was widely praised by party leaders, community stakeholders for its transparency, inclusiveness, and consistency.
Recognition and Rising Political Profile
His governance style and impact earned him several accolades, including his induction into the prestigious Trek Africa Hall of Fame as Youth Man of the Year. The recognition placed him alongside notable figures such as Secretary to State Government, Lagos State, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, underscoring his growing influence within Lagos’ political and governance ecosystem.
His emergence as one of the youngest local government chairmen in Lagos helped position him as a symbol of youth inclusion in governance and a bridge between established political structures and the next generation of leaders.
Legislative Vision for Surulere II
In declaring his candidacy, Hon. Olamilekan RIO pledged to take his grassroots governance experience to the legislative arena, with a focus on people-oriented laws, improved infrastructure funding, education access, and community-based security frameworks.
He emphasized that his campaign would be driven by direct engagement with constituents, policy clarity, and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes.
With a blend of administrative experience, party loyalist, grassroots appeal, and a demonstrable commitment to peace and development, political observers believe his candidacy could significantly shape the contest for Surulere Constituency II.
As the political season gathers pace, attention will be on how his entry reshapes alignments within the constituency and influences the broader dynamics of legislative elections in Lagos State.
