By Adeola Badru
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) have commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for what they described as remarkable achievements in education, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, security, industrial development and youth empowerment since assuming office in 2019.
The student bodies, however, urged the governor to sustain investments in critical sectors, deepen engagement with students and youth organisations, and intensify efforts to address remaining developmental challenges across the state.
In a joint statement signed by the Chairman of NANS JCC, Ogun State, Comrade Habeeblahi Adekunle Tijani, and the National President of NAOSS, Comrade Olubodun Olalekan, the organisations said the administration’s policies and programmes had recorded measurable progress worthy of recognition.
The student leaders said that although no administration was without challenges, it was important to acknowledge genuine achievements where they existed.
“As student leaders and critical stakeholders in the future of Ogun State, we have followed with keen interest the policies, programmes and interventions of the present administration.“
“While no government is without its challenges, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate genuine progress wherever it is recorded,” the statement said.
They added that “the achievements of the Dapo Abiodun administration in education, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, security, industrial development and youth empowerment deserve recognition.”
On education, the organisations praised the administration for prioritising the renovation and construction of educational facilities, provision of learning materials, recruitment of teachers and improvements in the learning environment.
They also acknowledged the government’s attention to tertiary education and student welfare, noting that interventions introduced by the administration had positively impacted students and educational institutions across the state.
“For us, investment in education is not merely an investment in buildings and facilities; it is an investment in the future of Ogun State. We therefore commend the Governor for recognising the importance of creating an environment where young people can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a changing world,” they said.
The student leaders also applauded the government’s investment in road infrastructure, saying the construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads had enhanced connectivity between communities, commercial centres and industrial clusters.
According to them, improved road networks have strengthened economic activities by linking farmers to markets, students to schools, workers to their places of employment and businesses to customers.
While commending the administration’s efforts, they urged the government to continue addressing infrastructure deficits, particularly in rural communities.
On agriculture, NANS JCC and NAOSS said the government’s initiatives to promote food security, support farmers and strengthen the agricultural value chain were crucial to the state’s economic future.
They particularly welcomed programmes aimed at making agriculture more attractive to young people through improved access to farming inputs, equipment, markets and other opportunities.
“We therefore encourage the government to continue supporting farmers and developing policies that will make agriculture not only a means of subsistence but also a profitable and sustainable business for young people and other residents,” the statement read.
The organisations also praised the administration’s housing initiatives, describing them as significant steps towards providing decent and affordable accommodation for residents.
“Housing is more than the construction of buildings. It provides security, dignity and a sense of belonging. We commend the government for recognising the importance of housing in the overall development of the state and urge it to sustain efforts towards making decent accommodation accessible to more residents, particularly young people and low- and middle-income earners,” they stated.
On industrial development, the student bodies said Ogun had continued to consolidate its position as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, attributing the growing number of industries and business expansions to increasing investor confidence in the state’s economic environment.
“The decision of entrepreneurs and investors to establish new industries, expand existing businesses and commit capital to Ogun State cannot be overlooked.“
“Such investments create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, increase economic activity and provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills and build sustainable careers,” they said.
They further urged the government to sustain efforts to improve the ease of doing business, infrastructure and security in order to attract more investment.
On security, the student organisations acknowledged the government’s support for security agencies through the provision of logistics and other interventions aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture.
They particularly commended Governor Abiodun for his swift intervention during the recent abduction of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, noting that the prompt response contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.
“We must particularly commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for the prompt intervention and support provided to security agencies during the recent abduction of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, which ultimately resulted in their successful and safe rescue,” they said.
“The safe return of the students was a moment of relief for their families, colleagues and the entire student community. We appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and all those who played a role in securing their freedom.”
The organisations urged the government to further strengthen security around campuses, student communities and major routes used by students across the state.
They also commended the administration’s youth empowerment initiatives, saying programmes focused on entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and innovation had created opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the state’s economy.
“The future of Ogun State belongs largely to its young people. Beyond academic qualifications, students and young graduates need an economy capable of providing opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and innovation,” they said, urging the government to expand programmes supporting technical skills, digital innovation and enterprise development.
While reaffirming their commitment to constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy, the organisations called on the government to deepen collaboration with students and youth organisations in policy formulation and implementation.
“We therefore commend His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the progress recorded across education, road infrastructure, agriculture, housing, security, industrial development and youth empowerment.
“At the same time, our commendation comes with a sincere call for the administration to do even more. We urge the government to sustain its investment in education and student welfare, improve security around campuses, expand agricultural support, address remaining road infrastructure gaps, promote affordable housing and continue creating an environment where more industries, businesses and innovations can thrive.
“We also call for greater engagement with students and youth organisations in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect young people.“
“We believe that when government succeeds, the people benefit, and when students and young people are given the right environment to thrive, the future of Ogun State becomes even brighter,” the statement added.
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