22 MONTHS IN OFFICE: ODOGOLU LG CHAIRMAN, DR. BABATUNDE DIYA COMMISSIONS SPORTS ARENA, 35+ PROJECTS

The Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, *Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya*, has commissioned a newly constructed ultra-modern Sports Arena and over 35 other impactful projects as his administration marked 22 months in office.

The commissioning ceremony was held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Odogbolu Sports Arena, along Federal Government College Road, Odogbolu.

The colourful event drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, government officials and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

*Dignitaries in Attendance*

Among the eminent personalities present were Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, Member representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency; Hon. Lukman Adeleye, Member, Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Arole Azeez Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon. Remi Hassan; Hon. Atinuke Bello; and Hon. Adebowale Ojuri, former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Also in attendance were Royal Fathers from across Odogbolu Local Government; the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Princess Olusola Adeyinka; Secretary to the Local Government, Deacon Stanley Oluogun; APC Chairman in Odogbolu, Hon. Muyiwa Idowu; Hon. Ireti Adenuga; Hon. Mrs. Aderonke Carew (Mama Rontex); Hon. Tunde Adesoye; Alhaji Idris Lawal; Alhaji Mole Mole; Engr. Mrs. Adenike Ogunlowo; Hon. Femi Adesanya and other leaders.

*Account of Stewardship, Not Fresh Promises — Diya*

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Diya said the commissioning was not an avenue for fresh promises, but a moment to give an account of his administration's stewardship in the last 22 months.

According to him, his administration has completed more than 35 projects under its second phase of development, covering infrastructure, sports, education, healthcare, water supply, commerce, and administrative modernization.

Highlighting the projects, the Chairman said:

- *Sports Development:* Construction of the new Odogbolu Sports Arena to discover and nurture young talents, engage youth productively and promote sports tourism.

- *Administrative Reforms:* Total renovation of the Chairman’s Office, ante-room and Conference Room, reconstruction and remodeling of the Legislative Chamber, installation of a solar-inverter renewable energy system, provision of two additional electrical lines and three prepaid meters at the Secretariat. The Local Government Education Authority office was also refurbished.

- *Infrastructure & Security:* Installation of 437 solar-powered streetlights with 429 poles across the 15 wards of the Local Government, and provision of solar-powered boreholes in Iperin, Imodi, Ibefun, Abatiwa, Emuren, Igbile, Jobore, Ibido-Ogbo and Ataba communities. The LGEA office now has a borehole and a 6-unit toilet facility.

- *Health:* Procurement of materials and equipment for Primary Health Centres and enrollment of 500 vulnerable residents into the “Iwosan Tunde” informal health insurance scheme.

- *Education:* Reconstruction and rehabilitation of six primary schools and provision of 160 units of desks and benches for pupils.

- *Commerce:* Reconstruction of lock-up shops and open stalls at Okun-Owa, Odogbolu and Omu markets with toilet facilities, as well as construction of new lock-up shops at Ososa and Idowa markets.

- *Environment:* Ongoing refuse evacuation at Imoru and Oke-Owa to improve environmental sanitation.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo commended the Chairman for his developmental strides and urged traditional rulers and residents to be deliberate in their choice of leaders.

Ogunbanwo stressed that Ijebu people should not abandon their aspiration to produce the Governor of Ogun State in 2035 and to continue to pursue the creation of Ijebu State.

On his part, Hon. Lukman Adeleye lauded Dr. Diya for his visible and people-oriented projects across Odogbolu, attributing his success to alignment with the mainstream progressive government. He urged residents to sustain their support for the APC to attract more grassroots development.

*“These Projects Belong to You” — Diya*

In his closing remarks, Chairman Diya expressed appreciation to political leaders, traditional rulers, legislators, career officers, appointees and the good people of Odogbolu for their support.

He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities, protect them against vandalism, and ensure effective utilization.

“These projects belong to you,” Diya declared, noting that the commissioning marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another phase of development for Odogbolu Local Government.