I have received with serious concern, news of the developments in the protests in the Sango axis of Ogun State over the poor condition of the Federal Roads in the vital area: Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway, Ota-Idiroko, and Sango-Oju Ore roads.
This is understandable, and no security agency will intimidate or stop any protester from making their needs known.
However, while we have already initiated palliative works on Ota-Idiroko Road; the same thing will commence on the Ota area of Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway where more, needed materials and equipment will soon be delivered; and full reconstruction of the Sango-Joju Road is...
... awaiting approval from the State Executive Council.
Let me s'ọ̀rọ̀ sókè that it is impossible for our State Government to reconstruct any Federal Road without necessary approvals from the Federal Government, yet we have carried out palliative works and will do more permanent works on these and other roads.
Already, we have alongside the Lagos State Government approached and consistently pleaded with the Federal Government, to cede these critical roads among others, but we are still awaiting a positive response, so that we may ensure safe travels for the good people of Ogun State.
You'd recall that the first two road projects embarked on and completed within our first one year in office are in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, namely: the Osi Ikola-Navy and AIT/Raypower roads, showing our unalloyed commitment to our collective and unbiased betterment.
The condition of these roads has been made worse by the current rains despite the palliative works we have been carrying out pending the expected positive response from the FG.
Rest assured, our Administration will do every and anything that will ensure a better life for the people.
I therefore urge all protesters to protest peacefully. It is your right. But let's not allow our demonstrations to be hijacked by people with ulterior motives.
The unfortunate hijack by hoodlums who escalated ordinarily peaceful protests organised by law-abiding Ogun State youths led to tragic loss of lives and damage of public property today.
Some of these include the razing of Atan-Ota Police Station, death of the Divisional Crime Officer and one other victim; serious injuries to the Division Police Officer; and supremacy battles between miscreant loyalties in other locations.
My heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of every soul lost in this fracas.
In the past 13 days, Ogun State and indeed the whole of Nigeria have witnessed resounding protests from a majority youth population, clamouring for an end to the now disbanded SARS; a holistic reform of the Nigeria Police; and a sundry other demands, which have so far...
... significantly disrupted the daily socioeconomic lives of our people.
In solidarity with the totality of peaceful protesters exercising their fundamental rights, I facilitated the immediate release from custody, of over 30 of our youth on behalf of our responsible and responsive Government.
In line with my earlier announcement, we have today inaugurated the State Judicial Panel of Investigation led by Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd), according to the resolutions of the the National Economic Council, NEC meeting of 15th October.
The setting up of this Panel, as well as a support fund, committee, office, forensic lab, and online complaints portal, is a demonstration of our Administration's commitment to true democracy and fundamental human rights.
The terms of reference of the Panel, which will conclude its assignment within six (6) months, are:
We have appointed the winner of the @BBNaija Lockdown, @itsLaycon Youth Ambassador of Ogun State in addition to house and cash gifts.
I relayed this development today, when I played host to Olamilekan Moshood Agbelesebioba AKA Laycon in my Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta.
The appointment and gifts are a celebration of Laycon's good character, intellect and virtues which were proven to the whole world on live TV as better choices than vices.
A proud son of Ogun State, Laycon displayed the essence of focus in the face of temptations and provocations. This is the true Ogun State spirit, and it indeed confirms that this earned him his academic achievement at the University of Lagos.