Enough of abandonment, Adebutu tells Ogun West people, pledges establishment of Border Development Commission

Enough of abandonment, Adebutu tells Ogun West people, pledges establishment of Border Development Commission

Pained by what he described as abandonment, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu has vowed not to abandon the people of Ogun West, especially those leaving in border communities.

He therefore pledged to set up a Development Commission in order to develop the border areas of the State, if elected Governor in coming 2027 polls.

Adebutu spoke on Wednesday at the Ogun West Governorship Campaign Flag-Off in Ipokia, Ipokia local council, where thousands of PDP members and supporters trooped out to receive him.

He expressed dismay over the poor state of roads and infrastructure in Ipokia LG, which, he said he observed on his way to the campaign ground.

Adebutu, therefore vowed to tackle the neglect and underdevelopment in Ogun West senatorial district, stressing his administration would implement full local government autonomy and ensure direct allocation of funds to the grassroots.

According to him, local government development payments would be restored to improve the lot of residents at the rural communities.

His words: “I stand here in Ipokia today to make a promise to establish a Border Development Commission. Enough of abandonment”.

Adebutu added “For too long, our people who trade across the border and, even grassroots residents, have been left behind. No access roads, no portable water, no health centre and other social amenities. That ends when we take over government. We shall give dedicated attention and development to border communities.”

Adebutu also spoke about the need for transparent governance, stressing the importance of ensuring that government works in a way that directly benefits the people.

On the welfare of workers and pensioners, the PDP candidate assured that their sacrifices would not be in vain, pledging to ensure regular payment of pensions and settle outstanding obligations owed to workers.

Adebutu condemned what he described as fraud in cooperative deductions, vowing to stamp out the practice and restore accountability.

He also alleged the misappropriation of empowerment funds, claiming that while N5 billion was allocated in 2023 and N10 billion in 2024, a total of N1.8 trillion meant for empowerment at the grassroots was misappropriated over a period of four years.

Adebutu urged the electorate not to let greed influence their choice at the polls, appealing to residents to come out en masse to vote in the next elections.

“This is election season. Those who failed to improve your condition will come out again to make empty promises. They would even offer you money. Do not listen to them. Do not let greed decide your future. Come out and vote, because every vote counts,” he said.

The issues raised by Adebutu in Ipokia align with his broader campaign agenda, ITURA DE, which prioritises local government autonomy, workers’ welfare and the development of rural and border communities.

Some of the dignitaries are his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo; state PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella; and PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun West, Hon. Babatunde Ogunola, popularly known as Tomo, among other notable leaders of the party.