The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, has set an ambitious target to generate at least half a billion naira annually for the local government. This goal was announced during the celebration of his 100 days in office on February 24, 2025, at Mobalufon area of the LG.
According to Chairman Diya, achieving autonomy is a major focus of his administration, which can only be accomplished through internally generated revenue (IGR). Although the local government still relies on state and federal support, Diya emphasized the importance of IGR in achieving their objectives.
One of the initial challenges Diya faced was the lack of a centralized revenue collection system. However, he and his team have initiated the process of automating and digitizing the IGI system, aiming to generate at least half a billion naira in income annually.
The emphasis on IGR is crucial due to the numerous projects identified by the administration, including the reconstruction of four federal roads which included the Okun-Owa – Ijesha-Ijebu road; Okun-Owa – Agoro – Ijebu-Ode road; and Erinlu -Imodi road, with construction expected to commence in the first or second quarter of the year.
Diya clarified that the concern about roads in Odogbolu is linked to the much-discussed autonomy, which is yet to begin. The administration is focused on IGI to carry out its objectives, despite still relying on state and federal support. Additionally, the local government plans to establish a manufacturing hub, featuring a water bottling company producing “Omi Odogbolu” and a recycling plant that converts waste to wealth.
To achieve the proposed IGR, Dr. Diya announced the deployment of Machines at revenue points across the local government. Furthermore, the administration has partnered with Foreign Investment Silicon for a 16 million dollars “Waste-to-Wealth” project in Eyinwa meant to create job opportunities for local youths and women.
A memorandum of understanding has also been signed with Morton 78, a sustainable energy company planning to establish a five-megawatt solar sustainable energy plant. Discussions are ongoing with traditional rulers to determine the best location for the plant.
In his first 100 days, Chairman Diya has worked with the legislative arm to pass a bill creating a public-private partnership office at the local government level. This office aims to foster an enabling environment for private sector growth, recognizing that a robust public-private partnership is essential for economic development.
The establishment of this office demonstrates Diya’s commitment to creating opportunities for economic growth and development in Odogbolu Local Government. By exploring innovative revenue generation strategies and fostering partnerships with the private sector, the administration aims to achieve its goal of generating half a billion naira annually.
The Executive Chairman Hon. Diya, launched a healthcare program called “Iwosan Tunde,” which aims to screen 5,000 people for diabetes and hypertension. The program also includes enrolling 2,000 people in the state’s health insurance scheme, providing them with free healthcare services, including surgery.
According to Dr. Adeolu Olusodo the Coordinator of the program, the initiative is a response to the healthcare deficiencies observed across Odogbolu Local Government. The program has partnered with Colexa Biosensors Ltd to conduct the screenings and will also employ vocal agents to reach out to citizens on a monthly basis with drug supplies. A 24-hour helpline will also be made available for emergency consultations.
The Health Secretary, Dr. Olusan Oluwaseun, emphasized the need for diabetes screening in the community, stating that it is essential to avoid undeserved deaths among the people.
Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike, the Special Assistant on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, praised the chairman’s innovative leadership style, noting that he has actively engaged with stakeholders to identify and tackle local challenges.
In addition to the healthcare program, the Diya administration is also working on the Odogbolu Master Plan Project, which aims to strategically position the local government for growth and development. The project involves engaging professors from the UK, Lagos, Canada and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for the area.
Responding to the chairman’s speech, the Dagburewe of Idowa, HRH Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuape Okuribido, who led other Monarchs from the Council to the podium, appreciated the chairman’s efforts and initiatives in his keynote address.
The monarch, however, urged the chairman to strengthen implementation structures, ensuring that the healthcare initiatives extend beyond primary and secondary levels to include tertiary healthcare services, considering the economic realities of the people and that the monarchs should be consulted for advice before due implementation.
Oba Sikiru Adefuape commended the chairman’s efforts to partner with Morton 78 for improved electricity provision in the locality and praised him for his thorough preparation and impressive achievements within just 100 days.
Furthermore, the Dagbuwere, who bears a striking resemblance to Senator Gbenga Daniel, both in voice and appearance, highlighted another crucial aspect of the chairman’s 100-day achievements; he noted the chairman’s efforts to establish a Master Plan for the local government, drawing parallels with Lagos State’s transformation into a city of excellence. This transformation, he attributed to the master plan devised by the current president during his tenure as governor of Lagos, which successive governments have built upon.
In conclusion, the Dagbuwere of Idowa encouraged the youthful chairman to capitalize on the local government’s reputation for producing Nigeria’s best cassava. He suggested leveraging this strength to create more opportunities and bolster the local economy.
Also present at the event were the vice chairman, Princess Olusola victoria, Party chairman Hon. Muyiwa Idowu , all wards chairmen and all party faithfuls
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