AKEULA Omogbolahan tackles Ogun State government
In recent years, Ogun State has witnessed a remarkable surge in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). From a modest ₦73.64 billion in 2016 to an impressive ₦146.88 billion in 2023, the state’s revenue generation trajectory paints a picture of financial growth and success. However, a closer look reveals a grim reality: this growth in revenue has not translated into an improved standard of living for the average citizen in Ogun State, Akeula stated.
The paradox of a swelling IGR juxtaposed with the unchanging, and in some cases worsening, economic conditions has left many citizens questioning the true value of this celebrated financial milestone. Despite the impressive revenue figures, infrastructure development remains dismal. Roads across the state – from the Ijebu and Yewa communities to Egba towns, including the capital – are largely unpaved, with no 100-kilometer stretch of well-maintained road in sight. Public secondary schools, healthcare facilities, and other state-owned amenities are in deplorable conditions, failing to meet the basic needs of Ogun’s citizens.
While some have lauded the rise in Ogun’s IGR, Akeula has argued that this increase is not only expected but inevitable. Due to Ogun’s geographical proximity to Lagos, the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, and its appeal to multinational industries seeking affordable industrial locations, Ogun’s IGR growth seems more a byproduct of external factors than a deliberate result of internal economic policies. As Lagos’s economy booms, Ogun benefits by virtue of its location, yet the state’s administration appears unable or unwilling to leverage this advantage for the betterment of its people.
Moreover, for a state dubbed “The Gateway State,” it is puzzling to see the lack of investment in road infrastructure. Shouldn’t the ease of transportation and mobility be one of the state’s core priorities? Instead, poorly distributed resources, excessive reliance on taxation as the primary revenue source, and a concerning level of corruption and mismanagement have stymied Ogun’s development. Funds that could have transformed public infrastructure and enhanced critical sectors like healthcare and education are seemingly lost in a cycle of ineffective governance, leaving citizens disillusioned and dissatisfied.
This ineffective utilization of resources has dire consequences. Ogun’s increasing IGR does little to alleviate the state’s stagnant economic growth. With limited investment in job creation and public services, the standard of living remains low, leading to frustration, discontent, and, at times, social unrest among residents.
Akeula have voiced his concerns over the role of public relations and paid influencers in masking these inadequacies. Recently, celebrations of the state’s IGR increase by influencers have been viewed by many as a shallow attempt to cover up the government’s lackluster performance. Instead of addressing the real issues, some argue that these promotional tactics are a “whitewashing” of the administration’s shortcomings.
The call for action is clear: we are urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration to shift focus from promoting revenue growth statistics to investing in tangible improvements that will enhance the quality of life for the people of Ogun State. Beyond employing influencers to glorify the administration, the government is expected to adopt a transparent, accountable approach to managing state resources.
As Ogun State continues to grow in financial stature, it is vital that this growth reflects positively in the lives of its people. The vision of a thriving Ogun should not end with impressive IGR figures but should extend to well-maintained roads, modern schools, efficient healthcare systems, and improved living standards. It is time for the administration to recognize the genuine needs of the citizens and implement solutions that foster real, sustainable development.