The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has submitted a 10-year development plan to the Oyo State Government, seeking greater investment in infrastructure, agriculture, security, education, healthcare and other critical sectors to accelerate development across the region.
The elders made the presentation on Wednesday during a courtesy call on the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, at his office in Ibadan.
The plan, titled Oke-Ogun Development Plan (2025-2035), is an updated version of the development agenda previously released by the council in 2016 and aims to serve as a strategic roadmap for the development of the region over the next decade.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Council Chairman and former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Otunba Bamidele Dada, said the document identifies key areas that require urgent attention to unlock the economic potential of Oke-Ogun.
He said priority areas included agriculture, education, electricity, healthcare, water resources, industrial development, international borders, road networks, security, solid minerals and tourism.
Dada said: “Oke-Ogun is the agricultural backbone of Oyo State and requires integrated agribusiness centers and direct support to rural farmers to maximize their agro-industrial potential.”
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He also called for the expedited completion of ongoing road projects linking Oke-Ogun communities with other parts of the state, saying improved connectivity remained critical to the economic development of the largely agrarian region.
“We commend the continuous efforts of this administration to ensure that the road networks in Oke-Ogun are open to facilitate connectivity with other parts of the state, including the state capital.
“We urge the government to put pressure on the contractors handling the projects to expedite work for early completion as these roads serve as economic arteries for our agrarian communities,” he said.
The council also expressed interest in the ongoing efforts to revive the Ikere Gorge Dam, saying its full utilization would provide significant benefits to the region.
Dada said: “We have shown interest in the effort to bring the Ikere Gorge Dam into operation to provide the services contained in the original plan and more. We thank God that the project is now taking off in earnest.”
On security, the elders commended the state government for its efforts to improve security across Oke-Ogun and called for further strengthening of safety nets to protect residents, farmlands and businesses.
“The security of our communities remains vital. The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders, and indeed the people of Oke-Ogun in general, appreciate the efforts of the government in trying to protect our communities.
“We urge the state government to continue to strengthen regional safety networks and support indigenous security initiatives to protect life and property on our farmlands and communities,” Dada said.
The elders further called for sustained investment in tertiary institutions and youth empowerment programs in the region to expand access to higher education and vocational skills.
The council also praised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, passed a vote of confidence in the government and pledged continued cooperation and support.
Dada said the people of Oke-Ogun strongly supported the administration, adding that the council would continue to support efforts aimed at developing the state.
“The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders and the people of Oke-Ogun stand firmly behind you and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde. We assure you of our continued prayers and unconditional support as you steer the affairs of Oyo State,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the council, Sir Oladoja Oladele, thanked the Acting Governor for hosting the delegation and giving the elders the opportunity to present their development concerns.
He commended the efforts of the Makinde administration to strengthen security in the state, particularly the acquisition of a surveillance aircraft to enhance security operations in Oke-Ogun and other parts of the state.
In response, the Acting Governor commended the elders for developing what he described as a useful framework for the advancement of Oke-Ogun.
He assured the delegation that the issues contained in the plan would be presented to Governor Makinde upon his return for appropriate consideration and action.
Lawal said the government valued the contribution of stakeholders to the development of the state and would continue to engage communities and leaders in identifying areas requiring intervention.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of five copies of the Oke-Ogun Development Plan (2025-2035) to the Acting Governor for onward transmission to Governor Makinde.
Oke-Ogun region comprises 10 local government areas and is one of the major agricultural belts in Oyo State.
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