The air crackled with anticipation as Hon. Ogidan Azeez Owolabi took his oath of office, his signature smile belying the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders. In a historic transition ceremony at the Coker Aguda Local Government Secretariat – remarkable for being the first simultaneous swearing-in of both chairman and councilors – the ebullient leader immediately set the tone for what he called “government at sprint pace.”
“This victory belongs to every market woman, okada rider, and artisan who believed in our vision,” declared Ogidan, his voice rising above the cheers of supporters representing the Arewa, Ndigbo, and South-South communities. The new chairman wasted no time in aligning his agenda with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s masterplan, unveiling his “Ogidan Development Blueprint” – a comprehensive roadmap promising to transform education through ICT hubs, revolutionize healthcare with upgraded centers, and empower seniors through the ‘Ounje Arugbo’ welfare scheme.
What sets this administration apart is its granular approach to governance. By morning’s light, Ogidan had already convened his first meeting with council management to audit inherited projects, vowing to complete all viable initiatives while launching new infrastructure projects. “Every pothole filled, every drain cleared, every streetlight installed will count,” he promised, emphasizing his open-door policy that will see regular town halls with constituents.
The chairman’s speech paid special tribute to the political architects of his victory – from APC leader Hon. Medinat Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe to the network of CDAs and traditional rulers whose wisdom he pledged to harness. But his most passionate address was reserved for Coker Aguda’s youth: “Your time is now,” he declared, outlining plans for skills acquisition centers that will transform the local government into a talent factory.
As the ceremony concluded with cultural troupes and praise singers, one message rang clear – in Coker Aguda, the era of government by committee is over. With his sleeves already rolled up and hundred-day clock ticking, Chairman Ogidan appears determined to rewrite the playbook of grassroots governance, one delivered promise at a time.
