Sir: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun graciously clocked 65 on May 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his life journey. Being 65 in a country where life expectancy stands at 54.6 as against the global average of 73.3 years is no mean feat.

On the auspicious occasion which coincided with the sixth anniversary of his administration, encomiums poured in torrent. From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PAT) to his counterparts, friends, political associates, and other well-wishers, commendations came in abundance, pointing to the scope of the goodwill, friendship, and significant achievements he had attained over the years.

In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu praised Abiodun for his contributions to Ogun State’s infrastructure development, including roads, housing, and public services, which have enhanced the state’s economy and improved the quality of life for its residents.

The President, who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said: “Your leadership over the past six years has transformed the entirety of Ogun State into a model of progress marked by notable advancements in infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and food security.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo specifically commended the governor for hosting a befitting National Sports Festival, describing it as a huge success.

The governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in his goodwill message, described Abiodun as a leader of immense importance. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke commended his Ogun State counterpart for his political sagacity in conflict management, thereby entrenching sustainable peace and tranquility in the state, resulting in advancements in critical sectors of the state’s economy.

The Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the governor, as a transformational leader, has lifted the state beyond all expectations, as he has consistently delivered on his promises.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, noted that Abiodun, in the last six years, has put in place measures that have led to the economy growing in leaps and bounds, as well as building confidence, which has brought about unity among people of different tribes, classes, and religions.

The State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the past six years have been remarkable with purposeful and visionary leadership dedicated to the overall well-being of the people.

The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, on his part, said the governor has been able to reach across the 20 local government areas in terms of road infrastructure, as the roads are either being reconstructed or the old ones rehabilitated.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, noted that the state has experienced a tremendous positive overhaul in the last six years, emerging as the fastest-growing economy in the country, backed by facts.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Olukayode Akinmade, said Ogun has become the most sought-after state in terms of investment, as it has been able to take advantage of its proximity to Lagos State.

Facts don’t lie. Governor Abiodun’s imprints are all over the sectors of the Ogun State economy. Effects of his infrastructure transformation agenda, industrial and investment promotion, healthcare delivery service, accessible education, human capital development, youth and women empowerment, agro -allied processing and value addition are there to see.

It is, therefore, not surprising that his birthday anniversary has earned him so much ovation from eminent Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political boundaries. As a bridge builder and a pleasant political figure of no mean guile, he has earned his goodwill through an unblemished track record of service and social interaction.

Femi Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State.