By Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel has called on the Ogun State government to desist from obstructing the execution of constituency projects he facilitated for the senatorial district.

Daniel, who decried the fuss created by the state government over the ongoing construction of Paddy Arikawe Road in Sagamu, said the government ought to have provided support in the execution of the constituency project, rather than opposing the road construction capable of enhancing the socioeconomic activities of the people.

The senator made this call on Saturday, September 27, 2025, while speaking at the Midterm Community Assessment Review Tour of the BATOGD Movement, held in Erunwon, Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Daniel noted that his fundamental role as a senator is lawmaking, just as facilitating the location of federal projects to his constituency is also highly crucial to him.

He further explained that his role ends with the facilitation of projects, stressing the process of awarding contracts and executing the projects remains the responsibility of various federal agencies in cooperation with state agencies.

Daniel, however, said he had expected the cooperation of the Ogun State government on the road project and not hostility, emphasising that petty politics must never be allowed to short-change the people.

“The fundamental part of my role as your Senator is lawmaking and, crucially, facilitating the location of federal projects to our constituency. However, I must clarify a critical point: my job essentially ends with the facilitation. The process of awarding contracts and executing these projects is the responsibility of various federal agencies, often in cooperation with state agencies.

“What we expect, and indeed require, from the state government is cooperation, not hostility. Petty politics must never be allowed to short-change our people,” the senator stated.

He disclosed that the Paddy Arikawe Road project, which is currently a subject of controversy, was first opened up and tarred with drainages by the Ogun State Road Management Agency (OGROMA) in 2004, while he served as the state governor between 2003 and 2011.

Daniel added: “Sadly, since then, no significant repairs or maintenance have been carried out until we managed to include it as a palliative measure in our limited constituency projects. The primary responsibility for that road lies with the local and state government. The plank of my message to our state government is simple: we need encouragement, not discouragement, to bring more development home.”

He informed the gathering that the event was part of his midterm community assessment review tour of Ogun East Senatorial District to assess completed constituency projects, which, according to him, have touched so many lives.

“This gathering is part of our continuing effort to ensure that governance remains people-focused, transparent, and accountable. Today, we are here to deepen that tradition of assessment and renew our shared commitment to the development of Ijebu North East,” he noted.

Daniel, who reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 remains unwavering, said that the launch of the BATOGD Movement by him is a testament to this support.

“We are confident in the President’s bold and thoughtful leadership, which is steadily redirecting our nation’s economy and restoring its pride. The tough but necessary decisions, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, are beginning to yield positive results, with more funds now available to states and local governments for development. Our duty is to ensure these benefits are felt right here in our communities,” he pointed out.

While commending the President for the Federal Government’s takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal university, he disclosed he had submitted a special proposal for the creation of four satellite campuses within a 30km radius of the main campus at Ijagun, Ijebu Ode.

“The takeover of TASUED by the Federal Government is a monumental achievement. However, we have identified a challenge: the main campus at Ijagun has a landmass of about 151 hectares, which is significantly smaller than the 10,000 hectares typically required for a new federal university. This limitation presents a unique opportunity for us.

“We have therefore submitted a special proposal for the creation of four satellite campuses within a 30km radius of the main campus. These proposed mini-campuses are: a Skill Acquisition Mini-Campus at Okelugbogun, Ijebu North East; conversion of GIPI (Oil Engineering Services) in Oni Waterside Local Government into a satellite campus; an Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Mini-Campus at Illishan/Odogbolu; and a Health Sciences Mini-Campus at Ijebu-Ode,” Daniel submitted.

He, however, pleaded with the state government to provide the necessary support and encouragement to make the proposal a reality.