In a significant act of mercy to mark the New Year, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has granted clemency to seventy-one inmates across correctional facilities in the state. The governor announced this gesture during his 2026 New Year broadcast, where he also commended residents for their support and detailed his administration's achievements over the past year.
Details of the Clemency and Governor's Address
The prerogative of mercy saw 46 inmates serving short-term sentences released early after serving substantial parts of their terms. Furthermore, 19 capital offenders were freed on compassionate grounds, considerations being their old age, infirmity, or having spent a very long time incarcerated. In another significant decision, the governor commuted the death sentences of six inmates to life imprisonment.
Governor Abiodun stressed that the move was rooted in principles of rehabilitation and reintegration, emphasizing the importance of offering a second chance to individuals who could rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. He described Ogun State as a community bound by shared purpose and mutual support, calling for continued collaboration between the government and citizens in 2026.
Economic and Infrastructure Milestones for Ogun
In his address, Governor Abiodun provided a robust account of the state's progress. He revealed that Ogun State's economy has expanded significantly, with an estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) now at ₦17 trillion. A key highlight was the growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which skyrocketed from ₦52 billion in 2020 to ₦250 billion in 2025.
On infrastructure, the governor listed several completed and ongoing projects that are central to his administration's "Building Our Future Together" mantra and the ISEYA Development Agenda. Major accomplishments include:
- The completion of the Gateway International Airport.
- The construction of over 1,500 kilometres of roads across all 20 Local Government Areas.
- Ongoing development of the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports.
Advances in Social Sectors and Security
The broadcast also covered extensive achievements in healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare. In the health sector, the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme now covers over 70,000 residents, alongside the reconstruction of facilities and the completion of the 250-bed Ogun State Medical Centre of Excellence.
For education, the administration renovated science laboratories, rehabilitated technical colleges, and empowered over 39,000 individuals through skills acquisition programmes. In agriculture, support was given to 33,075 farmers, with 9,000 hectares of farmland mechanised to boost food security.
On empowerment, the governor disclosed that ₦560 million in grants was disbursed to women-owned businesses, over 54,000 women were supported, and ₦600 million was given to 5,400 businesses to stimulate job creation. To bolster security and investor confidence, the state recruited and equipped 6,700 security personnel across its territory.
Governor Abiodun concluded by reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development, assuring residents that his focus remains on building a prosperous and economically diversified Ogun State.
