A SUCCESSFUL entrepreneur and oil magnate Prince Dapo Oluwasegun Abiodun yesterday took his oath of office amid cheers from the enthusiastic crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The governor pledged not to “personalise” office or “abuse” it.
The Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, administered the oath on him at about 11:53a.m. His deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, took hers earlier at about 11.40am.
The day was particularly a double joy for Abiodun, his wife, Bamidele; children and his octogenarian parents – Prof. Emmanuel Abiodun and Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun. Reason: the governor also turned 59 the same day he assumed the office.
In his inauguration address, Abiodun noted that the political journey had been “bumpy,” but assured the people that with his swearing in as the governor, Ogun State people now stand on the “threshold of a new dawn and a new beginning”.
He assured that he would not turn the government into that of cronies or family affairs.
“You will always find in me conduct of Omoluabi expected of Omo Teacher! I will govern with character! I will serve you diligently and sincerely! I will make your interests the core of governance!
“I will neither personalise nor abuse the mandate! I will not betray your trust,” he said.
He promised that the new administration would give Ogun State a focused and qualitative governance as well as create the enabling environment for a public-private sector partnership, which is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic growth and individual prosperity of the people.
He also pledged to carry out reforms in the following areas – public service, empowerment and the local governments, transparency and public finance management, security and welfare, physical infrastructures, education and health sector.
The governor also said his administration would pay priority attention to agriculture and food security to make the state self-sufficient in food production first and later exporting to other states.
According to him, industry, trade and investment as well as ICT, communications, tourism and entertainment would be harnessed to drive growth.
He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, the party’s stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba for the support and leadership roles that ensured his triumph at the poll.
