The Ogun State Government has boosted grassroots administration with the presentation of brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross 2025 sport utility vehicles to chairmen of the state’s 20 local government areas.
The vehicles were handed over in Abeokuta on Thursday, adding colour to the Christmas celebrations and drawing commendation from beneficiaries, who described the gesture as timely and morale-boosting.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening service delivery at the grassroots, where government presence matters most.
He applauded the local council chairmen for what he described as productive collaboration with the state government, noting that their partnership had helped extend democratic dividends to communities across Ogun.
According to the governor, the provision of the vehicles was a strategic move to address mobility challenges that often hinder effective outreach and project monitoring in rural areas.
“Our administration understands the realities on the ground and the constraints faced in delivering essential services,” he said. “These vehicles are meant to enable swift engagement with communities and ensure that governance reaches the people without delay.”
Abiodun urged the chairmen to remain focused on excellence, inclusiveness and balanced development, stressing that the state would continue to back initiatives that promote socio-economic growth at the local level.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and Odeda Local Government boss, Folashade Adeyemo, expressed appreciation to the governor, describing the gift as a pleasant Christmas surprise.
She praised Abiodun’s performance in sectors such as education, healthcare, housing and road infrastructure, adding that his ISEYA agenda had repositioned Ogun as a reference point for development.
“This gesture reaffirms the governor’s reputation as a promise-keeper,” Adeyemo said. “It challenges us, as council chairmen, to intensify our efforts and deliver more tangible benefits to our people.”
She noted that improved mobility would enhance project supervision, deepen engagement with rural communities and improve overall efficiency in local governance.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, commended the governor for the intervention, urging council leaders to reciprocate by prioritising people-oriented programmes.
