Business a.m.
Ogun community leaders under the aegis of Itesiwaju Omu Arogun Area Community Development Committee ( ACDC), Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, are calling on the government to prioritize infrastructure development in their region.
This is a common request, as infrastructure plays a crucial role in economic growth, social development, and overall well-being.
Some potential areas of focus for infrastructure development in the Mowe/Ofada area of the state according to the leaders include road network and electricity.
Specifically , the uncompleted Mowe–Ofada Road and the area’s persistent electricity challenges are major concerns to the people.
The appeal was made on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held at Imagine Lounge & Suites, Mowe, where residents, government representatives and community stakeholders gathered to review the year’s activities, unveil future plans and honour outstanding contributors.
Delivering his address, Yemi Adebisi , area chairman of Itesiwaju Omu Arogun ACDC, said the condition of the Mowe–Ofada Road had become a major concern for residents, noting that the long-abandoned project continued to hinder movement and economic activities in the area.
He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to redeem his promise on the road project, stressing that the situation had worsened over time.
Adebisi also drew attention to the absence of a motor garage in Mowe, warning that commercial vehicles currently operating along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway posed serious risks to lives and property. He further lamented the lack of a public incinerator in the community, describing the state’s waste management arrangement as ineffective, especially in the face of sanctions against residents for indiscriminate dumping without viable alternatives.
The Area Chairman also urged the Obafemi Owode Local Government to urgently rehabilitate roads linking Mowe to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, citing extensive potholes that have increased vehicle maintenance costs for residents. He additionally called for an end to alleged multiple taxation by some local government officials, describing the practice as counterproductive amid prevailing economic hardship.
Immediately after the Area Chairman’s remarks, Adetola Adekanye was recognised for his pivotal role in the evolution of the CDC structure in the area. Adekanye, who served as Chairman of the Arigbawonwo Area Community Development Committee (ACDC) that gave birth to the Itesiwaju Omu Arogun ACDC, currently holds the position of General Secretary of the Obafemi Owode Zonal Community Development Council. His presence at the AGM underscored the institutional continuity and leadership support within the CDC framework.
Reviewing the association’s activities in 2025, Adebisi highlighted several achievements recorded despite economic challenges. He noted that monthly CDC meetings were held across various CDAs, while representatives consistently participated in zonal CDC engagements and leadership trainings organised by the state government and the Obafemi Owode Zonal CDC.
According to him, over 30 members benefited from the state-organised Community and Leadership (C&L) training during the year, while others participated in zonal leadership programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots governance.
He listed projects executed by CDAs within the CDC to include the purchase of motorcycles by Eagle CDA, the ongoing construction of a community hall by Ifesowapo CDA Phase 1, installation of CCTV cameras across several communities, road grading, and the fixing of street lights.
The AGM also served as a platform to unveil the CDC’s future plans, which include strengthening its financial base through the acquisition of a commercial bus estimated at N20 million, the establishment of a food bank to provide subsidised food for members, improved welfare support, enhanced security collaboration, youth empowerment initiatives, and renewed engagement with power sector stakeholders to address electricity challenges in 2026.
The meeting featured a financial literacy session by Olamide Bakare, a stockbroker and treasurer of the ACDC, who advised community leaders on prudent financial management, investment and consistency, stressing that financial independence requires continuous learning and informed decision-making.
Also, speaking at the event, Shobukola Babatunde, the distribution technical manager, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company ( IBEDC)Mowe hub, urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that visible improvements would soon be seen in power supply in the axis. This is as residents raised concerns over electricity distribution in the area, alleging that they pay higher tariffs but receive less power supply compared to neighbouring communities.
Taibat Abbas, representative of the state governor at the event, commended the association for its unity, resilience and commitment to community development. She assured members that their concerns had been noted and expressed confidence that the state government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, would respond accordingly.
The AGM concluded with the presentation of awards to deserving individuals and groups, reinforcing calls for stronger collaboration between government and grassroots communities to address longstanding infrastructural and social challenges in Mowe and its environs.
