Write your name in gold like Onabanjo, Daniel- Youths to Abiodun over completion, take-off of Ogun Polytechnic, Ipokia

Damilola Ajibola

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has been told to write his name in gold in the hearts of the people of Ipokia Local Government, Ogun West Senatorial district and the entire state, over the completion and successful take off of Ogun Polytechnic, Ipokia.

Youths under the auspices of Ipokia Youth Development Council stated this on Thursday, during a visit to the site of the institution, calling on the state government on the need to see to the successful completion and take off of the school.

The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Tunji Idowu, at a press conference addressed on the situation of the school, said the name of Governor Abiodun would be endeared in the hearts of the people if he sees to the take-off of the institution.

He expressed displeasure that some of the structures already constructed at the site are wasting away.

Idowu said, “The presence of a higher education institution in Ipokia promises not only to enhance educational opportunities but also to spur economic development, create jobs, and foster a culture of innovation and growth in our communities.

“However, despite the plans and groundwork that have been laid by the last administration, the actual take-off of the institution has faced numerous delays and obstacles. This has left many aspiring students disheartened and our community waiting in anticipation for the benefits that such an institution would bring.”

He reminded the governor of his words during a visit to the site in 2023 that Ipokia deserves something higher than a polytechnic, and that his government would ensure that the commonwealth of the people of Ogun State would not waste.

“You confirmed by saying that ‘we have seen there are about six or so buildings; a proposed 750-seater hall, two proposed 300 lecture theatres, two hostels, an administrative building, and two classrooms’.

“Again, when Your Excellency visited Ipokia in January 2023, you promised to see to the take-off of the institution, asserting that Ipokia deserves something higher than a polytechnic. You stated that since the government is a continuum, every commonwealth that had been invested and capable of positively impacting the socio-economic lives of the people would not be discontinued.

“Sir, you expressed determination to upscale what was on the ground to become a befitting and standard tertiary institution. We are still waiting for fulfilment of this promise,” he regretted.

The youth leader asked Abiodun to write his name in gold by turning the site into a viable tertiary institution, saying history would be kind to him.

“Your Excellency, the people of Ijebu-Igbo/Ago-Iwoye would never forget Chief Olabisi Onabanjo with the Olabisi Onabanjo University, and the people of Ijagun, Ijebu Ode will never forget Otunba Gbenga Daniel with Tai Solarin University of Education (which has now been taken over by the Federal Government). The fulfilment of your promise on the take-off of this institution will not only put your name in gold, it will permanently endear you to our hearts.

“Your Excellency, the institution is primely located and it has immense socio-economic benefits for the host and neighbouring communities as well as international students and communities that stand to benefit from its full take-off. In view of the above, we kindly appeal to Your Excellency to consider prioritising and expediting the processes necessary for the commencement of the polytechnic’s operations.

“We respectfully wish to remind Your Excellency of your campaign pledges to the people of Ipokia Local Government, and plead with you to make Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, one of the promises made and promises kept,” Ajibade pleaded, calling on the governor to prevent the billions of Ogun State funds invested in the project to become a waste.