Why Otta Deserves More Projects: Senator Yayi Links Development to Urban Growth
By Adeyemi Obadimu
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator (Dr.) Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, CON, FCA, has said the scale of federal and constituency projects attracted to Otta and its environs is a direct response to the town’s rapid urbanisation and growing industrial profile.
Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, made this assertion on Saturday while delivering remarks as host of the grand finale of the 2025 Iganmode Cultural Festival at the Otta Mini Stadium, Ogun State.
According to the lawmaker, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area has experienced accelerated population growth, industrial expansion and urban development, creating increased demand for critical infrastructure, especially in road construction, healthcare, energy and security.
“My development projects in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area are proportionate to its rapidly urbanising and industrial status, which requires extensive infrastructure to support its growth,” Adeola said.
He disclosed that within just over two years, he has facilitated the completion of about 300 infrastructure projects across his senatorial district and beyond. These include over 115 road construction projects, 30 school buildings, 32 primary healthcare centres, 25 modern markets, 13 town halls, 10 ICT centres, two intensive care units, two libraries and eight police stations.
The senator also revealed that over 200 electric transformers and 250 solar streetlight projects comprising about 26,000 poles have been installed, while work has commenced on the repair and upgrade of 10 major electricity infrastructures affecting nearly 100 communities, many of which had endured prolonged blackouts. Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, he said, is a major beneficiary of the interventions.
In addition to physical infrastructure, Adeola highlighted large-scale human capital development initiatives. He said over 50,000 constituents have been empowered through skill acquisition programmes, equipment distribution and cash grants. According to him, 15,000 market men and women received financial support ranging from N25,000 to N50,000, while about 6,000 farmers benefited from agricultural inputs and machinery, including tractors.
He further disclosed that more than 4,500 tertiary institution students have received scholarships and bursaries valued between N100,000 and N200,000, while over 1,000 secondary school students benefited from a laptop support programme.
Adeola stressed that his interventions are designed to complement the development agenda of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, particularly in the areas of security, transportation, healthcare, education and aviation infrastructure. He cited the Gateway Cargo Airport at Iperu as a flagship project that aligns with the state’s economic growth strategy.
He also linked the projects to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that coordinated development across federal and state levels remains critical to sustaining economic growth in rapidly expanding urban centres like Otta.
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to continued infrastructural and socio-economic development in Ogun West, assuring residents that his legislative influence would remain focused on addressing the unique challenges associated with urbanisation and industrial expansion.
The event, which celebrated Awori culture and heritage, was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders and residents from across the state.
