Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has granted clemency to 71 inmates as part of his 2026 New Year message, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive and economically diversified state.
Gatekeepers News reports that in his New Year broadcast, Abiodun commended residents of Ogun State for their unwavering support, describing the state not merely as a geographical entity but as a community bound by shared purpose, mutual support and a collective drive for progress.
According to the governor, the New Year offers another opportunity to strengthen collaboration between government and citizens and to deepen the pursuit of sustainable development.
“Our shared experience has reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: when citizens and government work together in trust and shared responsibility, progress is inevitable,” Abiodun said.
Reiterating his administration’s vision, he added:
“Our vision remains focused on building a prosperous and inclusive Ogun State driven by economic diversification, strategic infrastructure and human capital development.
“Through deliberate reforms, targeted investments and forward-looking policies, we are building an economy that creates opportunities for all and protects the most vulnerable. Guided by our Building Our Future Together mantra and implemented through our ISEYA Development Agenda, our administration continues to deliver people-focused governance with discipline, transparency and compassion.”
In the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, the governor approved the release of 71 inmates across the state’s correctional facilities. The clemency covered the early release of 46 inmates who had served substantial portions of their short-term sentences, the release of 19 capital offenders on compassionate grounds due to age, infirmity or prolonged incarceration, and the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment for six inmates.
Abiodun said the decision underscores his administration’s emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration, noting that deserving individuals should be given a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
Reviewing achievements recorded in 2025, the governor thanked residents for their patience and resilience despite economic and social challenges, noting that Ogun State’s economy has witnessed significant growth.
He disclosed that the state’s Gross Domestic Product is estimated at ₦17 trillion, while Internally Generated Revenue rose from ₦52 billion in 2020 to ₦250 billion in 2025.
Among major infrastructure milestones, Abiodun listed the completion of the Gateway International Airport, the construction of over 1,500 kilometres of roads across the state’s 20 local government areas, and ongoing work on the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports.
In the health sector, the governor said more than 70,000 residents had been enrolled under the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, alongside the reconstruction of health facilities, deployment of solar-powered systems, implementation of electronic medical records and completion of the 250-bed Ogun State Medical Centre of Excellence.
He also highlighted achievements in education, including the renovation of science laboratories, rehabilitation of technical colleges and the empowerment of over 39,000 individuals through skills acquisition programmes.
In agriculture, Abiodun said over 33,075 farmers were supported, 9,000 hectares of farmland mechanised, and processing facilities established across farm settlements to boost food security and agro-industrial growth.
The governor further disclosed that ₦560 million was disbursed in grants to women-owned businesses, over 54,000 women were supported, and ₦600 million in grants was provided to 5,400 businesses to promote job creation and local economic development.
On security, he said public safety and investor confidence were enhanced through the recruitment and equipping of 6,700 security personnel across the state.
Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance and citizens’ participation in the 2026 budget planning process, assuring residents that his administration remains focused on delivering sustainable development and shared prosperity.
