Abiodun grants clemency to 71 inmates in Ogun
In the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has granted clemency to 71 inmates in the state.
The Governor made this known in his 2026 New Year broadcast on Thursday.
The clemency included 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.
The Governor emphasized rehabilitation and reintegration, stressing the importance of giving deserving individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
Highlighting progress across key sectors, Abiodun expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their patience and resilience despite the challenges faced in 2025.
He noted that the state’s economy has grown significantly, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at ₦17 trillion, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from ₦52 billion in 2020 to ₦250 billion in 2025.
Among major infrastructure projects executed by his administration, the Governor listed the completion of the Gateway International Airport, widely acknowledged as the fastest-built international airport in the world; 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.
Abiodun also highlighted achievements in healthcare, education, agriculture, and social development. These include the expansion of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme to over 70,000 residents, reconstruction of health facilities, deployment of solar-powered energy systems, implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and completion of the 250-bed Ogun State Medical Centre of Excellence.
In education, the administration renovated science laboratories, rehabilitated Government Technical Colleges, and empowered over 39,000 individuals through skills acquisition programmes.
In agriculture, the Governor 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.
Abiodun disclosed that his administration disbursed ₦560 million in grants to women-owned businesses, supported over 54,000 women, and provided ₦600 million in grants to 5,400 businesses, promoting job creation and local economic growth.
On security, the Governor said public safety and investor confidence were strengthened through the recruitment and equipping of 6,700 security personnel across the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance and citizens’ participation in the 2026 budget planning process, assuring residents that his administration remains steadfast in delivering sustainable development and shared prosperity.
