By Our Reporter
Residents of Ota and neighbouring communities in Ogun State witnessed a historic milestone on Thursday as the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) commissioned the newly constructed Ota Central Police Divisional Headquarters and a modern 40-Bed Primary Healthcare Centre aimed at strengthening security and healthcare delivery within the ancient town and surrounding areas.
The twin projects, constructed and fully equipped under the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, drew dignitaries from across government institutions, traditional councils, security agencies, healthcare institutions, and community groups, reflecting the significance of the interventions to the socio-economic development of the area.
According to the statement released by Desmond Utomwen, the Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication to the SSAP-SDGs, the atmosphere at the commissioning ceremony was one of excitement, gratitude, and celebration as residents described the projects as long-awaited interventions capable of transforming lives and improving community wellbeing.
Speaking at the event, Princess Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by the Secretary of Programme (SOP-SDGs), Bala Mohammed Saulawa described the projects as strategic interventions designed to strengthen peace, security, healthcare access, and sustainable development in the country.
She explained that the Police Divisional Headquarters aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
“Today, we are not merely unveiling a structure; we are strengthening the very foundation upon which sustainable development thrives — peace, security, and strong institutions,” she said.
According to her, the intervention reflects deliberate efforts to improve operational capacity, enhance the working environment for security personnel, and build stronger trust between the police and the community.
The SSAP-SDGs further added that the projects are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, emphasising that the Federal Government remains committed to delivering people-centred infrastructure across the country.
“The construction of this Police Headquarters reflects a deliberate commitment to improving operational capacity, enhancing the working conditions of our law enforcement officers, and fostering trust between the police and the communities they serve. When security institutions are strengthened, communities flourish, businesses grow, and development becomes sustainable,” she added.
On the commissioning of the PHC, Orelope-Adefulire noted that the 40-Bed Primary Healthcare Centre aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing and is intended to provide quality, affordable, and life-saving healthcare services to residents, especially women, children, and vulnerable populations.
She added that the investment in healthcare underscores a fundamental principle of sustainable development: “a safe community must also be a healthy community,” she stated.
In his remarks, the Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Otta land, His Majesty Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, described the day as “historic and memorable” for the people of Ota and Awori land.
“Today is a historic and memorable day for the Ancient and Paramount Otta land as we commission two landmark projects; the Ota Central Police Divisional Headquarters and the 40-Bed Primary Health Centre.
These projects stand as enduring symbols of progress, improved security, accessible healthcare, and purposeful governance for our people,” the monarch declared.
The royal father expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to inclusive national development and praised Dapo Abiodun for providing a peaceful and development-friendly environment in the state.
He also paid glowing tribute to Princess Orelope-Adefulire, whom he described as “our illustrious daughter and pride of Awori land,” commending her dedication to impactful service and community development.
“Through your office, countless communities have benefitted from transformative projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The commissioning of these facilities today further demonstrates your enduring commitment to the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of our people. Otta Awori deeply appreciates your thoughtfulness, loyalty to your roots, and exceptional service to the nation,” he stated.
The monarch further noted the historical importance of the site of the Police Divisional Headquarters, revealing that the axis once served as a major policing post for the district and neighbouring communities.
“Today therefore represents not just a commissioning, but the restoration of an important legacy of peace, security, and public safety in Ottaland,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, commended the Federal Government and OSSAP-SDGs for the intervention, describing the new divisional headquarters as a major boost to policing and security operations in the area.
He stated that the project will significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly to security concerns within Otta and adjoining communities. A conducive working environment for officers directly translates to improved service delivery and enhanced public confidence in policing.
He assured residents that the command would continue to deepen community policing strategies and sustain collaboration with traditional rulers, youth groups, and community stakeholders in ensuring peace and public safety.
Community leaders and residents also hailed the projects as transformational interventions that would positively impact the lives of thousands of people.
The Baale of one of the adjoining communities, Chief Rasaq Adekunle, described the projects as timely responses to pressing community needs.
“For years, our people have yearned for improved security presence and better healthcare services. These projects will reduce the burden on residents who previously travelled long distances for medical attention and security assistance. We are truly grateful,” he said.
A women leader in the community, Mrs Funmilayo Adebisi, said the healthcare centre would particularly benefit women and children.
“This healthcare centre means hope for mothers, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Access to quality healthcare saves lives, and this facility will make a huge difference for families in this community,” she stated.
Healthcare professionals at the event also expressed optimism that the facility would help reduce pressure on existing medical centres, while improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes in the area.
For many in Otta, the projects represent more than infrastructure; they symbolise renewed hope, responsive governance, and a practical demonstration of how development initiatives can directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
