Governor Dapo Abiodun has granted clemency to 71 inmates.

The governor, who disclosed this in his New Year broadcast on Thursday in Abeokuta, restated the need to rehabilitate and reintegrate deserving inmates into society.

He stressed the importance of giving deserving individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

He noted that the gesture was done in the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

“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,” he said.

Mr Abiodun commended residents of the state for their unwavering support for his administration, reaffirming that his focus in the new year remains the building of a prosperous, inclusive, and economically diversified state.

According to him, the state is not merely a geographical entity but a community united by shared purpose, mutual support, and a collective desire for progress.

He added that the new year offers another opportunity to strengthen collective resolve, deepen government–citizen collaboration, and advance on the path 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.

“Our vision is 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,” he said.

Mr Abiodun disclosed that the state’s economy had grown significantly, with gross domestic product estimated at N17 trillion, while internally generated revenue increased from N52 billion in 2020 to N250 billion in 2025.

(NAN)