Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has granted clemency to 71 inmates as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of deserving offenders into society.
The governor disclosed this during his New Year broadcast on Thursday in Abeokuta, noting that the decision was taken under the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
Abiodun explained that the clemency included the early release of 46 inmates who had served significant portions of their short-term sentences, the release of 19 inmates convicted of capital offences on compassionate grounds due to age, ill health or prolonged incarceration, as well as the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment for six inmates.
He stressed the importance of giving deserving individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to society.
The governor commended residents of Ogun State for their continued support of his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive and economically diversified state in the new year.
According to Abiodun, the state is more than a geographical entity, describing it as a community bound by shared values, mutual support and a collective drive for development.
He said the new year presents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between government and citizens, deepen trust and accelerate progress towards sustainable development.
Abiodun also highlighted the state’s economic growth, disclosing that Ogun’s Gross Domestic Product is estimated at ₦17 trillion, while Internally Generated Revenue increased from ₦52 billion in 2020 to ₦250 billion in 2025.
He noted that his administration remains focused on economic diversification, infrastructure development and human capital investment to create opportunities and protect vulnerable groups across the state.