The death has been announced of Mr Kazeem Olatunde Akintunde of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Abeokuta.
Mr Akintunde died during a brief illness.
According to a family source, he would be buried on Wednesday 26th of May, 2021 by 2pm in line with Islamic rites at No 10 Mobolaji Quarters, Irepodun Estate, Ajanla, off Akala Express, Oluyole, Ibadan.
He is survived by wife, Mrs Olukemi Akintunde of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan and children.
Adenrele Ajisefini
Two persons have been reportedly killed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in a gas explosion at a hotel owned by a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The gas explosion at the hotel located at Oke Mosan area also left three others persons injured.
The Hotel Facility Manager, Mr. Tunde Osinubi while confirming the incident said the explosion was a result of fake gas cylinder being used in servicing a revolving door at the hotel.
According to him those injured have been taken to the hospital and are responding to treatment.
It would be recalled that in the last two weeks, two other gas explosions have been reported in Abeokuta resulting to the death of four persons, including a minor.
Wale Oluokun
Three persons have been reportedly killed in a fire accident at Oke Igbore Titun area of Abeokuta leaving four others injured.
According to witnesses, the fire outbreak was suspected to have been caused by leakage of freezer refrigerant that caught fire from another gas cylinder been used in frying fish in the same room.
Men of the state fire service were reported to have arrived the area on time to assist residents of the area to extinguish the fire.
The victims of the fire accident have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta.
Wale Oluokun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says ongoing reconstruction of Sagamu Abeokuta expressway in Ogun central senatorial district of the state will been completed within 60 days.
Governor Abiodun who made this known in Abeokuta when the leadership of All Progressive Congress, APC received new members into the party, said that arrangements had reached advanced stage to commission many developmental projects across the state.
The Governor who pointed out that his administration would ensure even distribution of resources in the three senatorial districts of state, gave the assurance that the state government would make Abeokuta a befitting city in the comity of capital cities in the country.
He also urged all members of APC in the state to be united and join hands with new members without discrimination.
While presenting the party symbol and constitution to the new members, the state caretaker Chairman of APC Chief Yemi Sanusi gave the assurance that the new members would be given equal opportunity like other members of the party.
Some of the new members of APC include Former Director General of Governorship campaign team of late Buruji Kasamu, Chief Remilekun Bakare, Asalu of Egbaland Chief Kola Shorinola and their stalwarts.
Bolanle Adesida
The House of Representatives has called on the state governments to construct perimeter fences in all schools as part of measures to curb incessant kidnapping of pupils by bandits.
Chairman House Committee on Basic Education, Professor Julius Ihonvbere made the call in Abeokuta when he led the members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Professor Ihonvbere who pointed out that basic education was facing challenges in some parts of the country as a result of activities of bandits and kidnappers, called for the rehabilitation of dilapidated schools across the country.
Professor Ihonvbere explained that the Federal government had spent about 375 billion naira on basic education in the last 10 years, noting that Ogun State had access to a 2.7billion naira Universal Basic Education, UBE grant.
Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun said his administration had taken necessary steps to provide adequate security in schools across the state, adding that about 600 schools would be rehabilitated as part of efforts to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for pupils.
Governor Abiodun also said a committee had been put in place to monitor and evaluate projects been executed with UBE grants.
Bolanle Adesida
Authorities of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta have emphasized that they will no longer tolerate incessant attacks on personnel of the hospital by aggrieved patients or their relatives.
Chief Medical Director, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu restated the warning while reacting to the recent assault on medical staff attending to a toddler who died while being treated at the hospital.
The father of the 15 months old child had allegedly attacked the doctor with a chair, beating him up before he was rescued in the incident described as the fourth on the staff of the hospital in recent times.
According to the Hospital’s Head of Public Relations and Information, Mr Segun Orisajo, the child was brought to the Children Emergency Room, CHER, by her parents on Friday 12th March, 2021 at about 8.00pm but she passed on around 12 midnight, barely four hours after arriving the Centre.
Mr. Orisajo stated that all efforts to rescue the baby which was diagnosed with history of severe fever of one month, weight loss of one month, irritability, and loss of head control were unsuccessful.
In his reaction, Professor Musa-Olomu who sympathized with the bereaved family, attributed the loss of the toddler to very late presentation, noting that the medical personnel were humane and professional in their conduct.
The Chief Medical Director said the Hospital would henceforth allow the law to take its course on anyone assaulting or with the intention to assault the medical personnel.
Olusegun Folarin
A two hundred and fifty capacity Information Communication Technology, ICT, laboratory has been inaugurated at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta to aid teaching and learning of the students of the institution.
Inaugurating the TETFUND support project, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu said the initiative was part with the policy thrust of the present administration to equip schools with ICT.
Olusegun Folarin completes the story.
There is the need for government at all levels to preserve mother language by promoting the teaching and learning of the language at the early stage of a child’s life.
This formed the summary of contributions from a cross-section of people who spoke with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta on the occasion of this year’s International Mother Language Day.
Olajumoke Idowu has the rest of the story.
Olajumoke Idowu
Nigerians have been encouraged to cherish their status as true citizens by projecting the country’s values and respecting the rights of one another, even as the nation battles the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges.
Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Sola Babalola made the call in Abeokuta while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the agency’s citizens campaign with the theme, “Building a people of peace: fall in love with Nigeria”.
Staff Reporter, Oluwatoyin Adegoke has the rest of the story.
Oluwatoyin Adegoke
As the world marks the day set aside for neglected tropical diseases, the Ogun State government has trained community mobilisers including teachers to sensitize households on the diseases.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Doctor Tomi Coker made this known in Abeokuta while briefing newsmen on the commemoration of the day by the ministry.
The commissioner stated that eighty per cent of the Ogun State population were at the risk of having onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis while Abeokuta North and Odeda Local Government Areas have the highest prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Nigeria quoting the report of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Doctor Coker who noted that the diseases are preventable and curable stated that the state government would continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure that the people are sensitised to end the neglect of tropical diseases.
Representatives of the supporting partners of the Ogun State Ministry of Health in their various remarks commended the state government on its handling of various interventions in the state.
Six of the seventeen diseases classified as neglected tropical diseases are prevalent in Ogun State which includes Onchocerciasis, Inarun, Lymphatic Filariasis, Iwuse, Schistosomiasis, Atosi Aja, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, Aran Inu, Leprosy, Ete, And Buruli Ulcer, Egbo Adaajina.
Wale Oluokun
National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, is to prosecute operators of six illegal broadcast stations recently shut across the country.
The Director-General of the commission, Professor Armstrong Idachaba made this known in Abeokuta while delivering the fifth-anniversary lecture of a private radio station based in Abeokuta, Sweet F.M.
He stated that illegal operations are being closely monitored and would not be tolerated in the interest of national development.
Professor Idachaba in the lecture entitled private broadcasting; its impact on national development explained that the media in Nigeria is one of the most vibrant in Africa.
He explained that the country currently has four hundred and forty-four (444) radio stations and two hundred and forty-nine (249) television stations with the radio having the highest penetration of ninety-eight point five percent.
Professor Idachaba disclosed that private radio stations have brought multiplicity of choices benefiting the consumers with reduction in price and improving the technology.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale in a remark called for the recruitment of trained journalists and on-air personalities by private radio stations.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, represented by Dr Tope Olaifa stressed the importance of training and retraining of those currently working in private radio and television stations in the interest of national development.
Wale Oluokun
Ogun State government has demolished a three – storey building in Abeokuta, after it failed a structural integrity test to ascertain its durability.
The distressed building had been razed as a result of power surge which occurred at a neighbouring shop in September last year.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Tunji Odunlami said the electronic mall, located at Totoro area of the state capital was pulled down to forestall the loss of lives and property to building collapse.
The commissioner explained that test had shown that the building was not safe for use, hence the need for the demolition.
In an interview, the owner of the Electronic Mall, Mr Emmanuel Olujimi maintained that the state government had done a thorough job after the fire incident, before deciding on the demolition.
He encouraged residents to always observe safety precautions, to reduce the risk of fire outbreak.
The exercise was supervised by the Ogun State Building Production Management Authority, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning, Mr Tunde Olugbewesa and the Acting General Manager of the agency, Aderonke Afolabi.
Olusegun Folarin
Ahead of the January 16th kick-off date of the Nigeria National League, NNL, players and technical team of Gateway United FC have resumed preparation for the forthcoming season after a two-week festive break.
Addressing the players on the training pitch of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Team Manager, Mr Dare Osunsanya implored the players to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Mr Dare restated the government’s determination to support the players with all they required to enable them to succeed in the league.
Also, the Acting General Manager, Mr Niyi Soleye harped on dedication, discipline and commitment as ingredients for success in the forthcoming season. Olusegun Folarin
Ogun State government has promised to create an enabling environment towards ensuring that the state taps from the multiplier effects of sporting activities.
Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the assurance while receiving the officials of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, led by its National President, Mr Amaju Pinnick at the Exco chamber, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun explained that plans had been concluded to inaugurate the Ogun State Sports Commission and Sports Trust Fund in a bid to promote and develop sports in the state.
The governor who described sports as means to reduce youth restiveness and other social vices in the society, reaffirmed his administration’s determination to partner the nation’s football body to encourage football in the state.
Earlier, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Mr Amaju Pinnick, who lauded the governor for his achievements in the last one year, explained that he was in the state to lay the foundation of Sports House which he noted would assist in keeping proper records of footballers in the country.
Bolanle Adesida
Igbeyawo je isopo okunrin ati obinrin ninu eyi ti ireti wa wipe lọkọ laya yoo maa se ọpọlọpọ nkan pọ.
Iku ojo kan naa tọkọtaya odun mejile laadorin nilu Abeokuta laipe yi lomu akoroyin wa Wale Oluokun bo sigboro se wadi lowo awon molebi ati ọjọgbọn awon nka to ro mo oru iku bee.
Abo re ree
Ogun State Executive Council has approved the construction of four roads in Ogun West and Ogun East Senatorial District of the state.
The approval of the roads was part of the efforts of the present administration in the state towards ensuring development in road infrastructure across the state.
A statement in Abeokuta said the executives were guided by the viability and condition of the roads, as well as the socio-economic effects of the deplorable condition of the roads.
The newly approved roads are Oke Ola Road in Imeko, Ibooro-Imasayi-Igan-Okoto-Ayetoro Road, and Ado-Odo-Ikoga road in Ogun West Senatorial District.
Others are Molusi College Road in Ijebu-Igbo as well as Igan Road in Ago Iwoye in Ogun East Senatorial district of the State.
It would be recalled that Ibooro-Imasayi-Igan Okoto-Ayetoro Road had been left unattended to for over 25 years.
Bolanle Adesida
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Lekan Adegbite has held interactive sessions with representatives of the youths across the three Senatorial Districts of Ogun State.
Participants in the sessions held at Ilaro, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta were unanimous in their call on the federal government to address the rising cost of living and tackle unemployment headlong in the interest of the youths.
Olusegun Folarin has the rest of the story.
Olusegun Folarin
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on the people of the state particularly sons and daughters of Egbaland to continue to work together towards building a viable future in the state.
Governor Abiodun made the call at a thanksgiving service to commemorate the 15th Coronation Anniversary of Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo held at Cathedral Church of Saint Peters, Ake, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun who urged sons and daughters of Egbaland to continue to contribute their quota for the development of Egbaland and the state in General, described Oba Gbadebo as a courageous monarch.
He pointed out that the style of ruling of the paramount ruler had attracted progress, development and positive change in Egbaland.
While pointing out that his administration had completed some of the abandoned projects inherited from the last administration, Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that the state government would continue to embark on people-oriented projects across the state.
Bolanle Adesida
The Ogun State Government has called on all residents to be at alert for possible diseases of public health concern which are common during the dry season.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in statement made available in Abeokuta, explained that diseases like Yellow Fever, Measles and particularly Cholera, which is a water and food borne disease, are rampant in the dry season.
According to her, Cholera is characterised by severe vomiting and diarrhea which can cause rapid deterioration of health and death, if not managed in a timely manner.
The commissioner advised residents with symptoms to seek immediate help from the nearest health facility, noting that early case detection and proper management could save lives.
The Commissioner for Health explained that the reported case of the unfortunate demise of two school age children from the same school and same compound due to Gastroenteritis suggests a possible water borne disease, cholera.
Dr. Coker confirmed that the investigation led by herself with officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Abeokuta South Local Government had revealed that the children died of severe case of vomiting and diarrhea and not as a result of deworming exercise which is ongoing in the state.
It would be recalled that two female pupils of Saint James African Church School, Idi Ape, Abeokuta were reported dead.
The deaths had led to the speculation that the deworm drug administered on the children in the school led to the incident.
Wale Oluokun
A petitioner at the ongoing Judicial Panel of Investigation in Ogun State, Mrs Funmi Akinade says her late son, Seyi Akinade committed suicide after losing over seven million naira to forex trading due to his alleged illegal arrest and detention by police officers at Obada-Oko Police Station, Abeokuta.
Mrs Akinade made the allegation at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta venue of the panel sitting while defending her petition.
The petitioner explained that her late son, became depressed and resorted to committing suicide by drinking a poisonous liquid substance confirmed by a medical doctor to be “Sniper” following the raid on his hostel and the subsequent detention.
Also speaking, a friend of the deceased, Mr Damilare Adejoro who was among those arrested, said one Inspector Babajide Adebusuyi and three other officers raided and arrested the seventeen students staying at the hostel and detained them throughout the night.
The witness said while in the police custody, his late friend severally told the officers that he had opened trading business online that would run into loss if not attended to which was ignored.
The landlord of hostel, Mr Olaleye Adejare while testifying confirmed that the police officers collected one hundred and twenty thousand naira before releasing the students.
One of the respondents, Mr Babajide Adebusuyi said the students were arrested on the information that Indian hemp was being taken in the hostel.
Wale Oluokun
The organized labour in Ogun State has urged the state government to begin the process of clearing the outstanding promotion exercise for its workforce.
The State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Akeem Lasisi made the plea at the Arcade Ground, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, when workers in the state organised a rally to express their joy over the payment of new minimum wage in the state.
Our Correspondent, Bolanle Adesida has the details.
Speaking at the event, the State chairman of TUC, Mr Akeem Lasisi urged the state government to meet other demands of workers, including deductions, contributory pension, and state health insurance scheme.
Also, the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, Mr Olarewaju Folorunso, appreciated the governor for ensuring the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers.
In a remark, the State Head of Service, Alhaja Salmot Ottun gave the assurance that the entire workforce would continue to render effective service delivery for the overall development of the state.
Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who said his administration would continue to give priority to the welfare of workers, said plans were on to procure staff buses for the workers.
While urging the civil servants to continue to use their vast experience to add value to government’s policies and programmes, Governor Abiodun stressed the need for them to be more dedicated and diligent in their duties.
Some of the workers who spoke with Radio Nigeria said the reflection of the new minimum wage on their October salary was a pleasant experience.
They promised to reciprocate the gesture with increased productivity and solicited the continued support of the government.
Bolanle Adesida
The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says the existing schedule of classes has not changed in the state.
A statement by the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu in Abeokuta explained that government primary and secondary schools will not resume full school hours until further notice.
The statement hinted that public schools will continue to have their classes in phases to avoid overcrowding and to help curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
The commissioner stated that while the staggered school system would be maintained, an additional hour had been added to the duration of stay in school for the SSS 3 students from noon to four p.m. to prepare them adequately for the 2020/2021 WASSCE.
The primaries one to three and junior secondary schools one to three are to be in school from eight to eleven am, primaries classes for to six and senior secondary schools one to two are to be in school from noon to three pm while senior secondary school three will be in school from 12-4 pm.
Wale Oluokun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration would reconstruct all access roads within and outside tertiary institutions across the state.
The Governor made this known while playing host to members of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, in his Oke-Mosan Abeokuta office.
Governor Abiodun maintained that his administration would continue to make learning environment conducive for students, adding that the state government would give priority to physical infrastructure on campuses.
While explaining that his administration was committed to build hostels for students of state owned tertiary institutions
Through Public, Private Partnership initiative, the Governor said that the state government would set up a criteria to reward excellence among the student leaders.
In a remark the Chairman, NANS Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Bamgbose Tomiwa commended the Governor for initiating a reward system for best graduating students in tertiary institutions and for giving the youths a chance to serve in his administration.
Bolanle Adesida
A judicial panel is to be set up in Ogun State to look into all cases of police brutality against the people.
Governor Dapo Abiodun who announced this in Abeokuta explained that the eight-member panel would be chaired by a reputable retired judge.
Governor Abiodun explained that representatives of the youths, the Civil Society Groups, students and a retired law enforcement officer would also be part of the team, stating that the assignment was expected to be carried out within 6 months.
Governor Abiodun also said a compensation fund would be earmarked to compensate those who had been adversely affected by police brutality in the state.
He maintained that the voice of the protesting youths had been heard and their demands would be met. Bolanle Adesida
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Winner of the 2020 Big Brother Naija, Lockdown Edition, Lekan Agbeleshe, popularly known as Laycon as Youth Ambassador for the state.
Governor Abiodun also presented Laycon with a three-bedroom Bungalow and a cash prize of five million Naira.
The governor who announced this while playing host to the young entertainer at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta said Laycon had demonstrated humility and intellectual prowess despite all the odds and temptations in the Big Brother House.
He commended the ex-housemate for not getting involved in scandals or immoral act while in the house and urged him to inspire the teeming youths in the state to shun vices and invest their energy on positive engagements noting that plans were on to build an entertainment village to nurture talents in the entertainment industry.
Speaking earlier, Laycon who thanked Nigerians, particularly the people of the state for their support while he was in the Big Brother House, and promised to use the privilege given to him to impact positively on the society.
Laycon also commended Governor Abiodun for paying attention to youth empowerment and giving priority to the education sector.
Bolanle Adesida
