Human Angle

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The African Church Primate, the Most Reverend Julius Abbe says wealthy individuals should care more about the plight of the less privileged.

The Most Reverend Abbe stated this at the funeral service of Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson held at the Cathedral of St James African Church, Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

The Most Reverend Abbe described the late Alaba Lawson as not just a reputable industrialist but also a well-known philanthropist, pointing out that her death had left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. 

The clergyman, who said Chief Alaba Lawson’s stride was worth emulating, appealed to those occupying positions of authority to urgently alleviate the untold hardship endured by the people, following the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. 

In a remark during the service, Governor Dapo Abiodun promised that the state government would do the needful to sustain the legacy of the late Iyalode of Yorubaland.

Some of the dignitaries at the event including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senator Ibikunle Amosun encouraged the deceased family to take solace in the fact that the late Chief Alaba Lawson made laudable impacts on humanity during her seventy-two years on earth. 

Representatives of the Oyo Alaafin and Ife traditional councils and other notable Nigerians including the juju music icon, Chief Ebenezer Obey – Fabiyi and Ambassador Sarafa Ishola also witnessed the service. 

The remains of Chief Lawson who died on October 28 were later committed to Mother Earth at a restricted ceremony witnessed by close relatives. 

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Lifestyle

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the death of 

a former Justice at the International Court of Justice and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola as saddening, devastating and the end of an era.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, the Governor said the death of the legal icon was a big loss to the judiciary.

Governor Abiodun said that Prince Ajibola’s legacies in the judiciary; philanthropy and the educational development of the country would never be forgotten.

He also described Prince Ajibola as an illustrious son of Ogun State, a celebrated jurist and judicial activist, public intellectual and elder statesman.

While commiserating with President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the nation’s judiciary and the family of the late former Attorney General, Governor Abiodun urged them to be consoled by the fact that the deceased served God and humanity selflessly and fervently during his lifetime.

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Politics

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has been reelected for a second term of four years.

Abiodun is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Abiodun as the winner of the governorship election on Sunday.

Meanwhile, before Abiodun was announced as the winner of the poll, PDP collation agent, Sunkanmi Oyejide, cautioned the electoral umpire declaring the winner for the election.

Oyejide said the INEC should consider a clause in the Electoral Act (amended) that orders the commission to declare a rerun in the case of total rejected votes outnumbered the lead margin.

This was raised shortly after the Sagamu collation officer, Prof. Oluwagboyega Afolabi, presented the scores of the political parties in the council.

Afolabi had said that 15 polling units were canceled as a result of violence during the governorship election on Saturday .

The PDP agent however raised an observation against further submission of the copy of the results.

Oyejide said no fewer than 33,750 voters in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, Ijebu-North and Ogunwaterside asking the commission to look into it.

He added that his party has a petition for the commission.

While raising the objection, Yejide said, “The electoral act 2022, Section 24 Sub-Section three says where an election has commenced and there is reason to believe that there is or has been substantial destruction of election in a polling unit or constituency or it is impossible to continue with the election, occasioned by the threat to peace and security of electoral officials and materials.

“Electoral officials and materials should be underlined in the case of Remo where BVAS did not function and I argued it out. The commission shall suspend the election and appoint another date for the continuation of the election or the process.

“Secondly, if we invoke the principle of lead of margin enshrine in the electoral act 2022, the rejected votes according to results submitted to local government by local government are far higher than the lead of margin.

“This just to inform you when you are through with your final collation and what happened is found to be true that you will know that the election shall be inconclusive and a rerun should be ordered where necessary.”

The petition, a copy obtained by our correspondent, titled “petition against deliberate disenfranchisement of a large number of voters in some local governments of Ogun state” dated March 18, 2023, was addressed to INEC National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

The petition reads “We write to remind your authority of the above-mentioned issue.

“You will recall that the Commission is aware of the level of thuggery planned and orchestrated by the All Progressive Congress to unleash mayhem in some polling units across the state to destabilise innocent voters from freely exercising their voting rights as a result of planned and well-executed action.

“We are aware that the principle of margin of lead as established by the Commission in Section 24(3) is in effect, affected by the inability of the population greater than the reflected lead between the assumed winner of the election and the runner-up. Therefore, a re-run in appropriate to address this injustice.

“We, therefore, implore the Commission to evoke this principle and declare this election inconclusive.”

Reacting to the protest, the returning officer, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the complaints have already been locoed into.

Adebowale said, “I have tried to check our records and I want to say that everything he said is at variance with what we have as records
“But, if it is found to be incorrect. INEC has seven days to review its decision.”

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

News

By Bolanle Adesida

Following the protests that rocked Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital yesterday over cash scarcity, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on the protesters to stop their protests and allow the outcome of his engagement with the Bankers Forum and the Central Bank to yield positive results.

Governor Abiodun made the call during the Statutory meeting of the Council of Obas, held at the Oba’s complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, 

appealed to the protesters to exercise patience.

While pointing out that, the Central Bank of Nigeria was taking steps to address the situation, the Governor said the voices of the protesters had been heard loud and clear.

Governor Abiodun said it was disheartening to see bank buildings being vandalized and people resorting to violence to register their displeasure.

In a remark, the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi commended the Governor for promoting peace and giving priority to the welfare of the people as well as traditional institution in the state.

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Environment

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated 2.1 kilometres Esure road in Ijebu-Mushin, Ijebu East Local Government area of the state.

Speaking at the ceremony which was part of his campaign tour to the local government, Governor Abiodun called on the people of the area to take ownership of the project.

Governor Abiodun said that, light-up-the-rural-areas project of his administration would soon commence with the distribution of electricity transformers and solar system.

He also urged people of the state to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards before distribution deadline and elect competent leaders during the forthcoming general election.

In a remark, the Chairman, Ijebu East Local Government Area, Chief Wale Adedayo, who commended Governor Abiodun for reconstructing the road, urged the him to construct access road in Yemoji area.

Earlier, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Akin Adesanya said, construction of the road was part of present administration’s inclusive policies to ensure that all parts of the state benefit from developmental projects.

Bolanle Adesida

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Security

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called for the remembrance of the nation’s fallen heroes not only during the Armed Forces Day celebration.

The governor who made the call at the special Jumat service to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at Kobiti Central Mosque, Abeokuta stated that fallen heroes played crucial roles in protecting the integrity and safety of the citizens.

Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele acknowledged the huge sacrifice made by service men and women for the sovereignty of the country must be remembered at all times and not only during the annual Armed Forces Day celebration.

The governor called on the citizens to embrace peace and unity for national development.

Governor Abiodun assured the people of the state that his government would continue to work with the security agencies for the enhanced security architecture of the state.

He also advised Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming general elections.

Wale Oluokun

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Economy

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says about 40 thousand new jobs have been generated by his administration with the injection of thirty-six new investment portfolios into the state’s economy. 

Governor Abiodun, who made this known in Abeokuta at the inauguration of the State Investment and Facilitation Agency, said the worth of the new investments was above One billion dollars. 

Governor Abiodun, who doubles as the Agency’s Board Chairman, gave the assurance that the move would attract more local and foreign investors and urged the members to regard their appointment as a call to selfless service. 

The Governor also announced that his government would soon begin the construction of the Special Agro Processing Zone.

In a remark, the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo pointed out that the mandate of the board was to project the state as a preferred investment destination of choice.

Bolanle Adesida

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Transportation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sympathized with the victims of the petrol tanker explosion at Matogun, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun described the tanker explosion that razed about ten houses and shops as unfortunate.

While thanking God that no life was lost in the explosion, the Governor expressed grief at the level of destruction of people’s property.

Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that work would be expedited on the rehabilitation of the Ijoko-Alagbole-Lambe-Akute road in order to forestall the recurrence of such incidents and to make the life of the people in the axis more comfortable.

The Governor also promised that palliative assistance would be rendered to those who lost their property to the inferno.

Bolanle Adesida

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Crime

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has condemned the murder of a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Miss Happiness Odeh by suspected kidnappers.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun who described the killing of the student as barbaric and wicked said the Government would do everything within the law to ensure that the killers were brought to book. 

The Governor said that the police and other security agencies in the state had been issued the marching order to fish out the perpetrators of the devilish act, noting that his administration was committed to providing adequate security for the lives and property of the people. 

While commiserating with the family of the late student, Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that those responsible for the murder of the promising lady would be made to face the wrath of the law.

The late Happiness Odeh, an ND two Mass Communication student of MAPOLY and recent winner of the Polytechnic’s beauty pageant 

was reportedly abducted along Iperu Remo road on her way to a movie location at Ipara-Remo, while the corpse was allegedly discovered where it was dumped in the bush. 

Bolanle Adesida

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Education

Members of Ogun Teach Interns have promised to discharge their duties effectively towards improving the standard of education in the state.

Speaking on behalf of Ogun Teach Interns who paid a thank-you visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun at Oke Mosan Abeokuta,  

Mrs Folake Oyegunle commended the governor for providing jobs for them after many years of being redundant.

Mrs Oyegunle gave the assurance that the Interns would work assiduously 

for the development of the education sector and the realization of the objectives of Ogun Teach scheme.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, promised that his administration would engage more Ogun Teach Interns.

While giving the assurance that his administration would not use and dump the interns, Governor Abiodun urged them to be diligent and committed to duty as the confirmation of their employment would be based on their performance and merit.

In a remark, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, who said the education sector had faced manpower challenges for many years, explained that the interns were employed based on the principle of transparency and equity.

Bolanle Adesida

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Politics


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the winner of the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State, Biodun Oyenbamji, of the All Progressives Congress APC.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said the victory clearly indicated that the outgoing Governor, Kayode Fayemi, had performed in office to the admiration of the people of Ekiti State.

While pointing out  that people had spoken through the ballot, Governor Abiodun commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, for conducting a free and fair governorship poll.

The Governor equally commended the security agencies for ensuring a violence-free poll despite the pre-election fear of chaos.

He also urged the Governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory for overall development of Ekiti state.

Bolanle Adesida

Transportation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated three Kilometers Panseke /Adigbe / Opako road in Abeokuta with a promise that his administration would intensify efforts towards ensuring construction of other major roads in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Abiodun said construction of the three Kilometers road was an added advantage to the transport master plan of his administration.

The Governor said his administration had constructed over 400 Kilometers roads across the state and called on the residents of Abeokuta to take ownership of the newly inaugurated road.

While pointing out that Sagamu/ Ogijo/ Ikorodu road would soon be completed, Governor Abiodun said Abeokuta / Ifo / Sango road was also receiving priority consideration by the Federal Ministry of Works.

In a remark, The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo represented by Osi Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha commended the state government for embarking on developmental projects that would enhance economic activities and make life more comfortable for the people of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians in the state to pray for Ogun state and Nigeria during this Easter celebration. 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said Jesus had made greatest sacrifice and his resurrection should serve as an assurance that the country would surmount its present challenges.
While calling on Christians to see the Easter period as not only for celebration of triumph of Christ over death, but a period of sober reflection, particularly, at this moment the nation was facing insecurity and economic downturn, the Governor urged them to celebrate moderately.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that the greater love had been demonstrated to mankind by Jesus who  died to give life to the world, nothing that Easter celebration renews hope in mankind.
He also urged Christians to be their brothers’ keepers,  saying that the essence of the celebration was to show love and be good neighbours.
Bolanle Adesida

Economy News

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has released two billion Naira to offset part of Global Cooperative deductions of workers.

Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Ogun State branch, Mr Akeem Lasisi announced this while speaking with newsmen shortly after a meeting between the leadership of organized Labour, Pensioners’ Union and the state Governor.

While explaining that Governor Abiodun had promised to settle the rest of the deductions by releasing one billion nairas quarterly, Mr Lasisi said the Governor had also released another 1 billion Naira for state and local government pensioners’ gratuities.

Mr Lasisi also explained that the Governor had promised that promotion letters for 2O18 would be fully implemented in January 2022, while promotion entitlements for 2019 and 2020 would commence in March and June respectively.

Also speaking, the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Chief Waidi Oloyede, commended the State Governor for his efforts in addressing the plight of pensioners.

In a remark, the State Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and Chairman Joint Negotiations Committee, Mr Isa Olude, called for a commitment on the part of the parties involved to build trust and avoid misunderstanding.

Bolanle Adesida

Agriculture

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has solicited the collaboration of well meaning individuals and organisations in the efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition in the Country.
Governor Abiodun who made the appeal at a ceremony to commemorate World Food Day, held at the Arcade ground, Oke Mosan Abeokuta maintained that ensuring food sufficiency remained a global challenge.

The Governor, who said the theme for this year’s celebration “Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together” , was appropriate to the country’s peculiar circumstances, lamented that many people could not afford one meal in a day.

He promised that enhancing the availability of safe food would continue to be an essential part of his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for the poor and vulnerable groups. 
While explaining that his adminstration had facilitated CBN’s credit facilities to over 10,000 farmers across the State, the governor urged all stakeholders to ensure the provision of wholesome food to nourish and sustain the people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina  said that  the state Governor had  introduced reforms for improved access to land to ease Agricultural Business in the State.
Dr Odedina explained that as part of plans to confront the challenges in the Agriculture sector, the present administration had cleared 2500 hectares of land for 1, 065 young cassava farmers in the state. 

Bolanle Adesida