Politics

Tinubu Hails INEC, as Abiodun Congratulates Soludo

By Web News 348

By Abimbola Bamgbose/Adebukola Aluko

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election, calling the result “an affirmation of visionary leadership” and promising closer federal–state collaboration with Anambra.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Soludo the winner of Saturday’s off-cycle poll after he swept all 21 Local Government areas.

In a statement signed and released on Sunday, Tinubu praised voters, security agencies and INEC for a peaceful exercise and urged the governor to be “magnanimous in victory.”

He also commended the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan and charged the commission to sustain higher standards in future polls.

The overwhelming victory he recorded in Saturday’s poll has now made him the third governor in the state’s political history to win a second term.

He wrote, “I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.”

“Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.

Tinubu reminisced on his visit to Anambra State in May, where he inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration.

Assuring Soludo of his support, the President urged the former Central Bank Chief to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in the just-concluded elections.

He stated, “I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support, and I look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government.

Tinubu also thanked the new INEC Chairman, Amupitan, and his team for conducting what, according to him, observers have described as a credible election, “based on the reports I have received thus far.”

“I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system,” said Tinubu.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Governor  Soludo of Anambra State on his re-election.

Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, won the election with 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC, who polled 99,445 votes.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun said the result reflected the confidence of the people of Anambra in Soludo’s leadership.

He urged the re-elected governor to sustain his development agenda and continue to promote unity across political lines, while commending his cordial working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Tourism

Tourism: Gov. Abiodun Seeks Partnership with Stakeholders

By Web News 427

By Olusegun Folarin 

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called on key players in the tourism sector to partner the government in  preserving, promoting, and globalizing the state’s cultural treasures.

Governor Abiodun made the call at a symposium organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to commemorate the 2025 World Tourism Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with the  theme “Tourism and Sustainable development’

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele said the tourism sector had the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. 

He noted that his administration had taken bold steps to reposition the state as a leading destination for cultural and creative tourism, especially with the signing of a landmark MOU with the federal government to establish the Renewed Hope Cultural Village.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that the celebration of World Tourism Day in Ogun state highlighted the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, cultural preservation, and social connection. 

In a lecture entitled “sustainable Tourism for a better Future” the Unifecs Programme Coordinator, Obafemi Awolowo University, Sango Ota Study Centre, Dr Harrison Edo stressed the need for the relevant stakeholders to support efforts of government to develop the tourism sector.

Dr Harrison expressed optimism that with the right investments and partnerships, Nigeria’s tourist centers could be transformed into world-class destinations, attracting visitors from around the world and promoting economic development.

Chairman, Ogun State House Committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Segun Kaka restated the commitment of the lawmakers to support efforts geared towards the preservation, protecting and promoting of the nation’s tourism sector through appropriate legislation.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Sesan Fagbayi reaffirmed the determination of government to improve infrastructure, safety, and amenities at tourist sites to attract more visitors and boost local economies.

Transportation

Ogun Govt. Inaugurates Awokoya, Igbeba-Yidi Road

By Web News 283

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said his administration has completed 16 out of the 22 road projects it has embarked upon in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area since its inception six years ago.

The governor disclosed this in Ijebu-Ode at the inauguration of the Awokoya, Igbeba-Yidi Road.

He said his government took an interest in the roads because of their importance to the socio-economic life of the people and to stop the yearly loss of lives, particularly on the Yidi Road.

The governor, who reiterated his commitment to the fair and equitable distribution of developmental projects in all sections of the state, noted that as the state helmsman, his job was to ensure all-round development of the state.

He said that with the recent hosting of the National Sports Festival, the state has grown from being the industrial capital, the education capital, and the sports capital to become the cultural capital of Nigeria, attributing this to the ‘can-do’ spirit of the people of the state.

While assuring the people of Ijebuland that this year’s Ojude Oba Festival would be eventful, Governor Abiodun stated that his administration has elevated it to international standards.

Former Deputy Governor of the state,  Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, in her goodwill message, said the road had been in very bad shape over the years, causing motorists to undergo traumatic experiences. She appreciated the governor for coming to their rescue, adding that he has carried out many infrastructural developments in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

The member representing Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbamwo, noted that six years of Governor Abiodun’s administration have brought tremendous socio-economic development to Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State, saying the road project was an indication that the present administration is people-oriented.

The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, lauded the governor for the even distribution of projects across the state, which he said was unprecedented, and commended him for being good to the state workers.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya noted that the roads were in a deplorable condition and prone to flooding, stating that with their reconstruction, residents of the area would heave a sigh of relief.

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Agriculture

Ogun Awaits Launch of World Largest Cotton, Polyester Facility

By Web News 140

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon perform the groundbreaking ceremony for what is set to become the world’s largest cotton and polyester processing facility.

The factory will be located within the Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan, Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun made this known while receiving the former Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, along with members of the Iperu Development Association at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to the governor, the project which is part of the “Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative”, will cover 400 hectares of land and is projected to create daily employment for approximately 250,000 individuals.

Governor Abiodun described the project as transformative, noting that it would significantly impact the economic landscape of Iperu, Remoland, Ijebuland, and the entire Ogun State.

In addition to the industrial initiative, the Nigerian Air Force , NAF, is also planning to establish a base in Iperu to bolster security around the airport and surrounding communities.

Highlighting other developmental efforts, Abiodun mentioned the rehabilitation of township roads, the renovation of public schools and primary healthcare centres, and the establishment of a mother-and-child hospital in the town.

Commending Mrs. Madein for her distinguished service, Governor Abiodun described her as a role model who rose through humble beginning in Iperu to serve the nation with integrity, and praised her for facilitating several projects in the town, including a women’s empowerment center, a mini stadium, and an erosion control initiative.

“You have made Ogun State proud. Your life’s journey from your education in Iperu and Abeokuta, through your work at OPIC, to the federal level is a testament to hard work, discipline, and focus. You are a shining example for all, especially women,” he said.

In her remarks, Mrs. Madein thanked the governor for his support during her tenure and for creating an enabling environment that has attracted investments to the state.

She noted that her visit was to report on her stewardship and reaffirm her contributions to National and State development.

The Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman Salami, also expressed appreciation for the development strides in Iperu, noting that the town has evolved from a rural settlement into a thriving urban center.

Economy

Gov. Abiodun Seeks Approval Of N83.5Billion Loan From Budget Committee

By Web News 737

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sought the speedy approval of the N83.5 billion loan requested from the 1.68 percent Development of Natural Resources Fund from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

Governor Abiodun stated this in Oke Mosan Abeokuta while playing host to members of Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee of
Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission,
led by its chairman, Alhaji Adamu Dibal.

Governor Abiodun who said if approved the loan would be used to boost agriculture and tourism, pointed out
that the release of the fund would help to diversify the state’s economy as well as complete the ongoing construction of the Agro Cargo Airport.

He also noted that Ogun has abundant mineral resources including limestone and granite, saying part of the fund would be used to address the problem of environmental degradation arising from the mining sites to ensure the safety of the residents.

Ealier, the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Adamu Dibal explained that the fund would assit all tiers of government in diversifying their economy base towards creating alternative sources of revenue and reducing dependence on oil revenues.

Bolanle Adesida