Obituary

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

A prominent women leader in Ogun State and the Iyalode of Yoruba land, Chief Alaba Lawson, is dead. 

Aged 72, the first female President of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, died in the early hours of today Saturday, 28th October, 2023 at her private residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

A statement in Abeokuta by the Media Aide to the deceased, Prince Dimeji Kayode – Adedeji indicates that the remains of Chief Lawson who passed on peacefully in her bedroom had been deposited at the mortuary pending the conclusion of burial arrangements by the family.

The late Iyalode of Yorubaland and Egbaland was a school proprietor and past Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY) and Past President, Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce as well Ogun Council of Chambers of Commerce and Past President, Odu’a Chambers of Commerce.

In the meantime, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the death of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson, as a huge loss to the nation.

Governor Abiodun, who said he received the news of the passing of the business magnate, educational entrepreneur and administrator with great shock, noted that the deceased left huge landmarks across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian landscape.

In a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Lekan Adeniran, Governor Abiodun maintained that the late Iyalode Lawson was a model to generations of women and would be remembered for being a blessing to thousands of Nigerians who crossed paths with her.

He emphasized that, though the passing of Chief Alaba Lawson remained a shocking development, the people were consoled by her sterling record of service to humanity and unblemished contributions to the development of the state.

Governor Abiodun commiserated with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Council of chiefs, the Lawson family and the entire nation on her demise and prayed that the Almighty God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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News

By Abimbola Bamgbose

The Executive Governor  of Ogun State Prince dapo Abiodun has pleaded with the national assembly to prevail on the Federal Government to release the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway to the state government for immediate repair

Governor Abiodun who made the plea on Saturday in ilaro informed that his request on the road dated back to the last administration did not yield any positive response stating that the continued holding on to the road by the government at the centre has subjected the people of the state to untold hardship as it is unpassable

Describing the road as important to the state’s economy, he explained that his administration since inception has embarked on massive road reconstruction across the state by ensuring that each Local Government in the state including Ogun West that had been neglected for many years also benefitted trom the scheme 

Governor Abiodun assured the people of Ogun West that all the ongoing road projects in the area, such as Ilaro-Owode Road, would soon be completed, informing that Dangote cement  has commenced work on Sagamu-Obelle road as approved by the federal government 

He added that the recent commissioning of the first phase of Imashayi-Ibooro road in Yewa North Local Government was infulfilment of his promise to the people of the area stating that he has discussed with the minister of works, Dr Dave Umahi for the reconstruction of Abeokuta–Olorunda- Imeko road and Abeokuta–Ilaro road to complement Olorunda-Ibooro Road

While assuring that Ogun West would be given priority under the ISEYA mantra of the current administration, the governor submitted that the area that housed Agbara industrial estate and Ogun Giandom free trade zone accommodated over six hundred industries which according to him gave the state the name industrial hub of the nation 

Commending the people of Yewaland for their support, he assured that the second phase of his administration would be more fruitful to the people of the state as his government would continue to embark on developmental projects.

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Politics

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration has never tampered with Local Government funds.

Governor Abiodun stated this in a statement in Abeokuta while reacting to a letter credited to the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr Wale Adedayo, alleging zero revenue allocation to Local Governments in the State since 2021.

Governor Abiodun said his administration has often had to augment the funds allocated to Local Governments in the State from the Federation Account to enable them to meet their obligations.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration had disbursed funds to all Local Governments periodically for developmental projects.

While explaining that the funds meant for Local Governments in the State were being handled by the constitutionally recognized Joint Account and Allocation Committee ,JAAC, The Governor said that JAAC members always ensure that the third tier of government gets the required allocations for optimal performance.

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News

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as all hands on deck to find solution to the plight of the people.

Governor Abiodun made the plea while speaking with newsmen during two years memorial service of his father, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo.

While pointing out that the removal of subsidy was necessary for social and economic development, Governor Abiodun said the step would make the federal government implement programmes and projects that would make life more comfortable for the people.

He said that his administration would soon launch E-mobility programme which would make transportation more economical and affordable for the people of the State.

In a sermon, the Vicar, St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu -Remo, Reverend Shadrach Ajileye, said that Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun served God and mankind diligently during his lifetime, noting that his death was a great loss not only to the church, but to the society as a whole.

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Energy

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would take advantage of the newly signed electricity bill by establishing a company that would generate and distribute power supply in the State.

Governor Abiodun made this known at Okemosan Abeokuta while receiving participants of the Senior Executive Course 45, Group 1 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that his second term administration would focus on provision of public utilities, which include water and electricity supply.

The Governor also explained that his administration was taking necessary measures to improve security architecture across the State, adding that his government had provided modern security gadgets and improved the welfare of security personnel working in the State.

He also gave the assurance that Airport currently under construction in the State would be opened for commercial activities in the next four months.

Earlier, the team leader and Director of Studies, Professor Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, said the participants were on a week study tour of the State to research on topical issues of national importance.

Professor Para-Mallam acknowledged the achievements made by the present administration in the State in all sectors of the economy.

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News

By Bolanle Adesida

President Bola Tinubu was received by a large turnout of residents and notable dignitaries on his arrival to Ijebu Ode during an official visit to Ogun State. 

Governor Dapo Abiodun led the roll call of top government officials to welcome the president who arrived on a Nigeria Air Force helicopter at about 10. 30 am to a rousing reception at the Dipo Dina International stadium, Ijebu-Ode. 

The Presidential train proceeded to the palace of the Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona for a private meeting.

Oba Adetona who commended President Tinubu for the reforms he had introduced to turn around the country’s fortunes, also called for the support and prayers of all Nigerians to enhance success of the present administration. 

The President who is scheduled to also visit the Ake, Abeokuta palace of the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

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Politics

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised the newly inaugurated members of the 10th State House of Assembly that his administration would operate an open-door policy to all lawmakers regardless of party affiliations, religion, or tribe.

Governor Abiodun gave the assurance at Okemosan Abeokuta while playing host to the newly inaugurated members led by the re-elected Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo.

Governor Abiodun who urged all elective officials to join hands to serve the people of the State, stressed the need for all arms of government to work together for the successful implementation of the vision mapped out by the executive.

The Governor expressed optimism that the 10th Assembly would build on the foundation laid by the 9th Assembly by legislating on issues that would affect the people positively.

Earlier, the Speaker, Mr Oluomo, who Commended the Governor for his support to the House, gave the assurance that the house would work as a team and cooperate with the executive for the peace and development of the State.

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Politics

By Bolanle Adesida

The Independent National Electoral Commission has presented Certificates of Return, CoR, to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, Mrs  Noimot Salako-Oyedele and all the newly elected members of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Speaking at the ceremony, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Ogun, Osun and Ondo Professor Adekunle Ajayi expressed optimism that the lessons learnt during the process of the election would serve as a working document towards ensuring the highest standard of electoral management in the country.

Professor Ajayi gave the assurance that INEC would remain committed to the vision of becoming one of the best electoral management bodies globally.

In his reaction, the Re-elected Governor emphasized that his administration would ensure the seamless delivery of people-oriented programmes and projects to make life more comfortable for the people of the state.

Governor Abiodun urged the people and other contestants in the election to join hands with his government towards ensuring sustainable development across the state.

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Labour

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged public and civil servants in the state to continue to demonstrate more professionalism and dedication to their duties and responsibilities.

Governor Abiodun who stated this at Okemosan Abeokuta during the send-forth reception held in honour of Former Head of service Dr Nofiu Aigoro and six retired  Permanent Secretaries, Said his administration would continue to make the welfare of workers a priority.

Governor Abiodun reiterated that his administration was committed to resolving all outstanding issues, urging the entire workforce to take a cue from the meritorious service of the retired Head of Service and permanent secretaries.

While describing Dr Aigoro as a very calm, deliberate, committed, selfless and dependable administrator, Governor Abiodun also pointed out that the outgone Permanent Secretaries is very resourceful.

He said that his administration would continue to count on the wealth of experience of the former head of service and the permanent secretaries not only for the continued development of the public service but the state in general.

In a remark, the Former Head of service Dr Nofiu Aigoro while appreciating Governor Abiodun for finding him worthy of being the first Medical Doctor to be appointed as the Head of Service, implored civil servants in the state to continue to do their best.

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Security

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration has taken delivery of drones to assist security agencies in the state to track criminals.

Governor Abiodun made this known at Okemosan Abeokuta while receiving the New Commissioner of Police in the state, Frank Mba and the New Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta,  Brigadier-General Mohammed Aminu.

The Governor explained that Ogun in conjunction with Oyo State had established different security points along Lagos-Ibadan expressway to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He also said that police commands in two neighbouring states have been largely responsible for the constant combing of the forest being used by criminals on the axis.

In a remark, the new Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba who commended Governor Abiodun for providing a conducive environment for security agencies to thrive in the state, pointed out that he was in the state to fight crimes and defend the rights of the people of the state.

Also, The New Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery, Brigadier General Mohammed Aminu while commending the Governor for giving priority to security of lives and property, promised that Nigerian Army would continue to defend territorial integrity of the country.

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Politics

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 general elections.


The three-term lawmaker, in a congratulatory message he personally signed and made available to journalists immediately after the official announcement of the former governor of Lagos, hailed the doggedness, sacrifices, maturity, and sense of patriotism demonstrated by the co-contestants
“The majority of APC national delegates backed by a majority of presidential aspirants have spoken with their votes that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has the capacity to defeat PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2023 general elections and create a developed and prosperous Nigeria in the mould of his achievements in the past in Lagos State when he assumes the reins from May 29th, 2023”


“I urge Asiwaju Tinubu to extend hands of fellowship to his co-contestants and their foot soldiers with a view to closing ranks and working for the victory of the party in the 2023 general elections”
“I have absolute confidence in Asiwaju’s long years of experience in the democratic space and I know he has all it takes to galvanize the entire membership of the party into a formidable force that will ensure victory for our party in 2023 and beyond”
“I assure Asiwaju of my personal commitment as well as the cooperation of the entire members of APC in Oyo State with his presidential project”.

Similarly, an All Progressive Congress APC, party Chieftain in Osun State, Oluomo Sunday Akere has described the victory of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the party’s Presidential flagbearer come 2023 General Election, as a well-deserved victory.

Oluomo Akere stated this in an interview with Gold FM in Osogbo, Osun State.

He said Asiwaju Tinubu is a thorough progressive and democrat who has sacrificed a lot for the sustainability of the Nation’s Democracy and the All Progressive Party, APC. 

Oluomo Akere called on other contestants to see his victory as a triumph for all and embrace the winner so as to work together as a team for the APC to win the Presidential Election come 2023.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters congratulated Asiwaju Tinubu on behalf of the state government led by Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola urging Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion to give him maximum support to lead the Nation to the promised land.

Likewise, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says emergence of Senator Bola Tinubu as the presidential flag-bearer of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the 2023 general election is a good omen for the party and the country as a whole.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said Senator Tinubu’s victory showed his level of deep interactions and acceptance not only within the ruling APC but across the country.

While congratulating Senator Tinubu for clinching the APC  Presidential ticket, Governor Abiodun noted that Tinubu’s extensive  political experience and understanding of national politics would help the party in 2023 general election.

The Governor  commended Senator Tinubu’s tenacity, courage and resilience, expressing confidence that Senator Tinubu would further deepen the Nation’s democratic  and good governance that would enhance the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians. 

He also commended other aspirants for their remarkable sportsmanship, adding that leadership and members of the APC should be united with a view to ensuring victory in 2023 general  election.

Oluwakayode Banjo/Mojisola Oladele/ Bolanle Adesida