Economy

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, seeks the support of faith-based organisations, wealthy Nigerians, and the private sector in tackling poverty across the country, alongside the government.

Governor Abiodun made the call in Lagos at the Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church.

According to the governor, poverty is not just about figures, but a daily reality for millions of Nigerians, hence the need for a united front, stressing that education, vocational training, micro-financing, and mentorship were vital to alleviate people from poverty, while churches could also help in promoting discipline, integrity, and accountability.

Prince Abiodun explained that, his administration has rolled out several empowerment programmes for women, farmers, and youths, as well as free health services for the vulnerable, to ease the economic hardship.

In his contribution, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor Sam Aboyeji, who said the lecture was designed to provide solutions to national challenges, commended Governor Abiodun for his strides in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and youth empowerment.

Guest lecturer, Dr Doyin Salami, a former Economic Adviser, noted that, Nigeria must move from “soft reforms” to “hard reforms” if the economy was to grow like China’s.

He called for investment in electricity, education, health, and human capital, and even suggested a seven-year tenure for elected officials to allow for proper governance.

The lecture, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development, and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” drew leaders from government, the church, and the private sector, all united by the call to defeat poverty and secure Nigeria’s future.

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Sport

By Wuraola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Tunde Onakoya, who holds Guinness world record for the longest marathon chess game, as youth and sports ambassador of the state.

The governor also promised that the game of chess would be given priority during the forthcoming 2024 National Sports Festival, NSF, taking place in the state

Governor Abiodun, who let this out while playing host to the chess Guinness world record holder at Okemosan, Abeokuta said the state government would put the necessary machinery in place towards the promotion of the game by supporting Tunde Onakoya’s chess foundation and also set up chess competition right from the local government to the state level in order to encourage youth participation 

Commending the parent of Tunde Onakoya for giving him the rightful upbringing, the state helmsman urged the youths to emulate the resilience, perseverance, and dedication demonstrated by the world chess champion as they forge ahead in life 

Earlier, Mr Tunde Onakoya in a remark applauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for honouring him, stating that he would use his position as the world renowned chess player to institute various programs to promote the game among the youths in Ogun state and the nation at large

Mr Tunde Onakoya on April 17, embarked on a vision to break the world record aimed at empowering the illiterate children across Africa through his feat which he successfully achieved on April 20 at Times Square in New York City, United States of America by playing for sixty hours non-stop and won all the games

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Environment

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

State governments have been urged to align with the Federal government’s stand on the ban of single use plastic to ensure circular economy waste. 

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Isiaq Salako made the call at a Chemical Handlers And Users’ Workshop, held in Abeokuta, with the theme: Chemical And Waste Management Circular Solutions For A Sustainable Economy. 

Dr Salako affirmed that recycling waste as a resource for manufacturing new materials and products, through the circular economy waste initiative, would guarantee sustainable environment. 

The Minister who emphasized that the single use of plastic would soon be banned across the Federal government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies,  said the move would enhance the protection of people’s health against hazards.

In a message,  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun  said all companies and individuals with storage facilities for chemical had been directed to register with the State Environmental Protection Agency for effective monitoring, tracking, evaluation and management of such industrial wastes. 

Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako -Oyedele, Governor Abiodun renewed his administration’s commitment to excellent environmental governance and sustainable economy, promising to take proactive measures in the management of chemicals and wastes. 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya had expressed the government’s bid for environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, adding that the workshop would address challenges posed by chemicals and wastes in  evolving landscape.

Dr Oresanya explained that chemical wastes usually remained in the air, waterways, and land, thereby exerting hazardous effects on the citizens.

Environment

By Abimbola Bamgbose

An end is about to come to the hardship motorists go through on the Lagos- Ota-Abeokuta Expressway.

This is as the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised to commence the constitution of the road soon

The governor also disclosed that the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, powered Mass Transit Buses would be launched next week Monday, 30th October.

Speaking at this year’s Odun Omo Owu celebration with the theme “A New Dawn” held at Oba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun equally said his administration had commenced the construction of a Dry Port at Kajola whose multiplying effects would further open up the State for investments.

Governor Abiodun who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, said the conversation of the mass buses to CNG, was part of the palliative measures taken to lessen the effects of fuel subsidy removal, saying Ogun State was the first in the country to record such achievement.

While highlighting the creation of the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency, OGUNIPA, and the establishment of the Ogun State Business Environment Council OGBEC, as some of the steps taken to boost investments and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, Governor Abiodun declared that the State is the third in Internally Generated Revenue and the third largest economy in the country.

The governor who described the theme of the festival as apt, said the nation has witnessed a new dawn with the recent judgement of the Supreme Court that reaffirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the nation would soon take her rightful position in the comity of nations as a result of the various policies introduced to reshaping the nation’s economy.

Abiodun who described the Odun Omo Owu celebration as a veritable platform to showcase the rich culture of the Owu people, noted that in Yoruba history, they have demonstrated bravery, strength of character and cognitive capacity, adding that the kingdom has produced notable Nigerians who have made meaningful impact locally and internationally 

In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, commended Governor Abiodun for his love for culture and tradition, calling for the quick resolution of conflicts amongst sons and daughters of Owu for the rapid development of Egbaland, Ogun State and the country as a whole.

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has promised that those who lost in the recent All Progressives Congress APC primary elections would be duly compensated for their show of sportsmanship.

Governor Abiodun made the promise at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, while addressing members of the state executives of the party, some party faithful and state executive members to commemorate his 62nd birthday and third year in office.

Governor Abiodun who appealed to them to remain calm and take the outcome of the elections in good spirit, said he had contested and lost in many elections while seeking political office, adding that there were no winners or losers in the recent APC primary elections.

He also maintained that, there was need to appreciate those who  support the party, while those that have lost their lives should also be remembered.

While acknowledging the contributions of the state executive members, and his staff, Governor Abiodun urged them not to relent, but work harder  for overall development of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has officially declared his intention to run for a second term in office.

Governor Abiodun made this known at his Oke Mosan Abeokuta office when he was presented with the 2023 Governorship nomination and expression of interest forms by a political group. 

Governor Abiodun, who also nominated his deputy Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele as his running mate expressed appreciation to all the members of the political group for the gesture and promised to reciprocate by performing excellently, diligently and serving meritoriously.

The Governor said his administration had made significant impact on the lives of the people of the state, noting that, the gesture would inspire him to do more.

Earlier, the leader of the group and Special Adviser to the Governor on political matters, Mr Biyi Adeleye, had explained that the group’s decision to support the second term bid of Governor Abiodun was based on the fact that his administration had taken giant strides in  ensuring overall development across the state.

Mr Adeleye pointed out that performance of the Governor and the desire to see him complete his good works, led to the purchase of the form by his group.

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Environment

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in Ogun State on a working visit

On arrival, the President performed the inauguration of the Ijebu/Ode-Mojoda-Epe Expressway amidst tight security.

According to our correspondent, the highway had been closed to traffic and guarded by the heavy presence of Men and officers of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other paramilitary agencies.

An array of dignitaries, including Royal fathers, Political leaders, government functionaries, captains of industries and religious leaders are also present to grace the occasion..

School pupils and representatives of various organizations and interest groups as well as community development associations are also on the ground for the epoch-making event. . Popular musicians and entertainers are also dishing it out to the admiration of the people.

Details as events unfold.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has nominated Mr Oluwasina  Ogungbade as the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Kunle Somorin says Mr. Ogungbade a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, hails from Abeokuta North Local Government area of the state and studied Law at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State. 

The statement shows that Mr Ogungbade had appeared as lead counsel in over 50 appeals decided at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria and was a counsel for Nigeria at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Dispute.

It adds that the Commissioner Designate will soon appear before the State House of Assembly for the statutory screening and confirmation.

Bolanle Adesida.

News

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that the contractor handling the Lagos-Ibadan expressway would be held accountable for his failure to provide safety signs on the road which had in recent times led to the preventable loss of lives on the highway.

Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of tanker inferno that claimed five lives 

at Ogere toll gate.

Governor Abiodun who said that safety measures were not in place on the expressway, called on the contractor handling the project to expedite action in doing the needful.

He commended the Federal Road Safety Corps and the fire service for their efforts while calling on people in the area to stay away from the scene of the accident as arrangements were being made to transship the petroleum products from the affected truck to another truck.

While commiserating with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the inferno, Governor Abiodun urged the motorists passing through the expressway to drive responsibly.

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Education

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has rewarded Miss Joy Adesina, who emerged the best graduating student from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, with a house, a sum of five million naira and a scholarship for further studies.

Governor Abiodun, who made this known at the reception organized in honour of Miss Adesina, an indigene of Ogun State, noted that the medical scholarship would be for her residency at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to recognize and honour exceptional indigenes of Ogun State, who through a dint of hard work attained academic excellence and are found worthy both in character and innovation.

He advised the awardee to put her intellectual prowess into research and scholarship and expressed optimism that Miss Adesina might be Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Medicine.

While calling on the private sector to collaborate with the state government through its Public-Private Partnership, PPP, programme to reposition education in the state, the governor promised that his administration would continue to appreciate and reward positive enterprises and achievements by sons and daughters of the state, especially the youths. 

Responding, the honouree appreciated the gestures extended to her by the state and thanked her parents for their love and support to achieve the feat at the medical school with a promise to make good use of the opportunity.

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Environment

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that the sum of N13bn would be needed to fix the deplorable condition of Sango Ota axis of Lagos Abeokuta road.

Governor Abiodun made this known in Oke Mosan Abeokuta at a virtual Town hall meeting on 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2022 Budget for Ogun West Senatorial District.  

While noting that Ogun west was an industrial capital of the Country, Governor Abiodun said his administration was taking necessary steps to alleviate the sufferings of Motorists passing through Sango Ota axis of Lagos Abeokuta road.

Governor Abiodun also pointed out that 50 units of houses were being built in Ilaro and 130 units in Sango-Ota for medium-income earners, saying a TechHub would be set up in Ota, while a befitting Library would be constructed to cater for the teeming populace in Ota.

In a remark, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, who decried the slow pace of work on the ongoing construction of Owode – Ilaro road, urged the government to find a solution to the abandoned Ilaro – Ijoun – Ilara Road

Also, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege while calling for an upgrade of Gateway Institute of Technology to a University, said there was a need for the government to intensity efforts on a housing scheme in Ota towards reducing the housing deficit in the town.

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Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun State has congratulated former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on his appointment as the High Representative of the African Union in the Horn of Africa.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun said the new appointment was another milestone in the life of the former President.

While expressing confidence that Chief Obasanjo would excel in his latest assignment, Governor Abiodun stressed that the countries in the Horn of Africa, particularly in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan, would experience political stability and peace.

He said that the new appointment of Chief Obasanjo had further proved that the state is blessed with people with leadership traits and integrity.

The Governor who said that Chief Obasanjo would bring his wealth of leadership experience into his new assignment, prayed to God to give the former President good health to excel in his appointment as High Representative of the AU.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun says, his late Father Pa Emmanuel Abiodun  asked him to respect the civil servants and pay pensioners regularly.

Governor Abiodun stated this while receiving traditional rulers, leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students  and other prominent personalities who paid him a condolence visit in Iperu Remo. 

Governor Abiodun said his  Father told him to  pay workers’ salaries on time, treat teachers well, and be faithful to the oath of office.

While pointing out that his late father was a humble man who lived for his family and community, Governor Abiodun  urged the people of the state to live a humble life and serve humanity.

Earlier, the Akarigbo of Remoland Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said that late Pa Abiodun was an astute administrator and a great teacher who impacted positive values in the lives of younger ones.

Bolanle Adesida

News Transportation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed displeasure over the deplorable condition of Sango Idi Iroko road and Lagos Abeokuta express way.

Governor Abiodun who stated this while inspecting Joju road in Sango, urged the Federal Government to transfer the roads to the state government for urgent reconstruction.

Governor Abiodun said that his administration would soon complete Joju road which would serve as a major  bypass to the motorists passing through Lagos Abeokuta  road, and Sango Idiroko road.

While expressing satisfaction with the level and quality of work done on Joju road, Governor Abiodun said reconstruction of the road would alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The Governor who also visited Primary Health Centre  Obada Oko, in Ewekoro local government area of the state, said all equipment that would make the  Centre more functional would be provided for effective health care service delivery.

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Politics

Ogun State is to benefit from ten thousand housing units from the Federal government as part of efforts to improve the living standard of people in the state.


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known while inaugurating the first phase of the Kemta Idi-Aba Housing Estate, said the gesture would complement his administration’s efforts to reduce housing deficit in the state.


Governor Abiodun also gave the assurance that the second phase of the housing project would be completed in few weeks and expressed optimism that 2,500 housing units would be completed before the end of his tenure.


The Governor also pointed out that the access road through Kemta-Ilugun-Somorin, which would serve as a bypass to Asero- Obantoko road would be completed within eight months.


Earlier, the State Commissioner for housing Mr Jagunmolu Omoniyi had commended Governor Abiodun for the project, adding that his ministry adopted direct labour in executing the housing project as part of efforts to create jobs for the youths in the state.

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Education

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration will continue to embark on programmes and polices that will give  children opportunity  to optimally realize their creative and productive potential.
Governor Abiodun who gave the assurance at this year’s Children’s Day Celebration, held at  MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta,  also said his administration had mapped out a blueprint that would improve  Socio-Economic development of all demographic groups across the state.
While pointing out that  his administration had  rehabilitated over 700 schools, Governor Abiodun said his administration would continue to provide conducive learning  environment for  children in the state.
He also promised that his administration would  provide the needed support for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian affairs, disaster management and Social development in its school feeding programme  for public schools in the state.
The Governor who also awarded scholarship to Precious Oyibo a  student of Nawardeen Grammar School Obatonko Abeokuta who recited a poem during the Celebration, said that his administration would continue to support brilliant students in the state. 
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Security

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appealed to the youths and #EndSARS demonstrators in the state to be civil in their conduct and support the planned reform of the Nigeria police.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun urged the youths not to allow the lofty idea behind the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums and those he described as self-serving people.

While urging the youths to be calm and peaceful, Governor Abiodun also enjoined the security agencies to always avoid the use of force in managing peaceful protests.

The Governor pointed out that the State would facilitate investigation into any act of brutality of citizens by law enforcement agencies and hold any erring law enforcement officer accountable.

He gave the assurance that his administration would maintain keen interest in the planned police reform towards ensuring that the Nigeria Police operated within the ambits of the law.

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