Politics

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration is at the advance stage of implementing the outstanding promotion of civil servants and offsetting all outstanding financial obligations.

Governor Abiodun who made this known in Oke Mosan Abeokuta while swearing in six new Permanent Secretaries, restated the commitment of his Administration towards ensuring welfare and development of the Public Service in the state.

While charging the new permanent secretaries to make probity and prudence their watchword, Governor Abiodun urged them to ensure proper management of both human and material resources under their care.

The Governor also appealed to the new Permanent secretaries to see all members of their ministries as the important catalyst to achieving greatness in their ministries, departments and agencies, urging them to also ensure a seamless and robust synergy between their ministries and others.

Governor Abiodun said his administration would continue to place the right people in specific areas of leadership where human and material resources of government would be adequately utilized.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Mrs. Olubukunola Adeniregun, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mr Adetunji Kanimodo Ministry of Rural Development and Water Resources,   Mr Olusegun Olaotan Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Others are Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Waidi Olanloye Teaching Service Commission, and Adeolu Olufowobi, Local Government Service Commission.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commiserated with his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun, over the death of his dad, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun, at the age of 89.

The governor who expressed his heartfelt condolences to his brother-governor and the entire Abiodun family of Iperu Remo, Ogun State, prayed to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear Papa’s exit.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes Governor Makinde as stating that “though the death of one’s loved one is always painful, Pa Abiodun deserved to be celebrated for the good life he lived and the great legacy he left behind”.

He urged Governor Abiodun to take heart and solace in the indelible marks Papa left on earth as a teacher and nation-builder of many decades, and as a devout Christian, who sowed worthy seeds that have continued to bear good fruits in the society.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

The Abiodun Family of Iperu-Remo, Ogun State has announced the passing on of their Patriach, Dr Emmanuel Abiodun, who slept in the Lord today August 2nd 2021 at the age of 89 after a brief illness. 

A statement by the Governor Of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun says the deceased, an Educationist, worked as a school teacher for many years across the old Western State.

Dr Abiodun, a devout Christian, is survived by his wife, Mrs Victoria Abiodun, many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren among them is the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The statement shows that further announcements will be made by the family in due course.

Adesida Bolanle

Religion

As the Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has urged Muslims in the state to emulate the resilience, patience and steadfastness as well as absolute faith in Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

Governor Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, said the festival which is symbolised by slaughtering of rams as commanded by Allah, should be used to further foster unity and spread love in the state, and Nigeria.

The Governor, who acknowledged that the country is going through a trying period, said the Eid-el-Kabir should serve as an opportunity to supplicate and seek the face of God, for restoration and healing.

While calling on the faithful of the religion to engage in moderate celebration across the state, governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to espouse good governance and put policies in place to ensure prosperity for all

Bolanle Adesida

Sport

About forty elite athletes will jostle for the ten thousand dollars cash reward at the maiden edition of Ijebu heritage half marathon.
The event, described by organizers as an avenue to hunt for talents is expected to contribute to the socio economic status of Ijebu ode and Ogun State while engaging youths in sporting activities.
Speaking in Ijebu Ode at a conference with sports writers ahead of the race, the organizers said necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a hitch free race.
In a message to the conference, Governor Dapo Abiodun promised his administration’s readiness to collaborate with individuals, groups and corporate bodies on initiatives that would assist youth development across the state.
Governor Abiodun who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr ‘Dare Kehinde described sports as a crucial tool to address youth restiveness and unemployment commended the local organising committee of Ijebu heritage half marathon 2021 for their efforts. 
In a remark, former commissioner for Youth and sports in Ogun state, Mr Bukola Olopade thanked the ogun state government as well as the organising committee for their commitment to ensure that the race achieved the desired results
Earlier, the Chairman local organising committee of the race, Mr Tunde  Odulaja and an Olympian, Mr Yusuf Alli, had expressed optimism that the race would impact positively on the participants and other stakeholders.
Olusegun Folarin

Economy

A total of 56 trained independent monitors have received letters of engagement and tablets to monitor the Federal Government Social Investment Programme in Ogun State for the next one year.

Presenting the items in Abeokuta, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq explained that the Independent Monitors were selected to ensure that the objectives of the various intervention programmes of the Federal government were achieved.

Hajiya Farouq who was represented by the Assistant Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Hajiya Jumai Abdu Ali, urged the independent monitors to discharge their responsibilities with utmost sense of patriotism, diligence and sincerity.

In a message to the occasion, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the social welfare programmes had impacted positively on the lives of the vulnerable in the state and urged the independent monitors to remain committed and ensure accurate data collation.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, had reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to continue to partner the Federal Government in the Social Intervention Programmes towards the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” agenda.

Olusegun Folarin

News

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State wants the Federal Government to immediately secure the release of a Nigerian Pastor, Kunle Garb who, according to him, is currently languishing in detention in Benin Republic.

Governor Abiodun who made the call in a statement in Abeokuta explained that Pastor Garb, a resident of Igbokofi village, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, was abducted at the village market by Beninoise Police who crossed illegally into the Nigerian territory.

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun described Pastor Garb as an activist who had consistently campaigned against incessant harassment of Nigerians by the Beninoise in the attempts to forcefully annex the Nigerian territory.

He also called for prompt action by the relevant Federal authorities to prevent further harassment of Nigerians and encroachment on the Nigerian territorial borders.

Governor Abiodun who also called on the National Boundary Commission to clearly demarcate Nigeria’s international borders with Benin Republic, urged Nigeria’s security agents to properly secure Nigerians in the border communities.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

People of Ogun State turned out in large numbers to celebrate Democracy Day in Abeokuta, the state capital with Governor Dapo Abiodun restating that Nigerians could achieve more together rather than clamouring for the division of the country. 

Governor Abiodun while addressing the gathering at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, urged Nigerians to be united and embrace the symbolism of June 12.

Governor Abiodun who pointed out that June 12 Democracy Day would continue to strengthen the unity, indivisibility and oneness of Nigeria, expressed optimism that the nation would fulfill its potential among the comity of nations.

The governor also urged people of the state to go out en masse and exercise their civic duty during the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

While giving the assurance that the election would be free and fair, Governor Abiodun said his administration was committed to strengthening democratic principles and providing good governance.

In a remark, the speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, Mr Olakunle Oluomo noted that the late Chief MKO Abiola focused on poverty eradication during his lifetime, and urged government at all levels to continue to embark on programmes that would alleviate poverty in the country.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the people of the State to celebrate June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, peacefully and avoid any act that could threaten the security of the State and Country.

In a statement, by his  Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun urged the people of the state to avoid any act that could tarnish June 12.

Governor Abiodun also appealed to the people of the state not to resort to any protest as such could be hijacked by hoodlums and enemies of democracy who harbour ulterior motives.

Bolanle Adesida

Transportation

Minister of Transportation Mr Rotimi Amaechi has inspected the level of work at the new Abeokuta Train Station in Ogun State, giving the assurance that arrangements has been concluded for the project’s inauguration by President Mohammadu Buhari.
Mr Amaechi was accompanied by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun during the inspection of facilities at the train terminal at Laderin  Estate Abeokuta.
While explaining that the Ministry would also increase the number of trains on Lagos Ibadan rail track, Mr Amaechi said that the federal government was committed to improving the transportation system in the country.
In a remark, Ogun State Governor, prince Dapo Abiodun who explained that the  project was in tandem  with his administration’s Transportation Master Plan, said that issues bordering on security and access road to the train terminal would be given priority.
Governor Abiodun promised that a  committee would be set up in collaboration with the federal ministry of Transportation to work out the modalities to further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the train service. 

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated the Computer Section in the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home Abeokuta, with a call on the children of the orphanage not to be distracted with their present condition.

Inaugurating the Computer Section as part of activities marking his 61st birthday, Governor Abiodun, promised that he would always make himself available for the children of the orphanage.

While urging the children of the orphanage to be committed to the pursuance of their aspirations towards achieving their set goals in life, Governor Abiodun advised them to be determined and be good citizens of the country.

He promised that each of the children at the orphanage would be presented with befitting luxurious gifts from the state government to mark their respective birthdays.

The governor also donated a bus and presented sets of computers, food items and toys to the orphanage.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has suspended his Special Assistant Mr Abidemi Rufai, over alleged unemployment benefits fraud in the United States.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun said the state government had received the  disturbing news of the arrest of Mr Rufai in New York.

Governor Abiodun  said his administration was committed to ensuring open,  transparent, accountable and morally upright administration, adding that his administration would not condone any act of criminality by anyone in the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the renovation and refurbishment of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

Governor Abiodun gave the approval at the Executive Chambers, Oke Mosan Abeokuta while receiving a preliminary report on the hospital from the Governing Board led by the Chairman, Dr Kunle Hassan.

While pointing out that his administration would reposition and restructure the teaching hospital to meet international best practices, the governor said the hospital would be more digitalized for better data capturing and record keeping.

Governor Abiodun who expressed satisfaction with the findings and recommendations of the governing board of the hospital, said the recommendations would bring about a new improved teaching hospital.

Also, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker said the state government would ensure total overhauling of various sections in the hospital towards providing qualitative healthcare services.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Dr. Kunle Hassan had said that the findings and recommendations of the board would reposition the hospital and called on the governor to continue to support the board.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to eschew all forms of violence and learn to live together in peace for overall development of the country.

In a broadcast to mark the 45th anniversary of Ogun State, Governor Abiodun said no development could take place in an atmosphere of rancour and insecurity. 

The governor who urged Nigerians to manage their diversity and differences effectively, pointed out that his administration would continue to harness strengths and potentials of over 10 sub-ethnic groups in the state for the development of the state.

Governor Abiodun said his administration was committed to deploying resources towards providing conducive environment for the people of the state to discover, nurture and maximise their potentials, irrespective of age, gender, status and location. 

While urging the people of the state to see themselves as proud inheritors of worthy legacies of their forbearers, the governor called on the youths to make critical differences with their ideas and ideals towards building a viable future for the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Security

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called on Nigerians to provide credible information to the Nigeria Armed forces to enable them succeed in the fight against insurgency.


The governor made the call at a Special Church Service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance day Celebration, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.


Governor Abiodun represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo called on Nigerians to avail the Armed Forces the needed information to free the nation from wanton destruction of lives and property by the insurgents.


He explained that the war against insurgency requires accurate intelligence report and urged Nigerians to provide the needed support.


The governor used the occasion to appealed to the people to be mindful of Covid-19 by following laid down protocols which included regular washing of hands, the use of sanitizer, wearing of facemasks and keeping social distance considering the deadlier nature of the current wave to the previous one.


The Bishop of Remo Diocese, Methodist Church of NIgeria, Sagamu, Reverend Bamidele Ibikunle in his sermon admonished Nigerians to think of the nation first rather than personal interests.


The Reverend noted that Nigeria would be a great country if her citizens shun tribalism and live in peace with one another.


Dignitaries at the church service included; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ogun state Chief Judge, Justice Monsunmola Dipeolu, traditional leaders, members of the Nigerian Legion and Service Chiefs among others.


Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Ogun State Government is working assiduously towards ensuring that a division of the Court of Appeal is established in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made this known in  Oke Mosan Abeokuta while swearing-in Mrs Olatunde Sobowale as a new judge in the state judiciary, said the step became necessary towards bringing the administration of justice closer to the people.

While pointing out that temporary and permanent sites had been designated for the establishment of the court, Governor Abiodun said his administration would continue to ensure equitable dispensation of justice.

The governor said his administration was also taking a step to establish a Judiciary village in the state towards providing befitting accommodations for judges, maintaining that the state government would continue to give priority to the welfare of judges.

He also urged the newly sworn in judge to be faithful to the oath of office and dispense justice without fear or favour.

Bolanle Adesida

Sport

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

Politics

Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, have again expressed displeasure over the gruesome killings of innocent residents by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, in the border communities of the state. 

The lawmakers including, Mr Adegoke Adeyanju and Mrs Bolanle Ajayi who spoke under personal explanation during plenary In Abeokuta explained that the incessant attack had left the people of the state in fear. 

They called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to as a matter of urgency look into the activities of the men of the NCS especially in the Ogun West Senatorial District of the state. 

In a remark, the OGHA Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo also appealed to all members of the National Assembly from Ogun State as well as representatives of the state in the National Executive Council to collectively rescue residents from the over-zealousness of the customs officers.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Tourism

Ogun State government has renewed its commitment to ensuring global acceptability for the state’s indigenous fabric, Adire, and other artifacts obtainable in the state.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo made this known while speaking on the state’s participation in the 13th edition of the International Arts and Crafts Expo, INAC, with the theme “Networking Nigerian Arts and Crafts to the World”, held in Abuja.

Dr Taiwo who acknowledged the people’s creativity and artistic endowment said the Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration had initiated global networking arrangements to enable the state to harness its culture and tourism potential towards boosting the social and economic status of the state.

Speaking on the significance of the Arts and Crafts Expo to Ogun State, the Director of Culture, Mr Oluwaseye Adeyemo expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives would attract more local and foreign investors to strengthen the production and marketing of the Adire fabric and other artifacts on a global scale. 

Director-General of the Nigerian Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, had earlier appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for exhibiting strong support for the cultural sector, noting that the event would further promote the nation’s arts and Crafts business to the international community.

Ogun State emerged the third overall winner among ten states of the federation that participated in the virtual event and the state also won first positions in different categories, including COVID-19 compliance, Contemporary textile and Contemporary Marketing Strategy.

Olusegun Folarin

Energy

Ogun State government has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding MOU, with a British Power Firm, as part of efforts to improve power generation towards unlocking more  economic potentials and attract more investors.

The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun while signing the MOU with the British Power Firm in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office said as a leading industrial State, there was need for the State to have constant power supply to serve existing companies and attract new ones.

Prince Dapo Abiodun signing the MOU

While noting that medium and small scale businesses rely on power to thrive, Governor Abiodun pointed out that self sufficiency in electricity would encourage artisans to venture into small scale businesses which would further boost industrial capacity of the State.

Governor Abiodun Speaks

Earlier, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria Mr. Ben Lienellyn-Jones who led the company’s delegation had said that the company was in the State to partner the state government in the area of energy, power and other businesses towards creating jobs for the people. 

Also, a director in the Company, Mr. Joel Abrams, said the company would provide 250 Megawatts of electricity to serve 50,000 residents and companies at the initial stage and would be improved upon subsequently.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Government has concluded arrangements to empower 5000 youths across the state towards unleashing the creative energies of the youths and building a more vibrant economy in the state.

The state Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known while speaking with newsmen in his Abeokuta, Oke Mosan, office, explained that 250 youths in each of the twenty local government areas of the state would be empowered.

He explained that the state government would build the capacity of the participants as well as giving them monthly stipends, adding that the participants would be attached  to small and medium scale enterprises as well as government agencies.

While debunking rumor that some warehouses were looted in the state, Governor Abiodun said the report was an attempt to malign his administration and called on the people of the state to disregard the report.

Governor Dapo Abiodun Speaks

The Governor who also urged the people of the state to go about their legitimate businesses, said security agencies would continue to patrol the major streets towards ensuring peace across the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Tributes have been pouring in over the death of former Premier of the Western Region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a condolence message to the Awolowo family described the exit of Mrs Oyediran as sad.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari sends condolences to the family of late Premier of the Western Region and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the passing of Mrs Tola Oyediran, eldest daughter of the sage.

President Buhari commiserated with friends and associates of Mrs Oyediran, particularly her only surviving sister, Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu over the sad loss, urging the family to take solace in the investments of the deceased in making life better for others.

The president prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all her loved ones.

In his own tribute, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described the deceased as humble, amiable and person with graceful disposition which endeared her to many people.

Asiwaju Tinubu said Mrs Oyediran represented the Awolowo family positively through her excellent moral conduct and her sharing of her father’s welfarist political philosophy.

He said as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tribune Newspapers until her death, Mrs Oyediran helped to take the Tribune titles to new heights through her emphasis on professionalism and integrity in all their editorial offerings.

On his part, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the death of Mrs. Oyediran had thrown the state into mourning.

He described the late Tola Oyediran as not only an embodiment of humility and virtues, but one who has exhibited independent-mindedness, foresight and managerial acumen in all tasks thrust upon her.

According to Governor Abiodun, Mrs Oyediran was also a great Nigerian in her own right and stood as a rock of Gibraltar behind her very successful medical doctor husband and former Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor A.B. O. Oyediran, her successes as a home-maker cannot but be an irreparable loss to her immediate and extended family members and indeed a very painful exit for them.

Adewumi Faniran

News

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. 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun speaking on the judicial panel on police brutality

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

Politics

The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of Mr Wasiu Oyebola and Mr Ghaffar Adeleye as Special Assistants to the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA.

Wasiu Oyebola is appointed as Special Assistant, Political Matters, while Ghaffar Adeleye is to serve as Special Assistant, Media and Publicity.

In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the appointment takes effect from Monday, 12th October, 2020.

Mr Gaffar Adeleye served with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Enugu National Station as Youth Corps member and briefly with Paramount FM, Abeokuta before his appointment.

Toyin Adegoke

Entertainment

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