Politics

Gov. Abiodun Pledges To Accord Road Infrastructure Priority

By Web News 730

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration would continue to give priority to road infrastructure towards improving economic development in the state.

Governor Abiodun who stated this while inspecting Oba Erinwole road in Sagamu, Kuto Flyover, Elite and Fajol-American Junction-Gbonagun roads in Abeokuta, said the importance of good road network across the state could not be over emphasized.

A view from one of the roads under construction

Governor Abiodun who noted that Oba Erinwole road had been in a deplorable condition for many years, expressed the commitment of his administration towards ensuring that motorists pass through roads with ease across all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun

While pointing out that Kuto Flyover and roads would soon be completed, the governor said road construction was also ongoing at Ipokia, Owode and Rounda.

A community leader in Fajol Area, Abeokuta, Alhaji Adedeji Kafidipe, said Fajol-American Junction-Gbonagun road had been in deplorable condition for more than 30 years and commended the governor for making life more comfortable for the residents of the area.

Bolanle Adesida

Environment

Governor Abiodun Declares State Of Emergency In Water Sector

By Web News 835

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared a state of emergency in the areas of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

Governor Abiodun who made the declaration in Abeokuta, when he received the report of a steering committee for the Implementation of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, WASH, also declared a war against open defecation in the state.

Governor Abiodun said the water and sanitation sector must be adequately attended to at the urban and sub-urban levels, adding that rural water supply and sanitation needs of the residents of the state would be prioritised in line with Goal Six of the Sustainable development Goals, SDGs.

While noting that potable water, good hygiene and sanitation was crucial to the health and economic well-being of the people, Governor Abiodun pointed out that lack of these basic needs had led to a number of preventable diseases.

He maintained that his administration would continue to invest through effective partnership with development partners towards ensuring that potable water and sanitation get to the doorsteps of every household in the state.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Abiodun Sends Names of Commissioner Nominees, Aides for Approval

By Web News 845

Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has been notified of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s plans to nominate former President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Waheed Odusile and the Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu as commissioners designate for Ministry of Information and Strategy and, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology respectively.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Kunle Somorin, indicates that the names of the two nominees have been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening.

The statement also announced the appointment of Fola Onifade as General Manager for the State Signage and Advertising Agency and Mr Sesan Asenuga, General Manager Parks and Garages Development Board, while Tolu Bankole was named Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Mr Ifekayode Akinbode would serve as a Consultant on media.

The commissioner nominee for the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Odusile served as President of the Federation of African Journalists and also has considerable experience in broadcast and print journalism.

The Commissioner nominee for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Arigbabu is a Mathematician and involved in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education and preparation programmes in Nigeria in the last two and a half decades.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

60th Independence: Gov. Abiodun Calls for More Support

By Web News 608

Governor Dapo Abiodun hàs enjoined Nigerians to continue supporting the government in the efforts to improve the living standard of the citizenry.

 The governor made the plea at the special Jumat service at the Kobiti Central Mosque to mark the sixtieth independence of the country. 

The governor represented by the deputy governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako- Oyedele, stressed the importance of unity among Nigerians.

Governor Dapo Abiodun assured residents that the state government would not relent in being responsive to the yearning and aspiration of Nigerians.

In his sermon, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Amolegbe called on Nigerians to shun vices and return  to God.

The Special Jumat prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Imam Sahadahllah Bamgbola, who offered special prayers for Unity and economic development of Nigeria.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Gov. Abiodun Approves Funds for Provision of Water Facilities

By Web News 558

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abidoun has approved counterpart fund for the rehabilitation and construction of 51 water facilities across Ogun West Senatorial District of the State.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun explained that his administration had approved 30million Naira for the implementation of Programme for Expanded Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene, PEWASH, water scheme in 13 locations in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Abiodun also said that his administration had approved 48 Million Naira out of the expected 96 Million Naira for the rehabilitation and upgrading of Solar powered Borehole in 38 locations in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of the state.

While explaining that the project would be implemented through Direct Labour Assisted Approach, the Governor said that access to potable water supply would soon be a reality to the benefiting communities.

He gave the assurance that the project would be replicated in other Senatorial Districts of the State and emphasized that his administration would continue to place a high premium on provision of potable water across the state.

Bolae Adesida

Security

Ogun Governor Approves Construction of Three New Fire Stations

By Web News 769

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved construction of two fire stations in Ifo Local Government and one in Isheri North in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Abiodun announced this at the arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, while inspecting one of the fire trucks, recently acquired by the State government  

The governor explained that it was the desire of his administration to ensure that all areas within the state have standard fire stations that could respond adequately to emergencies.

Governor Abiodun also said that his administration had taken stock of the existing fire stations across the state and was embarking on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the fire stations.

He also noted that apart from ordering for new fire trucks, his administration had also refurbished the existing fire trucks for efficient service delivery.

Bolanle Adesida

Yoruba

Ile Ise Ologun Ile Yii, Beere Fun Ifowosowopo Ijoba Ipinle Ogun Fun Ifese Rinle Eto Abo

By Web News 1264

Ilese Ologun nile yi ti loun nfe ifowosowopo Ijoba Ipinle Ogun nidi fifi ese abo mule dain-dain nipinle naa.

Oga Agba to n sakoso, ile ise Omo Ologun Owo Kokalelogorun nilese omo Ologun, Ogagun Agba Godwin Umelo enito soro yi nilu Abeokuta lasiko to sabewo sii Gomina Dapo Abiodun sope ohun wasi ipinle naa fun abewo too ye labe ekun naa.

Ogagun Agba Umelo enito salaye pe, gbogbo igbese gbodo je gbigbe gbodo je gbigbe lati fese abo to loorin mule.

Nigba to nfesi, Gomina ipinle Ogun, Omo-oba Dapo Abiodun, gboriyin fun awon osise ilese omo-ologun fun sisa ipa nidi didabobo orileede yii ohun sise atileyin fawon ajo eleto abo min, lati fese Alafia muile nipinle.

Gomina Abiodun wa seleri lati tubo,gunle eto ilaniloye araalu ati sise kariya ipinle ogun, latiri anfani to wa ninu ise ologun.

Folakemi Wojuade

Culture

Monarchs in Ogun Waterside Call for Sack of Transitional Council Boss

By Web News 1324

Traditional rulers from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state have called on the Governor Dapo Abiodun to sack the transition chairman of the local government Mr Femi Onanuga.

The traditional rulers while addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta said the transition chairman was not fit to hold the office.

The Ojotumoro of Abigi, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, who led other traditional rulers said the transition chairman had being disrespectful to the traditional institution.

Oba Ogunye, who spoke on behalf of all the traditional rulers in Ogun Waterside local government, was accompanied by the Osobia of Imakun-Omi, Oba Kazeem Salami; Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom, Oba Buhari Ola Balogun; and Elefire of Ifire, Oba Musa Adeniyi.

They alleged that the embattled chairman failed to respect the traditional institution despite the intervention by the governor and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuape.

The State House of Assembly had last week also stepped down the reconfirmation of the embattled transition chairman and confirmed the extension of nineteen other transition chairmen of the local government councils effective from July 19, 2020.

The traditional rulers also commended the Ogun State Assembly for stepping down the confirmation, noting that the transition chairman and his mother had insulted the traditional institution.

They appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to relieve the transition chairman of the local government of his appointment.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Schools Resumption: Gov. Abiodun Reverses 25,000 Naira Payment for COVID-19 Test

By Web News 927

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced that the COVID-19 test for all returning SS3 boarding students will be done free of charge for students in both public and private schools across the state. 

Reacting to a recent protest by parents of SS3 boarding students in private schools over the payment of 25,000 naira for the mandatory COVID-19 test, Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that students who had paid for the tests would be refunded. 

Governor Abiodun said his administration had also canceled the compulsory COVID-19 test as a requirement for returning students in exit classes and urged private school owners to rise to the responsibility of taking care of their students.

He pointed out that with the testing capacity of 500 tests per day in the state laboratories, it might not be feasible for all boarding students to get tested and get their results before commencement of examination on 17th August 2020. 

The governor pointed out that admittance of students into boarding facilities in private secondary schools would be at the discretion of the management and the Parents Teachers Association of such private schools.

While recommending that students with underlying health conditions should attend school from home daily, Governor Abiodun said face masks would be distributed to all students in both private and public schools across the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Education

25,000 Naira Covid-19 Test: Ogun NLC Demands Reversal of Directive

By Web News 793

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called on Ogun State government to rescind the decision of compulsory COVID-19 test for SS3 students at the cost of Twenty-Five Thousand Naira for private school students.

The Labour Congress in a statement made available in Abeokuta advised government to bear the cost of the students tests in Public and Private Secondary Schools.

The statement signed by the Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Abimbola and the acting Secretary, Comrade Olátúnjí Ayuba urged the state government not to contemplate policies that will add to the burden of the citizenry.

The congress noted that Nigerians are currently battling with socioeconomic issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic and urged the government to be sensitive to the plight of its citizens by introducing palliatives and cash grant to families to cushion the effect of the problem.

The congress stated that the discriminating policies between students of public and private schools in the state has no moral justification.

The union then called on the Ogun State governor to step into the matter and direct the immediate reversal of the directive.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Ensure all returning students present results of Covid-19 test – Ogun Government

By Web News 905

Boarding facilities in public and private secondary schools across Ogun State have been mandated to enforce the presentation of the certificate of Negative COVID-19 test by students returning to boarding schools for the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. 

Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo who made this known in a statement in Abeokuta said it was part of the overall requirements for the reopening of schools on Tuesday 4th August, 2020 for students in SS3 class. 

Mrs Soyombo said the decision was based on guidelines jointly developed by the government, parents, private school owners and other stakeholders and maintained that students could undergo the test in any centre of their choice. 

She pointed out that the Certificate of negative COVID-19 Test from other locations across the country would be acceptable, provided that it was obtained from an NCDC-Certified Centre and the test was performed within 72 hours of the date of resumption.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education announced that the government would bear the full costs of the COVID-19 test for all the boarding students in state-owned public schools while it had negotiated with some healthcare service providers to offer huge discount in the cost of the test for students in private schools. 

She explained that the government had embarked on the distribution of face masks to all public and private schools for the use of students and teachers while advising everyone to work together to ensure the safety all stakeholders.

Oluremi Olugbenro

Politics

Pray for divine intervention concerning Covid-19 – Governor Abiodun

By Web News 707

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged Muslims Ummah in the state to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice as they join other faithful around the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Governor Abiodun who stated this in his Sallah message, said the Eid-el-Kabir celebration offered opportunity for sober reflection and spiritual renewal which Allah demanded from the faithful.

The governor called on Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths in the country to make peaceful coexistence their watchword and work together for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He also stressed the need for Muslims to pray fervently for divine intervention that would flatten the curve of COVID-19 for congregational worship to resume in the state.

While commending Muslims in the State for rising above religious sentiments in showing him love and solidarity at all times, Governor Abiodun urged them to observe prayer at their various homes.

Bolanle Adesida

Security

New Ogun CP Visits Gov. Abiodun, Promises Sustained Fight against Crime

By Web News 1176

The new Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Mr Edward Ajogun has promised that the command under his watch will take the battle of crime fighting to the den of criminals and armed robbers.

Mr Ajogun made the promise at the Okemosan Abeokuta Governor’s office during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun. 

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ajogun who was in the company of his predecessor, retired Commissioner of Police Kenneth Ebrimson noted that knowledge and intelligence based operations would be coordinated by officers and men of the command with high level of integrity. 

Mr Ajogun also said the police command would not give room to anyone or group of people bent on destroying government’s property under the guise of protest, warning that any form of protest that could turn ugly would not be tolerated in the state.

Also, the former Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenneth Ebrimson expressed optimism that the new police commissioner would continue to ensure that the state was more secured and not conducive to criminals.

While giving assurance that his successor would sustain the tempo of security in the state, Mr Ebrimson commended Governor Abiodun for his support towards ensuring that the state under his watch became a tough ground for the criminals.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abidoun commended the former Commissioner of Police for taking proactive steps to curb crime and criminality in the state.

The governor who also explained that the police in the state under the leadership of Mr Ebrimson were able to record a significant decrease in cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery, encouraged the new police commissioner and other security heads in the state to consolidate on the feat.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Governor Abiodun Promises Speedy Completion of Ijebu Ode/Epe Road

By Web News 936

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured residents of Akute/Alagbole road in Ifo Local Government Area of the state of government’s intervention in the rehabilitation of roads in the axis.

Governor Abiodun while speaking on the deplorable condition of the road during the inspection of the 14.32Km Ijebu Ode-Epe road, promised that it would be redesigned to reduce the number of lanes to speed up the work.

Pointing out that the present administration could not afford the seventy billion naira awarded for the project by his predecessor, the governor appealed to residents to be patient with his administration.

Governor Abiodun who acknowledged the importance of the road, said relevant agencies had been instructed to make it passable pending the commencement of reconstruction project.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

We will motivate civil servants for improved productivity – Gov Abiodun

By Web News 636

Ogun State Government says it has instituted a system to track the progress of its key players towards ensuring effective delivery of good governance, based on fairness, inclusiveness, equity and justice.

Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this at the inauguration of the new Head of Service Alhaja Selmot Ottun and three other members of the State Executive Council. 

Governor Abiodun emphasized the decision to ensure that critical appointments were merit-based to bring together persons that shared his administration’s commitment to working tirelessly towards achieving a future where people of the state could reach their full potential.

While urging the new Head of Service to act dutifully to preserve the legacy and success of the pioneers in the public service, Governor Abiodun promised that his government would re-engineer the state public service and motivate the civil servants for greater productivity. 

Responding, Alhaja Ottun thanked the state government for the opportunity and promised to be diligent and effective in her new assignment. 

Other newly inaugurated members of the State Executives’ Council were the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Olugbenga Dairo, the Special Adviser and Managing Director of Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation, Mr Abiodun Fari and the Special Adviser on Health, Doctor Tayo Lawal.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Governor Abiodun condoles with Senator Osiniwo’s Family

By Web News 716

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the sudden death of Senator Adebayo Osinowo as shocking and unbelievable.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun noted that Senator Osinowo who represented Lagos East at the National Assembly was a committed progressive and a grassroots mobilizer.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that the deceased who was an industrious son of Ogun State did not limit his service to the state, but was ready to make use of his political and administrative skills wherever he found himself.

The Governor said Senator Osinowo worked tirelessly for the good of his people, adding that his meritorious service as a four-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led to his election to the Senate where he served as Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Industry and Trade. 

While urging the people to take solace in the good legacies left behind by the late Senator Osinowo, the governor prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Lockdown: Ogun Govt Eases Movement Ban

By Web News 794

The weekly restriction of movement in Ogun State has been shifted to Weekends only. 

Governor Dapo Abiodun who made the announcement in Abeokuta said the government would enforce total lockdown on Saturdays and Sundays while there would be free movement across the state every week day, between 6am and 8pm.

Governor Abiodun who explained that the new arrangement would take effect from Monday 1st of June 2020, emphasised that inter-state movement ban, wearing of face masks and other existing guidelines to combat the virus remained sacrosanct. 

Governor Dapo Abiodun talking about the ease of the movement ban

Governor Abiodun pointed out that further relaxation of the lock down was not an indication that the curve of COVID 19 pandemic had been flattened and encouraged people who could work from home to continue to do so.

The Governor also disclosed that his administration was collaborating with religious leaders to work out the guidelines for the reopening of places of worship in the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Imam Orunsolu was an exceptional and accommodating leader – Professor Balogun

By Web News 1824 Post a comment

The remains of the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu have been buried with a call on the faithful to live an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

An Islamic scholar, Professor Kamaldeen Balogun who made the call in a sermon at the Isale Igbehin residence of the late Chief Imam described the late Chief Imam of Egbaland as an exceptional leader who accommodated all, regardless of age or status.

In a message, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state said the late chief imam lived a worthy and highly commendable life.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor advised Muslims in the state to immortalize the religious leader by embracing the virtues of love, peace and good neighbourliness.

Former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun who described the death of Alhaji Orunsolu as painful, noted that Egbaland, and Ogun State had lost a respected religious leader and a renowned Islamic scholar. 

Senator Amosun pointed out that Alhaji Orunsolu maintained effective leadership as the Chief Imam of Egbaland and President of League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and equally provided wise counsel to Muslims in the entire Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States. 

Speaking on the life and times of the deceased, one of his children, Alhaji Afiz Orunsolu said his late father championed the course of promoting peace, irrespective of religious or tribal differences.

The late Chief Imam who died in the wee hours of Tuesday at age 98 had served in that capacity for 17 years after succeeding the late Imam Shittu Bello Okeoro in 2003.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Police Officer Abducted, Okada Rider Murdered in Ogun

By Web News 738

Ogun State Police Command says it has launched an investigation into the abduction of a police officer and the killing of a commercial motorcycle rider along Abeokuta-Ayetoro road by suspected herdsmen.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi made this known while reacting to the Save-Our-Souls letter written by the lawmaker representing Egbado North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency of the State, Mr. Olaifa Aremu over the incidents in his constituency.

The police spokesman said investigation had already commenced on the incidents

The lawmaker had in the letter described that attack as a dastardly act on residents of his constituency.

Mr. Olaifa called on security agencies in the state to device more proactive measure to end the herdsmen attack in the communities.

He also pleaded with Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene on the attacks in the area by reconstructing the roads and deploy security agencies to the communities.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

Gov. Abiodun Pledges to Deal Ruthlessly With Criminals

By Web News 700

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has pledged to ruthlessly deal with criminals in the state.

The governor made the pledge in a statement made available by his chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin.

Governor Abiodun urged the police to intensify efforts at curbing the nefarious activities of criminals and promptly investigate those involved in criminal activities across the State.

The Governor pointed out that his administration would provide necessary materials and logistics for all security outfits in the state including the Department of State Security Service and the armed forces towards curbing crime and criminality in the state.

Governor Abiodun commended the State Police Command for its swiftness and prompt adherence to directive of the State Government to flush out those turning the sit-at-home order to a criminal enterprise.

He also called on other security agencies to immediately enhance their intelligence gathering mechanisms towards ensuring that there was no recurrence of the criminal acts, especially as the State continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governors Abiodun enjoined all law abiding residents of the state to remain calm and continue to comply with the stay-at-home directive adding that the situation is under control. 

The Police in Ogun state had recently claimed it had arrested one hundred and fifty suspects in connection with  series of harassments, robberies, burglaries and cult clashes  within  Agbado Ijaiye, Sango, Ijoko and Ifo axis of the State.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Wife Distributes Food Items to Women

By Web News 2968

Wife of the Governor of Ogun state, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has distributed food items worth millions of Naira to some women and widows in Sagamu area of the state.

Speaking at Sagamu town Hall, Mrs. Bamidele explained that the gesture was part of the efforts of government to cushion the effect of the fourteen days lockdown order.

The wife of the Ogun state governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape advised women in the state to comply with the governments’ directives of staying at home and maintain personal hygiene in a bid to contain the spread of covid-19.

Mrs. Bamidele said the gesture would be extended to other parts of the state, pointing out that the welfare of women and widows in the state remained important.

 Olusegun Folarin

Security

Customs Death: Gov. Abiodun Calls for Restraint in the Use of Arms

By Web News 673

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called for restraint in the use of lethal arms by law enforcement officers in the State.

The governor made this known while intervening in the unrest that erupted in Imasayi, Yewa North Local Government Area of the State, when a joint Task Force, comprising of the Military, Police, Customs, Immigration and the DSS had a faceoff with the youths of the community which resulted in the untimely death of an officer.

Governor Abiodun said he has been in contact with relevant authorities in the Army and the Nigeria Customs Service, NSC.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kunle Somorin, hinted that talks are ongoing towards apprehending the suspects who allegedly killed a uniformed officer during the crisis.

The statement said a manhunt has been launched on the suspect who also made away with the slain officer’s weapon.

The statement further explained that suspects arrested in connection with the criminal act are giving useful information that would lead to the arrest of the main suspect.

Governor Abiodun urged law enforcement agents to exercise restraint and be humane in carrying out their duties.

The governor also commiserates with the families of the slain officer and promised that no stone would be left unturned to unearth the circumstance of the crisis.

Wale Oluokun

Sport

Edo 2020: Governor Abiodun Promises Athletes Adequate Support

By Web News 802

Ogun State Government has promised to provide a system that can be used to develop athletes that will compete for laurels for the state and Nigeria at large.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this while receiving the Torch of Unity of the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 at the forecourt of the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. 

Governor Abiodun who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele explained that the national sports festival was an opportunity to bring the youth together, develop and discover new talents.

The governor admonished the state’s contingent to be of good conduct by following instructions of health and security personnel in order to achieve success at the festival. 

In a chat with newsmen at the event, Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde expressed optimism that team Ogun would do the state proud at the festival.

The Director of Sports, Ogun State Sports Council, Mr Adesola Faleti who said the state would participate in thirty-two sports, added that all the state’s athletes have resumed camping ahead of the festival.

Olusegun Folarin

News Analysis

Ensuring Justice for Late Remo Stars Footballer, Kazeem Tiamiyu

By Web News 1246

On February 22, 2020, a Nigerian footballer who played for Remo Stars Football Club, Kazeem Tiamiyu also known as Kaka, bade the world farewell in a very controversial manner in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The deceased who was also the assistant captain of Remo Stars was said to be driving in the company of one of his teammates, Sanni Abubakar.

According to the report, he was said to have been stopped by some officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

Report says one of the SARS officers had allegedly labelled Tiamiyu a cyber-fraudster, popularly known as yahoo boy and decided to take him to a police station close by.

Tiamiyu was said to have identified himself as a player of Remo Stars, however, this fell on the deaf ears of the SARS officers.

In a statement by the media officer of Remo Stars FC, one of the SARS officers was alleged to have pushed Tiamiyu out of the vehicle that was conveying him to the station and in the process, he was knocked down by a vehicle.

The young star was subsequently confirmed dead on arrival when he was rushed to a nearby private hospital.

The death of Kazeem Tiamiyu was just few of extrajudicial killings of innocent Nigerians by personnel of both the nation’s security agencies.

In October 2016, a player of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, Joseph Izu was killed by soldiers of Joint Miltary Task Force in Okaki, Ahoada, Rivers State.

It is so cruel that a defenceless player like Tiamiyu who had gone to meet his manager a day before the incident ahead of his football trials coming up in Sweden would just be killed like a fly.

Instead of being remorseful and sympathetic, Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command, issued a statement which generated a public outcry on the situation that led to Kaka’s death which of course contradicted the position of Remo Stars FC.

A protest was staged on the police reaction by some youths in Sagamu where some people were feared dead.

In the light of this, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu disbanded the Zonal Intervention Squad, ZIS, in Ogun State, while the officers involved was been arrested for being on illegal duty, and for failure to obtain clearance from the formation in Sagamu before the operation.

The killing of Tiamiyu should not be swept under the carpet as it was in the case of Joseph Izu where hasty investigation exonerated the person that killed him.

The Inspector General of Police should rise to the calls to reform the Nigeria Police to make them more people-friendly and as well conform to international standard in the discharge of their duties.

No matter the pressure, Nigeria Police must protect the people and not kill them.

The hierarchy of the police must admit its shortcomings and restore sanity into the force, thereby preventing such provocative cases in the future.

Furthermore, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun must live to his words that such ugly incident would not occur again in the state and that the case would be thoroughly investigated.

The governor should equally consider immortalising the footballer by naming a sports institution or facility after him.

The governor, during a visit to the parents of the dead footballer, had promised to use all instruments of government to unearth the circumstances surrounding the death of Tiamiyu.

The management of Remo Stars FC should equally ensure that all entitlements accrued to Kazeem Tiamiyu are paid to his family as soon as possible, while the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, should equally come up with an award in honour of the late assistant captain of Remo Stars FC for his contribution to the development of football in Nigeria.

Nigerians are patiently waiting to see that not only is justice served but also seen that it has been served.

Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Leaders Urged to Boost the Fortunes of the Egba nation

By Web News 709

Leaders in Egbaland have been urged to generate a database of the sons and daughters of the land at home and in the diaspora towards boosting the fortunes of the united Egba nation.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made the call at the turning of sod and launching of a six million naira New Abeokuta City Hall Project.

Correspondent, Olusegun Folarin who was at Ewang Estate Extension, location of the project brings the details.

Olusegun Folarin