Lifestyle

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to continually remember and support the families of fallen heroes beyond annual remembrance ceremonies.

The governor made the call through the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Parade held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun also appealed to governments at all levels to improve welfare packages for the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Addressing journalists at the event, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Salako-Oyedele said the ceremony was organised to honour members of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme sacrifice while defending the nation against internal and external threats.

She said the Ogun State Government remained committed to supporting families of fallen heroes, adding that special Jumat and church services formed part of the remembrance programme.

The deputy governor called on Nigerians to demonstrate compassion and sustained support for families of those who gave their lives in service to the country.

Highlights of the event included the release of pigeons and the laying of wreaths by the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, senior Armed Forces officers, and paramount traditional rulers in the state.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Lifestyle

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s diversity as a powerful force for unity and strength, not a trigger for division.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun delivered the charge at a Special Jumat Service held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day.

The governor described Nigeria’s prevailing security situation as a solemn reminder that peace is preserved through sacrifice, vigilance, and national unity.

He urged citizens to promote tolerance and actively support lawful security efforts across the country.

Governor Abiodun also commended President Bola Tinubu for his sustained efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces, improve personnel welfare, and confront security challenges, stressing that the peace Nigerians enjoy today has come at a significant cost.

In his sermon, the Mufassir of Egbaland, Alhaji Abdulahi Odaranile, emphasized that the security of lives and property remains fundamental to national development.

He called for prayers for fallen heroes and continued support for their families.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described security as a shared national responsibility, while Chief Abdulrasheed Raji offered prayers for the nation’s leaders and praised ongoing support for families of fallen security personnel.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Environment

By Olusegun Folarin 

Ogun State government has introduced the “Green Book” as a comprehensive document for residents on the sustainability, preservation and protection of the environment.

Governor Dapo Abiodun who unveiled the publication in Abeokuta at a programme to commemorate the 2024 world Environment day explained that the book contained necessary rules, regulations and best practices on managing the environment.

Governor Abiodun who spoke through his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele emphasized the importance of ensuring a sustainable urban environment in the bid to address the challenges posed by climate change. 

In a paper entitled ” achieving the smart city agenda through climate change resilience and urban afforestation” the Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Professor Zachariah Yaduma said urban resilience to ecological disasters could be strengthened through the  adoption of green roofs, establishment of parks, open green space and naturalization of woodlands.

Earlier, The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya had listed the environmental protection programmes of the present administration in Ogun State to include the conversion of more than 3,000 tons of wastes into industrial fuel.

Mr Oresanya also announced the government’s plan to embark on the conversion of tricycle and motorcycles to electric powered in line with the federal government’s move to achieve 47 percent reduction in emission by 2030.

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Culture

By Oluseye Arowolo

There is need for all stakeholders to work together towards enhancing the standardization of Yoruba Language to ensure its preservation, continuity and global recognition.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this while inaugurating the International Conference on Yoruba Language Orthography Committee organized by The Yoruba World Centre in conjunction with Yoruba Wikipedia, Dawn Commission, Yoruba Language Teachers in College of Education and Egbe Akomolede Yoruba held at John Paul II Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The governor, represented by the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Naimot Oyedele, commended the co-ordinator of The Yoruba World Centre, Mr. Alao Adedayo, Wikipedia Yoruba, Dawn Commission, media and theatre arts practitioners as well as all stakeholders for organizing the event, saying the process will review and update the existing orthography and enhance the smooth take-off of the new national language policy in Yoruba language.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Co-ordinator, Yoruba World Centre, Mr. Alao Adedayo, who is also the Publisher of Alaroye Group of Newspapers said the body is not embarking on the formation of a new Yoruba Language Orthography but is teaming up with major stakeholders to review the existing one.

Also speaking, the guest of honour at the event, Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose commended the efforts of the Yoruba World Centre and other stakeholders for their efforts in the sustenance of the Yoruba language, culture and tradition, stressing that the review was necessary and timely.

Another stakeholder, the Co-ordinator of Wikipedia Yoruba, Mr.Olatunde Isaac expressed happiness on the programme as it would broaden Yoruba language globally, especially on social media.

Scholars of Yoruba Language, media practitioners from both print and broadcast media, theater arts practitioners attended the event.

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Economy

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State government has constituted a 29-Member Central Working Committee on Palliatives Distribution in the state. 

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Lekan Adeniran, indicates that the composition of the committee is aimed at ensuring that the palliatives reached every strata of the society.

The statement shows that the Committee has the mandate to implement various palliatives put in place by the state government for the residents of the state.

The statement says that there will be a similar Committee at the local government level to ensure seamless distribution of the palliatives.

It adds that the Committee at the local government level will include the council chairmen, members of the state House of Assembly, Leader of the House, Secretary to the Local Government, CDAs and market women association representatives, four nominees from non-governmental organisations and representatives of traditional rulers.

Members of the Central Working Committee headed by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele were drawn from the 20 local government areas of the state.

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Security

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has promised to strengthen its surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional conduct among road users and sustain effective patrol operations across the country 

The Acting Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Dauda Ali-Biu made the promise while flagging off this year’s ember months campaign at the Ita Oshin, Abeokuta motor park Ogun State. 

The campaign, according to the FRSC became imperative in view of the expected increase in human and vehicular movements across the country during the last quarter of the year, known as the ember months, ushering in the festive period.

The ember months campaign was aimed at sensitizing motorists and other stakeholders in the transportation sector to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations in a bid to reduce carnage on the road.

Addressing the stakeholders in the sector, The FRSC Acting Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Ali-Biu said 800 patrol vehicles, 100 ambulances, 27 tow trucks and 83 motorbikes aside from other tools had been deployed for the campaign exercise.

Mr Ali-Biu who described reckless driving as a threat to the state of road infrastructure encouraged road users to desist from acts that could hinder the success of the campaign.

Mr Ali-Biu commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration towards the massive deployment of resources for the construction of new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones across the country which he noted was designed towards promoting the safety of lives of the commuters. 

Flagging off the campaign, Governor Dapo Abiodun said there was a need for a continued sensitization campaign to encourage road users to adopt precautionary measures towards reducing road mishaps in the country.

Governor Abiodun who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele applauded the FRSC for putting in more efforts to promote safety on the roads through the ember months campaign and reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the state’s transportation sector. 

The Acting Corps Marshall had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who urged the Corps to combat the incessant impunity among the riders and motorists moving against traffic especially, around the Kara bridge along the Lagos – Ibadan expressway.

Segun Folarin

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Politics

The Diocesan Bishop, Awori Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Johnson Akin – Atẹẹrẹ, has urged Nigerians to choose leaders that will lift the country to greater heights in next year’s general elections.

The Right Reverend Akin – Atẹẹrẹ made the appeal in a sermon at the 62nd Independence Anniversary Church Service held at the Cathedral of Saint. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta. 

The Clergyman who described the forthcoming general elections as another opportunity to restore the nation’s hope urged Nigerians to play their part in the process of electing credible leaders. 

The Bishop also called on religious leaders to continue to pray for national peace and development, noting that the challenges confronting the country would be surmounted with the support of all citizens.

He advocated the inclusion of traditional rulers in enhancing security architecture in the country, particularly at the grassroots.

Addressing the congregation, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, appealed to Nigerians to avoid actions capable of threatening the nation’s peace and unity before, during and after the general election.

Governor Abiodun also advocated the need to sustain peaceful co-existence among Nigerians in the bid to enhance the social, economic and political development of the country. 

Bolanle Adesida

News

The “Nigeria for Women Project” has been flagged off in Ogun State as part of the federal government’s efforts to improve the social and economic status of women in the country.

The official launch of the project in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital also featured the upscaling of the state government’s economic empowerment programme for women tagged, “Okò’wò Dapọ” and the signing of the Executive Bill for 35% Women Inclusion in Government by Governor Dapo Abiodun. 

L-R: Governor Dapo Abiodun (2nd Left), Chief of Staff to President Muhamadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari (centre), Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele at the launch

Addressing the people, the Chief of Staff to President Muhamadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon become one of the leading promoters of gender equality in the global community. 

Professor Gambari who noted that women remained an indispensable part of humanity, said the successful implementation of the women empowerment project would enable the present administration to overcome insecurity, unemployment and other challenges confronting the country.

In a remark, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen said over 260 million naira had been disbursed to more than 2000 women across Ogun State.

Mrs Tallen then urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant to grow their businesses.

While flagging off the programme and signing the executive bill, Governor Dapo Abiodun explained that the empowerment programme was targeted at alleviating poverty and increasing the prosperity of women.

Governor Abiodun said the choice of Ogun State as one of the six states in each of the six geo-political zones of the country for the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Project was commendable.

The governor pointed out that the Federal Government’s scheme was in tandem with his administration’s programme on women empowerment.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised elderly people to be conscious of their diets and ensure they rest appropriately to enable them to enjoy their old age.

The former president gave the advice shortly after leading his five-a-side team to defeat the Ogun State government team by four goals to two in a novelty football match organised as part of the activities to mark his eighty-fifth birthday. 

The twenty-minute match played on the pitch of the Presidential Library in Abeokuta saw Chief Obasanjo scoring two of his team’s goals while the other two goals were scored through penalty kicks awarded to the OOPL side by the referee.

Scenes from the novelty match

The Ogun State government side was led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

The former president while speaking with newsmen said he enjoys the grace of God which avails him the opportunity of having good health.

He then advised elderly Nigerians to devote time to exercise their body, go for regular medical checkups and as well engaging in social activities.

The five-a-side football match also had in attendance former Nigerian international, Chief Segun Odegbami, traditional rulers and other sports enthusiasts.

Wale Oluokun

Transportation

The government of Ogun State wants motorists passing through the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway to cooperate with road safety agencies and other security officials working to restore normal flow of traffic on the expressway after the fire incident that claimed lives and property at Ogere axis of the road. 

Two persons reportedly died in the inferno sparked by a tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and 13 other vehicles were razed.

A shot of some vehicles affected by the fire

The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele who led a government’s delegation to inspect the scene of tanker explosion extended condolences to those affected by the incident and appealed to the road users to be patient. 



Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele (centre) with official at the scene of the explosion

She explained that the contractor handling the road construction had been mandated to provide alternative ways of diverting traffic to address the gridlock and commended the Federal Fire Service and other rescue agencies for their prompt response to prevent further loss of lives and property.

The Deputy Governor also announced that the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs had been directed to act as the incident commander to co-ordinate all agencies towards promoting the safety of lives and property while ensuring speedy evacuation of the debris to traffic movement.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

The people of Ikoga, Ado Odo, area of Ogun State has lauded the approval of the construction of Ikoga to Ado-Odo road as this will boost the socio-economic life of the people.

The Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Lateef Akanni, stated this while on a Thank You Visit to the state government and was received by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Oba Akanni while praying for a successful tenure described the present administration as being responsive to the yearning of the people as Governor Abiodun was the first governor to take interest in the plight of the people of Ikoga and Ado-Odo by providing the necessary solution to the dearth of good roads in the area.

Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Mr Tunji Akinosi who also joined the delegation to appreciate the governor for not just the Ikoga road, but all other roads to be constructed across the state, noting that the approval came after careful scrutiny and contributions made by the deputy governor. 

Responding, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele informed that there had been loads of agitations due to the deplorable state of roads particularly in the Ado-Odo axis, adding that this approval was government’s way of delivering on the promise made to the people. 

Mrs Salako-Oyedele thanked the delegation for finding time to show their appreciation, as this would encourage the government to do more, and called for patience as more infrastructural development would be carried out to bring more investors to the area.

Modupeola Sobukonla