Culture

Ogun Govt Arraigns Suspended Monarch

By Web News 135
By Toyin Adegoke/Abimbola Bamgbose

The Ogun State Government has arraigned the suspended Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi, over allegations of land grabbing and related offences.

Oba Owolabi, a coronet monarch under the Egba Traditional Council in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to sell land without authority, unlawful use of agents, forceful takeover of land, assault of a police officer, and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Justice, the monarch is accused of unlawfully claiming ownership of 500 acres of land in Obafemi Owode and fraudulently obtaining 75 million naira from a developer, Dr. Michael Adeyemi, without remitting the funds to the rightful owners.

The statement also alleged that Oba Owolabi deployed thugs to the disputed land, leading to the macheting of an individual.

It further claimed the monarch personally assaulted a police officer attached to the state’s land-grabbing task force.

The traditional ruler reportedly rebuffed efforts by both the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, and the Egba Traditional Council to address the matter amicably.

The statement revealed that Oba Owolabi ignored a summons by the OGHA in July 2024 and filed legal suits, which he later withdrew without complying with legislative investigations.

Consequently, the Assembly recommended his prosecution.

Similarly, the Egba Traditional Council, under the leadership of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, summoned Oba Owolabi multiple times and engaged him through its Ethical Committee, but to no avail.

As a result, he was suspended on December 13, 2024, for conduct deemed unbecoming of a traditional leader, a suspension that remains in effect.

While Oba Owolabi has reportedly met his bail conditions, the state government affirmed that his trial is ongoing and reiterated its commitment to upholding justice.

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Transportation

Tolling Begins on Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway from March 24

By Web News 493

By Abimbola Bamgbose

The Ogun State Government has announced the commencement of tolling operations on the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, effective Monday, March 24, 2025. The initiative ensures sustainable road maintenance, efficient operations, and enhanced safety.

The 14.7km expressway had been in a deplorable state for several years, posing significant challenges to commuters. However, under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the road was reconstructed into a modern expressway equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including toll plazas.

A statement by the Director-General of the Office of Public-Private Partnerships, Mr Dapo Oduwole, explained that despite the road’s Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement, tolling was initially delayed as a gesture of goodwill by Governor Abiodun, who prioritized easing the financial burden on residents.

“The Governor recognized the strategic economic importance of the expressway as a vital link between Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, and Ogun State. This necessitated the swift completion of the project,” Oduwole stated.“

He further assured motorists that the road was fully equipped with essential amenities, which would ensure a seamless travel experience.

Oduwole noted that the government had deliberately postponed tolling since 2021 to provide relief to residents and commuters, and that tolling operations would commence immediately after nearly four years of free usage.

He added that certain categories of vehicles would be exempted from toll payments.

These include emergency response vehicles such as ambulances, fire service trucks, and law enforcement patrol vehicles.

Others are the State Government’s official vehicles and any additional exemptions as determined by the government.

Environment

Ogun Govt. Shuts Company over Environmental Pollution

By Web News 493

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Ogun state government has sealed off the premises of a metal recycling company in Sagamu area of the State, for releasing contaminated oil into the environment.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya told newsmen that the recycling company had deliberately punctured holes at the back of its structure to discharge the contaminated oil into its immediate environment, instead of installing retention tanks within the premises for treating the bad oil and other solvents. 

Mr Oresanya maintained that the company’s management had also refused to heed several warnings from the government to desist from the practice which had continued to cause grievous harm to people living around the area.

The Commissioner pointed out that the state government would conduct strict assessment to establish the extent of the environmental damage done to the community, especially the percolation of the contaminated oil on underground water, to determine whether any remediation could be done.

“By doing this, the management of Maths Metal has not only caused pollution but has committed criminal act that are punishable under the Ogun State Environmental Sanitation Laws as their deliberate action has adversely affected residents of the community living around them”, Mr Oresanya said. 

The Commissioner said the recycling company would be made to bear the cost remedying the damage caused while the government would consider other corrective actions to serve as a deterrent.

He warned other industries operating in the state against pollution and other environmental infractions, saying the state government would not hesitate to protect the residents from environmental hazards. 

The Commissioner emphasized that any consultant that connived with companies to violate the rules would be blacklisted by the state and reported to the relevant federal authorities for possible sanctions.

Transportation

Olu of Ilaro Appeals to Ogun Govt over Deplorable Roads

By Web News 642

Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle has called on Ogun State Government to take advantage of the abundance of crude oil in Tongeji Island towards making Ogun an oil-producing state.

Oba Olugbenle, who made the call at Ilaro during a town hall meeting on the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2023 Budget for Yewa/Awori Division, said this was necessary to promote overall development across the state.

While appealing to the government to pay attention to Ipokia-Idi-Iroko, Imeko-Ijoun and Rounda-Ayetoro-Imeko roads, Oba Olugbenle, urged the state government to expedite work on  Imasayi-Igan- Okoto-Ayetoro road.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that with over 400 foreign and local industries in Ogun West Senatorial District, his administration would give priority to road construction in the area.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged the deplorable condition of the roads in Ogun West Senatorial District and pleaded for patience as his administration was working to address the situation.

The Governor, who also explained that his administration had renovated about 200 classrooms in five local government areas in the Senatorial District, said construction of housing estates had also commenced in Ilaro and Ayetoro. 

While saying that all observations and suggestions at the meeting would be considered and incorporated into the 2023-2025 and next year’s Appropriation Bill, Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration had taken steps to block leakage and boost Internally-Generated Revenue.

Bolanle Adesida

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Economy

Ogun Govt Plans to Introduce Gas-Enabled Vehicles

By Web News 454

Ogun state government says plans are underway to convert vehicles running on petrol to gas as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the state.

The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who announced this in Abeokuta during an interactive meeting with transport unions in Ogun Central Senatorial District, said, motorcycles would also be converted to electric.

While explaining that the conversion project tagged “Ogun Going Green Project” was necessary to reduce environmental pollution, Governor Abiodun said, the first set of kits for the project would arrive in the state in the next three weeks.

The Governor who said that buses, trucks and taxi owners would benefit from the project, pointed out that, the project would reduce, the cost of transportation.

He also said that his administration had directed the state Ministry of Transportation to work out modalities on ways to facilitate the provision of new vehicles for the transporters.

In their separate remarks, the State Secretary, of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr Tiwalade Akingbade and the Secretary, of Ogun State Parks and Management, Mr Haruna Adekujo, called for the construction of a world-class park in the state capital.

Bolanle Adesida

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Economy

Small Businesses to Receive Operational Grant from Ogun Govt

By Web News 758

Ogun State Government says it will soon commence the first phase payment of one billion naira operational grant to micro and small business operators selected across the 20 local government areas of the state.

The State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, who stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abeokuta, explained that the World Bank-backed grant was to facilitate recovery and enhance capabilities of MSEs for employment retention and job creation, post-COVID-19. 

Mr Okubadejo pointed out that over 3,500 successful micro and small business applicants would get between 100 and 350 thousand naira respectively, under the Ogun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, OG-CARES programme.

While assuring that the selection process would be open, transparent and fair, the Finance Commissioner noted that priority would be given to women, youth and persons living with disabilities.

Mr Okubadejo, who is also the Chairman, Steering Committee, OG-CARES, maintained that the effect of COVID-19 which was yet to abate and had affected several businesses, especially small and micro enterprises, not only in the state, but the world at large, informed the State government intervention.

He noted that there would be periodic verification by independent agents after disbursement to ensure that beneficiaries deploy the grant judiciously and ensure the continuity of their businesses.

Olusegun Folarin

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Transportation

Gas-enabled vehicles will soon be on roads in Ogun – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 471

Ogun State Government says plans are underway to convert vehicles running on petrol to gas as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the state.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who announced this in Abeokuta during an interactive meeting with transport unions in Ogun Central senatorial district, said motorcycles would also be converted to electric.

While explaining that the conversion project tagged “Ogun Going Green Project” was necessary to reduce environmental pollution, Governor Abiodun, said the first set of kits for the project would arrive in the state in the next three weeks.

The Governor who said that buses, trucks and taxi owners would benefit from the project, pointed out that the project would reduce the cost of transportation.

He also said that his administration had directed the state Ministry of Transportation to work out modalities on ways to facilitate the provision of new vehicles for the transporters.

In their separate remarks, the State Secretary, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr Tiwalade, Akingbade and the Secretary, Ogun State Parks and Management, Mr Haruna Adekujo, called for the construction of a world-class park in the state capital.

Bolanle Adesida

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Security

Boundary Dispute: Discussion Ongoing to Avert Conflict – Ogun Govt

By Web News 486

The Ogun State Government has assured the people of Irokun, Obinehin, Idigbengben and Araromi Seaside communities in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area that the state government has commenced high-level discussion to prevent break down of law and order in the area over boundary.

According to a statement signed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile in Abeokuta, the government urged the people to continue to go about their businesses peacefully and lawfully as the reported announcement by the Ondo State government is being handled at the highest level of government.

The statement also called on Law enforcement agencies to act accordingly to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.

Alhaji Odusile explained that the recent statement by the Ondo State Government signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, approving the installation of traditional rulers in Irokun, Obinehin, Idigbengben and Araromi Seaside communities in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State had been generating concern within the communities, stating that the said towns are recognized by law as situated in Ogun State.

He hinted that official legal documents dating back to the colonial era and re-affirmed by relevant agencies of the Federal Government are attesting to the claim.

Alhaji Odusile said the attention of the National Boundary Commission had been called to the press statement issued by the Ondo State Government and urged the commission to act in line with extant laws and relevant documents.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Migration of medical personnel overseas challenging – Ogun Govt

By Web News 643

One hundred ninety-six primary healthcare centres are being supported by the Federal and State governments through the provision of special intervention funds in an effort to make Health accessible to the people in rural areas.

Similarly, a bill has also been signed into law to ensure persons who embezzle Local Government Health Funds are arrested and prosecuted.

The Commissioner for Health, Doctor Tomi Coker made this known during a town hall meeting in Abeokuta on improving Maternal Health Care outcomes in the state by Ogun Women Association on Maternal Health.

The Commissioner added that there was the continuous renovation of primary health centres in a set of twenties to ensure each local government has a functional health centre at a particular point in time and encouraged all the women to ensure prompt payment of their taxes to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

Doctor Coker said the government was challenged by the migration of medical personnel overseas as this had slowed down the access to quality health care by the grassroots people.

In a remark, Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Doctor Elijah Ogunsola told the gathering that the commissioner on arrival had created a programme tagged Ogun State Health Improvement Plan to monitor and appraise the level of access to health care facilities by residents which had helped the board in discharging its statutory duties.

Earlier in an address of welcome, Deputy Director, JDPC, Ijebu Ode, Mrs Ireti Disu representing the Director, Reverend Father Patrick Ngoyi said that a lot of improvement had been witnessed in the primary health sector and appealed for more facilities for maternal mothers.

Women from the twenty local government areas of the state, who were represented at the event, requested additional scanning machines for pregnant women in all the primary healthcare centres across the state.

Modupeola Sobukonla

 

Environment

C-of-O: Ogun Govt Urges Residents to Verify Building Layout

By Web News 520

The Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has urged residents to uphold the state’s master plan by verifying the layout of their buildings before applying for the Certificates of Occupancy, C-of-O. 

The Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Mr Olatunji Odunlami made the call in Abeokuta while addressing a group of post-graduate students from the Centre for Planning Studies, Lagos State University.

Mr Odunlami, who noted that many challenges to land use and development would be averted if the people erected their buildings according to the state’s master plan, said the Ministry was working in line with the Ogun Regional Plan of 2005-2025, scheduled to be reviewed soon. 

The Commissioner, while soliciting the people’s support to promote well-controlled, functional, and holistic physical development plans, also encouraged tertiary institutions to direct their research toward creating sustainable future cities in collaboration with the government. 

Responding on behalf of the post-graduate students, Dr. Ade Adebayo commended the positive change in the policy direction of the Ministry and expressed the hope that the efforts would enhance appreciable development.

Olusegun Folarin

Education

Ogun Govt Issues Employment Letters To New Teachers

By Web News 995

Ogun State government says it has commenced issuing employment letters to newly recruited teachers into the State Teaching Service Commission programme.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Mr Olalekan Ifede, about one hundred appointment letters are expected to be issued out on Friday.

The Chairman said, others would also collect their letters in batches and would be deployed to schools at the end of their documentation.

He advised successful applicants to get across to the Commission with necessary documents as soon as they are contacted via SMS. 

Wale Oluokun

Environment

Arbitrary Structures: Ogun Govt. Cautions Property Developers

By Web News 542

Ogun State Government has advised property developers against erecting structures on the right of ways, drainage and culverts in the state.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Tunji Odunlami gave the advice while reacting to the demolition of a commercial structure built on concrete drain and culvert within the setback along Lafenwa-Ayetoro road in Abeokuta.

Mr Odunlami, who noted that government would not tolerate act that could endanger lives and property of citizens, said anyone found contravening the existing laws risked demolition of such property.

The Physical Planning and Urban Development commissioner said government was determined to follow the physical planning law of the state, explaining that the property owners in the affected area had been served with contravention notice to stop further construction.

Olusegun Folarin

Transportation

UK’s Prosperity Fund Pledges Technical Support to Ogun Govt on Transport System

By Web News 611

United Kingdom’s Prosperity Fund has pledged to offer technical assistant to Ogun State Government in its efforts to put in place an efficient and sustainable transportation system.

Speaking at the presentation of the report of the Committee on Transportation at Governor’s office Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Head, Prosperity Fund Nigeria, Mrs  Martha Bostock, said the Fund would help to fast track  the socio-economic development of the state.

In his presentation, a transportation expert, Dr. George Banjo, who

said the transport sector would contribute to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, called for the establishment of state transport authority.

On his part, Professor Olayinwole Solanke of the Department of Transportation, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, called for the restriction of motorcycles from major highways with dedicated lanes for trucks and heavy duty vehicles as part of safety measures.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun gave the  assurance that the report of the committee would be fully implemented, adding that rapid bus transit would commence operation  soon in Mowe Ibafo area of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Ogun Govt. Tasks Traditional Birth Attendants on Professionalism

By Web News 672

 In a bid to ensure the standard practice among traditional birth attendants, TBAs, the Ogun State Government has organised a day training programme to build their capacity on professional ways of handling birth deliveries and other activities.

Speaking at the training programme held in Abeokuta, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker explained that the training was another demonstration of government’s belief that activities of the TBAs were crucial to the development of the health sector.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Ekundayo Ayinde, Dr Coker noted that effective engagement of TBAs in relevant training would further reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates drastically, for the state to record better health indices.

She stated that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was determined to provide necessary logistics and guidelines at standardizing the practice of Alternate Medicine practitioners in the state to enable them to compete favourably with their counterparts across the world.

 Chairman of the State Alternate Medicine Board, Mr Nurudeen Olaleye, in a remark, said it was expedient for the Board to equip practitioners in the sub-sector with updated skills to meet up with the best global practices.

Mr Olaleye noted that arrangement was in top gear to provide modern technology and other logistics that would advance their operations.

One of the participants, Mrs. Elizabeth Quadri, who commended the effort of the state government for transforming alternate medicine practice, gave the assurance that members would continue to uphold the ethics of the profession.

Olusegun Folarin

Transportation

Ogun Govt. to Reconstruct Abeokuta-Kobape-Oba Road

By Web News 730

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that contract for the reconstruction of Abeokuta-Kobape-Oba road would soon be awarded towards opening up the axis for rapid development of the state.

He made this known when he accompanied the former Governor of the State and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress ,APC, Chief Olusegun Osoba to revalidate his membership of the Party at Oba ward 7, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who said the decision to reconstruct the road was part of efforts of his administration towards ensuring even distribution of infrastructure across the State, also announced that rehabilitation work would soon commence at St. Paul Primary School, Sodubi, in the council area.

Governor Abiodun said relevant agencies had been directed to carry out the rehabilitation of the school with a view to providing conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.

He also appealed to the party faithful to accommodate new members in the ongoing revalidation and registration exercise, adding that politics is a game of numbers.

Bolanle Adesida

Economy

Diary Material: Ogun Govt. Signs MoU with French Company

By Web News 527

Ogun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with French Company for the production of raw materials for dairy products in the country.

Speaking at the event held at Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jerome Pasquier said that the signing of the MoU would reduce food importation and increase food security in the country.

Mr Pasquier pointed out that the company would diversify its production by using locally made products, adding that when fully operational, the MoU would boost job creation and promote rearing of local cows  in the state.

Responding, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun who said his administration had embarked on various initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment rate in the State, expressed optimism that the signing of the MoU would help the state in its human capacity building and job creation.

While appreciating the French ambassador for promoting business opportunities between his country and Nigeria, the governor pointed out that production of raw materials for dairy products would not only create jobs, but would also conserve the nation’s foreign exchange.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Ogun Govt. Promises to Raise Standard of Healthcare

By Web News 633

Ogun State Government has promised to restore qualitative healthcare service through the re-energizing of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital at Sagamu.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made the promise during the tour of the facilities at the hospital alongside the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the hospital.

Dr. Coker explained that the constitution of the Council with seasoned and renowned medical practitioners was aimed at repositioning the hospital and drive drive efficiency.

He noted that the tour had enabled the Council to identify areas where repositioning of the hospital could take off.

The Chairman, OOUTH Governing Council, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, said the Council would come up with ways to resolve the challenges on the short, medium and long terms.

Dr. Adekunle Hassan assured that the Council will work to achieve the qualitative healthcare service delivery agenda of the state government.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Ogun Govt. Unveils Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test Kit

By Web News 851

Ogun State Government has unveiled a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test kit for testing in the comfort and privacy of homes. 

The test kits was unveiled by the wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun to commemorate the 2020 World AIDS Day in Abeokuta.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Tomi Coker while speaking at the event, described the HIV self-testing as a process which enables a person to know his or her HIV status by collecting a specimen, performing a test, and interpreting the test result in private.

Dr Coker noted that one HIV self-testing does not provide a definitive diagnosis, saying that it is a screening test for the presence of HIV One and Two antibodies or HIV One-P-Twenty Four Antigen.

She explained that Ogun State was the first in the country to launch the HIV self-test kit after Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe

The commissioner assured that the present administration in Ogun State would not relent in the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Kehinde Fatungase had commended the zeal of the state government in the fight against HIV despite the Covid-19 pandemic,

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

NAWOJ Partners Ogun Govt. on Boosting Living Condition of Rural Dwellers

By Web News 640

Ogun State Government has announced plans to strengthen its grassroots empowerment efforts and boost the living condition of local residents as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Day of the Rural Women. 

The Commissioner for Rural Development Mr Taiwo Oludotun made the submission when he led a delegation from the ministry to the rural women’s training programme organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, in conjunction with Gender Development Initiative, GENDI.

Radio Nigeria Francisca Irekpita completes the story.

Health

Covid-19: Ogun Govt. Urges Residents to Participate in Second Phase Testing

By Web News 653

Ogun State Government has called on residents to take advantage of the ongoing second phase of its community-based Covid-19 Testing.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker in a statement in Abeokuta explained that sample collection would be carried out in specified primary healthcare center in each of the twenty councils with trained health personnel for this purpose.

Dr. Coker said once samples had been collected, the health personnel would transfer them to the designated labs within the state for testing, adding that the method would not only lead to increased testing but also help to reveal the true burden of the disease in the state. 

The commissioner advised the residents to present themselves for the exercise without nursing any form of fear.

She said the decision to domesticate Covid-19 testing in the twenty local government areas of the state was founded on the National recommendation of community-based testing as a means to improving early case detection and treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.

Wale Oluokun

Agriculture

Ogun Govt. Empowers 54 Youth Farmers

By Web News 703

Fifty-Four youths have been trained as poultry farmers to champion the business of Broiler Production in Ogun State. 

In a message to the closing ceremony of the successful completion of the training programme, Governor Dapo Abiodun promised that the scheme would be replicated across the state to accommodate more youths.

Governor Abiodun encouraged young entrepreneurs in the Agriculture sector to take advantage of various interventions, including the Presidential Fertilizer Palliative, the Planting Materials Palliatives for smallholder farmers as well as the free extension and advisory services to farms and food production outfits.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele at the Odeda Training Farm Institute, Eweje, said the youths as Agriculture entrepreneurs would be supported to boost their productivity. 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina had explained that government’s advocacy efforts in Agriculture were yielding results and making Agricpreneur attractive to youths in the state. 

A beneficiary of the Broiler project, Mr Ayinde Musa who applauded the poultry intervention efforts, said the scheme had exposed participants to the economic advantages of Agro-business.

Oluremi Olugbenro 

Environment

Flood: Ogun Govt. Warns Residents To Relocate

By Web News 1636

Ogun State Government has advised residents in flood prone areas to temporarily relocate to avoid major flood disaster following the Federal government’s warning of impending flood in Ogun and other states.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun who stated this in Abeokuta, revealed that no fewer than forty communities in ten local government areas of the state were  at the risk of flood.

Mr. Abudu-Balogun noted that the advice became imperative following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET), 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, which included Ogun as one of the states to be affected by the flood.

He noted that the advice became imperative following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET), 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, which included Ogun as one of the states to be affected by the flood.

The commissioner listed the local government areas to include Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ifo, Obafemi Owode, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ado-Odo/Ota, Yewa South , Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East.  
He said that the state had marked illegal structures built on waterways for demolition, adding that these structures would soon be demolished by the government.

Mr. Abudu-Balogun blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse in water channels and building of illegal structures on waterways as the major causes of flooding and added that the government had embarked on dredging of rivers and clearing of canals across the state while asking residents of flood prone areas to relocate to safer locations as part of efforts to prevent disasters. 

He disclosed that the state in the last one year had arrested and prosecuted one hundred and twenty eight offenders for indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways and other environmental offences.

The commissioner emphasized that enforcement of environmental laws would be more intense, noting that violators would be sanctioned appropriately with the view to improving the residents’ attitude to environmental safety. 

Oluremi Olugbenro /Wale Oluokun

Sport

Players Welfare: Gateway United FC Lauds Ogun Govt.

By Web News 1065

The Acting General Manager, Gateway United Football Club, Mr Niyi Soleye has commended the Ogun State Government for the prompt payments of players’ salaries despite the harsh economy occasioned by coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Soleye stated this in Abeokuta while receiving the executive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State chapter led by its Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde.

The Gateway United football club Acting General said the regular payment of the players’ salaries was an indication of a new era to the state owned football club.

Mr Soleye, who thanked the sports writers in the state for their support for team, said there was the need for the sustenance of the existing cordial relationship between the club and the professionals.

Earlier, SWAN Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde had urged the management of Gateway United to see the association as partner in progress.

Alhaji Akintunde also reaffirmed the commitment of the sports writers in the state to project the activities of the club.

Olusegun Folarin

Health

COVID-19 Update :Ogun Govt Confirms 219 Active Cases

By Web News 969

Ogun state government says 219 active cases of Coronavirus are being managed in its Treatment and Isolation Centres as at the 11.59pm of Monday 29th June 2020. 

Reports from the State Ministry of Health indicated that 31 patients were discharged earlier in the day, bringing the total number of discharged persons to 570.

The Health ministry also confirmed 25 new cases of COVID-19, making up the total of 807 confirmed cases so far recorded in the state.

It equally pointed out that eighteen COVID-19 related deaths had been recorded in the state, since the index case in February.

Olusegun Folarin

Health

Ogun Govt. Commences Free COVID-19 Test

By Web News 755

Ogun state government has commenced free COVID-19 screening test across the state as part of efforts to flatten the curve of the virus.

In a statement in Abeokuta, The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that the exercise would be held in all towns, villages and hamlets across the twenty local government areas of the state.

Governor Abiodun urged the residents of the state especially those with symptoms of COVID 19 to make good use of the exercise and be tested for free by trained health personnel.

He explained that health workers and scientists would work on rotational basis in all centers designated for the exercise to ascertain COVID-19 status of the residents of the state.

The Governor explained that the step was part of efforts of his administration to detect and treat people that were already infected with COVID 19 towards preventing community transmission of the pandemic.

Bolanle Adesida