Economy

FG, Ready To Partner Ogun State On SMEs – VP’s Aide

By Web News 25 March 2021 574

The federal government has expressed readiness to deepen its relationship with the Ogun State Government in the area of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSMSEs.

The Special Assistant to the President in the office of Vice President on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Tola Johnson, stated this shortly after a meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Special Assistant said the purpose of the visit was part of efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to improving the living standard of the citizens.

While pointing out that Vice president Yemi Osinbanjo had engaged in lots of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MSME, programmes, Mr Johuson said very soon the residents of the state would feel the impact of the meeting with the governor.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Keep those in authority in constant prayers – Reverend Ayokunle

By Web News 25 March 2021 657

The President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle has called on religious leaders to always assist those in position of authority with prayers for them to overcome challenges confronting the country.

Reverend Ayokunle who made the call in Abeokuta shortly after a meeting with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun urged religious leaders not to feel unconcerned about happenings in the country.

While commending Ogun state government for maintaining peace in the state, Reverend Ayokunle said the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria was glad with the way and manner the governor was able to engender peace among different religions and ethnic groups in the state.

The religious leader urged the state government to continue to embark on developmental projects that would add value to the living standard of people.

He gave the assurance that religious leaders in the country would continue to partner government at all levels in rendering humanitarian services to the less privileged in the society.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Ogun Govt. Hands over Abducted OOU Students to Parents

By Web News 18 March 2021 666

Ogun State Government has handed over two female students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Precious Adeyemo and Abiola Oyefule, who regained their freedom from the hands of kidnappers to their parents. 

Speaking with newsmen at Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, said that the abducted students were rescued unharmed.

Alhaji Odusile, who commended the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the prompt rescue of the abducted students, reiterated that the present administration in the state would continue to give priority to the security of lives and property.

While handing over the abducted students to their parents, the state’s Commissioner for Health Dr Tomi Coker, said that the victims were in stable health condition, adding that the victims would only be treated for bruises. 

Also, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Professor, Abayomi Arigbabu said the state government was committed to providing conducive learning environment and gave an assurance that the government would beefed up security on all campuses.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Ogun Govt. Commences Administration of Covid-19 Vaccine

By Web News 13 March 2021 871

Ogun State Government is to commence the administration of Covid-19 vaccination in line with the guidelines from the National Primary Health Care Agency to eligible residents across the State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, who stated this in a statement, said administration of the vaccine was part of the efforts to curtail the spread of Covid-19 in collaboration with Development Partners.

Dr Coker said the exercise would begin on Monday through Wednesday, 24th 2021 for all front line workers across the 20 Local Government Areas in the state.

She encouraged the eligible residents to register online through nphcdaict.com.ng/publicreg and select the nearest health facility to them as their vaccination site to get vaccinated during the exercise.

Olusegun Folarin

Housing

I will continue to tackle the housing deficit – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 7 March 2021 855

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration will embark on the regeneration programme in Government Residential Areas, GRAs.

Prince Abiodun who made this known during an on-the-spot assessment of the five hundred housing units at the Kobape Housing Estate, along Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway, said his administration would continue to intensify efforts towards tackling the housing deficit in the state.

While pointing out that the housing project in Kobape was also being replicated in Sagamu, Ikenne, Ijebu-Ode, Ota and Ilaro, Governor Abiodun noted that his administration was targeting over two thousand housing units.

The governor also said his administration was working towards laying a gas pipeline from the Sagamu interchange to Abeokuta, adding that the pipeline would boost uninterrupted power supply on the road as well as the state capital.

Governor Abiodun who also visited interchange announced that Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway would be completed in May, 2021, irrespective of any obstacle.

While addressing the people of the area, the governor said that Commissioner for Education and his counterpart in the Ministry of Health would visit the area and look at ways of building a befitting health center and school in the area.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Abiodun Seeks FG’s Support Over Tongeji Island

By Web News 5 March 2021 978

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on the Federal Government to join hands with his adminstration towards giving the residents of oil-rich Tongeji Island a sense of belonging and make life more comfortable for them.

Governor Abiodun made the call in Abeokuta at the opening of a two-day interactive session of National Boundary Commission with the Boundary committee of the states in the South West Zone.

The governor who pointed out that his administration was aware of likely deposits of petroleum reserves on the island, said provision of basic infrastructure for the people of the island became imperative.

While urging all stakeholders to continue to adopt peaceful means of resolving boundary issues, he said Lagos and Ogun State governments had reached an advanced stage in the matter of establishing Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission.

Earlier, the Director General, National Boundary Commission Mr Adamu Adaji said the interactive session was organized to sensitize stakeholders on the activities of the boundary managers across the country.

Mr Adaji expressed optimism that at the end of the interactive session, all stakeholders would come up with better and more practical recommendations on boundary issues.

Bolanle Adesida

Security

We’ll not blame anyone on Farmers-Herders Crisis – Ogun Govt.

By Web News 28 February 2021 605

Ogun State Government says it will not  blame any group or ethnic national in its quest to put an end to the recurrence farmers – herders conflicts in the state.

The Chairman, Ogun State Peace Committee on Herders-Farmers Conflicts, Mr Kayode Oladele, stated this  during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and handing over of palliatives to the Onigua of Eggualand and the Baale of Asa. 

While pointing out  that the Committee would get a comprehensive report on those who lost their lives during the crisis, Mr Oladele said that the committee would also adopt methods towards finding a lasting solution to the  conflicts. 

The Chairman, Sub-Committee on Palliatives and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan who noted that the Committee would  find out the truth about the matter, said that the distribution of palliatives was attestation to the love the Governor has for the people.
While receiving the palliatives, Onigua of Eggualand, Oba Adeleye Dosunmu,  commended the State Governor for sharing in their pain during and after the conflicts.

Bolanle Adesida

Security

Gov. Abiodun Orders Investigation Into Farmers/Herdsmen Clash in Ogun

By Web News 7 February 2021 582

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has set up a Special Security Task Force towards maintaining peace in all areas of the state prone to herders/farmers conflict.

Governor  Abiodun who announced this in a statement in Abeokuta, also ordered the security agencies in the state to investigate the recent clash between herdsmen and farmers in Eggua, Yewa North local government area of the State.

Governor Abiodun also directed that those behind the recent violence  that led to loss of life and destruction of property in the area should be brought to justice, adding that his administration would not condone any act of criminality in the state.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Governor Abiodun also  sympathized with  those who lost their farmlands as well as cows during the unfortunate incident.

The Governor also announced that  stakeholders’ meeting  involving farmers and herdsmen would take place next week in order to identify specific and practical initiatives that would bring about  a lasting peace.

He urged the residents of the State to continue to go about their lawful businesses and report any strange movements or threats to peace in their neighbourhoods to the security agencies.

Bolanle Adesida

Environment

Ogun Govt. Renews Commitment to Coordinated Physical Development

By Web News 22 January 2021 586

Ogun State Government has renewed its readiness to partner relevant stakeholders especially the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN, to ensure a well-coordinated physical development in the State.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami, who stated this during a meeting with members of REDAN in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, pointed out that the agenda of the government was to have an organised physical environment.

Mr Odunlami maintained that his agency would key into the objectives of the association to sanitize the operations of those in the real estate business.

He emphasised the need for developers to obtain layout approval from the government before advertising land for sale, to avoid been sanctioned.

Mr Odunlami, who pointed out that the era of delay in obtaining layout approval was no longer the practice, said all required documents including proper layout design, technical report and title documents would be processed within a short time.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Yetunde Dina, urged the association to forward names of registered members to create more enabling environment for partnership.

Earlier, Chairman, REDAN, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Oyebola Okusanya had pledged the association’s support for government’s developmental projects.

Olusegun Folarin

Health

Ogun Govt. Promises to Boost Life Expectancy of Residents

By Web News 22 January 2021 756

Ogun State Government has promised to improve to facilitate programmes that will prolong life expectancy of residents through implementation of Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF, in all Primary Health Centres, PHCs.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker gave the assurance at a stakeholders’ meeting on the Implementation of Basic Health Care Provision Fund and Improving Primary Health Care system in the state in Abeokuta.

Dr. Coker, who explained that the BHCPF was the first step towards achieving universal healthcare, assured that renovation of PHCs were on-going across the State to ensure effective service delivery.

Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Afolabi Afuwape, who described funding of PHCs as important to the overall development of the State, pointed out that active involvement and engagement of Transition Committee Chairmen in the day-to-day running of the public health facilities was paramount.

In a presentation, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola said to ensure accountability, revenue generated in each facility should be under the respective PHCs accounts, monitored and accessed by Transition Committee Chairmen and MOH, adding that there should also be uniform price list for PHC services in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

In their separate contributions, the State Coordinator, World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr. Sunday Abidoye and his counterpart from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Victoria Adebiyi, commended government in its efforts at ensuring a successful take-off and implementation of the BHCPF, promising that their various agencies would continue to support the State at improving healthcare service and delivery.

Olusegun Folarin

Economy

Ogun Government Orders Demolition Of Illegal Bridge

By Web News 10 January 2021 588

Ogun State government has ordered the immediate destruction of an illegal flyover bridge undergoing construction across Oluwa River, a boundary between Omo forest, Area J4 in Ijebu East and Ondo State.

The Commissioner for Forestry, Mr. Tunji Akinosi, who led a monitoring team to Laagan Village, where the unauthorised construction of about 50 meters long bridge was located, commanded the settlers to pull it down within two weeks before the next monitoring exercise.

Mr. Akinosi said the objective of constructing the overhead bridge was for easy transportation of the state’s forest resources to neighbouring states.

He pointed out that the present administration would not fold its arms and allow illegal loggers to take over the forest reserves.

Mr. Akinosi added that unscrupulous elements were behind the illegal construction which he estimated to be on the region of a fifteen to twenty million naira project.

The commissioner also noted that some of the settlers keeping illegal arms to perpetrate crimes in the area would be arrested and explained that armed soldiers would remain part of the frequent monitoring exercises in order to prevent banditry which is becoming prevalent in the area.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Insurgency: Armed Forces need all the support they can get – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 10 January 2021 589

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

Sport

Ogun Govt. Commences Renovation of MKO International Stadium

By Web News 8 January 2021 955

Ogun State Government has concluded plans to commence renovation as well as building new sporting facilities in Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta and Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode in a bid to reposition and develop young talents in sports.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde who conducted management and staff of a construction firm round the two facilities expressed optimism that the reconstruction would boost sports in the State and attract international sporting events.

Dr Kehinde pointed out that the project would involve reconstruction of training pitches for footballers, Olympic Standard Swimming pools, Multi-purpose halls for indoor events, and coverage of the main bowl of the two Stadia.

Earlier, the Managing Director, of the  Company, Mr Adeola Adenuga appreciated the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his foresight and immense passion for sporting activities in the State.

Segun Folarin

Sport

Ogun Government Assures NFF Of Enabling Environment For Sports

By Web News 29 December 2020 654

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

Agriculture

Desist from using unauthorised vaccines – Ogun Govt. Warns Rabbit Farmers

By Web News 13 November 2020 731

Ogun State government has encouraged farmers to desist from the use of unauthorized vaccination in a bid to curb the sudden emergence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Diseases, RHDs.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina gave the advice at a seminar put together for poultry farmers, at Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Promoting and Sustaining Healthy and Profitable Cuniculture in Ogun State”.

Dr Odedina who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Dotun Sorunke, said the state government would continue to harness the integrated surveillance response, as well as engage the farmers on continuous education on ways to combat the spread of emerging RHDs.

The Commissioner for Agriculture who sympathised with the affected farmers over the loss of over three thousand rabbits said vaccination of the animal against the disease was not an option to reduce the outbreak of RHDs.

In a lecture entitled “Cuniculture: where it was, where it is and where it ought to be”, the Director, Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso lamented that most rabbit farmers were not registered with the government and hardly consult veterinary doctors, which he said contributed largely to outbreak of the communicable disease in the industry.

Some participants including Mr Oluwakemi Balogun and Mr Olusola Badmus appealed to government to always off-take animal dung which they noted could be converted to useful material like fertiliser, thereby creating employment and generating income.

Olusegun Folarin

Economy

2021 Budget; we will rely more on IGR – Governor Abiodun

By Web News 3 November 2020 725

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would rely more on the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, as the primary source of financing its budget next year.

Prince Abiodun made this known at the virtual consultative meeting with the representatives of the people of Ogun East Senatorial District on the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2021 budget.

The governor pointed out that the state government would give utmost priority to education, health, agriculture and road infrastructure in next year’s budget.

While noting that the recent payment of the new minimum wage was in line with the agreement reached with labour unions, Governor Abiodun urged the labour unions in the state to be considerate in their demands at a time government was also struggling with finances.

The chairperson, Ogun State Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Mrs Oluwakemi Olude and her counterpart in the Women Support and Care Initiative, Dr Omolara Quadri called for the creation of more jobs, execution of more capital projects and empowerment of the youths and women in the coming fiscal year.

Bolanle Adesida

Transportation

Ogun Govt. Approves Construction of Twelve Major Roads

By Web News 24 October 2020 1638

Ogun State Government has approved the construction of twelve roads in the three Senatorial districts of the state.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya, who  made this known while briefing newsmen after the Executive Council Meeting, said the twelve roads would be completed between six to nine months.

While pointing out that the present administration would continue to give priority to road infrastructure towards improving economic development in the state, Mr Akinsayan said the state government was taking steps to find lasting solution to the deplorable condition of Abeokuta-Lagos road, and Ota Idi Iroko road.

Also, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile explained that the approval of the roads was based on the request of the community leaders in various local government areas of the state, adding that all ongoing road projects across the state would be completed as scheduled.

Some of the newly approved roads are Ilashe koko alari road, Joju road in Ogun West Senatorial District, Somorin Kemta Idi Aba road, Olomore junction and Sanni road, and Itori Junction Total road in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

Others are Sagamu Ore interchange, Ago Iwoye Oru Ijebu Igbo road, Ilishan Market road, Sagamu Junction Iperu Round-About road, Iperu Round-About Ode road, Obafemi Awolowo Way Mada Takete road, and Orile-Oko road in Ogun East Senatorial District.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Covid-19: Second Phase Community Testing Begins in Ogun

By Web News 5 October 2020 652

Ogun State Government has commenced second phase of community-based Covid-19 Testing across the twenty local government areas of the state to reduce community transmission.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker in a statement made available in Abeokuta said the decision to domesticate Covid-19 testing in all the councils was on recommendation to improve early case detection and treatment of both Symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. 

The commissioner explained that the testing which is free, commences with mobile testing in five major markets in each of the local government before the facilities are stationed at designated Primary Health Centres.

She noted that community leaders had been engaged to support and give assistance to mobilize people for the testing.

Dr. Coker also revealed that samples collection are to be carried out in specified primary healthcare center noting that health personnel have been trained for this purpose. 

The Commissioner, who urged residents to present themselves for the testing, revealed that the testing will be carried out on five work days of the week for the next 3 months in all the twenty local government areas between the hours of eight in the morning and three in the afternoon.

The first round of the community sampling was carried out in April at the peak of the pandemic in the state across all local government areas.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Keep hope alive for a better Nigeria – Governor Abiodun

By Web News 1 October 2020 727

Governor Dapo Abiodun wants Nigerians to renew their hope of a greater Nigeria and regard the economic recovery policies of the Federal Government as deliberate efforts towards ensuring that the country does not go back into recession. 

Governor Abiodun made the call at the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the country held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Our Correspondent Bolanle Adesida completes the story.

At the low key event, organized in strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, Governor Abiodun said it was necessary for Nigerians to summon courage towards building a better and more prosperous future for the country. 

While calling for more patience and understanding from the citizens, the Ogun State governor expressed optimism that the sincere efforts by the President Muhammad Buhari administration would turn around the country’s fortunes around for the benefit of the people.

Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians to shun the calls for the country’s breakup but to support the current economic and social reforms of the present administration. 

The governor also promised that his government would take advantage of the Diamond Anniversary of the country, not only to reappraise all of its policies and programmes, but also to improve on its approach and strategy towards ensuring good governance.

Some residents of the state including Mr Olusesi Jibowo and Mrs Oluwemimo Olatunji urged government at all levels to deploy all available resources across all sectors towards making life more comfortable for Nigerians.

They pointed out that the much desired national growth required collective efforts and called on Nigerians to support the government in its bid to lift the country to a greater height. 

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Nigeria 60th Anniversary: Religious Leader Calls for National Repentance

By Web News 27 September 2020 668

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Peter Akinola has called for national repentance in a bid to to stop the recurring blood letting and other national challenges.

The Most Reverend Akinola stated this in the sermon entitled “Rejecting the blood Shedding culture” at the 60th National Day Thanksgiving Service held at Cathedral of saint Peter Ake, Abeokuta.

The Primate who noted that the past and prevailing episodes of blood letting would continue to undermine development of the country, identified Godliness, righteousness and justice as foundation for building the desired peaceful, progressive and respectable nation.

While pointing out that there must be justice for all victims of Nigeria’s bloodletting, the Most Reverend Akinola, said that anyone found guilty should be appropriately punished.

The religious leader urged Nigerians to take the National Day celebration as an opportunity for all citizens to shun bloodletting adding that God would have mercy on Nigeria if the people seek His intervention.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stressed the need for Nigerians to be united and support the efforts to strengthen national development, stating that nation building remained a collective responsibility.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Ogun Govt. Calls for Community Dialogue over Neglected Tropical Diseases

By Web News 25 September 2020 925

The Ogun State Government has called for a community dialogue approach to enable rural communities to have a better understanding of reducing neglected tropical diseases, NTDs through proper sanitation and a healthy environment.

The state’s NTD coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Dr Islamiat Shoneye made the call when she led other members of her team on an advocacy visit to Paramount FM in Abeokuta.

Our correspondent Olajumoke Idowu completes the story.

Environment

Ogun Government Approves Construction of Three Major Roads

By Web News 23 September 2020 2424

Ogun State Government has approved the construction of three roads in Ogun Central and East Senatorial districts of the state.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya made this known while briefing newsmen shortly after a Virtual Weekly Executive Council meeting.

Mr Akinsanya listed the three roads to include 4.65 kilometers Akute-Gbenro-Ishasi road, 2.3 kilometers Olusegun Osoba Twiney street in Ogun Central  and 2.3 kilometers 6 lane Molipa expressway road in Ogun East Senatorial district of the state.

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While assuring residents of the state, especially those passing through Panseke-Adigbe and  Elite-Oke-Lantoro roads in Abeokuta that the projects would be completed after the rainy period, the Commissioner urged the residents to be patient with the state government.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Communications, Mr. Remmy Hassan announced  that the Executive Council  made decisions on the pricing of the housing project embarked upon by the  present administration, adding that the decisions were  graciously approved by the council.

Bolanle Adesida.

Economy

Ogun Govt. Asks Labour Union to Return to Negotiations Table

By Web News 18 September 2020 623

Ogun State Government has called on representatives of the organised Labour to return to the negotiation table to address the grey areas of their demands.

In a statement in Abeokuta, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi claimed that the Labour representatives had withdrawn abruptly from the negotiation process before embarking on what he described as unilateral declaration of one week strike. 

Mr Talabi, who maintained that the decision was unfair and a violation of the principles of collective bargaining, said that the present administration in the state had inherited about 107 billion naira workers’ welfare debt, adding that the past administration only remitted deductions from staff salary for check off dues and cooperative deductions in the twilight of its exit, leaving out the accumulated Contributory Pensions. 

While pointing out that the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 had forced the state to review its 2020 budget downward by 38%, Mr Talabi said the government had ensured regular remittance of workers’ deductions.

The Secretary to the State government announced plans by the present administration to implement the new minimum wage for all categories of workers, starting from November, 2020, while making efforts to clear the outstanding arrears gradually.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun Govt. Charges Orphanages to Maintain Best Practices

By Web News 17 September 2020 550

The Ogun State Government has threatened to shut any orphanages in the state who refuse to maintain international best practices in the discharge of their services to the orphans in their care.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Funmi Efuwape gave the charge during the monitoring exercise to private orphanages across the state.

Mrs Efuwape, who added that some of the orphanages may be merged for effective service delivery, to avoid having many orphanages that were not performing up to expectations.

The 33 orphanages visited across the three senatorial districts included Ijamido Children Home, Ota, in Ogun West, Kings Heritage Missionary Children Home, Ijebu Ode, in Ogun East and Gideon Orphanage, Abeokuta in Ogun Central among others.

Modupeola Sobukonla.

Environment

Ogun Govt. Introduces Temporary Approval Permit for Industries

By Web News 12 September 2020 1334

Ogun State Government has introduced ‘Permit in Principle’ (PIP), an initiative to enable large scale industries, estates and other big businesses obtain temporary building approval permit pending the completion of necessary requirements for proper Planning Permit.

The Commissioner for Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami, who made this known in Abeokuta, said the idea was to discourage illegal development of structures and ensure easy take-off of industrial businesses, adding that government was determined to stop the abuse of its planning laws and engender a culture of compliance among developers.

Mr Odunlami pointed out that when PIP is issued, it would not allow any physical development to take place without necessary documents that would be submitted to the Authority for planning Permit Approval, adding that investors or developers could only clear the site, supply building materials and build store for construction in the process of compiling necessary documents.

 According to him, ‘’when ‘Permit in Principle’ is issued, no developer is allowed to erect any structure in the state without obtaining planning Permit issued by the State Planning Permit Authority. Once you have been given ‘Permit in Principle’, it guarantees that the Government would not say you cannot build, unless something extra ordinary happens. This guarantees that you will get the final approval’’.

He reiterated that it was by respecting the Physical Planning law of the state that everyone could join the vanguard for the protection of lives and property, noting that most developers think of obtaining building planning approval last, after they must have completed the building project.

Mr Odunlami explained that applicants were required to submit building plan and would be asked to fill some documents.

Once the drawing met planning requirement, they would be issued ‘Permit in Principle’ which would give them ample time to set the site in place while gathering other documents such as; title to the land, Tax clearance, Soil test report, environmental impact assessment and other important documents to be submitted for the process of obtaining Planning Permit.

Olatunji Idowu