Lifestyle

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the tanker explosion which claimed 77 lives and left 25 others injured,along Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja, Niger State, as a devastating tragedy.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Governor Abiodun expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the governments and people of the southern states.

He extended condolences to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, his administration, and the people of Niger State, urging them to remain resilient in the face of such a heartbreaking event.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He also called on state and federal agencies to intensify efforts in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.

Prince Abiodun also appealed to the federal government to collaborate with the Niger State Government and provide any necessary assistance during this challenging time.

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Crime

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured the family of the slain Director of Finance and Administration in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi and the people of the state that the perpetrators behind the killing will be caught and brought to justice.

Prince Abiodun also said his administration would take full responsibility for the welfare and well-being of the family Mr Oyekanmi left behind.

Governor Abiodun stated these when he paid a condolence visit to the home of the deceased former director on Thursday.

Governor Abiodun described the deceased as diligent, hardworking, honest, and God-fearing.

He said the Governor’s Office and the entire state workforce have been devasted by the killing, assuring that everything possible will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Governor Dapo Abiodun said the death of Oyekanmi was a painful reminder that life is a journey, adding that the deceased lived a life of impact, touched everybody, and is well respected by everyone.

Responding on behalf of the family of the deceased his younger brother, Tayo Oyekanmi thanked the governor for the visit even as he said destiny has been shattered, dreams cut short, not only in the family but the entire Ifonyintedo community in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

He urged the governor to unravel the people behind the killing in no distant time to assuage the pains of the family.

Mr. Oyekanmi was attacked and murdered on Wednesday in the Abeokuta metropolis while on an official assignment.

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Energy

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Investors in Nigeria will begin to enjoy maximum power supply to boost production capacity while contributing to the general economic growth of the nation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance during the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Vice President Shettima, who is the Chairman, Board of Directors, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, said the country holds tremendous opportunities for not only foreign investors but also for local investors.

Senator Shettima who expressed displeasure that industries in the Agbara Cluster rely on other sources of power supply aside from the national grid, said the federal government through the Niger Delta Power Holding company, NDPHC, was committed to ensuring that clusters like the Agbara Industrial Hub benefits from a cheaper means of generating power in their various factories. 

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said without adequate power supply, all infrastructures provided for the use of the people both at the state and federal levels would be in vain.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also disclosed that his administration has gone beyond the establishment of the Agbara Cluster by adding four additional clusters, said the state government would collaborate with the federal government to provide necessary support for investors.

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Transportation

By Bimbo Bamgbose

Residents of Mowe-Ofada in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State will soon begin to enjoy a smooth drive as the eight kilometer road which has been under construction is expected to be completed and ready for the use of commuters plying the road by the end of October, 2023.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known during an assessment and inspection of work on the road.

Governor Abiodun who noted that the present administration had ensured the equitable distribution of infrastructure across the twenty local government areas of the state since 2019, said the completion of the road would boost socio-economic development in the axis.

The governor while appreciating the people of the local government for their support especially during the just concluded general elections also asked for their continued support and patience.

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Religion

By Bolanle Adesida

As the Muslim Ummah all over the world celebrates Eid-el-fitri, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged Muslims to sustain the values, morals and tenets of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

In his Eid-el-Fitri message, Governor Abiodun called on the Muslims to continue with their good deeds and total devotion to the Almighty Allah.

He also urged the adherents of Islam to use the period of Eid-el-Fitri to supplicate to God and pray for peace, unity and development of the country in general and Ogun State in particular.

While congratulating Muslims in the state for witnessing another Eid-el-Fitri, Governor Abiodun urged them to celebrate moderately and extend love to the less-privileged in the society.

The governor, however, reiterated that his administration would continue to encourage inter-religious harmony in the state, promote good governance and ensure that people remain an integral focus of its policies and programmes.

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Environment

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the extension of the amnesty period for people who build houses without building permits, from fourth November to December 31, 2022.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Ogun State, Mr Olatunji Odunlami who made this known while speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta, said the extension of the amnesty period was to enable people to regularise their documentation.

Mr Odunlami noted that the governor had earlier waived off the payment of penal fees in demonstration of his mantra of “Building Our Future Together” in the state.

He encouraged the citizens to take advantage of the extension period to regularise their illegal developments, as a way of providing a similar opportunity currently being enjoyed under the Property Registration Programme, by those who have property on government acquisition.

Olusegun Folarin

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Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to Nigerians to pray and give optimum support to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in its bid to take the country to the next level of economic development, security and stability.

In his independence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the socio-economic challenges facing the country, but hopeful for a better tomorrow.

He also charged Nigerians to draw their strength from the oneness of the country, and be optimistic that all the challenges confronting the nation were surmountable.

While commending Nigerians for their perseverance, Governor Abiodun called for their support as well as cooperation with the government at all levels, especially at this critical period in the country’s polity.

The governor who maintained that Nigerians must not give up on the country urged them to always demonstrate patriotism and work for unity, peace and progress of the nation.

Bolanle Adesida

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Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has encouraged Nigerians to uphold national unity at all times to ensure that the labour of the nation’s past heroes will not be in vain.

Governor Abiodun made the call while speaking with newsmen after the special parade and laying of wreaths to mark this year Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at Arcade Ground, Oke Mosan Abeokuta.

The governor who pointed out that fallen heroes sacrificed their lives while protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, said one major way to keep their memories alive was to ensure that the country remained indivisible. 

In a remark, the Ogun State Chairperson, Military Widows Association of Nigeria, Mrs Oluwakemi Alao urged the government to empower the widows of fallen heroes and provide jobs for their children.

Mrs Alao maintained that assisting the families of the fallen heroes with stable sources of income would help to alleviate their sufferings and enable them to also contribute to the process of nation-building. 

Highlights of the occasion included the laying of wreaths and the release of white pigeons to symbolize peace. 

Bolanle Adesida

Judiciary

National President, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Olumide Apata says the association is investigating the issues of conflicting court orders from Judges in the country.

Mr Apata who stated this in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said any erring member of the association would be taken to the Disciplinary Committee for prosecution.

The NBA president who noted the ongoing developmental projects in the state expressed optimism that the private sector background of the governor would help to ensure that governance should be pragmatic in finding solutions to people’s problems.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended the NBA for protecting human rights and the tenets of good governance, saying it was in tandem with his administration’s policy of fairness, equity and fair play.

The governor also announced that a law would soon be put in place to ensure that judges who had served the state would own houses, adding that all judges from Ogun State serving in various courts across the country would benefit from the arrangement.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has advised Nigerian women to take advantage of their numerical strength to contest for elective positions. 

Governor Abiodun who gave the advice while receiving a group of people involved in activism against gender-based violence, led by his wife, Bamidele, urged the women not to allow themselves to be relegated.

While noting that the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act had been domesticated in the state, Governor Abiodun said the Child’s Right Protection Law had also been passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly, adding that the Sexual Assault Referral Center had been commissioned in Sagamu.

Earlier, the wife of the governor Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun who said the group was against violence in any form, pointed out that the girl-child and women, as well as the boy-child and men, should be protected in the society.

Also, an activist, Dr. Mojisola Akinsanya, while stressing the need to address poverty among the downtrodden as a way of reducing violence, solicited more women’s participation in governance.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated the new Head of Service for the state, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro with a charge on him to raise the standard of the State’s Public Service.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun urged the new Head of Service to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the state’s public service.

The governor noted that his administration was guided by the principles of character, competence, and capability in the appointment of top functionaries for the smooth operation of the core machinery of government in the state.

While noting that the emergence of Dr. Aigoro as the 18th Head of Service was the result of due diligence, merit, loyalty and careful consultation, Governor Abiodun urged the new Head of Service to see the appointment as a call to a higher duty.

He promised that his administration would continue to support and provide a conducive atmosphere for the public servants to build their careers and rise to the peak.

In a remark, the new Head of Service, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro who promised to justify the confidence reposed in him gave the assurance that the state workforce would continue to support the government.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has paid a condolence visit to the father of the late owner of the twenty-one story building property that collapsed at Ikoyi in Lagos, Chief Emmanuel Osibona, at their country home in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The governor while commiserating with the Osibona family over the unfortunate incident prayed God to grant the father and the entire family the fortitude to bear the sad and irreparable loss.

Chief Emmanuel Osibona, the Baba Ijo of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, received the governor’s entourage in the company of other members of the family.

Mr. Olufemi Osibona was trapped and died in the collapsed twenty-one storey building he was constructing at Ikoyi in Lagos State.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has rewarded Miss Joy Adesina, who emerged the best graduating student from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, with a house, a sum of five million naira and a scholarship for further studies.

Governor Abiodun, who made this known at the reception organized in honour of Miss Adesina, an indigene of Ogun State, noted that the medical scholarship would be for her residency at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to recognize and honour exceptional indigenes of Ogun State, who through a dint of hard work attained academic excellence and are found worthy both in character and innovation.

He advised the awardee to put her intellectual prowess into research and scholarship and expressed optimism that Miss Adesina might be Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Medicine.

While calling on the private sector to collaborate with the state government through its Public-Private Partnership, PPP, programme to reposition education in the state, the governor promised that his administration would continue to appreciate and reward positive enterprises and achievements by sons and daughters of the state, especially the youths. 

Responding, the honouree appreciated the gestures extended to her by the state and thanked her parents for their love and support to achieve the feat at the medical school with a promise to make good use of the opportunity.

Bolanle Adesida

Transportation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed his readiness to complete the 32-kilometre Ijoko-Alagbole-Akute Road to alleviate the sufferings of the motorists passing through the area.

Governor Abiodun who stated this at a virtual town hall meeting on the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2022 Budget for Ogun Central Senatorial District, said the road was crucial to the socio-economic well-being of the people in the axis.

While pointing out that the Future City Project spearheaded by the United Kingdom Foreign Office was still on course, Governor Abiodun emphasized that the project would promote overall development in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Governor Abiodun also said his administration would partner private investors for the completion of the 250-bed hospital in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, adding that world-class equipment had been supplied to the hospital.

In his contribution, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who commended the state government for promoting Adire fabrics, urged the government to take action on Chinese Adire currently flooding the local markets in Nigeria.

In a remark, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo gave the assurance that accelerated attention would be given to the budget when presented to the Assembly.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the Former Administrator of Oyo State late General Adetunji Olurin as a dependable, reliable and worthy son of the state.

Governor Abiodun who stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late general in Lagos, said the deceased was a gallant military officer who served the nation meritoriously during his lifetime.

Governor Abiodun said the death of late General Olurin occurred when the country and Ogun State needed his security expertise in tackling various security challenges confronting the nation.

He also said that the death of the late general was a painful loss to the state and the country in general.

While commiserating with the entire family of the deceased, Governor Abiodun, said death remained inevitable, and promised that his administration would continue to support the family.

The widow of the deceased, Mrs. Kehinde Olurin thanked the governor for the visit and his kind gesture since the demise of her husband.

Bolanle Adesida

Transportation

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has announced the federal government’s decision to review the contract for the reconstruction of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road.

Mr. Fashola made this known during an inspection of ongoing construction works at the Toll Plaza, Lotto axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. 

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (centre, white hard hat) and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (centre, yellow hard hat) speaking to newsmen during the inspection.

The minister explained that the Lagos-Ota road project which was inherited from the previous administration, was initially awarded in the year 2000 with the contract sum of 6 billion naira currently required the sum of 56 billion naira for its completion.

The minister also disclosed that the reconstruction of Ota/Idi-Iroko road would be handled by a notable investor in the private sector through Tax Credit System funding after the approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/FG-ROADS.mp3

While sympathising with the motorists passing through the roads, Mr. Fashola said government needed the support of lawmakers in making funds available for infrastructural development in the country.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun also announced plans by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA to embark on the rehabilitation of Lagos-Ota Abeokuta and Ota/Idi-Iroko roads with a view to reducing the hardship encountered by commuters along the roads.

Governor Abiodun who described Ota as the industrial hub of the state, said people of the area would soon heave a sigh of relief as the rehabilitation of deplorable portions of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and Ota Idi-Iroko roads would be completed before the end of the year. Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Bishop of Ijebu North Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Right Reverend Solomon Kuponu has called on government at all levels to continue to implement programmes and policies that would alleviate poverty in the country.

Bishop Kuponu made the call in Iperu Remo while delivering a sermon during the Christian wake service for the father of Ogun State Governor, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun.

The Right Reverend Kuponu maintained that eradicating poverty among the needy people would make life meaningful for them and help them to fulfill their purpose and divine mandate on earth.

The Bishop also urged government to put necessary measures in place towards tackling insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.

While appealing to Nigerians to always follow the will of God in all their dealings, the Right Reverend Kuponu said the deceased had a good reputation and rendered selfless service to God and humanity during his lifetime.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who pointed out that his father was a devoted Christian during his lifetime, said the out-pour of love and emotions towards himself and his family had reduced the pain of losing his father.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of former Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and a leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye as a great loss to the progressives.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun noted that the late senator was a political giant whose politics was devoid of bitterness during his lifetime.

Governor Abiodun lamented that Senator Durojaiye died when Ogun State and Nigeria needed his vast experience in politics and leadership.

The governor said apart from being a politician, Senator Durojaiye was also a community leader who loved his community and contributed immensely to the development of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government and Ogun State in general.

While commiserating with the immediate family of the deceased, Governor Abiodun, prayed to God Almighty to forgive his shortcomings and grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Bolanle Adesida

News

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock over the death of the former Military Governor of Oyo State, General Adetunji Olurin retired who died on Saturday at the age of 76.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the death of General Olurin occurred when the country and Ogun State needed his security expertise in tackling various security challenges confronting the nation.

The governor who pointed out that General Olurin served Nigeria and ECOWAS in many capacities, said the deceased had put the state and Nigeria on the global map with his exploits when he served as the ECOMOG Commander in Liberia.

He described General Olurin as a gallant military officer and astute administrator, adding that the late general was an illustrious son of Ogun State.

While commiserating with the entire family of the deceased, Governor Abiodun said the death of the general was a painful loss to the state and the country in general.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described his late father, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, as a selfless person who rendered service to God and humanity during his lifetime. 

Governor Abiodun stated this in Iperu while receiving Remo Traditional Council, Ogun State Elders Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Local Governments Chairmen, Nigeria Labour Congress and Security Agencies who paid him a condolence visit.

While pointing out that the death of his late father was painful, Governor Abiodun urged people to always take care of their parents and spend adequate time with them while they were still alive.

The governor, however, said his administration was committed to ensuring adequate security across the state, adding that his administration would continue to implement programmes and policies for overall development of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has cast his vote at 11.45am, in Ita Osayin ward 3, Iperu Remo,  Ikenne local government area of the state.

Speaking with newsmen after exercising his civic responsibility, Governor Abiodun said the election was going on peacefully across the twenty local government areas of the state. 

While expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the election, Governor Abiodun commended Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC for early arrival of the election materials.

The Governor also applauded OGSIEC for providing a level playing field for all the political parties, adding that he was not aware that some political parties boycotted the election as being speculated in some quarters.

Bolanle Adesida

Transportation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would soon begin reconstruction of Ilishan Ago Iwoye road as part of efforts to ensure an inclusive transformational infrastructural development across the state.


Governor Abiodun who stated this while addressing  people of Ijebu Igbo, in Ijebu North local government area of the state, said his administration had completed 7 kilometres Oru – Awa- Ilaporo road. 


Governor Abiodun who expressed  satisfaction with the level and quality of work done on 3.9 kilometres Molusi college in Ijebu Igbo and 1.7 kilometres Igan road in Ago iwoye, said the roads when completed would boost socio economic activities in the areas.


While inspecting reconstruction of 3.2 kilometres Molipa road in Ijebu Ode, Governor Abiodun said construction of drainages on the 6 lane road would curb incessant flooding in the area.


He also said that his administration would rehabilitate Ilese – Itele – Eruwon road towards alleviating the sufferings of the motorists passing through the area. 


Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State government is collaborating with the United Kingdom and the South African Government to create a Forest Reserve in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of the State. 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known while addressing the people of Ijebu-East local government, said his administration would also work with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, towards reviving the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas, OKLNG, project.

While pointing out that Ijebu-East was blessed with natural resources, the governor gave the assurance that his administration would urgently rehabilitate all the roads in the local government area which were in a deplorable state.

Governor Abiodun who also maintained that his administration would continue to give priority to local government areas while implementing developmental projects, pointed out that the state government would revive numerous rubber plantations across the state.

Also, the Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, Mr. Akeem Balogun, commended the state government for keeping its promise of giving equal attention to all parts of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Judiciary

The Judicial Panel of Investigation into Brutality and Human Rights violation by the Police and other Security Agencies in Ogun State wants the Ogun State Government to pay about 219 million naira to forty-two persons or families of persons affected by brutality across the state.

Chairman of the panel, Retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi gave the recommendation at the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, when the panel submitted its reports to the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. 

He explained that the total sum of two hundred and eighteen million, eight hundred and forty eight thousand, five hundred naira was estimated by the committee to cover the number of people who submitted petitions that were treated by the committee. 

Retired Justice Olugbemi who urged the state government to study the report and implement the recommendations equally called for prompt investigation and discipline of officers found guilty of brutalising the people. 

The panel chairman stressed the need for the present administration in the state to put in place a mechanism that would address human rights violations among security agencies in the state.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said his administration would ensure that the report was implemented towards promoting a peaceful society that would engender a more robust relationship between the people and security agencies. 

Governor Abiodun also said that a copy of the report of the panel would be forwarded to the Police High Command and the Federal Government towards enhancing professionalism among the men and officers of the Nigeria Police. Bolanle Adesida

Security

Ogun and Lagos State governments are collaborating with relevant stakeholders to work out the modalities to check incessant gas explosions in both states.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this during a visit to the scene of a gas explosion that razed Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation, OPIC Plaza in Ikeja, Lagos.

Governor Abiodun said the two states would work with the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and others to ensure that all tankers carrying petroleum products were critically examined to ascertain their road worthiness. 

Governor Abiodun who commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, for its prompt response, gave the assurance that the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed recently by the two states would be explored to enhance the safety of lives and property of the people. 

The governor who described the OPIC fire incident as unfortunate sympathized with the families of those that were caught in the disaster and prayed God to comfort them.

Bolanle Adesida