Health

OGSHA Charges Agency in Charge of Disease Control to Be Proactive

By Web News 586

Ogun state House of Assembly has called on the Agency in charge of disease control in the State and the State Primary Healthcare Board to be proactive at preventing incident of outbreak of diseases.

Speaker of the house, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, made the call while responding to the presentation of a member representing Egbado North state Constituency  Mr Adegoke Adeyanju during a plenary held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Speaker who commended the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the rehabilitation of primary health centers across the state, stressed the need for renovation and equipment in more primary health centres in all parts of the State.

The Assembly also challenged the State Water Corporation to resuscitate the old Water Station at Imasai – Ibooro and other similar water stations across the State to boost the supply of potable water to residents.

Mr Oluomo noted that access to potable water by all residents of the State would promote hygiene and prevent outbreak cholera and other diseases. 

Earlier while speaking under personal explanation, Mr Adeyanju had canvassed for the supply of potable water in rural areas and called for the rehabilitation of primary health centres, in line with the on- going renovation of primary health facilities across the State.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Politics

Ogun House Of Assembly Probes OPIC Activities

By Web News 919

In continuation of the consideration of the financial reports of Ogun State Property and Investments Corporation, OPIC, between 2015 and 2019, the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption has revealed that the former Managing Director of the Corporation, OPIC, Mr. Jide Odusolu, disposed of a portion of its landed property which was purchased for over 515 Million Naira at Isheri and valued at 848 Million Naira at a giveaway price of 164 Million Naira.

It was alleged that the property was sold off barely ten days before the expiration of the last administration in May, 2019.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Musefiu Lamidi, in company of his deputy, Abdul Bashir Oladunjoye, and other committee members questioned the former MD on why over 4 Million Naira could not be accounted for in the construction expenses of the MITRO Residence, Ibara, which was carried out during the period under review. 

The House Committee decried the manner in which the former MD spent the total sum of 881 Million Naira on the construction and procurement of equipment for the MITRO Residence at Ibara without the approval of the State House of Assembly, while the Committee members also requested for clarification on the role of the OPIC Board in the running of OPIC as well as the process of the project execution.

Mr. Lamidi further confronted the MD regarding the Corporation’s inability to keep fixed assets registers, likewise the non-availability of cash book and bank reconciliation statements on demand to external auditors, who equally noticed that from samples of daily cash schedules, cash receipts were not fully lodged.

All the infractions the lawmakers pointed out were in contravention of the Appropriation Laws for the period, as well as in contrast to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards, IPSAS and the State Financial Regulations, which equally mandated the keeping of up-to-date fixed assets register by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.    

Consequently, the Committee directed Odusolu to re-appear on Wednesday, 25th November, 2020, the date he freely picked by himself as a convenient date, having taken permission to only stay for maximum of two hours for the day’s proceedings on account of ill health.

Odusulu was directed to avail the Committee of more documents and clarification on all records including projects and other transactions carried out under his watch.

Other details requested by the lawmakers included land sales, properties, lease amongst others with specifications of their respective location, sizes, type of building and cost facilities external to the building to be submitted on or before Wednesday, November 11th, 2020.

Responding, Mr Odusolu noted that though he didn’t secure the approval of the State House of Assembly for the Mitro project, he had the approval of the former Governor Ibikunle Amosun for the construction, noting that 40 Million Naira was part of funds spent in the course of the construction of the Mitro Residence. 

He claimed that the housing project at Isheri had been concluded under a shell company in construction, just as he disclosed that the law setting up the Corporation allowed the MD to report directly to the State Governor and not the Board.

Mr Odusolu assured the lawmakers that all other documents requested would be provided at the next proceeding of the House Committee.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Politics

We have not received any constituency project funds – OGHA Speaker

By Web News 727

Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, Mr Olakunle Oluomo has clarified that members of the 9th Legislature in the state have not received any funds from the executive arm for the execution of intervention projects in the 26 State Constituencies.

Mr Oluomo stated this while responding to the submission of Mr Musefiu Lamidi during plenary in Abeokuta. 

The speaker expressed concern on misinformation in some quarters that members of the Assembly had received constituency project allowance and failed to do the needful in their various constituencies. 

He explained that most projects embarked upon by the lawmakers in their various constituencies was from personal pocket or partnership with well-meaning individuals and foundations.

Mr Lamidi had during personal explanation noted that he was accused by his constituents of collecting constituency projects allowance from the government and refused to use the money accordingly. 

Also during plenary, the speaker read Governor Dapo Abiodun’s letter calling for the extension of office for members of local government transition committees in the 20 council areas of the state for another three months. 

The speaker, however, appealed to the governor to put machinery in place and conduct elections into the 20 local government areas after the expiration of the new three months.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Politics

Ogun Assembly Receives Names of Commissioner Nominees

By Web News 673

Ogun State House of Assembly has acknowledged the receipt of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commissioner nominees for screening and confirmation.

The Speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo, read Abiodun’s letter containing the names of the nominees during plenary in Abeokuta.

Radio Nigeria reports that the nominees were immediately past president, Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Mr Waheed Odusile and current Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education ,TASUED, Professor. Abayomi Arigbabu.  

The Speaker, however, directed the two nominees to appear before the House on Monday by noon for screening after they must have submitted 30 copies of their curriculum vitae and credentials tomorrow.

Also during plenary, the Assembly confirmed the Governor’s nominees for post of chairmen and members of statutory commissions and boards in the state. 

Reading the report of the selection committee on the screening, the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Abiodun said the nominees were found suitable and eligible for the job. 

In his remark, the Speaker charged the nominees to put their wealth of experience at work and also made themselves instrument of cordial relationship between the executives and the legislature. 

Oluwatoyin Adegoke. 

Health

Make staffing, equipping of PHCs a priority – Ogun Speaker

By Web News 761

Ogun State Ministry of Health has been charged to accord priority to equipping and staffing of Primary Health Care facilities and sensitize residents of rural communities on the importance of accessing health services. 

The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, Mr Olakunle Oluomo made the call at an interactive session with the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker on the operational plan of the health ministry to access 2.5 billion Naira credit facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria.  

Earlier in her submission, the commissioner said the state government had embarked on the renovation and procurement of the state of the art facilities to boost healthcare delivery at all levels. 

Dr Coker explained that 236 health centres being renovated across the state would be provided with technological and medical equipment, while additional corps doctors and other categories of health workers would be recruited to boost manpower operation at the centres.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Sport

Ogun Assembly to Partner Sports Writers in Grassroots Sports Development

By Web News 888

Ogun State House of Assembly has promised to initiate more legislations that will assist in the development of sports.

The Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo gave the promise when he received the executive members of the state’s chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde at his Oke Mosan office, Abeokuta.

Mr Oluomo, who recounted his childhood days in secondary school, said sports remained a viable instruments to create job opportunities and address youth restiveness.

He assured the sports writers of the Assembly’s support to organize a successful football competition.

Earlier, the SWAN Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde had solicited the support of the state’s House of Assembly to host the maiden edition of Speaker’s Cup among the 20 local government areas of the state.

Alhaji Akintunde said the football competition once approved would be another success story of the 9th Assembly.

The SWAN chairman commended the efforts of the Assembly towards the passage of the Sports Trust Fund and Sports Commission, describing them as essential tool for development of sports in the state.

Olusegun Folarin

Economy

Ogun Assembly Committee Discovers Fake Ticketing Racket in Revenue Collection

By Web News 691

A Tripartite Ad-hoc Committee set up by the Ogun State House of Assembly to address issues of fake ticketing has identified a high level of leakages and other sharp practices arising from alternate revenue tickets in the state

The committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Oludare Kadiri noted that the development had reduced the state’s revenue generation, hence the need to streamline the revenue sources and ensure a more transparent ticketing system.

Mr Kadiri stated this shortly after a stakeholders’ forum held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta which had in attendance the State Commissioners for Forestry, MrTunji Akinosi; Transportation, Mr Gbenga Dairo as well as that of Industry, Trade and Investments, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe and others involved in transport operations. 

The Deputy Speaker gave the assurance that the House would strengthen efforts to curtail illegal revenue collection and fake ticketing across the 20 Local Government areas of the State

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Lifestyle

Abiodun Urges People to Pay More Attention to the Less-Privileged

By Web News 869

The wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun wants the society to pay greater attention to persons living with diseases and other vulnerable groups. 

Mrs Bamidele made the call in Abeokuta while celebrating her 54th birthday anniversary among people associated with leprosy at the Hansens Disease Center, as well as children at the Juvenile Correctional Home.

Describing the less-privileged individuals and groups as important members of the society, the governor’s wife maintained significant efforts must be made to accommodate and encourage them to contribute their best to the development of the state.

She commended the medical staff and caregivers at Hansens Disease Center for taking good care of the patients and assured residents of the colony of government’s continued support. 

Speaking on behalf of the colony, leader of the people associated with leprosy, Mr. John Ojoawo, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Abiodun for extending love to them on the occasion of her birthday. 

Children at the Juvenile Correctional Home, Asero, Abeokuta also rejoiced with the governor’s wife who advised them to be well-behaved and cooperate with teachers and caregivers. 

The events which featured, cutting of the cake and presentation of gifts and cash to the people were witnessed by the wife of the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, Mrs. Bolanle Oluomo and the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Derin Talabi. 

Also in the entourage of the governor’s wife were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Funmi Efuwape, and the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe among others.

Oluremi Olugbenro

Politics

OGHA Confirms Gov. Abiodun’s Nominees for Ipokia LG

By Web News 949

Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has screened and confirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s nominees for transition committee members for Ipokia Local Government with a charge on them to shun partisan politics and work for the growth and development of the state. 

The nominees are, Mr. Kabir Abolurin, Mr. Ezekiel Apo, Mrs. Rasheedat Mulikat and Mr. Bola Sokenu.

The confirmation was sequel to the adoption of the report of the selection committee read by the majority leader, Mr. Yusuf Sheriff and accepted by the whole house through a voice vote.

Speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo during the screening exercise at the Assembly complex charged the nominees to work hard and also cooperate with legislators from their constituency. 

It would be recalled that the screening for nominees from Ipokia Local Government was postponed due to the death of the former chairman nominee.

The Assembly had earlier in the year screened and confirmed transition committee members of nineteen local government areas in the state.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Environment

Ogun Residents Protest Against Activities of Land Grabbers

By Web News 757

Residents of more than fifteen communities in Ogun State have cried out to the state House of Assembly to rescue them from the grips of suspected land grabbers. 

The aggrieved residents from Magboro and Onikogbo communities in Obafemi-Owode and Ado Odo/Ota Local Government areas of the state made the appeal during a peaceful protest to the assembly complex over alleged invasion of the communities by the suspected land grabbers

Zonal Chairman of the Community Development Council in Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Mr. Jimi Olusanya while explaining the situation stated that the land grabbers stormed the area last Monday threatening residents who had purchased and erected buildings on the land for more than 15 years.

Responding, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo implored the state government and the necessary security agencies to ensure swift enforcement of the State Anti-kidnapping and Land Grabbing Law, 2016 to enhance peace and tranquility in the state.

Mr. Oluomo who commended the peaceful nature of the residents assured them that their case will be passed to the appropriate quarters for immediate action.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Transportation

Be More Civil – OGHA Committee Charges TRACE Officials

By Web News 708

The Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation wants the operatives of the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps TRACE to be more civil in the discharge of their duties.

Members of the Committee led by its chairman, Mr. Oludaisi Elemide gave the advice during the assessment of the 2019 budget performance of the Corps at the agency’s headquarters in Abeokuta.  

Mr. Elemide said it was imperative for the traffic regulation agency to develop correctional measures towards enforcing road traffic laws and regulations across the state.

He also recommended more capacity development programmes on modern traffic management skills for road traffic officers in the various commands of the Corps in line with global standards. 

In his submission, the Corps Commander, Mr. Seni Ogunyemi said the agency with manpower of 762 personnel had generated 20.95 million naira between January and June this year. 

Mr. Ogunyemi who implored the state government to accommodate the agency in the proposed Security Trust Fund said, the Corps had helped to improve the safety consciousness and behavioural pattern of roads users in the state. 

The delegation also visited the state’s Parks and Garages Development Board in furtherance of the committee’s oversight functions.

Toyin Adegoke