Politics

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Ogun State is to create additional one thousand eight hundred and thirty two polling units for future elections in the state.

The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor AbdulGaniy Raji made this known while briefing the stakeholders on the expansion of Voter Access to polling units exercise held at the Ogun INEC Media Centre in Abeokuta.

Professor Raji explained that the exercise would increase the polling units in Ogun State from three thousand two hundred and ten to five thousand and forty two.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner called on stakeholders in the electoral process to co-operate with the commission to improve the access to voting in the state.

Professor Raji also announced the resumption of continuous voter registration, CVR, in Ogun State starting from the twenty-eight of June and will end in the third quarter of next year.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by heads of security agencies in the state, representatives of political parties and heads of media houses including the General Managers of Paramount F.M., Abeokuta and NTA, Abeokuta, Alhaji Niyi Odekunle and Mrs. Funmi Wakama.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Ogun State Judicial Panel of Investigation on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Extra Judicial Killings has ended its sitting after treating fifty-eight petitions out of the submitted one hundred and six.

The chairman of the panel, Justice Solomon Olugbemi made this known at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta while speaking with newsmen.

He stated that during the six months exercise, the panel received one hundred and six petitions out of which fifty-eight were treated while forty-eight were withdrawn, rejected or abandoned.

Justice Olugbemi said some petitions were wholly abandoned, some abandoned half-way by the petitioners while some were rejected because the petitions were not in line with the terms of reference of the panel.

He assured that the panel’s report was ready for submission to the government.

The panel was inaugurated on nineteenth of October last year by Governor Dapo Abiodun and was given a six month period to receive and investigate petitions from members of the public whose human rights have been violated and abused by security personnel within the state and also to make appropriate recommendations to government.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

Officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area One Command and other security personnel on patrol have been attacked at Oja-Odan, Yewa North of Ogun State.

The attack according to the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Hammed Oloyede followed the interception of about three hundred and twenty bags of foreign parboiled rice.

According to him, the foreign rice was stockpiled in a building around the area.

Mr Hammed Oloyede said it was during evacuation of the said rice that some armed diehard smugglers aided by hoodlums attacked the patrol team.

He stated that the smugglers shot sporadically at officers injuring four Customs operatives, one soldier and five civilians assisting in evacuation with gunshots. 

He hinted that those injured were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention and are responding to treatment.

Mr.Oloyede explained that two of the hoodlums also sustained injuries during the gun duel with the arrest of a suspect and six motorcycles used by the smugglers.

He said investigation was ongoing to arrest more perpetrators of the barbaric act.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo says the country might require a “carrot and stick” approach to fight insecurity challenges to a standstill.  

The former president made this known at his Penthouse residence within Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while playing host to members of Tiv Professionals Group led by Prof Zacharys Anger Gundu.

Chief Obasanjo noted that the government must develop means to deal with kidnappers and bandits heavily in place of ransom payment.

The former president regretted insecurity challenges, noting that 2023 must mark a watershed for Nigeria.

Chief Obasanjo expressed fears that those beating drums of division in Nigeria do not think about the interest of the minority ethnic groups.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board is to issue new guidelines to teachers in the state on required assistance for pupils with albinism in their schools. 

The Board Secretary, Mr. Wasiu Kuye made this known in Abeokuta at a sensitisation workshop for teachers and educators on achieving an inclusive quality education for children with albinism in the state.

Correspondent Wale Oluokun has the details.

Agriculture

Federal Government has announced plans to establish Integrated Farm Estates in the three senatorial districts of Ogun State as part of efforts to create employment and boost food security in the country.

The Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA Prince Paul Ikonne made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.

Prince Ikonne explained that Ogun State had been selected as one of the pilot states for the project, and called on the state government to provide suitable land for the smooth take off of the project.

While noting that Ogun State had the highest capacity in cassava production, the Executive Secretary promised that the agency would also establish Gari processing plants in the State. 

Prince Ikonne, who said 700 hectares of land would be reactivated at Joga Orile community to boost food production, announced that the agency was training young Nigerians on soil testing, and Ogun State was expected to nominate 2, 000 people for the first phase of the programme.

Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the assurance that his administration would immediately release land to the agency and also set up a team to ensure the smooth take off of the project. 

Governor Abiodun also announced that about 70, 000 residents had been empowered in the agricultural sector through the implementation of the Anchor borrowers programme in the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Some Police officers have been allegedly injured by activists of Yoruba nation following the arrest of some of their members in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Among the injured Police officers were traffic officers at Moore Junction area.

The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident, accused the Odua agitators of launching unprovoked attacks on the security operatives.

He explained that the agitators attacked the police headquarters in the state as well as policemen on duty.

Mr. Oyeyemi confirmed that the eleven agitators arrested for unruly behaviour at Alake palace were released on the order of the Commissioner of Police.

However, one of the agitators, Mr Ibukunoluwa John while speaking with newsmen denied the allegations of attack by his colleagues, describing the rally as peaceful and violent free.

He stated the agitators were not part of the reported violence, stating that the reported snatching of rifle and pistol from security men were not carried out by their members.

Wale Oluokun

Transportation

Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero has said that the Senate would give legislative support to Ogun State Government in its bid to reconstruct 19.2 kilometres Atan Lusada Agbara road.

Senator Aliero, who stated this at the sod turning ceremony for the reconstruction of Atan Lusada Agbara road, said the senate would ensure that budgetary provision for the reconstruction of the road was included in 2022 budget towards ensuring its early completion.

Senator Adamu Aliero noted that the road was not only important to Ogun State, but Nigeria as a whole, adding that the reconstruction of the road would accelerate economic activities in the axis.

Also, the Chairman Senate committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola pointed out that the Senate was aware that most Federal roads in the Ogun and Lagos were in deplorable condition, describing  the reconstruction of the road as ‘a legacy project’, that would add value to the lives of the people living or doing business in the area.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who gave the assurance that the reconstruction of the road would be completed within 15 months, said the road would not serve only the state and Nigeria, but also a link to many West African countries.

While calling on the people of the area to take ownership of the project, as the contractor handling the project would be made to provide job opportunities for the youths in the area, Governor Abiodun

also approved reconstruction of Sango-Joju road to alleviate the sufferings of the people

In a remark, The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Chief Niyi Adebayo, noted that the road  was neglected for many years, adding that the reconstruction of the road would attract investors.

Highlights of the occasion was commissioning of 10.25 Kilometres Lusada igbesa toll road.

Bolanle Adesida

Economy

Indonesia Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Harahap, has expressed the readiness of Indonesian government to partner Ogun State government in developing its Agro Cargo Airport.

Ambassador Harahap, who stated this at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta during a visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said his country was also ready to invest in modern railway.

While explaining that Indonesian investors were interested in joint ventures with Ogun State government in the area of agriculture and housing development, Mr Harahap pointed out that Indonesian companies had built landmark infrastructure in many parts of the world.

Responding, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun said his administration would set up an economic team to liaise with the Indonesian investors in exploring areas of interest that would be of mutual benefit to both sides.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration was adopting a multi dimensional transportation system that would help in fast tracking the economy growth of the state.

He expressed optimism that Indonesia would work with his administration in achieving its objectives in the transportation sector.

Bolanle Adesida

Judiciary

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has launched Ogun Public Interest Law Partnership, OPILP, as part of efforts to enhance access to justice and address legal needs of the poor, indigent, and marginalized residents across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

While launching the programme at Oke Mosan Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said that OPILP would be properly monitored towards ensuring that the partnership was not abused by the people with sufficient means to afford the services of lawyers.

While pointing out that courts were the last hope for the common man, Governor Abiodun said that launching of OPILP was to ensure that residents of the state were given opportunity to express their grievances properly before a court of law.

The Governor explained that the initiative would enable citizens seeking free legal services to submit applications to the OPILP, towards  providing free legal services to such applicant.

Earlier, Ogun State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Akingbolahan Adeniran had said that the state would soon launch

introduction of Forensics into criminal investigation and prosecution, which would help to improve the experiences of residents in terms of justice dispensation.

Bolanle Adesida

Security

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would continue to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state and find lasting solution to all forms of banditry.

Governor Abiodun who stated this while receiving the report of the peace keeping committee on Farmers/ Herders Conflict in Excos Chamber Oke Mosan Abeokuta, said all forms of banditry was an act of sabotage against his vision to boost industrialisation in the state.

He noted that the Farmers Herders conflict affected  peaceful nature which the state was known for and gave the assurance that the recommendations of the committee would be implemented to promote peace in the state.

While pointing out that the State’s roadmap on security had been acknowledged nationwide, Governor Abiodun pointed out that some state governments had indicated interest in replicating steps taken by his administration.

Earlier, Chairman of the Committee Mr Kayode Oladele, noted that farmers/Herders clashes were the major security challenges facing the State, adding that the crisis had affected food security and people of the affected areas as their sources of livelihood had destroyed.

Mr Oladele said that the report of the committee contained 34 implementable recommendations which covered fundamental areas like security architecture, relationship between the Farmers and herders as well as development of Ogun west senatorial district.

Education

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced that his administration will set up an Education Endowment Fund with a seed money of N5million Naira in honour of Faith Odunsi, a student of the Ambassadors College, Ota, who emerged winner in the Global Open Mathematics Tournament.

Governor Abiodun announced this at the presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding teachers and students in various competitions, held at Obas’ Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

He also presented a two-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N2m to Oladimeji Sotunde, an indigene of the state who emerged Overall Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

The Governor attributed the feats recorded by the awardees to his administration’s methodical interventions aimed at improving the standard of education and called on teachers to adequately cater for the pupils physically and mentally in preparation for future challenges.

While urging teachers to continue to discharge their professional duties creditably, the Governor called on the teachers to be committed to higher academic and moral standards.

In a virtual goodwill message, the Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who encouraged the awardees not to relent in their efforts, stressed the need for them to pursue their success consciously and consistently to attain desired heights in life.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Ogun State, has organised a training workshop for the electoral officers and the assistant electoral officers on the expansion of voter access to polling units in the state.

In a message to the workshop held on the premises of INECstate headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Abdulganiu Raji, said the training became imperative to solve the age-long problem of inaccessibility of voters to polling units.

Represented by the INEC state Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Adenike Tadese, Professor Raji explained that participants would be equipped on how to convert existing voting points and settlements into stand-alone polling units, and where necessary relocating new and existing polling units to places where they would be closer or accessible to voters and INEC.

The Ogun State INEC boss reiterated the determination of the commission continue to improve on the quality of its services, noting that it would also ensure compliance to the covid-19 protocols at polling units during elections to safeguard the health of voters.

Adebola  Ajayi

Politics

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, is to explore the process of Information Technology, IT in the conduct of the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

The chairman of the commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, who made this in Abeokuta, said arrangements for the recruitment and training of ad hoc staff on IT had been concluded.

Mr Osibodu explained that the commission would collaborate with the state Tech-hub to put IT infrastructure in place necessary to make the process seamless and transparent.

He gave the assurance that the commission would be fair, equitable and unbiased to all political parties as well as other stakeholders in the forthcoming council polls.

Mr Osibodu, who noted that the elections would be held in 4038 Polling Units across the 20 Local Government Areas, said the commission was working with various security agencies to ensure a violent free and successful exercise.

Also, one of the commissioners in OGSIEC, Mrs. Gbemi Onasanya described media as partners in progress and solicited their continued support towards peaceful and successful council polls.

Olusegun Folarin

Security

Following the kidnap of another health worker in Ogun state, members of the Nigeria Medical Association and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives under the employ of Ogun state government have withdrawn their services until government guarantee their safety.

The health workers in a joint letter signed by the state Chairman of NMA, Doctor Oladayo Ogunlaja and state Chairman of NANNM, Mrs. Roseline Solarin written to the Ogun state government through the Commissioner for Health stated that the recent kidnapping of their members has revealed that the government could not their guarantee safety.

The health workers also described the non-readiness of the government to negotiate with the abductors of their members as unacceptable noting that the government has not shown commitment in rescuing the victims.

They called on the government to make security of lives and property a priority before their return to duties.

Another health worker a dental therapist was reportedly kidnapped in Ijebu Igbo six days after a doctor and a nurse were kidnapped along Imeko Afon road.

The situation has brought the number of health worker abducted across Ogun state to three within seven days.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

A 50 year-old prophet, Tayo Shobowale has been arrested by men of Ogun State Police Command for allegedly having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 17 year old member of the church in Ifo area of the state.

The suspect was arrested after the mother of the victim had reported the incident at the family support unit of Ota Area Command that her daughter was sexually assaulted by the prophet.

The mother told the policemen that the prophet had allegedly took advantage of the victim who was alone with him in the church and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. 

The victim alleged that she had been having spiritual attack since the suspect told her to rub prepared candle on her body after taken a spiritual bath.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a statement in Abeokuta.

Mr Oyeyemi said the suspect, who denied the allegations, initially but failed to absolve himself when he was confronted by the victim.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Edward  Ajogun, has ordered a thorough investigation of the case and that the suspect be charged to court as soon as the investigation was concluded.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Ogun State Police Command has arrested a car wash operator, Kazeem Olanrewaju for allegedly running away with a car given to him to wash.
The Police Public Relations officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a statement in Abeokuta.
Mr Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested by the Idiroko division of the command when he was trying to take the car to the neighbouring Benin republic.
He said the suspect confessed that he was working with a car wash in Festac town, Lagos State but took the car when the owner sent to a nearby saloon to have his hair cut.
Mr Oyeyemi noted that the Festac town police station had been informed of the recovery
Meanwhile, the commissioner of Police, Mr. Edward Ajogun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the past activities of the suspect before handing him over to Lagos State Police Command for prosecution.

Olusegun Folarin

Judiciary

All judiciary offices and court premises in Ogun state were under lock and keys as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria members in the state complied with the directives of it national body to resume suspended industrial action till further notice.


The offices and court premises at Isabo and Sagamu road in Abeokuta when visited where diserted with only the security men at the entrances.


It was observed that a letter notifying the public on the strike titled twenty one day ultimatum were however pasted on the gates entrances of the judiciary complex and Isabo courts.


The letter quoted a communique of the union signed by the national secretary of the union Comrade Adetola that the twenty one day ultimatum issued to the Federal government to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary had expired following which members of the union are to resume an earlier suspended industrial action.


The memo dated first of April this year directed members to shut down courts and departments in all the states until further notice.
Businesses around the court at Isabo was affected as clients were sent back due to non sitting at the court and non present of Judiciary staff.

Wale Oluokun

Religion

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians, especially residents of the state, to embrace peace, love and unity as the world celebrates Easter.

In his Easter message, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians to avail themselves of what the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes and live in peace.

Governor Abiodun, who noted that Nigeria was facing some challenges, implored people to emulate the love Jesus Christ showed while being crucified, in order to lift the country to a greater height.

He pointed out that the resurrection of Jesus had indeed shown that the country had a great hope to become a powerful nation and

expressed optimism that Nigeria would regain its position among the comity of nations.

While wishing Christians a wonderful Easter celebration, the Governor urged them to continue to pray for the country to overcome socio economic challenges.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

 

Ogun State Police Command has rescued three victims of a kidnap syndicate abducted along Siun/Ajura road in Ogere Remo area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi in a statement in Abeokuta identified the three vicitms as Jibril Afolabi, Alhaji Amusat Taofeek and Balikis Mohammed.

Mr Oyeyemi explained that the victims were coming from Ilorin, Kwara state heading to Owode Egbado when their vehicle was double crossed by some gunmen who dragged them into the bush while other passengers escaped.

The Police Spokesperson said the commissioner of police, Mr Edward Ajogun directed the Sagamu area commander to mobilise men from all the divisions within the area and go after the kidnappers.

He explained further that the manhunt forced the criminals to abandon the victims and fled.

The victims were rescued safely without ransom and have been escorted to their destination in Owode Egbado.

Olajumoke Idowu

Economy

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo has called on the Nigerians both in the public and private sectors to utilise the opportunities offered by the  African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

The minister, who made this known at a stakeholders workshop organised by the National Action Committee on AFCFTA in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, explained that the agreement offered economic diversification opportunity for Nigerians

Correspondent Wale Oluokun has the details.

Economy

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has distributed 500 million naira to offset the backlog of gratuity and pensions of retirees in the state and local government services.

While presenting the cheques to some retirees at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun, said the step was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to fulfil its promises to all workers in the state, particularly the retirees.


Governor Abiodun explained that distribution of 500 million naira to pensioners signalled the commencement of the payment process for all the retirees, adding that apart from the payment of monetary entitlements, his administration was committed to providing other opportunities for the retirees under the state’s social welfare scheme.

While commending members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Ogun State Chapter for their understanding and patience, the governor gave the assurance that his administration would continue to give priority to their welfare.

In a remark, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ogun State Chapter, Mr Waheed Oloyede appreciated the State government for wiping their tears and called for the increase of the quarterly payment from 500 million to 1 billion naira.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Taiwo Abraham, commended Governor Abiodun for alleviating their sufferings, adding that the governor had fulfilled his electioneering promise to pensioners.


Bolanle Adesida

Education

The House of Representatives has called on the state governments to construct perimeter fences in all schools as part of measures to curb incessant kidnapping of pupils by bandits.

Chairman House Committee on Basic Education, Professor Julius Ihonvbere made the call in Abeokuta when he led the members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Professor Ihonvbere who pointed out that basic education was facing challenges in some parts of the country as a result of activities of bandits and kidnappers, called for the rehabilitation of dilapidated schools across the country.

Professor Ihonvbere explained that the Federal government had spent about 375 billion naira on basic education in the last 10 years, noting that Ogun State had access to a 2.7billion naira Universal Basic Education, UBE grant.

Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun said his administration had taken necessary steps to provide adequate security in schools across the state, adding that about 600 schools would be rehabilitated as part of efforts to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for pupils.

Governor Abiodun also said a committee had been put in place to monitor and evaluate projects been executed with UBE grants.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Operatives of Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command have arrested a 35 year old man, Obinna Kalu for allegedly shooting his co-tenant, Adijat Balogun at her right rib.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, 16th March, 2021 after one Olayiwola Kareem reported the incident at Sabo/Ilupeju divisional headquarters.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the arrested of the suspect in a statement in Abeokuta.

Mr Oyeyemi said the suspect who had been at loggerhead with his co- tenant, sneaked into her room at about noon on the 14th March and shot her.

The command’s spokesman said the suspect, who fled the area after the incident was however arrested following a massive manhunt.

Mr Oyeyemi, who noted that the victim was currently recuperating at Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, said the suspect could not state the reason for his action.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Edward Ajogun has ordered the transfer of the case to homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and prosecution.

Olusegun Folarin

 

Crime

Report from the Ogun State Police Command in Abeokuta says the command had secured the release of the abducted Olabisi Onabanjo University Students, Precious Adeyemo and Abiola Oyefule.

The two students had been kidnapped over the weekend at their institutions Ayetoro campus by gunmen.

According to the report, the duo are currently with the Police and will soon be reunited with their families. 

Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier promised to ensure that the two students get rescued unhurt. The release by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary had given the police the marching order to have the abducted students released. More details on the students’ release will be in our subsequent bulletin.

Wale Oluokun