Education

Ensure all returning students present results of Covid-19 test – Ogun Government

By Web News 905

Boarding facilities in public and private secondary schools across Ogun State have been mandated to enforce the presentation of the certificate of Negative COVID-19 test by students returning to boarding schools for the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. 

Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo who made this known in a statement in Abeokuta said it was part of the overall requirements for the reopening of schools on Tuesday 4th August, 2020 for students in SS3 class. 

Mrs Soyombo said the decision was based on guidelines jointly developed by the government, parents, private school owners and other stakeholders and maintained that students could undergo the test in any centre of their choice. 

She pointed out that the Certificate of negative COVID-19 Test from other locations across the country would be acceptable, provided that it was obtained from an NCDC-Certified Centre and the test was performed within 72 hours of the date of resumption.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education announced that the government would bear the full costs of the COVID-19 test for all the boarding students in state-owned public schools while it had negotiated with some healthcare service providers to offer huge discount in the cost of the test for students in private schools. 

She explained that the government had embarked on the distribution of face masks to all public and private schools for the use of students and teachers while advising everyone to work together to ensure the safety all stakeholders.

Oluremi Olugbenro

Education

Parents of Private Secondary School Students Protest High Cost of Covid-19 Test

By Web News 734

Parents of final year students in private secondary schools in Ogun State have appealed to the state government to reverse the twenty-five thousand naira cost of Covid-19 for boarding students before resumption for the Senior Secondary Schools Certificate Examination.

The parents made the appeal during a protest at the MTR Specialist Hospital, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, venue of the test.

Radio Nigeria correspondent completes the story.

Francisca Irekpita

Economy

Eid: Traders Experience Low Patronage in Ogun

By Web News 712

As Muslims in Nigeria celebrates Eid -Kabir amid covid19 pandemic, traders in Ota Awori in Ogun State are experiencing low patronage.

 In some of the markets visited in Ota town such as Iyana, Ojo Ota and Oju Oore, traders displayed their goods expectant of customers.

A ram seller at the main Ota market Mr Olaleye Ajibose said customers had been coming to price the rams, though few bought but he was optimistic that more patronage would come in before the end of the day. 

 A pepper seller and a groundnut oil merchant at the Oju Oore market noted that though people were coming to the market but the lacked purchasing power to get what they desire.

 One of the buyers that spoke with Radio Nigeria lamented that the prices of good had been jacked up by sellers claiming the price hike was as a result of the current effect of the pandemic on the economy.

 The traders and buyers however attributed the low patronage to the current economic situation of the country and urged the Nigerian government to pay salaries and pump money into circulation 

Bamgbose

Politics

Pray for divine intervention concerning Covid-19 – Governor Abiodun

By Web News 707

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged Muslims Ummah in the state to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice as they join other faithful around the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Governor Abiodun who stated this in his Sallah message, said the Eid-el-Kabir celebration offered opportunity for sober reflection and spiritual renewal which Allah demanded from the faithful.

The governor called on Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths in the country to make peaceful coexistence their watchword and work together for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He also stressed the need for Muslims to pray fervently for divine intervention that would flatten the curve of COVID-19 for congregational worship to resume in the state.

While commending Muslims in the State for rising above religious sentiments in showing him love and solidarity at all times, Governor Abiodun urged them to observe prayer at their various homes.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Worship Centres to Reopen on August 14 in Ogun

By Web News 741

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says worship centres in the state will reopen tentatively on Friday 14th August 2020.

Governor Abiodun, who announced this while briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, urged religious leaders to abide by measures mutually agreed upon to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that religious services must not more than one and half hours, adding that there must be no handshake or hug by the worshipers in religious centres.

While announcing that all SS3 classes in both public and private schools would resume on Tuesday 4th August 2020, the Governor said that except students in exit classes, all students would enjoy automatic promotion to the next classes.

Governor Abiodun, who maintained that wearing of face masks was compulsory, pointed out that failure to wear face masks in public is punishable by six months imprisonment under the regulations and section 68 of the law.

He also said that all existing guidelines to flatten the curve of the pandemic, including total lockdown on weekends and night curfew remained sacrosanct.

Bolanle Adesida

Health

Ogun NOA Seeks Support on Covid-19 Sensitisation

By Web News 943

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has solicited the support of relevant stakeholders in sensitising people at the grassroots on measures to curtail the spread of Covid-19 in Ogun state.

The State Director of NOA, Mr Sola Babalola made the appeal at the advocacy visit to the National Council for Women Society, Ogun State Chapter, led by the chairperson, Princess Bola Adeyiga in Abeokuta.

Mr Babalola who explained that women played an important role in the society, urged them to take responsibility as community mobilisation remained a major route to stop the spread of Covid-19.

According to him, Nigerians have shown persistent disobedience to Covid-19 protocols, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to support the agency in the area of its community awareness campaign on Covid-19.

In a remark, the state chairperson, National Council for Women Society, Princess Bola Adeyiga commended the NOA for the initiative and promised to continue the community sensitisation on Covid-19.

Princess Adeyiga also called on the state government to improve on monitoring and re-examination of the Covid-19 taskforce in order to ensure that the enforcement process becomes more stringent across the state.

Olajumoke Idowu

Transportation

Eid-El-Kabir: TRACE Ready to Ensure Free Flow of Traffic

By Web News 1550

Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, has promised to ensure effective traffic management, prompt rescue service on Ogun State traffic corridor during and after the Eid-el-kabir celebration.

The TRACE Corps Commander, Mr Olaseni Ogunyemi who announced this in a statement in Abeokuta said the corps would also ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols and guidelines, in a bid to flatten the curve of the pandemic.

Mr Ogunyemi noted that the corps had deployed operatives to strategic locations of the state especially construction zones to promote the safety of all road users and also check the excesses of recalcitrant motorists.

The TRACE Corps Commander said the corps would collaborate with other agencies to enforce the Covid-19 guidelines in view of high volume of human and vehicular movement being envisaged, with its attendant traffic build-up, breakdown of ill-maintained vehicles, obstruction and road crashes.

He advised motorists to ensure strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations and observe as well as uphold Covid-19 protocols for the safety of all.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Herbalist, 46, 4 Others Arrest in Ogun State

By Web News 1375

A forty-six-year-old herbalist, Okikiola Adesina has been arrested alongside four armed robbery suspects by Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in Osiele, in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Other suspects are Dayo Ajala, Ismaila Badmus, Joseph Sunday and Chuckwuemeka Paul and were arrested following an information received by the SARS operatives about their hideout at Odeda area.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi told journalists in a statement that the herbalist used to fortify the suspects spiritually in preparation for their nefarious operations and also used to initiate new members into their fold.

Mr Oyeyemi said one double-barreled locally made shot gun, one battle axe, two knives and assorted dangerous charms were recovered from the suspects.

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edward Ajogun had ordered full scale investigation into the activities of the suspects with the view to prosecuting them diligently.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

So-Safe Corps Nab Motorcycle Thief in Ilaro

By Web News 2748

The officers and men of the SO-SAFE Corps has arrested a man, Zeniteni Sojineh for allegedly stealing a motorcycle on farmland at Ileba, Ilaro, in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun state.

The Director of Information and Public Relations of the Corps, Mr. Moruf Yusuf said in a statement in Abeokuta that the suspect had joined the team to conduct search for the stolen motorcycle.

Mr Yusuf pointed out that it was in the process of the search that the suspect was found out to be the culprit of the crime.

He explained that the suspect allegedly confessed voluntary to the crime and took the officers and men of the corps to the place where he had used grass to cover the motorcycle.

Mr Yusuf said the suspect had been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Ilaro Divisional Police Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.

Olusegun Folarin

Yoruba

Ipinle Ekiti at Ogun ti ni Oga Olopa Tuntun

By Web News 1555

Ogagba fun Ilese Olopa, Ogbeni Mohammed Adamu ti yan alakoso merin tuntun fun Ilese Olopa n’ipinle Ekiti, Bayelsa, Cross-River tofimo ipinle Ogun.

Ikedeyi lowa loju opo ero ayelujara abeyefo ti Ilese Olopa nileyi.

Alakoso tuntun fun Ilese Olopa n’ipinle Ekiti ni Ogbeni Mobayo Babatunde, on lo gba ipo l’owo Ogbeni Amba Asuquo to ti n’igbega si ipo igbakeji ogagba n’ilese olopa.

Alakoso n’ipinle Bayelsa ni Ogbeni Micheal Okoli, Ogbeni Abdukadir Jimoh lo wa n’ipinle Cross Rivers, nigbati Ogbeni Edward Ajogun di ipo naa mu n’ipinle Ogun.

Babatunde Salaudeen/Amos Ogunrinde

Security

Ogun, Ekiti, 2 Other States Get New CPs

By Web News 744

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has appointed four new Commissioners of Police for Ekiti, Bayelsa, Cross River and Ogun states.

The announcement was made via the twitter handle of the Nigeria Police Force, @PoliceNG.

The new Commissioner of Police in Ekiti is Mobayo Babatunde.

He replaces Mr Amba Asuquo who has been promoted to the rank of the Assistant Inspector General of police, AIG.

The new Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State is Michael Okoli; that of Cross River State is Abdulkadir Jimoh and while Ogun State has Mr Edward Ajogun as the new Commissioner of Police.

Amos Ogunrinde

Health

Pharmacists Council Seals 309 Patient Medicine Outlets in Ogun

By Web News 864

Three hundred and nine pharmacies and patent medicine shops in Ogun State have been sealed by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.

The Council Director of Enforcement, Mr Stephen Esumobi made this known in Abeokuta while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the weeklong enforcement exercise.

He stated that four hundred and ninety two premises were inspected across the state out of which the over three hundred premises failed to meet up with the required standard.

The offences of the pharmacies and patent medicine shops included operating without registration, failure to renew premises licence and dispensing ethical drugs without the supervision of a pharmacist.

Mr. Stephen Esumobi noted that the sealed premises were also found wanting in storage of drugs and the sanitary state of the premises.

The Director of Enforcement, who described the intervention of the pharmacist Council of Nigeria as a vital component in the current fight against Covid19, stated that medicine must be safe effective and of good quality to reach the end users.

He advised Nigerians to always buy their medicines from licensed pharmacies and patent medicine shops to prevent the use of medicines that might have turned to poison due to poor handling.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Ogun Increases Budgetary Allocation for Health

By Web News 797

Ogun State Government has earmarked 20 percent of its revised 2020 budget to the health sector as part of measures to sustain the fight against COVID-19.

The state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stated this during a Virtual Consultative Meeting on Year 2020 Revised Budget, organized by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun also announced that provision had been made for critical sectors, including education, infrastructure, environment and security. 

The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to intensify efforts towards curbing the spread of the virus, pointing out that expenditure such as personnel emoluments, monthly running costs and other related expenses could not be waived by the government. 

Governor Abiodun said his administration was committed to ensuring a realistic budget that would meet the needs of the people.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Incessant Rape Attacks and the Ways Out

By Web News 1184

Ogun State has had its fair share of incidences of rape in the recent times.

From the case of a twenty-seven-year-old man raping an eighty-year-old woman, and that of the twenty-eight-year-old that attempted to kill the victim after rape to that of the secondary school teacher who defiled his fourteen-year-old student, the list goes on and on.

Our correspondent Wale Oluokun in this special report takes a look at the way out of the increasing rate of the criminal act.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Rape: Ogun Chief Judge Calls for State of Emergency

By Web News 712

The Ogun state Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has renewed the call on government to declare state of emergency on rape cases across the country.

Justice Dipeolu stated this at the official inauguration of the Magistrate Court, Ido-Oke, Igbesa Land, Ado-Odo/Ota, Local Government Area of the State.

The Ogun state Chief Judge who expressed worry over the rising cases of rape in the country said the state would deal decisively and ruthlessly with rapists in the state.

Justice Dipeolu blamed the appalling side of rape on lackluster response of justice administrators and absence of institutional supportive system to help the victims.

She said that newly built Magistrate Court in the Area would also bring justice closer to the people and avert jungle justice.

Olusegun Folarin

Politics

Ogun Gets New Head of Service

By Web News 978

A new Head of Service has been appointed for Ogun State.

She is Alhaja Selimot Olapeju Ottun, replacing the former Head of service Mrs Amope Ajibola Chokor, who bowed out of the state public service last weekend.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun describes the new Head of Service as an accomplished psychologist, community development expert and administrator.

The statement shows that prior to the new appointment, Alhaja Ottun was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration who had, over the years, proven to be an asset in different leadership roles and had coordinated many community development and gender programmes for the state government.

According to the statement, Governor Abiodun who wished the new Head of Service a successful tenure also expressed optimism that she would put her vast knowledge in the management of the state civil service to good use in her new assignment.

Bolanle Adesida

Security

Ogun Suspends Lockdown Officials over Assualt

By Web News 1453

The Transition Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Ogun State, Mr. Fola Salami says Lockdown officials involved in the assault of a lady at Ojodu Abiodun Area of the council have been suspended without pay until further notice.

The transition Chairman said the viral video came to him as a rude shock when one of the lockdown officials claimed they were enforcing the lockdown order with gross inhumane attitude.

https://twitter.com/TeeBaibie/status/1274398177077141508

The transition Chairman said the attitude of the officials does not portray the human nature known with Ifo local Government and ordered the arrest of the culprits.

The chairman assured the public that all hands are on deck to ensure justice and deal decisively with those found guilty in the incident.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

Ogun Govt. Wants Business Owners to Fumigate Premises

By Web News 855

Ogun State government has announced that companies and businesses in the state are at liberty to engage any competent service provider of their choice for premises fumigation, provided the exercise is done according to standards that will minimise the spread of coronavirus. 

The government’s clarification on guidelines for decontamination of Industry and business premises is coming on the heels of reports that companies and businesses were been forced to patronize identified service providers at exorbitant rates. 

In a statement in Abeokuta, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin maintained that there was no government accredited decontamination service provider for the exercise.

He emphasised that the public health initiative was never intended as a platform for revenue generation, contrary to any information that might have been erroneously disseminated to the public by the State Ministry of Environment. 

Mr Somorin said the move was part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in work places by ensuring safe and conducive environment for both public and private sector workers as well as to prevent community spread of the virus.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Ogun Govt, UNICEF Organise Training for Radio Reporters

By Web News 747

Journalists in Nigeria have been told to practice what they preach on Covid-19 by observing protocols guiding against the spread of the disease.

The Special Adviser to the Ogun State governor on Public Communication, Pastor Remmy Hazzan made this known while declaring open a day training for Radio Reporters on Covid-19 in Ogun State.

The one day training for the radio journalists in Ogun state was a collaborative effort between the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy and UNICEF aimed at adequately equipping the reporters on safety measures while carrying out their work of gathering and disseminating information.

According to the facilitators, the training for the radio reporter became necessary due to the wide reach of radio broadcasting and the behavioural changing attributes of radio broadcast also needed in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic currently ravaging the world.

The special Adviser to the Ogun state governor on public communications, Pastor Hazzan while declaring the training open advised the journalists not to disappoint themselves by making themselves vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.

He said journalists should continue to wear face masks, observe social and physical distancing and also ensure good personal hygiene.

The permanent secretary at the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abiodun Awere in a remark said the training for the radio journalists was to ensure that the right information get to the general public at all times in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ogun State Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Akeem Yusuf represented by Dr. Adefunke Adesina while addressing the technical session explained the status of Coronavirus disease in Nigeria and efforts to combat the pandemic noting that journalists must endeavour not to spread panic messages while reporting Covid-19 stories.

The UNICEF representative at the training, Mrs. Florence Molokwu explained the roles of the media, use of the health data to write stories and the need to disseminate correct information and helpful messages on Covid-19.

Another facilitator, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka in a remark highlighted the importance of radio reporter in changing behavioral patterns of the people while the chairman of the caretaker committee of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Council Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka thanked the state government and UNICEF for taking the journalists in Ogun State that are regarded as risk communicators to class on Covid-19 in the interest of the public.

Wale Oluokun

Tourism

Ogun Govt. to Invest in Major Tourism Sites

By Web News 768

Ogun state government says it will invest more in major tourism sites as part of measures to shore up its internally generated revenue base.

Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo made this known during a visit to the second storey building in Nigeria situated at Ipate Oyinbo, Osi quarter’s Otta.

The Chairman of Awori Tourism Board, Omoba Femi Fadina who accompanied the Commissioner described the tour as timely and strategic to the development of tourism in Aworiland.

He expressed the board’s readiness to support the government in exploring the tourism potentials of Aworiland.

The building which housed Christian missionaries in the 18th century also served late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther when he commenced the translation of the Bible from English to Yoruba.

In another development, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ado Odo Ota LGA,Hon. Lawal Wasiu has vowed to find a lasting solution to the persistent accidents in the area.

The chairman who stated this in an interactive session with newsmen on his administration’s successes pledged to fix the perennial traffic gridlock on some roads.

Speaking on the Coronavirus pandemic, Hon. Wasiu said the Local government administration would set up a task force to ensure strict compliance with government directives.

The transition chairman also pledged to grade some earth roads to make them motorable.

Solomon Olope

Security

Otta Residents Call for Community Policing to Check Crime

By Web News 955 Post a comment

The resurgence of armed robbery, cultism and other forms of criminal activities in Otta and it’s environs is giving the people of the area great concern.

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, residents have been robbed in broad daylight while houses have been invaded at night prompting landlords to resort to vigilantism to secure their homes and property.

Radio Nigeria has been monitoring the situation.

Solomon Olope

Politics

I will continue to live up to the ideals of MKO – Prince Abiodun

By Web News 664

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to continue to propagate the evolution of Democratic ideals and principles for the development of the country.

Governor Abiodun who made the call in his statewide broadcast to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation for the labour of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other heroes not to be in vain.

The governor maintained that his administration would continue to live up to the ideals of Chief Abiola and keep his dreams alive through implementation of policies and programmes that would enhance the living standard of the people.

While maintaining that his administration would continue to rekindle the hope of the people and reawaken their belief in government, Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that the state government would continue to ensure that dividends of democracy and benefits of good governance get to the people of the state.

He also expressed the readiness of his administration towards upholding the principle of inclusiveness, equity, transparency and accountability for overall development of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Ogun Police Command Apprehends Robbery Suspects

By Web News 901

Ogun state Police Command has arrested four armed robbery syndicate alleged to be terrorizing the people of Mowe/Ofada areas of Obafemi Owode local government.

The suspects according to a statement by the command spokesman, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi include Sukanmi Tajudeen, Habeeb Oladimeji, Sunday Akintunde and Ishola Samson.

He said they were arrested by the men of the Special Anti-robbery Squad at their Adesan area hideout in Mowe.

Mr. Oyeyemi said some members of the gang also escaped through the nearby bush during the operation which lasted for an hour.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, triplet barrel pistol, one locally made single barrel pistol, thirteen live cartridges and one Bajaj motorcycle.

The statement further noted that the Commissioner of Police in Ogun state has ordered serious manhunt for fleeing members of the gang and clamp down on other armed bandits across the state.

Crime

Ogun First Lady Leads Protest Against Rape

By Web News 811

The Wife of the Ogun state Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun has led other women in state on a peaceful protest against rape with a call for speedy passage of laws on rape and other sexual abuse on women and girls. 

Mrs Abiodun who made the call while addressing lawmakers during the protests at state House of Assembly, premises in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said such legislations should spell out stiffer punishments against perpetrators of rape in the State.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Religion

Ogun to Adopt Recommendations of Committee on Reopening of Religious Centres

By Web News 635

Ogun State Governor, Prince  Dapo Abiodun says the recommendations of a subcommittee on the reopening of religious centres in the state will be adopted by next week to regulate the operations of religious institutions across the state. 

Governor Abiodun announced this while briefing newsmen at his Oke Mosan Abeokuta office.

Governor Abiodun explained that the subcommittee comprising of religious leaders and government’s representatives had been mandated to come up with guidelines for gradual reopening of religious activities latest by Friday 12th June. 

The Governor expressed the hope that the Committee’s outcome would help to reactivate the system with effect from Friday, June 19th, 2020.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that a task force would be set up to monitor and ensure compliance with the agreed guidelines for the religious activities in the state, noting that violators would be sanctioned. 

The governor reiterated that all  existing guidelines to flatten the curve of the virus, including total lockdown on weekends and night curfew between 10pm to 4am remained sacrosanct.

Bolanle Adesida