Ogun State Government has distributed empowerment materials including mobility aids, professional working tools and digital educational devices to the various clusters of people with disabilities, PWD, with an assurance to ensure the inclusion of their peculiarities in the various policy phases.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye stated this in Abeokuta during the empowerment activities in commemoration of the International day of Disabilities.
Mrs Adeleye stressed that the present administration remained committed to recognizing the potential of all people, particularly those with disabilities, adding that efforts were in top gear to ensure a review of the subscription charges of the State Health Insurance to enable the people with disabilities key into the health programme.
The Commissioner who solicited the support of relevant stakeholders, said the ministry would continue to collectively strive to ensure that people with disabilities are not hindered from achieving positive outcomes in life.
In her remarks, the Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Bakare Olanrewaju, assured that the State House of Assembly would continue to give more strategic support through passage of bills and resolutions to encourage the activities of PWD in the state.
Earlier in his lecture, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Ibrahim Opeewe, said it became imperative for Government at all levels to consider PWD in the holistic attainment of all SDGs towards achieving a balanced society.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved constituency projects for the 236 councillors in the state.
Prince Abiodun made this known at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the councillors who were on ground to pass a vote of confidence on his administration.
The Governor said the approval was in fulfilment of his promise to ensure the councillors execute projects in their various constituencies as they are the closest to the people at the grassroots.
Governor Abiodun, who recently approved the full payment of furniture allowance to the 236 councillors, also promised to ensure the continuous empowerment of the councillors.
Governor Abiodun also appreciated the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and called on opposition members to join his administration in moving the state to the next level.
Governor Abiodun, who noted that Ogun State was currently the fastest growing economy in the country, promised that his administration would spend the next three and half years building on the solid foundation laid in the first term.
Earlier, the Chairman, Ogun State Forum of Councillors, Mr Olarenwaju Adeleye thanked the governor for approving and paying their full furniture allowance.
Mr Adeleye also acknowledged Governor Abiodun for executing at least a project in each of the 236 wards of the state and commended him for not abandoning projects left unfinished by the immediate past administrations in the state.
Ogun State Government has commenced the second phase of the disbursement of the 1 billion naira grant to micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
The initiative aims to alleviate poverty and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in the state.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment and a member of the Ogun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (OGUN CARES) Steering Committee, Mr. Adebola Sofela, in a statement on Monday, announced that Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed the immediate commencement of the disbursement process for the second phase of the grants.
Mr Sofela said the phase will benefit entrepreneurs across the state.
He said a stakeholder engagement session will be held for legitimate business owners in the Ogun Central Senatorial District at the Obas Complex Hall, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, to kick-start the second phase.
The objective of the sessions, according to the commissioner, is to provide participants with information about the application process and criteria for eligibility.
Sofela added that the date and time for the stakeholder engagement sessions in Ogun West and East Senatorial Districts will be communicated at a later date.
It will be recalled that in the first batch, over N120 million was disbursed by the state government to more than 1,000 micro and small entrepreneurs across the twenty (20) local government areas of the state.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the death of a former Finance Minister, Dr. Onaolapo Soleye as a great loss to Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, Governor Abiodun said Dr Soleye’s invaluable contributions to the financial sector of Nigeria and his home state, Ogun, will forever remain evergreen and his demise would leave a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“He will be remembered as a statesman, a mentor, and a role model for future generations to come. His wisdom, integrity, and dedication to public service can never be overemphasized.”
Governor Abiodun, however, extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the nonagenarian.
Dr Soneye was a former Minister of Finance between 1984 and 1985 during the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari.
He served for twenty (20) months as Minister of Finance.
He also served as Commissioner for Finance and Industry in Ogun State.
His death was announced on Wednesday by his family in Abeokuta.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed all public officials, appointed and elected, to start wearing Adire Osun every Wednesday to boost the industry and enhance the cultural strength of the state.
In a circular issued by the Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, Governor Adeleke noted that the directive affected all categories of public servants across ministries, departments and agencies of government including tertiary institutions, local governments, local development councils and area offices.
Consequently, every Wednesday is adopted as the Adire Osun Day with all officers and heads of agencies expected to comply with the directive as also with all political appointees too.
Governor Adeleke had presented the subject at the last State Executive Council meeting with a unanimous approval and adoption.
He noted that Adire actually has its source from Osun State, stressing that the new decision will reassert the traditional claim of the state to the Adire genre.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State (Centre-Left) and Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State (Centre-Right) discussing a joint Ogun-Osun Cultural Festival
The governor, while recalling the bilateral meeting with the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun where both governors resolved to host an annual celebration of Adire Day, announced his administration’s plan to create mini-industrial clusters to support the Adire industry and other craft sub-sectors in the state.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have urged the Court of Appeal to dismiss the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Ladi Adebutu against the judgment of the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the victory of Prince Abiodun during the March 18 elections.
At the hearing of the appeal by the Appeal Court, sitting in Lagos, Abiodun, APC, and INEC told the 3-man panel of justices, led by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh that the appeal by Adebutu and PDP, lacked merit and was ambitious.
The Tribunal had on September 30, dismissed the petitions by Adebutu and his party and affirmed the re-election of Governor Abiodun.
Leading the charge, counsel to first Respondent (INEC), A.J. Owonikoko SAN urged the Court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.
Reacting to the issue of 49,000 disenfranchised voters, raised by the Appellants’ counsel (Chief Chris Uche SAN), Mr Owonikoko referred to paragraphs 4.37 to 4.40 at pages 18 and 19 of his Brief to point out that Appellants only called 48 witnesses. He explained that in cases of disenfranchisement, all the disenfranchised voters must be called as witnesses but Appellants did not do so. He concluded that the Court cannot amplify 48 witnesses to 49,000 witnesses as Appellants want.
He urged the Court to dismiss the appeal
Counsel to the 2nd Respondent (Prince Abiodun), Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, also identified and adopted his Brief.
The Court of Appeal reserved judgment to a date to be communicated later.
Ogun State Police command has banned indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in the state.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola indicates that the ban on fireworks, deafening sound of fireworks popularly called “banga” can threaten the state of peace of mind and trigger anxiety among residents.
The statement says Police will take steps on the complaints of the residents and the communities over their inability to differentiate between gunshots and fireworks.
It urges residents to respect the privacy of their neighbours and warns youths who may want to flout the directive that fireworks is criminalized and punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations in accordance with extant laws.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State as the affirmation of the confidence Nigerians have in the ability of the ruling party to deliver Nigeria from the current economic woes.
The APC governorship candidate, Usman Ododo emerged winner of the Kogi governorship election with 446,237 votes to beat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who polled 259,052 votes to come second.
The win followed the earlier one in Imo State, where Governor Hope Uzodinma, also of the APC was declared the winner of Saturday’s election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Prince Abiodun, who is also the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for Kogi Governorship Election, said Ododo’s victory was the culmination of the successes recorded by the APC in the last eight years and the confidence reposed in the Governor-elect.
Abiodun praised voters in Kogi State who trooped out en masse on Saturday to vote for Ododo, even as acknowledged the resilience of Governor Yahya Bello in ensuring the electoral victory of the ruling party.
He reiterated the earlier pledge of President Tinubu to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe, saying that the resuscitation of the companies will scale up socio-economic activities of the state and Nigeria in general.
Subscribe to our and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of 41 internet fraudsters to various jail terms in Oyo and Ogun States respectively.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count charge each preferred against them by the EFCC.
Justices Ladiran Akintola and Adebukola Olajide of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan; Justices Abiodun Akinyemi, A.A. Babawale and B.B. Adebowale of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta and Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, jailed the 41 convicts.
The convicts are Siyanbade Timilehin Omobosola, Ilugbo Emmanuel Adekunle, Odude Ayomide Michael, Aderounmu Gbenga Michael, Oluwole David Dare, Habeeblahi Abdullateef Akande, Ololade Sunday Olamide, Ibrahim Victor Abayomi, Adewusi Mojeed Adedeji, Afeez Lekan Jimoh, Peter Seyi Iyanuoluwa, Olatunde Abass, Alan-Oni Joseph Opeyemi, Adetunji Abolaji Adeola and Ogunmola Oluwabori Micheal.
The rest are: Lasisi Hassan Ayobami, Olakode Ajibola Ibrahim, Ogundiya Fredrick Olajide, Emmanuel Chidi Peter, Ayanmo Taiwo Wasiu, Daud Sodiq Temidayo, Hammed Ibrahim Ola, Adenuga Tope Lekan, Ibrahim Odewande Olasumbo, Adekunle Habeeb Olamilekan and Monday Blessing Patrick.
Upon their arraignments, they all pleaded “guilty” to the one-count charge when it was read to them individually.
Consequently, facts of the cases were reviewed by the prosecution as they prayed the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
The courts, having listened to the submissions and prayers of the prosecution and defence counsels, convicted and sentenced Patrick, Olasumbo, Lekan, Ola, Temidayo, Olajide, Ibrahim, Ayobami, Israel, James, Soetan, Solomon and Oluwaseyi to one year imprisonment each while Olamilekan was sentenced to nine months jail term and Falohun to ten months imprisonment.
Also, Wasiu, Peter, Oluwafemi, Abiodun and Olumoroti bagged three months imprisonment each but Oluwafemi, Abiodun and Olumoroti were given option of 50,000 Naira fine each in lieu of their sentence.
Furthermore, Oluwasegun, Opeyemi, Ayodele, Damilare, Micheal, Adeola, Opeyemi, Abass, Iyanuoluwa, Jimoh, Adedeji, Abayomi, Olamide, Akande, Michael, Adekunle, and Omobosola were convicted and sentenced to six months community service each as Adekunle and Omobosola got a 50,000.00 Naira and 100,000.00 Naira fine alongside their sentences respectively.
The courts also convicted and sentenced Abuo, Miller, Dare and Michael to three months community service each but Abuo got a 50,000 naira fine in lieu of his sentence while Michael was to pay a fine of 30,000 alongside his sentence.
The convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria, including a green colour Toyota Highlander with Registration Number: LSD–400–GX and one sky blue colour Toyota Camry with Registration Number: DG–453–FT.
All the 41 convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet-related offences.
Senior citizens in Ogun State have called for urgent interventions to check the rising wave of crime against the elderly in the country.
They made the call at a function in Abeokuta, tagged Hangout for the senior citizens”.
The elderly persons who advocated increased social support to the aged, expressed concern that in recent times, more older citizens had become traumatized after falling victims to criminal acts, including rape, robbery and extortion, while some were lost to ritual killing.
They solicited the provision of conducive recreational centres for the elderly, maintaining that the prevailing situation was overstretching the old people, causing psychological trauma and dementia to become rampant within their circle.
Addressing the older citizens, a psychogeriatric expert from the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, Mr Godspower Onukwa and a Pharmacist, Mr Gbolahan Fabiyi, advised them to avoid isolation, exercise their bodies and take their drugs regularly, for them to be physically and mentally fit.
Earlier, the convener of the event, Mrs Dupe Oladimeji called for concerted efforts towards ensuring public sensitization and creating awareness on the diet, drugs administration and hygiene for the older people.
Highlight of the programme was the award of Elderly and Most Friendly Person of the year to the guest of honour, Chief Iyabo Apampa.
An end is about to come to the hardship motorists go through on the Lagos- Ota-Abeokuta Expressway.
This is as the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised to commence the constitution of the road soon
The governor also disclosed that the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, powered Mass Transit Buses would be launched next week Monday, 30th October.
Speaking at this year’s Odun Omo Owu celebration with the theme “A New Dawn” held at Oba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun equally said his administration had commenced the construction of a Dry Port at Kajola whose multiplying effects would further open up the State for investments.
Governor Abiodun who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, said the conversation of the mass buses to CNG, was part of the palliative measures taken to lessen the effects of fuel subsidy removal, saying Ogun State was the first in the country to record such achievement.
While highlighting the creation of the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency, OGUNIPA, and the establishment of the Ogun State Business Environment Council OGBEC, as some of the steps taken to boost investments and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, Governor Abiodun declared that the State is the third in Internally Generated Revenue and the third largest economy in the country.
The governor who described the theme of the festival as apt, said the nation has witnessed a new dawn with the recent judgement of the Supreme Court that reaffirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the nation would soon take her rightful position in the comity of nations as a result of the various policies introduced to reshaping the nation’s economy.
Abiodun who described the Odun Omo Owu celebration as a veritable platform to showcase the rich culture of the Owu people, noted that in Yoruba history, they have demonstrated bravery, strength of character and cognitive capacity, adding that the kingdom has produced notable Nigerians who have made meaningful impact locally and internationally
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, commended Governor Abiodun for his love for culture and tradition, calling for the quick resolution of conflicts amongst sons and daughters of Owu for the rapid development of Egbaland, Ogun State and the country as a whole.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the demise of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba Lawson.
Chief Obasanjo, who conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic, MFR, on Chief Lawson in 2004 described the late Iyalode of Egbaland and Yorubaland as a very generous personality whose life was worthwhile.
He noted that, the strictness and hardworking attributes of the late industrialist were remarkable.
In a reaction conveyed through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, former President Obasanjo said the late Chief Lawson had contributed immensely to the country’s economic growth and community development.
Ogun State Government has pledged to further open up the State for business opportunities by putting all machineries in motion to attract more investors.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela gave the assurance in an interview with Journalists in Abeokuta
Mr Sofela said that the present administration would consolidate its position as the industrial capital of Nigeria, pointing out that efforts would be put in place to make Ogun the preferred investors destination.
He said the State would be committed to improving the ease of doing business index, noting that reforms that would enhance business activities would be executed.
Mr Sofela said the government would be committed to its promises of transforming the business environment and processes from initiation in terms of business registration, obtaining construction permits, getting land titles for properties, to ensure that, building permits for construction works were facilitated at reduced time.
Ogun State Government says, it is establishing three additional ministries in the state.
They include Mineral Resources, Information Communication Technology, ICT, and Digital Economy, as well as, the ministry of Youths and Energy.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known during a meeting with Permanent Secretaries held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan,Abeokuta, also disclosed that, the intended Ministry of Youths would be removed from the Ministry of Sports in preparation for the setting up of the Ogun State Sports Commission.
Governor Abiodun who also noted that, it was important for the state to have the additional ministries, said their establishment would avail his administration the opportunity to focus more on the development of those critical areas.
He however commended the permanent secretaries and other civil servants for their prayers and support, especially after the Tribunal judgement that went in his favour, said that, there must be cooperation between the civil servants and the political appointees as the goal they all aimed to achieve is the overall welfare of the administration and the people of the state.
Governor Abiodun urged civil servants and political appointees not to see themselves as competitors, rather see themselves as team members complementing each other.
The Executive Governor of Ogun State Prince dapo Abiodun has pleaded with the national assembly to prevail on the Federal Government to release the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway to the state government for immediate repair
Governor Abiodun who made the plea on Saturday in ilaro informed that his request on the road dated back to the last administration did not yield any positive response stating that the continued holding on to the road by the government at the centre has subjected the people of the state to untold hardship as it is unpassable
Describing the road as important to the state’s economy, he explained that his administration since inception has embarked on massive road reconstruction across the state by ensuring that each Local Government in the state including Ogun West that had been neglected for many years also benefitted trom the scheme
Governor Abiodun assured the people of Ogun West that all the ongoing road projects in the area, such as Ilaro-Owode Road, would soon be completed, informing that Dangote cement has commenced work on Sagamu-Obelle road as approved by the federal government
He added that the recent commissioning of the first phase of Imashayi-Ibooro road in Yewa North Local Government was infulfilment of his promise to the people of the area stating that he has discussed with the minister of works, Dr Dave Umahi for the reconstruction of Abeokuta–Olorunda- Imeko road and Abeokuta–Ilaro road to complement Olorunda-Ibooro Road
While assuring that Ogun West would be given priority under the ISEYA mantra of the current administration, the governor submitted that the area that housed Agbara industrial estate and Ogun Giandom free trade zone accommodated over six hundred industries which according to him gave the state the name industrial hub of the nation
Commending the people of Yewaland for their support, he assured that the second phase of his administration would be more fruitful to the people of the state as his government would continue to embark on developmental projects.
The Director General, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Mallam Abubakar Fikpo has flagged off the orientation programme for the implementation of the Agency’s Community Based Training Scheme in Ogun State.
The Community Based Training Scheme was aimed at reducing unemployment, boosting wealth and enabling the citizens to overcome poverty, especially at the grassroots.
At the event, held in Abeokuta, Director General of the NDE, Mallam Abubakar Fikpo, who was represented by the Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs Ajoke Osinowo restated the Federal Government’s efforts at helping more youths to become employers of labour.
Mallam Fikpo said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure proper monitoring and supervision of the trainees for effective implementation of the programme.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Agency’s Director, Vocational Skills Development, Alhaji Isa Abdu who spoke through Baliks Jimada counselled them to make judicious use of the opportunity, pointing out that there were other eligible participants yet to be considered for the scheme.
Alhaji Abdu also encouraged the beneficiaries to justify the federal government’s efforts in youth empowerment and extend vocational training to others in their communities.
In a lecture entitled ” Skills Acquisition, Absence From Drugs” the officer in charge of Narcotics, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ogun State Command, Mrs Ifeoma Eucharia appealed to the participants to shun acts that could hinder their progress, emphasizing that drugs abuse could put their future plans in jeopardy.
Some of the 60 beneficiaries of the Scheme, drawn from across the three Senatorial Districts of the State are to be trained in different vocations such as Computer training, Bag making and Catering within the next three months, described the intervention as timely and urged the federal government to sustain the efforts to address the high rate of unemployment in the country.
Ogun State Government, through the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, has announced plans to vaccinate more than five hundred thousand girls in the State against the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola who stated this at a media parley in Abeokuta said those to be covered were girls between the ages of nine and fourteen years
Dr Ogunsola who explained that the Human Papilloma Virus remained one of the major causes of cervical cancer among women, with twelve thousand and seventy-five new cases recorded in Nigeria, urged the people to embrace the vaccine, with a view to checking the spread of the virus.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board said the 5-day campaign for the vaccine would commence on Tuesday 24th October, 2023 and would be available in all State-owned facilities, public and private schools, religious houses and marketplaces among others.
He pointed out that the vaccine was targeted at young adults and pre-teens yet to be sexually active, expressing assurance that the move would serve as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.
Similarly, the State Coordinator, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Victoria Adebiyi affirmed that the vaccine remained safe, effective and free, contrary to the myths and rumours being peddled in some quarters.
She appealed to all stakeholders including, traditional rulers, parents, Religious groups and market women to encourage the acceptance of the vaccine among the people, especially in the rural areas.
Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution, lifting the ban on the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the State.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Olakunle Oluomo announced this at a plenary held at the Assembly complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
The motion to lift suspension on the Union, was raised by the Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Mr Oludaisi Elemide and moved by the majority leader, Mr Sheriff Yusuf while it was seconded by the Minority leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye.
The duo of Mr Oyedele Adebisi and Mr Seun Adesanya who affirmed that peace had returned to the sector also expressed the hope that lifting the ban on the activities of the union would help to increase the State’s Internally Generated Revenue of the State
The House of Assembly also passed a resolution requesting the release of the member, representing Sagamu 1 State Constituency, Mr Muhammed Bello from the custody of the Department of State Security Service, DSS, pending the conclusion of investigation on the charges leveled against him.
The plenary also featured the reading of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s correspondence on the nomination of Mrs Funmi Efuwape, Mr Tunji Odunlami and Mr Wasiu Isiaka as Commissioners.
The House later directed the three commissioner nominees are to appear for screening on Monday, 9th October, 2023.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State has described the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun, at the tribunal as a divine mandate.
Ogun State APC chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi in a statement through the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Tunde Oladunnoye congratulated Governor Abiodun on the victorious judgment delivered by the Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday.
Chief Sanusi said the victory at the polls was as a result of the hard work through rigorous campaign across the 20 local government areas of the state, inauguration of various projects as well as the trust the people had in the present administration.
He also commended the governor for assembling the best brains in election tribunal warfare in Nigeria today.
The three-man tribunal, sitting in Abeokuta, chaired by Justice Hamidu Kunaza, had dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, on the grounds of incompetence, vagueness and lack of understanding of the usage of the wordings of the Electoral Act, among others; resulting in inability of the petitioners to prove any of the grounds of the petition.
Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of nine commissioner-nominees out of the ten it recently screened following the withdrawal of the nomination of Mr. Oshunbiyi Tunde by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Committee of the House chaired by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, which was presented by Deputy Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi, who moved the motion for its adoption, and seconded by Mr Lukmon Atobatele.
The confirmation of the nominees was later done through a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff and seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye and supported by the whole House through a voice vote at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Oluomo at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the report, the Committee found the nominees eligible and suitable to assume the office of State Commissioner in Ogun, as some of them had undergone the same process in the House before their previous appointment in the state.
Meanwhile, two bills including Obas and Chiefs’ Amendment Law, 2023 and Ogun State Commercial Vehicles and Trucks Law, 2023, had passed through second reading with a view to repositioning the state’s traditional councils and transport sector for efficiency and effective service delivery.
The lawmakers, who spoke on the Bill for a Law to Amend the Obas and Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State 2021, said that the bill became necessary to regulate the practice and conducts of all categories of monarchs and Chiefs in the State.
Those, who spoke in unison in favour of the the Bill for a Law to Regulate the Operation of Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle, Trucks and Other Means of Public Transportation in Ogun State and for Connected Purposes, expressed optimism that the bill would enhance safety of both riders and operators while promoting improve revenue in the transportation sector, especially for the local councils.
In his response, the Speaker of the house, Mr Oluomo commended the lawmakers for their contributions to the bills, saying that the proposed framework would promote peace, boost security network while creating room for accredited insurance scheme for operators in the transport sector.
Mr Oluomo thereafter committed the two bills to the House Committees on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as that of Transportation respectively for further legislative actions.
The premises of st Peters Anglican church Ake, Abeokuta was adorned with royal colors and glitz as dignitaries from all works of life trooped into the church auditorium to grace the 80th birthday Thanksgiving service of the Alake of Egbagland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Melodies from sonorous voices of the Ace Anglican choir set the tone for the service that was full of glamour and colour.
In his congratulatory remarks at the service, President Bola Tinubu described the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland as a symbol of unity who has continuously fostered a sense of belonging among his people.
President Tinubu said Oba Gbadebo’s support for arts, culture and education had enriched the lives of his subject and ensured the preservation of their heritage for generations to come.
The President who was represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noted that Alake’s reign has been marked by wisdom, compassion and unwavering dedication to his people, even as he appreciated Alake’s unique commitment to the wellbeing of his subjects and indeed the nation at large
In his personal remarks, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun eulogized the monarch for his dedication to the preservation of the cultural heritage and traditions of Egbaland.
Governor Abiodun described the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland as a disciplined and dependable monarch, and commended his unique way of resolving conflicts in collaboration with other royal fathers in the State.
The eventful Thanksgiving service couldn’t have ended without the word of life from the holy bible taken from the book of Psalm 101, verse 2-8, by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria(2000-2010); The Most Reverend Peter Akinola who also urged the celebrant to always emulate the psalmist by being honest.
Most Reverend Akinola described the monarch as a child of God who showcase exemplary leadership qualities in Egbaland and Nigeria as a whole
Ogun State government has commenced the payment of 40 percent Peculiar Allowance to State Civil Servants as part of efforts to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.
Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi who stated this while speaking with newsmen at Oke Mosan Abeokuta said that the payment of the peculiar allowance became imperative to make life more comfortable for the workforce.
While explaining that the present administration was committed to appreciating the diligent efforts of the workers, Mr Talabi pointed out that payment of the allowance would boost the capacity of the workers for better productivity.
Meanwhile, some of the workers who spoke with Radio Nigeria expressed delight over the payment of the peculiar allowance.
One of the workers Mrs Doyin Okulalu who commended the State government for taking necessary steps in enhancing workers’ welfare, said that the workers would always be grateful for the magnanimity of the present administration.
Sixty-one people suspected to be irregular migrants from Cameroon have been arrested in Ogun State by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.
The State Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs Olufunmilayo Bosede who announced the arrests to journalists in Abeokuta, said the 43 male and 18 female Cameroonians were discovered to have been smuggled into Nigeria by a private company, using them for health products’ networking business.
Mrs Bosede stated that the Cameroonians who came into the Country through illegal routes and without valid travel documents were arrested at Ibafo area of the state alongside another set of fifty-two Nigerians.
The State Comptroller of Immigration explained that both the illegal migrants and their Nigerian counterparts had confessed that their recruiters made them to cough out large sum of money, ranging from 500 thousand to 650 thousand naira each, before they were registered as downlines in the networking business.
She maintained that, the two major recruiters, one Nigerian and another Cameroonian, who were on the run, had through the company, identified as QNet, lured their victims with promises of juicy jobs in Nigerian oil companies, banks and other blue chip companies.
Stressing the need for caution as the fraudulent job recruitment approach was becoming prevalent, the Comptroller of Immigration pointed out that the arrested Nigerians, thirty-one males and twenty-one females were also recruited from different parts of the country under the same circumstances.
The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi has advocated the use of newly introduced Concrete Pavement Technology, in road construction projects for its durability and cost effectiveness compared to asphalt roads.
He stated this while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of Abeokuta-Ibadan Road project.
The minister is on two-day working visit to Oyo State to tour federal government road projects in the South West.
The Minister of Works while making reference to the Abeokuta-Ibadan road project which commenced in 2010 said if government had built the route on concrete pavement, it would not have to re-construct it.
Mr Umahi who expressed concern on the slow pace of work on Abeokuta-Ibadan road dualisation, commended the contractor handling it and the Oyo state government for maintaining the road.
He said: “We are inspecting the rehabilitation of single lane of Abeokuta-Ibadan road. And that is phase one, phase two supposed to be the dualisation and that makes my expectations in terms of phasing the job. The road started in 2010 and it is starting with the Ibadan axis by Kopek Nigeria Limited”.
“As we can see, the entire shoulders have totaling gone. We have lots of failures on the roads but I must commend the contractors and I also commend the governor of Oyo State. I can see a lot of maintenance on the road and this is exactly what we are talking about. If we have built this route on concrete Pavement,13 years ago, we will not be maintaining or re-constructing it. So, the section of Abeokuta in Ogun State has not been done by KOPEK because of funding”.
“Now, what is to be done is that, a number of sections of the pavement that have totaling gone must be remedied and the entire stretch up to 77 per cent will need to be resurfaced by stone based asphalts and then, the shoulders restarted with concrete pavement”.
“And of course the section of about 23 per cent on Abeokuta axis ought to be constructed. The delay in payment is very unpalatable for a project to last for 13 years and that is the kind of things we are having and that is the system we want to change“.
Mr Umahi had earlier paid a courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to discuss on having standard federal roads in the state.
During the visit, Governor Makinde noted that the present administration in Oyo State had fixed some federal roads that have viable economic importance to the state, adding that Ibadan-Iseyin road has been so useful for Agribusiness hubs across the zones of the state.
While appreciating the Federal Ministry of works for construction and rehabilitation of some major roads in the state, governor Makinde also disclosed that the State is considering the dualization of Ibadan- Abeokuta road from Iyaganku to Oyo/Ogun State border.
The minister in an interview, on the refund of federal road executed by state government, said Federal government would not be able to refund money spent on federal roads by state governments presently considering the state of economic realities.
Mr Umahi however, said that records of such road projects done by the states would be kept and could be revisited when the nation’s economy improved.
Federal roads toured by the Minister includes rehabilitation of Ibadan-Oyo dual carriageway, dualisation of Oyo-Ogbomoso road, dualisation of Ibadan-Abeokuta and the reconstruction of Ibadan -Ife Ilesha.
On the encourage of the Minister of Works were the Director High way, South-West, Adedamola Kuti, and the controllers of Works in the South-West states.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration has never tampered with Local Government funds.
Governor Abiodun stated this in a statement in Abeokuta while reacting to a letter credited to the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr Wale Adedayo, alleging zero revenue allocation to Local Governments in the State since 2021.
Governor Abiodun said his administration has often had to augment the funds allocated to Local Governments in the State from the Federation Account to enable them to meet their obligations.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration had disbursed funds to all Local Governments periodically for developmental projects.
While explaining that the funds meant for Local Governments in the State were being handled by the constitutionally recognized Joint Account and Allocation Committee ,JAAC, The Governor said that JAAC members always ensure that the third tier of government gets the required allocations for optimal performance.
