Crime

Security Operatives in Ogun Swoop Down on Kidnappers, Rescue Victims

By Web News 729

Three suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the men of Ogun State Police Command at a forest along Imeko- Iwoye-Ketu road and rescued three victims of their kidnap operation unhurt. 

The suspects, Aliu Abubakar, Umaru Tukur and Yau Isah were arrested when policemen at Imeko divisional headquarters received information that about 8 kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons blocked Termac/ Iwoye road and shot sporadically. 

The police spokesperson, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi in a statement in Abeokuta revealed that the police with men of Amotekun corps, So Safe Corps, Hunters, Vigilantes as well as Fulani/Yoruba youths stormed the forest in search of the victims and their abductors. 

Mr Oyeyemi explained that the kidnappers abandoned their victims and left an unregistered motorcycle behind at their hideout in the forest while the security operatives continued combing the bush which led to the discovery of three of the suspects where they were hiding in the forest. 

He added that the key to the abandoned motorcycle was recovered in the pocket of one of them along with three cutlasses. 

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Bankole, therefore ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to anti-kidnapping section of the state Criminal investigation Departments for discreet investigation. 

Olajumoke Idowu 

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Environment

Flood: NOA Engages Community Leaders, Farmers

By Web News 470

Community leaders and farmers in Ogun State are being engaged by the National Orientation Agency, NOA as part of efforts to ensure a positive response to experts’ predictions on flood disasters in the country. 

Addressing the participants in Abeokuta, the State Director of NOA, Mr Kolawole Obadina said the Stakeholders Engagement was aimed at encouraging the residents to keep abreast of the latest weather forecast, with a view to averting impending dangers from the hazardous effects of climate change.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent, Olusegun Folarin has the rest of the story

Education

Gov. Abiodun Inaugurates Boards for State-Owned Tertiary Institutions

By Web News 509

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated the chairmen of the governing councils of the state-owned tertiary institutions with an appeal to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to find a lasting solution to the protracted strike by the university lecturers.

Inaugurating the Governing Councils and Members of the Library Board at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the strike had left a huge gap not only in the education sector but in other sectors of the nation’s economy.

While urging the governing councils to ensure that the management of the institutions were in tandem with the developmental needs of the state, the governor stressed the need for governing councils to always offer quality advice to the government.

Governor Abiodun who pointed out that the Teaching Service Commission had started compiling the names of the state’s teaching and non-teaching staff for the year 2021/2022 promotion exercises, announced that his administration had also approved Education Intervention Fund.

Responding on behalf of the governing councils, the Pro-Chancellor of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Toyin Ashiru, promised that the governing councils would justify the confidence reposed in them.

Professor Ashiru also gave the assurance that the governing councils would reinvigorate internally generated revenue in all state-owned tertiary institutions to reduce the financial burden on the government.

Bolanle Adesida

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Crime

Woman Nabbed for Selling Three-Week-Old Baby for N600,000

By Web News 489

Ogun  State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old woman, Mary Olatayo, for allegedly selling her three weeks old baby for N600,000.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested following a complaint from the father of the baby.

The PPRO said the father reported the matter at Mowe divisional headquarters, narrating that, he met Mary Olatayo sometime ago and they started dating each other.

He said “The man stated further that, Mary got pregnant in the process and he rented an apartment for her where she lived till she was delivered of a baby boy.

“He complained further that the lady suddenly disappeared with the baby from the apartment three weeks after delivery only for her to be found in a hotel where she has gone for a hookup with another man.

 “All efforts to know where the baby is proved futile.

“On the strength of his complaint, the DPO Mowe division, SP Folake Afeniforo, detailed detectives to the scene where the suspect was arrested and brought to the station.

“On interrogation, Mary Olatayo confessed to the police that she has sold the baby to someone in Anambra State at the rate of six hundred thousand naira.

“She confessed that it was her friend Chioma Esther Ogbonna who led her to the buyer in Anambra and that they both shared the money equally.

“Her confession led to the arrest of Chioma Esther Ogbonna who also corroborated Mary’s claims.

“Further investigation revealed that Mary Olatayo a native of Omu-Aran in Kwara state is a call girl, who sees the baby as a disturbance to her business hence she decided to do away with the baby.

“Fortunately for her, she has an accomplice in Chioma, a native of Imo state who quickly contacted the buyer in Anambra state.”

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the anti-human trafficking and child labour unit of the state Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation.

He said, “The CP also directed that everything possible must be done to recover the baby.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

Politics

Two more Commissioners Resume Duty in Ogun

By Web News 433

The Two Commissioner-nominees sent to the Ogun State House of Assembly by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun have been confirmed.  

The Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff, moved the motion for the presentation of the report of the Committee of the Whole House and was seconded by Mr Abdul Oladunjoye during plenary in Abeokuta.

The confirmation of the nominees followed the adoption of the report of the Committee chaired by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo but presented by his Deputy, Mr Akeem Balogun.

Mr Balogun noted that the nominees were scrutinized and were found eligible, qualified and suitable for the position. The two confirmed Commissioner, Mrs Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan and Mr Jamiu Odetoogun were screened yesterday.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

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Politics

CDC, LCDA leaders will be involved in making decisions – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 660

Ogun State Government says leaders of Community Development Councils and Associations will henceforth be involved in decision making, especially on the siting and execution of projects in their various communities.

The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta in an interactive meeting with leaders of Community Development Councils and Associations in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Abiodun explained that as part of efforts to further open up the state for more investments and social activities, the Ogun Light-up Project that would ensure constant power supply would soon commence in Abeokuta and other parts of the state.

While approving the release of grants to Community Development Councils, CDCs, Governor Abiodun announced that a 7-man Caretaker Committee would be set up to take charge of the CDCs.

The governor said his administration would also hand over transformers to CDCs and CDAs’ chairmen, which would be distributed to communities, adding that, the meeting would be held on a regular basis to interface on issues affecting the well-being of the people.

Responding, the Chairman, Community Development Council, Ogun Central, Alhaji Waheed Adekunle, urged the governor to look into the poor state of the Social Development College, Shasha, Ilisan-Remo, with a view to putting it in proper shape.

Alhaji Adekunle also urged the state government to extend its empowerment programmes to youths in the communities to give them a sense of belonging.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

We will fish out killers of MAPOLY Student – Gov Abiodun

By Web News 461

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has condemned the murder of a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Miss Happiness Odeh by suspected kidnappers.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun who described the killing of the student as barbaric and wicked said the Government would do everything within the law to ensure that the killers were brought to book. 

The Governor said that the police and other security agencies in the state had been issued the marching order to fish out the perpetrators of the devilish act, noting that his administration was committed to providing adequate security for the lives and property of the people. 

While commiserating with the family of the late student, Governor Abiodun gave the assurance that those responsible for the murder of the promising lady would be made to face the wrath of the law.

The late Happiness Odeh, an ND two Mass Communication student of MAPOLY and recent winner of the Polytechnic’s beauty pageant 

was reportedly abducted along Iperu Remo road on her way to a movie location at Ipara-Remo, while the corpse was allegedly discovered where it was dumped in the bush. 

Bolanle Adesida

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Economy

Over 50000 Women Benefit from Ogun Financial Empowerment Scheme

By Web News 609 Post a comment

Over fifty thousand women in Ogun State have benefitted from the financial empowerment scheme introduced by the present administration to eradicate poverty among women.

The state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who made this known at the validation exercise of ward facilitators of the scheme, held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, announced that beneficiaries of the scheme in three local government areas of the state had saved over 500 million naira through contributions.

While explaining that his administration would give a loan to each participant four-fold of whatever she might have contributed, Governor Abiodun urged the ward facilitators not to make the programme a party affair, but to extend it to others.

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In a remark, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who said that the state government would continue to make life more meaningful for women, pointed out that the scheme would help women to be more economically viable.

Some of the beneficiaries including Mrs Kuburat  Arigbabuwo and Mrs Sola Adedeji commended the state government for giving them the opportunity to contribute and have access to the loan, adding that the scheme would boost their social economic activities.

Bolanle Adesida

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Transportation

Ogun State Approves Reconstruction of Two Roads

By Web News 795

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the reconstruction of 32km Sango-Ijoko-Akute-Yakoyo and 8km Mowe-Ofada roads.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile made this known in Abeokuta while briefing Newsmen alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya on the decisions taken at the State Executive Council meeting.

While pointing out that Governor Abiodun was not happy with the hardship been experienced by citizens on the roads, Alhaji Odusile explained that the reconstruction of the 32 Kilometres road became imperative to alleviate the sufferings of the motorists passing through the area,

On his part, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Mr Ade Akinsanya explained that Sango-Akute-Yakoyo would be constructed in six phases, while construction works would commence simultaneously.

Mr Akinsanya who also said that Mowe -ofada road had been re-awarded to a new contractor, explained that the state government is working on a master plan for a drainage system towards preventing floods often experienced in major towns and cities in the state.

Bolanle Adesida

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Transportation

Ogun, Lagos Sign MoU On 31Km Rail Project

By Web News 483

Ogun State Government has signed a Memoranda of Understanding with the Lagos State Government on the 31km redline passengers rail service from Oyingbo, Lagos State to Agbado in Ogun State. 

Speaking after signing the MoU, the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the project was a significant achievement in the series of developments engendered by Lagos/Ogun Joint Commission.

He pointed out that the project was an achievement from the robust understanding and synergy between the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States in taking advantage of their proximity to better their economies and make life more comfortable for the people.

While pointing out that the transport system of any nation or state was critical to its civilization, Mr Talabi maintained that Ogun State was committed to taking advantage of the sector to improve the livelihood of the people.

Also, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederick Oladeinde, explained that the first phase of 25km stretch from Oyingbo to Agbado already being constructed would be completed in December this year, while passenger operations would commence in first quarter of 2023.

Bolanle Adesida

Crime

Police Nab Kuje Correctional Centre Escapee in Ogun

By Web News 396

Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command has arrested another Kuje Correctional Centre escapee Yakubu AbdulMumuni.

The 28-year-old escapee was arrested at Sango Ota Divisional Headquarters after a piece of information that the convict was sighted somewhere around Sango Ota.

According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi, the DPO Sango Ota Division, Mr. Saleh Dahiru mobilized to the area where the convict was apprehended.

He said the escapee confessed to the Police that he escaped from Kuje Correctional Center when the Center was attacked by bandits, stating that he was convicted by Kogi State High Court for offence of conspiracy and culpable homicide and sent to Kuje Correctional Centre.

Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lanre Bankole has ordered the transfer of the convict to the Correctional Centre with immediate effect.

Wale Olukun

Crime

Police Arrest Man for Cutting 71-Year-Old Woman to Pieces

By Web News 521

Operatives of Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command have arrested a 54-year-old man known as Dauda Bello for allegedly killing one Mrs Mesesi Adisa, a 71-year-old woman after which he cut off the victim’s wrists and ankles.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi, the suspect was arrested on the 7th of July, 2022 following the sudden disappearance of the victim, who left home on the 8th of June 2022 and did not return.

 Mr Oyeyemi explained that the suspect confessed to having known the victim and that they were both into the business of child trafficking, stating further that he invited the victim to discuss their usual business, but discovered that the victim came with what he thought was a huge amount of money.

He further explained that the suspect hit the woman on the head which made her unconscious after which he carried the unconscious body of the victim to the bush where he finally snuffed life out of her.

The suspect confessed further that when he searched the woman’s body, he discovered that the victim only had twenty-two thousand, two hundred naira which he took with disappointment and decided to cut off her two wrists and ankles, and claimed to have sold to somebody who was now at large.

The PPRO added that the suspect had taken the Police to the bush where he buried the victim in a shallow grave, and the dismembered body had been recovered and deposited in the mortuary.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Bankole, who commended the team for a thorough job, had ordered that the case be charged to court as soon as the investigation was concluded. 

Olajumoke Oduniyi

Politics

Akinlade Dumps APC, Picks PDP DG Ticket

By Web News 491

The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in the 2019 general election , Mr. Abdulkabir Akinlade, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr. Akinlade who resigned his membership of APC, last week citing injustice on the part of the national leadership of the party also picked the deputy governorship ticket of the party ahead of 2023 general election.

The former governorship candidate at an event held at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta  accompanied by the former Deputy Speaker, Ogun House of Assembly, Mr.Tola Banjo announced that the bad leadership exhibited by Governor Dapo Abiodun led government in Ogun state forced them out of the ruling party.

He later went into a closed door meeting with the State Executive members of the PDP and the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Ladi Adebutu.

Mr. Akinlade said his decision to join PDP was tough and confirmed his acceptance to run as Adebutu’s running mate after the closed door meeting with state Executive member of PDP which lasted for about two hours

The State Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Sikirullahi Ogundele later presented the PDP membership card to Mr. Akinlade.

Meanwhile, the Publicity Secretary of APC in Ogun state, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye in a statement after the defection said the party will not miss those that left to PDP noting that they are usual opponents that will be defeated at the poll again.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Former OGHA Clerk Makes Case for Legislative Autonomy to Sustain Democracy

By Web News 485

A Former Permanent Secretary Mr Demola Badejo has advocated the need for a holistic implementation of financial autonomy for State Houses of Assembly and the judiciary across the federation.

Mr  Badejo stated this while delivering a lecture titled: “Values, Attitudes and Work Ethics in the Parliamentarism: Issues, Challenges and Panacea” at the maiden edition of the  International Day of Parliamentarism organized by the Ogun State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr Badejo who was the former Clerk of the State House of Assembly explained that it was essential for the legislative arm to be independent in order to fully discharge its constitutional responsibility in a democracy, saying that an independent legislature must attain new dawn that would enable it to perform in line with the high expectations of the populace.

Outlining the challenges facing the Legislature, he added that, the absence of infrastructure had also hindered efficiency and stagnated the development of the legislative arm of government in the State.

In his opening remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, admonished assembly staff to continue to exhibit respect for the work ethics and the workplace,  and always display a high sense of discipline towards sustaining productivity. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Ayotunde Ojediran appreciated the members of the association for their steadfastness in the discharge of their duties, adding that the association was committed to exploring all avenues to improve the capacity of its members.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Crime

Sallah Ram Theft, Police Apprehend Suspects

By Web News 480

Operatives of Ogun state police command have apprehended the duo of Adetunji Alagbe and Opeyemi Ogunlokun for allegedly stealing a Sallah ram belonging to one Sodiq Abolore.

The Suspects were arrested after the owner of the ram, Sodiq Abolore, had reported at Ogijo divisional headquarters that the ram he bought at one hundred and twenty thousand naira was missing from the place he had kept it.

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

Mr Oyeyemi explained that two out of the three men chased by police were arrested, the remaining one escaped while attempting to force the ram into a waiting Mazda car booth.

He noted that the ram was recovered, and the two suspects were taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Bankole, has ordered an in-depth investigation of the case, with the view of charging the suspects to court as soon as possible.

Segun Folarin

Economy

Talks between Organised Labour, Ogun Govt Ends in Deadlock

By Web News 486

The meeting between Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the leadership of the Organized Labour in the State has ended in a deadlock.

The meeting, which started around 12 pm yesterday ended late in the night, with the organized labour resolved to continue the indefinite strike.

Ogun State Government will continue negotiations with stakeholders today, Thursday, with a view to resolving grievances raised by the workers for embarking on the indefinite strike.

The organized labour declared the indefinite strike to press home their demands over the nonpayment of 21 months of cooperative deductions, gratuities, pensions,  contributory pensions, and other allowances.

Bolanle Adesida.

Security

Customs Intercept Adulterated Diesel, Others

By Web News 502

The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 45,000 litres of adulterated diesel and about 11,000 litres of petrol among other seizures recorded within Ogun State in the last 8 weeks. 

The Ogun – One Area Customs Command also generated about 13 million naira revenue from the auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly called petrol, intercepted at different locations and exit points to the Republic of Benin during the period.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Mr Bamidele Makinde who made these known to newsmen at Idi Iroko said they also obstructed the illegal importation of about 14 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice into the country. 

He maintained that allowing the smuggled rice to gain access to the Nigerian market could undermine the Federal Government’s Rice Agriculture Policy. 

Mr Makinde explained that the estimated cumulative Duty Paid Value, DPV, of all the seizures made during the period was about one point two billion naira, stating that intercepting smuggled items could inflict gross financial injury on the perpetrators.

While applauding the support of traditional rulers and other sister security agencies in the fight against cross-border crimes, the Customs Area Controller also announced the handing over of intercepted consignments of illicit drugs and narcotics worth about 221 million naira to the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Idi Iroko Special Command, Mrs Ibinabo Achiabia.

Olusegun Folarin

News

Clergymen Urge Worshippers to Collect PVC

By Web News 481

Religion can be used as a tool for nation building rather than promoting religious sentiments to the detriment of national interests.

A cross section of Christian leaders made the submission in Abeokuta while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the essence of the “Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC Sunday”, declared by the leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN.

As preparations for the 2023 general elections gather momentum, there has been an increase in the level of awareness from different quarters, on the need for eligible voters to obtain the Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, as a prerequisite for participation in the elections.

Clergymen in Ogun State also complied with the directives of the PFN that member churches should give priority to educating the faithful on the patriotic responsibility of obtaining PVC to enable them to vote for credible leaders.

Those who spoke with Radio Nigeria commended the initiative of the Church leaders, describing it as a means of using religion as the tool to strengthen democracy and boost national development.

The Abeokuta District Overseer and Southwest Regional Coordinator of the Foursquare Gospel Church, the Reverend Adedimeji Adegbesan said continuous education and creating awareness among the faithful, that those who had attained the voting age must obtain their PVC was necessary to enable them to exercise their civic responsibilities during elections.

The Reverend Adegbesan explained the operation show your PVCs Initiative was not meant to turn worshippers back from attending service but to encourage more people to obtain their cards.

Also, the pastor in charge of Upper Room temple, Foursquare Gospel church Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, Pastor Ayoyinka Akinyosoye who stressed the need for the faithful to intensify their prayers towards the restoration of peace to the nation said the collection of PVC was essential for every child of God.

Pastor Sunday Aderibigbe of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Southwest region 1 headquarters, Asero Abeokuta, said there was a memo from the national headquarters of the church on the need to constantly remind the faithful to collect their PVCs.

In separate contributions, the Pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Agape mega Parish, Olorunsogo, Abeokuta, Pastor Kazeem Olasupo and venerable Emmanuel Ajayi of the African Church, Solution Camp, Sam Ewang Estate, Abeokuta said the church would not relent in educating the faithful to collect their cards as part of the civic duties.

The religious leaders were also unanimous in their call on Christians to be security conscious while appealing to government at all levels to do more in ensuring the security of lives and property of the people.

Olusegun Folarin

Environment

Ogun Partners Investors on 400 Housing Units

By Web News 547


Ogun State Government is collaborating with a consortium of estate developers for the construction of about 400 housing units as part of efforts to enhance people’s access to housing infrastructure. 

The Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Government, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo announced this after a meeting with the stakeholders in Abeokuta. 

Mr Okubadejo said the project would be constructed on 50 hectares of land at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate around Kobape area of the city. 

He explained that the proposed construction of detached and semi -detached duplexes was part of the first phase development of 50 out of the entire 500-hectare estate located in the state capital. 

The Commissioner pointed out that the engagement of the estate developers was a further attestation of the present administration’s confidence in Public -Private Partnership, PPP, as major catalyst to overall development. 

Mr Okubadejo said the project expected to be delivered before May next year would be supervised by the Ministries of Finance, Housing, Physical Planning and urban Development as well as the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation, OPIC and the Bureau of Lands and Survey.

Others at the meeting, including the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami, the Managing Director, OPIC, Mr Biodun Fari-Arole and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue Assurance, Mr. Seyi Ogunseye affirmed the need to deliver world class project, noting that the government placed high premium on quality job delivery.


Olusegun Folarin

Security

Insecurity: Nigerians live in fear of the unknown – Ogun Residents

By Web News 547

Sunday is a notable day in the Christian calendar as the faithful gather in churches for services.

However, this is not the case for some residents of Ota, Ogun State this Sunday, June 12 as some of them prefer to stay within the confine of their homes for personal communion with God rather than go for church service.

 This was due to the security situation in the country as gathered by our correspondent, especially with the day being June 12.
 

 Two residents of Ota, MrAdesegun Ayomide and Mr. Tosin Lawal noted that the recent attack in Owo coupled with different news on social media created uncertainties about events Democracy Day could trigger, which influenced their decisions.

Some residents, however, urged Federal Government to do more in tackling the insecurity ravaging the country as people these days go about their daily activities in the fear of the unknown.

Abimbola Bamgbose/Simeon Ugbodovon

Politics

Former Ogun Commissioner Emerges Labour Party Guber Candidate

By Web News 735

Former Commissioner of Finance in Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle has emerged as the Labour Party Governorship candidate in the state.

The Ogun State Labour Party Governorship primary was held at the state secretariat of the Nigerian Labour Congress with delegates from all the twenty local government areas of the state.

The Governorship candidate after his emergence announced his running mate Dr.(Mrs) Aishat Lawal-Keshinro.

The candidate was pronounced through a voice vote affirmation by the party delegates.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and Trade Union Congress witnessed the event.

The Governorship candidate in his acceptance speech said the need for a third force has become imperative and expressed optimism that Labour Party would take over the state.

Wale Oluokun

Power

Feeder Explosion Throws Over 50 Ogun Communities into Darkness

By Web News 742

Many communities in Ogun State have been thrown into another round of blackout following a reported explosion of the Ota industrial 33KV feeder

It was gathered that there was a snap on the feeder which was caused as a result of an explosion that affected several transformers including those at Ilaro and Papalanto.

The Ogun region of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.

According to the IBEDC, many towns and villages in Ewekoro, Ifo, Yewa South, and Ipokia Local Government Areas are in darkness.

However, the IBEDC said its technical team was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to ensure the power supply was restored.

The statement read, “Kindly be informed that there was a snap on the Ota-Industrial 33kv feeder which caused an explosion and affected several transformers including those at llaro and Papalanto.

“As a result of this, customers in Papalanto, Arigbajo, Ejio, Ifo, Agosi, Olomu road, Ososun village, Coker, Akinside, Ibogun, Oju-sango, Pakoto, Bayoku, Agbegise, Ogungbade, lyana Cele, lyana llogbo, Owode Ijako, Isorosi, Ishaka, Igbala and ljako Sugar are affected.

“Others affected areas, llaro town, Igbogila, Oja Odan, Ilaro Poly, Pahayi, ldi-Iroko, Ipokia, Ilase, Igua, Farm settlement, Ibese, ljoga, lbara orile, ljoun, Imasayi, Abule-oke, Maria, Yewa, Ajegunle, Abalabi, Akinside, Akinbo, Olorunsogo, Ilaro road, Weybridge, Gudugba, Abule Oko, Bonny Pie industries, Waterworks, Lapeleke, and environs are experiencing power outage.

“Our technical team is working with TCN to ensure power supply is restored. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Education

Teaching Techniques Promote Discipline – Soyombo

By Web News 507

Schools Proprietors and Managers have been encouraged to give priority to strategies and teaching techniques that will promote discipline and attitudinal change among students to reduce the rising cases of crime and social vices in the society.

The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo gave the advice in Abeokuta at a Workshop organised by the League of Muslim School Proprietors worldwide, Ogun State Chapter.

Speaking on the Theme “Reimagining Education Workforce” Mrs Soyombo described discipline as a transferrable skill in life, hence the need for school managers to encourage discipline, putting into consideration high – rate of curiosity exhibited by the youths.

Mrs Soyombo noted that effective teaching and learning could only take place where discipline was maintained.

She said discipline was not only vital for students, but also educators, so that they could be seen as role models.

She equally emphasised that parents should handle the issue of discipline at home being the first contact of training for a child.

A Guest lecturer, Dr Abdullateef kelani who spoke on “Discipline of students and Education law in the 21st century” advised school proprietors to always upgrade their knowledge to enhance the transfer of needed skills for positive behavioural change among learners.

Dr Kelani also encouraged teachers to use positive methods of correction than inflicting wound on learners, saying the primary responsibilities of a school is to build good character in students.

A security expert, Mr Ige Folayinka also admonished Nigerians to be security conscious, and alert to their environment in view of the prevailing security challenges.

Mr Folayinka who is the Director, National School Crime Prevention Corps, educated participants on Scoping insecurity in school management” .

He noted that not paying adequate attention to security would not only put teachers and students at risk but also hinder national unity and economic growth.

The crime prevention officer reiterated the need to provide security guards in schools to prevent crime.

In a remark,the chairman of the occassion and Secretary General ogun state Muslim council, Alhaji Kalmadeen Akintunde called on Education stakeholders to synergize and step up actions to prevail on the government and university staffers to shift grounds and refrain from putting education in distress.

Earlier, Ogun State Chairman, League of Muslim school proprietors worldwide, Ustaadh Abdul- Azeez Ajibola said the essence of the workshop was to raise the standard of Muslim schools across the country to offer quality service in the education sector.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from Ogun, Lagos and Oyo State’s.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Sport

Ajoke Wins Maiden Edition of Women Race

By Web News 591

Olude Kehinde Ajoke has emerged winner of the maiden edition of five kilometer race tagged “Ogun Women run”
The five kilometer race which took off from Sapon and terminated at MKO international stadium Kuto Abeokuta saw, Olude Kehinde Ajoke finishing the race at 20 minutes 04 seconds and went home with five hundred thousand naira prize money.


Ephraim Yemisi was the second fastest to get to the finish line after twenty minutes and forty nine seconds and was presented with a three hundred thousand naira cheque while Asekun Olayemi  finished on the podium as the second runner up at twenty one minutes and seven seconds and got two hundred thousand naira prize money for her efforts.

Speaking at the event, wife of the state Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun appreciated the organisers for creating a platform for women to display their skills.


Mrs Abiodun who was represented by the wife of the Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Mrs Victoria Oluomo expressed optimism that the race would be sustained in the interest of the women in the state.


Also, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde who was excited the with participation of a five year old, Dorris Odeyemi said the race had lived up to its expectations in line with the catch them young policy of the present administration in the state.


Dr Kehinde announced that the state government would nurture the five year old athlete to enable her to represent the state at future competitions.


Dorris Odeyemi, a primary two pupil expressed joy for the gesture.

In a remark, the organiser of “Ogun Women run” Mr Seyi Johnson appreciated the governor for creating the enabling environment for the development of sports in the state.
Over one thousand women participated in the race.

Olusegun Folarin

News

Government Warns Residents Against Violating Building Laws

By Web News 583

Ogun State government has advised members of the public to desist from contravening the building laws of the State to avoid loss of property.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami, gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta.

Mr Odunlami noted that certain reserved areas, known as committed acquisitions, which had been set aside by the government to build social amenities such as schools, hospitals, roads, among others, which must not be infringed upon by any developer or builder.

The Physical Planning and Urban Development commissioner explained that such areas could be conceded to communities and villages that had been domiciled there for long period of time, advised residents to follow due process before the purchase of any land in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Land Matters and Director-General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr Ololade Salami encouraged residents to adhere strictly to the boundaries defined in the records when government reserves portions of lands to certain people.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji AbdulWaheed Odusile, implored journalists to use their various channels to sensitise the populace about the dangers of contravening the building laws of the State.

Olusegun Folarin