₦airaland Forum

Ogun State Government has unveiled an agricultural support package for 10,000 rice and cassava farmers as part of efforts to boost food production and strengthen food security.


The package included subsidised fertilisers, urea, herbicides and improved cassava stems, as well as the distribution of 10 tractors, other farm equipment and 1,200 Android phones.


Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the interventions during the 2026 World Food Day celebration at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”

Governor Abiodun explained that the Android phones were equipped with applications to provide farmers with weather updates, market prices and information on improved farming practices.


He said the tractors and other agricultural equipment would support farm settlements and farmers’ associations across the state, while reducing the cost and burden of manual farming.

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a profitable, technology-driven sector capable of generating employment, attracting investment and contributing to national food security.


He disclosed that the state had completed 28 agricultural projects in the last two years, covering crop production, aquaculture, poultry, processing, storage and mechanisation.


The governor also announced that the state had procured 39 tractors and four self-propelled harvesters to improve agricultural productivity.

On youth empowerment, Abiodun said more than 200 young people had received training in soilless farming, with start-up support to establish their own agricultural businesses.


He called on investors to explore opportunities in commercial farming, agro-processing, livestock production, irrigation, mechanisation and agricultural storage.


Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, had said that the interventions were designed to improve farmers’ access to technology, agricultural equipment and essential farm inputs.

Hon. Owotomo disclosed that more than 12,000 farmers had benefited from training and agricultural inputs under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project.

He explained that beneficiaries of the latest input support scheme would contribute 30 per cent of the cost, while the state government would cover the remaining 70 per cent through its partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

In a keynote address, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Kolawole Adebayo called for improved transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and reduce post-harvest losses.


Professor Adebayo noted that Ogun State’s estimated 1.2 million hectares of arable land presented significant opportunities for agricultural and agro-industrial development.

The celebration featured the symbolic presentation of tractors, farm equipment, Android phones and agricultural inputs to beneficiaries.

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Shehu Quadri Taiwo as the new Alaperu of Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

The council, at its meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, also approved the appointment of Prince Akeem Akinyemi as the new Awujako of Ijako-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area.

Both appointments take effect from Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The Governor’s Liaison Officer for Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Hon. Sanni Sulaimon ACA, has described the appointment of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Organising Secretary in Ogun State, Hon. Yemi Adelani, as Deputy Zonal Coordinator, Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, South-West Eleven, as well deserved.

In a statement in Abeokuta through his Aide Hon. Akeju Akindele, Hon. Sulaimon said the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a recognition of Adelani’s loyalty, political experience, organisational ability and contributions to the growth of the APC.


He noted that Hon. Adelani’s performance as the party’s Organising Secretary in Ogun State had demonstrated his capacity to mobilise party members, strengthen grassroots structures and promote effective engagement between the party and the people.


Hon. Sulaimon expressed confidence that Adelani would bring his wealth of experience and commitment to bear in his new assignment, particularly in strengthening grassroots mobilisation and consolidating the party’s structures across the South-West Eleven political zone.


He also commended President Tinubu for recognising the importance of grassroots engagement in building a strong and inclusive political structure, adding that the appointment would further support the implementation of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.


The Governor’s Liaison Officer urged the new Deputy Zonal Coordinator to sustain his commitment to party unity, effective mobilisation and the progressive ideals of the APC.


He expressed optimism that Hon. Adelani's new responsibility would contribute to the continued growth of the party and the advancement of its objectives.

*OGUN TO UPGRADE COOPERATIVE COLLEGE, DISBURSES OVER ONE BILLION NAIRA IN SOFT LOANS*


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says plans are underway to upgrade the Ogun State Cooperative College to offer National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes.


The governor also disclosed that his administration had disbursed over one billion naira in loans to cooperative societies, artisans, traders and small business owners across the state.


Governor Abiodun made this known at the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebration in Ijebu-Ode, organised by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives.


He said the proposed upgrade of the college would strengthen professional training in cooperative management and equip personnel with the skills needed to manage institutions and safeguard members' investments.


The governor explained that over five hundred million naira had been disbursed to cooperative societies through the state’s revolving loan scheme, while another five hundred million naira was provided under the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative for artisans, traders and small business owners across the twenty local government areas.


He said the interventions were designed to improve access to affordable financing, promote enterprise development and stimulate inclusive economic growth.



Governor Abiodun also pledged to provide land for cooperative societies to embark on agricultural production and housing projects, with a view to improving food security and access to affordable homes.


He urged cooperative members to embrace accountability, unity and prudent management to ensure that government support achieves its intended objectives.


The governor further identified the discovery of crude oil deposits in Ogun Waterside, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Local Government Areas, as well as the proposed Ogun Deep Seaport, as opportunities capable of attracting investment and creating employment.


Earlier, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun had said that Ogun State had about fourteen thousand seven hundred registered cooperative organisations contributing to economic and social development.


Balogun commended the state government’s support for the cooperative movement and urged beneficiaries to use the loans judiciously to expand their businesses.


Similarly, the President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, praised the government’s intervention and called for the upgrading of the Cooperative College at Shasha, Iperu-Remo, to offer ND and HND programmes.


The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, represented by his Special Assistant on Cooperatives, Mr Victor Oyegoke, also commended the initiative.


He said the Federal Government was engaging cooperative societies to extend development programmes to grassroots communities, particularly in agriculture and small-scale businesses.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says the newly constructed All Progressives Congress, APC, state secretariat in Abeokuta will be commissioned in November.


Governor Abiodun made this known during an inspection of the facility located along Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work.


The governor said the project, which was inaugurated less than a year ago, was nearing completion, with the remaining work expected to be concluded within a week.


He described the secretariat as a significant achievement for the APC in Ogun State, noting that it would provide a permanent administrative base for the party.


The facility comprises a conference and banquet hall with a seating capacity of more than five hundred people, offices for party officials and members, as well as adequate parking space.


Governor Abiodun said the imposing structure and its strategic location would make it a landmark for the party, particularly as political activities build up towards the 2027 general elections.


The new secretariat is expected to replace the rented premises previously occupied by the party in Abeokuta and provide a permanent venue for meetings, administrative duties and other party activities.

…As Ogun Begins Three-Day Leadership Training at NIPSS, Ago-Iwoye


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged political leaders and senior public servants to embrace strategic foresight in policymaking and governance to promote sustainable development and prepare the state for future challenges.


Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, spoke at the opening of a three-day Capacity Development Programme on Foresighting for Strategic Leaders in Ogun State at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (OSKASOGS), Ago-Iwoye.

He said effective leadership required anticipating emerging trends, identifying opportunities and assessing potential risks rather than focusing solely on immediate challenges.

According to him, strategic foresight would help government officials explore future scenarios and integrate long-term considerations into policy formulation, budgeting, planning and programme implementation.

He said the initiative aligned with his administration’s Building Our Future Together vision and its commitment to strengthening the public service for effective service delivery.

The Governor noted that Ogun State’s expanding industrial base, strategic location along the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor and growing investment opportunities made long-term planning essential to ensuring that infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and employment kept pace with the state’s development.

He challenged participants to consider the skills young people would need to remain competitive, the infrastructure required to sustain industrial growth and the measures government must take to prevent emerging risks from becoming major challenges.

Abiodun commended the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for supporting the initiative, and the Director of OSKASOGS, Professor Sola Adeyanju, mni, for hosting the programme.

He also appreciated NIPSS for providing the training at no cost to participants, urging them to apply the knowledge gained to improve decision-making and strengthen public institutions.

In his remarks, Saka stressed the importance of continuous training in equipping public servants with the skills and competencies needed to address emerging governance challenges.

He commended the immediate past Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, for pioneering the strategic leadership management course at the Awujale School of Governance Studies, noting that bringing political leaders and senior public servants together would strengthen collaboration and promote a shared understanding of the state’s development priorities.

Saka urged participants to translate the lessons from the programme into practical improvements in governance.

In his goodwill message, Onasanya described Abiodun as a strong advocate of capacity building, saying the programme had continued to enrich participants’ knowledge, strengthen the civil service, foster teamwork and improve the implementation of government policies and programmes.

Similarly, Adeyanju commended the Governor for providing policymakers and public servants with the opportunity to strengthen their strategic leadership skills. He urged participants to use the training to contribute to Ogun State’s growth and development.

The programme is designed to equip participants with techniques for identifying emerging trends, exploring alternative future scenarios, assessing risks and opportunities, and incorporating long-term thinking into government policies and development plans.

Participants include the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Debola Sofela; Commissioner for Cooperatives and Community Development, Hon. Ademola Balogun; Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker; Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Evangelist Joshua Ifede; as well as permanent secretaries, directors and other senior officials from various ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says emerging economic opportunities in Ogun East have the potential to transform the region into a major economic hub and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

He identified the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port, Gateway International Airport, road infrastructure, industrial expansion and emerging energy prospects as key drivers of the anticipated transformation.


Governor Abiodun stated this at the investiture of the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oladimeji Oresanya, as the nineteenth president of Sagamu Club in Sagamu.


He said the projects, when fully developed, would strengthen maritime trade, industrial production, logistics, employment generation and investment opportunities in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.


The governor noted that the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside could create opportunities in shipping, manufacturing, warehousing, export processing and freight transportation.


He added that the Gateway International Airport in Iperu and improved road connectivity would complement maritime infrastructure, enhance the movement of goods and people, and improve access to domestic and international markets.


Governor Abiodun urged community leaders and other stakeholders to work with the state government to maximise the region’s economic potential.


He also called on Sagamu Club to prioritise youth empowerment through scholarships, mentorship programmes and start-up grants, while strengthening its contributions to education, security and sustainable community development.


In his keynote address, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Lemo, identified Ogun East’s proximity to Lagos as a major economic advantage.


Mr Lemo proposed the conversion of Ogere Park into a dry port to improve freight distribution and strengthen the region’s trade and logistics capacity.

He called for improved waste management among factories operating along the industrial corridor to protect public health and ensure sustainable industrial development.


Earlier, the immediate past president of Sagamu Club, Prince Abdul Abayomi, highlighted the achievements of his administration, including scholarship awards, artisans’ empowerment programmes and improvements to the clubhouse.


In his acceptance speech, the new president, Hon. Oladimeji Oresanya, pledged to improve members’ welfare, strengthen the club’s community impact and expand its contributions to youth development and social welfare.


The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, commended the club for its contributions to the socioeconomic development of Sagamu and Remoland, urging the new leadership to sustain the achievements of previous administrations.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency, Architect Dele Olaleye, has pledged to give healthcare issues priority attention if elected to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.


Architect Olaleye made the pledge in a message in Abeokuta to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day, emphasising the need to accord mental health the same attention as physical health.


He called for increased public awareness, improved access to professional mental healthcare and concerted efforts to address the stigma associated with mental health conditions.


The PDP candidate noted that many people experiencing mental health challenges often suffer in silence because of discrimination, inadequate awareness and difficulties accessing appropriate care.


He said his legislative agenda, if elected, would include advocacy for stronger primary healthcare services, mental health education and improved access to affordable and quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable members of society.

Architect Olaleye also stressed the need for collaboration among government institutions, healthcare professionals, community leaders and civil society organisations to address the health needs of residents.


He urged families and communities to show greater understanding towards people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties, while encouraging those in need to seek professional assistance.


The candidate maintained that the health and well-being of residents must remain central to public service, adding that improved healthcare access and greater mental health awareness were essential to building healthier communities.

The family of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has awarded scholarships worth over one hundred million naira to eight hundred and thirty-one indigent students across different levels of education.

The scholarships were presented under the Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme, established in honour of the governor’s late son to sustain his legacy of kindness and support for the less privileged.

Speaking at the third edition of the programme held at Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the initiative had supported a total of one thousand, two hundred and seventy-seven students since its inception in twenty-twenty-three.

He said the beneficiaries for the twenty-twenty-five/twenty-twenty-six award year were selected from about three thousand applications received through the programme’s online portal.

The governor explained that the scheme covered pupils and students in primary, secondary, technical and tertiary institutions, with the aim of ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent disadvantaged children from accessing education.

He disclosed that one hundred and fifty new beneficiaries were selected for tertiary-level scholarships, bringing the total number of students supported at that level to two hundred and seventy-four.

Governor Abiodun also announced examination support for eighty senior secondary school students, including assistance with registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the Senior School Certificate Examination, as well as revision sessions.

He said the programme had expanded beyond the Remo axis to cover all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District.

The governor added that technical college beneficiaries received one hundred and twenty thousand naira each in twenty-twenty-five to acquire essential training equipment, while plans were underway to provide selected beneficiaries with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and start-up grants of up to two hundred and fifty thousand naira each.

Thirty tertiary institution students are also expected to participate in a digital skills development programme covering software development, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analytics and user interface and user experience design.

Governor Abiodun called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities for vulnerable children.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the family for supporting academically promising students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Also speaking, Lamisa Abiodun, sister of the late Gbemiga Abiodun, urged the beneficiaries to take their studies and vocational training seriously.

Earlier, the programme coordinator, Reverend Bola Oyeledun, said the initiative had grown from a family’s response to personal loss into a support programme providing hope and educational opportunities to disadvantaged students.

The beneficiaries and representatives of educational institutions expressed appreciation to the governor and his family, saying the intervention would reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians.

*OGUN SUSTAINS PALLIATIVE SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS, ALLOCATES ₦987.185M IN NINE MONTHS*

The Ogun State Government has allocated ₦987.185 million for palliative support for public servants between April and December 2026, including ₦327.31 million earmarked for the fourth quarter.

Disclosing this in a statement on Friday, the Head of Service, Alhaji Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, said the sustained intervention reflected the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and its efforts to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges.

The latest allocation of ₦327,310,000 covers October to December 2026, following ₦330,630,000 allocated for April to June and ₦329,245,000 for July to September, bringing the total provision for the three quarters to ₦987,185,000.

The continuation of the programme underscores the government’s determination to sustain support for public servants amid economic pressures, particularly the rising cost of transportation and other essential expenses.

The intervention also highlights the administration’s recognition of the importance of workers’ welfare to productivity, effective public service delivery and the implementation of its development agenda.

By extending the palliative support through December, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is maintaining a welfare measure designed to ease the financial burden on workers while ensuring that the public service continues to deliver essential services to residents across the state.

The Convener of the ASA Political Movement, Engineer Abolore Sodrudeen Ayodeji has intensified grassroots mobilisation in support of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.


Engineer Ayodeji made the call during an engagement with residents of Fijabi in Odeda Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.


He said his support for Senator Adeola was informed by the senator’s interventions in education, human capital development and other areas.


Engineer Ayodeji urged residents to support and mobilise votes for the All Progressives Congress governorship hopeful, expressing confidence that his administration would improve the welfare of the people if elected.


He also encouraged the residents to support the policies and reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that sustained implementation would produce positive results for Nigerians.


The ASA convener said the movement would continue to engage communities across Ogun Central to promote Senator Adeola’s governorship ambition.


Earlier, Engineer Ayodeji held a similar engagement at Ita Peters in Ward Six, Abeokuta South Local Government Area, where more than three hundred artisans, traders, civil servants and community leaders reportedly gathered to discuss the senator’s ambition.


In a remark, a former Vice Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Hon. Saheed Adeogun, commended Engineer Ayodeji for his grassroots mobilisation efforts.

Hon. Adeogun described the decision to support Senator Adeola as a reflection of confidence in his leadership capacity.


The Fijabi engagement was attended by community leaders, political stakeholders, representatives of women’s groups, the Bada of Fijabi and the Chief Imam of the community, Imam Jamiu Yusuf.

…Says Port, LNG Projects to Transform Ogun Waterside into Energy, Maritime Hub

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the construction of the J4-Gao Road in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area as part of measures to open up the axis and provide critical infrastructure to support the emerging investments in the area.

Abiodun disclosed this on Wednesday at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Ibiade, headquarters of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The Governor, who lamented the prolonged neglect of the area by successive administrations, said the decision to construct the J4-Gao Road was informed by the strategic importance of Ogun Waterside to the State’s emerging economic and industrial landscape.

He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the construction of a four-kilometre bridge that would connect the local government to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the development as a major infrastructure intervention that would facilitate access to the area and support the take-off of major investments planned for the axis.

According to him, the proposed infrastructure would complement the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, both of which are expected to significantly alter the economic profile of Ogun Waterside and strengthen the State’s position in the maritime, energy and logistics sectors.

Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the development of the Deep Sea Port and other strategic projects in the area, saying the projects would position Ogun State as a major energy, maritime and international trade hub.

He announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Deep Sea Port had been scheduled for November, with construction expected to commence before the end of the year and be completed by 2030.

The Governor said the development of the port was the culmination of sustained efforts by his administration to create an enabling environment for large-scale investments, stressing that the administration had consistently pursued infrastructure and policy interventions designed to make Ogun more attractive to investors.

He noted that the Deep Sea Port and associated investments would create significant employment and business opportunities, particularly for young people and residents of Ogun Waterside.

The Governor therefore urged youths in the area to acquire the skills and competencies required to take advantage of the opportunities that would emerge from the projects.

“These projects will change the economic fortunes of Ogun Waterside. Our young people must begin to prepare themselves now to take advantage of the opportunities that will come with these investments,” he said.

Abiodun noted that the strategic investments in the area were expected to generate more than 50,000 direct employment opportunities, while also creating extensive opportunities across logistics, transportation, construction, hospitality, services, manufacturing and other sectors.

The Governor said the development of the Deep Sea Port would also complement Ogun’s growing industrial base and strategic location within the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor, further strengthening the State’s reputation as Nigeria’s industrial capital.

He described Ogun Waterside as strategically important to the State, noting that the local government has 126 polling units and about 62,000 registered voters.

Abiodun urged residents and APC members in the area to remain united and sustain their support for the party, saying continued political stability and support would help consolidate the gains recorded by the APC-led administrations at the State and Federal levels.

He called on party members to intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged voters to support APC candidates across the ballot, from the presidential election to the State House of Assembly.

The Governor assured the people that continued support for the party would strengthen the prospects for sustained development and effective representation.

Speaking at the event, the APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Director-General, Senator Lekan Mustapha, urged residents to protect the development gains recorded in the area under the APC-led government.

Mustapha cautioned against taking political decisions that could jeopardise the ongoing transformation, urging the people to remain committed to the party and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Segun Awonusi, commended Abiodun for what he described as his role in driving the development taking place in Ogun Waterside.

Awonusi expressed confidence that the people of the area would reciprocate the administration’s interventions with massive support for the APC in the 2027 elections.

The Ogun State Government has promised to establish Scheduled Agricultural Produce Reserves across the three senatorial districts to provide legitimate and de-risked land for cash-crop farmers, particularly cocoa producers.


Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this at the Annual Cocoa Pre-Season and Stakeholders’ Forum of the Department of Produce Services in Abeokuta with the theme “Scheduled Agricultural Produce: Productivity, Quality, Traceability and Global Market Access,” organised ahead of the 2026 main cocoa crop season.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Lydia Fajohunbo, the Commissioner said the initiative would help address forest encroachment while promoting sustainable agricultural production.


Hon Owotomo said the state government had distributed thousands of high-yielding and disease-resistant cocoa seedlings across the twenty local government areas, alongside subsidised fertilisers, agro-chemicals and mechanisation support.

He also announced plans to procure additional motorcycles for the Department of Produce Services to strengthen field inspection and anti-smuggling operations.


The Commissioner said the state was not only interested in increasing cocoa production but also in creating wealth through improved productivity, quality and access to international markets.

Hon. Owotomo urged cocoa stakeholders to embrace traceability, quality grading and zero-deforestation farming, noting that the origin of cocoa has become increasingly important in the international market.


He commended farmers and other stakeholders for maintaining the quality of Ogun cocoa in the last season, saying the state’s produce retained its top international rating, attracted premium prices and contributed to foreign exchange earnings.


Mr Owotomo said the future of cocoa production in Ogun remained bright, urging stakeholders to move beyond the production of cocoa beans to local value addition and direct access to international markets.


In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lydia Fajohunbo, described the forum as a wake-up call ahead of the 2026 main crop season.

She stressed that quality, quantity and traceability were essential to ensuring that Ogun’s agricultural produce met international market requirements and attracted higher premiums.


Mrs Fajohunbo urged stakeholders to comply with grading, quality and traceability standards, noting that the state had recorded improved compliance with produce regulations, better evacuation records and increased adoption of proper documentation over the past year.


She said the Department of Produce Services remained responsible for quality assurance, grading, monitoring and anti-smuggling activities across the state.


Also speaking, the Director of Produce Services, Mr Adedeji Somade, identified productivity, quality, traceability and global market access as key priorities for the 2026 produce season.

He called for stronger operational support, citing severe understaffing caused by retirements and promotions, inadequate office accommodation at zonal headquarters and insufficient logistics.

Mr Somade appealed for two operational vehicles and six additional motorcycles to enhance field monitoring and strengthen the fight against produce smuggling.


He commended the state government for the ongoing multi-million-naira rehabilitation of the Department’s zonal office in Abeokuta, describing the intervention as critical to improved service delivery.


The annual cocoa pre-season programme also featured free medical screening, a novelty match among stakeholders and the presentation of awards to deserving individuals and groups.

The Ogun State Government has received international recognition for its sustained partnership and contribution to expanding access to agricultural finance for farmers and agribusinesses across the state.

The recognition was conferred on the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Global Project “Promotion of Agricultural Finance for Agri-based Enterprises in Rural Areas” (GP AgFin Nigeria), implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The award, presented alongside a Certificate of Appreciation, acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to promoting appropriate and tailored financial services for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

In the certificate signed by the Head of the GP AgFin Nigeria Project, Mrs. Ruskiyat Badmus, GIZ expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its sustained support and collaboration in advancing access to appropriate agricultural financial services.

The recognition followed the Ministry’s collaboration with the GP AgFin Nigeria Project, which ran from January 2018 to October 2026, to strengthen financial inclusion within the agricultural sector and improve opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses to access financing suited to their specific needs.

The partnership has contributed to efforts to address one of the major constraints to agricultural expansion—the difficulty faced by farmers and agri-based enterprises in securing affordable and appropriate financing to increase production, processing and other value-chain activities.

The recognition is also a reflection of Ogun State’s broader approach to agriculture as a key component of economic development, with emphasis not only on food production but also on strengthening the financial and institutional ecosystem required to make agriculture more productive, competitive and sustainable.

By fostering partnerships with development institutions and other stakeholders, the state has continued to promote an agricultural environment in which farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs can access opportunities to expand their businesses, create employment and contribute more significantly to food security and economic growth.

The GIZ recognition therefore underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between government and development partners in building a stronger agricultural economy in Ogun State.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable development in Nigeria’s livestock sector.


Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this during a working visit to CWAY Nigeria Dairy and Food Products Limited in Ogere, Ogun State.


The Minister commended CWAY for its investment in Nigeria, describing private-sector participation as critical to the growth of the livestock industry.


Alhaji Maiha said the visit was aimed at identifying challenges confronting businesses and exploring practical solutions to strengthen the sector.


He stressed the need for collaboration among the Federal and State Governments, private investors and other stakeholders to promote economic growth, create jobs and enhance food security.

Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo said the State Government had introduced various initiatives to boost agricultural production and support farmers and investors.

Hon Owotomo cited the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with poultry farmers for the utilisation of poultry pens with a combined capacity of one hundred and forty thousand birds.


The Commissioner also mentioned the establishment of the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System, OGFIMS, aimed at improving farmers’ access to information and opportunities.


He assured that Ogun State would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and private-sector operators to address challenges affecting the livestock industry.


In his remarks, CWAY General Manager, Mr. Shrek Wang, appreciated the Minister and the Ogun State Government for the visit and pledged the company’s continued investment in Nigeria.


He said CWAY’s operations in dairy management contribute significantly to the development of the livestock and agricultural value chains.


Meanwhile, the Minister has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, to promote research, innovation and commercialisation in the livestock sector.


Alhaji Maiha made the call when he visited the university as part of his working visit to Ogun State.
He said Nigeria had enormous potential in livestock production but needed to move beyond primary production to processing, value addition and commercialisation.


The Minister identified improved animal breeds, genetics, feed development and animal health as areas requiring greater research attention.


He said the Federal Government was developing interventions to strengthen processing and value addition, create employment and improve returns to livestock producers.


Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusolas Kehinde, assured the Minister of the university’s readiness to partner the government and other stakeholders in developing the livestock sector.


Professor Kehinde also said the university was benefiting from improved electricity supply following recent reforms in the power sector, noting that the development would enhance teaching, research and other academic activities.

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY: ABIODUN EMPLOYS 7,000 TEACHERS, COMMITS ₦24BN TO EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

…Rewards Outstanding Teachers, Schools, Administrators with Over ₦51m; Absorbs 1,500+ OgunTEACh Interns

The Ogun State Government has announced the employment of over 7,000 teachers since the inception of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration, as part of its sustained investment in strengthening teaching and learning across the state.

The government has also earmarked ₦24 billion through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for the provision and rehabilitation of critical education infrastructure, while over ₦51 million was presented in cash prizes to outstanding teachers, schools and administrators at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the celebration, held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, said his administration recognised teachers as the foundation upon which every other profession and society was built.

“Before a doctor learns to treat patients or an engineer designs a bridge, a teacher has awakened their minds and laid the foundation they are building upon,” the Governor said.

Abiodun added that behind the achievements celebrated by society were teachers whose names might never make the headlines, but whose influence remained written in the lives they had touched.

He said his administration would continue to invest in teachers, schools and the future of every child in Ogun State, noting that the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA) would continue to drive improvements in curriculum delivery, school management, technology, infrastructure, funding, and the welfare of teachers and learners.

The Governor disclosed that the OgunTEACh programme had become a model being emulated beyond Ogun State, following the recruitment of thousands of teachers through the initiative.

He further announced the absorption of over 1,500 OgunTEACh interns into the mainstream civil service, with the beneficiaries receiving their letters of appointment at the ceremony.

Abiodun commended teachers and education administrators in Ogun State for distinguishing themselves nationally and internationally, noting that some of the state’s teachers and education administrators were in Abuja receiving national recognition as Best Teacher, Best Administrator and Best School.

He said the recognition further demonstrated the quality and commitment of teachers in the state and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to create an environment in which educators could thrive.

The Governor also presented cash awards to outstanding teachers, administrators and schools in both public and private school categories.

The first-prize winners in the Best Teacher categories received ₦2.5 million each, while the second- and third-place winners received ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million respectively.

In the public primary school category, Mr Rasaq Babatunde emerged first, Mrs Ayedun Oluwakemi second, and Mrs Ajayi Fatimo Bisola third.

In the junior public school category, Mr Soleye Olugbemi, Mrs Akande Abosede and Mrs Kuye Funmilayo emerged first, second and third respectively, while Mr Adebayo Oluwaseun, Mrs Akomolafe Beatrice and Àjọṣe Aderibigbe took the first, second and third positions respectively in the senior public school category.

In the private teachers’ category, Mrs Akanni Àyọkà of Breakthrough Academy, Akute, and Mr Kehinde Olusegun of Anglican High School, Quarry, emerged first and second respectively.

For the Best Administrators’ public category, Mr Sodipo Raymond of Muslim Primary School, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, won first prize; Mrs Bankole Oluranti of African Church Primary School 1, Ayetoro, came second; while Mrs Olakitan Silifat of Abeokuta South Local Government Nursery/Primary School, Ijemo, Abeokuta, emerged third.

Community Nursery and Primary School, Mike II, and Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, received ₦10 million each as Best School in the primary and junior secondary school categories respectively, among other award recipients.

The event also featured the presentation of the Award of Distinguished Leadership in Technology-Driven Education and Innovation to Governor Abiodun in recognition of his administration’s efforts in advancing technology-driven education in the state.

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Future,” the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Sewakanu Noah Oladipupo, described the theme as a policy-oriented call for improved recognition, status and welfare for teachers.

Oladipupo commended the Abiodun administration for recruiting over 6,000 teachers through the OgunTEACh platform, noting that there had been no recruitment of teachers for eight years before the administration came into office.

He also commended the government for approving and implementing teachers’ promotions from 2016 to 2024, adding that approval had been granted for the implementation of promotions for 2025 and 2026.

The NUT chairman particularly acknowledged the removal of the longstanding ceiling that prevented primary school teachers from progressing beyond Grade Level 16, saying the development had restored parity, hope and dignity to the primary school sector.

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed teachers, Miss Olasoji Tobiloba expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for absorbing the OgunTEACh interns into the mainstream civil service.

She assured the government that the beneficiaries would reciprocate the gesture through greater diligence, commitment and dedication to duty.

The celebration brought together government officials, education administrators, teachers, union leaders, school proprietors and other stakeholders to mark the contribution of teachers to the development of Ogun State and the nation.

The Ogun Sport Youth Ambassadors have honoured the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Chief Bukola Olopade with a Sports Development and Sports Leadership Award.


Presenting the award in Abeokuta, the Coordinator of the Ogun Sport Youth Ambassadors, Mr Falowo Adedeji said the award was presented to the NSC Director-General in recognition of his contributions to sports development and his longstanding role as a mentor to young people.


Mr. Adedeji explained that the Ogun Sport Youth Ambassadors is a youth-focused initiative aimed at promoting sports development, engaging children and young people, and providing them with opportunities to excel.


He said the group had known Chief Olopade since 2002 and had continued to regard him as a mentor and leader whose contributions had positively influenced the lives of young people.


According to him, the group decided to honour the NSC Director-General because of his commitment to sports development and leadership as well as his efforts to encourage youths to channel their energy into productive activities rather than street life.

The coordinator said the award was also intended to recognise individuals who have contributed to the growth of sports and provided direction for the younger generation.


He expressed optimism that the recognition would further encourage Chief Olopade to continue supporting youth development and sports in the country.

The Ogun Sport Youth Ambassadors said they would continue to identify and celebrate individuals whose contributions are helping to create better opportunities for young people through sports.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, says the Abeokuta 10-kilometre road race is designed to promote sports development, tourism, healthy living and economic growth in Ogun State.


Mrs. Olopade who stated this at a media parley ahead of the annual race held at the SWAN Secretariat, Kuto Abeokuta described the event as more than a sporting competition.

She said the race would provide an opportunity to showcase Abeokuta's rich history and cultural heritage, while bringing together residents, athletes and visitors.

Mrs. Olopade reaffirmed the organisers commitment to create an event that residents could identify with, while providing opportunities for indigenous athletes, recreational runners, families and communities to participate.


She noted that particular attention would be given to Nigerian athletes following the dominance of athletes from countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia in road races in Nigeria.

According to her, the performances of Nigerian athletes in recent competitions have shown the need to provide more opportunities for local runners to compete at the highest level.

The Nilayo Sports Management boss said the company would continue to identify and support promising Nigerian athletes to develop their talents and improve their competitiveness.

Mrs. Olopade said the organisers would continue to raise the standard of the Abeokuta 10-kilometre race with the aim of establishing it as one of Nigeria's respected road-running events.

In a remark, the Technical Director of the race, Mr. Yusuf Ali announced that more than 3,000 athletes would be expected to participate in this year's event.

Mr. Ali who explained that adequate logistics had been put in place to ensure a safe and successful race said that five water stations would be located at the start, 2.5 kilometres, 5 kilometres, 7.5 kilometres and the finish line.

He expressed optimism that sustained investment and opportunities for Nigerian athletes would help improve the country's performance in 10-kilometre road running.

In a message the commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka commended the organizers for the race and restated the commitment of the present administration towards the success of the race.

Earlier, the Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Michael Azeez- Ogunsiji had commended Nilayo Sports Management Limited for its vision and consistency in organising the Great Abeokuta 10-Kilometre Race.

According to the SWAN Chairman, the annual event goes beyond sporting competition by promoting healthy living, community engagement, tourism, youth development and economic opportunities, while also providing a platform for professional athletes, recreational runners, families and communities to participate.

The 10-Kilometre race is expected to take off at Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta by 7am and terminate at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena Kuto Abeokuta.

$10bn Investment Puts Ogun, NNPC Partnership and Long-Delayed OGLNG Project at Centre of Emerging Coastal Economy

By Kayode Akinmade

For more than three decades, the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas project remained largely a promise on paper. Now, renewed discussions between the Ogun State Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) are placing the stalled project at the centre of a broader plan to transform the state’s coastline into an energy, maritime and industrial hub.

The talks on the development of the OGLNG project in Ogun Waterside come barely a week after the state government signed Memoranda of Understanding with global ports and logistics operator DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the 10,000-hectare Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.

Together, the projects are expected to attract an initial investment of $10 billion and create more than 50,000 direct jobs. The proposed port will have a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft, while the adjoining economic zone is planned to accommodate manufacturing, processing, logistics and export-oriented industries.

The renewed OGLNG discussions add a critical energy dimension to this emerging coastal economic corridor, creating the prospect of an integrated platform where energy, maritime transport, manufacturing, logistics and international trade reinforce one another.

Receiving NNPC officials in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Governor Dapo Abiodun said the renewed engagement on OGLNG could provide an important energy foundation for the industrial development expected around the port and special economic zone.

“Last Wednesday, we signed an MoU on the Deep Sea Port, and today we have the NNPC team here discussing the activation of the LNG plant,” Abiodun said.

The Governor described the proposed facility as a potential energy anchor for industries expected to emerge around the port and special economic zone. He said the project could also help meet the energy needs of businesses and communities across Ogun and the wider South-West.

The OGLNG project has been on the drawing board for more than 30 years. Its renewed consideration, coming immediately after the DP World agreements, represents a significant convergence of major investments around Ogun Waterside and strengthens the prospects of developing the area into a major energy and maritime corridor.

“They have come to discuss with us the LNG plant that was originally designed and called OGLNG, which was meant to be situated on our coastline. Now, they have brought the project back to life,” Abiodun said.

The immediate discussions between Ogun and NNPC are focused on the practical requirements for moving the project forward, including land acquisition, incentives and other conditions needed for its take-off.

Abiodun said the state was prepared to support the project and provide the necessary cooperation and guarantees.

“They will pay for land in the Economic Zone, and we will be giving them all the cooperation that this project deserves. We will give them all the assistance and guarantees,” he said.

The Governor also pointed to the employment potential of the project, citing the NNPC facility in Bonny, Rivers State, where he said about 14,000 people are employed.

Beyond direct employment, the proposed LNG facility could support a wider network of contractors, service providers, transport operators, manufacturers and energy-intensive businesses. Its gas supply could also provide an important boost to industries within the economic zone and businesses across Ogun and the wider South-West.

NNPC Group Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun, said the company was examining the challenges that stalled OGLNG in the past and working towards solutions that could enable its resuscitation.

“We are here to engage with the government of Ogun State on the project we are looking to site along the coastline of the state,” Segun said.

NNPC Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Lekan Ogunleye, provided an indication of the land and marine requirements involved in the proposed development.

He said the company would require approximately 1,728 hectares for the LNG plants, utilities, storage facilities and related infrastructure. The project would also need about 2.5 kilometres of dedicated Atlantic frontage to support marine operations and safety requirements for up to three LNG jetties.

The scale of these requirements underscores the magnitude of the proposed investment and the importance of the extensive coastal development now being planned for Ogun Waterside.

The renewed OGLNG discussions form part of a wider coastal development strategy being promoted by Ogun and supported by the Federal Government. At the Paris ceremony where the DP World agreements were signed, the Presidency identified the OGLNG project as part of a broader corridor linking energy, maritime infrastructure, industry and trade.

Under the emerging framework, the Gateway Deep Sea Port would provide access for the movement of raw materials, equipment and finished goods. The Blue Marine Special Economic Zone would serve as the industrial and logistics platform, while OGLNG could provide the gas and energy base needed to support industries within and beyond the zone.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the integration of the port and economic zone as an industrial ecosystem. The Presidency has also linked the corridor to OGLNG and other strategic infrastructure.

The proposed development is also expected to benefit from improved road connectivity. The Ogun section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is planned as part of the wider infrastructure network serving the area, providing an important connection between the emerging coastal investments, Lagos, the Nigerian hinterland and regional markets.

Abiodun said DP World’s experience in developing ports and integrated economic zones would be valuable to the realisation of the coastal project, noting that the company operates major port and logistics facilities in several countries.

The Gateway Deep Sea Port is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership framework, with private investors expected to provide the funding while the Federal Government serves as guarantor.

For Ogun Waterside, the significance of the latest development lies in the convergence of projects that had previously been discussed separately. The port, Blue Marine Special Economic Zone and OGLNG project are increasingly taking shape as complementary components of a single coastal economic vision backed by a projected $10 billion in initial investment.

The combination creates the prospect of a powerful development chain: gas and energy to support industry, a special economic zone to attract investment and production, a deep sea port to facilitate the movement of goods, and road infrastructure to connect the emerging corridor to domestic and regional markets.

It is a development model that could deepen Ogun’s industrial base while opening a new frontier for maritime commerce, energy production, manufacturing, logistics and export growth.

The renewed partnership between Ogun and NNPC therefore adds significant momentum to the state’s broader effort to unlock the economic potential of its coastline. Coming on the heels of the DP World agreement, it demonstrates the growing alignment between the state’s investment strategy and the Federal Government’s drive to expand infrastructure, deepen gas utilisation and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.

For a project that has waited more than three decades, the return of OGLNG to the centre of active discussions is a significant development in itself. Combined with the $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, it gives concrete expression to a new vision for Ogun Waterside—one in which the coastline becomes a strategic gateway for energy, industry, maritime trade and investment.

The emerging Ogun coastal corridor is thus not simply about building a port or reviving an LNG project. It is about creating an interconnected economic ecosystem capable of generating jobs, attracting investment, supporting industries and connecting Ogun more directly to national and international markets.

With the Ogun Government providing the institutional support and investment framework, NNPC bringing its energy-sector mandate to the table, and DP World bringing global port and logistics expertise, the pieces are increasingly coming together for the realisation of a major new economic frontier for Ogun State and Nigeria.

Ogun State and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have opened discussions on the revival of the long-delayed Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project in Ogun Waterside, adding a major energy component to the emerging $7 billion maritime and industrial development taking shape along the state’s coastline.

The development comes barely a week after the Ogun State Government signed Memoranda of Understanding with global ports and logistics operator, DP World, for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the 10,000-hectare Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.


Receiving officials of NNPC in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Governor Dapo Abiodun said the renewed interest in the LNG project would further strengthen Ogun’s emergence as a major industrial and energy hub.

“Last Wednesday, we signed an MoU on the Deep Sea Port, and today we have the NNPC team here discussing the activation of the LNG plant,” Abiodun said.

The Governor said the proposed LNG facility, which had been on the drawing board for more than three decades, could provide a major energy base for industries within the emerging coastal economic corridor and contribute to meeting the energy needs of the wider South-West.

He described the revival of the project as particularly significant coming immediately after the agreement with DP World, noting that the port, marine economy, industrial zone and LNG project could collectively create an integrated ecosystem for energy, manufacturing, maritime trade and logistics.

“They have come to discuss with us the LNG plant that was originally designed and called OKLNG, which was meant to be situated on our coastline. Now, they have brought the project back to life,” the Governor said.

According to Abiodun, discussions with NNPC focused on land acquisition, incentives and other requirements necessary to facilitate the take-off of the project, with the state government committing to provide the necessary cooperation and guarantees.

“They will pay for land in the Economic Zone, and we will be giving them all the cooperation that this project deserves. We will give them all the assistance and guarantees,” he said.

The Governor said the project could generate substantial employment and multiplier effects, citing the NNPC facility in Bonny, Rivers State, where he said about 14,000 people are employed.

He added that the Ogun facility could supply gas to industries within the economic zone as well as businesses and communities across Ogun and the wider South-West.

The renewed push for OKLNG adds an important energy dimension to the coastal investment corridor being developed around Ogun Waterside. The Federal Government had, at the Paris signing ceremony, identified the OK LNG project as part of the broader strategic corridor linking maritime infrastructure, industry, energy and trade. (State House Abuja)

Under the emerging development framework, the Gateway Deep Sea Port would provide maritime access for the movement of raw materials, equipment and finished products; the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone would provide the industrial and logistics platform; while the LNG project could strengthen the energy supply required to support gas-based industries and other businesses.

President Tinubu had described the integration of the port with the economic zone as an industrial ecosystem, while noting that the emerging corridor would connect with the OK LNG project and other strategic infrastructure. (State House Abuja)

Abiodun said DP World’s global experience in developing ports and integrated economic zones would be important to the realisation of the coastal development, noting that the company operates major port and economic-zone facilities around the world.

He explained that the deep sea port was being developed under a Public-Private Partnership framework, with private investors providing the funding while the Federal Government serves as guarantor.

On the LNG project, NNPC Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr Adedapo Segun, said the company was undertaking a comprehensive review of the challenges that stalled the project in the past, with the objective of finding lasting solutions and resuscitating it.

“We are here to engage with the government of Ogun State on the project we are looking to site along the coastline of the state,” Segun said.

Also speaking, NNPC Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Lekan Ogunleye, disclosed that the company would require approximately 1,728 hectares for the LNG plants, utilities, storage facilities and associated infrastructure.

He said the project would also require about 2.5 kilometres of dedicated Atlantic frontage to support marine traffic and safety requirements for up to three LNG jetties.

Ogunleye congratulated the people of Ogun State on the proposed project, saying its successful implementation would have a significant impact on the economic fortunes of the state.

For Ogun, the simultaneous movement on the OKLNG project and the DP World-backed port and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone represents the development of complementary infrastructure around the same coastal corridor—linking energy supply with maritime access, industrial production, logistics and export markets.

The development also adds to the wider infrastructure network planned for the area, including the Ogun section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which the Presidency said would provide a critical connection between the port, economic zone, Lagos, the Nigerian hinterland and wider African markets. (State House Abuja)

The emerging Ogun Waterside corridor therefore moves beyond the development of an individual port or LNG facility, with the projects collectively aimed at creating an integrated platform for energy, maritime commerce, manufacturing, logistics and international trade.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that construction work on the over $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area will commence in November this year.

Abiodun made the disclosure while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ijebu East and Ijebu North Local Government Areas, days after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, France, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor said the groundbreaking ceremony for the project would take place in November, after which construction would commence immediately, with the port expected to be substantially completed within two and a half years.

“By November, we will perform the groundbreaking and the construction will start immediately. In two and a half years, that port will almost be completed 100 per cent,” Abiodun said.

He said the project, to be undertaken in partnership with DP World, one of the world’s major port operators, represented a significant opportunity to unlock Ogun State’s maritime and economic potential.

According to him, the port project had remained largely unrealised for more than three decades despite its enormous potential, prompting his administration to revive it as part of its strategy to attract investment and accelerate economic development.

“Governance is about vision and implementation,” the governor said, adding that the project would position Ogun as a major maritime destination in Africa.

“Ogun State will become the marine capital of Africa, the marine hub of West Africa, meaning that the biggest ships in the world, when they are coming to Africa, will first come to Ogun Waterside.”

Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support for the project, particularly for personally witnessing the signing of the MoU and assuring the investors of the Federal Government’s backing.

He also cited ongoing federal infrastructure projects as complementary developments that would enhance connectivity to Ogun East, including the rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Ore Road with concrete pavement and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The governor further drew attention to the mineral and energy resources in the senatorial district, particularly the extensive bitumen deposits in Ijebu East.

“Ijebu East all the way to Ondo State is what we call our Bitumen Belt, the largest deposit of bitumen in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is between Ijebu East, all the way to Ondo State,” he said.

He also noted the presence of crude oil resources in other parts of the state, including Odogbolu, saying his administration would continue to explore opportunities to harness the state’s natural resources for economic development.

On the 2027 elections, Abiodun commended APC members for remaining committed to the party despite the outcome of the recent primaries, particularly those who did not secure the party’s tickets.

He called on party leaders to pursue genuine reconciliation, bring aggrieved members back into the fold and broaden the party’s membership base.

The governor also appealed to APC members in Ogun East to support the party’s candidates, saying he would deploy his contacts, connections and experience to attract additional development projects to the senatorial district.

Abiodun urged party members to intensify mobilisation ahead of the elections, stressing that the objective was to secure victory for all APC candidates from the presidential to the State Assembly levels.

The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, highlighted the administration’s achievements over the past seven years, saying Ogun East required effective representation capable of working with the President to attract further development to the district.

Also speaking, the APC Campaign Director-General, Senator Lekan Mustapha, said Ogun East was endowed with substantial natural resources which, if fully developed, could accelerate the district’s economic growth.

He urged party members to remain united, work as a team and support the party’s candidates ahead of the elections.

Six years after the death of Bamidele Adeyemi during the COVID-19 lockdown in Abeokuta, Ogun State, his family is appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun not to grant executive clemency to one of the men serving a life sentence over his death.


Bamidele, a father of two, was killed in 2020 after he reportedly refused to unlawfully reopen a restricted community security gate in the Onikolobo area of Abeokuta.


According to his family, he was carrying out his duties as a member of the local community security committee when he was attacked.


The family alleges that Ajayi Olayinka and his accomplice, Oguntayo Ayobami, attacked Bamidele with broken bottles and knives, injuries which eventually led to his death.


The two men were prosecuted before the Ogun State High Court, Sagamu Judicial Division, in a case marked Suit No. AB/1C/2021.


In a judgment delivered by Justice P.F. Oduniyi on June 19, 2023, the court convicted both men of manslaughter following a plea-bargain arrangement and sentenced each of them to life imprisonment on two counts.


The matter has, however, resurfaced following an application by Olayinka for a state pardon.


In a letter dated February 21, 2025, his counsel appealed to Governor Abiodun to exercise the constitutional power of prerogative of mercy, arguing, among other things, that the killing was not premeditated.


But the family has rejected the plea, saying any pardon would reopen wounds that have remained painful since Bamidele’s death.


In a petition dated September 25, 2026, and signed by Bamidele’s sister, Oluwayemisi Adesanya, the family urged the governor to allow the court’s judgment to stand.


The family says the consequences of Bamidele’s death have continued to affect his loved ones.


According to the petition, his widow was left to raise their two children—a daughter who was ten years old when her father died and a son who was only eight months old.


The family also says Bamidele’s parents suffered serious health complications following the tragedy. His mother died in 2025, while his father died in 2026.


The family has also disputed claims that the convict’s rehabilitation in prison, including obtaining a university degree from the National Open University of Nigeria, should be a basis for his release.


It maintains that while education and rehabilitation are important, they cannot restore the life that was lost or erase the impact of the tragedy on Bamidele’s family.


The bereaved family is therefore appealing to Governor Abiodun to reject the application for clemency, saying that a pardon would further deepen their pain and undermine the significance of the court’s judgment.

The Pacesetter Premium Cassava Merchants and Value Chain Association, PAPCAMAVA, has called on the Federal Government to introduce policies and interventions to strengthen Nigeria’s cassava value chain and ensure that cassava prices reflect prevailing production costs.


The association made the call at a press conference jointly addressed by its Ogun and Oyo State executives in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.


President of PAPCAMAVA, Mrs. Jokotoye Kehinde, said the sharp decline in the farm-gate price of cassava was threatening farmers’ livelihoods and could affect the sustainability of food production.

She said the price of raw cassava had reportedly fallen from about two hundred and twenty thousand naira per tonne to as low as five thousand naira, representing an estimated 97.7 per cent decline.


Mrs. Jokotoye said the situation had made it difficult for farmers to recover expenses incurred on land preparation, planting, labour, harvesting and transportation.

She called for greater emphasis on profitability, noting that increased production without adequate returns could discourage farmers from investing in cassava production.


The Vice President of the association, Engineer Fawole Folorunso, also called for pricing mechanisms that take into account the cost of production, harvesting and transportation.


He said PAPCAMAVA would promote the cultivation of high-yielding and disease-resistant cassava varieties, including Ayaya, Obasanjo, Game Changer and Baba 70, as part of efforts to improve productivity and farmers’ returns.


Speaking on the challenges, a representative of GOPA-AFC, Dr. Stephen Babajide, said the prevailing price of cassava had, in some instances, fallen below the combined cost of harvesting and transporting the crop.


Dr. Babajide described the situation as a structural challenge requiring coordinated intervention by policymakers, industrial off-takers, financial institutions and other stakeholders.


He called for improved market coordination, stronger links between farmers and industrial processors, and appropriate financial mechanisms to support actors across the value chain.


The General Secretary of PAPCAMAVA, Mr. Emmanuel Dada, identified policy coherence, appropriately structured credit facilities and decentralised primary processing infrastructure as key measures needed to address the challenges.


Mr. Dada said agricultural loans should take into consideration cassava’s ten-to-fourteen-month production cycle, so that repayment schedules would align with farmers’ production and marketing periods.


He also advocated stronger farmers’ cooperatives to improve access to inputs, financing, markets and other agricultural services.


Mr. Dada disclosed that PAPCAMAVA had established a self-funded ten-hectare farm at Igbo-Aje in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, with about nine hectares already under cassava cultivation.


The association expressed its commitment to continued engagement with government and private-sector stakeholders towards strengthening the cassava value chain, protecting farmers’ investments and promoting sustainable growth in the sector.

The All Stars Football Club Abeokuta has expressed delight and congratulated one of its members, Coach Toyin Ayinla, following his appointment as the new Head Coach of AS Cotonou, a club competing in the Benin Republic Ligue 1.


Ayinla, a former Gateway FC coach, has continued to make his mark in the football coaching profession, and his latest appointment has been received with excitement by members of the All Stars Football Club Abeokuta family.


The President of the club Alhaji Waheed Adeoye Lawal in a statement in Abeokuta described the appointment as a significant achievement for Ayinla and a moment of pride for the club.

Alhaji Lawal noted that Coach Ayinla's elevation to a top-flight coaching position in the Benin Republic reflects his dedication to the game, experience on the touchline and commitment to football development.

He said that the club was particularly pleased to see one of its members receive an opportunity to continue his coaching career beyond Nigeria.

Alhaji Lawal congratulated Ayinla on the appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to bring his experience and technical knowledge to bear in his new role at AS Cotonou.


The All Stars FC Abeokuta president also wished the former Gateway FC coach a successful tenure, noting that his new assignment would not only be another important chapter in his career but also an opportunity to further showcase the quality of Nigerian football coaches.

"The club's leadership and members joined in celebrating Ayinla's achievement, describing the appointment as a source of pride and an indication of the growing recognition of Nigerian football professionals within the West African football community"

"As he begins his new assignment with AS Cotonou, All Stars Football Club Abeokuta wishes Coach Toyin Ayinla success and looks forward to seeing him achieve greater milestones in his coaching career"

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, says the newly introduced Quarterly Visual Arts Exhibition will promote creativity, preserve cultural heritage and create opportunities for artists to thrive.


Mr. Saka stated this while declaring open the five-day exhibition organised by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.


He described visual arts as reflections of the identity, history and values of the people, stressing that the creative industry could provide opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, employment and economic empowerment.


The Head of Service, who said he was a trained and certified creative arts instructor, urged participating artists to pursue excellence, continuous learning and innovation.


He also called on institutions, the private sector and the public to support creative talents.


The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, said the exhibition was designed to provide artists with sustained visibility, market access and economic opportunities.


He explained that the initiative would strengthen the relationship between culture, creativity, tourism and enterprise.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engineer Quddus Yusuf, said the exhibition featured works from artists across Ogun State, neighbouring states and other countries, aimed at showcasing the state's culture and heritage.


He said other initiatives by the Ministry included the publication of OgunRewa, a cultural magazine, and the revival of Artists Night.

Also speaking, a former Special Adviser in the Ministry, Mrs. Busola Ogunyemi, commended artists for transforming waste materials into valuable works of art.


She said promoting entrepreneurship in the creative sector could contribute to addressing youth unemployment.


Veteran actor, Yomi Fash-Lanso, called for sustained government support for the creative industry, saying lack of support could weaken the passion of practitioners.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the State Education and Skills Trust Fund Bill into law.


The new law provides a framework for sustainable funding and improved management of education and skills development in the state.


Speaking after the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, said the legislation would strengthen the delivery of quality education and improve learning outcomes.


He explained that the bill followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and members of the public.


The Speaker also called for increased private-sector participation in funding education, noting that government alone could not provide the resources required to effectively develop the sector.


In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Trust Fund would cater for both formal and informal education, with emphasis on skills acquisition and vocational development.


He said the fund would provide an additional source of financing apart from the state’s normal budgetary allocation, particularly for school infrastructure, bursaries, teacher support and maintenance.


Professor Arigbabu explained that the state had previously operated the Trust Fund under an executive bill signed three years ago, adding that the new law would provide stronger legal backing.

He said the legislation would also support the integration of informal education into the state’s education system through the re-engineering of the traditional apprenticeship model.

The Commissioner disclosed that over nine thousand youths had so far benefited from various vocational training programmes in the state.

The Ogun State Government has renovated and commissioned the Hall of Fame at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, as part of efforts to promote artistic tourism and improve visitors’ experience.


Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, who spoke during the commissioning, said the initiative was aimed at promoting experiential tourism through the creation of attractive and interactive spaces for tourists, school groups and cultural enthusiasts.


Hon. Fagbayi explained that the renovated facility combined entertainment, education and heritage preservation, while providing opportunities to increase patronage and generate revenue.


The Commissioner explained that the new Hall of Fame featured immersive set designs and curated displays showcasing local talent, creativity and cultural heritage.


He commended the Visual Arts Department for its creativity and professionalism, urging the personnel to sustain the efforts towards promoting the state’s artistic heritage.


Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, had said that the renovation was part of measures to make cultural sites across the state more attractive, interactive and visitor-friendly.


Dr. Yusuff said the facility was designed to combine aesthetic appeal with educational value, offering visitors an engaging cultural experience.


He listed some of the new features to include a staged home setting decorated with locally produced fabrics, a specialised sofa made from recycled tyres and other materials, as well as a modernised palace setting fitted with mannequins for photography and visual displays.


He added that the facility also has a private meeting room suitable for two to three people.


In his remarks, the Director of Visual Arts, Mr. Emmanuel Ikwe, said the installation was designed to give visitors more than conventional photographs by providing carefully crafted settings that recreate the atmosphere and grandeur of royalty.


Mr. Ikwe explained that the facelift was developed in-house with contributions from local artists and stakeholders across various visual arts disciplines, demonstrating the creative talent available in Ogun State.

*2027: Abiodun Inaugurates Ogun APC Campaign Council, Orders Immediate Grassroots Mobilisation"



…Says victory requires scientific, deliberate preparation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday inaugurated the State Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections, charging members to immediately commence consultations, grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement with voters across the state.

Abiodun, who is Chairman of the Campaign Council, said the inauguration marked the beginning of a new phase in the party’s preparations for the elections, directing members to translate the council’s organisational structure into effective action across the state’s 20 local government areas, 236 wards and polling units.

The governor charged the council to work for the success of all APC candidates, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, as well as the party’s candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abeokuta, Abiodun directed members to hold their inaugural meeting immediately and commence consultations and campaign activities without delay.

“Let consultations and campaign now begin,” he declared.

The governor said elections were not won merely through political reputation or the size of rallies, but through “scientific, deliberate and intentional preparation, organisation, vigilance and sustained engagement with the electorate.”

He urged members of the campaign council to take the APC message to markets, farms, workplaces, religious communities, professional associations, neighbourhoods and homes, stressing that effective mobilisation must involve listening to the people and understanding their concerns.

“Our campaign must be based on ideas, achievements and a credible vision. We must reach every Local Government Area, ward, polling unit and community,” he said.

He called for unity and discipline within the party, saying the ability of the APC to manage competing interests during the processes that produced its candidates demonstrated the importance of putting the collective interest above individual considerations.

“Unity is not the absence of differences. It is the wisdom to ensure that our differences do not become greater than our common cause,” he said.

Abiodun said the campaign council brings together party leaders, strategists, professionals and grassroots organisers from across the three senatorial districts, with committees responsible for strategy, mobilisation, reconciliation, finance, security, media, youth and women engagement, welfare, transportation, digital communication, protocol, as well as traditional and religious affairs.

He cautioned members against treating their appointments as mere titles, saying membership of the council carried a responsibility requiring discipline, strategic thinking and humility.

“These appointments are not decorative titles. They are instruments of service and responsibility,” he said.

The governor charged the campaign organisation to effectively communicate the achievements of his administration in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, security, investment promotion and social intervention.

He noted that the Gateway International Airport remained central to the state’s vision of developing an integrated aviation, agriculture, industrial and logistics hub, while other interventions had contributed to improving the business environment and positioning Ogun as a leading industrial and investment destination.

“These are not abstract promises. They are visible on our roads, in our schools and hospitals, in our agricultural communities and in businesses expanding across our state,” Abiodun said.

He warned that achievements could be misunderstood if they were not properly communicated, urging the campaign council to counter misinformation with facts, humility and clarity.

“Good work that is not effectively explained may be misunderstood, while falsehood repeated without challenge may begin to appear credible,” he said.

The governor further directed the campaign organisation to operate as one coordinated political machinery, with leaders providing direction, committees translating strategy into action and grassroots structures sustaining engagement with voters.

He warned against factionalism, indiscipline and sabotage, stressing the need for proper reporting, early identification of challenges and prompt resolution of emerging issues.

The governorship candidate, Adeola, in keeping with the governor’s call for an inclusive grassroots campaign, urged party members across the state to regard the 2027 election as a collective responsibility and assured those whose names were not included in the campaign council that they remained part of the party’s mobilisation structure.

He stressed that the campaign council was established to provide coordination and direction, rather than to exclude other members of the party, urging all APC members to remain active in their wards and local government areas.

Adeola called for sustained consultations and grassroots engagement, urging party members to take the party’s message to communities and work collectively for all APC candidates, from the presidential election to the governorship and legislative contests.

He said the party would provide the necessary coordination and support to strengthen mobilisation across the state, while urging members to remain united and focused on the common objective.

Abiodun also charged APC members to maintain issue-based and civil communication throughout the campaign, rejecting insults, violence and intimidation.

“Political victory loses its value when purchased at the expense of peace, because leadership cannot build upon the ruins of a divided society,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and partnership with Ogun State through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; APC State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi; Adeola; Adegunwa-Balogun; Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Lekan Mustapha; and other party leaders.

Earlier, former Ogun State Governor and APC National Leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, urged members of the party to close ranks, present a united front and work collectively for the success of the APC in the 2027 elections.

Osoba appealed to aggrieved members to “shield their swords” and work for the party, assuring them that their contributions would not be in vain.

He urged party members to put the interests of the APC above personal grievances and ensure that the campaign council remained focused on its mandate.

Abiodun thereafter formally declared the campaign council inaugurated and charged members to commence work immediately towards the party’s objectives in the 2027 general elections.

“Let us speak with one voice, work with one purpose and march in one direction,” he said.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Church to play a leading role in tackling vote-buying, electoral violence, intimidation and misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.


Governor Abiodun made the call at the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held at Our Saviour's Anglican Church, Ikenne, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.


He urged Christian leaders to use their influence to promote peaceful political participation, responsible citizenship and issue-based campaigns.

The Governor said the Church had an important role to play in educating its members on responsible civic participation and encouraging them to reject practices capable of undermining the credibility of elections.


He also appealed to political actors to base their campaigns on ideas, vision and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion and other divisive sentiments.

Governor Abiodun expressed concern over the exposure of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism.


He therefore called on the Church to strengthen its moral guidance and mentorship of the younger generation, while urging young Nigerians to channel their talents and creativity into productive ventures.


The Governor stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector and civil society to build a peaceful and prosperous society.


Speaking on the theme of the Synod, "The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God's People for the Work of Ministry," Governor Abiodun described it as timely.

He said the gathering provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection and renewed commitment to the teachings of Christ.


The Governor urged the Church to sustain its contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and community development, while addressing challenges such as poverty, insecurity and the protection of vulnerable people and children.


Governor Abiodun said development should not be measured only by infrastructure and investment but also by the transformation of lives, strengthening of families and creation of opportunities.


Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, selfless service and education.

He stated this at the dedication of the Emmanuel and Victoria Abiodun Hall, built in honour of his late parents, at St. James' Anglican Church, Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government Area.


The Governor said the values instilled in him by his parents had continued to shape his conduct and outlook in public service.


He pledged to uphold integrity, compassion, unity and service to the people of Ogun State until the end of his administration.


Earlier, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, described Governor Abiodun as a good administrator whose government had provided infrastructure and touched lives across the state.

The Primate assured the Governor of the Anglican Church's continued support and willingness to collaborate with the state government in promoting good governance and meeting its responsibilities to the people.


He commended the administration for its efforts in infrastructure development, investment promotion and attention to the welfare of the people, particularly young Nigerians.