Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has paid a visit to Gabriel Michael, who was hit by a stray bullet during the protest on cash scarcity which rocked Abeokuta, the state capital yesterday.

Speaking with newsmen at the Federal Medical Center Idi Aba Abeokuta, after ascertaining the recovery of the victim, Governor Abiodun urged residents of the state not to resort to violence as a result of cash scarcity.

While noting that breaking and looting banks as well as smashing ATM terminals would not solve the problem, the Governor said such situations could have been averted if people were patient with the government.

He appealed to the people of the state to remain calm as government was taking steps to address the situation, insisting that embarking on civil unrest would worsen the already tensed situation.

While commending the staff of FMC for responding quickly when the victim was rushed to the hospital, Governor Abiodun
called on the Federal Government to continue to invest in human resources and match the investment with the needed equipment.

The delay in the payment Salaries of staff of Ogun State Water Corporation has continued to generate reactions from the In-house unions of the corporation.

The in-house unions in a statement said the delay in the payment of salaries of member of staff of the corporation was taken adverse effect on them especially with the current economic realities in the country

According to unions, Some staff had died, some are attending to treatment and many are dieing silently as a result of the delayed in the salary of the corporation since two years ago. For example December, 2022 and January,2023 is yet to be paid.


They appealed to government to address the inadequate power supply, provide water treatment chemicals as well as ensure prompt release of the running cost to meet the desired need of the corporation.

The unions expressed optimism that the internally generated revenue of the corporation would be increased if government could provide the needed items.

They described the decision of government to redeploy some staff of the corporation to the mainstream as a good idea but the plan to delay salaries until the deployment was done would not be welcomed.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Brig. Gen. Dogara Ahmed as the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Brig. Gen. Dogara will officially take over the scheme on Monday, January 30, 2023, from Christy Uba, who has piloted the affairs of the NYSC for about three months in acting capacity.

Uba, who’s the most senior director in the scheme, was appointed by the Presidency following the unceremonious removal of the former DG, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Fadah, over alleged incompetence and poor performance in 2022.

On November 22, 2022, the NYSC announced the elevation of its Director, Information and Communications Technology, Christy Uba, as the acting Director-General.


She made history as the first woman to be appointed to such position in NYSC since establishment of the scheme about 50 years ago.

The NYSC director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, had said the appointment followed the sacking of Brigadier Fadah as DG by the President Buhari.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC is to strengthen its collaboration with the Judiciary in upscaling Mobile Courts across the Thirty Six States of the Federation and FCT.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Ali-Biu who stated this while speaking with Newsmen in Abuja explained that the measure was to ensure stringent penalties for traffic offenders.

The Corps Marshal noted that FRSC Personnel would be equipped with patrol vehicles, Breathalyzer, Traffic Cones, radar guns, Vehicle and Body cameras for effective operation this year.

Mr Ali-Biu said that personnel would also be deployed to tank farms to track safety of articulated vehicles as part of measures to reduce accidents involving petrol tankers.

According to FRSC Corps Marshal, adequate supervision will ensure strict compliance to maximum safety standards including the installation of speed limit device, anti-spill safety valve and on-board monitoring devices, among others.

He pledged to improve the welfare of staff and their capacity to discharge their duties efficiently and professionally

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has kicked off the 2023 edition of five aside street soccer competition tagged " iseya cup" with a promise to strengthen various programmes that will add value to the youths in the state.

Governor Abiodun stated this during the opening ceremony of the Iseya Cup competition held at the main bowl of MKO international stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.

The governor who was represented by his Special Assistant ICT, Mr Dennis Ogunnaike said sports remained key to development plan of the present administration especially youth empowerment through sports.

Governor Abiodun who expressed satisfaction with the organization of the competition said the state would be looking to discover and nurture talents that would put the name of the state in the world map like Tobi Amusan among others.

Also, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde who was represented the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and sports, Mr Olamide Lawal said the Iseya Cup was part of the efforts to revitalize sports in the state.

Dr Kehinde explained that the competition put together by a private company in conjunction with the ministry of youth and sports was designed to engage the youths in sporting activities.

The CEO of I-House Initiative Limited, Mr Oseni Oluwasegun said the street soccer five aside football competition was part of the efforts of the company to complement government's plan to develop sports in the state.

In an interview, the team Coordinator, Patriots FC, Mr Ayotunde Somide expressed satisfaction with the level of organization of the competition.

In the opening game, Egbalawa FC defeated All-in-one FC by two goals to nothing with Adeoti Abiodun and Adeogun Tajudeen scoring the two goals.

The Chairman, Ogun State Football Association, Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi says plans have been concluded to organise a seminar for match commissioners in the state, ahead of the kick-off of the new Football season in Nigeria.

Alhaji Majekodunmi stated this in a statement through his Media officer, Sanusi Lateef in Abeokuta.

He noted explained that the seminar was part of the association's efforts to ensure that the participants are well equipped with information and knowledge ahead of the new season.

Alhaji Majekodunmi noted that seminar would take place on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, at the FA office, MKO Abiola stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital beginning from ten O'clock in the morning.

Operatives of Ogun state Police Command have arrested two brothers, Ayomide Babatunde and Gbenga Babatunde for allegedly kidnapping a woman and her nine years old son for ritual purpose.

The suspects were arrested following an information received by policemen at Oja odan divisional headquarters that the two brothers were negotiating on phone to sell a human being either in parts or alive depending on how the buyer wants it for money making ritual.

The supposed buyer, one Jacob Olorunto then informed the Baale of the community about the intention of the suspects, and the Baale quickly informed the police.

The supposed buyer was advised by the Police to play along with them in order to save the would be victim.

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

Mr Oyeyemi pointed out that the suspects called the supposed buyer Jacob Olorunto and informed him that they have two human beings, a woman and her male child for sale.

He said they negotiated and settled for six hundred thousand naira as the price for the two persons.

"On the 29th of December 2022, one of the suspects, Ayomide Babatunde went to Ilaro and lured his 45 years old woman friend by name Taye Oluwole to follow him to Oja odan with her 9 years old son Remilekun Oluwole in order to celebrate New year with his father"
.
"The woman innocently agreed to follow him, and along the road, they stopped over to pick the second suspect Gbenga Babatunde"

According to Mr Oyeyemi, The two suspects from there, took the victims to Igbo Obe area of oja odan to meet the supposed buyer Jacob Olorunto, but they were rounded up by policemen in collaboration with some youths in the area at about 12:30 midnight, while the woman and her son were rescued.

He said the two suspects had confessed to the commission of the crime.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, has ordered that the suspects be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation and diligent prosecution.

The House of Representatives Candidate for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress, APC, Honourable Afolabi Moruf Afuape has felicitated Christians and residents of Ogun state on the occasion of 2022 Christmas celebration.

Honourable Afuape who made the call his Christmas message to the people of Ogun state also appealed to Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the sustained peace, unity and the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

The APC House of Representatives Candidate said Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith, noting that the spirit of Christmas is togetherness. Hence the need for people to be united.

He also stressed the need for people to continue to assist the less privileged in the society, and promised not to relent in his efforts to affect people's life positive if elected.

He then restated the commitment of the APC led government to continue to embark on policies that would add value to the people in the state.

The Ogun State Senatorial Candidate under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olumide Aderinokun has promised to sponsor bills that will affect the lives of people positively especially the youths if elected in the forthcoming elections.

Chief Aderinokun made the promise during the 2022 edition of Premier five aside's end of the year party held at Premier Grammar School, Lafenwa- rounder road, Abeokuta.

The PDP senatorial candidate in Ogun state noted that the contributions of youths to socio economic development of any nation could not be underestimated hence the need for programmes and initiatives that would assist them in achieving their set goals.

Chief Aderinokun expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the premier five aside competition and promised to key into the programme towards the development of youths in the area.

Also, The Special Adviser to governor Dapo Abiodun on Youth and Sports, Mr Olamide Lawal noted that the premier five aside football competition was in line with the agenda of the present administration in the state to empower the youths through sports.

Mr Lawal noted the hosting of the 2024 National Sports Festival would enhance socio economic development of the state as well improve the sporting facilities in the state.

Earlier, the grand commander of Premier 5 aside club, Mr Akeem Adesina explained that the competition was introduced to foster unity among various communities in the area through football.

Mr Adesina who is also the chief host, said various intervention programmes had taken place in Premier Grammar School as a way of contributing to the education sector.

He pointed out that apart from the social aspect of the end of the year programme, members of the club had benefited through various empowerment programmes.

The National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Wale Oke has expressed optimism that the challenges confronting will be surmounted if Nigerians embraced peace.

Bishop Oke who Stated this in a sermon at the Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons held at Arcade ground, OKe Mosan Abeokuta also urged the citizens to act as propagators and sharers of God's peace.

While calling on Christians to rededicate their lives to God for them to enjoy peace in all their endeavours, the Bishop said mankind would have peace in God through Jesus Christ as the Prince of peace.

In his Christmas message, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who read the ninth lesson at the Carol, urged residents of the state to celebrate Yuletide with moderation.

Governor Abiodun also stressed the need for eligible voters to collect their permanent voters cards to enable them to exercise their franchise during the forthcoming general elections.

The annual Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organized by the Ogun State government featured gospel renditions from invited choirs and attracted notable religious leaders, traditional rulers and dignitaries from different walks of life.

Ogun State representatives at the just -concluded 21st National Sports Festival in Delta State have been offered cash rewards amounting to about 30 million naira for winning gold, silver, and bronze medals for the state

Each of the 15 gold medals attracted one million naira with two athletes getting additional one million naira each for outstanding performance, while 18 silver medalists got 500 thousand naira each and the 37 bronze medalists were offered 250 thousand naira each.

Governor Dapo Abiola who announced the rewards while receiving the athletes at Oke Mosan Abeokuta, commended the contingent for the excellent performance at the sporting events.

Ogun state presented 425 athletes and 55 coaches as well as 44 support officials and personnel for the sports festival while participating in 29 events both in the male and female categories.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared support for the development of alternate medicine practice, as he approved the celebration of ‘Isese’ day for the traditional believers in the State.

Governor Abiodun made this known at a day workshop and campaign against ritual killings and quackery with a view to promoting a wholesome alternate medicine practice for the safety of the people, organised by the Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB) in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force, Ogun State Command, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

He said his administration would liaise with concerned agencies for the setting up of a College of Complementary and Traditional Medicine, promising to grant approval for land to plant herbal roots and leaf to generate additional income for the State with provision of logistics and other necessary equipment needed by the Board for enforcement and other activities for it to be more effective in its day-to-day operation.

Governor Abiodun asserted that “traditional medicine has been in existence for long and has been useful to the people in the past. It is imperative for the practitioners to adopt scientific methods in producing their products and it is necessary for relevant government agencies to test their products and certify them good for human consumption”.

The Governor, who decried the nefarious activities of ritual killers, called on traditional medicine practitioners to collaborate with the government in ridding the society of ritual killings and quackery.

"Please work with us to expose those in your midst who are spoiling your name and good work. Dissociate yourselves from ritual killings and continue to be an 'Omoluabi' the Governor pleaded.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker while acknowledging the role and importance of alternate medicine practitioners to the delivery of health services, said the present administration would continue to play its part at ensuring their practice was regulated, towards ensuring the safety of the citizens.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB), Alhaji Nurudeen Olaleye commended Governor Abiodun for recognising Traditional Birth Attendant and Alternate Medicine Providers in the State, saying the Board had been monitoring the activities of the practitioners to ensure standard.

On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Sodimu, charged the practitioners to document their process and carry out more research to make their practice better, assuring that the State Police Command was ready to support them at all times.

Ogun State government has stressed the need for the development of sports at the grassroots level in a bid to sustain its competitive sport reputation as a regional, continental and a global champion.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made this call during the 3rd Edition of the Ogun State Public Primary Schools Governor's Cup Competition held at the M.K.O International Stadium, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun described sports as veritable platform for the development of everyone and a wholesome education plan.

While calling on well meaning investors and individuals to come and partner the state government in the development of sports, Governor Abiodun there was the need for the country to begin to nurture the younger and agile generation to enable them to compete internationally.

The Governor who acknowledged the efforts of the Team Ogun who recently won 70 medals comprising 15 gold, 18 silver and 37 Bronze medals at the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Delta State, promised that the state would host the best sports festival ever.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, who noted that the technical team of the ministry were on ground to pick as well as nurture talents discovered at the competition, commended Governor Abiodun for his support to the ministry at the just concluded National Sports Festival just concluded in Delta State.

the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education, Chief Femi Majekodunmi, said that the conception and implementation of school sport helps to instill patience, team work into the lives of the future leaders.

The state chairman of the National Association of Primary Schools Games and Sport Teachers, Opedimeji Ola, described sports especially football as a unifying factor and the panacea to the socio-security challenges that have bedeviled the country in recent times.

Team Ogun, which dominated the just concluded Para-Powerliting event of the 21st national sports festival in Asaba Delta State returned home in the late hours of Thursday the 8th of December 2022

The coach Oluwakemi Oyebola tutored para-powerlifters despite competing with only 10 athletes hauled a total of 9 medals ,2 gold, 3 Silver and 4 bronze medals in the para power lifting event .

Speaking on her team’s feat in Asaba Coach Oluwakemi Oyebola commended the athletes for their efforts, while also lauding the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his fatherly role in supporting the sports saying the hosting of Latifat Omolola Tijani who again won gold at the festival led to the super performance of the athletes .

She however, pleaded for more support for them to attend other upcoming championships lined up ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games just as she begged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to support the Federation’s efforts to build the sport.

Coach Oluwakemi Oyebola is expected to lead team Nigeria to Dubai on the 13th of December to another para power lifting world cup in Preparation for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

D. S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic Rectorship:
Gov. Abiodun, Pls Do It Right Now

By Emmanuel Oyenuga

As an indigene of Ogun State, I know and believe from all indices and evidences that the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has done marvellously well and commited a huge resources to education sector with a plan to reposition Ogun State to her pride of place as the foremost educational state in Nigeria.

From the two state owned universities, to its many polytechnics, including the ICT polytechnics spread across the divisions of the state, particularly D.S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Igbesa.

D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic is one of the state-owned polytechnic established in 2004 by the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori-Ewekoro, Ifo, Ogun State has been officially accredited and recognized by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Nigeria.

The school since its establishment has contributed immensely to the youth advancement not only on admission of students only but giving its product entrepreneural skills and vocations.

But recent events in D.S Adegbenro Polytechnic especially as it relates to appointment of a new rector is however sending a very wrong signal to observers.

Section 8:2 (1) states ‘The qualifications of the persons who may apply for the post, which shall be a Chief Lecturer in the Polytechnic sector with at least five years experience on that position among other criteria.

It is also important that would be 'Rector' whose qualifications are not in line with the NBTE standards and who are morally deficient to impart quality knowledge into students should not be seen being considered by the Chief Executive, the Governor who in most cases is the Visitor to the school.

For instance, feelers coming from the planned appointment of a new Rector for the Polytechnic shows that some of the aforementioned are about to be thrown out because of a first class ruler who has been exerting undue influence on the state government over the years to ensure that only individuals from his narrow domain in a particular senatorial district are appointed Rector of one of the polytechnics.

This development is already generating disaffection for the state government.

It should also be noted that appointing a non technologist may be greatly inimical to the growth and the essence of the institution.

The truth needs to be told here, as a first class Oba in a state, it is not a sin to influence appointment but that should not be extended to an academic appointment as only quality and qualified people must be considered for such.

Subverting the most qualified person for the Rectorship position would not augur well for the nation’s foremost polytechnic.

Applicant to be appointed a Rector must have a Doctorate and his academic qualifications, must be including B.sc/HND and must have been obtained in core disciplines viz: technology, applied sciences ,commerce and management.

By this, those in liberal Arts/General Studies department are technically excluded from the Rectorship race.

This is in line with NBTE requirements and the recent protest by ASUP that some state governments have been appointing unqualified persons as Rectors for political reasons. We hope such mistake will not feature in the selection process of new Rectors in Ogun State.

I'm aware that an interview for the appointment of a substantive Rector for the Polytechnic has been conducted and waiting for the approval of Gov Dapo Abiodun.

The requirement for the Rector of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori stipulate the attainment of the post of a Chief Lecturer of not less than 5years which is the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) standard.

It is important for the state government to also take into cognisance controversies that trailed requirements for the appointment of a Rector into ICT Polytechnics in Igbesa, Saapade and Ijebu-Igbo which was equally rejected by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics(ASUP) at her National Executive Council Meeting held at Jigawa State Polytechnic on the 7th of July, 2022; a day before the controversial advertisement for the position of Rectors for the ICT Polytechnics in Igbesa, Saapade and Ijebu-Igbo was done in the Vanguard newspaper.

Again, the questions of why did the most senior career officers and the political appointees in the Ministry of Education wait until a week (8/7/2022) to the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Rectors of the ICT Polytechnics in Igbesa, Saapade and Ijebu-Igbo (15/7/2022) before they published the advertisement for the position of a new Rector.

These are not my real concern, the real issue here is that the state government must not subvert competence for mediocrity through appointing a non technologist which may portrayed the government and its officials as working for just one traditional ruler instead of working for the entire people of Ogun State.

Mr Governor sir, millions of Ogun State indigenes, at home and in the Diaspora look forward to you doing the right thing because of the future of our youths cannot to be toyed with, and that these greedy traditional rulers and gluttonous political appointees are a cancer that can consume your administration and give it a bad name.

•Emmanuel Oyenuga writes from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State has congratulated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the award of excellence for industrial revolution presented to him over the weekend by the President of the Federal Republic, President Muhammadu Buhari.

the Chairman of APC in Ogun State Chief Yemi Sanusi, in a statement described the award conferred on Governor Abiodun as most deserving and coming at the right time.

Chief Sanusi remarked that “the award could not have come at a better time than now when governor was about to launch his campaign for a second term in office.

He noted that award was no doubt, a confirmation of Your Excellency’s sterling performance and excellent strides in good governance and delivery of the dividends of democracy in all sectors of our economy “.

The APC chairman urged the Governor not to rest on his determination to continue to serve the state.

The governor has, in the last three and a half years, been credited with superlative performances in the area of investments in agriculture, road infrastructure, ICT, urban renewal, the building of an Agro-allied Airport, and security of life and property.

The latest award, coming on the heels of the recent confirmation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that Ogun State, with 100.9bn revenue profile in 2021, is one of the states with the highest internally generated revenue nationwide, coming only after Lagos, the FCT and Rivers State; is expected to further spur the Ogun governor to achieve greater heights in governance.

The award was being organised by The Best Strategic Media (TBS) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation.
Last Friday, at a ceremony held inside the conference hall of the Presidential Villa, Prince Dapo Abiodun along with 43 other prominent Nigerians and governors, including former President, Goodluck Jonathan, were honoured with various awards of excellence in public service.

Determined to sanitise the field of Alternate Medicine practice in Ogun State and ensure its public acceptability, the State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB), has inaugurated an eight-man committee to organise a training/re-orientation workshop for its members and personnel of security outfits.

The Chairman, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board, Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye who disclosed this at the inauguration of the committee in Abeokuta, said the Board and practitioners had deliberated on the need to put up a programme that would change the negative mindset of the public and broaden the horizon of security operatives on the practice of Alternate Medicine.

The Chairman disclosed that the orientation workshop was paramount to the development of the practice, adding that the programme would not only help eradicate the act of ritual killing and rescue the sub-sector from social disrepute but also save it from quacks who had battered the image of the profession for too long.

He added that the workshop would re-orientate all the practitioners on their mode of operation, particularly on what the law permits them to do, expose them to their limitations and open up what security personnel would be expecting from them in line with the modern-day practice.

Some of the participants, Chief Samson Soyoye and Mrs. Elizabeth Quodri commended the commitment of the Board towards taking alternate medicine to a greater height and assured of members' support to promote the practice.

Ahead of the 2022 Sports Festival in Delta State, the Ogun state handball team has began preparation for the zonal elimination slated for Osogbo, the Osun state capital from the 4th of October, 2022.

The selected players from the recently held screening have been in camp for over 2 weeks at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja.

The Head Coach, Sola Sekoni, lauded the Handball Associaton's contribution to the camping of the players, saying that with the level of preparation and quality of players in camp, Ogun state is sure to qualify for the festival.

Meanwhile, the Technical Director, Abel Aihonsu said the team have been busy perfecting all technical and tacticals towards the elimination in Osogbo, with the full support of the Association.

He called on the state government to further support the team in order to bring back the old glory of handball to the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while assuring him and other candidates of the party of victories in the 2023 general elections.

In a communique issued after the party’s monthly state executive committee meeting held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 in Abeokuta, and signed by the secretary of the party, Prince Aderibigbe Tella, the party resolved that “a vote of confidence and endorsement is hereby
passed on the governor and leader of the party in Ogun State who is also the governorship candidate of the party,
Prince Dapo Abiodun.”

The communique also “commended all our national and state assemblies
Candidates on their preparedness for the campaigns that will culminate into success at the 2023 general elections.”

The monthly meeting presided over by the state chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, expressed confidence of victory at the polls: “The party is well prepared for robust door-to-door campaigns that will lead Ogun APC to overwhelming victory at the coming general elections”, the Communique concluded.

Ogun State Para-Athletics Association has concluded its trials to select the best athletes to represent the State at the 21st National Sports Festival to be hosted by Delta State.

The trials which took place at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, kicked off with athletes from all over the state gathered to compete for places in the final team selection.

At the completion of the trials, about 25 athletes; both male and female from amongst those that participated, qualified for the close camping phase of the preparation for the festival.

the athletes according to the Media Officer of the association, Mr Abiodun Ogundipe are expected to resume for close camping next week at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.

Speaking after the trials, the Chairperson of Ogun State Para-Athletics Association, Mrs Hajarat Abijo commended officials and coaches of the Association for making the trials a success.

She urged government and other stakeholders to provide the needed support to ensure victory at the National Sports Festival.

Also, the Secretary of Association, Mr Agooba Opeoluwa assured that and technical crew would provide a conducive camping environment and raise a formidable team to win laurels for the state at the festival.

One of the Para-Athletics coaches, Mrs Sherifat Ajayi noted that the close camping would give the technical crew the opportunity to work on the athletes, fine tune their preparation and ensure victory for Ogun State at the National festival.

Para-Athletics is one of the Sports that will feature at the forth coming 21st National Sports Festival, tagged: "Delta 2022", where Ogun State is set to participate from November 27th to 10th December in Delta state.

Ogun State Tennis Association has announced plans to refurbish playing courts across the state to make the facilities playable.

Some of the tennis courts are in unplayable condition, extremely overgrown and not taken care of, over the years by successive governments.

During the visit to some of the facilities, Tennis Association Chairman, Mr Adeleke Bada, who led the team, expressed dissatisfaction over the deplorable states of some of the facilities.

Mr Bada reaffirmed the determination of the association to support government to levelling up sports provision across the state, as well as support a new generation of players to get into tennis.

He announced said a new tennis court would be constructed inside M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta with support of already identified sponsors as soon as government allocates land for that purpose.

Tennis Head coach, Kehinde Ijaola said the association was determined to increasing opportunities for children and young people to take part in tennis; which, according to him, necessitated the activity action plan which includes sponsoring of championships as soon as the facilities were put in order.

According to the media office of the association, Olusegun Olukoga, the team visited Abeokuta, Asero, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro playing centres.

The football team of Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, known as Dam Boys will tomorrow, Sunday 18th September battle the Samba boys for a place in the semi final of the ongoing Heritage Super cup competition.

The Dam Boys defeated Mighty Stars football club in the round of sixteen by five goals to four on penalties after the match had ended one goal apiece.

The match billed for the Muda Lawal stadium, Asero will Kick off by 1pm in the afternoon.

Speaking with journalists ahead of tomorrow's tie, Coach Biodun Ogundele said his team would not leave anything to chance when both side meet.

He said his players are in the right frame of mind for the encounter.

In other game, Patriots Football club will take on RCCG team in the first quarter final game of the competition.

The Felix Somide led team had been impressive since the commencement of the competition

The Maiden edition of Dapo Abiodun football competition organised by the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abeokuta South Local government area of Ogun state has kicked off in the state capital.

The competition put together for youths across the fifteen wards in the council area was part of the reelection campaign for governor Dapo Abiodun.

In a remark, former Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Mrs Titilayo Oseni-Gomez described the football competition as good testing ground for members of the party to prepare for the task ahead.

Mrs Oseni-Gomez who noted that efforts were on to make the competition annual event said the turn of party members showed their readiness for the campaign.

Also, Former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs who is also the APC House of Representatives candidate, Honorable Afolabi Afuape who expressed excitement over the competition thanked the members for their support.

Honourable Afuape encouraged APC members in the state to continue their support towards the success of the party in the forthcoming elections.

The Commissioner for Special duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan who described the Dapo Abiodun football competition as good initiative that would assist members in the coming elections thanked the organiser for putting the competition together.

Contributing, The Chairman, Alternate Medicine Board, Alhaji Nurudeen Olaleye said sports especially football remained important tool to promote harmonious relationship unity in the society appealed to members of APC in the state to prepare for the campaign process.

Earlier, APC chairman in Abeokuta South Local government, Honourable Adetunji Adegbenro had explained that the football competition was part of the campaign strategy for second term bid of governor Dapo Abiodun.

Highlights of the event was the conferment of Patron, Matron and ambassadors of the competition on the dignitaries present.

In the opening game, football team from Ward 3 came from a goal down for beat their counterparts from Ward 7 by two goals to one while ward 10 defeated ward 14 by two goals to nothing.

Matches will be on Sunday 18th September, 2022 at MKO international stadium, Kuto Abeokuta beginning from 10 O'clock in the morning.

Nigeria's representative at the ongoing CAF Confederations Cup, Remo Stars Football Club will on Sunday, 18th September, 2022 clash with AS FAR Rabat of Morocco in the second leg of the preliminary round of the African Football Confederation Cup.

Remo Stars on September 11, 2022 gave an excellent account of themselves as they battled to a 1-1 draw away to Moroccan side, AS FAR Rabat.

Adams Olamilekan’s second half header salvaged the commendable draw for Remo Stars at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.

After their blistering run in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season where they finished in the third position, Remo Stars showed they were ready to take the continent by storm on their first try.

But the Sky Blue team has, however, designed category for the gate fee for the spectators.

Ticket for the VIP section is for N2000 , N1,000 for the Premium ticket and N500 for the regular section.
All categories of tickets will be sold at the stadium on match day.

The club, therefore, urged their fans to come out en mass and support the home team.

It also assured the fans of their safety during and after the match as adequate security has been put in place.

As preparations for the 2022/2023 academic session heightened in Ogun state, concerned stakeholders have appealed to the state government to demolish the abandoned classroom located inside Ikija High School, Iberekodo to avoid preventable occurrence.

In a chat with journalists, the people who noted that though the building had been marked for possible demolition said there was an urgent need to fast track the process before the commencement of full academic work.

They noted that with recurring cases of building collapse in some parts of the country, there was the need for the relevant bodies to be alive to their responsibilities to avoid disaster.

A resident of the area, Mr Ajala Taiwo while commending the present administration's efforts to improve the standard of education through infrastructure development appealed to the ministry of education and SUBEB to come to their aid.

Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMG), has called on practitioners across the 20 Local Government Areas, to complement the efforts of the present administration to justify its huge investment in the health sector.

The Chairman, OGAMB, Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye made this known during a day sensitisation programme and presentation of certificates to members of Nigeria Association of Medical Herbalists, Ogun State Chapter, at Maku, Sagamu,


Balogun Olaleye said government was determined to standardise the practice of alternate medicine, by ensuring the delivery of qualitative, accessible and affordable healthcare services for all.

He noted that the Board had embarked on massive training, orientation and advocacy programmes in all aspect of alternate medicine, to enable it have data base of certified members for adequate planning to move the sub-sector forward.


Earlier , the President, Nigeria Association of Medical Herbalist, Ogun State chapter, Prince Adeyemi Adebambo, appreciated the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his support which had given Ogun an edge among comity of States in the country on alternate medicine.

Also, the Baasegun General of Ogun State, Chief Morayo Ogunremi and the Akogun Isegun of Nigeria, Otunba Abimbola Orekoya commended the Board for the initiative deployed to resolve challenges confronting the Association, noting that its establishment had exposed members to innovative ideas.

Responding, one of the participants, Mrs Kehinde Alayo promised to work with the Board to fish out quacks in the field of alternate medicine practice.

The battle for the quarter finals ticket take the centre stage on Monday, 12th September at the ongoing second edition of SWAN Security and Safety cup competition with four matches.

The male football team of Nigeria Immigration Service will take on Nigerian Army football team for a place in the quarter finals of the competition slated for the Muda Lawal stadium, Asero, Abeokuta beginning from 10 O'clock in the morning.

In the second game of the day, Amotekun will have their hands full against So Safe team who defeated DSS football team by five goals to nothing in their first game.

Nigeria Customs Service will be hoping to recover from their Zero-one loss to Fire Service when they take on the defending Champion, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC who edged out Fire Service by a lone goal in their first game of the competition.

The last match of the day is between Nigeria Police and TRACE.

Quarter finals matches will played at the main bowl of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, MKO, international stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, 14 September, 2022.

The much awaited football tournament organised in honour of the Governor of Ogun State,Prince Dapo Abiodun tagged Dapo Abiodun Cup is set to kick-off on the 16th of September,2022 at the MKO Abiola Stadium,Abeokuta

The competition was earlier scheduled to start in the first Week of September but was extended for a week to allow the teams prepare much more well to get themselves in competitive mood and also for the Organisers to get the necessary logistics in place for a hitch-free tournament

In a chat with the Facilitator of the Program who is also the Chairman of All Progressives Congress,Abeokuta South Local Government, Honourable Henry Adetunji Fagbenro disclosed that the opening ceremony is going to include a parade of all the participating teams from the fifteen Wards of the LGA.

Honourable Fagbenro revealed that eminent personalities from the Local Government and the State would be decorated as Patrons,Grand Patrons and Ambassadors of the game

The opening match of the day would be between Ward 3 and Ward 7 at 10am while Ward 14 and Ward 10 trade tackles in the second match at 12 O' Clock in the afternoon. There will be two other matches on the opening day

Meanwhile,the final match comes up on the 25th of September,where the Governor is expected to grace the occasion

The second edition of the Ogun State Karate Championship has ended in Abeokuta with a call on governments at all levels and corporate organisations to assist the sport with the provision of facilities and kits towards the development of the game.

The Vice Chairman, Ogun State Karate Association, Dr Ojo Imolemitan made the call while speaking at the competition held at the indoor hall of Alake sports centre, Ijeja Abeokuta.

Dr Imolemitan who described the Karate as a sport good potential of bringing many laurels to the country said government must invest resources in the game towards raising future athletes for the country.

The Vice Chairman who stood in for the chairman of the Ogun State Karate Association while expressing excitement over the turn out of Karatekas said the future was bright for the game with adequate equipment and facilities in place.

Also, the General manager, Ogun State Sports Council, Mrs Iyabo Rotimi in a remark commended the Karate Association for staging the championship, few days after the inauguration of various sports association in Ogun state State.

Mrs Rotimi encouraged other associations to tow the line of karate association in a bid to discover budding talents for the state.

Earlier, the head coach of karate in the state, Mr. Tajudeen Abiodun explained that the competition was aimed at discovering budding talents during the children long holiday stating that the turnout was impressive with about one hundred and twenty participants.

Highlights of the competition was the presentation of medals and certificate to the winners in various categories.
Educational materials and certificate were also presented to all the participants.

The one day Karate championship for cadet, junior and under 18 had the National Karate officials in attendance with athletes from within and outside the state.

Ogun state government has promised to collaborate with relevant stakeholders especially the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, towards the growth of sports in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the indication during his decoration as the grand patron of SWAN Ogun state chapter held at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi announced that plans were underway to reposition sporting activities and sports administration in the state.

Describing Sports Writers as critical stakeholders in the development of the sports, the governor gave the assurance that his administration would continue to implement ideas that would drive the sector.

Governor Abiodun commended SWAN for contributing to the growth and advancement of the state through objective reportage of sporting activities in the state.

The Governor also promised that the blueprint submitted by the association, would be looked into for necessary review and implementation.

Earlier, the SWAN Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde had explained that the Governor's decoration was in line with the Article 18, Section f (ii) of the SWAN Statues.

Alhaji Akintunde noted that the decoration of Governor Abiodun as SWAN Grand Patron was also in appreciation for bringing Ogun State to the world stage through his unquantifiable support to World athletics champion, Oluwatobiloba Amusan.

He urged the State Government to ensure completion of the NFF football house at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Ogun State Government has trained over 1000 artisans, technicians, and some individuals, to boost their capacities and entrepreneurial skills in the formal and non-formal sectors.

Flagging-off the two-day training programme at the Government Science and Technical College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun explained that the training was to help them to commercialise their trades and make it lucrative.

Governor Abiodun who was Represented by his Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa, acknowledged that many had taken to motorcycle riding which he said had led to the shortage of artisans and technicians in their various occupations and trades, especially in the construction industry.

According to the governor, the programme is very important for the creation of employment for the youths, men and women in Ogun State and make them to be independent, get employed and self-employed, while discouraging them from doing things that were not economically viable.

He also explained that programme was in collaboration with the Innovation Design Entrepreneurship Advancement Strategies (IDEAS) LTD, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and was being carried out across the four divisions of the state in Government Science and Technical College Ijebu–Ode, Methodist Comprehensive College, Sagamu and Government Science and Technical College, Ayetoro.

In a remark, Chief Executive Officer, IDEAS LTD., Mr. Olusegun Dada corroborated the Governor’s view that ‘’the initiative is to further empower those in the informal sector which makes up over 70 percent of the enterprise sector, develop the economy as well as raise employment in the State.

‘’Nigeria has about 43 million informal and micro businesses with the potential of taking a larger number of the unemployed off the streets, hence I want to commend the State government for giving attention to the sector’’, Dada said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the trio of Comrades Fashina Akorede, Abdulahi Nurudeen and Taiwo Gbademosi appreciated the government for linking them up with new skills in their various trades, calling for more support in sourcing raw materials, resolving epileptic power supply and ensure access to credit facility.

Value Jet Airline, a new airline owned Otunba Kunle Soname has approved to sponsor the second Ogun SWAN/Security and Safety Cup as part of the official sponsors.

The SWAN Chairman, Akeem Akintunde disclosed this at a press conference for the draws ceremony at the weekend.

According to Akintunde, the Airline company has promised to bankroll the football event with the some of N500,000 as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company.

Akintunde said the Chief Executive Officer of Value Jet, Kunle Soname has promised to support SWAN to make the event a memorable.

Soname has assured that, the 3rd edition would be bankrolled by Value Jet as the official title sponsor in 2023.

The second SWAN/Security Cup will kick off on Monday, 5th September, 2022 with the 12 security and safety agencies that have registered.