The 2021 edition of Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Week will begin on Monday, 6th December with a walk.

The walk, according to the the Secretary of the Association, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, will commence at Ibara under the bridge to MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Mr Ogunsiji said the event which will be chaired by the Chairman, Federal House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Olumide Osoba, will have the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo speaking on the theme of the week: "Quality legislation towards a sustainable sports policy in Nigeria" on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 at the NUJ Press Centre, Iwe-Irohin House, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

He noted that there will be a novelty match between Ogun SWAN members and members of the Ogun State House of Assembly on Thursday, 9th December, 2021 at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta by 4pm.

The SWAN Secretary said the week will be rounded off with an Award/Gala Nite on Friday, 10th December, 2021 at the conference room of Continental Suites Hotel, Ibara, Abeokuta by 7pm.

Ogun State has been conferred with laurels as the best in synergy and team work, 1st in drama, 3rd in children arts and crafts and 5th overall winning States, having ties with Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), out of 31 states that participated at the just concluded 34th edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), held at Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo in his remark encouraged Nigerians to key into the theme of the festival, “Celebrating National Unity in Diversity” remain united, irrespective their ethnic groups and harness the benefits inherent in cultural diversity to drive the economy.
Dr. Taiwo stated that the lessons learnt from the festival is to perceive the strength in other ethnic groups, embrace, reposition and redefine various rich cultural potentials the country is blessed with and showcase it to the world in exchange for foreign currencies.
Appreciating the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for believing in the contingents and keying into the Culture and Tourism sector to boost the State economy, the Commissioner advised other State Governors to follow suit to make Nigeria united, saying the development of Nigeria should be a collective effort of all.
Giving his closing remark, the Director General for National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe noted that  the interaction and display of cultural values at Ekiti 2021 NAFEST, have shown that Nigerians are united, and this is a turning point for Nigerians to embrace their diversity as strength.
Also speaking, Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, appreciated all State’s Governors that approved their State to be represented at NAFEST, imploring everyone to improve more on reviving the dying culture of truth and transparency and reawaken their consciousness to promote the culture of peace and unity.
Ogun State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan expressed that NAFEST is a celebration of cultural heritage richness, a unifying platform that indicates oneness of Nigeria, advising not to take the diversity in cultures for granted.

A 2023 presidential poll campaign poster of senator Ibikunle Amosun has surfaced in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The poster was fixed to the flyover bridge at the NNPC junction, and some other bridges constructed by the former governor.

It was observed that the poster carried a picture of the former Ogun State governor, dressed separately in the attires of Yoruba, Ndigbo and Hausa, representing Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups.

Inscriptions on the poster include:’ SIA for president” and ‘your voice, your choice’.

Also on the poster was the logo of a group, 'APCGM' as well as one 'Oba Agoro picture.

While Speaking on this development, the National Coordinator, APCGM, Lekan Shobo Shobowale through a telephone disclosed that the group is ready to support the former governor based on his sterling qualities while in office.

He described Senator Amosun as a leader with vision who will not stopped at anything to bring development to his people.

The group National Coordinator called on the people of Ogun State and south west to rally round the former governor while also appealing to Sen Amosun to declare for the Nation Presidency.

A three day racket games has served off in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital with a call on government and other stakeholders to support efforts geared towards the development of other sporting events in the country.

A fomer National Squash player, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi made the call during an interaction with Journalists at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Squash Court.

Mr Adebiyi explained that the fifth Mama Tunde Alaso racket festival was put together to develop the game of squash as part of his contributions to the society.

He noted that players from the South West states and other parts of the country would take participate in the festival.

Mr Adebiyi who announced that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with the England Squash Association on capacity building of Nigerian coaches said the outstanding players in the festival would be monitored and supported.

Also, Retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dehinde Soremi who expressed concern over the state of facilities at the Alake Sports centre said there was the need for Ogun state government to invest more in the sports sector.

Justice Soremi said with adequate funding, right policies and programmes, sports remained a potent tool to address Youth restiveness in the society.

He commended the sponsor for his desire and passion for the development of the sports in the state.

The three in one racket festival featuring Tennis, Squash and Badminton will be also be held at Alake Palace Squash court and Abeokuta Sports Club.

Teachers in Ogun state have been implored to desist from using corporal punishment as a method of correcting children to avoid being sanctioned.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu gave the advice when he met the management staff of Adeoye International Nursery and Primary School, Iyesi-Ota in his office to address the issue of a three-year old child that was beaten on the back of her leg by a teacher in the school, Mrs. Taiwo Odunola, on the 28th of October, 2021.

Professor Arigbabu said government would continue to frown at any corrective action that would inflict injury or pains on any child. He warned that government would not condone actions that would drag the name of the State in the mud.

"I want to say here as the Commissioner that I am not happy to hear of this incident and we will not allow any act that would drag the name of the State in the mud. Schools should device effective and humane methods of disciplining a child apart from corporal punishment", the Commissioner said.

Arigbabu, while highlighting some of the negative effects of corporal punishment, such as reducing the level of a child's confidence, maiming, death and so much more, advised that schools should work in tandem with the vision of the present administration, by being 21st century compliant in teaching and learning methods.

He also stressed the need for schools to organise seminars and workshops to bring their teachers up to date on modern ways of teaching and to come up with strategies to use in tackling indiscipline in place of corporal punishment.

In their submission, the Executive Director of the school, Mr. Olu Akinlabi and the Head teacher, Mrs. Ayoola Olusola, while apologising for the incident, revealed that the school has taken some steps to meet with the parents of the child to tender their unreserved apology, and have also placed the erring teacher on suspension.

The teacher, Mrs. Odunola Taiwo, while recounting what transpired, said she did not mean to inflict such punishment on the child, who she described as a daughter to her. She apologised to the parents, school and government for what she had done.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as he emerges winner in the gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

President Buhari's congratulatory message was contain in a statement by Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity), Mr Femi Adesina

The President praises the security agencies for their determination to ensure that the election went on as smoothly as possible, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conclusion of the exercise despite the initial challenges encountered.

President Buhari enjoins Prof. Soludo, member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, to rally other stakeholders to tackle the enormous challenges confronting the State and the Southeast in general.

The President looks forward to working with the incoming governor for the peace, security and development of not only Anambra State, but the entire country.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of Dr Nafiu Olatunde Aigoro as the new Head of Service of Ogun State.

according to a statement by the Secretary to the State government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Dr Aigoro's appointment takes effects from the 4th of November.

His appointment follows the retirement from service of the immediate past Head of Service, Alhaja Selimot Ottun who bowed out of service on Thursday.

Dr. Aigoro until his appointment was the Permanent Secretary Hospital Management Board.

He joined the service of the Ogun State government under the Hospital Management Board as Consultant Orthopaedic on 6th January 1998 and he was born on 25th March, 1963.

He is a Fellow of many professional bodies including the Nigeria Medical Association, Nigeria Autopaedic Assicoation, International College of Surgeon among others.

Ogun State Government has solicited the support of relevant stakeholders in its drive towards the implementation of health insurance scheme.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made this known at a stakeholders meeting with Community Development Association (CDA) Chairmen across the 20 local government areas of the state organised by the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency in Abeokuta.

Describing community leaders as crucial stakeholders to the success of the health insurance scheme for the informal sector, Dr Coker said that it is no news that many countries of the world have achieved greatness in the health sector through community involvement.


"Many countries of the world achieved quality health through health insurance when communities pull resources together alongside government. Government cannot do it alone. We have to join hands with the present administration to ensure we have qualitative health system in our state.

" In such case, it is not only those who are sick that will contribute but every member of the community. The resources would be used care for whoever is ill because we all win together," Coker said.

The Health Commissioner lamented that Ogun State is lagging behind in the implementation of the health insurance scheme, pointing out that a good number of states in the country have commenced it since 2018.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, OGSHIA, Dr. Afolabi Dosumu, had appreciated the various community leaders in attendance, assuring that the health insurance in the informal sector will reduce cost expended on treating common illnesses.

Responding on behalf of the CDC Chairmen, Chairman, Zonal CDC, Odogbolu, Mr. Osibemowo Babasola, commended the government for the timely cost and life-saving intervention, promising that they would disseminate the message in their various localities.

A former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun is expected to deliver a lecture on the post buhari era at the Oyo state council of the Union of Journalists (NUJ), press week slated for ending of this month.

Amosun, a senator representing Ogun Central senatorial district was the governor of Ogun state between 2011 and 2019.

The senator who was expected to speak on the topic; “APC and the post Muhammadu Buhari’s Era, the task ahead of us” will he honored with the ‘Great icon of progressives Bloc” award.

A statement issued by the chairman of the Oyo state council of the union, Comrade Ademola Babalola, the press week committee chairman, Joseph Okwofu and the secretary, Jeremiah Oke indicates that the award and the lecture would take place at the NUJ press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan on Tuesday, November 30 at 12pm prompt.

The statement further revealed that the former governor would be celebrated for his numerous contributions to human and national development, especially in the area of grassroots mobilisation and unparalleled bridge building efforts between the south and the north.

According to the statement, the 2021 press week will kick off at the family church of a governorship aspirant of the APC in Oyo state, Engr. Joseph Tegbe on Sunday 28th of November while the programme ends on Friday, December 3rd, 2021with Awards Night for a number of distinguished Nigerians who have been supporting the Union and making the society a better place for all to live peacefully.

Unvaccinated residents of Ogun state may risk being barred from government offices, schools, markets and public transport from January, next year.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state who stated this in Abeokuta during the Flagg off of COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign announced that plans were on to vaccinate two million people across the state.

Governor Abiodun noted that a 60-day window would allow unvaccinated residents to take their jabs as part of moves to flatten the curve of the virus.

According to him evidence of full vaccination will be required for anybody who wants to do business with government and for entry into government offices and schools, after the expiration of the given time window.

Gobernor Abiodun disclosed that the state had increased vaccine centres from 131 to 509 to allow eligible residents to have access to the vaccination.
According to him, the vaccination exercise would take place between November 1 and December 25th this year.
, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker explained that the campaign was of part of efforts to stem the tide of the spread of the virus especially during festive periods.
"The Mass Vaccination Campaign is part of efforts to rapidly ramp up coverage of fully vaccinated residents and fast track the return of the State's economy to pre-Covid 19 level, therefore, we need to intensify vaccination across all Local Government Areas in the State." Coker said

In a remark, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib who commended the State on the utilization of vaccines, said that the campaign was imperative to avoid the next wave of the pandemic, expressing confidence in the leadership of the State and the support of the people to achieve targets

In their goodwill messages, representative, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Dele David, General Manager, National Solidarity Support Fund, Dr. Fejiro Chinenye and Iya Loja of the State, Chief Kemi Oloyede commended the Government for the initiative with a promise to continue to support all efforts to keep the people of Ogun healthy and safe.

Men of Ogun state police command have arrested two suspected armed robbers while carrying out robbery operation at Crown Park Company situated at Ota industrial Estate.


The suspects Edehikenna Daniel Stanley and Segun Tope were arrested on Saturday following a distress call received by the policemen in Onipanu divisional headquarters at about 3am that robbers have invaded the company and holding the security men there hostage.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said, upon the distress call, the DPO Onipanu division, CSP Bamidele job quickly mobilized his men and moved to the scene.

On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums who have stolen two heavy industrial batteries took to flight, but they were hotly chased and two of them were apprehended.

Recovered from them are; two industrial batteries, a toy gun with which they used to instill fear in the mind of the security men and two knives.

The two suspects have been transferred to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department on the order of the commissioner of police CP Lanre Bankole for discreet investigation.

Fortune basketball from Ogun state has emerged champions of the maiden edition of southwest female basketball competition.

The Abeokuta based team defeated Hoopsdream of Oyo state by 24 to 22 points In the keenly contested final of the competition played at Alake sports centre, Ijeja Abeokuta.


The southwest female basketball competition with theme "balling to impact" was organised by the women elite sports empowerment initiative to develop, nurture and expose the young female players to competitive games.

The competition attracted teams from Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Osun and Ogun States.

In an interview, Ondo state coach, Olajubutu Tosin said regular staging of competitions across the states of the federation was needed to develop the game at the grassroots level.

Coach Tosin described the tournament as an eye opener for some of his players and called for more support from other sports enthusiasts in the promotion and development of female basketball in the country.

Also, a female basketball Coach, Adebayo Iyabode explained that the competition was put together to further encourage and empower female through sports

Other coaches who expressed satisfaction with impressive performance of the participating teams advised government to support initiatives geared towards sports development especially for female.

Meanwhile, Book and Ball basketball from Osun State defeated Pacers Basketball team from Ekiti state by 14 to 12 points to settle for bronze medal.

High point of the competition was the presentation of medals and trophy to the winner while Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo paralympic games, Lateefat Tijani and her coach were honoured at the event for making Ogun state proud.

There were also individuals awards to players and coaches for the leadership qualities through the tournament

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has pledged not to renege in efforts at improving the quality of healthcare services at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, especially through collaboration among government, the private sector, and well-meaning individuals.

Abiodun, who made this vow while commissioning a well furnished state-of-the-art Eye Centre donated to the Hospital by the Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation ( KAAF) in Sagamu.

Governor Abiodun said that the government had made giant strides in delivering quality services, which are evident across the health facilities in the State, including the State-owned teaching hospital.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, the Governor described the KAAF Eye Center as conducive and equipped with standard facilities that will provide Ogun residents with qualitative Ophthalmic services.

"We are happy that this project has come to fruition today. Our government continues to make landmark achievements in the health sector through collaboration with well-meaning individuals, development partners, and the private sector.

Governor Abiodun said the realization of the Eye Center was a consequence of the Health Sector's innovative financing, which he disclosed is one of the strategies deployed to ensure that common people have accessible and quality eye care services.

While appreciating the donor for investing in the Teaching Hospital for the benefit of Ogun residents, the govenor appealed to high-networth citizens of the State to emulate the benevolent gesture.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, OOUTH Board, Dr. Taiwo Hassan, revealed that the eye unit of the institution had fallen behind in terms of international standards, saying the enabling environment for public-private partnerships created by the Dapo-Abiodun Administration has changed the narrative.
Earlier, the donor, Sir Kensington Adebutu, who was represented by Aaare Kola Oyefeso, said the investment was borne out of the need to provide standard eye care facility in the State for the benefit of mankind, calling on the management of the teaching hospital to make judicious use of the facility.

A two day Southwest female basketball competition has dunked off in Abeokuta, the Ogun state.

The competition under the Women Elite Sport's Empowerment initiative, WESIE is designed to develop female basketball players across the southwest region as well as their coaches.

The facilitator of the tournament, Coach Adebayo Iyabode explained that the southwest basketball competition was part of the efforts to develop the game at the grassroots level.

Coach Iyabode noted that the tournament organized for female players between age 16 and above was also put together to inspire the youngers ones to contribute their quota to their various communities through sports.

Also, head coach, Oyo State Basketball, Mr Taye Shobogun said more grassroots competition was required to raise formidable teams for the country especially the female players.

In some of the matches already decided, Book and Ball from Osun State defeated Hoopsdream of Oyo state 17 to 15 points while Pacers Basketball team from Ekiti state lost by 12 to 21 points to Fortune basketball from Ogun state.

The competition holding at Alake Sports centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta attracted five States from the southwest region of the country.

The Ogun State Government will from November 1, 2021, commence enforcement of the State's 1994 Social Functions Performance and Special Permit Law, as well as registration and renewal fees for Hotels and Allied Businesses in accordance with the Gateway Tourism Development Cooperation law of 2006.

Commissioner, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, who made this known in Abeokuta, said musicians, bands and operators of musical appliances are to collect a special permit before they could be eligible to perform at any social functions within the State.

Dr Taiwo urged operators who are yet to register with the Ministry to do so, in order to obtain their licenses, adding that registered members should ensure prompt payment of their annual renewal fees to avoid facing the wrath of the law.

He explained that all fees and permit should be paid into the Ogun State Treasury Account with revenue code Number 200040021112001 and proof of payments tendered at the Ministry or the approved Revenue Agents.

The Commissioner advised concerned members of the public to support and cooperate with the Ministry and her revenue agents to enable the government serve the people better.

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Nigeria, ASUSS, Ogun State Chapter has expressed concern over the growing rate of attacks on teachers in public schools in some part of the state.

ASUSS Chairman, Comrade Akeem Lasisi stated this in a statement entitled "ATTACKS ON PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS' TEACHERS BY HOODLUMS ON THE INSTRUCTIONS OF PARENTS MUST STOP NOW: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

Comrade Lasisi who attributed the increase cases of attacks and brutalization of the teachers to the rot in the education sector as well as collapse in the core values said there was the need to declare state of emergency in education sector to address the problem.

The ASUSS Chairman appealed to the leadership of the Parents-Teachers-Association in the state to join hands with school administrators (ANCOPSS) in bringing order and peace to the schools.

Cimrade Lasisi who explained that the organized had met with the government where the spate of attacks were tabled called on law enforcement agencies to provide adequate response in the event of any break down of order within any of the public schools in the state.


He noted that apart from the immediate arrest of perpetrators and the brains behind this latest occurrence, there was the for appropriate prosecution and sanction of perpetrators, and their sponsors to serve as deterrent for others.

Comrade Lasisi also implored the teachers to always administer punishment with the content of the Article 11 of the Child Rights Act.

There is an urgent need for the Ogun state government to rehabilitate one of the classrooms at Saint James African Primary School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta to avoid preventable occurrence.

The building which houses Primary Four pupils and Headmistress's office had been constructed for years.

Parents of the pupils are appealing to those concerned to come to the rescue to safe the lives of their children.

They urged governor Dapo Abiodun led government to expedite action towards the completion of the ongoing project in the area to accommodate more students.

Heads of various security agencies have described the proposed maiden edition of SWAN/Security Football Tournament in Ogun state as welcome development towards strengthening existing relationship between security operatives in the state.

They stated this while receiving the executive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter in their offices in Abeokuta.

The Commandant, Nigerian Navy Secondary school, Onikoko, Abeokuta, Commander Jacinta Asetubobe said the initiative was laudable which she noted would also change the negative impression of the public towards the Navy Secondary school.

Commander Asetubobe who was represented by the acting deputy commandant, Lt. Commander Iyitayo Ayetiga Ebenezer also indicated their participation in the tournament.

"On behalf of the commandant we appreciate your coming. Nigerian Navy when it comes to issue of sports, that's an area we are not left out, even to the headquarters level, sporting activities is what keep us fit.

"We have to maintain the fitness, I want to believe that without regular participation of sports, it will be difficult to maintain that fitness.

"To me, I want to say, it's a very good development, it will go along way, to project our image, it is an idea to contribute the image of Nigerian Navy."

Also, the National Coordinator of the harmonized Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Mr. Shola Shodiyan described sports as essential tool to promote peaceful co-existence in the society.

Mr. Shodiyan who commended SWAN executives for the desire and professionalism in promoting sports at the grassroots level said the VGN would participate actively in the forthcoming SWAN/ Security football competition in the state.

In his separate remark, the Director, Ogun state Fire Service, Engr. Fatai Adefala restated the determination of the service towards the success of the competition.

Adefala maintained that, there is need for regular exercise to ensure fitness of all security operatives in the state.

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander, Ahmed Umar lauded the initiative, saying it is a welcome development.

Earlier, the SWAN Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde explained that the proposed tournament was borne of the association's passion and desire to cement existing relationships among security agencies in the state.

Akintunde noted that, the competition will bring healthy rivalry among the security operatives and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of security operatives in Ogun state.