₦airaland Forum

Abiodun Commiserates Family of Slain Director

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the family of Mr Taiwo Oyekanmi, the late Director of Finance and Accounts, in the office of the Governor, who was killed in cold blood by suspected armed robbers on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Oyekanmi was on official assignment within the metropolis when he met his untimely death in the hands of his assailants.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran.

Abiodun described the incident as a rude shock to him, as he called for prayers for the immediate family of the late director for them to have the necessary fortitude to bear the great loss.

"I was devastated and extremely shocked upon receiving news of the cold-blooded murder of Oyekanmi, in the hands of criminal elements and enemies of our State.

"It is indeed a collosal loss for our administration to have lost such dedicated, truthful, and diligent official; his assailants have murdered sleep and will be flushed out immediately from wherever they might be hiding.

"I have directed all security agencies in the State to smoke the criminals out instantly and make them to face the full wrath of the law. I therefore want to assure the entire workforce and residents in the state that never will such calamity befall our dear state again.

"I pray for the repose of his soul and for God's protection over the family he left behind. Obviously, he is going to be sorely missed by his relatives, colleagues and the government he meritoriously served till death," the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, on Wednesday evening, led a government delegation to the deceased house to commiserate with his family.

NNPCL Board appointment: Idanre Development Assembly congratulates Akinyelure



As Nigerians from all walks of life continue to celebrate the appointment of ex director of Wema Bank, Odua Investment Ltd and West African Portland Cement Plc, Chief Pius Akinyelure, on his appointment as chairman, Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), a sociocultural organization in Ondo State, the Idanre Development Assembly (IDA), has extended its felicitations to the high chief, describing him as a phenomenal leader in Nigeria's oil and gas industry.



In a letter signed by its President-General, Chief (Dr) Anthony A Omolola, IDA said it received with pride and honour, the declaration of Akinyelure as Chairman, Board of NNPCL with effect from December 1, 2023.



Noting that the appointment has been richly merited, IDA said it was a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu's acknowledgment of Akinyelure's sterling contributions to the NNPCL and its Board over the years and his track record in Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

It added: "The appointment, celebrated across board, is indeed one of the best made by President Bola Tinubu.


"We are delighted about it and fully persuaded that it will lead to a massive, positive turnaround in the affairs of the NNPCL Board."



IDA beseeched Almighty God Almighty to grant the appointee the wisdom with which to excel in the lofty assignment.

Diversion of Funds: CJ Adepele Ojo remains innocent; Osun govt mischievous, desperate-Report

Facts have emerged through thorough and extensive investigation on how the Osun State Government deliberately fabricated the allegation of diversion of funds leveled against the Chief Judge Adepele Ojo, for the purpose of painting her black before the public.

Recall that the government through a press release has accused the Chief Judge of diverting different categories of funds, including the sum of seven million, four hundred and eighty six thousand, three hundred naira being the recovered money from suspects of Ikirun bank robbery in 2019.

However, recent facts have confirmed allegation of diversion of all kinds of funds against the CJ as mere tissues of lies, baseless and satanic imagination of the Ademola Adeleke- led government to defame her Lordship as a justification for illegal replacement and imposition of a stooge to manipulate the Judiciary in the State.

For instance, in the case of the money recovered from the Ikirun bank robbery suspects, the money, according to the bank teller of the transaction, was judiciously lodged into the First Bank account of Ikirun High Court on Tuesday, 18th January, 2022, by Adesola Rafiat Amope Tobiloba, the Registrar of the High Court in Ikirun, who was accompanied by the pay mistress of the court (Bank Teller attached), contrary to the malicious claim by the Osun State Government and its agents.

The lodgement became necessary following the order of Ikirun High Court dated 13th November, 2019, in the suit No: HIK/8C/2016.The State vs Nuhu Jimoh, Ndubisi David, Aderibigbe Oluwaseun, the order stated that the money be kept until final judgement would be given, the court also directed that the money should be intact in terms of denominations and wrappers.

Meanwhile, the final judgment was delivered on the 30th January,2020, in which the court ordrered that the money be forfeited into the account of Government.However, the lock down of those days as a result of COVID-19 pandemic practically made access to bank impossible for the period of almost 4 months.

Subsequently, by the time partial activities resumed at both High Court and Banks, appeal had been lodged by one of the convicts, who is the 3rd accused in the case, Aderibigbe Oluwaseun, with Appeal No CA/233C/2020.

This development necessitated the need to keep the money pending the determination of the appeal. However, for the purpose of safe keeping and in the face of several monetary policies of the CBN, the money was paid into High Court Special Depost Account, which is meant for special monetary Exhibit and untouchable.

Understandably, the money has not yet been paid into the government's account since the appeal has not been concluded, and the money remains intact in the bank.

Further checks revealed that all other allegations against the Chief Judge followed the same pattern, as there was no single evidence to substantiate any of the allegations against Mrs Adepele Ojo by the government in Osun, other than the desperation to remove her through the back door and hold Judiciary in the State by the jugular for political considerations.

Bunyamin ZAKARIYAH, others, congratulate new ANA President

The immediate past Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in Osun State, Mr. Bunyamin Sijuwade Zakariyah and other members of the executive have congratulated the new President of the association, Dr Shehu Usman Akanbi.

This was contained in a statement signed by Zakariyah, Engr. Taliat Kola, Vice Chairman and the Secretary, Timileyin G.O, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo,the Osun State capital.

The trio described Akanbi as a thorough bred academic with high degree of intellectual capacity to change the old order in ANA and take it to the new height.

They commended his selfless inclination towards changing the narratives of ANA, adding that Dr Akanbi is bringing his wealth of experience to bear in the speedy development of the association.

According to them, the emergence of Akanbi would tremendously bring about positive change in the reading culture of Nigerian students and others.

"The emergence of Dr Akanbi, a leading intellectual of high repute is the best that has happened to ANA in the recent time, he is a round peg in a round hole, he is the man with requisite capacity to change the story of ANA for better.

"We heartily congratulate him and the association for having such a selfless and efficient personality at the helms of affairs of our association for the good of all", the statement read.

The new ANA President is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, he has been elected as the 14th President of the umbrella association for creative writers in Nigeria and in the diaspora, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

Dr Akanbi emerged as winner with 124 votes against 85 votes garnered by his opponent, Hajiya Farida of ANA Niger Chapter,at the 42nd Annual General Meeting and International Convention of the Association held penultimate Saturday (November 4, 2023) at the Association's Permanent Secretariat in Abuja.

Abiodun Mourns Ekundayo Opaleye
...says he was a patriotic military officer

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the death of former military governor of Ondo State (Ondo and Ekiti), Major General Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye (rtd), as a great loss to the state and Nigeria.

Maj. Gen. Opaleye reportedly died on Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital of heart attack.

He was military governor from August 1986 to 1987, during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. He took over from late Admiral Mike Akhigbe before handing over to Commodore Bode George.

Opaleye, until his death, was the Balogun of Erunmu, Owu, Abeokuta.

Prince Abiodun said late Maj. Gen. Opaleye's patriotism as a military officer and dedication to duty as an administrator will always be remembered.

"Major General Opaleye's contribution to our nation, particularly during his tenure as the military governor, will always be remembered. His dedication and service to the people of old Ondo State will forever be cherished. His sudden demise is a great loss to the entire country.

"We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, offering our support and prayers as they navigate through this painful period. May they find strength and solace in the memories shared with Major General Opaleye. Our thoughts and prayers are with them," the governor said.

Ogun, Three Other States To Benefit From N500bn Afreximbank Support Fund

Ogun State is to benefit from a N500 billion financial support being packaged by the African Export-Import Bank
(Afreximbank) in conjunction with Access Bank.

The Gateway state is to benefit from the fund along with three other states in the country.

This was disclosed in Cairo, Egypt by Governor Dapo Abiodun, while speaking at the end of the Intra-African Trade Fair, put together by Afreximbank.

Prince Abiodun said the fund would be helpful in financing and accelerating infrastructural development in the state, noting that the state government has already signed the framework agreement.

He said: "The highlight of our participation at the IATF was the signing of a significant framework agreement with Afreximbank and Access Bank Limited.

"This agreement grants us access to a substantial amount of 500 billion Naira in conjunction with three other Nigerian states.

"This financial support will play a pivotal role in financing the creation of trade and trade-enabling infrastructure.

"Its purpose is to accelerate economic diversification through infrastructure development, in line with the Africa Sub-Sovereign Network Initiative."

Prince Abiodun disclosed that the Ogun State team met with the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and the Malawian President, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, during which issues of mutual benefits were discussed with the two leaders.

The governor noted that discussions with the Zimbabwean president centred around collaboration in the agricultural sector, adding that the groundwork for the establishment of a partnership between the two governments was laid.

According to the governor, discussions with President Chakwera focused on fostering a mutually beneficial socio-economic relationship.

"We firmly believe that this collaboration will contribute significantly to the growth and development of our state, paving the way for a brighter economic future.

"By harnessing the potential of the agricultural sector and fostering strategic partnerships, we are confident that we can make significant advancements towards achieving our goals," he added.

Post UTME Screening: Ede Poly raises alarm over fraudulent website

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has dissociated itself from what it termed a fraudulent website advertising Post UTME screening for candidates who choosed the Polytechnic.

According to a statement signed by the
Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sola Lawal, the Polytechnic has nothing to do with the said website: mytopschools.com, adding that the official website of the citadel is : www.federalpolyede.edu.ng.

The statement, therefore, urged students and parents alike to be very wary of such scammers who are out to defraud unsuspecting parents and wards.

It added that the UTME Screening exercise for this year would be solely based on grading of O level results and jamb scores aggregates of candidates.

"The Federal Polytechnic Ede wishes to call attention of the general public to a fraudulent website calling for registration for this year's Post UTME Screening. We want to make it abundantly clear that the Polytechnic has nothing to do with the website and none of information on the said website emanated from us.

"The Management of Polytechnic has no collaboration with the website and we are calling on our prospective students and their parents to stay clear from such; as Post UTME Screening in the Polytechnic would be predicated on the grading of O level results and Jamb scores", the statement read.

Ogun to reconstruct Ikenne Township Road -Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun at the weekend said his administration would soon award the contract for the reconstruction of the Ikenne township road.

The road, according to him, would begin from Aiyepe junction.

Governor Abiodun, who made this known during the 47th annual Ikenne Ereke Day celebration with the theme 'Divine Year of Accomplishment', held at the Ereke Civic Center, Ikenne, said that the reconstruction of the township road would further complement the completion of the stretch of the road coming from Sagamu.

He also disclosed that the model school built and abandoned by the immediate past administration in the state would soon be converted into a World Class Centre of Excellence by his administration.

"I will soon be awarding the Ikenne township road contract, and that will start from the Aiyepe junction to Uren River. That will complete the stretch coming from Sagamu, and it will give this town the beauty it deserves.

"We have completed the Sagamu-Ikenne road. I know some of our brothers and sisters in Ikenne would have wanted us to dualise it. As a government, our decisions are driven by data. That road does not enjoy enough traffic to allow us to dualise it. So, we looked at the cost benefit and decided that we would complete one side of the road, and when that traffic justifies it, we will now complete the other part.

"We will soon be converting the Model School in Ikenne to a World Class Centre of Excellence," he said

The governor also reiterated that the Ogun State Agro Cargo Airport being constructed in the state would be commissioned soon with commercial activities commencing at the airport, noting that a dry port would also berth in the state.

"That airport two years ago was nothing but a forest. The pessimists said to us we could not build it; some people called it a dump site. By the grace of the Almighty God, we will be commissioning that airport before the end of this year 2023, and that airport will resume commercial operation. Plane will be departing from Ikerne local government and going to Abuja.

"In our relentless efforts to make our state more accessible to business, we have unfolded our multi-model transport master plan, which included the construction of this airport.

"In furtherance of that implementation, we will soon be establishing the Ogun State Dry Port which is a port without a sea at the Kajola-Papalanto axis, thereby further facilitating our manufacturers to ship their raw materials from anywhere in the world or export their finished goods from Kajola in Ogun State to the rest of the world," he noted.

Governor Abiodun, while ascribing the rise of the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to the strong political will of his administration, said that his government would continue to do everything within its capacity to soar higher.

"I remain very humble to be the governor of this great state; the state with the most improved internally generated revenue in the country according to Budgit and by the grace of God, we are the third largest in internally generated revenue from the very back position that we occupied in the recent past.

"This has been possible because of our strong political will and dogged determination to change the old order and move the state towards sustainable growth and prosperity," he added.

Earlier in her remarks, the wife of the former Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, felicitated with the sons and daughters of the town, describing them as special people.

Dredging Ogun River Would Curb Flooding At Isheri-Abiodun

...as minister distributes relief materials to victims

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that adequate dredging and channelisation of the Ogun River would go a long way in curbing the perennial flooding of Isheri and its environs.

Governor Abiodun made the suggestion when he received the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. (Miss) Betta Edu, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta at the weekend.

Abiodun also observed that water released from Cameroon contributed to the disaster

He said: "We have identified some immediate causes. We have the Oyan Dam, and it is being overseen by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. The Minister of Water Resources and that of State for the Environment were here to see for themselves as it was the consequences of that flooding.

"We identified together that the Dam itself contributed to the problem, and of course, it is not intentional because Dams were built to capture bodies of water that are in the channel. It serves as sources of water supply, irrigation, and also the control of flooding.

"The other part is that the Ogun River is channelled to go through the area in question. That channel itself requires proper channelization. There is evidence that the channel needs to be disilted. The Ogun River emptied into the Lagoon, so when you have the channel where people build houses on, when there is a downpour, when the Dam itself is opened, the water overflows."

Governor Abiodun described this year's flooding in the Isheri axis as the worse in recent times, saying it has affected commercial and social life of the people as residents now take refuge in camps of various religious bodies across the State.

He said though the area is flood plain, successive governments allocated the land for development purposes, saying the immediate concern of his administration was to look at the remote causes and the interventions that could be deployed to bring relief to the residents as government could not embark on demolition exercise as there are warehouses, different estates, businesses and schools in the axis.

While emphasizing the need for correctional work on roads in the axis, Governor Abiodun opined that the flooding is not localized as the State has to contend with water released from the Republic of Cameroon, noting that there is an urgent need to engage a Consultant to conduct proper study and come up with holistic plan that could lead to permanent and sustainable solutions to the problem.

Abiodun appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the laudable intervention programmes put in place to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal and the ones meant for the State, saying he would personally review the State's Social Register to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.

"I have set up an expanded Committee under the Ministry of Budget and Planning and I have also expanded the participation to ensure that it is an inter-ministerial team working alongside Council Chairmen, religious bodies, to look at the list and ensure an inclusiveness and that it is the true representative of those that are in need.

"Soon the list will be ready, and the state will join the comity of states that are enjoying the programmes," Abiodun submitted.

Speaking earlier, Edu said the federal government is considering the construction of buffer dams to control flooding around communities abutting the Ogun River.

The minister said she and her counterpart in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had discussed the issue at the last Federal Executive Council meeting on the need to have dams that would act as buffer to prevent further flooding in the axis.

She also hinted of the Federal Government's plan to take 50 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 42 months and get every single person in the country out of poverty line by the year 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She lamented the recent flooding in many parts of the country, which she noted has pushed people into humanitarian crises and further pushed them down the poverty line.

Edu said she was in Ogun State to assess how the federal government could provide immediate succour in terms of relief to the affected people.

The minister noted that the government at the centre has put in place various programmes to meet the objectives it has set for itself in eradicating poverty in the country.

She also said she was in the state to have the sign off of Ogun State Social Register, which fits into the National Social Register so that people in the State could begin to receive the N25,000 Conditional Cash Transfer which has already started in other states of the Federation.

"Beyond this, we have carefully mapped out immediate interventions that will be carried out in Ogun State. Some are designed specifically for the state, like the Adire fabric scheme, with which we want to support women to produce the Adire. We also have the GIP programme, which is the market and traders, as well as the farmers' money.

"We have the End-Hunger Programme, which will be started almost immediately. The State's sensitization team would engage with the communities, market women, and the state government so that we can have a smooth flow of the interventions," she said.

Edu said the federal government is also working with the state government to provide grants for the vulnerable women to set up their own businesses, adding that the GIP programme which is a zero interest loan to the vulnerable, is aimed at supporting the already existing programme being implemented in the State.

"The GIP is a zero interest loan to the vulnerable, but the grant will also be supporting a programme already being implemented here in Ogun State and all of these is targeted at seeing that we can achieve the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's instrument of getting 50 million people out of poverty within the next 42 months, while we work towards getting every single person out of poverty by 2030 which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

"It is a transparent process that we want to use to build the confidence of Nigerians that President Tinubu truly means well for this country and want the interventions to go to the people that truly needs them," the minister explained.

We'll Use ICT To Address Unemployment, Japa Syndrome - Ogun govt

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its determination to deploy Information Communication Technology (ICT) to further empower the ciizenry and make them become employers of labour, as well as discourage brain drain (Japa syndrome).

Special Adviser to the governor on ICT, Dayo Abiodun dropped this hint while receiving an award bestowed on the Ogun State Government by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as the 2nd runner-up for the "Most Digitally Compliant State" at the 2023 Digital Nigeria Award Dinner, held at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

Abiodun, said the present administration was determined to upgrade the knowledge of individuals on cyber security, data analysis, and web designing towards making them relevant in the emerging technology world.

The governor's aide encouraged interested members of the public to register for the ongoing 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) training program organized by the NITDA via https:/3mtt.nitda.gov.ng/

While attributing the award to the digital initiatives of Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unrelenting effort in the digitalisation drive, the Special Adviser stated that the state government was sparing no cost at puting across various training programmes to the residents, especially the youth.

He said: "This recognition is a testament to the remarkable strides we have made in embracing digital transformation and ensuring compliance with the ever-evolving digital landscape under the guidance of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.’’

The Special Adviser noted that the present government would continue to leverage on trending digital skills that would make people to be self-dependent and make them earn foreign salaries while in Nigeria.

Yahasalam congratulates Tinubu over Supreme Court victory

The Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group in Nigeria, Alhaji Hussein Yahasalam has felicitated with President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, as he charged him to be magnanimous in victory.

The Security Expert described Tinubu as a political juggernaut who understands the logic of managing men and resources better than his contemporaries.

He added that with the Supreme Court pronouncement, the coast is now clear for the President to be more focused and concentrate on the business of governance.

According to Yahasalam, the pattern and mode of governance of the President, which revolves around pragmatic and proactive approach to necessary issues concerning economy give hope of better tomorrow.

The Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to rally round the President and support his economic reforms towards prosperity.

Yahasalam said," I heartily congratulate my brother, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his landslide victory at the Supreme Court, obviously, this victory is a testament of the legitimacy of his mandate and the electoral process.

"I want to charge him to be magnanimous in victory and institutionalize inclusive governance in line with the tenets of the Renewed hope mantra ".

Be patient, Tinubu committed to abundant life, Gov. Abiodun tells Nigerians

...as governor bags award in developmental governance, inclusivity


Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured Nigerians of abundant life engendered by various economic reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu, saying there is light at the end of the present tunnel in Nigeria.

Prince Abiodun identified some key factors contributing to the bad state of the economy in the country, including the annulment of the 1993 presidential election believed to have been be won by late Moshood Abiola.

The Governor spoke at the Osun NUJ award programme as part of the activities marking the 2023 press week, held in Osogbo, Osun State capital, as Keynote Speaker.

The governor bagged award of excellence as Icon of Developmental Governance and Inclusivity.

Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade said the current economic and security challenges informed the concept of the renewed hope mantra of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which according to him signifies a pragmatic approach and sound decision as a way of changing the old order.

Speaking on the topic "Nigerian Economy, Political Evolution: Prospect or Retrospect and Way Forward," Abiodun said many analysts and experts in political economy have identified major issues and challenges in Nigerian politics, giving particular attention to the evolution of the federal system, aspects of political competition, and the nature of ruling groups.

"They enunciated the links among political demands and incentives, economic strategy, and capitalist development and analysed the evolution of economic policy and performance, looking specifically at the impact of large oil revenues, agrarian policies, and the programme of economic liberalization.

"Other pertinent issues of concern, as indicated by these intellectuals, are the annulment of the presidential elections in 1993 and its adverse effects on Nigeria’s economy and image, coupled with persistent military interference, and the demise of the economic reform programmes.

"Now, considering the obvious trend of economic challenges and the task of assessing the prospects for economic and political change, we must carefully check if we presently have the necessary political leadership with the requisite will and capacity at the centre to allow for effective economic management and more productive use of our oil wealth in the years ahead," he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun, Rave FM CEO, Dr Femi Adefila; Osun State University, among others were honoured with award of excellence.

We Are Providing Immediate Solution To Isheri Flooding-Ministers

The Federal Government on Wednesday assured residents of flood-prone areas, particularly the Isheri North community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State of quick and permanent solution to the perennial menace of flooding in the corridor.

This assurance was given by the Minister of State, Environment; Dr Isiaq Salako who was in the company of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.

The Ministers were led to the areas by Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Onisheri of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Bamgbade, during an on the spot assessment of the community which has been ravaged by floods in the past days, occasioned by the release of water from Oyan Dam.

Dr Salako, noted that the flood problem facing the community is multifaceted and must be tackled from many angles, adding that the role and habits of the people, as regards the protection of the environment must be critically çonsidered.

The Minister promised that with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun, a permanent solution would be found to the problem.

According to him, the President fully understands what the problems are and the Governor has also been very proactive in addressing them.

The minister, while adding that a comprehensive study must be embarked upon to find a lasting solution to the problem, said that there was a need for the expansion of drainages and lifting of roads in the area.

"For us to be able to permanently solve this problem, we must undertake a comprehensive study so that we understand fully what needs to be done in a way that will permanently bring forward a solution.

"Therefore from the perspective of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the first thing we are going to do is to immediately commission a comprehensive study of this place so that we fully understand what we need to do, what we need to do with Ogun River and I am sure my brother, the Minister for Water Resources will also support us with what we need to do with the dams.

"We also need to know how to ensure we expand our drainages and lift our roads and then also our people to change their habits and be more environmentally responsible," he said.

Salako also disclosed that the effect of climate change cannot be reversed but can be slowed down if adapted to, charging the people and the state to ensure their water channels are properly cleared and their waste disposed properly.

In his remarks, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev disclosed that the Federal Government has set up a committee that is working extensively on flood challenges across the country.

He assured the people that the Federal Government is leaving no stone unturned to find a lasting solution to the problem.

He said: "The Federal Government has set up a committee that is working entirely on the flood challenges of Nigeria.

"We are providing solutions to flooding in the country, not only in Ogun State. We have gone to other states and we have visited Ogun State now and we have seen what has happened. We believe that by the grace of God, the solution has come.

"I want to assure the people of Ogun State and the Lagos people residing within the terrain that we are leaving no stone unturned to try to see how we can proffer solutions to this problem."

Responding, Governor Abiodun, while commending President Bola Tinubu for his response to the plight of the flood victims, also disclosed that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs would visit the state in the next few days.

The governor also thanked the Redeemed Christian Church of God and NASFAT for making available their premises to serve as centres for some of the displaced residents.

Abiodun also affirmed that some buildings built on channels would give way, adding that the drainage problems would also be sorted.

"In the cause of our moving around, we saw some buildings that were built on a channel. Channel that is meant to channelize the Ogun River into the lagoon, such buildings will not stand.

"For us to have a permanent solution, we must appreciate the fact that there will be some pain. I know the minister may not want to tell you, but as your Governor, I can tell you that we are going to immediately embark on how to increase the level of the arterial roads.

"We will also sort the drainages. Water in the drainages is stagnant; they are not flowing anywhere. So, some buildings may have to give way so that the drainages can become outfalls where water falls into," he said.

Isheri Flooding: We Need FG's Intervention - Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for the intervention of the Federal Government in tackling the perennial flooding that affect Isheri community in Ifo Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Abiodun, who made the call when he received the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Tsev, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, on Tuesday, said the magnitude of the flooding was beyond the capacity of the state government, hence the call for prompt attention by the federal government.

The governor noted that the scale and magnitude of the flooding was beyond what the state can handle.

He said: "Yesterday, I was in Isheri North where we bordered Lagos. The whole of that area is flooded and that is one of our most valuable parcel of land with Estates for upper and medium income earners and we also have lots of industries there because of its proximity to Lagos State.

"We need the federal government's not just attention, but intervention, but Intervention because the remedial action that is required to resolve this crisis is beyond what the state can handle and of course, we do not even have the expertise and beyond expertise, we do not have the financial capacity to solve the problem.

"This place is completely build up and we are not going to start demolishing houses. The level of investments in that area is so high. We must have a team from the state government, Ministries of Water Resources, Environment and of course Humanitarian Affairs to see what we can do collaboratively, to bring immediate term relief to our people. We should also work towards medium term and more sustainable long term solutions to the problem."

While noting that Dams are created to be a source of water supply for the use of the people, industries and for agricultural purposes, Governor Abiodun however regretted that in the last few years, the state has experienced perennial flooding, attributing the menace to lack of purpose build channels, building on flood planes and drainages, saying it was time to rise up and deal with the problem once and for all.

He said the state was aware of the Ministry's Clean Up Nigeria, Water Sanitation Hygiene and the e-Wash programmes, adding that his administration would key into them as there is a nexus between sanitation and health.

Speaking earlier, Prof. Tsev said he was in the state to see the ministry's facilities at Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, which included the Oyan Dam and farms, and the flooding in some parts of the State, assuring that action would be taken to mitigate the challenges.

He said the ministry was concerned with the perennial flooding as a result of the release of water from Oyan Dam, adding that lasting solution must be found to the problem.

The minister said: "We are in Ogun State to take a total assignment of what is happening with a view to prevent it . The flooding can be prevented and we will be in Ogun and Lagos states, to see what can be done to tackle the problem once and for all.

"We are also here to see how open defecation can be eliminated as well as how the State can key into our various programmes like the Clean Up Nigeria, Water Sanitation Hygiene programme and the e- Wash programme."

Prof. Tsev said that Ogun State is a major stakeholder in ensuring food security for the nation which is one of the mandates given to his ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ogun To Recoup Fund Expended On Agro Cargo Airport Soon-Abiodun

…govt to sign concession agreement in 45 days, as commercial flights operations begin


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the state government would soon recoup all expenses on the state’s Agro Cargo Airport, as various international aviation companies jostle for concessional operations.

The airport, which was located along Iperu-Ilishan road in Ikenne Local Government area of the state was conceptualized as an aerotropolis, based on its strategic location, being contiguous to the nation's commercial capital of Lagos.

The governor, shortly after inspection of the airport at the weekend had a chat with newsmen, asserting that commercial flights would begin operations at the airport before the end of the year.

He added that the concessioning of the facility would be done in the next one and half months with the state recouping the money expended on the facility.

He said: “I’m sure that in the next 30 to 45 days, we should sign the dotted lines of the concessioning of this airport, which would mean that everything the airport has cost us would completely be repay back to us and we can use the money to pay our debt and also begin to look at other projects.”

The governor also noted that the airport would be granted approval to commence commercial operations by the end of 2023, which will see both local and international flights landing at the airport.


“This airport, sometime by the end of November, December would be fully granted approval. Commercial operations would start here. It means that you can board a flight to Abuja, Port Harcourt and I am sure that by the end of the year, you will begin to see international flights leave wherever and land in this airport by the grace of God,” Prince Abiodun said.

Governor Abiodun said what Ogun State is building is a truly international airport that can compete with anyone around the world, adding that his government decided to take the plunge to build the facility because failure to do so would have meant waiting forever.

He said: “We are building a truly international airport. And we believe that we as government should be facilitators to the enablers. We have de-risk this project because as much as we believe that as government, we don’t have any business in business, we realise the fact that were we to wait for others to come and build this airport, we would probably be waiting after I must have left office.

“But, what did we do? We decided as government to look for funding and build this airport and then concession it to others, thereby de-risking the project. So, today, what you see is a world class airport that in itself is attracting the attention of airport operators around the world.

“We have a process that is in place where a few others have expressed interest to get the airport concession to them. It is very exciting that the airport is not completed and yet people are jostling to take over the airport, pay us all that it has cost us and begin to run this airport. Had we not built this airport to world class standard, nobody would come here.

“There are other airports all over the country that different states have built and I don’t know how much interest those airports are receiving all over the world, but this airport is receiving interest from international airport operators around the world.

“You will see that our initiatives, vision, dedication, intentionality, resolute, our refusal to be distracted by treacherous politicians and backstabbers and our resolved to remain focus, is paying off.”


The governor described the runway, administrative building, apron and the control tower at the airport as the best in the country.

According to him, the runway is the longest, the widest and the best ever constructed in Nigeria.

“Beyond the runway, we have an apron. The apron itself is a world class apron. That is where planes park after they land. That apron is 82,000 square metres of solid concrete. I am not sure of how many aprons are built to this standard. And we have the administration building which is nearing completion. Against the administration building is the control tower. I say with pride and I beat my chest, there is no control tower that comes anything near this facility,” he added.

The airport, according to him was located within a special processing zone as a good example of Public Private sector partnership.

“For us, this initiative ticks the box of providing an enabling environment for Public Private Sector partnership, which is part of our vision ab initio,” the governor noted.

Ogun To Deliver 200 Housing Units At PMB Estate By End Of 2023-Abiodun

…says govt working towards affordable houses in Ogun


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that about 200 units of semi-detached, detached, fully detached duplexes and terraces under construction at the Muhammadu Buhari Estate, Abeokuta are at advanced stages of completion and will be delivered before the end of the year.

Prince Abiodun also said that his administration is working towards providing affordable houses to all strata of society.

The governor stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after he inspected the ongoing construction at the estate, located along Kobape Road, Abeokuta.

Prince Abiodun stated that some of the buildings under construction have been fully paid for while part payments have been made for others, stressing the need for the contractors to step up work to meet the completion dateline.

“Today, we have almost 200 buildings that are upcoming. Since the last time that I came here, many of them have been sold; some have paid in part, others have paid in full. The reason I came here today is to see how we are doing and to see how I can reconcile the date of delivery with the level of progress on the project. I am impressed, but I think the contractors can work harder.



“I have instructed the Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC) to immediately call a meeting of all the contractors and read them a riot act. We want to finish this project in no distant future,” the governor said.



He posited that housing is one of the basic needs of human beings, hence his government would not spare any effort in making it available to the people at a reasonable price.



Abiodun noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate which is one of the inherited projects from the previous administration, would be turned into a top-notch estate that would serve as a reference for others that would spring up in other parts of the State.



The governor who took time to explain the intricacies that surrounded the estate from inception, said the previous administration reneged on its contractual agreement with the contractors that provided the infrastructure in the estate almost leading to the forfeiture of the property.



He said: “This is one of the inherited projects from the previous administration and for the avoidance of doubt named the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate only had construction of infrastructure awarded and one show building constructed.



“But by the time we assumed office apparently, the previous administration had refused to pay the contractors for the provision of infrastructure and the contractors took the state government to court and were about to get judgment which was the forfeiture of this estate to the contractors. Because we did not have handover note, we found out very late in the day but our Attorney General’s office swung into action and got an out-of-court settlement with the contractors after which we began installment payments and of course, with due charges.



“While that was being structured, we began to think of how to develop this estate because we have prioritised it as one of the projects inherited where the commonwealth of the state had been invested and we must not allow it to waste.”

Prince Abiodun added that the estate which is being constructed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in line with his administration's vision, has the State providing the land and the needed infrastructure, while the contractors, real estate companies and builders build the structures and sell them for mutual benefits between the State and the other parties.

The governor expressed delight with the success of the PPP initiative which he hinged on trust, emphasizing that it validates how much trust has been restored between the government, the private sector and the governed.

“We have about five different companies that are working here in partnership with the Ogun State government. I’m impressed that if there is anything one could take away from here is that our PPP initiative is working. PPP initiatives can only work if there is trust and confidence in the administration. Nobody will come and partner with you if they are not sold on the fact that we are a serious and focused administration. To me, it is a validation of how much trust has been restored between the government, the private sector and those that we are governing,” the governor said.

While describing the project as "a promise made and a promise kept", Prince Abiodun noted with delight the recent ranking of the State as number one among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory that has shown significant improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive year-in-year out, saying it is an indication that the administration's policies are bearing fruits.

Palliative Interventions: Abiodun extends payment of N10,000 transport allowance for civil servants by six months

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the extension of the N10,000 transport allowance granted to the state civil servants to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government by another six months.

The allowance, which was part of various interventions adopted by the state government at the wake of the deregulation policy in July ought to have ended in September.

Speaking during a meeting with Permanent Secretaries in the state, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the extension would allow the state workforce to continue to cope with the effects of the subsidy removal.

He described the allowance as part of the temporary immediate-term interventions to allow the government to come up with appropriate medium and long-term intervention plans for all categories of people in the state.

Apart from the N10,000, which also covers pensioners, the state government also approved hazard allowance for health and medical personnel, immediate release of letters of promotion in respect of 2021 and 2022, payment of March and April 2023 leave bonuses for public servants and immediate cash-backing for the quarterly payment of gratuities to pensioners.

The governor, recalled that Ogun was the first state to introduce E-Mobility and Gas Mobility Programme with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) enabled buses and electric-powered tricycles and motorcycles (Okada).

Prince Abiodun said the palliatives being distributed across the state have elicited applause across the country and beyond, except in a few instances where fifth columnists mischievously criticised the government's efforts.

According to the governor, palliatives are not meant for people who are not in need, adding that it is impossible to distribute palliatives to the five million inhabitants of the state.

The state helmsman spoke of plans by his administration to leave legacy projects behind at the end of his tenure.

He hinted that a special committee on the rehabilitation of public schools would soon be set up, saying the committee would be funded through a trust fund.

Governor Abiodun, added that efforts are in top gear to improve mobility in the state by identifying and rehabilitating critical roads across the state.

Ogun Commends President Tinubu On Transfer Of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road

The Ogun State Government has commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration for finally transferring the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway to the state.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi while speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, announced the transfer of the ever-busy road to the Ogun State Government.

The reconstruction efforts would be done under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

The state government, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, on Tuesday praised the federal government for finally acceding to the requests made by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The statement recalled that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration made several requests to the Federal Government to take over the road, even before its total collapse.

It described the Tinubu administration as a listening government that is ready to jettison the existing schism between the federal government and the federating units.

The statement also commended the works minister for following on his words to ensure a paradigm shift from what was obtained before in the rehabilitation of federal roads across the state.

The state government noted that necessary machineries are being put in motion to ensure the early kick-off of the project.

It urged motorists plying the road to be patient with the state government as succour is on the way.

Ogun Govt Accuses Opposition Of Blackmail Over Palliatives Distribution


Ogun State government on Sunday raised the alarm over the ongoing attempt by opposition politicians to rubbish efforts by the state and the federal governments to provide relief to the vulnerable people to cushion the effects of the recent subsidy removal.

The state government warned Nigerians to be wary of the antics of such politicians who have been going about to rubbish the palliative programmes put on place meant to cater for the poorest of the poor.

Reacting to recent online videos in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Lekan Adeniran, the Ogun State government said some agents of the opposition have resorted to media blackmail to discredit the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Describing the perpetrators of the media blackmail as fifth columnists, the statement noted that the federal government was unambiguous in saying the palliative is not meant for everybody but for the most vulnerable people in the society.

The statement noted that it smacks of bad blood and evil intentions for some fifth columnists to be spreading falsehoods targeted at discrediting the ongoing well coordinated distribution across the state.

According to the statement, the government of Governor Abiodun has been severally lauded at home and abroad for the efficient and prudent manner the sharing of the palliatives has been handled.

"Let it be recalled that Governor Abiodun made it clear to everybody involved in sharing the palliatives that it must get to the intended beneficiaries.

"But in spite of the painstaking effort of the government in to ensure that the palliatives get to the right beneficiaries promptly, some people are unrelenting in their bids to tar the administration with negative brushes for reasons not beyond politics.

"This explains the case of the man in a recent video who claims to be a Community Development Association chairman somewhere in the state. Taking to social media and throwing cautions to the wind, he betrayed the posture of a man out to do mischief so as to score cheap political gains ," he said

The statement expressed surprise at the man's claim that the bag of rice he displayed was meant for his entire CDA.

"This man is aware that the bag of rice is meant for ONE vulnerable family in the community, and not for all the residents. It was sent to him as the chairman for onward transfer to a vulnerable widow in his community.

"But, instead of ensuring that it gets to the intended beneficiary, he chose to play politics with the palliative, exposing himself as the destructive opposition agent that he actually is.

"This man's expression of disappointment is against the federal government's clear instructions on the palliatives. He clearly got it wrong thinking that government was ready to provide enough bags of rice that would go round every family in his community. It is also obvious that he was out on a hatchet job.

"It has also been established by some members of his community that more bags of rice were sent to other beneficiaries in Shokeye community through other stakeholders. Sadly, the chose to play dirty politics on the social media for which his political party is known for.

"Need we tell him and his sponsors that they cannot secure the political victory they could not win at the polls and at the tribunal by telling lies and half truths on the social media as regards the well thought out palliative arrangement in the state," the statement added.

The statement recalled that another CDA boss in the same Obafemi Owode Local Governments, Mr. Timothy Agboola, who had made similar remarks later retracted all he said.

Mr. Agboola, it would be recalled later discovered that many bags of rice were shared in his community while the one given to him was meant for just one vulnerable family.

A rejoinder by the LGA said all groups were equally represented at the stakeholders meeting and committee set up by the government to monitor the distribution of the palliative across wards, villages, communities and town within the local government.

The groups includes, traditional rulers, Baales, religious body, Community Development Associations, youths, security agencies, market men and women and People Living with Disability.among others

"At no time or place has any community or group been given one 10kg bag of rice as their share of the relief materials as displayed by the CDA chairman.

"We called on the general public to disregard the content of the video and others in circulation. They are not the true reflection of the palliatives sharing mechanism.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun is doing everything possible to bring succour to the generality of our people, including the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric powered tricycles and motorcycles to reduce the cost of transportation to the barest minimum in the state," the statement said.

Succour As Senate Promises Action On Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway, Other Dilapidated Federal Roads In Ogun
...as Gov. Abiodun expresses frustration at obstacles faced in reconstructing FG roads

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has promised to give the necessary support to the Ogun State Government on the reconstruction of all the deplorable federal roads in the state.

Akpabio stated this at the grand finale of the Yewa Cultural Festival with the theme: "Celebration of Culture, Tradition, Music, Cuisine and Dance," held at the ultra-modern pavilion, Empire Field, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State on Saturday.

The senate president was particular about the Lagos-Ota-Aneokuts roa, even as he affirmed that all hands would be on deck to ensure the completion of the road.

He said that he insisted on driving to the venue for him to have first-hand knowledge of what people go through on the road every day, adding that it took his team more than two hours to drive to Ilaro from Lagos.

Akpabio promised that the Senate would ensure that the construction of the road is handed over to a competent contractor, adding that they would work with the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure its completion.

He said: "The 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is going to get the list of things you want us to do here.

"I saw the road, two trucks fell on the road, so we ended up spending over two hours on the road. I was determined to go through the road that you go through. Now, I have seen what you have been seeing. From today, I prophesy that your roads are done.

"Yewaland has the greatest number of industries that local government can ever have in Nigeria, just five local governments. Therefore, we recognize the need to use the best set of contractors to do your roads because of the wear and tear. I assure you that we will be working with our brother, Dapo Abiodun. Your lives will not be the same again."

Senator Akpabio used the occasion to advise youths in Yewaland and the state as a whole to stay off drugs and other fraudulent activities, assuring them that their lives would be better when they stayed clean.

"For the youths of Yewaland, I will advise you, never engage in anything that will bring disrepute to your domain. Don't do drugs, no banditry, no kidnapping, no fraud. I assure you that the blessings of God will be upon you," he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Abiodun pleaded with the Senate to prevail on the Federal Government to transfer the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road to the state because of its importance to the socio-economic development of the state.

The governor said it took him three hours to drive from Abeokuta to Ilaro, noting that efforts made by the state to ensure the transfer of the road did not yield any positive results.

Prince Abiodun said that his administration is currently concluding discussions on the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko and the Abeokuta-Iborro-Ilaro roads.

He said: "I also want to announce to you that I am currently concluding discussions with the Minister of Works on the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko road and the completion of the Abeokuta-Iborro-Ilaro road. This will complement the Imasayi-Iborro-Ayetoro road.

"Mr Senate President, it took me three hours to get here from Abeokuta. I am sure it took you just as much to get here from Lagos because of the deplorable state of Lagos-Abeokuta Road. Mr Senate President, please help us with the Federal Government to transfer this road to us. This road is very key to our socio-economic economic development."

The governor disclosed that the construction of the Sagamu-Obele road has commenced, using the Dangote Cement Company tax credit scheme.

"I am proud to say that the construction of Sagamu to Obele road that I personally facilitated in 2019 when I assumed office in partnership with Dangote Cement Company using the Federal tax credit scheme has begun," he said.

The governor also noted that the Ilaro-Owode road is nearing completion in line with his promise to put an end to the era of only performing groundbreaking in Yewaland.

Prince Abiodun promised that his administration would continue to support various cultural initiatives to keep the identity of the people of the state intact.

Earlier in his remarks, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle commended the Senate President and the governor for attending the grand finale of the festival.

He disclosed that the festival will be held every two years.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of excellence on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the installation of the Senate President as the Are Fiwagboye of Yewaland.

Breaking: Full List Of Gov Abiodun's Cabinet To Be Sworn-in Friday

Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, will tomorrow , Friday inaugutate his cabinet by swearing in 20 Commissioners-designate and Special Advisers.

See Full List Below:

COMMISSIONER NOMINEES

1 Mr. OKUBADEJO, Oladapo
2 Mr. OLABIMTAN, Olaolu
3 Jagunmolu OMONIYI, Jamiu Akande
4 Engr. AKINSANYA, Adebowale O.
5 Mr. OGUNGBADE, Olusina
6 Dr. COKER, Tomi
7 Prof. ARIGBABU, Abayomi
8 Hon. HAMZAT, Ganiyu O.
9 Engr. TAIWO, Oludotun
10 Mr. SOFELA, Adebola Emmanuel
11. Hon. (Mrs) ILORI-ODUNTAN, Olufemi
12 Hon. (Mrs) ADELEYE, Motunrayo Adijat
13 Engr. DAIRO Olugbenga
14 Hon. OWOTOMO, Bolu
15 Mr. ORESANYA, Oladimeji
16 Hon. BALOGUN, Ademola
17 Mr. FAGBAYI, Sesan
18 TPL ODUNLAMI, Olusoga Olatunji
19 Hon. (Mrs) EFUWAPE, Olufunmilayo Temidayo
20 Hon. ISIAKA, Wasiu

SPECIAL ADVISER NOMINEES

Arch Biodun Fari-Arole
Hon. (Otunba) Babatunde Olaotan
Mr. Dayo Abiodun
Mr. Olusola Subair Kamar (AIG RTD)
Chief Segun Fowora
Babatunde Akeem Adesina
Princess Peju Shote
Hon. Tajudeen Egunjobi
Dr. Leke Otegbeye
Ayotunde Olambiwoninu Lawal
Hon. Kayode Akinmade
Oyindamola Oyelese
Ap Biodun Sanyaolu
Mr. Seyi Ogunseye
Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye
Hon. Rasak Oluwakemi Daddah
Chief Jide Ojuko
Sola Arobieke
Dr. Reuben Olurotimi Ogungbe
Yemisi Dawodu
Ronke Soyombo
Abayomi Hunye

https://punchng.com/abiodun-to-swear-in-new-cabinet-members-friday/?amp

Shettima Promises Adequate Power Supply To Industrial Clusters, Others

...holds business roundtable in Agbara, Ogun State

The Federal Government has assured investors in the country of the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to ensure adequate power supply across the country especially in industrial clusters.

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance during the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday, saying the country holds tremendous opportunities for not only investors but also the people.

The event was to launch an initiative to ensure dedicated power supply to industrial clusters across the country, starting with Agbara Industrial Estate.

Shettima said that it is embarrassing that the Agbara Cluster relies on other sources of power supply aside from the national grid, adding that the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is committed to ensuring that clusters like Agbara benefit from a cheaper means of generating power in their various factories.

The Vice President, who is the Chairman of, Board of Directors, of NDPHC promised that the Agbara Industrial Estate will have a steady power supply in the next four months.

He said: "I am here to reassure the business community that we mean business. I want to give you my word and my word is my bond, if you need 200 Megawatts, 300 Megawatts, we can give it to you.

"Be rest assured, we are going to supply your power needs with no strings attached. We are giving power to Togo, I think we are giving 100 Megawatts to Togo, and some of these nations are not even paying us. Why can't we give to businesses that will pay us? It is just simple arithmetic; it is a matter of economics."

The Vice President charged the staff of NDPHC to double their effort by ensuring the delivery of the Agbara Industrial Cluster power program in three to four months.

Shettima spoke of the commitment of President Tinubu to make power available to the entire country.

"It is all about advocacy, it is about people believing in you and I have the confidence of my boss, such that I can talk authoritatively. He is very passionate about the Nigerian project. He is very committed to repositioning this nation," he said.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that without electricity, all infrastructure provided for the use of the people of the state and the country as a whole would be in vain.

Governor Abiodun, while disclosing that his administration has established additional industrial clusters, said that without stable and reliable power, all the initiatives would be in vain.

"We believe that such initiatives like this speak to ensuring the sustainability of competitive industrialization and one must not but salute this initiative.

"We as a state have gone ahead besides this Agbara Cluster, we have five other clusters. We have one by the Interchange called Remo Cluster, we are creating a new one called the Magboro Cluster. We are creating our own Aerotropolis which is our special agro-processing zone, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria. We also have the Ijebu-Ode cluster because we believe that it is through these clusters that we can jump-start socio-economic activity.

"These clusters, what do they seem to do, we provide the parcel of land, provide the needed infrastructure and this attracts industrial activities.

"But, without a doubt, without stable, reliable and clean power, all these initiatives will be in vain. So, to that extent, we are extremely excited," he said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said ensuring adequate power supply in the country is complex because of the attitudes of Nigerians.

Hamzat regretted that out of about 13,000 Megawatts available, the country could only transmit 4,000 Megawatts.

"The issue of our power is complex and why it is complex is because of bad behaviour among all of us, the stakeholders, the distribution companies, generating companies.

"For me, the biggest challenge that we see in our country now is public commentary. We have a lot of people that go out there to just say things, demeaning our institutions and that is the biggest challenge.

"When the international community do surveys, they listen to your news and then you keep killing your country. The truth of the matter is that Lagos and Ogun states are safer than New York. The possibility of being shot in New York is higher than being in Lagos.

Minister of Power, Mr Bayo Adelabu on his part said the event marked a pivotal moment in the collective endeavour to fortify one of the backbones of the industrial landscape of the country.

He noted that the project stands as the first of many projects in the federal government's light-up initiative to deliver reliable electricity to industrial and heavy user clusters across the country.

Adelabu noted that Agbara is a cluster where dreams are forged, industries thrive and where opportunities are limitless, adding that the ambitious endeavour when completed will bolster the power supply within the industrial estate by ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted flow of electricity to meet the demands of the industries.

Earlier in his welcome address, the MD/CEO, of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo disclosed that the event signifies the commitment of the present administration through NDPHC to ensure consistent and reliable power supply to industrial concerns.

He added that the company is the only government-owned company responsible for implementing the integrated power project of the government which aims to enhance electricity generation.

Ugbo said that the primary objective of the initiative was to ensure a consistent, reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity from power plants across the country to the extensive industrial and business clusters in Agbara and across the country.

He noted that NDPHC has successfully constructed about 8 power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 4,000 Megawatts.

Shettima Promises Adequate Power Supply To Industrial Clusters, Others

...holds business roundtable in Agbara, Ogun State

The Federal Government has assured investors in the country of the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to ensure adequate power supply across the country especially in industrial clusters.

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance during the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday, saying the country holds tremendous opportunities for not only investors but also the people.

The event was to launch an initiative to ensure dedicated power supply to industrial clusters across the country, starting with Agbara Industrial Estate.

Shettima said that it is embarrassing that the Agbara Cluster relies on other sources of power supply aside from the national grid, adding that the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is committed to ensuring that clusters like Agbara benefit from a cheaper means of generating power in their various factories.

The Vice President, who is the Chairman of, Board of Directors, of NDPHC promised that the Agbara Industrial Estate will have a steady power supply in the next four months.

He said: "I am here to reassure the business community that we mean business. I want to give you my word and my word is my bond, if you need 200 Megawatts, 300 Megawatts, we can give it to you.

"Be rest assured, we are going to supply your power needs with no strings attached. We are giving power to Togo, I think we are giving 100 Megawatts to Togo, and some of these nations are not even paying us. Why can't we give to businesses that will pay us? It is just simple arithmetic; it is a matter of economics."

The Vice President charged the staff of NDPHC to double their effort by ensuring the delivery of the Agbara Industrial Cluster power program in three to four months.

Shettima spoke of the commitment of President Tinubu to make power available to the entire country.

"It is all about advocacy, it is about people believing in you and I have the confidence of my boss, such that I can talk authoritatively. He is very passionate about the Nigerian project. He is very committed to repositioning this nation," he said.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that without electricity, all infrastructure provided for the use of the people of the state and the country as a whole would be in vain.

Governor Abiodun, while disclosing that his administration has established additional industrial clusters, said that without stable and reliable power, all the initiatives would be in vain.

"We believe that such initiatives like this speak to ensuring the sustainability of competitive industrialization and one must not but salute this initiative.

"We as a state have gone ahead besides this Agbara Cluster, we have five other clusters. We have one by the Interchange called Remo Cluster, we are creating a new one called the Magboro Cluster. We are creating our own Aerotropolis which is our special agro-processing zone, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria. We also have the Ijebu-Ode cluster because we believe that it is through these clusters that we can jump-start socio-economic activity.

"These clusters, what do they seem to do, we provide the parcel of land, provide the needed infrastructure and this attracts industrial activities.

"But, without a doubt, without stable, reliable and clean power, all these initiatives will be in vain. So, to that extent, we are extremely excited," he said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said ensuring adequate power supply in the country is complex because of the attitudes of Nigerians.

Hamzat regretted that out of about 13,000 Megawatts available, the country could only transmit 4,000 Megawatts.

"The issue of our power is complex and why it is complex is because of bad behaviour among all of us, the stakeholders, the distribution companies, generating companies.

"For me, the biggest challenge that we see in our country now is public commentary. We have a lot of people that go out there to just say things, demeaning our institutions and that is the biggest challenge.

"When the international community do surveys, they listen to your news and then you keep killing your country. The truth of the matter is that Lagos and Ogun states are safer than New York. The possibility of being shot in New York is higher than being in Lagos.

Minister of Power, Mr Bayo Adelabu on his part said the event marked a pivotal moment in the collective endeavour to fortify one of the backbones of the industrial landscape of the country.

He noted that the project stands as the first of many projects in the federal government's light-up initiative to deliver reliable electricity to industrial and heavy user clusters across the country.

Adelabu noted that Agbara is a cluster where dreams are forged, industries thrive and where opportunities are limitless, adding that the ambitious endeavour when completed will bolster the power supply within the industrial estate by ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted flow of electricity to meet the demands of the industries.

Earlier in his welcome address, the MD/CEO, of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo disclosed that the event signifies the commitment of the present administration through NDPHC to ensure consistent and reliable power supply to industrial concerns.

He added that the company is the only government-owned company responsible for implementing the integrated power project of the government which aims to enhance electricity generation.

Ugbo said that the primary objective of the initiative was to ensure a consistent, reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity from power plants across the country to the extensive industrial and business clusters in Agbara and across the country.

He noted that NDPHC has successfully constructed about 8 power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 4,000 Megawatts.

Petrol: Nigeria under siege of global cabal; Tinubu must be decisive- Jackson Lekan Ojo

A leading security expert and chieftain of the All Progresives Congress(APC), Jackson Lekan Ojo, has said the problem within the petroleum industry in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, as a result of conspiracy between the Nigeria's economic saboteurs and global cabal.

He explained that in as much as the importation of petroleum products are still in the hands of those economic saboteurs who were hitherto milking Nigeria dry through fraudulent means like subsidy, the petroleum sector can never enjoy stability.

Ojo opined that by the removal of subsidy on petrol in line with the deregulation policy of the Federal Government, the beneficiaries of the fraudulent deals in the sector with their foreign collaborators will do everything possible to frustrate
the system to their advantage.

According to him, these saboteurs by their ill-gotten wealth had taken Nigeria's economy in its jugular by infiltrating every segment of the economy and planting moles there who they use as tools to frustrate every effort of the Federal Government towards sustainability.

The security expert, then advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the oil sector and be decisive about it, by working with the National Aseembly to enact a legislation that will prescribe death penalty for any saboteurs in the sector.

He said that would serve as deterrent to members of this cartel who are strangulating Nigeria's economy and making it unstable by their nefarious activities.

"It is obvious that the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is directly proportional to the downfall of this cabal and their foreign collaborators, they will definitely do everything possible to frustrate the efforts of the President in order to retain their source of ill-gotten wealth, this is why the President should be very decisive.

"There are lot of questions begging for answers in the petroleum industry, especially in NNPC, while they claim they are not producing at all, their staff continue to get fat salary, where are they getting the money from?

"The simple analogy is when a yam farmer is not planting any yam on the farm and he continues to pay his labourers constantly and handsomely, is that not strange?

"The same thing is happening in the power sector, the President must be decisive and take hard decision", Ojo said.

Nasarawa's Tribunal Verdict: CSO appeals for critical evaluation of dissenting judgement at appellate court

...hails Justice Ibrahim Mashi

Advocacy for Advancement of Peace & Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI), a leading Civil Society Organization in Nigeria has called on the appeal court to critically evaluate the dissenting judgement delivered by Justice Ibrahim Mashi, on the basis of its inherent fundametals and strengths in the face of law.

The group observed that the majority judgement delieved by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, on Monday, October 2nd, which faulted the victory of Governor Abdullahi Sule and subsequently declared the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner, deliberately ignored some salient objections as raised by the respondents.

ADAPHAI, made these known during a Press Conference addressed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Sulaimon Suberu on Sunday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.


It argued that the judgement largely predicated on technicalities, adding that the dissenting judgement clearly raised certain pertinent issues that need to be painstakingly reviewed and addressed by the appellate court.

"While we believe in the sanctity of the judiciary and it's pivotal role as the pillar of democracy, we are however, of strong opinion that unlike States like Kaduna, Sokoto, Taraba and Ogun, with almost the same contents of petitions, the judgement in Nasarawa State did not completely and thoroughly dwell on the merit and competence of the petitions before it.

"Our methodological evaluation of the tenets of the judgement revealed that it majorly predicated on technicalities, thereby jettisoning the substance of the petitions on the point of law and it's intrinsic values.

"First and foremost, the absence of prior declaratory relief setting aside Governor Abdullahi Sule's election and return is indeed a remains a source of concern to us, as well as how the judgement allowed evidence without written depositions on oath by subpoenaed witnesses called by the petitioners to stay.

"Other fundamental area of concern is the brutal manner in which objections to admissibility and tendering of documents as raised by respondents were ignored among other pertinent issues of law.

"Having said that, we salute the courage, resilience and bias for truth, objectivity and fairness as exhibited by Justice Ibrahim Mashi, in his dissenting judgement; obviously, history will never forget him.

"It is on that prism that we call on the appellate court to critically and objectively look into the logic and substance of the dissenting judgement delivered by Justice Ibrahim Mashi, as a way of upholding the unassailable principles of fairness and objectivity inherent in the judiciary, as a very revered arm of government.

"In the meantime, we passionately appeal to the good people of Nasarawa State to remain calm and be law abiding, as Governor Abdullahi Sule still remains the Executive Governor of the State in the face of law.

"We want to assure them that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common man will address every wrong in the Tribunal's ruling of Monday at the Appeal Court without fear of favour and with the merit of the case.

"We, hereby passionately implore their Lordships at the appeal court to critically look at those fundamentals and treat it accordingly on its merit", the statement read.

Ogun Ranks 6th in Socio-Economic Scorecard Among 36 States, FCT



Analysts Data Services and Resources has ranked Ogun State 6th out of 37 States in the just released Socio-Economic Scorecards of Nigerian States.

Ogun State, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, came top in the Financial Sector; third in Capital Importation; third again in Industrialization & Business Competitiveness; fifth in Citizens' Livelihood & Welfare; fourth in ICT Infrastructure and fifth in Education.

In the area of the financial sector, Ogun State came tops with 65.6 percent, followed by Kaduna with 62.4 percent, while Oyo came third with 62.0 percent.

The Ogun State came third in capital importation with 61.1 percent. The State was only beaten by Lagos State, which came first with 68.7 percent and FCT, with 67.8 percent.

Again, the Gateway State came third in Industrialisation and Business Competitiveness with 61.5 percent, behind Lagos State with 70.1 percent and Oyo State with 62.9 percent.

The state came fifth in Citizens' Livelihood & Welfare, with 53.7 percent, while the state was placed fourth in ICT Infrastructure with 73.6 percent. In education, the state secured the fifth position with 60 percent.

Ogun State also scored high in Land, Housing and Sanitation where it placed fifth with 50.3 percent, and 11th in Energy and Environment (48.9 percent).

“Ogun ranks 6th, having an overall score of 52.50%, which is higher than the average score of 45.65% for all states. The strongest segment in Ogun is ICT infrastructure where it ranks 4th while the weakest is transportation where it ranks 32nd. The state scores higher than average in ICT infrastructure, financial sector, and industrialisation and business competitiveness, but lower in other segments,” it said.

Overall, Lagos came first with 62.38 percent, followed closely by the FCT with 58.58 percent, Oyo third with 54.61 percent, Rivers with 54.01percent came fourth, while Kano came fifth with 52.65 percent.

“A total of 57 indicators were used in the construction of the Scorecard across 12 key broad socio-economic segments; namely: i) Economic Output; ii) Government Finance; iii) Financial Sector; iv) Capital Importation; v) Land, Housing and Sanitation; vi) Transportation; vii) ICT Infrastructure; viii) Energy and Environment; ix) Industrialisation and Business Competitiveness; x) Education; xi) Health; and xii) Citizens’ Livelihood and Welfare.

“The most recent values on each of these 57 indicators are compared and the States and FCT ranked from 1 to 37 depending on how well they perform relative to one another. These ranks are then averaged across the indicators for each state and FCT under the relevant segment as shown in equation,” the Data Services said.

Abiodun commiserates Ogunbanwo family over demise of their patriarch, Chief Christopher Oladipupo

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the death of Chief Christopher Oladipupo Ogunbanwo as a great loss to the State, Nigeria and humanity.

Prince Abiodun, while commiserating with the family of the late business tycoon, who passed on to glory on Saturday, said he was a worthy son of Ogun State and a great philanthropist of note, while alive.

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, in Abeokuta on Sunday, added that Chief Ogunbanwo distinguished himself as a very cerebral lawyer who combined the knowledge of law with entrepreneurial shrewdness.

Governor Abiodun prayed God to grant the family of the late philanthropist the necessary strength to bear the irreplaceable loss and an eternal rest for the departed soul in the bosom of the Lord.

"My heartfelt condolences to the entire dynasty of Ogunbanwo, over the passing of their patriarch who passed on to the glory few months to his 100th birthday.

"We take solace in the fact that Baba lived a very impacful and eventful life to the glory of God and selfless service to humanity.

"May God in his infinite mercy rest his soul and grant his family the requisite fortitude to bear the irreparable loss," the statement read.

Abiodun doles out N55m In ScholarshipTo Indigent Students In Memory Of Late Son

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has instituted a Scholarship Award scheme for 550 indigent students in Remo Federal Constituency of the state in honour of his late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, who died six years ago.

The scholarships cover pupils in primary and secondary schools as well as those in vocational and tertiary institutions.

The scholarship was spread across all schools in its coverage area.

Speaking at the launch of the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Scholarship Award held at Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, Prince Abiodun said the scheme will ensure that brilliant students and those whose parents could not afford to educate them, have access to quality education.

According to him, the number of beneficiaries will increase to 1000 in the next 12 months, which will be the minimum at any given time.

He also promised that the scholarship would be extended to the other federal constituencies in the state for maximum spread.

He said: "It is against this backdrop that my family came up with a scholarship scheme called GBEMIGA ABIODUN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD, in memory of our son, Gbemiga Abiodun, which is strictly for indigent learners of Public Primary, Secondary Schools, Technical College and Tertiary Institutions, as well as Special Needs Learners within Ikenne, Remo North, and Sagamu Local Government Areas, to provide support to selected learners who are from the aforementioned local government areas of Ogun State.

"The Award is in two phases. The first phase is to be a Scholarship Award, designed for indigent and brilliant students while its alternative form; the second phase will be a Bursary Award for in-need but not necessarily brilliant indigent students whose chances of upward socio-economic mobility are probable with bursary support.

"This Scholarship award is designed for a period of three (3) years and within the age bracket of 6-25, and selection will be determined by the State Ministry of Education Science and Technology, using the Cumulative Promotion Examination Result obtainable from the OGSERA platform while the beneficiaries for tertiary institutions were recommended by their respective institutions."

The governor described education as the only light to the future of prosperity, development and peaceful co-existence, noting that the programme was conceived to celebrate the impactful and eventful life of Gbemiga Abiodun and all that he stood for while alive, adding the deceased lived a life of selflessness, consistency and scholarship.

"Olu, beyond his popular choosing career as a Disc Jockey had an unwavering passion for sound education, which he pursued passionately till God called him to be with him on that fateful day of 7th October, 2017.

"It is instructive to know that Olu's choosing career as a Disc Jockey was a product of his innate passion for music and rhythms at a very tender age; the passion he consistently pursued to the apogee," the governor added.

Prince Abiodun who decried the low enrollment of girls in male dominated trades in Technical Colleges and Vocational Centres compared to boys, also regretted that despite the free education policy of his administration and students in higher institutions paying less, many basic school completers are hindered from proceeding beyond junior or secondary schools and acquiring tertiary education.

He called on the beneficiaries to make the best of the scheme to better their lots, saying it is the best way his family would keep the memory of the deceased alive.

In her opening remarks, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said the scheme is to impart on the lives of the beneficiaries and their parents, especially at these trying times, expressing the hope that the scheme would achieve it purpose of bringing succour to the benefiting families.

Giving a brief on the Scheme, the Special Adviser to the governor on Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said scholarship is being sponsored entirely by the Dapo Abiodun family.

He explained that 200 learners from public primary schools would receive the sum of N50,000 each, to take care of their educational materials, 200 students from public secondary schools would get N100,000 for their educational materials, while100 students in tertiary institutions would be paid N250,000 each to take care of their educational needs.

Arigbabu explained further that a dedicated account would be open for beneficiaries in the primary and secondary schools to be disbursed by their head teachers and principals, while those in tertiary institutions would receive theirs personally.

Prof. Arigbabu while thanking the governor and his family for the gesture, said winners were chosen by the Ministry of Education Science and Technology based on their academic records, using the Cumulative Promotion Examination Result obtainable from the OGSERA Platform while the beneficiaries for tertiary institutions were recommended by their respective schools.

World Teachers' Day: Abiodun employs 3000 teachers, presents houses, cash to teachers, schools

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the immediate employment of 1000 Ogun Teach Interns to mark this year's World Teachers' Day.

The gesture is meant to improve the pupil-teacher ratio and to fill the existing vacancies in public schools.

The governor also approved the engagement of 2,000 new OGUNTEACh applicants to the already engaged 2000 interns as well as a bungalow and cash prizes to teachers who did the State proud in the course of discharging their duties.

Prince Abiodun disclosed this at the year 2023 World Teachers' Day celebration with the theme: "The Teachers We Need for Education We Want; the Global Imperative to Reverse Teachers Shortage," held at the Oba's Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor said the appointment of the new teachers takes immediate effect, adding that the administration is doing everything possible to improve the lots of teachers.

He said: "It is my great joy to announce to you that Ogun State will be having an education summit soonest, for cross-fertilizing ideas by critical stakeholders in the sector, to proffer workable solutions to how to improve our education sector beyond this point and institutionalize the desired excellence in all our schools in line with the dreams of our founding fathers.

"To complement this initiative, we will be inaugurating an education trust fund to fund education infrastructure across the various levels. Also, a special committee on the rehabilitation of public schools to complement SUBEB's interventions will be inaugurated soon."

The governor reiterated his administration's high premium on the welfare and wellbeing of teachers just as it continues to prioritise education to be in the first line charge in expenditure for the state and in all the local governments to bridge the gap of deficit in the sector.

While reeling out some achievements in the education sector, Governor Abiodun said his administration has embarked on the training of 750 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers in a new teaching pedagogy called PSI-PMI to suppress the conventional approach of teaching, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

To encourage teachers to perform optimally, the governor said he has directed the release of promotion letters for 2021-2022, two months of leave bonuses for public servants, and N10,000.00 payments to all public servants and pensioners in the state.

"Our government also procured and installed the Education Management Information System (EMIS) equipment and gadgets to aid data collection, collation, and analysis in the education sector across the 20 LGEAs, among many interventions to prepare our students to compete with their peers around the world and also provide an enabling and conducive working environment for our teachers to contribute their best."

The governor emphasized that as a responsive government, it is convinced of the need to better the lots of teachers to compensate for their selfless contributions to the upliftment of society, as the future of the children depends on the level and quality of their productivity.

While stressing the need to address the shortage of teachers in Nigeria's education sector and that of the sub-Saharan Africa, the governor quoting data from the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said 69 million teachers are needed mostly from sub-saharan Africa to reach universal basic education by 2030, while additional 24.4 million teachers in primary education and some 44.4 million teachers in secondary education are needed to achieve universal basic education by 2030.

"According to the data unveiled for 2022 World Teachers' Day, 5.4 million teachers are needed at the primary level in sub-Saharan Africa and 11.1 million teachers at the secondary level if we are to achieve the targets set by the 2030 Agenda," he added.

In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the governor on Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu described teachers as great patriots who are in the business of molding young minds, appreciating them for their efforts in maintaining the State's standard of education.

In his goodwill message, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Abiodun Akinola, lauded Governor Abiodun for keeping fate with the annual event and for sustaining the Excellency Awards for best teachers and school administrators in the state, calling on the government to employ more teaching staff to reduce the workload of the existing ones.

The State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUS), Comrade Felix Agbesanwa on his part stated that Nigeria and the world at large is facing the challenge of unprecedented shortage of teachers, adding that this year's celebration was to stop the decline in the number teachers and to showcase practice that would attract, retain and motivate those in the teaching profession.

Agbesanwa commended the Governor for implementing five years of promotion in four years for workers in the state, and for abolishing all levies in schools as well as initiating through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, various policies and interventions geared towards increasing students Higher Education Potential in the state.

Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of keys of 2-bedroom bungalows to Mr. Akeem Badru, the first African winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher's Award and the best overall Teacher in public primary school from Egba Division, Mr.Togbe Ganiyu.

Others were cash prizes of N2 million to Mr. Amosun Temitope Olaoluwa as best teacher in junior secondary school from Remo, N2 million for Mr. Ganiyu Wasiu, as best teacher, senior secondary school category from Egba Division.

Ajayi Abosede emerged the best primary school administrator from Egba division with a cash prize of N1 million, Samza Omolara from Ijebu Division emerged the best school administrator in junior secondary school, while Kusimo Oluseyi was adjudged the best administrator in senior secondary school from Egba division with N1 million.

Baptist High School (Junior), Saje, Abeokuta, emerged the best in public secondary school and took home N7.5 million, followed by Remo Secondary School (Senior), Sagamu, which also went home with N7.5m.

Angela Otabo from Egba Division went home with N500,000 having emerged the best teacher in the private school category.

Abiodun Promises More Developmental Projects, Says Tribunal Judgment Diligent, Meticulous

...as civil servants welcome him to Oke Mosan

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated that his administration would build upon the successes recorded in the last four years.

Speaking at a special program organized by civil servants to welcome him after his victory at the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday, Abiodun expressed gratitude to the judiciary for the transparent judgement that affirmed his victory.

"Yes, we worked very hard in the first four years of our tenure against all attempted distractions. We worked very hard on our re-election. We campaigned across the nooks and crannies of the state and we won that election fair and square.

"But, some mischievous individuals decided that, that defeat was not enough for them, they had to go to court, having failed to purchase that election. I want to thank the Almighty God for yet again reaffirming our victory through the 3-man Ogun State Election Tribunal that delivered its eleven-and-a-half-hour judgement on Saturday, the 30th September.

"We thank the judiciary for standing for what is true and just. It was a diligent, meticulous and transparent judgement, leaving no one in doubt, except for those that want to continue to be mischievous," he said.

He called on all his adversaries to set aside their grudges against him and join his administration in moving the state forward.

"In the area of infrastructure, we will continue to surpass every other state. In the area of education, we will ensure that Ogun State occupies its pride of place in the comity of states, not just in Nigeria, West Africa or Africa, but the entire world.

"In the area of youth development and job creation, we will remain relentless and will soon be announcing some of the packages that we have for our youths in the coming weeks," the governor added.

The Governor further reiterated his commitment towards fulfilling the promises made to the people of the state, especially in the areas of infrastructural development, education, youth development, and job creation.

He also emphasized his avowed resolve to make Ogun State the number one investment destination in the country, while maintaining a transparent and fair administration.

The Governor, also commended the state civil servants for their dedication and cooperation.

The State Head of Service, Mr. Kola Peter Fagbohun, in his remarks congratulated Governor Abiodun and assured him of the support and commitment of civil servants in the State.

Ogun: IPAC lauds Tribunal's verdict, congratulates Gov. Abiodun

....insists Ladi Adebutu must return home to face charges of electoral malpractices

The Inter Party Advisory Council(IPAC) in Ogun State, has commended the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the State over its Saturday's verdict, which upheld the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

It would be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and it's candidate in the March 18 governorship poll, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, had petitioned the Tribunal citing some alleged irregularities.

Subsequently, the 3-man panel, in it's ruling that lasted for almost 11 hours unanimously dismissed all the three grounds canvassed by the petitioners, for lack of merit and incompetence.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, the IPAC's State Chairman, Engr Samson Okusanya, described the statement credited to PDP after the judgement, which discredited the verdict, as docile and out of crass ignorance from political merchants.

Okusanya, said contrary to the claims made by Adebutu and his team of lawyers that the verdict of the Tribunal was based on technicalities, the rulings were actually predicated on fairness and objectivity on the point of law.

"Ogun State IPAC, wouldn't have dignified this beer parlour publication laced with deliberate falsehood or considered it necessary to react to such an epistle of personal bitterness, ignorance and complete unintelligent outburst from those Political traders, Buccaneers, Scavengers , emergency democrats, political predators , misfits and pedestrian politician, but for the benefit of the few in the public who may innocently be misinformed by this ethically rusty and morally depraved social misfit and miscreants.

"We find their arguments empty and blind, where they claimed they were perplexed by the Tribunal's reliance on technicalities involving procedural issues and semantics of the interpretation of words over the substance and core realities of the case.

"Ladi Adebutu and his team of Lawyers ought to have known that law and facts are not based on technicalities but rather on fairness and objectivity of the legal process which stipulates that the petitioner ought to have front- loaded certain information in the petition.

"Or did our laws not state emphatically that HE WHO ALLEGES MUST PROVE?

"The Tribunal's verdict on Ladi Adebutu petition clearly revealed that the petition contained so many procedural flaws with antecedents interpretation of words. The subsequent dismissal of the substantive suits is therefore right in the eyes of the Law", IPAC averred.

It, therefore, commended members of the panel for treating the petitions on its merit and with analytical minds, saying the verdict was a watershed and point of reference; that is even as it called on other political parties to join hands with Governor Dapo Abiodun to move the State to an enviable heights.

IPAC, also called on Adebutu to return home from his present sojourn abroad as fugitive, following allegations of vote buying and money laundering levelled against him by security agencies, and discontinue his plan to approach the appellate court for further litigation.

It continued: "We salute the Judiciary and most importantly the members of the Tribunal led by Justice Kunaza and other members for a job welldone. The judgment was indeed watershed as it was deep, analytical and fair in all ramifications. We make.bold.to say it is worthy of emulation.

"At this juncture, we call on the 3 remaining opposition Parties in Ogun State to support the dream of H.E Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, in order to further move Ogun State forward. The wishes of the people of Ogun State have been upheld by the Tribunal and as such, all well meaning stakeholders in the state must drop their hatchets and join Governor Dapo Abiodun's march to prosperity.

"The PDP and her candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, should by now realisze that Ogun State is not a commodity for purchase. We implore him to discontinue his sojourn abroad as fugitive, and immediately return to Ogun State in Nigeria to join hands to build our dear state. He should as a matter of importance, discontinue his planned wild goose chase at the appellate Court and accept the will of God.

"It's a known fact that Mr Adebutu is being hunted by the vote buying allegations which has been investigated by different relevant agencies thus it expedient for him to turn himself in.

"We, therefore, congratulate Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the victory of Saturday, and urge him to continue to demonstrate good leadership in Ogun State and remain focused in transforming the State".

This is the day the Lord has made. We thank and give all the glory to the Almighty God for this judgement and for not allowing us to be put to shame.


I congratulate all of us again on our second gubernatorial electoral victory as painstakingly and meticulously affirmed by the Ogun Governorship Election Tribunal today.


We were never in doubt that our hard-earned victory would be affirmed as we placed our trust in God, having worked the hardest, campaigning in every nook and cranny of Ogun State . We won fair and square. We earned it and deserved it .You are all witnesses of the triumph of tenacity and of our resolve and determination.


I want to appreciate the judiciary, particularly the three tribunal judges led by Justice Kunaza, for not just dispensing justice but doing so transparently, diligently and thoroughly . I thank our team of very experienced, learned and respected lawyers led by Chief Olanipekun SAN and Prof Osipitan, Kalejaiye , Muiz Banire , Akinlawon, Fasanu, Ogunwunmiju and Ikpeazu, all SANs, and the juniors and all others here today for their professionalism.


I would like to thank the entire APC led by Baba Osoba and the Chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi, for providing me with a strong platform to stand on, and for their support.


I particularly thank those that were in court faithfully throughout all the proceedings. I want to thank members of my cabinet: my SSG, DCOS, CEA, Attorney-General designate , Commissioner-designates, Advisers and other appointees for standing by me with unwavering faith.



And definitely not the least, I want to appreciate all the members of my family: my Mum, my wife, my children, my siblings and of course all my friends, the good people of Ogun State that voted me in, and all other well wishers for all your prayers, good wishes and support throughout this period .This is a victory for democracy, victory for rule of law and judiciary; a victory for our great party, APC and victory for Ogun State.



We hope that the petitioners /distractors having failed to buy the election and the judgement under the guise of exercising their fundamental human rights will now, in the spirit of patriotism, congratulate and join hands with us in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are committed to the irrevocable implementation of our vision through our ISEYA mantra for wholesome development of our state. I will remain fair, just, equitable and inclusive. I again reiterate that no part of this state will be developed at the expense of another. I will be Governor of all. We have three years and eight months left to fulfill all our electoral promises made in the course of campaign.


Omo Ogun, ISEYA … Igbega Ipinle Ogun, Ajose wa ni.