₦airaland Forum

.....says dialogue remains best option

The Management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has called on Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) chapter of the Polytechnic to review it's stance on the proposed warning strike about to embark upon and kindly reverse it.

The Polytechnic Management in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the school, Sola Lawal, said the appeal became necessary in the interest of the students and the academic community at large.

The statement stated that since there is ongoing peace meeting to find an amicable solution to every issue, such proposed warning strike is needless and unnecessary, adding that some of the demands of the union are being implemented gradually.

According to the statement, the Dr John Adekolawole-led management, with full backing of the Governing Council led by Air Cdre Emmanuel Jekada will continue to engage members of the union as very important stakeholders with a view of creating a conducive and peaceful environment for learning and research.

"While the management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, recognises the inalienable right of every Union to down tools in the course of pressing home it's demand, we therefore consider this proposed warning strike about to embark upon by SSANIP as needless, considering the sincerity of the management to resolve every contending issue.

"To show the level of commitment and seriousness of the management, some of the demands of the union are being implemented gradually in order not to collapse the entire system.

"We hereby want to assure the general public that the Polytechnic is still maintaining it's peaceful atmosphere without any rancour, as efforts are in place to settle with SSANIP quickly without delay", the statement read.

This Dino is a man with childish mind.

He stands for nothing and always falls for anything.

The Ogun State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the victory of Prince Dapo Abiodun at the just concluded governorship primary as a “deserved vote of confidence in the Governor by the leaders and members of the party.”

In a congratulatory message to the Governor on Thursday, shortly after the governorship primary held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, the party described the victory of Governor Abiodun as “a deserved vote of confidence in the state’s helmsman for the peace and progress he has brought to the state since his assumption of office on May 29, 2019.”

The APC also enjoined other contestants in the primary election to accept the outcome and join hands with the governor towards ensuring landslide victory for the party in the general elections.

The statement read in part: “We rejoice with our Governor on his well deserved victory at the just concluded governorship primary election, which we see as a further demonstration of the confidence reposted on the hardworking Governor.

"In the last three years, despite the global economic and health challenges, Prince Dapo Abiodun has demonstrated uncommon zeal, capacity and implemented initiatives that have translated into the emergence of a modern Ogun State where no sector or area is neglected.

“Coming in quick succession was the endorsement of the Governor by the Ogun State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council and the award of the Governor of the year by the Vanguard newspaper. All these are testimonies to the fact that a competent leader is in charge.

“The party is using this medium to call on all contestants at the primaries to accept the outcome of the exercise, which was transparent, free and fair. Only one person can occupy the seat of a Governor at a time. We therefore urge loyal party members to cooperate with the winner.”

Tunde Oladunjoye (08055655125)

You are as useless as your comment

hisexcellency34:
most useless deputy never heard of him in almost four years

Images of Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi

Images of Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi

Images of Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi

Images of Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi

Ogun 2023 and proposed government by proxy

Ogun State, the revered gateway of modernity and civilization in Nigeria combines two essential ingredients of greatness. It is strategically located and possesses avalanche of cerebral personalities of global standard.

These two important features make the state unique in terms of exposure and degree of consciousness, especially in the area of intellectualism and commerce.

That the State parades some of the most celebrated intellectuals in Nigeria and Africa at large is no more a news, many of the most successful and respected political leaders in Nigeria of today are from Ogun State.

There is no doubt that the people of the State are very sophisticated and civilized, they critically assess issues on the basis of logic and verifiable evidence and without sentiment irrespective of prevailing circumstances.

Obviously, Ogun State is not the type of State a usurper can survive and have a field day without being challenged and terribly disgraced.

The turn of political events in the State, from the beginning of this fourth republic confirmed this assertion, that the people of the State will resist any attempt by a political dealer to ply his trade and advance his greed.

Going forward, the fruitless expedition that started since 2018 but ended in disarray and ignominy has been shamelessly reactivated again towards the 2023 gubernatorial election .

It is indeed laughable that the leader of the team, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who is the former Governor of the State had learned nothing and forgotten nothing despite his self-acclaimed political knowledge and skill.

For the former Governor to have embarked on this endless route again means Ogun State was under siege for the period Senator Amosun held sway as the Governor of the State; the mentality of desperation and selfishness he has displayed in the recent time exposed him as a despot.

It then became more interesting when majority of Ogun State citizens realized in the last four years that the scope of Amosun's antics is to impose a stooge and docile personality as Governor and continue to rule by proxy.

I, therefore, congratulate the good people of Ogun State for their resilience and doggedness to resist government by proxy and support progressive and responsive government of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

May God bless Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

Kajogbola Ajani, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

Ogun State, the revered gateway of modernity and civilization in Nigeria combines two essential ingredients of greatness. It is strategically located and possesses avalanche of cerebral personalities of global standard.

These two important features make the state unique in terms of exposure and degree of consciousness, especially in the area of intellectualism and commerce.

That the State parades some of the most celebrated intellectuals in Nigeria and Africa at large is no more a news, many of the most successful and respected political leaders in Nigeria of today are from Ogun State.

There is no doubt that the people of the State are very sophisticated and civilized, they critically assess issues on the basis of logic and verifiable evidence and without sentiment irrespective of prevailing circumstances.

Obviously, Ogun State is not the type of State a usurper can survive and have a field day without being challenged and terribly disgraced.

The turn of political events in the State, from the beginning of this fourth republic confirmed this assertion, that the people of the State will resist any attempt by a political dealer to ply his trade and advance his greed.

Going forward, the fruitless expedition that started since 2018 but ended in disarray and ignominy has been shamelessly reactivated again towards the 2023 gubernatorial election .

It is indeed laughable that the leader of the team, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who is the former Governor of the State had learned nothing and forgotten nothing despite his self-acclaimed political knowledge and skill.

For the former Governor to have embarked on this endless route again means Ogun State was under siege for the period Senator Amosun held sway as the Governor of the State; the mentality of desperation and selfishness he has displayed in the recent time exposed him as a despot.

It then became more interesting when majority of Ogun State citizens realized in the last four years that the scope of Amosun's antics is to impose a stooge and docile personality as Governor and continue to rule by proxy.

I, therefore, congratulate the good people of Ogun State for their resilience and doggedness to resist government by proxy and support progressive and responsive government of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

May God bless Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

Kajogbola Ajani, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

With the collection/submission of Governorship expression and nomination forms by Hon Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade popularly known with sobriquet Triple A, he has finally returned to a familiar turf where the batton was forcefully hijacked from him in 2019 Governorship contest.

It has been about 3 years of patience and waiting. The speculation has been quite rife within the political discourse across the State. Some political speculators and merchants of power game were even magistrial and categorical; Triple A cannot contest for governorship again. To them, he was down and out. Those ones should take their wrong postulation in their stride now that Triple A is back in the race.

For Triple A, the 3 years of political silence has been quite reflective, engaging and strategic. It has been years of retrospection, introspection and proper planning for the days at hand and coming ones. Lessons has been learnt from past experience. Now the waiting game is over for his political admirers across the state. It's now time to set sail again. Like the Yoruba proverb he's found of says "(Ti Esin Ba Dani, A ma tun gu ni". My direct translation of this will be, when you take a fall from a horse, you have to mount it again.

As the great Nelson Mandela of blessed memory said " It always seems impossible until it is done" From general perception, uprooting an incumbent Governor who is also interested in the race look daunting but Triple A believes that the difficulty of a task does not necessarily means it is impossible. In any case, history is replete with incumbent Governors that have lost their reelection bids. Even incumbent President like president Goodluck Jonathan lost in 2015 with all the power and its ancillary. Artillery of knowledge is always greater than knowledge of artillery which is always going to be limited in scope.

Among those presently in the governorship race across the various political parties in Ogun State, Triple A has name recognition. Aside the incumbent Governor, Triple A is the only one who had been to election proper before. Others presently in the race never had this kind of distinct experience. It does not come easy. One or two with such experiences are not in the governship race but something else. As such, no one in the Governorship race presently can match his kind of forbearance and fortitude. Triple A story is one of grit, drive, determination, focus, talent and immense grace of God. It is the story of the man that cling to people of Ogun State like heavy downpour of Autumn rain in 2019 electioneering process and thereafter.

Aside the incumbent factor on the part of the sitting Governor, Triple A is the man to beat in the race particularly from same political structure. He is dogged and committed to lofty goals and beliefs. The reason he is back in the race is out of conviction that Ogun State deserves a better deal than what is currently at play. Triple A is mentally stable, highly pragmatic even in the face daunting uphill obstacles. He is ideologically sound with big dreams that will definitely give Ogun State a quantum leap kind of development. He has knack not just for public finance theories but also investment applications, corporate world and ways of doing things at the highest level that can only be beneficial to humanity.

Presently, we can say it is morning yet on the creation day with the submission of forms. But the days ahead promises to be highly engaging for the people of Ogun State. Triple A is all out to play a pivotal role in chatting rightful course of development for the people of Ogun State. He is not in the race just to fulfill all righteousness or just a participant like an Olympian. He is the race for the real deal. May the will of God be done not only for him but generality of Ogun people.


*TAYO OYEKANMI*

A socio-politcal group in Ogun State, ''Ogun Renaissance'' has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to call the former Governor in the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to order before is too late.

The group, in a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Tokunbo Ajasa, and made available to newmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Tuesday said Amosun and his supporters are exhibiting dangerous trend of desperation to get back to power through the back door.

Ajasa opined that the level of desperation displaying by the lawmaker and his cronies is capable of dragging the State into serious chaos if something is not done quickly to salvage the situation.

He added that there is a substantiated evidence that the former Governor has set up a propaganda machine with several nocturnal meetings to defame Governor Dapo Abiodun with wrong accusations and throw the state into confusion.

According to him, despite the popularity of Abiodun led administration in the State, Amosun and few others in his team are going around to malign the government and the party in power.

He further accused the former governor of exposing the party,APC, into ridicule with several of malicious content sponsoring in the media against the Governor, adding that such activities are unbecoming of a party man of Amosun status.

''It is very unfortunate that Senator Ibikunle Amosun, after spending eight years as a Governor of Ogun State with fire and fury, he is still scrambling to come back through the back door and govern the state through third party.

''His recent propaganda against Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Government has exposed him as desperate man ready to sacrifice anything to achieve selfish tendencies.

''It is obvious that Amosun has not forgiven Abiodun for defeating his stooge in the gubernatorial election of 2019, which understandably brought about the current war of vendetta the former Governor is waging against the incumbent.

''To this end, we passionately call on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, to quickly call the Senator to order and stop distracting the Governor from serious job of governance'', the statement read.

A forensic expert, Dr. Abdulhameed Adedeji, has dismissed as a poor hatchet job, the photograph circulating on social media purportedly showing that the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was arrested for criminal activities in the United States in the late 80s.

Adedeji, who said photoshopped images could be easily detected through zooming in, reversed text, missing reflections, bad perspective and by checking its edges, among others, wondered why it would take a badly photoshopped image to prove that anyone has a pending criminal case when the country is known for its meticulous record-keeping system.


He said that apart from the fact that checks in the office of the District Attorney and in courts at the purported jurisdictions of the crime put a lie to the claims of Abiodun’s detractors, the circulating image was nothing but concocted documents superimposed on Governor Abiodun’s younger picture, probably taken from his old passport.


He challenged the authors of the picture to show evidence that the United States deliberately blurs the neck region of any suspect, making the head to look like a caricature, as done by the authors of the photoshop in their hasty bid to purvey falsehood.


Reiterating that the picture was a photoshop apparently done by the governor’s political adversary, Adedeji said a close look at the picture reveals two lines on the right, one for the passport and one for the other line, while a finger is clearly visible on the left.


He added: “This kind of photoshop is so crude that no self-respecting media outfit can publish it, and it cannot be presented as part of the evidence pool in any court of law.

“I am inclined to believe the claim that it is the handiwork of political adversaries who see that the governor is doing so well and thought of what they could do to discredit him, following their woeful outing at the last election. It is so bad that it will cause considerable embarrassment to anyone who presents it as ‘evidence’ in a court of law.”


Adedeji, who admitted that there were different software to manipulate photos, said a simple click on a photograph could give revealing information on when it was actually taken and whether or not it is an original document.




“The image is the outcome of crude superimposition on a photograph. It should be completely disregarded,” he said

Dapo Abiodun: How sterling performance defies venom of calumny

The brewing smear campaign against the incumbent Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by drowning politicians in the State, led by the former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is not in anyway strange to every discerning individual in the state and beyond, in fact, it is even expected, going by the enviable performance of the Governor and the cynic nature of his predecessor.

This war of attrition that started since the very moment Dapo Abiodun indicated interest to change the trend of despotic governance in Ogun State by vying for governorship on the platform of APC continued rather tirelessly, as the king of the manor remains blindfolded by inordinate ambition of total dominance.

The onslaught against Governor Abiodun was later intensified when his dynamic leadership became manifested in the steady and progressive manner he is transforming the state from all fronts, especially in the area of infrastructure and human capital development, despite the enormity of deficit left behind by his predecessor.

Obviously, this revolutionary change of order to the admiration of many in the State, especially the downtrodden, who had been callously oppressed by the suffocating civilian junta superinteded by Ibikunle Amosun became a nightmare for the former Governor and his cohorts, hence, the move to bring the incumbent Governor down by all possible means.

That Amosun and his co-travellers have thrown decency and Omoluabi ethos into the dustbin is no more a news, they have practically become satanic and dangerously desperate, in their fruitless efforts to take over mantle of leadership by force in order to continue with their oppression.

It is shameful that Amosun and his foot soldiers could come this low after their failed attempts to stop the Governor in the countdown to 2019 gubernatorial election in the State, and the level of global embarrassment they brought to the State during campaigns.

Sincerely, this paradigm shift in the pattern of development and growth in all strata of the State and the people-oriented leadership entrenched by Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State will not stop, no matter the degree of propaganda embarked upon by Ibikunle Amosun and his docile team.

It is quite interesting now that majority of Ogun Citizens are aware of the antics of the former Governor to impose a rubber stamp on the State and rule by proxy, which informed his cat race to control the party and the political structure.

While it is certain that many Nigerians are also aware of the intricacies of cold war in the political space of Ogun State, spearheaded by Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the determination of the people in the State to follow the path of honour and developmental leadership as against autocracy and deception, it is therefore instructive to tell Amosun and his 'boys' to listen to the evergreen warning of Amil Cabral:

"Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies wherever they are told.

"Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories".

Comrade Kayode Tella writes from Abeokuta.

May 9, 2022.

Medial Alert!
Fresh attempts by Amosun to smear Gov. Abiodun

The Dapo Abiodun Campaign Organisation (DACA) said it has uncovered “a fraudulent plot” to malign the reputation of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun through sponsored advertorials in newspapers and on social media which are planned to be released anytime from now.

The plot, the organization said, has been traced to a cell of smear campaigners being sponsored by the immediate past governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Recently, Amosun’s loyalists have been coming up with malicious, unfounded and totally false allegations to incriminate the governor and present him as one who is ineligible to contest the high office he’s occupying,” it said.
“It has been observed that the cell which also masterminded the exit of a former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has been activated to conjure and spread damaging and wicked rumours to sully the sterling qualities of Governor Dapo Abiodun because of his re-election aspiration.
“The plan is to use fake advertorials in as many media as possible, both mainstream and social, of faceless individuals with fictitious names to cast aspersions on the Governor.
The smear campaign also targets the use of fake news, propaganda, and malicious narratives through spon¬sored articles, and other tools to undermine Prince Dapo Abiodun’s achievements as Governor of the Gateway State.
The All Progressives Congress spokesman in Ogun State, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, had earlier warned of the evil plan saying, “the party has steadily monitored these shameful activities, their perpetrators and therefore wished to inform the public to disregard the emerging trends and patterns by these frustrated elements who are embittered because of their inability to control the structure of the party.”
The spokesperson said the same set of people were behind the subterfuge that saw the former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, out of office.”

“We are committed to providing a level-playing ground for all aspirants who must also shun campaigns of calumny against one another”, he said.
“Those engaged in the deliberate efforts to run it down the governor are on their own. We will support issue-based campaigns and any attempt to resort to character assassination and publication of scandalous and libelous information, will be subjected to party internal disciplinary measures “

The party spokesman praised reputable media organisations that have adroitly stood by the noble tenets of journalism practice.“

No matter the temptation, some media houses are focused, professional and would not compromise the ethics of journalism. We salute them and recommend others,” Oladunjoye concluded.

We are not increasing school fees for all students- Ede Poly mgt,

.....says allegation baseless, unfounded

The Management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has debunked allegation of increase in school fees for all students as made by some individuals, describing it as baseless and callous.

The Polytechnic Management, made this known through a statement signed by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sola Lawal and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

The statement faulted claims made by those individuals that the school fees was increased by 100%, for all students, adding that only 30% adjustment was made for new intakes, those new set of students that are to resume next month.

"No increment was made whatsoever for old students, the misinformation making the round by some individuals that 100 per cent increment was made for all students is not only unfounded but wicked and unthinkable.

"As a matter of fact, the Polytechnic website/student portal has correct school fees structures for all levels of students.

"Indeed, we are not unaware of the unfriendly economic season, that is why the increase was pegged at 30% maginal increase. Even at that, it's still the lowest in the zone and only for those that are coming in newly.

" The simple analysis of the pattern of payment is that those that are paying #32000 while admitted will continue paying the amount till graduation", the statement read in part.

It added that the decision on the 30 per cent increase for the new students was a product of wide consultations with critical stakeholders of the institution, including the Students Union leadership (SUL EXCOs) before the final approval of The Governing Council.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, on Friday conducted the Students' Union Leadership Election through electronic voting, thereby setting a pace for E-voting in Nigeria's higher institution of learning.

This was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen on Saturday by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sola Lawal.

According to the statement, the Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Oluyemi Omotosho (jnr) after the exercise attributed the success of the poll to the unflinching support of Dr. Prince John Taiwo Adekolawole led Management, coupled with good initiative of the entire staff of Directorate of Students Affairs(DSA), with creative implementation by the ICT & MIS departments that developed the Application.

He added that:" Special recognition also goes to the Chief security officer of the institution and his entire staff, all Polytechnic functionaries for their unalloyed support throughout the elections period".

Meanwhile, the Rector of the institution, Dr. John Taiwo Adekolawole, while making remarks on the conduct of the election asserted that the success of the Students' Union poll has again proved to the entire world that the institution is following the path of making the citadel a house-hold name in the global arena.

According to him, the enviable feat could be ascribed to the motto of the Polytechnic which is " KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND CHARACTER, he, therefore, urged the students to be a good ambassador of the institution and sustain the tempo of credibility and enviable pride which the Polytechnic is noted for.

He also implored other higher institutions of learning to follow suite and develop similar voting application to ensure peaceful and democratic exercise.

The Ogun State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council has adopted the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for second term in office as as the Chief Executive of the Gateway state.

At a meeting held on Friday at the Obas Complex, Abeokuta, the state capital, the members of the GAC led by Chief Olu Bisola Okuboyejo, unanimously endorsed Abiodun for second term based on his sterling performance and re-engineered public good in the nooks and crannies of Ogun State.

After several testimonies on the performance of the Governor who was sworn-in on May 29, 2019 for his first term, the Chairman of GAC called for a motion for endorsement from the elders.

The motion was subsequently moved by the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka from Ogun East Senatorial District and supported by Chief Olu Agemo from Ogun West Senatorial District and Chief Segun Sowunmi from Central Senatorial District.

The Chairman later called for a voice vote and there was no dissenting voice.

In an emotional-laden tone, Governor Abiodun thanked the elders profusely for the endorsement and promised never to take them for granted.

“I didn’t get to know about this meeting until a couple of hours ago. I want to assure you that I sincerely appreciate you and will not take you for granted. I must thank my team, from my deputy governor, to the Speaker, Secretary to the State Government, Judiciary and the civil service. One can only be good as one’s team. I am really grateful to my good team. I also thanked the media for your balanced reporting, while hoping that we shall continue to enjoy your robust support in the years ahead.”

Earlier in his speech, Chief Okuboyejo remarked that “Prince Dapo Abiodun is a good example of Omoluwabi. The rare selling points for this Administration are confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary.”

His speech read in part: “Today, 6'' day of May, 2022 is historic in the annals of Governor's Elders Advisory Council as we publicly endorse the 2nd Term ambition of our indefatigable governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for second term in office. Having been sworn-in on Wednesday, 29th May, 2019 as the governor, the current tenure would lapse on Sunday, 28 May, 2023.

“The government under his watch is methodical in fashioning the policy agenda around ISEYA with thematic
interpretation on Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth & Women Empowerment and of course Agriculture. The delivery of these social contract elements has been applauded,
even by his ardent critics.

“At this meeting, Elders from different areas of the State have highlighted public goods that have been re-engineered in their domains. They have also mentioned the different kinds of infrastructure efforts that have either been delivered or are ongoing. The rare selling points for this administration are confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary.

“From Elite Road in Abeokuta South, Ajilete in Yew South, Oke-Agbede in Imeko, Owowo in Ewekoro, Alapoti in Ado-odo/Otta, Ifonyintedo in Ipokia, Ibiade in Ogun Waterside, Ilugun in Odeda and Isiwo in Ijebu-Ode; the story of good performance continue to rend the air.

“Other areas like Oke-Sopen in ljebu North, Ilisan in Ikenne, Onidundun in Obafemi-Owode, Ipara in Remo North, Ososun in Ifo, Isote in Sagamu and Ita -Oshin in Abeokuta North among other towns and wards across the length and breadth of the State have not been neglected.

“The issue of social order and protection is also germane to the elders and we applaud the way and manner in which the State Government has been addressing the matter. It is no gainsaying to allude to the fact that security is everybody's business and the right and workable framework that has been provided by the government assure us that things will get better in our dear State.

“We cannot but commend the increase in Ease of Doing Business index that has significantly boosted foreign and indigenous investment in our dear State. The governor has shown himself as numero uno marketer of our Gateway State and the result is evidently clear in the rise in our internally generated revenue.

The Elders, I believe I am speaking your mind. Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR is a good example of Omoluwabi. Aside from his sterling performance in the last three years, his predecessors were also opportune to steer the ship of the State
for two unbroken terms. And as such, the tide should not be broken.

“On this note, and on behalf of all members of Governor's Elders Advisory Council, I hereby proclaim the endorsement of the Elders for His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to serve for second term in office commencing from May, 2023."

END

Tunde Oladunjoye
Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Ogun State
Oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

The Ogun State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council has adopted the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for second term in office as as the Chief Executive of the Gateway state.

At a meeting held on Friday at the Obas Complex, Abeokuta, the state capital, the members of the GAC led by Chief Olu Bisola Okuboyejo, unanimously endorsed Abiodun for second term based on his sterling performance and re-engineered public good in the nooks and crannies of Ogun State.

After several testimonies on the performance of the Governor who was sworn-in on May 29, 2019 for his first term, the Chairman of GAC called for a motion for endorsement from the elders.

The motion was subsequently moved by the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka from Ogun East Senatorial District and supported by Chief Olu Agemo from Ogun West Senatorial District and Chief Segun Sowunmi from Central Senatorial District.

The Chairman later called for a voice vote and there was no dissenting voice.

In an emotional-laden tone, Governor Abiodun thanked the elders profusely for the endorsement and promised never to take them for granted.

“I didn’t get to know about this meeting until a couple of hours ago. I want to assure you that I sincerely appreciate you and will not take you for granted. I must thank my team, from my deputy governor, to the Speaker, Secretary to the State Government, Judiciary and the civil service. One can only be good as one’s team. I am really grateful to my good team. I also thanked the media for your balanced reporting, while hoping that we shall continue to enjoy your robust support in the years ahead.”

Earlier in his speech, Chief Okuboyejo remarked that “Prince Dapo Abiodun is a good example of Omoluwabi. The rare selling points for this Administration are confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary.”

His speech read in part: “Today, 6'' day of May, 2022 is historic in the annals of Governor's Elders Advisory Council as we publicly endorse the 2nd Term ambition of our indefatigable governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for second term in office. Having been sworn-in on Wednesday, 29th May, 2019 as the governor, the current tenure would lapse on Sunday, 28 May, 2023.

“The government under his watch is methodical in fashioning the policy agenda around ISEYA with thematic
interpretation on Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth & Women Empowerment and of course Agriculture. The delivery of these social contract elements has been applauded,
even by his ardent critics.

“At this meeting, Elders from different areas of the State have highlighted public goods that have been re-engineered in their domains. They have also mentioned the different kinds of infrastructure efforts that have either been delivered or are ongoing. The rare selling points for this administration are confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary.

“From Elite Road in Abeokuta South, Ajilete in Yew South, Oke-Agbede in Imeko, Owowo in Ewekoro, Alapoti in Ado-odo/Otta, Ifonyintedo in Ipokia, Ibiade in Ogun Waterside, Ilugun in Odeda and Isiwo in Ijebu-Ode; the story of good performance continue to rend the air.

“Other areas like Oke-Sopen in ljebu North, Ilisan in Ikenne, Onidundun in Obafemi-Owode, Ipara in Remo North, Ososun in Ifo, Isote in Sagamu and Ita -Oshin in Abeokuta North among other towns and wards across the length and breadth of the State have not been neglected.

“The issue of social order and protection is also germane to the elders and we applaud the way and manner in which the State Government has been addressing the matter. It is no gainsaying to allude to the fact that security is everybody's business and the right and workable framework that has been provided by the government assure us that things will get better in our dear State.

“We cannot but commend the increase in Ease of Doing Business index that has significantly boosted foreign and indigenous investment in our dear State. The governor has shown himself as numero uno marketer of our Gateway State and the result is evidently clear in the rise in our internally generated revenue.

The Elders, I believe I am speaking your mind. Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR is a good example of Omoluwabi. Aside from his sterling performance in the last three years, his predecessors were also opportune to steer the ship of the State
for two unbroken terms. And as such, the tide should not be broken.

“On this note, and on behalf of all members of Governor's Elders Advisory Council, I hereby proclaim the endorsement of the Elders for His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to serve for second term in office commencing from May, 2023."

END

Tunde Oladunjoye
Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Ogun State
Oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

By Ismail Rasheed

Homer's Iliad, a vast volume of works that essentially underpin Greek mythology may date back to the 8th century BCE, but there are still numerous tropes in the classic tales seemingly written for contemporary times. Indeed, there appears to be a tale from Greek mythology for whatever hubris and shenanigans seen in Nigeria's politics today.

For a while now, I have struggled to make sense of an unrelenting smear campaign targeting the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Each time I tried to fathom what the motive could be, the more perplexed I got.

However, given that such plots almost always tend to unravel, I reckon that the Myth of Sisyphus somewhat explains this mindless muckraking.

Sisyphus was a legendary king of Ephyra (later known as Corinth) eternally condemned to roll a heavy rock up a hill, only to have it roll down as it nears the top, whereupon the task is repeated.

In trying to situate the rage against the Ogun State governor, it's important to view it in the context of the peculiar hurdle he had to scale in 2019 to secure his party's ticket and, ultimately, the governorship. To supporters of the All Progressives' Congress in Ogun State, Abiodun may have seemed like the heir apparent on account of his political pedigree and immense contribution to the party. But the incumbent had some other ideas. Abiodun prevailed nonetheless.

If the party's ticket secured in spite of the then incumbent's well-known aversion felt like an ego-bruising humbling, Abiodun's eventual defeat of that preferred candidate - corralled as it were into a rival party and supported openly by the incumbent - was even more so.

So, what's the fuss about seeing one's candidate lose an election? The answer is simple: no where else do egos come as big as they are in politics. Also, hell apparently has no fury like a chastened godfather knocked off their perch, and denied the sense of entitlement to which they had grown accustomed. The humiliation has to be requited somehow. Therein lies the roots of the pull-Dapo Abiodun-down-at-all-cost project.

But when an obsession is fuelled by malice, hate and envy, truth is often the first casualty. And, as history shows, pursuits built on falsehood falter inevitably. From the doctoring of interviews to suit a sinister agenda to suborning hacks to write slanderous stories and instigating a desperate plot to disqualify Abiodun from the party primary over spurious allegations, the task to malign Governor Abiodun is akin to rolling a huge boulder up a hill. Like Sisyphus' futile bid, the attempts have mostly come to nought.

Peeved by these egregious attempts to assail Governor Abiodun's reputation, a social and democracy advocacy group, Movement for Democratic Progress (MDP), recently urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to call a former governor and senator representing Ogun Central in the state, Ibikunle Amosun, to order over what it called his series of anti-party activities in the state. A statement issued by the group’s Secretary, Adeyemi Ige, claimed the former governor was behind the crisis in Ogun State's APC, noting that his aim was to sow discord in the party and disaffection towards the governor.

While it is common knowledge that there is no love lost between the Ogun State governor and his predecessor, it is unlikely the latter would acknowledge any role in the grand plot. But such disavowal will be a hard sell, given his utterly reprehensible spawning of his own party's candidate (Abiodun) in the 2015 governorship election.

The MDP's statement referenced earlier is particularly instructive: “Amosun, having sponsored a governorship candidate against the same party on which platform he contested and won a senatorial seat, was suspended from APC in 2015 but hurriedly pardoned. Despite this pardon, however, he has been making moves to destabilize Ogun APC after it became apparent that he had lost out in the power game."

Equally instructive is how dignified Governor Abiodun has remained in the face of these scurrilous attacks. The repudiation he has chosen is not just silence; it is a silence that would rather let his accomplishments in office speak for him. There is no rebuke that stings deeper than constantly notching a better governance index which reveals, in very stark details, the inadequacies of one's transducers, especially where they happen to be one's own predecessor. Indeed, on the strength of his performance, Governor Abiodun is everything the former governor could not be - a visionary.

Despite being the state that shares a common boundary with Lagos, the socio-economic benefits that ought to accrue from this proximity had barely ever been utilized by Ogun State. Abiodun grasped quite early that the daily cross-boundary migration arising from this proximity makes a seamless transport system expedient. The Ogun State Multi-modal Transportation Master Plan conceived by his administration was meant to address that.

The multi-modal transportation masterplan incorporates road (the mass transit bus shuttle's pilot project was launched recently), rail, water, and air transport components. The vision is to create an interface in a way that each transport mode doesn't just exist in isolation, but complement one another in a somewhat unbroken chain for both intra- and inter-state commute.

With regard to rail transport, Ogun State has leveraged the benefits of its proximity to Lagos to strike an agreement that would see the ongoing rail project developed by the latter extended to the former. Essentially, the 37-kilometre Red Line (scheduled for completion in December this year) which runs from Marina, in Lagos, would extend to Ijoko and Kajola, both boundary communities in Ogun State's Ifo Local Government Area.

This agreement also entails the extension of the 27.5-kilometre Blue Line rail project that runs from Marina through Okokomaiko, a high-density community on the outskirts of Lagos, down to Agbara, an industrial estate in Ogun State. It's important to note that the Abiodun administration's ongoing construction of the Atan Lusada road was conceived to maximally exploit the economic benefits that a rail line extension to this industrial heartland would yield.

No less pathetic is the fact that, over the years, the proximity to Lagos could not be maximized to boost Ogun State's internal revenue. The reference to IGR is significant, as it is arguably one of the most reliable metrics via which a state's growth could be gauged. In 2020, Ogun State was ranked fourth behind Delta, Rivers and Lagos. Although its position was still fourth on the half-year ranking for 2021, the state's IGR figure experienced a 131.5% year-on-year growth. Such remarkable statistic eclipse every past record, in the same same way that these two infrastructure projects stand out as bold exemplars of commitment to an enduring future: the reconstructed Ijebu Ode-Epe Road, an arterial federal road that links the Lekki/Epe corridor of Lagos State to the eastern corridor of Ogun State; and the 42-kilometre Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta Road.

To a very large extent, envy is essentially a natural human trait. There is hardly anyone who had never wished at some time that they were the one enjoying the adulation being showered on someone else, or that someone else's achievements could be theirs. The real danger is letting such emotions to sire some very untoward thoughts that push one to obsess about another's downfall.

It is interesting that the current mischief-peddling in Ogun State comes at a time the putative mastermind is nursing a presidential ambition. I would recommend that someone draws his attention to these wise counsel from the great Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov: "He who doesn't know how to be a servant should never be allowed to be a master; the interests of public life are alien to anyone who is unable to enjoy others' successes, and such a person should never be entrusted with public affairs."

* Rasheed writes from Abeokuta.

Conference of Ogun APC Youth Leaders, an umbrella body of APC Youth Leaders in Ogun State, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to nip in the bud, the proposed protests by some so-called human rights activists, being sponsored by the immediate past Governor of Ogun State and the current Senator representing Ogun Central District.

In a petition dated May 2, 2022, addressed to the Inspector General of Police and jointly signed by the Ogun State APC Youth Leader, Comrade Aremu Babatunde, Deputy State Youth Leader, Mr. Adefolu Sabur; Ogun East Senatorial District Youth Leader, Adesina Lawal Olayinka; Ogun West Senatorial District and Ogun Central Senatorial Youth Leader, Comrade Adeniyi Clement Adebayo, the body alerted that there is imminent breach of peace and order if the planned protests is allowed to happen either in Abuja or Ogun State as the former Governor has a history of political violence and gun-running well documented and are in the public space

The letter titled “Notice Of Impending And Possible Breach Of Public Peace At The National Secretariat Of The All Progressives Congress (APC) Abuja And In Ogun State By Senator Ibikunle Amosun” read in part:

“We humbly write to notify you of an impending, imminent and possible violent protest being planned by some politically motivated persons under the guise of “Human Rights Activists”, against Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, the Governor of Ogun State.
We have it on good authority that the plan is being desperately championed by a former Governor of Ogun State and a current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Their plan is to present a baseless and spurious petition to the National Chairman (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, alleging Prince Dapo Abiodun of frivolous allegations and seeking for his disqualification in the gubernatorial contest in 2023, which the Governor had shown and expressed his interest in contesting.
The plan to storm the APC Secretariat is borne out of the sheer hatred for the incumbent governor whose three years of good performance has dwarfed the eight years of the vague performance of his predecessor in office. Hence, the resort to pull the Governor down by all means.
It is noteworthy that the said ex-Governor is also sponsoring campaign of calumny against Prince Dapo Abiodun using social media nonentities to cast aspersions and unfounded allegations against the Governor.
Their mischievous plan after the proposed Abuja protest is to replicate same in Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State.
Ogun State has been peaceful since the assumption of office of the present Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Any attempt to take us back to the better-forgotten era of political brigandage and broad day political violence will, predictably, be resisted by the good people of Ogun State.
The Senator sponsoring the impostors, posing as rights activists, has a history of political violence and gun-running well documented and are in the public space . We have not forgotten how President Muhammadu Buhari and APC leaders were stoned during APC presidential campaign rally on February 11, 2019 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Many of the victims of that inglorious stoning of Mr. President by members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a party formed and still being financed by the immediate past Governor, are still licking their wounds that are yet to heal. Any further act of shenanigan by this politician who was once suspended by our party, even as a sitting Governor, will most probably reopen the old wounds.
Sir, we humbly conclude that this letter of alert by reference to Section 4 of the Police Act which states thus:
“The police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crimes, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulation with which they are directly charged..”

Consequent upon the foregoing, we humbly appeal to you to use your good offices in nipping this impending, deliberate and imminent politically sponsored protests, which may lead to the breach of public peace in the bud, by urgent investigation into this evil plan and calling the senator and his hired activists to order.

Sir, remember “a stitch in time, saves nine.”

While the politics of Ogun State is not complete without the part of the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Senator presently representing Ogun Central Senatorial District of the gateway State, his eight years tenure as the Governor had exposed him as the most desperate, domineering and megalomaniac in the history of the State since its creation.

Asides the fact that the present infrastructural deficit the present administration is frantically working to reverse could be traced to the eight years of myopic and self-serving style of administration, the spate of violence and act of gangsterism around the State is a direct reflection of the background of the former Governor.

To say the fact, the acclaimed courage and commitment ascribed to Amosun in the course of fighting insecurity during his suffocating administration were nothing but a mere deception and ruse, just to cover many of covert shenanigans of that government.

According to Napoleon Bonaparte, 'Men are moved by two levers only: fear and self-interest.” Ibikunle Amosun, moving by fear of loosing his political relevance, with economic self-interest, ostracized majority of political leaders in the State and treated them with outright disdain.

Amosun, in the manner that was unprecedented in the history of the State lost over 80 per cent of his core political associates and concomitants.

His desperation to dominate the political space of the State and rule it as a jungle made him the only Governor in the history of the State with largest political foes and antagonists.

A political analyst recently said of the former Governor,'' Every personality around Senator Amosun is either a pauper or a weak character, he is absolutely averse to dissenting opinion and independent thinking, he is not a leader by all standards because of his primitive tendency of dominance''.

Ogun State lost a multi-billions naira projects as a result of shortsightedness and selfish disposition of Amosun when he held sway as Governor, because, he considered his words to be law and final on any issue whatsoever.

Obviously, the greatest political acrimony in the history of Ogun State was initiated by Governor Ibikunle Amosun; one would wonder how a sound man in a sound body could consider all his predecessors as enemies, including his immediate successor, without any reasonable reason other than their refusal to be dominated and emasculated and their courage to think outside the despotic box of ''SIA''.

As it stands, the lingering imbroglio within the ruling APC in Ogun State, coupled with political tension in the State are the brainchild of Amosun to dominate the state in an autocratic way he did between 2011 and 2019.

Nigerians and indeed people of Ogun State must be wary of this Megalomaniac and a wolf in democratic regalia.

Adesola Ajasa writes from Ifo, Ogun State.

The 2022 Workers Days celebration was held today at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, with a deluge of praises and encomiums poured on the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by workers and labour leaders for making “life more meaningful to both the active workers and retirees in the state”, while at the same time asking him to do more .

Delivering his speech at the May Day rally, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Abimbola Bankole, “commended the strategic and bold step of the current Administration in the state at attracting both local and foreign investments to our state in its bid to create employment opportuniy and enhance the economic prosperity of the state.”

The Labour leader however, “urged government to closely monitor the activities of some of these investors, apart from tax evasion, some of them are engaged in unfair trade practices.”

On Ogun State Strategic Transportation Master Plan, the Labour leader “appreciated the giant stride and resourcefulness” of the Administration in “developing a workable transport master plan for the state and the launch Gateway Bus Pilot Scheme recently,” and expressed the hope that the scheme will be extended to all parts of the state.”

On insecurity in the country, the NLC Chairman remarked: “We commend the effort of the state government in the provision of logistics and operational materials to security agencies in the state, we call on security agencies to reciprocate the gesture of state government by ensuring proper deployment utilization of these equipment.”

In his own speech at the occasion, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akeem Abiodun Lasisi, urged the government to “do everything possible to increase the the quarterly release of of N500 million.
to clear the backlog of gratuities for the State Pensioners, remarking that “If the past government had started the remission of N500million quarterly as being done by your government, the backlog might have been either completely offset or minimally reduced by now. So, we commend your government for being humane, but we seek an upward review of the amount so remitted quarterly.”

The TUC Chairman said “Prince Dapo Abiodun has “excelled where the provision of public infrastructures, vis-à-vis road construction, the recently launched pilot scheme of public rapid bus transportation system, and sundry worker-friendly initiatives, moves and policies are concerned “.

“Yes, kudos must be given to the government for releasing the promotion letters for the 2018 and 2019 promotion exercise of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies against the old practice
whereby some sectors, most especially the teaching sector would be considered last or not even considered at all in the scheme of things. This indicated you are conscious of the fact that promotion exercises are statutory rights of workers.”

“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria wishes to appreciate His Excellency for the upward review of the budgetary allocation to car refurbishment and motorcycle loans for senior and junior civil servants from N100,000 to N200,000 and N40,000 to N80,000 respectively. This new piece of cheering news was transmitted to all concerned MDAs in a circular dated 22nd April, 2022. In spite of the downturn in the economy, our Governor has decided to be fair and just.
We say a loud thank you sir”

“Labour is not unaware that the global economy, and in particular that of Nigeria has suffered some blows since the COVID-19 pandemic broke and the associated recession all of which have affected funds available to governments. In fact, the state government is commended for keeping faith with the state workforce even in the face of the hard bitting economic recession by not downsizing nor embarking on salary cuts as done in other states as that would have thrown many breadwinners out of jobs, and their children thereby facing untold hardships.”

The Timi of Ede land, His Royal Majesty, Oba (DR) Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 1, has congratulated Muslims in Ede land, as they mark the end of this year holy month of Ramadan.

The royal father urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the gains of thirty days fasting and lessons of self discipline and restrain from all forms of social vices as being taught in the holy month of Ramadan, as well as reflecting in their conduct henceforth.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the media and public affairs officer to the revered Monarch, Dapo Folaranmi, the copy which was made available to newsmen on Sunday.

Oba Laminisa also used the opportunity to advise residents of the ancient town to shun all manners of conduct capable of causing unnecessary tension in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, slated for July 16th, as he prayed for workers in his domain marking this year " INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' DAY".

He further implored them to continue to live and co-habit peacefully and go about their normal duties unhindered. The revered king also advised his subjects to do away with unfounded rumour, capable of truncating the peaceful atmosphere of the town, as currently enjoy by the residents of the community.

Timi, then saluted the resilience and patriotic attitude of indigenes and non-indigenes in the town, even in the face of provocative attitude of some miscreants recently, enjoining them to go about their normal business without any fear of molestation.

"In conclusion, I wish all Muslims Ummah in Ede land happy Eid -fitri celebrations''.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has announced that the academic board of the Polytechnic had approved online registration for newly admitted students starting from 1st May, 2022.

This was contained in an internal memo signed by the Registrar of the institution, Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Agboola, the copy which was made available to newsmen by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the school, Sola Lawal.

According to the memo, the Academic Board had on Wednesday, 27th April, 2022, held it's 217th regular academic board meeting, where the decision was reached as part of activities to start a new academic session.

Also, the board approved that students can proceed to complete their bio-data and print necessary documents after payment of prescribed fees, as well as commencement of medical registration.

Meanwhile, the Registrar wishes students of the citadel happy resumption.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has announced that the academic board of the Polytechnic had approved online registration for newly admitted students starting from 1st May, 2022.

This was contained in an internal memo signed by the Registrar of the institution, Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Agboola, the copy which was made available to newsmen by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the school, Sola Lawal.

According to the memo, the Academic Board had on Wednesday, 27th April, 2022, held it's 217th regular academic board meeting, where the decision was reached as part of activities to start a new academic session.

Also, the board approved that students can proceed to complete their bio-data and print necessary documents after payment of prescribed fees, as well as commencement of medical registration.

Meanwhile, the Registrar wishes students of the citadel happy resumption.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has announced that the academic board of the Polytechnic had approved online registration for newly admitted students starting from 1st May, 2022.

This was contained in an internal memo signed by the Registrar of the institution, Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Agboola, the copy which was made available to newsmen by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the school, Sola Lawal.

According to the memo, the Academic Board had on Wednesday, 27th April, 2022, held it's 217th regular academic board meeting, where the decision was reached as part of activities to start a new academic session.

Also, the board approved that students can proceed to compete their bio-data and print necessary documents after payment of prescribed fees, as well as commencement of medical registration.

Meanwhile, the Registrar wishes students of the citadel happy resumption.

May God repose their souls. So sad!

NaijaCoverBlog:
One Mosugu Ezekiel Atebi and his two children, Joana and Jason, were killed in a fatal auto crash.

It was gathered by , that the accident occurred along the Keffi-Abuja road on Good Friday, April 15. Father and children were laid to rest today, Friday, April 22.

According to Petra Akinti Onyegbule, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello, few days before the accident, the deceased had buried his nephew, Barrister Tibileri Mosugu, who was killed in Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

"This one I have been unable to process. Mosugu Ezekiel Atebi was my senior in secondary school. One of the cool headed never bullying type. Last time I was in Jos, we didn’t see but we spoke and we both agreed that when next I was in town there’d be no excuses," Petra wrote.

"It was shocking to hear of his tragic death in a ghastly motor accident along with his two children. Honestly, I still haven’t processed it. So unbelievable. And to think a few days before his death, he was at Abuja for the funeral of his nephew who was killed in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack not knowing death was lurking around. Simply unbelievable. They were laid to rest today."

Good riddance to bad rubbish!

I just like this Governor, very democratic and strategically decent, compare to his garullous predecessor.