₦airaland Forum

Silencing the Doubters: Abiodun Delivers Ogun State’s Historic NCAA Commercial Permit

For years, cynics scoffed, critics jeered, and naysayers dismissed Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport as a castle built in the clouds — beautiful in theory, but destined to vanish in the winds of reality. Yet today, that “castle” has landed solidly on the tarmac of history, as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grants it a Commercial Aerodrome Operational Permit — the very first of its kind in Nigeria.

This is not merely an approval; it is the sounding of a victory gong loud enough to echo beyond borders. Governor Dapo Abiodun has shown that “while the pessimist complains about the wind, the leader adjusts the sails and reaches the shore.” Against the sneers of doubters and the whispers of cynics, he has proven that “when results speak, excuses fall silent and criticism runs out of breath.”

For the first time in the nation’s history, a State-built airport has met and surpassed the NCAA’s most rigorous technical, operational, and safety benchmarks, earning full authorization for scheduled commercial air transport. This feat did not happen by accident; it is the fruit of vision as sharp as an eagle’s sight, planning as precise as a pilot’s flight path, and execution as steady as a captain’s hand on the controls.

With an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C, ARFFS Category 6, a non-precision runway for Runway 05/23, and RNAV approach capability, Gateway International Airport is now the compass point for West African logistics, trade, and tourism. Soon, two weekly cargo flights from London will connect Ogun’s economy directly to global markets, while its role as the designated alternate to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos will channel new streams of commerce and opportunity into the Gateway State. Passenger flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt are poised for launch, knitting Ogun into the national and international air network like never before.

The economic impact is a rising tide: thousands of jobs will be created, hospitality and service industries will flourish, the tax base will expand, and foreign investment will flow like a river in rainy season. Farmers will see their harvests fly from field to foreign shelf, manufacturers will deliver to markets once beyond their reach, and tourists will arrive with curiosity and currency in hand.

This is leadership that understands that “vision is not just seeing the future, but building the runway to get there.” Governor Abiodun has not only kept his promises; he has turned skepticism into applause and transformed political prophecy into concrete achievement. And as history turns this page, one truth will remain unshaken: “Facts do not wrestle with opinions; they simply replace them.”

Ogun State is no longer just the Gateway in name. Under Abiodun, it is the runway to prosperity — engines roaring, altitude climbing, and the horizon open wide.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Ogun State Makes Aviation History as NCAA Grants Commercial Operational Permit

In an unprecedented move in Nigeria’s aviation sector, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport has clinched an Aerodrome Operational Permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) — granting full authorization for Scheduled Commercial Air Transport operations.

This is not a routine clearance; it is the first approval of its kind in the nation’s history, the result of exhaustive technical inspections, on-site verifications, and meticulous facility audits. NCAA officials have hailed the Gateway International Airport as “a benchmark for what airports should be in the country.”

The airport is now certified with an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an ARFFS Category of 6, with a non-precision runway category for Runway 05/23, and an Area Navigation (RNAV) approach type.

Global attention is already shifting towards Ogun State: a major international company will commence two weekly cargo flights from London, while the facility’s designation as the alternate airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, marks a seismic shift in West Africa’s air transport dynamics.

Passenger operations will follow imminently, with direct flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt primed for launch.

This milestone redefines Ogun State’s place on the global aviation map — unlocking powerful gateways for trade, investment, and tourism, and heralding a new era in Nigeria’s air travel evolution.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State.

ADC is Unknown in Ogun Politics, Says Ogun Govt, Denies Stopping By-Election Campaign

The Ogun State Government has asserted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not a significant player in the political landscape of Ogun State.

In response to claims by the party that the state government and security agencies were sabotaging their campaign, the government, in a statement on Thursday, noted that it has not intervened in the electoral campaign process for the ongoing by-elections for the Remo Federal Constituency in any way.

According to the statement, the ADC lacks substantial recognition and influence within the state's political sphere to threaten the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The statement added that the ADC claim did not reflect the reality on the ground, noting that the party is afraid of its expected poor electoral showing on Saturday.

The statement further reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to maintain a fair and transparent electoral process, adding that all political parties, including the ADC, are free to engage in campaigning activities without interference.

The statement described the interim National Secretary of ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, as a spent force whose electoral fortune, even in his home state, has dwindled.

When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES!

“Yes is the most beautiful and powerful word in any language,” wrote Pablo Neruda, and history has proven him right. It was “Yes” that sent explorers across uncharted seas, “Yes” that put men on the moon, and “Yes” that broke chains, tore down walls, and lifted nations from despair to destiny.

Today, that same word carries the power to shape the future of Remo. On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC), we are called to write our own chapter in that long story of courage and conviction — by saying YES to Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.

When Remo stands together, Elegbeji wins. And when Elegbeji wins, Remo wins. As Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In the spirit of that optimism, our vote for Elegbeji is a vote for roads that lead to opportunity, schools that shape tomorrow’s leaders, and a voice in Abuja that will fight for our people with clarity and conviction.

In every village square, on every street corner, in every marketplace, the whisper of unity must become a chorus. And in that chorus, the word YES must rise like the morning sun — steady, unshakable, unstoppable. A YES for Elegbeji is a YES to fairness, to progress, and to the unbreakable bond that ties every Remo son and daughter together.

On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, let us march to the polls with the spirit of those before us who said YES to the future they believed in. As Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded the world, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Our first step is the ballot. Our destination is victory.

When the ballot is cast and the dust settles, one truth will remain: When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES! Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES!

“Yes is the most beautiful and powerful word in any language,” wrote Pablo Neruda, and history has proven him right. It was “Yes” that sent explorers across uncharted seas, “Yes” that put men on the moon, and “Yes” that broke chains, tore down walls, and lifted nations from despair to destiny.

Today, that same word carries the power to shape the future of Remo. On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC), we are called to write our own chapter in that long story of courage and conviction — by saying YES to Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.

When Remo stands together, Elegbeji wins. And when Elegbeji wins, Remo wins. As Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In the spirit of that optimism, our vote for Elegbeji is a vote for roads that lead to opportunity, schools that shape tomorrow’s leaders, and a voice in Abuja that will fight for our people with clarity and conviction.

In every village square, on every street corner, in every marketplace, the whisper of unity must become a chorus. And in that chorus, the word YES must rise like the morning sun — steady, unshakable, unstoppable. A YES for Elegbeji is a YES to fairness, to progress, and to the unbreakable bond that ties every Remo son and daughter together.

On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, let us march to the polls with the spirit of those before us who said YES to the future they believed in. As Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded the world, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Our first step is the ballot. Our destination is victory.

When the ballot is cast and the dust settles, one truth will remain: When Remo Stands Together, Elegbeji Wins. YES! Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Ogun By-election: The eloquence of Dapo Abiodun as opposition remains in coma

By Olaniyi Ajibola

It is obvious that the by-election in Remo Federal Constituency, slated for Saturday, 16th August, 2025, to replace the late Parliamentarian, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly called IJAYA in the political parlance has naturally changed the dynamics of political trajectory in Ogun state.

The leader of the governing party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Dapo Abiodun, is known for his gentleman nature and urbane approach to issues, with consistent implementation of people -oriented projects across the State without noise even in the face of provocation. However, the pattern has changed this time around, the development many have attributed to the unprecedented achievements of the Governor in the last six years.

Prince Abiodun has been at the fore-front of the campaign for the candidate of APC, Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, in the scheduled by-election, explicitly and oratorically reeling out several achievements of his administration that directly touched the lives of millions of Ogun state residents in general and the constituency in particular.

The Governor was seen convincingly dissecting the creativity and ingenuity behind his developmental drive across the state, ranging from infrastructure to human capital development, youth empowerment, food security, welfare of workers in different strata of the workforce as well as improved security.

The sequence of analysis of his legacy projects was comprehensively and comparatively lucid, considering the decades and degree of ineptitude of consecutive administrations before him, and the manner he had taken up such humongous deficit in all sectors to change the old order and ugly past.

A practical example the Governor gave was the recent debacle concerning the Contributory Pension Scheme, which he attributed to trust deficit created between the state workforce and past administrations in the state, which was inherited by his administration.

He added that the political will and sincerity of purpose of his administration have made the resolution of the conflict possible, with the full cooperation of the state's workforce, which has eventually strengthened government–labour relations in the State.

Another salient reversal of misfortune embarked upon by the administration as enunciated by the Governor is the Gateway International Airport, located within the Federal Constituency. The project, which was conceived by the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2006 was recklessly abandoned, as the proposed site remained a thick forest for years without a single structure until Dapo Abiodun came into the saddle and commenced his usual magic of resuscitation.

As it stands, the airport has been adjudged by Federal Authority as the benchmark for airports in Nigeria, with it's longest runway and other distinct features that distinguish its sophistication from others around the country, as it awaits approval to commence domestic and international commercial flights any moment from now.

Another significant difference Dapo Abiodun's administration has made is the way it conscientiously kept it's promise of regular payment of salaries of workers across board and without blemish, the feat the governor recently spoke about while addressing teachers in the axis, "You are all witnesses to what God has allowed me to achieve in the past six years, nobody here can say we have unpaid salaries. I made a promise on my first day to pay salaries on time, and I have kept that promise. When discussions on the Contributory Pension Scheme began, it was stormy, but with your cooperation, we overcame the challenges. By God’s grace, Ogun State will be better for it.”

These are in addition to the construction of over 7,000 houses, 2,000 classrooms, and more than 1200kms of roads in all the 20 local government areas of the state. Indeed, the Governor needs to talk more with utmost precision, eloquence and conviction.

Meanwhile, in the midst of all these, the opposition elements in the state are in perpetual silence and expectedly comatose, which many opinion moulders and political watchers have ascribed to effects of intimidating and overwhelming achievements of the ruling APC in Ogun State, and the turn-around witnessed in Remo Federal Constituency.

Without mincing words, it is a resounding victory for the APC on Saturday, the people of Remo are grateful and ready to reciprocate.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Strategic Communications

*Exclusive Media Chat with Elegbeji at Her Residence in Sagamu*

*Opening Statement by Elegbeji*:

Before I speak on my vision, I must first acknowledge the towering legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, fondly known as Ijaya—whose passing left a profound void in Remo Federal Constituency and in the Green Chamber itself. As the first woman ever to represent our constituency in the House of Representatives, she shattered barriers. Every panel she graced, every bill she sponsored, was underscored by a fierce commitment to uplift our youths, women, and the marginalized.

She did not just occupy a seat—she transformed its meaning. From her tenure as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to her elevation in 2023 as Deputy Chief Whip, Ijaya’s years of service were defined by courage, compassion, and impactful representation. Her loss on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness, was not only a personal blow to her family and constituents, but a national sorrow. The absence of her voice still echoes in the halls she once led with grace and determination.

To the leadership of our great party—particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun, the apex leader of the APC in Ogun State—I extend my sincere gratitude. Your decision to entrust me with our party’s candidature in this bye-election is humbling. Your leadership has long championed inclusion—highlighted by your 2022 Executive Order endorsing 35% affirmative action for women in political roles—and by opting for a female successor to Ijaya, you’ve not only maintained that vision—you’ve fortified it with purpose and conviction.

To the women leaders across Ogun State, who urged party structures to preserve Ijaya’s spirit of representation through another female voice, and to all members of the APC working tirelessly in our favor—I am deeply thankful. Your faith in me is a reflection of your trust in continuity, in honoring Ijaya’s legacy, and in believing that Remo deserves no less than purposeful, inclusive, and dynamic leadership.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What inspired you to step forward to represent Remo Federal Constituency at this time?

*Elegbeji*: My inspiration comes from a deep sense of duty and continuity. Ijaya was more than a political figure—she was a sister in service and an example of selfless leadership. Her unfinished work calls for someone who not only understands her vision but is committed to advancing it. I have lived among our people, shared in their struggles, and celebrated their victories. I see this role as a calling to continue her legacy, build on her foundations, and bring fresh energy to the Green Chamber.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How do you plan to continue the work Ijaya started?

*Elegbeji*: I plan to adopt a continuity-plus approach. Ijaya laid the groundwork in areas like women’s empowerment, education, and infrastructure. I will carry these projects forward, ensuring they reach completion, but I will also expand into new frontiers—especially in digital inclusion, vocational skills for youths, and agricultural value chains. My goal is to make sure our people not only benefit from what was started but also see new initiatives that respond to today’s challenges.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What are your top priorities if elected?

*Elegbeji*: My top priorities are threefold:

1. Economic empowerment through skill acquisition centers and SME support.


2. Quality education by improving school infrastructure and ensuring access to learning technology.


3. Constituency inclusiveness where every ward feels represented and heard.

I will also prioritize health outreach programs and infrastructural upgrades in rural areas. The well-being of our people is non-negotiable.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you ensure women’s voices continue to be heard in national policy?

*Elegbeji*: I will stand as a strong voice for women, building coalitions in the National Assembly to advance gender-focused legislation. I will support bills that protect women from violence, ensure fair labor practices, and open up leadership opportunities. Ijaya was a champion for women, and I intend to amplify that voice with even greater determination.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: Many constituents are worried about unemployment. How will you address this?

*Elegbeji*: I understand the urgency. My plan includes creating youth enterprise hubs, promoting apprenticeship programs in trades that have high local demand, and connecting our young people to tech-based jobs. I will also partner with industries to bring vocational training closer to our wards, so no one has to travel far to gain employable skills.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you work with Governor Dapo Abiodun to achieve your goals?

*Elegbeji*: Governor Abiodun has shown unwavering support for our constituency and for the empowerment of women. I will maintain close collaboration with his administration to align federal projects with state initiatives. This synergy will help us avoid duplication, maximize resources, and deliver impactful results faster.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: Some believe politicians forget their promises after elections. How will you be different?

*Elegbeji*: Accountability is at the heart of my leadership style. I will establish quarterly constituency briefings where I report progress directly to the people. I will also maintain an open-door policy—my office will remain accessible both in Abuja and in Sagamu, so citizens can always reach me.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you balance legislative duties with constituency needs?

*Elegbeji*: By building a strong constituency office staffed with competent professionals, I will ensure issues from our wards are documented, prioritized, and acted upon even when I am in Abuja. My role in the Green Chamber will be to influence policy, attract federal projects, and push for legislation that benefits Remo.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What message do you have for youths who feel disconnected from politics?

*Elegbeji*: My message is simple: politics shapes your life, so your involvement matters. I will actively engage youths through town halls, social media interactions, and mentorship programs. I want them to see politics not as a distant game but as a tool for shaping their own future.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How do you plan to handle opposition criticism during this campaign?

Elegbeji: I believe in constructive engagement, not personal attacks. I will respond to criticism with facts, clarity, and results. My focus will be on issues, policies, and tangible solutions for our people.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: Will you be pushing for any special projects in Remo?

*Elegbeji*: Yes. I am particularly interested in establishing a Remo Innovation & Agro-Tech Park—a hub that combines agriculture, processing, and technology-driven market access for our farmers. This will not only boost local productivity but also attract investment to our constituency.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How important is education in your vision?

*Elegbeji*: Education is the foundation of any thriving society. I will prioritize scholarships for brilliant but indigent students, sponsor ICT labs for schools, and advocate for improved teacher welfare. Education is the one gift that keeps on giving, and I want every child in Remo to receive it.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you ensure equitable development across wards?

*Elegbeji*: I will adopt a rotational development plan, ensuring that every ward has at least one major project each year. Development should never be lopsided; all parts of Remo deserve to grow together.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What are your views on constituency projects?

*Elegbeji*: Constituency projects, when properly executed, are vital. They bring federal development closer to the grassroots. I will ensure every project in our constituency is need-based, transparent, and completed to standard.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you maintain Ijaya’s connection with grassroots people?

*Elegbeji*: I will spend significant time in the constituency, just as Ijaya did. I will attend community meetings, respond to emergencies, and celebrate with our people. Leadership is not just about passing laws—it’s about being present in the lives of those you serve.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: What role will agriculture play in your plans?

*Elegbeji*: Agriculture will be central. We will promote mechanized farming, support cooperative societies with grants, and invest in storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Remo has fertile land; we must harness it fully.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you unite party members during the campaign?

*Elegbeji*: By being inclusive, recognizing contributions from all quarters, and ensuring that every member feels valued. A united party is the foundation of electoral victory.


*Gentlemen of the Press*: What is your message to women in the constituency?

*Elegbeji*: My message is that this is our time to rise, speak, and lead. I will continue the fight for equal opportunities, economic independence, and safety for women. Your voice matters—and I will be that voice in Abuja.

*Gentlemen of the Press*: How will you measure your success in office?

*Elegbeji*: My success will be measured by visible changes in people’s lives—better roads, more jobs, stronger schools, functional health centers, and a constituency that feels heard and respected.


*Gentlemen of the Press*: Why should the people trust you with their vote?

*Elegbeji*: Because I have a proven track record of service, I have lived among you, worked with you, and I understand your dreams and pains. My candidacy is not about ambition—it’s about service, continuity, and delivering results.

Press Statement

OGSG Extends Deadline for the Presentation of Property Documents by Two Weeks

The Ogun State Government has extended the deadline for property owners/occupiers affected by the ongoing audit exercises to submit their title documents by two weeks.

This extension is aimed at giving property owners and developers more time to either present their planning permits or approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and its agencies to regularize their unapproved developments.

This extension demonstrates the goodwill of the State Government in response to representations made by a cross-section of the affected property owners both in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode and reflects its commitment to the rule of law and transparency. The government emphasizes that this magnanimity does not derogate whatsoever from its constitutional and statutory actions already carried out on the matter. The government again reiterates that the physical development audit exercise currently taking place in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and elsewhere across the State is not a witch hunt of any individual or organization, but a continuous effort towards ensuring sustainable urban development across the state.

Signed:
TPl Olatunji Odunlami FNITP
Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development
13th August, 2025.

OGD and the dual burden of innocence

By Olaniyi Ajibola

One of the most captivating submissions of the late Uthman Dan fodio was the one speaking to the sanctity of truth and it's sacredness. He said ", The conscience is an open wound and only the truth can heal it".

A leading national newspaper in Nigeria has since adopted the above maxim as it's guiding principle in editorial judgement and reportage. This is to explain how deep and logical the postulation is in every human consideration.

It is against this backdrop that I consider the dramatic responses and reactions of the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to the accusations of building against the extant law of Ogun state as strange, inappropriate and too low, considering his personality and degree of exposure.

In as much as I am not a lawyer, I understand some basic legal doctrines and rudiments, one of which clearly considers evidence as the only ingredient of proving one's innocence or otherwise on every issue and which the lawmaker has refused to do.

Also, it is indeed morally incorrect for a status like Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who is a former Governor of the State and serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be running from pillar to pole with array of cheap propaganda and innuendoes instead of coming out clean and clear to prove Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning wrong on these accusations by submitting relevant documents proving the legality of his properties to the Ministry.

I do not think a pubic figure like Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not aware of this simple action to be taken as appropriate response to the controversy except he is hiding something from the government and the people of Ogun State.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel is presently carrying a legal burden of refusal to prove the legality of his properties in line with the extant laws of Ogun State to the appropriate authority as a lawful citizen.

Secondly, he is carrying the moral burden of hiding behind a finger on issue that requires evidence against accusation of infractions as a pubic figure who ordinarily should be an exemplary figure in the society.

The antics of smear campaign against the government of Ogun State and the personality of the Governor can not in anyway replace concrete evidence of legality, it can only diminish the integrity and dignity of the former Governor the more in the public space.

It should be noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun has a contract with the people of the state to always act in line with the dictates of the law at all times irrespective of the status that is involved, so, he is under statutory obligation to sanction any act of illegality.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel should also know that the court is not a safe haven for illegality but a sanctuary of justice based on truth, therefore, running to court for cover instead of simply doing the right thing is totally absurd and utterly pointless.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Strategic Communications

Faith in Harmony, State in Progress: Grand Chief Imam Joins Christian Chorus as Religious Leaders Unite Behind Elegbeji

It was a moment that transcended politics — a gathering where faith met fellowship, and where the shared hope for a greater Ogun State was stronger than any divide. Christian and Muslim clerics from across Remoland converged in Iperu under one roof to celebrate the visionary leadership of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and to pledge their unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Elegbeji, in the forthcoming elections.

The event was graced by eminent religious leaders — the Chief Imam of Remoland, Alhaji Junaid Kadir; Chairman, Remo Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Bankole; Coordinating Chairman, CAN Remo, Reverend Bankole; and the State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Apostle David Otaro. Together, they embodied the Governor’s creed that “when we walk together in peace, we build together in progress.”

In his address, Governor Abiodun painted a vivid picture of an Ogun State in motion — delivering 7,000 housing units and steadily advancing toward the 10,000-unit target; breaking records with over 2,000 Certificates of Occupancy issued monthly; climbing to third position in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); and cementing its place among Nigeria’s top three destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

With pride, he spoke of the Gateway International Airport at Ilishan — a world-class project set to welcome both local and international flights, with commissioning by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the coming weeks. These milestones, he noted, were made possible through President Tinubu’s enabling reforms, including the floating of the Naira and deregulation of the oil sector, which have rekindled investor confidence.

One by one, the clerics took the stage. Their voices were steady but filled with conviction as they hailed the Governor’s role as a bridge-builder, recalling the African proverb: “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” They spoke of a State where Christians and Muslims live, work, and worship side by side, bound by mutual respect and a shared destiny.

In a single, unified declaration, they proclaimed: “A vote for Elegbeji is a vote to strengthen the hands of Mr. President at the Green Chamber, enabling him to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people.” And, echoing the timeless wisdom of John F. Kennedy, one leader urged: “Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past; let us accept our own responsibility for the future.”

Then came the unforgettable moment: the Grand Chief Imam of Remoland stepped forward, his voice breaking the gentle hum of the hall. To the astonishment and delight of the audience, he began to sing a Christian chorus. The crowd responded — some clapping, some smiling, all deeply moved. And then, as if to seal the moment, the entire hall joined in the timeless anthem, “We Are Family.”

In that chorus, there was no Christian, no Muslim — only brothers and sisters of one Ogun State. It was, as one attendee whispered, “unity in its purest form.” And in that unity lies the Governor’s enduring message: faith may differ, but the future we desire is shared.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Abiodun: Oil, Ports, and Airports – Ogun Gears Up for Global Competitiveness

Ogun State stands at the edge of a new dawn, with the horizon lit by the flames of opportunity. Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced that the long-awaited harvest beneath the earth’s crust—commercial oil drilling—will soon begin in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. Like a farmer finally ready to reap from a fertile field, the state has, through careful cultivation and with the blessing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prepared itself to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states.

The governor, speaking at Iperu-Remo after being adorned as the Grand Patron of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation (OSCOFED), revealed that the machinery is already in motion. He declared that, by the grace of God, the drills will roar to life this month, setting in motion a chain of events that could redraw the economic map of Ogun.

Oil, he explained, will become a new tributary feeding Ogun’s economic river, deepening its internally generated revenue and granting it greater fiscal muscle. This stream of wealth will irrigate infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industry, strengthening a state that now proudly stands third nationwide in IGR and ranks among the most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment.

Governor Abiodun placed this discovery within a wider constellation of strategic projects—like stars in Ogun’s economic sky—naming the ongoing Dry Seaport at Ewekoro, the planned Dangote Deep Seaport, and the Gateway International Airport, poised to open its runways to the world. Together, these assets will serve as the wind in Ogun’s sails, propelling it toward the shores of global competitiveness.

He envisioned the oil industry as a tree with far-reaching branches, offering shade in the form of jobs—direct in engineering and operations, indirect in hospitality, logistics, and commerce—while its roots nourish skills transfer and technological advancement. Small and medium-scale enterprises, which he called the “pillars of the state’s economy,” will be empowered through revolving loans to expand their reach and resilience.

OSCOFED President, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, praised the governor for settling outstanding cooperative deductions and urged the establishment of a revolving loan scheme to further ease credit access for members.

With the oil wells about to sing, ports rising like gateways to new markets, and the Gateway International Airport preparing to open its wings, Ogun State is stepping into an era where vision meets opportunity. Under Governor Abiodun’s stewardship, the state is not merely chasing growth—it is scripting a renaissance, aligning its natural treasures with human ambition to stand tall among the economic giants of Africa.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

When Competence Becomes the Opposition’s Worst Nightmare

Competence is like a sunrise — it does not rush, it does not shout, yet it dissolves the darkness with a quiet inevitability. In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership has been that sunrise, spreading light in steady layers, until even the shadows have nowhere left to hide. His governance has not been a carnival of noise but a symphony of results, played to the rhythm of the people’s needs.

It is no wonder, then, that the opposition finds itself restless. As the American writer Mark Twain once noted, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” Yet in Ogun today, the truth has not only laced its boots — it is marching with evidence in every ward, every community, every home touched by progress.

The roads that wind through formerly forgotten hamlets are not mere strips of asphalt; they are arteries of opportunity, carrying life to the state’s economic heart. Classrooms are no longer shells of learning but are now beacons where the next generation can see beyond the horizon. Farmers who once stood in the wilderness of neglect now plant in the fertile field of government support, with harvests that speak louder than slogans.

But progress, like a mirror, often forces those who fear their own reflection to look away. For such people, competence is not an inspiration but an irritant — a reminder that their era of excuses has expired. In the words of Aristotle, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Governor Abiodun has chosen the harder road — to act, to deliver, to be present in the lives of his people — and it is that very presence that keeps his detractors awake at night.

Every pothole filled, every hospital bed upgraded, every skill acquisition programme launched is a quiet statement: governance is not theatre, it is stewardship. The Governor understands that performance is not a sprint of grand gestures but a marathon of deliberate steps. As Winston Churchill once said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” And so, he does not pause to answer every shout from the roadside; his eyes are fixed on the road ahead.

Yet, the irony is sharp — the more he achieves, the more the opposition’s anxiety grows. Their propaganda has become like smoke in the wind, curling upwards for a moment before vanishing into the clarity of tangible results. History itself offers a warning in the words of Abraham Lincoln: “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

In Ogun State today, the people are not fooled. They know that asphalt is harder than adjectives, that school roofs last longer than rumours, and that harvests feed more mouths than hashtags. They have seen that competence, though calm, is a storm against mediocrity — and it is this storm that has become the opposition’s worst nightmare.

For in the quiet moments, when propaganda fades and the evidence stands, one truth remains: competence is not only unshakable, it is unforgettable.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Elegbeji: A Legacy of Love, A Promise of Change

In the vast garden of Remo, where hopes bloom and dreams take root, there stands a tree whose roots run deep—Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji. She is not a fleeting breeze that rustles the leaves only in season; she is the enduring tree that shelters, nourishes, and grows with the people.

Her legacy is not written in the fleeting dust of slogans, but in the steady, nurturing love that has watered the soil of our communities. Like the mighty baobab that shelters generations beneath its branches, Elegbeji’s service has been a constant canopy—offering protection, strength, and life.

This is a promise she carries—a promise of change, not as a storm that uproots and unsettles, but as the gentle rain that renews and restores. Her vision for Remo is a landscape where every child can flourish, every woman’s voice is heard, and every elder’s wisdom is honored.

Drawing inspiration from the towering figures before her—the legendary Madam Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Madam Tinubu—Elegbeji is the living embodiment of their dreams. They planted seeds of courage, resilience, and hope; Elegbeji cultivates them with unwavering devotion.

As Madam Funmilayo once said,
"I fought to awaken the conscience of my people and give voice to the voiceless."
Elegbeji carries that torch, lighting the path for Remo’s future.

This August 16th, the people of Remo are called not just to cast a vote, but to nurture a future—a future shaped by a leader who is a legacy of love and a promise of change.

Elegbeji is not just a candidate. She is the soil, the roots, and the bloom. She is the promise that Remo’s garden will flourish for generations to come.

Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji —
Where legacy meets love, and promises become reality.
Bye-Election: Saturday, August 16th
Remo Federal Constituency

Vote All Progressives Congress


Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR GBENGA DANIEL

My Second Letter in Less Than 24 Hours – The People Deserve Answers

Senator,

This is my second letter to you in less than 24 hours. I am writing again because the more I reflect on the revelations about your time as Governor of Ogun State, the angrier I become. The details are nauseating, the implications shameful, and the damage to the public trust unforgivable.

Let’s go straight to it. You took land meant for Ogun State judges — a space that symbolized the dignity and independence of our judiciary — and built your Asoludero Mansion on it. Do you understand the gravity of that? Do you realize that beyond the physical theft of space, it was a calculated insult to an entire arm of government?

Then there’s Ijebu Ode, where the state’s driving school — an institution that should have continued to train and equip our citizens with valuable skills — disappeared under the shadow of your hotel expansion. The public lost a service, but you gained another revenue stream. How do you justify that?

And let’s not forget The Tabernacle — a church on land that belonged to the people of Ogun State. You will claim it serves God, but tell me, Senator, since when did service to God require appropriating public property? Faith should inspire sacrifice, not acquisition.

These are not small mistakes. They are not misunderstandings. They form a pattern of betrayal — a catalogue of calculated moves to turn what belonged to the people into monuments of your personal empire. This is why I say, without hesitation, that your tenure as governor represents a deep wound on the conscience of Ogun State.

Public office is a sacred trust, not a blank cheque for personal aggrandizement. You were given power to build for the people, not to fence off their land and stamp your name on it. And yet, here we are, years later, with the citizens of Ogun State looking at mansions, hotels, and churches that stand as constant reminders of what they lost under your watch.

Senator, I will not mince words — these actions demand answers, explanations, and accountability. The fear that may haunt you today is not baseless; it is the shadow of choices you made when you thought power was permanent.

You can dismiss this as politics, but it is far deeper than that. This is about trust, about truth, and about the soul of leadership. And right now, your legacy reads like a handbook on how to betray the people who trusted you.

I will not stop asking. I will not stop writing. And I will not stop demanding until Ogun State gets the truth it deserves.

The people are watching. History is recording. Posterity will judge.

Signed,
Toyosi Adenaike
A Very Angry Concerned Citizen of Ogun State, writing from Ijebu Ode

“When Women Rise, Communities Thrive”
The Elegbeji Declaration

There is a tide rising across Remo — not of noise or empty promises, but of purpose. A movement wrapped in courage. A voice carved from silence. A woman standing, not for herself, but for her people.

Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji does not seek the spotlight. She seeks to turn pain into policy and silence into structure. She steps forward not to be praised, but to ensure that the ignored — the market women, aging fathers, restless youths, and daughters afraid to dream — are finally seen, felt, and respected.

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world. And Remo holds that reservoir in its markets, schools, farms, kitchens, and street corners. But talent without opportunity is tragedy. Elegbeji’s mission is to end that tragedy by giving women more than applause — by giving them access, protection, participation, and power.

She is not here to speak for women alone, but to speak for a Remo where everyone matters. Her belief is clear: there cannot be true democracy unless women’s voices are heard. And when those voices rise — not as echoes, but as architects — the entire community begins to heal.

She offers women not pity but partnership — cooperatives that multiply their earnings, legal frameworks that defend their dignity, and representation that puts them in rooms where decisions are made. Because when a woman is empowered, a family grows stronger, a street becomes safer, a town starts to thrive.

To the men of Remo, she offers no rivalry. She recognizes your dignity, your sweat, your struggle. You deserve more than recycled projects and empty slogans. You deserve a government that builds for you — roads that carry your goods, clinics that treat your children, and a future that honours your labour.

She stands with the farmers whose hands feed this land, the artisans who fix what is broken, and the graduates still waiting for their first real chance. She does not promise miracles. She promises merit. Her vision is not gender warfare — it is balance, inclusion, equity. A society cannot fly with one wing.

She remembers the elders, those whose bones built our communities long before microphones and manifestos. These men and women must not be left to fade. They deserve not only our memory, but our care — through accessible healthcare, rural outreach, and social systems that reflect their sacrifice.

To the youth, she says: hope is not something you have. Hope is something you create — with your actions. That action begins with your vote. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. This is your moment to choose a future you won’t regret. To move from helplessness to history. To vote, not just for her, but for yourselves.

Princess Elegbeji does not approach politics as theatre, but as responsibility. Her commitments are not rehearsed — they are rooted. She speaks of mobile clinics in wards that hospitals forgot. She speaks of trained midwives and maternal care in places where childbirth has become a risk. She speaks of functional schools that serve as ladders — not locked doors — for every child. She speaks of real water flowing from real taps, of electricity that doesn’t blink out on the future.

She knows that governance is not glamour — it is grit. She knows representation is not about being visible, but about being valuable.

She says, I will not be silent. I will not stand by. I will not wait my turn.

Because Remo cannot wait any longer. Not for worn names and tired circles. Not for rehearsed smiles and unreachable hands. Remo deserves a leader who listens, who acts, who serves.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, you have the power to choose not just a candidate, but a direction. Choose progress over pity. Choose truth over noise. Choose a woman who sees you, who knows the road, and who has the will to walk it with you.

Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.
House of Representatives, Remo Federal Constituency.
All Progressives Congress (APC).

Because when women rise, communities thrive.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

“When Women Rise, Communities Thrive”
The Elegbeji Declaration

There is a tide rising across Remo — not of noise or empty promises, but of purpose. A movement wrapped in courage. A voice carved from silence. A woman standing, not for herself, but for her people.

Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji does not seek the spotlight. She seeks to turn pain into policy and silence into structure. She steps forward not to be praised, but to ensure that the ignored — the market women, aging fathers, restless youths, and daughters afraid to dream — are finally seen, felt, and respected.

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world. And Remo holds that reservoir in its markets, schools, farms, kitchens, and street corners. But talent without opportunity is tragedy. Elegbeji’s mission is to end that tragedy by giving women more than applause — by giving them access, protection, participation, and power.

She is not here to speak for women alone, but to speak for a Remo where everyone matters. Her belief is clear: there cannot be true democracy unless women’s voices are heard. And when those voices rise — not as echoes, but as architects — the entire community begins to heal.

She offers women not pity but partnership — cooperatives that multiply their earnings, legal frameworks that defend their dignity, and representation that puts them in rooms where decisions are made. Because when a woman is empowered, a family grows stronger, a street becomes safer, a town starts to thrive.

To the men of Remo, she offers no rivalry. She recognizes your dignity, your sweat, your struggle. You deserve more than recycled projects and empty slogans. You deserve a government that builds for you — roads that carry your goods, clinics that treat your children, and a future that honours your labour.

She stands with the farmers whose hands feed this land, the artisans who fix what is broken, and the graduates still waiting for their first real chance. She does not promise miracles. She promises merit. Her vision is not gender warfare — it is balance, inclusion, equity. A society cannot fly with one wing.

She remembers the elders, those whose bones built our communities long before microphones and manifestos. These men and women must not be left to fade. They deserve not only our memory, but our care — through accessible healthcare, rural outreach, and social systems that reflect their sacrifice.

To the youth, she says: hope is not something you have. Hope is something you create — with your actions. That action begins with your vote. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. This is your moment to choose a future you won’t regret. To move from helplessness to history. To vote, not just for her, but for yourselves.

Princess Elegbeji does not approach politics as theatre, but as responsibility. Her commitments are not rehearsed — they are rooted. She speaks of mobile clinics in wards that hospitals forgot. She speaks of trained midwives and maternal care in places where childbirth has become a risk. She speaks of functional schools that serve as ladders — not locked doors — for every child. She speaks of real water flowing from real taps, of electricity that doesn’t blink out on the future.

She knows that governance is not glamour — it is grit. She knows representation is not about being visible, but about being valuable.

She says, I will not be silent. I will not stand by. I will not wait my turn.

Because Remo cannot wait any longer. Not for worn names and tired circles. Not for rehearsed smiles and unreachable hands. Remo deserves a leader who listens, who acts, who serves.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, you have the power to choose not just a candidate, but a direction. Choose progress over pity. Choose truth over noise. Choose a woman who sees you, who knows the road, and who has the will to walk it with you.

Vote Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.
House of Representatives, Remo Federal Constituency.
All Progressives Congress (APC).

Because when women rise, communities thrive.

Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Osun LG Allocations: Massive Revolt Awaits Tinubu in 2027-Jackson Ojo

A leading Security Expert in Nigeria and Global Affairs Analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo has berated the Federal Government as it continued to withhold the allocations meant for the 30 local governments across Osun State

Recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria had been withholding allocations for the third tier of government in the state following the controversies that trailed the removal of Yes or No Local Government Chairmen and Councillors hurriedly inaugurated in the last days of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in office.

Ojo, in an exclusive interview with newsmen on Monday said Governor Ademola Adeleke had acted in line with the rule of law by addressing the anomaly that brought the Yes or No Chairmen into the office and conducted proper election that produced substantive leadership in all the local governments in Osun State.

He, however, frowned at what he termed as lawlessness and brigandage on the part of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi for superintending the seizure of allocations to the local governments in Osun despite clear-cut pronouncements by different courts of competent jurisdictions, which declared the election conducted by Oyetola as null and void.


The Security Expert noted that the seizure of allocations to local governments in Osun in the past six months had left majority of the people in abject poverty and serious misery considering the civil-service nature of Osun State.

He explained that the level of economic hardship and frustration caused by the withheld allocations would naturally push people to the wall in which they could take laws into their hands and revolt against the Bola Tinubu-led administration in the 2027 presidential election.

Ojo, therefore, appealed to President Tinubu to quickly direct the Attorney General to facilitate the release of withheld allocations to Osun State to douse the tension across the state.

He said", It is undisputably correct that the local government election conducted by Adegboyega Oyetola 30 days before the end of his tenure and was boycotted by many political parties was a charade and ruse, it was a criminal attempt to take the jugular of the local government through the back door.

"Obviously, the PDP government has done the right thing by challenging this anomaly in court and their prayers were granted from the Federal High Court up to the Appeal court, which gave them the legal right to conduct election properly into the councils.

"It is now disheartening that even the hitherto Human Rights Crusader, Lateef Fagbemi , who now holds sway as Attorney General and Minister of Justice is supporting this illegality and brigandage, this is really sad and unacceptable.

"The implications of this seizure is that the affected workers in the local governments are being abandoned in the cold of hunger and impoverishment, they are hungry and frustrated, many of them have been chased out by their landlords, the situation is really getting out of hands.

"While we are saying that our people should vote for Tinubu, the same Tinubu is treating them like third class citizens with total disdain, how can hungry and angry people be convinced to vote for their oppressor.

"Only in osun state today is where the local government statutory allocation is withheld with open lawlessness.
I believe the former governor who is presently enjoying the Ministerial slot of Osun state is the author of this satanically concocted punishment for the people he formerly governed.
Little did they know that they are demarketing President Tinubu electoral values and chances come 2027.

"I want to therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to quickly direct the Attorney General for the immediate release of the local government allocations to Osun in order to prevent imminent resentment of the people in the state against his government.

"In criminology, they say when the people lose confidence in the state, they will take to self-help, which is a state of anarchy with attendant break down of law and order".

PRESS RELEASE!

The Governing Council of The Federal Polytechnic Ede, at its 71st regular meeting held on Thursday, 30th July 2025, approved the appointments of Alhaji Sanusi Ayantoye Rafiu as Substantive Registrar and Mrs Aishat Shade Adebayo as substantive Bursar respectively

Until his appointment, the new Registrar is the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs at The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, while the new Bursar is presently the Chief Accountant, School of Business Administration and Management at The Federal Polytechnic, Ede

The appointments are for five (5) years single term, while the appointments take effect from Monday, 1st September, 2025

The Management on behalf of the Governing Council, Staff and Students Congratulates them and wishes the new Principal Officers a successful tenure of office.

E-signed

Sola Lawal, mnipr
Ag. Director, Information, Protocol, and Public Relations.

Ede Poly Rector bags another Award of Excellence

.....true leadership is ability to achieve set goals-Council Chairman


The Yoruba Study Group, on Tuesday conferred Golden Leadership Award of Excellence on the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Engr Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, at the Conference room 1 of the institution.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the citadel of learning, Prof. Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya, in his reaction has said the award was a reflection of the level of competence and leadership displayed by the Rector, saying" The ability to lead comes from within and great leaders, are those who can connect, inspire change, see positive values in others, and bring those values to the fore".

Prof. Olaiya, on behalf of the Council, expressed his appreciation for the award and was optimistic that the award would spur the Rector to achieve more feats.

In his acceptance speech, The Rector expressed his appreciation to the Governing Council, Management and staff of the institution for their unwavering support since he took over the mantle of leadership in the institution, he also urged members of staff and students of the institution to sustain the tempo of commitment and efficiency for the institution to move to greater heights.

Earlier in his address, the coordinator of Yoruba Study Group, Comrade Adeosun Williams eulogized the landmark performance and groundbreaking achievements of the Rector in the upliftment and development of the Polytechnic, especially in areas of critical infrastructure across both campuses of the institution.

He said, for demonstrating exceptional competence and capability, especially in achieving full accreditation and approval to commence additional eighteen (18) programmes in ND and HND within a short period of time, the Rector really deserves the award.

Comrade Adeosun also described Engr Sani Man Yahaya as a thorough breed disciplinarian and an outstanding role model.

Present at the occasion were members of the Governing Council, top management, and other Polytechnic functionaries

E-signed

Sola Lawal, mnipr
Ag. Director, Information, Protocol, and Public Relations.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IJEBU CONGRESS DISOWNS MISREPRESENTED DOCUMENTARY, COMMENDS GOVERNOR ABIODUN FOR LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT IN IJEBU AREAS

The leadership of the Ijebu Congress has condemned in strong terms the recent and deliberate misrepresentation of a documentary titled “The Rot in Ijebuland”, originally produced in April 2019 as a development-focused advisory for the incoming administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.

In a statement released to the media, Chairman of the Ijebu Congress, Prince Bunmi Mebude, described the resurfacing and mischaracterization of the 2019 video as "a calculated act of blackmail by political elements desperate to create friction between the Ijebu people and a government that has been truly responsive and development-driven."

Prince Mebude clarified that the documentary was produced prior to the swearing-in of the current administration and was never intended as a tool of opposition or discredit. “It is important to state clearly that the said documentary was a well-intentioned project aimed at sensitizing the incoming government to the critical infrastructural gaps in Ijebuland at the time. It was never a critique of any administration, and certainly not of the one currently in office, which has done so much for our people,” he said.

To reaffirm its commitment to truth and development, the Ijebu Congress has now commenced production of a new documentary aimed at capturing the transformational projects currently underway across Ijebuland. According to Prince Mebude, “We believe it is time to also tell the new story—the story of roads being built, schools being rehabilitated, the Gateway International Airport rising from vision to reality, and the remarkable industrial investments flowing into the Ijebu corridor.”

The Ijebu Congress lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for his focused leadership and commitment to inclusive growth, especially the impact of his administration on the Ijebu axis of the state.

“From the historic Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport to the growing number of manufacturing and processing industries setting up in the Ijebu zone, the dividends of democracy under Governor Abiodun are clear for all to see. We commend His Excellency for his visionary leadership and encourage him to stay the course,” Prince Mebude added.

The Ijebu Congress reaffirmed its apolitical, non-partisan stance and warned political jobbers to desist from dragging its name into partisan controversies. The Congress reiterated its full support for development-oriented governance, partnership with government institutions, and a commitment to the well-being of all Ijebu sons and daughters.

Signed:
Prince Bunmi Mebude
Chairman, Ijebu Congress
28th July 2025

Dapo Abiodun, changing Ogun narratives through industrialization

By Olaniyi Ajibola

Many analysts have critically argued in the past that the proximity of Ogun State to Lagos, the commercial nerve centre and financial headquarters of Nigeria had not been optimally explored and made to transform the economy of the Gateway State in the most significant way it should be.

They averred that Ogun State, being strategically located in a very cosmopolitan arena of such should be the centre of attraction to both indigenous and foreign investors.

The story, however, changed with the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2019. Abiodun, a board room guru of long standing with satisfactory experience in development economy and investment spanning decades came into the saddle with vision and vigour.

Working strictly in line with the tenets of his ISEYA mantra, the Governor changed the old order of policy summersaults that made Ogun State unattractive to both local and foreign investors, despite its inherent opportunities.

Abiodun, after stimulating the swift formulation and implementation of policies that changed the business environment in Ogun State, to make it more friendly and attractive then embarked on aggressive consultations with investors locally and globally, preaching the gospel of new Ogun with renewed business opportunities as the Chief Marketer of the Gateway State.

The Governor's strategy and efforts truly paid off, as investors around the world started coming into the state for massive investments in different sectors, thereby turning the state to a leading industrial hub in Nigeria.

A practical example from within is that of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the African richest man and business mogul. After leaving the state for years with abandoned investments due to crude and cruel governmental policies of old in the state, the business giant was called back to the state by the Governor to reactivate his investments and start operations.

Consequently, construction works resumed immediately at the abandoned cement factory at Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the State, which after completion would be one of the biggest cement plants in Africa, which was unfortunately abandoned out of frustration and intimidation by the immediate past administration of Ibikunle Amosun.

In addition to that, the Dangote Groups recently announced it's readiness to start work on the establishment of Olokola Deep Seaport, the largest of its kind in entire Africa. In all of these, Alhaji Dangote glowingly praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his ingenuity, creativity and resilience in changing the business environment in Ogun State to make it extremely attractive to investors.

The latest achievement of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration's efforts to attract foreign investors into the industrial hub of Ogun state is the partnership between the State and an India-based company, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), a leading multinational company in textile industry. .
The company, in partnership with Ogun State is putting together a project implementation team for the takeoff of the biggest garment production company in Nigeria, in which the groundbreaking ceremony of the project comes up in September this year.

During a recent visit of the company 's delegation, led by its President, Mr. Gagan Gupta, alongside the representative of AFRIXEM Bank to the Governor 's office in Abeokuta, the Governor said the $2 billion investment would significantly contribute to the economy of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

According to the Governor, with the capacity to produce 100 tons per hour, 1,000 tons per day, 40,000 tons per month, and about 350,000 tons per year, the factory would turn out about 4.4 million garments every day and employ between 120,000 to 150,000 direct and indirect laborers.

He said: "What we are here for today is to put together a project implementation team to identify what needs to be done and when, to jointly establish timelines for each of the tasks so that we can prepare for the groundbreaking of the project in September.

"What I find most exciting is how this project will resuscitate cotton farming and cotton growing in Nigeria and the ripple effects on the economy.

"Ogun State fortunately grows the highest quality cotton in Nigeria. We dedicated 10 hectares of land in the first instance for cotton growing. We have a very active grower association in our state.

"I am hoping that you find the right cotton inputs that you will make available to these farmers, and they will become the outgrowers. That way, you will take over the ownership of the entire process, and Offtake agreements would have been signed with them so that they know what is expected at harvest."

With this trajectory of industrialization in Ogun state, where the state welcomes new manufacturing firm almost on monthly basis across it's industrial clusters, Ogun State is without doubt positioning itself as the New Jersey of Nigeria.

Without mincing words, Prince Dapo Abiodun is deliberately and intentionally changing narratives in Ogun State with utmost precision and determination; he has taken the role of a Chief Marketer of the state's products and really making sales.

Kudos, Prince Dapo Abiodun

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

*Ogun Partners Arise IIP on World’s Largest Garment Factory: A $2 Billion Investment Set to Transform Nigeria’s Textile Industry*

In a bold and strategic leap toward industrial revitalization, the Ogun State Government has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), an Indian-headquartered multinational, to establish what is projected to become the world’s largest garment manufacturing facility. With a financial outlay of between $2 billion and $2.25 billion, this transformational initiative is poised to alter the landscape of Nigeria’s textile sector, resuscitate cotton farming, and place Ogun at the center of Africa’s industrial map.

Planned for siting within the Special Agro Processing Zone at Ogun Airport City, the factory’s development will commence with a landmark groundbreaking ceremony slated for September 2025. Steering the implementation is a Joint Project Implementation Team composed of both state and Arise IIP representatives, charged with managing timelines, pre-groundbreaking logistics, and stakeholder coordination across critical sectors such as agriculture, industry, and regulation.

Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, hosting a delegation from Arise IIP and AFRIXEM Bank at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, expressed profound optimism regarding the impact and scope of the project. He described it as a game-changing development with the capacity to produce up to 1,000 tons of garments daily and directly employ between 120,000 and 150,000 individuals. The ripple effects, the governor noted, will be felt across Nigeria’s economy, from increased agricultural demand to export expansion.

At the heart of the initiative lies a commitment to backward integration—particularly into cotton farming. The Governor revealed that 10,000 hectares of farmland have already been allocated to cotton cultivation in Ogun State, and a strong growers’ association is in place to support sustainable production. Arise IIP will supply high-quality cotton inputs, and local farmers will serve as outgrowers under secure offtake arrangements, ensuring not only consistent supply but also stable pricing and guaranteed market access.

The employment potential of the factory is immense. Beyond the over 120,000 direct jobs, the project will indirectly create over 300,000 roles in logistics, warehousing, transportation, trade, and allied services. Governor Abiodun remarked on the revitalization of Nigeria’s cotton farming culture and the catalytic effect this will have on the agricultural economy. Ogun State, he added, boasts some of the best-quality cotton in the country, a factor that further enhances the viability of the garment operation.

Proximity to critical infrastructure—including seaports, airports, and energy corridors—was a key factor in Arise IIP’s choice of Ogun. Mr. Gagan Gupta, President of Arise IIP, affirmed the strategic logic behind the location, praising the enabling environment and hands-on facilitation provided by the Ogun State Government. He described Nigeria as being fully equipped to become Africa’s textile hub and emphasized Arise IIP’s commitment to actualizing this vision through its partnership with Ogun.

Corroborating this view, Mr. Raja Rajaburu, CEO of ATMS, reiterated the group’s readiness to commit the entire investment value to the project, noting that the infrastructure and investment climate created by Governor Abiodun's administration had made Ogun the natural home for such a vast undertaking. Mr. Arvind Mathor, CEO of Textiles at Arise IIP, projected that the garments produced would not only meet domestic consumption needs but also be competitively exported across ECOWAS countries, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

Though the Ogun State Government leads this partnership, the role of the Federal Government has been instrumental in creating an enabling macroeconomic and policy environment. The Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), the National Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Policy, and export incentives have collectively laid the groundwork for investor confidence. The presence and support of institutions like AFRIXEM Bank, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission further demonstrate critical federal-level coordination.

Governor Abiodun specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the policy stability and investor-friendly climate necessary to attract a multibillion-dollar investment of this magnitude. He emphasized that it was the president’s broader economic vision that had made Ogun—and by extension, Nigeria—a destination of choice for major global investors.

The socio-economic implications of this project for Ogun State are extensive. It will drastically reduce unemployment, energize the agricultural economy, boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and serve as a springboard for foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology transfer. Youth empowerment and skill acquisition will be integrated into the factory’s operations, ensuring long-term benefits for the next generation of Ogun indigenes.

Beyond immediate job creation and production output, the garment factory symbolizes a shift toward sustainable industrial development. It reflects the government’s commitment to economic diversification, rural development, and strengthening of Nigeria’s non-oil export base. As such, it represents a vital component in the country’s broader drive for industrial self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.

The alliance between Ogun State and Arise IIP, underpinned by federal policy support and international financing, sets a new benchmark for public-private partnerships in Nigeria. It signals not just the rebirth of the textile industry, but the emergence of Ogun State as a continental leader in industrial innovation and inclusive economic growth. With vision, collaboration, and leadership, Ogun is poised to weave the fabric of Africa’s future—one garment at a time.

*Tayo Mabeweje*
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

*Not Power, But Precision: Abiodun, the Governor Behind the Southern Consensus*

In the intricate weave of Nigerian politics—where discord often disguises itself as diversity—few leaders have chosen subtlety over spectacle. Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, is one of them. While others shout to be heard, he engineers alignment with quiet deliberation, threading consensus through a region once marked by fragmented ambition.

His leadership is not forged in fanfare, but in finesse.

Since taking the reins of the Forum, Abiodun has redefined its identity—not as a ceremonial gathering of 17 southern governors, but as a unified body charting a shared path to development. Under his guidance, the Forum speaks with a coordinated voice, prioritizing collaboration over competition, and laying the foundation for a region that acts together in the national interest.

At the core of his strategy lies a pragmatic five-point focus: security, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, and true federalism. These pillars aren’t just policy—they are the blueprints for sustainable southern synergy. His proposal for a Southern Development Agency is a masterstroke: embedding long-term cooperation into institutional memory, beyond political cycles.

Where previously Southern states operated in silos, they now move in synchrony—exchanging ideas, building joint solutions, and reinforcing a shared political posture on issues vital to their people. It is a quiet transformation—but a powerful one.

But Abiodun’s reach extends beyond the mechanics of governance. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), he has emerged as a stabilizing force—resolving disputes, restoring fractured relationships, and smoothing rough edges worn by ego and ambition. His approach is diplomatic yet firm, a blend of strategic listening and timely intervention. He does not impose authority; he inspires cohesion.

From Ogun to Osun, and into the creeks of Rivers, he is stitching trust back into the party’s regional structure—carefully, consistently, and with enduring effect. His interventions aren’t loud, but they leave no seams exposed.

On the national stage, his voice has grown in influence—not through confrontation, but through clarity. His calls for regional security coordination and devolution of power are marked by logic and patience, not provocation. He isn’t seeking disruption—he’s crafting redesign.

In an era defined by political turbulence, Governor Abiodun offers something rare: the discipline of precision. He governs with a craftsman’s care—tightening knots of consensus where others might unravel threads of unity.

As the Southern region steadily transforms from a mosaic of interests into a cohesive bloc, it becomes clear that this is not accidental. Behind the scenes, methodically and modestly, stands a governor for whom leadership is not performance, but purpose.

And in the silent cadence of political progress, it is Dapo Abiodun’s precision—not power—that is guiding the South into its most coherent and collaborative chapter yet.

*Tayo Mabeweje*
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

Adeleke has no business in APC- Jackson Lekan Ojo

A leading Security Expert in Nigeria and Global Affairs Analyst, High Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo, has described the rumoured defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a dangerous step in the wrong direction.

Ojo, in an exclusive interview with newsmen on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital said the Governor has already possessed every factor that is needed to win election in any political clime.

He explained that while the expected performance of every politician in Nigeria is around 40 per cent, Adeleke on his part has surpassed 80 per cent performance record, which guarantees success for him in his reelection bid.

The security expert insisted that with the level of unprecedented performance Adeleke has recorded in Osun, he would have defeated ten opposition parties combined as an independent candidate if Nigeria's constitution permits it.

Ojo noted that the speed and consistency in which the Governor had built roads across the nooks and crannies of Osun State, in the same manner he had uplifted the agricultural sector to ensure food security and his aggressive interventions among artisans, peasants and rural dwellers, majority of the serious voters in the state are with him.

He added that performance and not party affiliations guarantees victory for politicians in every political setting, warning Adeleke to have a change of mind and consolidate his performance towards victory.

"My candid advice and opinion about the rumoured defection of Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke of Osun State from PDP to the APC is that the biggest and the largest strategy any politicians could deploy for electoral success is good performance.

"In the case of Ademola Adeleke, he has performed credibly beyond the threshold of expectations, which is around 40 per cent in Nigeria, as it stands, Governor Ademola Adeleke has performed beyond 80 per cent, surpassing any of his predecessors across party lines.

"The salient question now is that what is attracting Adeleke to APC? what is his fears? Ironically, it is the APC that needs him based on his sterling performance and they know this for sure, that is why they are strategically posing as friends to him purposely to draw him closer and mess him up.

"Adeleke's performance in the areas of infrastructural development is massive, ranging from inter-local governments roads, inter -state roads and various interventions in the most rural areas where no government in the history of the state has ever reached.

"In Osun today, the governor is paying workers and pensioners as and when due unlike the APC government that was paying half salary, the education and health sector are growing steadily and everyone in the state is happy, so what is the Governor looking for in APC that has lost touch with the people.

"I want Governor Adeleke to know that those Governors and lawmakers that are defecting to APC are doing that to get electoral victory through rigging in the ruling party, after loosing the confidence of their people or being apprehensive of EFCC based on their corrupt practices".

PRESS RELEASE
15th July, 2025

*Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin (Akile) Ijebu Mourns the Passage of Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON*

Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin Akile-Ijebu, one of the foremost age-grade groups in Ijebuland, has expressed profound grief over the passing of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON. The group described the monarch’s death as an irreplaceable loss that comes at a time when Ijebuland needed his stabilising presence the most.

During an interaction with journalists at Ogbagba Court in Igbeba, Ijebu Ode, where the monarch’s remains were laid to rest, the Giwa of Egbe Bobagunte, Otunba Giwa Adesanya Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Giwa-in-Council, and the entire membership of the Egbe, noted that the passage of the Awujale was both deeply personal and historically symbolic.

According to him, “Kabiyesi was our guiding light. His ascension marked the beginning of our generation, and Egbe—Bobagunte—was named in alignment with that new royal dawn in 1960.” He further remarked that the bond between Egbe Bobagunte and the revered monarch ran deeper than tradition, stating that “for us, this loss is very personal. We have lost our moral compass.”

Otunba Adesanya Yusuf recalled that the late monarch was not only a towering symbol of authority, but also the spiritual and cultural anchor of Ijebuland. He stated that “it is painful that Baba left us just when his voice was needed most—at the height of the Ijebu State agitation. He was our rallying point, our unifier, our boldest defender. His courage lit the path we now walk.”

The Egbe Bobagunte lauded the late monarch’s legacy of fearless leadership, visionary reform, and unwavering commitment to the dignity and progress of the Ijebu nation. His reign, which spanned an extraordinary 65 years, was marked by intellectual depth, cultural revivalism, and principled advocacy for good governance.

Egbe Bobagunte, whose members were born around the time the Awujale ascended the throne, noted that the Awujale was more than a king; he was the heartbeat of a people and the voice of a generation. His passing marks the end of an era and leaves behind a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

The group extended its deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the Awujale-in-Council, the traditional institution of Ijebuland, and the entire Ijebu people at home and in the diaspora. They prayed that Almighty God grants the departed monarch eternal rest and strengthens the people of Ijebu to carry forward his enduring legacy.

Signed:
Gunte Tayo Mabeweje
Akede, Egbe Bobagunte Okunrin Akile-Ijebu

Ogbonna Igbojianu: The blatant lies of a pardoned convict

By Kayode Akinmade


Human angle stories are about drama of life, and it can be no surprise that they frequently appeal to emotion. Humans are intensely emotional beings, and so it is natural for such a story as that of Ogbonna (Ogbonnaya) Igbojianu, a man convicted of armed robbery and murder by the court of law but who now insists that he never committed the crime, having been recently pardoned by the Governor of Ogun State, to elicit intense feelings. As presented in the story entitled "Cruel fate: How man wasted 26 years on death row for crime he never committed," Igbojianu is supposedly a victim of miscarriage of justice, having merely bought a stolen generator and having been railroaded into jail. Says the report: "Igbojionu stated that, in what appeared a pre-arranged stuff, the police beat him up and forced him to sign a statement they wrote by themselves while refusing to let him read through the statement. The businessman said he was still in a state of confusion and disbelief when he was taken to court without having the opportunity to defend himself."


Happily, though, as the story said, “Igbojionu’s joy knew no bounds as he praised Otti for being there for him when all hopes appeared lost and remaining the instrument God used to save his life and give him a second chance. After visiting the governor, Igbojionu moved straight to his village in Ikwuano, Umuahia to see his octogenarian mother, whom he saw last 26 years ago.” As the story spread on different platforms, various imputations were ascribed to the case, which predictably generated ethnic bashing by the usual suspects. The claim was made, very boldly, that Igbojionu was the victim of Yoruba conspiracy, having been kept in jail while the real criminal, one Segun Ajibade, was pardoned.


But a few salient points must be noted here. First, ever before any social media outcry, Governor Abiodun had, in exercise of the prerogative of mercy, commuted Ogbonna Igbojionu’s death sentence to life imprisonment in 2021. That was before the recent intervention which led to his release. And until you read the statement by the Ogun State Government setting out the circumstances surrounding the case, you are most likely to join the bandwagon of those casting Ogbonnaya as a victim. As pointed out in a statement released by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, Ogbonna was convicted on January 14, 2003 by the Ogun State High Court and sentenced to death for his involvement in an armed robbery that resulted in the death of a security guard, Moses Bankole. The court found Ogbonna guilty of participating in an armed robbery at an ELF petrol station, where a gang of robbers stole a 10 KVA Lister generator and killed one of the guards.


Hear the Ogun AG: “Ogbonna did not merely buy a stolen generator. Indeed, there is no evidence till date, that Ogbonna ever bought the generator in issue. The true facts are that around 10:00 pm on 3 October 2000, a gang of armed robbers attacked ELF petrol station along Abeokuta-Lagos road and stole a 10 KVA Lister generator. The armed robbers overpowered and detained the two guards at the fuel station. They hit one guard – Yusuf Akanni – with an iron rod on his head and on his leg, breaking his femur. They hit the second guard – Moses Bankole – on the head with an iron rod as well, then they bound both guards. Moses Bankole died on the spot, while bound, while Ogbonna and the other armed robbers made away with the Lister generator. Yusuf Akanni, the surviving guard, was the first prosecution witness for Ogun State. Ogbonna was a generator technician so he was the robber who specifically loosened the generator from where it was secured in ELF filling station.


“At 2:30 am a few days later, around Toll Gate, Ota, the Police randomly stopped a vehicle which was loaded with firewood and pure water bags that had been used to conceal a big generator. That generator turned out to be the same generator stolen from ELF. Ogbonna was in the vehicle alongside the vehicle's driver, Sunday Oloyede and one Kolawole Oladeji. When confronted by the Police, none of them could produce a receipt for the generator, so the Police decided to impound he vehicle and arrest its occupants. As the Police were planning to move the vehicle to the station, the driver and Kolawole Oladeji zoomed off with the vehicle, leaving Ogbonna behind. Ogbonna was detained in one of the cells at Toll Gate but before morning, Ogbonna escaped by breaking the asbestos in the cell's ceiling.”


Ogbonna(ya) was later rearrested, and made two confessional statements without objection. During the trial, the prosecution called 11 witnesses, and Ogbonna did not call any witnesses or present evidence in his defense. Long and short: Ogbonna’s guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt. It is, therefore, most scandalous for journalists to published biased reports affirming the innocence he could not prove in the court of law. Ogbonna/Ogbonnaya fully participated in the robbery he was accused of, and attempts to deodorize his grievous crime amount to inflicting further damage on the psyche of the relations of his victims. Ogbonnaya has reunited with his aged mother but Moses Bankole never will. He is gone forever, cut down in his prime by Ogbonnaya and his gang.

The words of the Ogun AG are instructive, and will close this rebuttal: "If, as the viral reports now claim, Segun Ajibade has truly led a quiet life since his release, it likely suggests genuine remorse for his crimes and his gratitude for his freedom. This is the exact opposite of Ogbonna's intransigence today and could explain why Ogbonna was not considered for release when Segun was. Ogbonna's crime hobbled a business, terrorised Akanni Yusuf, and killed Moses Bankole. These victims or their relations remain today and attempts to sanitise Ogbonna's conduct with falsehoods does fresh injustice to the victims. Those who, in a misguided quest for justice, are recreating Ogbonna as a victim will do well to remember Moses Bankole – the true and irredeemable victim of Ogbonna's crime.If Ogbonna is truly reformed, he should silently and gratefully enjoy his freedom and pursue honest pursuits. Presently, his honesty is highly doubtful, and the world is hereby notified."

Akinmade is Special Adviser media and Strategy to Ogun State Government

Southern Governors congratulates Okpebholo

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the Supreme Court's validation of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo's governorship election as a well deserved victory.

Abiodun, who stated this in a statement issued on behalf of the forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, said the verdict had laid to rest any insinuation that the victory of Okpebholo, who won the September 21, 2024 governorship election with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,655 votes, was a fluke.

He said that with the apex court's verdict, the Edo State Governor now has the opportunity to devote full attention to actualising the agenda for which the Edo electorate gave him an overwhelming mandate, without any political distractions.

He said: "On behalf of my brothers in the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF), I heartily welcome the verdict of the Supreme Court today, Thursday, affirming what Edo State people and Nigerians had known all along, namely that on September 21, 2024, Edo State voters gave Governor Monday Okpebholo a mandate to pilot their affairs for the next four years.

"The verdict shows that, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and earlier validated by the Election Petitions Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, the legitimacy of Governor Okpebholo's mandate cannot be questioned.

"No doubt, this victory is great news for democracy in Nigeria, for the people of Edo State, for our great Party the All Progressives Congress, and for good governance and the development of our dear country.

"Democracy may be imperfect but it represents the best form of government available to us as a people, and there is no doubt that this victory further consolidates and strengthens it Nigeria.

"Significantly, the victory represents the arrival of good things for the great people of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

"I have no doubt in my mind that the expectations of the people will be fully met by the pro-people, focused and dynamic government of my dear brother, Governor Monday Okpebholo."

IMBIL Telecom gets global certification, strengthens Nigeria's ICT sector



In recognition of its lofty standards and excellent services, IT services provider, IMBIL Telecom Solutions Nigeria Ltd, has received the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).



By the certification, IMBIL Telecom is now in pole position to attract enterprise clients, public sector agencies, and international partners seeking secure and standards-compliant telecom solutions.



The certification, which honours its commitment to information security and global best practices, was
issued by Pacific Cert, an internationally accredited certification body based in New Delhi, India, on
July 2.


It is expected to be valid until July 2, 2028, subject to successful surveillance audits, the first of which is scheduled for July 1, 2026.



As highlighted in the recognition, the scope of Certification covers the company's core services, including IMBIL TALK,IMBIL CONNECT, IMBIL MVNA/E, as well as all business activities, support functions, infrastructure, and personnel responsible for service delivery and management.



Responding to the certification, Managing Director of the company, Mr Akeem Ogunkoya, said the company was proud of this achievement, being "a testament to our unwavering commitment to information security, customer trust, and global best practices."

*Diplomacy Meets Delivery: How Abiodun’s Presence in Brazil May Unlock New Partnerships for Ogun*

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s participation in the recent bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva represents more than ceremonial diplomacy — it signals a shift toward strategic subnational engagement in global economic affairs. As President Tinubu seeks to eliminate barriers hindering Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock potential, Governor Abiodun stands poised to translate international agreements into concrete local development for Ogun State.

The bilateral meeting, held in Copacabana, Brazil, focused on accelerating cooperation in agriculture, food production, livestock development, and trade. Tinubu’s assurance that all bottlenecks will be removed, paired with Brazil’s readiness to streamline partnerships, sets the stage for a new wave of international collaboration. And in this emerging phase of economic diplomacy, Governor Abiodun’s marketing skills and investment-driven leadership place Ogun at the centre of Nigeria’s next agricultural and industrial leap.

Over the last five years, Ogun State has transformed into Nigeria’s top investment destination — thanks to a deliberate strategy anchored in infrastructure renewal, public-private partnerships, and ease of doing business. Governor Abiodun’s leadership has attracted large-scale agro-processing companies, expanded farm estates, and improved access to rural roads. With Brazil now offering collaboration in mechanised farming, livestock genetics, and fertiliser distribution, Ogun has both the vision and capacity to implement pilot projects and draw significant foreign investment.

Brazil’s global reputation in agribusiness is undisputed, and its partnership with Nigeria could introduce cutting-edge research and development into Ogun’s agricultural value chain. Governor Abiodun has already expressed the state’s readiness to complement federal efforts. His consistent advocacy for food security and agricultural commercialisation resonates with Brazil’s offer to support livestock health systems, improved sanitary services, and blue economy expansion — all areas where Ogun has comparative advantages.

The inclusion of a business forum as part of the Brazil-Nigeria state visit further amplifies the potential for Ogun to attract capital, technical expertise, and partnerships. As Governor Abiodun noted, injecting fresh ideas and resources into the system will fast-track results and deepen subnational ownership of national policies.

Ultimately, diplomacy without delivery is rhetoric. But in the hands of a governor who has consistently turned policy into progress, international partnerships like this offer real prospects. For Ogun State, the message is clear: the world is paying attention — and Governor Abiodun is making sure the state is ready.

*Tayo Mabeweje*
*Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State*

Association of Dangerous Characters (ADC) in Nigeria

By Olaniyi Ajibola

Thomas Edward Lawrence, the late British Army Officer, Archeologist and prolific writer, who painstakingly documented the popular Arab Revolt, having witnessed the struggles for independent and unified Arab State and attendant failure, submitted that", ALL MEN DREAM, BUT NOT EQUALLY, THOSE WHO DREAM BY NIGHT IN THE DUSTY RECESSES OF THEIR MINDS WAKE IN THE DAY TO FIND THAT IT WAS VANITY; BUT THE DREAMERS OF THE DAY ARE DANGEROUS MEN, FOR THEY MAY ACT ON THEIR DREAMS WITH OPEN EYES TO MAKE THEM POSSIBLE".

The above postulation of Lawrence rightly and explicitly captures the recent development in Nigeria, the coming together of political players of multiple colours, with history in the power corridors spanning decades, who suddenly realized the need to 'rescue ' Nigeria and Nigerians.

While some Nigerians have described them as desperate and deceptive, others see them as disgruntled and dejected, having lost free access to treasury and seriously in need of patronage. These schools of thought might be correct in a way, considering what every Nigerian knows about those characters in coalition under ADC.

They would have been forgiven if they come out in the open and assert their fundamental rights of forming a political association to get the machinery of government and continue enjoying political booties as before rather than promising Nigerians a better tomorrow.

The salient question to ask these obscurantists is whether they were sleeping yesterday while they held sway individually in different capacities but failed woefully despite being younger and agile and not now that they are closer to where they are going than where they are coming from.

It is indeed pertinent to dissect the antecedents of the leading members of the coalition to awake the consciousness of Nigerians, especially the youths, in order to safeguard our country against agents of economic retrogression and political malady.

Let's start from Senator David Mark, the Acting Chairman of their party, this is the man that was actively involved in the process that resulted in the abortion of democracy in 1993, he was a Minister of Communication that declared rather callously that mobile phones were not meant for poor people in the country where majority are poor.

Because of the lopsided nature of our political system, strangely, the same Mark became Senator and even rose to become the Senate President, the position he enjoyed for good eight years and couldn't do anything to address the deplorable road that leads to his village. That is the character that is leading a coalition that will change Nigeria to paradise.

Another character is Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, an eloquent leftist with overt religious inclination rooted in active political consciousness. If pontification is an instrument of success in power, Aregbesola would have emerged as the best Governor in Nigeria, unfortunately, governance is not a rocket science and that is why the man terribly failed as a Governor of Osun State and as Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ogbeni Aregbesola as Osun State Governor was notorious of various policy summersaults that disrupted the system and Osun society beyond imagination, among which is reclassification policy in the educational system and half salary model for civil servants.

It will shock Nigerians to know that Aregbesola claimed to have copied the 'Single Uniform' model, that almost set Osun on fire from Republic of Benin. Asides the single uniform imbroglio, which was surrounded with array of allegations of corruption and wastage through the popular Omoluabi Garment , the disruption of academic sequence of 6-3-3-4 as part of his reclassification policy almost turned Osun to a theatre of religious war.

The humongous debt his administration incurred without any significant projects to justify the financial burden on Osun except dilapidated structures called Mega Schools is still affecting the finance of the state till today.

His tenure as a Minister of Interior was a disaster, Aregbesola couldn't successfully solve the age-long problem surrounding issuance of passports, as Nigeria experienced the highest incidents of jail breaks during his time as Minister.

That is the man who is championing a new Nigeria though ADC, and his greatest focus for the party is to go to South Africa to study the modus operandi of ANC, what a political utopian!

Let's briefly discuss another member of the gang, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, who will go down in history as the Governor of Kaduna State that superintended the most volatile Kaduna ever, when the state recorded deaths more than projects.

Every Nigerian understands the thinking of El-rufai that informed his membership of the coalition, the Mallam is simply on the journey of vendetta against President Bola Tinubu, having failed in his bid to become a Minister under Tinubu, after serving at different capacities at the Federal level since 1999 and later spent eight years as Governor of Kaduna State.

He is now on a mission to change Nigeria and make it better than ever after leaving Kaduna in shambles.

Peter Obi on his part is a confused politician of all times, asides being allegedly benefitted from the Military establishment, Peter Obi was the Governor of Anambra State for eight years without democratic local government administration, he was one of the pioneering Nigerian Governors that killed local government administration in Nigeria.

Instead of embarking on enduring projects of values, he was known to have discriminated strongly against people that were not from his state, including neighbouring Abia and Imo and that is the man that is ready to lead heterogeneous Nigeria.

Atiku Abubakar can easily be defined by the account of his boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who made us to know that the compass of Alhaji Atiku's movement lies with marabouts and soccers, that the man was over ambitious to the point of dangerous desperation.

Obasanjo who worked closely with Atiku for eight years can not vouch for his integrity over management of resources. Beyond that, the former Vice-president has changed political parties more than any other politicians in Nigeria, reflecting his mindset about consistency and dignity.

In conclusion, Nigerians must be wary of these day dreamers, they are intrinsically dangerous as Lawrence posited, they are without doubt on their way to Golgotha.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Ibara, Abeokuta.

National Chairmanship: APC must consider North Central for fairness , equity - Jackson Lekan Ojo

....says Region and Religion remain top priority

A leading Security Expert in Nigeria and Global Affairs Analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo has advised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the National Chairmanship of the party to the North Central Geo-political axis of Nigeria.

The security expert argued that his position was predicated on the fundamentals of peace, equity and justice, adding that every consideration for the Chairmanship of the ruling party must critically revolves around sensitivity of Region and Religion.

He noted that there is serious erosion of fairness and equity if both the President and the Vice-president are Muslims, including the National Secretary of the APC, saying it is always appropriate and morally correct to appoint a Christian as the National Chairman.

Ojo further dissected the development and observed that even among the six states of the North central, only Plateau state remains to be considered for significant position at the national level, especially in the ruling APC.

The security expert explained that when Benue , Nasarawa and other states in the region has been adequately compensated, Plateau remains in the cold and neglected.

He asserted that one of the chieftains of the APC in Plateau, Mr Amos Gizo, who was recently endorsed by the APC Forum is appropriately capable and possesses requisite political and academic credentials to pilot the affairs of the ruling party.

"Having clearly stated my position as you said on the coalition, however, I want to emphatically say that what greatly determines my interest is anything that guarantees peaceful co-existence and tranquility in Nigeria irrespective of my political leanings at any point in time.

"I am apolitical on every issue concerning national development, peace, security and economic deliverables and that is why I want to comment about the controversy surrounding the appointment of National Chairmanship of the APC following the exit of Umar Ganduje.

"It is crystal clear that the constitution of APC stipulates that the Geo-political zone that produces the national chairman of the party automatically produces replacement in case the incumbent is being removed or becomes incapacitated.

"Unfortunately, when Abdullahi Adamu left the position, the political exigency as at that time produced Ganduje from the North West against the party's extant law and agreement, with attendant agitation and vociferous clamour for redress.

"Fortunately now, with the exit of Ganduje, the opportunity for redress has naturally presented itself and the ruling party must conscientiously grab the opportunity and use it judiciously to avert serious crisis that could affect governance and national development.

"The two fundamentals to be considered in this case is Region and Religion, first and foremost, the chairmanship position must be zoned automatically to the North central in line with the dictates of the APC constitution and preponderant agreement, secondly, the person must be a Christian, it is utterly unacceptable and unfair to have Muslims as President, the Vice-president and even the National Secretary of the party.

"It is on that note that I want to align with the position of the APC Unity Forum and other popular endorsement of Mr. Amos Gizo from Plateau state; going through his credentials and pedigree, he is the most qualified and appropriate person for the position of Chairman of the party.

"A man with over forty years in politics and who have served the ruling party in different capacities meritoriously, including as the Special Adviser/National Coordinator, Independent Campaign Council, (ICC)-2023, Director , Artisans Presidential Campaign Council, (PCC) in 2023 and Patron /Board Chairman, Independent Support Groups, 2019-2023 among others.

"Of course, he is a scholar of high repute, having combined teaching with journalism and financial management, this man is the the best for the APC at this time".

2027: Coalition on a rescue mission to end autocracy in Nigeria- Jackson Ojo

A leading Security Expert and Global Affairs Analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo, has declared that the newly formed coalition on the platform of African Democratic Congress(ADC) against the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was conceived to rescue Nigeria from 'autocratic government '.

Ojo, in a media chat with newsmen on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital noted that the quality of personalities that constitute the coalition gives high hope of total redemption and attendant prosperity for Nigeria .

He argued that every Nigerian irrespective of tribe or religion is in support of the coalition and ready to give them their mandates, saying the coalition genuinely represents the real progressive movement for true welfarism.

Ojo further explained that in the same manner Jesus Christ was adored and received as the saviour among the Christendom, so also the coalition must be embraced by all Nigerians as the long awaited saviour.

He, however, warned the ruling APC never to take the coalition for granted, adding that ADC remains the party that will form the next government in Nigeria .

"Nigerians from all walks of life have been crying, wailing excruciatingly because of the harsh economic situation, because of the weak educational system, because of the battered heath system as well as the high level of insecurity across the country.

"There is no any alternative in sight because both the PDP and Labour Party are no longer there, they have been destroyed either by themselves or from covert external forces.

"However, I want to assure you that the coalition is the only answer. Having people like David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola on board gives a complete confidence and assurance of a better tomorrow in Nigeria .

" There is no doubt in the fact that the coalition has come to stay with clear and undiluted rescue mission, it truly represents a progressive front that will surely birth government of the people by the people and for the people .
Little did the present government and it's party APC know that they are not contesting against the coalition party comes 2027 but it is a contest against the general populace that had been disappointedly abandoned and left to suffer o er the year.

"The coalition will definitely end political autocracy in Nigeria and change this present ugly scenario of hunger and misery; they will surely succeed , I am too sure about this", Ojo asserted .