₦airaland Forum

Ogun Approves Reconstruction of Additional 11 Roads

The Ogun State Government has approved 11 roads, spread across the three senatorial districts in the state, for reconstruction.

The approval was part of the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held over the weekend, presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Notable among the roads is the Akute Bridge to Agbado (Lateef Jakande) Train Terminal/Pass/Agbado Bridge, with a length of 9.2 km.

The construction of laybys and some adjoining roads was also approved along with the main contract.

Also approved for reconstruction are the Iperu Junction to Ilishan Roundabout (Gateway International Airport Road), with a length of 5.5 km; Imasayi-Igan Okoto-Ayetoro Road Phase 2B (4 km); Imasayi (end of phase 1) to Igan Okoto, Phase 2A (3 km); and Gao Junction to Ibiade Road (3.8 km).

Others are Abeokuta Obalende-Ijebu Ode (2.75 km); Osinubi New Road (Araromi Street) Ijebu Ode (1.1 km); Tam Balogun, Ijebu Ode (0.85 km); Federal College Road, Odogbolu (2.93 km); General Hospital - Aferiku, Ipokia (2.8 km); and Oke Erinja to Erinja to Ilobi Road, Phase 2 (1.7 km).

It would be recalled that Governor Abiodun, at the commissioning of the 3.12 km Oke Erinja to Erinja Road on Tuesday, had promised to extend the road reconstruction to Ilobi.

"The Ilobi and Oke-Erinja areas are among our food baskets in the state, and today, we have prioritized the construction of their roads.

"It was not intentional to stop the road at Oke-Erinja. I have heard many times that the Erinja and Ilobi people are like Siamese twins, and I will not separate them.

"So, let me assure you, we will complete that road to Ilobi; we will ensure the road ends at Ilobi," the governor had said.

Prince Abiodun also promised to award the contract for the reconstruction of the Sango-Ijoko-Akute road within one week.

This, he said, is to ensure that the axis is properly linked with a good network of roads, adding that the efforts put in place by his administration on the Akute-Ajuwon, Alagbole-Ajuwon, Giwa-Oke-Aro, and the Alagbole-Akute roads won't be appreciated if the Sango-Ijoko-Akute road is not completed.

"We have not left behind our border communities. In the last two weeks, we have been going to Ifo Local Government several times because of the number of people that migrate between that local government and Lagos every day.

"The Sango-Ijoko-Akute road is a road we are soon going to award, possibly this week. It is quite a lengthy piece of road; that road is about 17 kilometers. It is a major arterial road that connects Ogun West to Ogun Central and, of course, to Lagos," he added.

Ogun Approves Reconstruction of Additional 11 Roads

The Ogun State Government has approved 11 roads, spread across the three senatorial districts in the state, for reconstruction.

The approval which was part of the outcome of the State Executive Council the meeting held over the weekend, presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Notable among the roads is the Akute Bridge to Agbado (Lateef Jakande) Train Terminal/Pass/Agbado Bridge, with a length of 9.2 km.

The construction of laybys and some adjoining roads was also approved along with the main contract.

Also approved for reconstruction are the Iperu Junction to Ilishan Roundabout (Gateway International Airport Road), with a length of 5.5 km; Imasayi-Igan Okoto-Ayetoro Road Phase 2B (4 km); Imasayi (end of phase 1) to Igan Okoto, Phase 2A (3 km); and Gao Junction to Ibiade Road (3.8 km).

Others are Abeokuta Obalende-Ijebu Ode (2.75 km); Osinubi New Road (Araromi Street) Ijebu Ode (1.1 km); Tam Balogun, Ijebu Ode (0.85 km); Federal College Road, Odogbolu (2.93 km); General Hospital - Aferiku, Ipokia (2.8 km); and Oke Erinja to Erinja to Ilobi Road, Phase 2 (1.7 km).

It would be recalled that Governor Abiodun, at the commissioning of the 3.12 km Oke Erinja to Erinja Road on Tuesday, had promised to extend the road reconstruction to Ilobi.

"The Ilobi and Oke-Erinja areas are among our food baskets in the state, and today we have prioritized the construction of their roads.

"It was not intentional to stop the road at Oke-Erinja. I have heard many times that the Erinja and Ilobi people are like Siamese twins, and I will not separate them.

"So, let me assure you, we will complete that road to Ilobi; we will ensure the road ends at Ilobi," the governor had said.

Prince Abiodun also promised to award the contract for the reconstruction of the Sango-Ijoko-Akute road within one week.

This, he said, is to ensure that the axis is properly linked with a good network of roads, adding that the efforts put in place by his administration on the Akute-Ajuwon, Alagbole-Ajuwon, Giwa-Oke-Aro, and the Alagbole-Akute roads won't be appreciated if the Sango-Ijoko-Akute road is not completed.

"We have not left behind our border communities. In the last two weeks, we have been going to Ifo Local Government several times because of the number of people that migrate between that local government and Lagos every day.

"The Sango-Ijoko-Akute road is a road we are soon going to award, possibly this week. It is quite a lengthy piece of road; that road is about 17 kilometers. It is a major arterial road that connects Ogun West to Ogun Central and, of course, to Lagos," he added.

Abiodun Condoles Odogbolu Kingdom Over Monarch’s Demise

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Odogbolu in the Ogun East Senatorial District over the passing of their revered monarch, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, the Alaye of Odogbolu.

The esteemed monarch passed away on Monday at the age of 80 after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, Governor Abiodun described the late traditional ruler as a passionate leader who selflessly served his people and contributed significantly to the development of the kingdom.

According to the governor, "Oba Onagoruwa will be deeply missed by his people, given the wisdom and diplomacy he demonstrated in overseeing the affairs of his domain.

He, therefore, prayed for the repose of his soul and for strength and comfort for his immediate family and the people of Odogbolu as they mourn this irreparable loss.

Oba Onagoruwa was indeed a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition. He ruled his people with love and affection, embodying wisdom and native intelligence.

We take solace in the fact that he left behind an indelible legacy of service and leadership. May God grant his soul eternal rest," Governor Abiodun stated.

That false comparison between Governors Abiodun and Makinde

By Funmi Branco

IF you are not familiar with Ogun State and its governance under Prince Dapo Abiodun, chances are that you can take Olujide Wilanpa’s acerbic piece, A Tale Of Two Governors, published in the February 18, 2025 edition of an online platform, Newscoven, at face value. In that bolekaja piece, author Wilanpa, assuming that this is his real name, sets out to condemn and demonise the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his administration and ingratiate himself to the governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde. To be sure, if all that Wilanpa set out to do was to eulogise Governor Makinde, there would have been nothing wrong with that. He has the right to believe either that the Oyo governor is the best in the South-West or indeed the entire country. It would be insulting, given the monumental achievements that have trailed his occupancy of the Oke Mosan Government House in the last five years, to think that the Ogun State helmsman is, or can be, diminished by such statements.
However, while pretending to write about Makinde, Wilanpa’s real aim is to put down the Ogun governor using blatant falsehood, false equivalences, and innuendo. This is an open challenge: let anyone, ANYONE at all, prove through statistical evidence that Ogun is behind any state in Nigeria except Lagos, the country’s economic capital. Use submissions by the statistical agencies, local or international, to prove that Ogun State under Abiodun is an economically or even infrastructurally backward state. There is a reason the Gateway State is Nigeria’s top investment destination after Lagos. Ogun under Abiodun is one of the few states that can pay salaries without federal allocation. The IGR has more than tripled under him.


With unimpeachable evidence, I show below that “A Tale Of Two Governors” is just another “tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” In that ridiculously uninformed and patently cancerous piece, the author submits as follows: “A drive on that arterial road always showed that the Oyo State stretch of the road is well-policed by security agencies and Amotekun Corps, while the Ogun State stretch is not. You can draw your conclusions or ask those who ply Lagos-Ibadan express where they feel safer.” Ah! How people ridicule themselves through sheer buffoonery! The axis that Mr Wilanpa dismisses in his haste to demonise Abiodun just saved the South-West geopolitical zone from terrorist attacks! Just last Saturday, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, intercepted a group of youths numbering 20 and possessing dangerous weapons during his routine weekend patrol along the Eledumare, Bamboo, Fidiwo, Foursquare, Alapako, and the Onigari axis on the Ogun-Oyo border. The weapons recovered from the suspects included “daggers, knives, cutlasses and objects suspected to be charms, among others.” If the Ogun axis of the Lagos/Oyo section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is not well policed, how then was this potentially life and civilization-saving operation made possible?


It is indeed a tragedy that Wilanpa can claim that Ogun State, a state described by no less a personality than the Inspector General of Police as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country, is toying with security. Only last month, the Abiodun government recruited 690 Amotekun personnel, even as the governor gave approval for the recruitment of an additional 1000, declaring that the state is a no-go- area for criminals. This was during the passing out parade ceremony of the 690 trainees, Batch D of the Corps held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu. Hear him on the occasion: “We will continue to strengthen the Ogun State Security Network Agency(Amotekun Corps) to ensure that you have the tools and Infrastructure required to perform your duties effectively and diligently. I am today, based on what I have seen by the level of your preparedness and commitment, approving the recruitment of another 1000 Amotekun Corps. This will bring the total strength to over 2000. They will of course be renumerated very well in line with the civil service structure.I will also be approving additional logistics, including but not limited to vehicles, electric motorcycles and all that is required to allow you to discharge your responsibilities to the best of your abilities.” As the governor has stated, Ogun state’s geographical location as the gateway to other parts of the country poses a security challenge. But his government is determined to keep it safe and prosperous.


The writer claims he is not “trying to fan the embers of discord between the two governors, who are friends or, at best, brothers,” yet he declares with a bold face that the Ogun people would gladly swap their governor with the Oyo governor. Apart from being so disrespectful to the good people of Ogun State who rewarded their governor with a second term in 2023, this statement suggests that the people were not intelligent in their choice of governor. The problem with hack and hired writers is the poverty of morals, the absence of conscience, the use of talent in pursuit of pecuniary gains. The governor who built the Ogun State Agro-Cargo International Airport, which will begin scheduled and non-scheduled flights in the next few weeks and will generate 25,000 jobs, has turned his state into a giant construction site since being sworn-in as the fifth democratically elected governor in 2019.


It is ridiculous that the writer can say that the Ogun helmsman is not recruiting new teachers, and yet claim to be resident in Ogun State. Only recently, Governor Abiodun announced his administration’s plan to recruit 2,000 more teachers in 2025 under the Ogun Teach initiative, thus increasing the number of interns from 4,000 to 6,000 and helping to bridge the gap in the state’s student-to-teacher ratio. That was not all: Abiodun noted that his administration, in line with current realities, had increased the wages of the Ogun Teach interns in the state to N80,000. In any case, just as Wilanpa was publishing his moronic piece, newspapers across the country carried a great piece of news: “Ogun To Get Uninterrupted Electricity as Abiodun Commissions Power Plant in Eight weeks Time.” If an Independent Power Plant that will provide 24 hours uninterrupted electricity to most parts of the State, especially Abeokuta, the State capital, will be inaugurated in the next two months, then how can it be doubted that the Ogun State governor, one of the first governors to announce a new minimum in the country following the recent legislation by the National Assembly, is conscious of his place in history?

The 30 megawatts power plant located at Onijogangan near Ewekoro, is the first phase of Ogun State Light Up Project, run in collaboration with private sector partners. According to Governor Abiodun: "Abeokuta Metropolis will require more than 30 Megawatts but this is the first phase of the planned 100 Megawatts Megawatts power generation capacity. I have gone round and have taken note of progress of work so far. I have seen the control room, I have seen the turbines, I have seen that will be responsible for ensuring that the gas is compressed. We have seen the gas pipelines that will be completed between three to six weeks. The gas compressor is there and there is diesel tank as well. I am quite excited and I am sure that by the grace of God in th next eight weeks, you will be here with me to commission this plant to the glory of God and the use of those who love in Abeokuta.”




In his haste to ingratiate himself to the Oyo governor, Wilanpa claimed that Governor Abiodun’s palliative strategy after subsidy removal was to “give10,000 or ₦20,000 peanuts.” God have mercy! Following subsidy removal, Governor Abiodun announced a N5 billion intervention fund covering education, health, workers’ deductions and food palliative to cushion the corollaries of the rising cost of living and inflation. He provided a minimum of five exercise books for all 850,000 students in Ogun public primary and secondary schools, one-time N10,000 education support grant for at least 100,000 pupils in public primary and secondary schools in the state, an education grant of N50,000 each for all the 27,600 indigent students in tertiary institutions nationwide, insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries; free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in State Hospitals and Primary Health Care centres, and food palliatives for about 300,000 households across the state. Abiodun announced immediate payment of N10,000 to workers in Ogun State and the reduction of working days. Before then, he had rolled out a gas-powered public transport system, with the state’s wifi-enabled buses converted from PMS to gas-powered vehicles, saying that public buses would cost much less if they were CNG rather than PMS-powered. That was not all: the governor and his team launched electric motorbikes and tricycles all over the state. As a matter of fact, many states, including Oyo, approached Ogun for CNG conversion of their public buses. Ogun also trained Oyo women on the Nigeria for Women Project.


Local mechanics, a vital part of the conversion engineering, were trained, while conversion stations were set up in senatorial districts, allowing for the rapid conversion of commercial and public mass transit buses and vehicles across the state. The initiative provided training and job opportunities for thousands of technicians and mechanics around the state. Some of the buses were given to workers and students, while some plied the Mowe- Ibafo to Berger in Lagos and Redeemed axis to Lagos Island, a heavily congested corridor. The government engaged in bulk purchase of food and sold it at controlled prices, paid hazard allowance to health and medical personnel and peculiar allowance for public servants, paid leave bonuses to public servants, and gave immediate cash-backing for the quarterly payment of gratuities to pensioners; distributed food palliatives to vulnerable citizens while mandating the Gateway Trading Company to establish food distribution outlets across the state and sell the items at the rates obtainable in the market before the removal of fuel subsidy.

Wilanpa and his gang came a thousand years too late. Dapo Abiodun is governor of governors.

Branco submits this piece through; funmibranco@aol.com

Abiodun Condoles Otegbola's Family Over Passing of Ex-Lawmaker

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the family of former lawmaker, Sen. Ayodeji Otegbola, over his demise, describing him as a cerebral politician and selfless community leader.

Otegbola, who represented Ogun West Senatorial District at the Red Chamber during the aborted Third Republic, reportedly died on Monday at the age of 91.

Governor Abiodun, in a condolence message, eulogised the distinct virtues of the late Asiwaju of Awori land, including his passion for community cohesion and development, adding that he exhibited the core values of a grassroots politician.

He added that Otegbola's contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria at large would remain indelible in the consciousness of the people for a very long time, as he prayed for the repose of his soul.

"Senator Ayo Otegbola exemplified the essence of a thought leader with a midas touch. As the Chairman of Federal Housing Authority between 2002 and 2004, he brought his deep experience in estate surveying to bear on the job, which accelerated housing schemes all over Nigeria , including the FCT.

"His legacies projects in Gwarinpa Housing Schemes and many others around the FCT can never be over-emphasized, he was indeed an achiever and great leader.

"We will sorely miss him in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. May God Almighty rest his soul and protect the lovely family he left behind", Abiodun said.

Clark's exit, glorious conclusion of monumental chapter in Nigerian history--SGF chair, Dapo Abiodun



Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as a profound loss to Nigeria, yet a glorious conclusion of a monumental chapter in Nigerian history.




Abiodun, who described the former Federal Commissioner for Information as one of the greatest leaders ever produced by the South-South geopolitical zone of the country and arguably the most engaging voice for the redressing of decades of exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta peoples, said the exit of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter and restructuring advocate marks an era that can never be forgotten.



In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, Abiodun said whatever sorrow the exit of the foremost Ijaw leader springs has been tempered by the giant strides he left in various sectors of the Nigerian national life and the unimpeachable accomplishments he achieved in about 70 years of distinguished national service.



He said: "The exit of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a watershed in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, Independence and post-independence eras with all the twists and turns, Chief Clark was simply a personification of Nigerian history. He served with distinction for about seven decades and was one of the most accomplished voices of courage and progressivism that Nigeria has ever witnessed.



"The outpouring of emotions following his death, coming on the heels of the transition of a kindred spirit, the inimitable Pa Ayo Adebanjo, indeed marks a moment that all Nigerians must be proud of.



"His activities during the pre-independence period when he was elected as Councillor for Bomadi in 1953 and during his stint with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), not forgetting his deeply intellectual posture as a member of the West African Students' Union while a student at Holborn College, London, marks him out as a patriot without compare.



"From his indelible imprints in the 60s when he served as a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor and as a cabinet member during the administration of Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia and his appointment as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975 by the then Head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, in 1975, Chief Clark demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Nigerian cause.




"As commissioner for education, Chief Clark was instrumental to the establishment of the Mid-West College of Technology that later birthed the University of Benin. The ex-senator and founder of Edwin Clark University loved education with unblemished passion.



"Despite his advancing years, Chief Clark readily and consistently wrote letters to critical organs of the Nigerian State whenever he saw dangerous signals in the polity. He will be sorely missed."



"He was a courageous fighter till literally his last breath, galvanising the Southern and Middle Belt peoples for the restructuring of the Nigerian polity and preaching peace at all times. He was indeed a patriot of the finest breed."

Ogun State Government Refutes Ondo’s Claim Over Eba Island, Warns Against Communal Crisis

The Ogun State Government has firmly dismissed claims by its Ondo State counterpart regarding the ownership of Eba Island, where an oil well is currently under investigation. It emphasized that the island falls within Ogun State’s jurisdiction and cautioned against any attempt to stir communal tensions between the Ijebu and Ilaje peoples, who have historically coexisted peacefully.

The controversy arose after Allen Sowore, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, issued a statement asserting that Oke-Agor-Isekun, where an abandoned oil well was discovered, belongs to Ondo State and not Ogun State.

In response, Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Energy, Mr. Jide Onakoya, described Ondo’s claim as misleading and contrary to established historical, traditional, and legal evidence. It labeled the assertion as an affront to the Awujale of Ijebu Land and the Ijebu Traditional Council, reiterating that historical records and documented evidence confirm that the disputed area is within Ogun State.

Onakoya clarified that boundary delineations between local and state governments are based on markers recognized by the National Boundary Commission. A thorough examination of relevant maps affirms that Eba Island lies within Ogun Waterside in Ogun State.

Quoting a document from the Palace of Makun-Omi, the statement asserted:
“…. It is INDISPUTABLE that the oil well currently under investigation is located in Eba Island, which falls within Ogun Waterside in Ogun State."

Furthermore, Ogun State condemned Ondo’s claim over Irokun, a community in Ogun Waterside, calling it a reckless attempt to incite conflict. It emphasized that Irokun has been an Ijebu settlement since the colonial era, transitioning through the Western Region to Ogun State. The geographical boundary declarations along the Bight of Benin confirm Irokun and Araromi Seaside as part of Ogun State, with the Onirokun of Irokun being a recognized member of the Ijebu Traditional Council.

Addressing the origins of the misinformation, the Ogun State Government pointed to Oba Samuel Edema, the Molokun of Atijere in Ondo State, as a key instigator. It revealed that in October 2024, Oba Edema contacted Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami, the Osobia of Makun-Omi, seeking permission for a business venture in Eba Island, located in Ogun Waterside. However, the Osobia of Makun-Omi, acting lawfully, declined the request and promptly reported the matter to the Governor of Ogun State, who escalated it to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and security agencies.

Following this, officials from the NNPC and law enforcement agencies visited the area to conduct due diligence. Ogun State asserted that Ondo’s reaction to this legitimate action resulted in a misleading communiqué from the Ilaje Traditional Council, further escalating tensions.

The government condemned attempts at territorial expansion and the misuse of colonial-era documents to justify claims that contradict Nigeria’s constitutional framework. It cited Colonial Government Gazette No. 660, dated April 29, 1950, which clearly defined the boundary between the Ijebu and Ondo provinces, overriding earlier documents such as Government Notices No. 69 of 1919 and No. 114 of 1920. The Gazette, signed by Acting Chief Secretary to the Colonial Government, H.F. Marshall, solidifies Ogun State’s ownership of the disputed territory.

Ogun State reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and urged stakeholders to respect legal boundaries to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Court of Appeal never dismissed our case against Datkems---Ogun govt


..says company purveying falsehood because it has no case


The Ogun State Government has dismissed news reports claiming that the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by it in a case against Datkems, a company associated with the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Gbenga Daniel.



In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, Hon Kayode Akinmade, on Wednesday, the Ogun State government noted that it merely withdrew one of the four appeals it filed against Datkems in the court having noticed an error in the title, adding that all the appeals are still pending against the company.



This withdrawal, it said, was falsely misrepresented as a judicial victory with intent to deceive the public even while the Court of Appeal is yet to make any pronouncement on the substantive issues and while Datkems was yet to file any cogent response to the allegations against it.



The statement said: "Ogun State Government still has three pending appeals against Datkems before the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal.




"With respect to a fourth appeal, the government observed an error in the title of the Notice of Appeal and opted to not proceed with that appeal but to file another. Because the government had expressly informed the court of its decision to
abandon the appeal, the court took a procedural decision to end the appeal and to delete the appeal number. This is without prejudice to the right of the Ogun State Government to reinitiate the appeal.




"The fact remains that Ogun State Government still has three strong appeals against Datkems business. Those appeals are pending, ongoing, and have been adjourned to 19 May 2025 for hearing. Datkems is yet to submit any arguments in those appeals."


Noting that Datkems is understandably eager to exaggerate its position in the court cases, just as it was eager to misrepresent its legal status in the court cases too, the statement recalled that Datkems filed the case against Ogun State Government on 7 September 2023, describing itself as Datkems Enterprises Limited, but Ogun State Government’s diligent investigation exposed it to be a fraud, as no company had ever been registered called Datkems Enterprises.


This, it said, made the case incompetent.


"Datkems had no answer to that point at the trial court and has no answer till today.



" That is why rather than face the appeals, it is busy presenting minor administrative decisions as huge judicial victories. Time will tell. And Ogun State Government will prevail," the statement added.

Ogun Govt Warns Residents Against Damaging Water Infrastructure

The Ogun State government has strongly warned residents of the state, especially contractors working around communities within the state, against damaging water infrastructure, stating that it will arrest and prosecute such individuals.

The state water corporation, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo further condemned the deliberate attempts by some residents to willfully destroy basic water infrastructure, accusing contractors of destroying pipes along the road during construction without making efforts to replace them.

According to her, the corporation is already battling aged and deteriorating facilities without replacement by successive administrations in the state.

It, however, promised to rehabilitate and upgrade that infrastructure to improve the quality of potable water supply to the residents, lamenting that these efforts are being frustrated by the constant damage to its facilities.

"As we are fully committed to rehabilitating and upgrading our water supply networks, one pipe at a time, our efforts to enhance the water sector and ensure the provision of potable water to the citizens of Ogun State are being greatly hampered by the insensitive activities of road contractors.

"These contractors, driven solely by the urgency of road construction, frequently damage our underground pipeline networks with little regard for the consequences of their actions.

"This persistent and avoidable damage has significantly contributed to the rise in Non-Revenue Water (NRW), leading to substantial losses in resources, increased operational costs, and a decline in service efficiency.

"The repercussions of these avoidable infrastructure damages include a high volume of wasted treated water, with bursts and leaks resulting in a massive loss of water that has already undergone rigorous treatment, causing an unnecessary depletion of our limited resources.

"Also, there are escalating repair costs, as frequent damage to pipelines imposes a heavy financial burden on OSWC, diverting funds that could otherwise be used for infrastructure upgrades and service improvements; increased risk of contamination as broken pipes expose treated water to external contaminants, posing serious health hazards to the residents of Ogun State.

"There are disruptions in water supply, as burst pipes lead to service interruptions, depriving communities of access to clean and safe drinking water, and loss of revenue, with damaged pipes resulting in financial losses due to wasted resources and uncollected water revenue.

"Reputational damage to OSWC – Service disruptions and inefficiencies caused by these damages create a false perception of negligence on the part of OSWC, thereby eroding public confidence in our ability to provide essential services."

The corporation reiterated its stance against any act damaging its infrastructure, stating that such behavior will no longer be tolerated, as it will take decisive measures to hold offenders accountable for any damage inflicted upon its assets by enforcing stricter collaboration between OSWC and road construction firms to ensure pre-construction assessments of water pipelines.

Additionally, it stated that the corporation is set to strengthen monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to address incidents of damage swiftly, as well as enhancing public awareness among other measures.

It continued: "The OSWC remains resolute in its commitment to improving water supply across Ogun State. However, these efforts must be supported by responsible practices from all stakeholders, particularly construction companies and contractors. We call on all relevant authorities, agencies, and the general public to join us in preserving and protecting our water assets for the benefit of all.

"We urge road contractors and all stakeholders to act with a sense of responsibility and prioritize infrastructure protection as a fundamental aspect of their operations. Any deliberate or negligent act that compromises our water distribution network will be met with decisive action."

KEESAN -ORILE: OGUN COMMUNITY WITH AGE-LONG QUEST FOR CORONET KING

The history of Keesan Orile, which is located within the jurisdiction of Omala of Imala land, Oba Moses Adelani Adegboyega, Opeifa II, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State is that of the patient dog that is camly waiting to eat the fattest bone.

A sleepy and peaceful community of over hundred years of existence with rich culture and tradition of Yoruba ethnic nationality of the South West Geo-political zone of Nigeria and with agrarian environment of great values, is being dominated by well cultured, courteous and urbane individuals.

The peaceful nature of Keesan Orile within the axis has endeared the town to many in the state and beyond, which had helped in reshaping it's economic advancement and major growth in agriculture, the mainstay of its economy.

Going by the spirit and letter of historical facts and archival findings, Keesan Orile was due for coronet king since the year 1959, the preceeding year of Nigeria's independence, however, the dream of the peaceful town of Keesan Orile was dashed and to the dismay of many, the people remained peaceful and hopeful, continued with appeals and entreaties in the most polite manner.

The communal cohesion and indivisibility of Keesan Orile is next to none, coupled with its Omoluabi ethos that have been entrenched in the town and has become the cultural values and principles among its inhabitants.

However, many indigenes of the town and other friends of the town continued to wonder what could be delaying the upgrading of the Baale status of the town to coronet king, having due for such in the last sixty six years.

The late Baale of the town, High Chief James Ayinde Enitan, who died almost three years ago became Baale in 1972 before his passing in 2022, making forty years of his reign without the expected elevation coming into fruition.

Being moved and touched by this protracted deprivation of right of status, the Omala of Imala kingdom, who is the PRESCRIBED AUTHORITY in the axis had made several efforts to get the long-ovedue elevation of Baaale Keesan Orile done through concerned authorities to no avail.

Meanwhile, the present Baale of the town, High Chief Waheed Adeyemi Abiodun Abodunrin, an intellectual par excellence and Philanthropist of note, who had brought his years of experience in corporate world to bear in the development of the town in particular and Ogun State in general has expressed optimism that the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, with his royal pedigree will make the upgrading happen soonest and by implication make history

He explained that Governor Dapo Abiodun since his assumption of office had broken many age-long jinx and made history, adding that the age-long deprivation of coronet in Keesan Orile would not be an exception for the Governor this time around.

Economic Transformation Hinges on Education, Skills Development – Ogun Commissioner



Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, has said that the State Government’s vision to modernize its eight technical colleges is grounded in the understanding that education and skill acquisition are critical drivers of sustainable growth.



Olabimtan, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), said that the economic transformation of any state or nation depends significantly on education and skills development.



He spoke during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Government Technical College, Ajegunle, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.



"One of the pillars of this project is skill development. The whole idea is that you cannot have economic transformation without prioritising education and skill acquisition, which are essential for the State's growth," Olabimtan said.



He also called on community leaders to collaborate with the government to ensure the sustainability and effective use of rehabilitated technical colleges.



The commissioner commended the Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, for his proactive engagement and encouraged other community leaders to adopt a similar approach.



“I am really happy the Baale is here, already taking ownership of this project. We want it to be a community-driven initiative where people see the college as their own, ensuring its security and encouraging them to enroll their children. That is the kind of partnership we are aiming for," he added.



Mr. Olabimtan commended the contractor for adhering to quality and for promising to deliver some of the buildings well ahead of deadline.



In her remarks, the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, assured the community that the college would be equipped with world-class infrastructure upon completion.



Represented by the OGSTEP Project Manager for the Skills Development Sector, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, she highlighted the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for learning and skill acquisition that aligns with global standards.



Similarly, Engr. Kayode Oseni, Project Engineer for OGSTEP, expressed confidence in the timely delivery of the project, stressing that all efforts were being made to ensure the facility was completed as scheduled.



The Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, expressed his gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing the rehabilitation of the technical college.



He pledged his community’s support in maintaining the facility and ensuring its security to promote its sustainability and impact.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Press Statement (For immediate release)

Subject: Ogun CUPP remains an illegal, irritant body, trades on propaganda, blackmail

The integral principle of natural justice resides in the maxim: "He who calls for equity must come with clean hands".

The case of so-called Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in Ogun State is pathetic, as it is laughable; it is a confirmation of a group’s agitation spurred by pecuniary gains.

For clarity, CUPP is simply the union of deregistered political parties in Ogun State, who were sent out of the political space by the electoral umpire as a result of their redundancy, unpopularity, inaction and rejection in the political environment.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) considered this group of political jobbers as dangerous parasites in the political climate, hence, their ignominious exit from political environment to entrench sanity in the system.

The recent virtuperations of the illegal association called CUPP in Ogun State about Governor Dapo Abiodun and other senior officials in his government is practically an aberration, considering the antecedents of those individuals that constitute the illegal group.

Without mincing words, the society must be very wary of these individuals who are perpetually jobless as well as covetous; they are serious threat to decency and seriousness in the political arena.

These individuals need to be educated that Prince Dapo Abiodun is beyond a personality that can be blackmailed into submission; thinking the Governor can be emasculated to dole out cash to help their terrible economic conditions.

As far as Ogun State and the Government of Prince Dapo Abiodun is concerned, the State is geometrically on the path of development and sustained growth with remarkable projects of indelible legacies.

On a final note, the crop of elements in CUPP must immediately refrain from their illegal activities and get engaged in productive activities rather than their present nude dance at the market square.

E-signed

Tunde Oladunjoye

Public Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC),
Ogun State.

Nigerian Navy, Ogun Govt set to flag-off naval base, dockyard

.To strengthen security along the state’s waterways


The Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government are set to flag-off the ground breaking ceremony of the Naval Base and Dockyard in Ode-Omi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made this known in his Oke-Mosan office when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen.

According to him, the flagging off is coming at a critical time when the state needs to strengthen its security along its waterways to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the porous security situation in that corridor and to protect the recently discovered hydrocarbon minerals (petroleum gas) in the area.

Governor Abiodun added that the citing of the Naval Base and Dockyard in the state would further send a strong signal that the security architecture in Ogun State is further strengthened and safe for more investment.

The Governor further disclosed that the state is looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Naval Base and Dockyard, adding that it is important to have a Naval presence in the state to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not take advantage of all the economic benefits in the horizon.

Governor Abiodun also said that the access road to the Naval Base and Dockyard would be ready by the end of the week.

"We are looking forward to the ground breaking ceremony. I have with me pictures of works that have been ongoing to allow us access the said property and I am told that sometime by the end of this week, the access road that is being worked on by our Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will be fully accessible

"We are going further not just in making the place accessible but in actually preparing the site for the ground breaking ceremony and it will be a befitting preparation.

"This will allow us to underscore the importance that we attach to the Nigerian Navy and how much we look forward to having their presence here to further complement our law enforcement architecture.

"We are looking forward to this ground breaking; we believe that it will send a strong signal that indeed Ogun State is ready to partner with the Navy and also that we will not be a haven for unscrupulous elements.

"The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure is here, and he has briefed me that sometime by the end of this week, on or before, the access road to Ode-Omi, which is where the site for the Naval Base and Dockyard is located, will be ready, and the site itself will be prepared for groundbreaking.

"With the coming of the Navy it would be a good signal that security architecture in Ogun State is further strengthened and it is a place to continue to look at for investment," he said.

Governor Abiodun who noted that there had been steps to begin the construction of the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas Project as well as the Ogun State Deep Sea Port project in Ogun Waterside by previous administrations before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, added that the ground breaking of the Naval Base and Dockyard would further improve the economic base of the state.

The Governor also said his administration has completed the formalities of allocating about 100 hectares of land for the purpose of citing the Naval Base and Dockyard.

He further stated that the state government has waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and has forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy to the Naval headquarters.

"In view of the prospective activities that we are envisaging in our riverine areas, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, gladly obliged us and accepted that it is important for us to have a naval base and a dockyard in Ogun State.

"We proceeded to make different positions available, and at that time, a committee was set up between members of the Nigerian Navy and the state government to identify locations that would be acceptable to the Nigerian Navy.

"Subsequently, a location was identified in Ogun Waterside, and we allocated a parcel of land, 100 hectares, for the purpose of setting up this facility.

"We have since completed the formalities of allocating the parcel of land to the Nigerian Navy.

"We have waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and have since forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy for that parcel of land to the Naval headquarters," he added.

Prince Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo who he said played a major role at ensuring the presence of the Nigerian Navy in the state, especiallyTongeji Island.

"Let me put on record and thank the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who worked collaboratively with us to ensure that there is some Naval presence in Tongeji. He was very determined to ensure we did that because those people in Tongeji were already wondering if they were just Nigerians in name only.

"Sadly and unfortunately, we do not have a road connection to Tongeji like Benin Republic has but the past Chief of Naval Staff ensured that we have some Naval outpost and some little jetty there in Tongeji and we are very grateful.

"I also want to thank him because it was under his watch that I made a case for the wider presence of the Nigerian Navy here and currently, we have the Secondary School and the Music School."

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen commended Governor Abiodun for the support he has been providing to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the state.

He also noted that it was necessary to assist the Ogun State Government in ensuring security in its maritime space, adding that the Navy is poised to ensure that all coastal states are free from unscrupulous elements by maintaining the presence of Naval personnel in all the waterways and creeks.

"The Ogun State Governor has taken the security of life and property of residents and indigenes of the state very seriously, and the Nigerian Navy is very ready to support this effort.

"We are going to set up a Naval Base where you have your new deep sea port and the gas region and we are hoping that as soon as possible, we will be getting a lot of things done in conjunction with the state government.

"The Naval Base is part of the Chief of Naval Staff's plan, and very soon work will commence there. Be assured that the Navy will be fully on the ground in Ogun State.

"I will assure his Excellency that the Naval headquarters is very disposed to ensuring that the base takes off as soon as possible," he said.

Ogun IPAC Disowns CUPP, Accuses Sholuade of Impersonation

The Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ogun State, Comrade Sanyaolu Adebayo, has disowned the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in the state, saying it is an alien group in the face of law and has no record with the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Adebayo, also accused the acclaimed Chairman of the group, Otunba Femi Sholuade of criminal Impersonation, adding that he is not the Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC) as he claimed.

He explained that IPAC remains the only recognized group of registered political parties in the state and that any group outside IPAC is operating illegally and against the law.

According to him, upon his emergence as the State Chairman of IPAC, he made frantic efforts to ascertain leadership of different political parties from INEC and subsequently discovered that Sholuade is not the Chairman of ADC in the State.

He expressed dismay that an illegal group with Impersonator as the Chairman could come out openly to make allegation of any type in the public space.

Adebayo said:" I read the statement issued by CUPP in profound astonishment, especially the signatory, Otunba Femi Sholuade, who claimed to be the Chairman of the group, first and foremost, there is nothing like such group in the record of INEC, the electoral umpire recognizes only IPAC as coalition of registered political parties.

"Secondly, Otunba Sholuade, who claimed to be the Chairman of the illegal group is a mere Impersonator, he is not the Chairman of any political party in the State, I have painstakingly conducted my findings from INEC and he was not the name sent to me as the Chairman of ADC.

"While I am not disappointed by these dubious tendencies of those individuals claiming to be members of CUPP, my only concern is the Chairman of Peoples Redeption Party(PRP) Mr Ogunsanya Samson who is among them, he is the only authentic Chairman of a political party among them and I wonder how he found himself among those characters".

Gov. Abiodun Mourns Businesswoman and Socialite, Adebisi Edionseri



Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of notable businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Adebisi Edionseri, describing her death a significant loss to both the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Popularly called 'Cash Madam,' Chief Edionseri passed away on Sunday at the age of 89.

Her legacy as a successful entrepreneur and social figure has left an indelible mark, resonating across generations since the 1970s.

Governor Abiodun, in a statement on Monday, praised Edionser's contributions to Ogun State, highlighting her as a beacon of inspiration and a role model for countless individuals.

He noted that she achieved remarkable success at a young age, demonstrating resilience and ambition that have inspired many in Ogun State and beyond.

"I, on behalf of myself and the people of Ogun State, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaja (Chief) Adebisi Edionseri.

"Alhaja Adebisi's contributions to the business community and her vibrant social presence will be reference points for generations yet unbirn. Her influence extended far and wide, making her a cherished figure in the hearts of many.

"As the state mourns the loss of such a formidable personality, the legacy of Chief (Mrs) Adebisi Edionseri will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and social leaders," Prince Abiodun said.

Gov. Abiodun Commiserates with Ondo Governor Over Death of SSG



Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the Governor and the people of Ondo State over the passing of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi.

Oluwatuyi reportedly died on Saturday at a hospital in the state from the injuries he sustained in an accident while traveling from Akure to Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 17.

Abiodun, in a condolence letter he sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Oluwatuyi's death as a great loss to the government and the state at large as he prayed for the repose of his soul.

He said: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Mr. Tayo Oluwatuyi, a consummate public servant, thoroughbred professional, and highly conscientious individual whose imprints and strides in and out of the government in Ondo State have been nothing short of phenomenal.

"The news of his death came as a rude shock, but, as in all situations, we recognize that whatever deep affection and love we had for him pales into insignificance when placed side by side with the love of Almighty God, who has chosen this Yuletide period to call him into His bosom, and whose will remains inviolate.

"He was a brilliant administrator and sagacious politician. He was an embodiment of virtues and a strong bridge between the political class and the career officers. His stabilizing role in government will be missed by all.

"On behalf of the Southern States' governors, I want to sympathize with His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the entire good people of Ondo State over the sudden demise of Oluwatuyi.

"I urge my brother, the State Executive Council, and the family and friends of the deceased to take consolation in the fact that the deceased lived a life of service for which he will be remembered for a long time to come.

"May God repose his soul and grant his immediate family the requisite fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss."

Traditional Head Commends Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Speedy Transformation in Ogun

The Baaale Keesan Orile, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Waheed Adeyemi Abodunrin, has lauded Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun over his commitment to speedy infrastructural and human capital development.

He also commended the Governor for creating a favourable environment for business to strive, making the State the best in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.

Abodunrin, made these known in a media chat with newsmen on Monday while speaking on governance and the role of traditional institution in Nigeria, particularly Ogun State.

The Traditonal Head acknowledged the commitment of the Governor towards changing the old order of neglect and insecurity in the State adding that the firm control of security architecture of Ogun State by the Dapo Abiodun-led administration had substantially reduced incessant activities of cultists and other criminals.

Abodunrin also described the relationship of the Government and traditional institution in the state as exemplary and cordial, which according to him has made community involvement in governance very easy and functional.

"I believe Prince Dapo Abiodun, has proven to be a man with blue blood and a born leader by all standards, he has redefined royalty as a path of nobility and modesty despite the endemic murky politics of Nigeria.

"His style of governance has been exceptional and distinct; for instance, the manner he had revived the hitherto negleted rural roads and that of border communities with Lagos was fantastic and remarkable.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun's compassion for his people is awesome especially on road networks, which made him to go as far as reconstructing Federal Roads; the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway is a testament and that of Benin Ijebu-Ode road among others.

"For a Governor to have built over 600km of roads in less than six years without owing workers a dime is a miracle in this part of the world.

"Another fantastic achievement of the Governor is the manner he has rearranged the security architecture of the State by creating perfect synergy among security agencies working in the State as well as strengthening informal security formation like Amotekun for local intelligence gathering and surveillance.

"Except for occasional incidents, the activities of cultists and other criminal elements in the State has reduced drastically to the barest minimum, which has resulted to booming business environment.

"Every resident of Ogun State is proud to identify with the Gateway State; as it stands, the State accommodates over 6000 manufacturing firms and it is the fastest growing State in terms of Internally Generated Revenue in Nigeria, we should be third or second in the ranking by now except for Lagos and maybe Rivers.

"Sincerely, we are proud to have a Governor like Prince Dapo Abiodun. Have you guys visited the Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport located along Ilisan-Iperu axis, you will be marvelled at the quality of facilities in that Airport, which has been adjudged to have the longest runway in the entire West Africa sub-region and it remains the best in Nigeria.

"My advice to the Governeor for the new year is to sustain this present feat and his tempo of transformation, the traditional institution and other clusters of the State are behind him and really appreciate his relentless pursuit of greatness for our dear state.

" Finally, on behalf of myself and the entire Keesan Orile Land, I wish our amiable Governor a prosperous new year", Abodunrin submitted.

Southern Governors Forum Mourns Abdulwahab Namadi, Hajia Maryam Namadi


Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed the forum's deepest condolences to
the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, over the loss of his son, Abdulwahab, in a road accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road, on Thursday, just a day after the loss of the Governor's mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi.



In a statement issued on behalf of the Forum and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday, Abiodun said the tragic events coming in quick succession could break anyone's spirit.



He added, however, that the Forum took solace in the life that the deceased lived, urging the bereaved governor to take solace in the fact that his loved ones are in the bosom of Allah.



He said: "I and members of the Southern Governors Forum can hardly find the words to describe the devastating news of the loss of our brother and Governor of Jigawa State, H.E Umar Namadi’s son, Abdulwahab, in a road accident, just a day after the death of his very dear mother, Alhaja Maryam Namadi. Abdulwahab Umar Namadi, a young man full of life, died in a motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road, on Thursday.




"No doubt, these extremely tragic events, coming in quick succession, and at a period of the Yuletide festivities when His Excellency and his loved ones were no doubt looking forward to the New Year with joy and excitement, can break anyone’s spirit. By a cruel twist of fate, Abdulwahab, who was mourning the loss of his dear grandmother, lost his life in a road accident.


"We are completely heartbroken. We commiserate with the Governor and people of Jigawa State and pray for the repose of the souls of these very dear loved ones.



"Deep and extremely painful as these tragic events are, we take consolation in the life that our dear Mama and our dear Abdulwahab lived. They did their best to make a difference in the lives of people, and will be sorely missed.


"May the Almighty Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Benevolent grant them Aljanat Firdaus. May He comfort His Excellency and members of the Namadi family at this terrible hour of trial.



"On behalf of my brothers in the Southern Governors Forum, I offer our deepest condolences to His Excellency and pray that he will have the fortitude to bear these sad events knowing that his loved ones are in the bosom of Allah."

Abiodun Commissions Newly Renovated Ogun State Assembly Complex after 45yrs

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has again broken age-long jinx by rehabilitating the 45-year old Ogun State House of Assembly, built by the administration of the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo.

He commissioned the newly renovated Assembly Complex on Wednesday before presenting the N1.054trn before the state House of Assembly.

Abiodun, while commissioning the Complex, noted that the project was the fulfillment of a promise he made last year during the presentation of the 2024 appropriation bill where he promised that the complex would wear a new look when he comes to present the 2025 appropriation bill.

"This time last year, we were here following which on assumption of office of the new Speaker and the new assembly, we made a commitment and that commitment was to ensure that we all come back this year and present our budget to the House by ensuring that this Assembly Complex that was built in 1979, about 45 years ago that had practically begin to fall apart gets a new look.

"Our commitment was that we will not come back here this year and present our budget in the same assembly complex it was last year.

"We have a commitment that we will reconstruct, rehabilitate this complex so as to make it more conducive for our lawmakers," he said.

The structure, which was practically fallen apart as a result of the neglect it had suffered over the years is now wearing a new look as the complex can now boast of the availability of water.

Aside the complex wearing a new look, all the offices for members are now ensuite as members now have the liberty of good rest rooms as against the past when all members had to use just a single toilet.

While appreciating the governor for embarking on the renovation of the Assembly Complex, the Speake, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide lauded the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, assuring that Assembly members would work towards the speedy passage of the budget.

Abiodun Presents N1.054trn Appropriation Bill to Ogun State House of Assembly

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has presented a total of N1,054,542,020,147.47 to the State House of Assembly as the State's proposed budget for 2025.

Speaking at the Assembly's Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the budget, tagged "Budget of Hope and Prosperity," is made up of N453.56 billion as recurrent expenditure and N600.98 billion as capital expenditures.

Giving highlights of the appropriation, the governor said N120.1 billion would go for personnel costs, N37.49 billion for consolidated revenue cost, public debt charges would gulp N76.07 billion, while N219.86 billion would be spent on overhead costs.

On some of the key physical capital projects that would be executed in the 2025 budget, Abiodun listed the renovation of general and state hospitals and the purchase of laboratory and medical equipment across the state, revitalization of 80 primary health centers, and procurement of laboratory and medical equipment across all primary health facilities in the state, as well as the construction of roads across the state.

Other projects include the procurement and energizing of transformers, construction of fire stations across the state, upgrading of rural roads across the state, extension of the Redline Metro Rail from Agbado to Kajola, Blueline Metro Rail from Okokomaiko-Agbara/Lusada, and the Purpleline Metro Rail line.

He said the government would also embark on the construction of the Ogun Lodge Government House in Abuja, rehabilitate 150 km of feeder roads across the state, construct the OGIRS Revenue House, and a modern Court of Appeal in the state.

On the funding of the 2025 budget, Governor Abiodun said an estimated N120.97 billion would come from the State Internal Revenue Service, N193.85 billion from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), totaling N314.82 billion. Statutory allocations from the Federal Government, including Value Added Tax, are projected at N228.06 billion, while capital receipts comprising internal and external loans as well as grants and aids are estimated at N472.66 billion.

Giving a sectoral rundown of the budget, the governor said education would gulp N117.83 billion (17%), health N134.538 billion (13%), housing and community development N66.382 billion (6%), agriculture and industry N65.387 billion (6%), infrastructure N284.456 billion (27%), recreation, culture, and religion N25.27 billion (2%), social protection N39.836 billion (4%), general public service - executive organ N46.863 billion (4%), general public service - (financial & fiscal affairs) N42.284 billion.

He said: "We will continue to accord priority attention to the completion of ongoing projects across the ISEYA development pillars; projects with revenue potentials; projects that enhance employment generation; projects consistent with priorities articulated in the State Economic Development Plan & Strategy 2021 – 2025.

"Projects that align with the seven thematic areas contained in the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021-2025, namely: Economic Growth and Development; Infrastructure; Public Administration (Governance, Security, and International Relations); Human Capital Development; Social Development; Regional Development; Plan Implementation, Communication, Financing, Monitoring, and Evaluation," the governor noted.

Giving a review of the 2024 budget, Governor Abiodun said the state had achieved 79% of its pro-rated revenue target and 56% of its pro-rated expenditure target as of September 30, emphasizing that the performance over the past few years underscores the state's fiscal reliability.

"Our internally generated revenue capacity remains commendable among sub-national entities. We will continue to leverage existing statutes to enhance revenue transparency, broaden the base, and strengthen the state's finances without imposing additional burdens on residents," the governor assured.

In his opening remarks, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, spoke on the need to grant autonomy to the legislature, increase the running cost, provision of official vehicles for the Clerk and other officers, as well as funds for the execution of constituency projects.

He said the Assembly in the last year considered 14 bills, of which nine were passed, while 32 motions were passed into resolutions, adding that the Assembly also ensured that funds meant for projects were judiciously used by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government through oversight functions.

Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP Denies Involvement in Federal Tax Reform Bills

Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP, has strongly refuted the recent claims suggesting an involvement of the firm in the Federal Government's proposed Tax Reform Bills currently under review by the National Assembly, describing it as baseless and unfounded, with the evil intent of misleading the general public.

Speaking on the matter, Barrister Akinsanya Doherty, Managing Director of Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

The statement read", As a Managing Director of Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP, I categorically affirm that I have neither met nor had any discussions, dealings, or involvement with Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Policy and Fiscal Reform Committee, despite our shared profession.

"Furthermore, neither I nor the firm has made any input into the Federal Government’s tax reform bills. These allegations are false and should be dismissed outrightly".

It would be recalled that the statement was in tandem with Mr. Taiwo Oyedele’s recent clarification during the Town Hall Meeting on the Tax Reform Bills, organized by Channels Television, where Mr. Oyedele explicitly denied plans to outsource federal tax collection to any consulting firm, including Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP.

He, however, emphasized that the reforms were designed to streamline tax administration without reliance on external consultants for its collection.

Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Communications for the organisation, Kingsley Esonu, has declared that", Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering technology-driven innovative solutions that enhance revenue administration and accountability. The company takes pride in its integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to serving its clients ".

Osun APC Crisis: An Eye Witness Account

By Ademola Yaya

I am a participant in the process and evolution of the political developments that birthed the Lagos and Western states politics of 1998 to date and therefore can speak with a measure of authority.

I will however limit myself in this article to the Osun aspects of the story. This is necessary in view of the falsehoods, disinformation, misinformation, outright mischiefs and slanders that characterised most of the narratives on the matter.

In order to put the records straight, therefore, I decide to chronicle the facts of the debacle in the progressives’ family in Osun to the best of my knowledge and ability.

The need to recover Osun and the other Western states outside Lagos became sacrosanct immediately the progressives lost those states to the establishment party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in 2003. Lagos, the only surviving Western progressives administered state, assumed the leadership and driver of the process. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team of argonauts went to works to actualise the objective.

A Board of Treasury meeting for the 2004 Budget in Badagry was the foundation of the struggle. This was the foundation of all that later transpired in the region in different shapes and forms.

The political struggle to reclaim Osun began in 2004. It was an epic struggle in every sense of the word. Lives, limbs, destinies, fortunes and dreams were lost, shattered and reclaimed. Indeed, history was brilliantly made in a way that only a few moments could have rivalled.

As momentous as this era was, a major beneficiary of this epoch was unknown, unseen and mysterious throughout. This person, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, is a brother (or nephew) of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This mystery is a story on its own for another time.

Gboyega Oyetola came to the consciousness of Osun progressive politicians few weeks after the inauguration of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government in Osun when Ogbeni Aregbesola announced his appointment as his Chief of Staff among other immediate officers of his administration. The tension generated by bringing this unknown face to a very prominent position in government was allayed because of the excitement of the reclamation of the government, the charisma of the governor and lack of deep understanding of the role of a Chief of Staff in an executive system of government.

Everyone accepted the choice of the COS, rallied round the administration and focussed on making the administration successful. Our mysterious COS went on to become a de facto governor, previewing, preparing and submitting all memoranda, proposals and submissions to the governor and processing all approvals for implementation. He was the Prime Minister in the administration.

Ogbeni instituted several novel but unique programmes and innovations. Among them was the open countdown to the end of his administration. From the first day of his second term in office, he installed electronic countdown clocks at the reception of the Government House, the Executive Chambers and The Governor’s Office. These electronic boards boldly announced daily the days left for the administration in the saddle.

Eighteen months to the end of the administration, the state was buzzed with permutations and speculations on the successor to Ogbeni Aregbesola as the governorship candidate of the Party. One clear fact is that no one in the party averred to Oyetola making the mark. Why? Osun, like most other Western states, has a tradition of rotating the governorship slot among the three senatorial districts – West, Central and East. The incumbent, Ogbeni Aregbesola, was from the East Senatorial District, The two immediate former Governors, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Chief AbdulKareem `Bisi Akande, were from the Central Senatorial District. The three governors altogether had chalked up about 20 years less six months in the office of the Governor. The popular belief or expectation among both party members and the general public in Osun at this period was for the successor to come from the West Senatorial District for equity, balance and fairness. The Central Senatorial District has had a back-to-back 11 and half years in power, of the 19 and half years between the three immediate past governors. The only stint of the West Senatorial District in power was the 18 months of Gov. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke as the Governor in the short lived diarchy of General Badamasi Babangida.

With very many eminent aspirants like the former Chairman of the party and the incumbent Secretary to State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, incumbent Speaker of the House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam, Peter Babalola, Engr. Olalere Oriolowo, Mr. Adegboyega Alabi, etc. from the West Senatorial District, no one gave a serious consideration to the muted murmuring of an Oyetola bid for the ticket.

Although the popular sentiment in the Party and town was for the successor to Ogbeni Aregbesola to come from the West, Aregbesola himself maintained a stoical silence on the matter. He only confided in his few confidants and whoever was confident enough to engage him on the matter that only two personalities would determine his successor, Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This position he maintained till July 2018 when Asiwaju told him during a courtesy visit Aregbesola made to him in Abuja during which he directed that Oyetola was his choice. Ogbeni thereafter returned to Osun and directed all his foot soldiers to start mobilising support for Oyetola. This was the situation of the choice of a successor for Ogbeni.

Soon after the choice of Ogbeni was made public, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and his large followers pulled out from the Party. If we recall that the former Secretary to the State Government was the foundation Chairman of the Party from its AD days to AC, ACN and APC period, his influence in the party was huge. As a matter of fact, the entire structure of the party in Ilesa West Local Government Area collapsed and went with the former SSG. Such was the case all over the state with varying effects and intensity.

This undisguised fact firmly exposed the often repeated LIE that Ogbeni did not support Oyetola’s candidacy.

In spite of serious protests, defections, bitterness and disaffection from the Party leadership which Oyetola’s candidature brought to party members and the general public, Ogbeni stuck to Asiwaju’s choice and staked it out.

Of the over 10 aspirants that obtained the nomination forms for the gubernatorial ticket and the selection primary, only four of them, including Oyetola, stayed back to participate in the primary. One of the aspirants even competently litigated on the matter.

A keenly contested direct primary was conducted under the supervision of Governor Abdul Azeez Yari of Zamfara State.

To be sure, Alhaji Adeoti pulled out from the Party really when it became obvious that an indirect primary consisting of elected delegates (who had been previously chosen at the time of electing the officers of the party when the influence of the former Chairman was pervasive) was no longer possible. Direct Primary was made possible by the STRENUOUS efforts of Ogbeni and his team at the National Secretariat and leadership of the Party. The efforts to change indirect primary to open and direct primary for the gubernatorial ticket is a story on its own. Suffice to say that that decision was a landmark and decisive.

Of course, Oyetola secured the gubernatorial ticket of the Party and went on to win the general election to become governor.

Yet some people still peddle the irrational misinformation of Aregbesola’s opposition to Oyetola’s aspiration. From the records of political parties’ primaries in Nigeria, could any gubernatorial aspirant win and emerge the party’s candidate without the support of the incumbent Governor of the Party? Come on, let us be serious, it is simply insane to expect any aspirant to defeat the candidate of the incumbent governor of his party. It flies in the face of logic and reason. Where the various commentators obtained their warped and false opinions on this matter is benumbing. It is FALSE in every material particular that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola withheld his support for Oyetola.

Going forward, it is instructive to state that because APC’s strength had been decimated in the acrimonious processes leading to its primary, it could not have a straight win in the first balloting as it lost by a few hundred votes. It was sheer fortune that there was a rerun because of some skirmishes and disruptions of elections in some seven wards, which made INEC pronounce the election inconclusive. After the rerun, APC was declared winner and was affirmed so eventually by the Supreme Court.

It is on record that after the negative judgment of the main Election Petition Tribunal, a group loyal to Aregbesola, Osun Concerned Citizens, held the largest protest ever witnessed in the history of Osogbo against the judgment that Oyetola should be sacked for Ademola Adeleke. The protest was so impactful that even the spokesperson of the Governor had to deny it, perhaps in deference to the coming appeal then.

The concocted fallacy that Aregbesola never wanted Oyetola to become Governor subsequently became the foundation of a sinister conspiracy to efface Aregbesola’s political imprint in Osun, and actual vindictive-governance paradigm to reverse and destroy all his legacies. At every time when men and women of goodwill astonished by the sad turn of event intervene for genuine reconciliation, more fallacies were fabricated, including for instance that it was Ogbeni that tried to get Oyetola killed during his #EndSARS appearance.

The details of the effort to thwart all genuine reconciliation efforts by Oyetola and his stalwarts, and their continual recruitments of forces simply to further hostilities against Ogbeni, against everything he represented and against all who are following him; the division of the party along these lines throughout the government of Oyetola, the persecution, arrests and shootings of Aregbesola’s followers and campaign office and on Ogbeni himself during visits as Minister, all remain facts to which all living in Osun today can testify. A man described by Chief Bisi Akande as a “wolf in wolf’s clothing” was recruited into the “progressive” fold, and indeed made it to the National Secretary of a “progressive” party all in line with the insane anti-Ogbeni conspiracy.

Aregbesola backed a candidate in the APC Primary with Oyetola, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (former SSG under Aregbesola, from Iwo). His candidate lost in the primary due to the shenanigans of a primary that was not allowed to hold. After the primary, despite the clearly undemocratic process and outcome, Ogbeni never subsequently made a statement against Oyetola, his government or the APC. Ogbeni was not only not invited to the campaigns, it was on record he and his followers were publicly warned to stay away as Oyetola personally and his followers boast everywhere of their confidence in victory (with no need whatsoever for Ogbeni) in the upcoming election. It is a testimony to the unimaginable level of their meanness and mischief that it is the same Ogbeni (who was not even in the country during the elections) that they turned around to blame for their ignominious loss.

That malice and mischief continue to this day with the repeat of false narratives for only God knows what objectives, as those that openly promised one million votes for Asiwaju in Osun and alienated Aregbesola from the process, turn round to blame him for their woeful loss in the presidential, senatorial and state assembly elections thereafter.

In conclusion, they claim they have suspended Aregbesola from APC, still there is neither respite nor rest of mind for his traducers due to their self-inflicted afflictions. However, despite the relentless churning out of falsehoods against Aregbesola and continued persecution of his followers, Aregbesola and his followers in Osun are focused and determined to deepen progressive politics in philosophy, principle, and practice and return it to its roots in Awoism as they press on with their Omoluabi Progressives movement. They are willing to work with anyone who embrace that goal as the clear salvation of progressive politics in Osun, the Southwest and Nigeria. This is the time tested and sure way forward to establish an egalitarian, and people-friendly and people-centred government.

Ademola Yaya
Ademola Yaya is a columnist, author, policy analyst, pro-democracy crusader and communications specialist.

Food Security: Nigerians need survival not insensitive media report on smuggling- Group


A Non-government Organization, Vanguard of Liberty & Social Justice, has condemned various media reports on alleged smuggling activities around the border towns of Yewa land, in the West Senatorial District of Ogun State, saying reports of that nature are not in the best interest of Nigerian people at this critical time.

The group asserted that the economic situation in Nigeria, where inflation is in galloping stage and has profoundly impoverished majority of households does not give room for antagonism against seeming respite for the common man on the street.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Olugbenle Fadina in Abuja on Thursday and made available to newsmen.

According to the statement, the intensity of hunger in Nigeria at the moment is extremely alarming and unbearable, making life so meaningless to many Nigerians and calls for urgent means to douse the gathering tention.

It observed that the Federal Government's policy that banned foreign goods, especially food items has not in any way yielded any positive impact on the critical sector of the Nigerian economy nor on the lives of ordinary Nigerians .

The statement, however, stressed that there is urgent need for the Federal Government to review its policy on food security, adding that the present policy on food importation appears very irrational and achaic without human face.

It further warned journalists to write with the consciousness of general good and the prevailing mood of their environment, in order not to hit up the polity through their reports.

"We believe the tenets of journalism is to serve as illumination for the ultimate good of the people and bring government accountable to the people at all times.

"It is therefore, inexplicable and illogical that some individuals claiming to be investigative journalists are writing about smuggling of food items like rice amidst detestable hunger and misery.

"The salient question for these people is how has an average Nigerian benefited from the Federal Government's policy on food importation? How does importation of food items threaten the security and welfare of Nigerians?

"It is indeed very unfortunate that some individuals in the name of journalism could be that insensitive and cruel; instead of mounting pressure on the government to reverse its acrobatic policy on food importation in the face of deadly hunger, these elements are comfortable writing about smuggling", the statement said.

Abiodun Vows to End Tyranny, Hooliganism in Ogun state

...swears-in newly elected local government chairmen



The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has pledged to end all forms of tyranny and hooliganism in the state.

He assured that anyone found culpable in the recent disturbances at Iperu-Remo during the just-concluded local government elections would face the full weight of the law, irrespective of their status.

Governor Abiodun made this declaration at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta on Sunday night while hosting the newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies.

He emphasized that the era of hooliganism and thuggery must come to an end in Ogun State, reaffirming his commitment as the Chief Security Officer to safeguard peace and order. The governor condemned the actions of individuals who imported illegal security operatives to disrupt the elections, adding that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

"I want to commend our law enforcement agencies. Despite attempts by some individuals to disrupt the elections, their plans were thwarted. Let me assure you that the events in Iperu are under thorough investigation. Anyone found guilty—no matter their rank or influence—will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he stated.

Governor Abiodun disclosed that certain individuals hired thugs, hoodlums, and unauthorized policemen to create chaos during the elections, even going so far as to attack the vice-chairman of a local government in his hometown.

"As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I will not allow such impunity. I promise to demystify anyone involved because enough is enough. Those illegal policemen have been disarmed and are now in custody at Eleweran," he said.


The governor urged the newly elected local government chairmen to prioritize fairness and inclusivity in their governance. He reminded them that they were elected to serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliations.

"The elections are over, and you are now leaders for all. Be fair and just to everyone, and focus on delivering development to every corner of the state," he advised.

Prince Abiodun described the election results as a testament to the people’s confidence in the progress his administration has achieved over the past five years. He congratulated the local government leaders, encouraging them to replicate the state government’s ISEYA vision—focused on infrastructure, social development, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture—in their respective areas.

"God has chosen you for this responsibility, not because you are better than others, but because it pleases Him. Use this opportunity to serve diligently," he said.



Meanwhile, Prince Abiodun has charged the newly elected local government chairmen to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.


The Governor gave the charge at the swearing-in ceremony for the new chairmen at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.



He said as the closest tier of government, they are expected to formulate policies and implement programmes that impact positively and improve the lives of the people in their respective local government area.



The Governor said the emergence of the new chairmen signifies the confidence people repose in the State government and the APC, hence the need for them to work towards improving their lives.



Abiodun, who, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election across the State, said it was imperative for them to key into the State's development agenda by aligning with the ISEYA mantra just as he advised them to embrace innovation to generate revenue for the development of their councils.



While urging the new local government bosses to make security paramount in their councils by working with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, the governor also stressed the need for them to mentor future leaders to sustain their legacies.



He challenged them to uphold the State's vision by serving all citizens regardless of faith, tribe or political affiliations.



Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman, Sagamu Local Government Area, Hon. Olasile Odulate, appreciated the governor and the people of the State for th confidence reposed in them, even as he pledged that they would uphold the principles of good governance and deliver impactful leadership to the people in their respective council areas.

Ogun LG Polls: APC Vice Chairmanship Candidate Escapes Death, Shot by Ladi Adebutu's Illegal Policemen

The relatively peaceful local government polls in Ogun State turned awry on Saturday when some illegal policemen assembled by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Hon. Ladi Adebutu opened fire on the vice chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Muhammed Olaitan Efuwape, and one voter named Biola.

Hon. Efuwape was said to have escaped death by the whiskers with injuries, but Biola wasn’t so lucky as the gunshots shattered his legs, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is receiving medical attention. It was learned that Adebutu illegally brought in over 40 policemen from MOPOL 49 in Lagos, with PDP thugs riding on Okadas, going around and trying to snatch ballot boxes while brandishing guns and other weapons in Ikenne Local Government in their desperate attempt to scuttle the electoral process.

Sources said that Ladi Adebutu's personal assistant, one Gafar Asaolu, in the company of the illegal policemen, was going from one polling unit to another harassing innocent voters and led the illegal policemen to carry out the assassination attempt on Efuwape at his polling booth.

Upon arrival at the polling booth, they opened fire, wounding both the Vice Chairman and Biola. However, other voters, enraged by the shooting, apprehended one of the policemen, disarmed him, and confirmed he was from MOPOL 49 in Lagos.

The rest of the policemen were chased by law enforcement agents and curiously made their way to Ladi Adebutu’s home, where they took refuge.

It was learned that in the course of trying to apprehend the policemen, they opened fire on law enforcement officers, particularly the men of the Department of State Services (DSS), whose vehicles were damaged by a hail of bullets.

A security source said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, was notified of the development, and he immediately instructed the Ogun State Police Commissioner, CP Abiodun Alamutu, to assemble men of MOPOL 16 and MOPOL 71 to proceed to their hideout and arrest the illegal policemen.

While some of them escaped by scaling the fence, others were arrested and taken into custody in the Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

“The mobile policemen were said to have opened fire on the DSS operatives, and upon learning of the development, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun was said to have given orders to a contingent from MOPOL 16 and MOPOL 71 to effect the arrest of everyone within the house," a source said.

Group carpets Ondo PDP for allegedly buying voter's cards in villages, calls on police to be vigilant

A socio-cultural organisation, Sunshine Renaissance, has called on the Nigerian Police to be vigilant and proactive during the Saturday gubernatorial poll in Ondo State as it alleged that hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP's members are moving round villages to buy voter's cards.

The Publicity Secretary of the group, Adeola Ijalaye, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, saying the alleged buying of voter's cards was a calculated attempt by PDP members to rig the forthcoming poll in the State and claim victory through the back door.

According to the group, a large numbers of the main opposition living in the rural communities were invited to the house of a prominent PDP member at Alagbaka Estate, Akure on Tuesday night and two bank officials were also present at the meeting where the tactics for vote-buying without traces were sealed.

It added that those who were mobilised for these activities have swung into action Wednesday morning negotiating with voters in different villages.

"The statement read," Patriotic members of the public called our attention to this heinous act of buying of voter's cards in the villages on Wednesday morning, in which we swiftly moved into action; upon thorough investigation, we gathered that the plan of buying voter's cards in the rural communities was hatched at the residence of a prominent PDP members at Alagbaka Estate, Akure.

"We also deduced that those individuals that were selected from different rural communities to do the job were tutored by staff of two new generation banks at the venue on Tuesday night and they have been moving round early Wednesday morning to buy cards from unsuspecting and greedy voters.

"We, therefore, urge security agents to be vigilant and proactive in order not to allow unscrupulous individuals to fraudulently hijack power through the back door".

2024 PressWeek: Chief Egungbohun charges journalists on verifiable reportage

The renowned business magnate and community leader, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun has implored media professionals to always ensure their reports are evidence-based.

Chief Egungbohun stated this while receiving the honour bestowed on him during the 2024 Press Week of the NUJ Osun State Council held at the Council’s Press Centre, Osogbo, Osun State.

He acknowledged the indispensable statutory role of journalists in nation building, adding that investigative journalism remains the bedrock of every functional democracy.

“I am aware that without a free press and freedom of speech, no nation can have a thriving nation, however, every report, especially, that that has to do with name calling must be absolutely evidence-based.

“As a longtime friend of journalists in Nigeria and around the globe, I will continue to support the media in my little capacity in the ultimate bid to ensure a working Nigeria.

“I congratulate the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, his executive members and all journalists in Osun State Council on this year Press Week, as I am assuring you that this Award can only motivate me to put more efforts in the business of advocating peace and border sanity.

Earlier, the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu in his opening remarks has enumerated the background and criteria for the Honour, saying that Chief Egungbohun being one of the seven shortlisted Honourees have been subjected to rigorous and diligent investigations.

He said “The NUJ will not commit the blunder of giving recognitions to anybody who does not distinctively pass the test of integrity and patriotism. The Screening Committee submitted that Chief Dende Egungbohun had carved a niche for himself in the several interventions aimed at entrenching sanity in the border areas around the axis.

“By our experience and findings, we found Chief Egungbohun, alias IBD Dende to be an harbinger of culture and the rich tradition of his people with rare sense of patriotism who does his legitimate business as a Border Community Stakeholder and Licensed Freight Clearing and Forwarder with utmost integrity

“Chief Egungbohun by our discreet investigation had worked closely with the highest echelon of Nigerian Customs and the Presidency to entrench sanity at the border areas of Ogun State and in the battle against smuggling and other nefarious activities at the border.

“As a revered Community Leader, the proud title holder of Olu-Omo of Yewaland remains a rallying point for his people for economic empowerment and youth engagement towards peaceful co-existence and harmony in Yewaland. A practical example was his appointment into a 20-member Peace-Building Committee on Herder-Farmer Conflicts by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, to find a lasting solution to the incessant clashes between farmers and marauding herders in the agrarian communities of Yewaland.

“Hence, it’s our honour at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council to decorate the man of Integrity and Patriotism, Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, the Olu-Omo of Yewaland as an Advocate of Peace and Border Sanity”, the Chairman stated.

Other awardees were Dr Adeleke Adeniyi Morenikeji (an accomplished finance manager and consumer banker), Dr Comrade Ogungbangbe Nathaniel Kehinde (NULGE President, Osun State), Honourable Adedipo Sunday Eluwole (Commissioner for Education, Osun State), General Bashir Adewinbi (Former Cmd, Osun State Amotekun Corps), Bishop Felix Owolabi (Presiding Bishop of Faithtriumph Ministries Int’l), CSP Folashade Odoro (Osun State Police Command).

The Council also offered Professional Awards to its exceptional members; Best Information Officer of the Year, Best Investigative Reporter of the Year, Best Newscaster (Radio) of the Year, Best Newscaster (TV) of the Year, Best Reporter (Print) of the Year, Best Reporter (Electronic) of the Year, Best Broadcast Station of the Year, and the Chairman’s Award.

Distinguished guests at the event were His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Hon Kolapo Alimi, the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama (CON), Prof Clement Adegboye, Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Osogbo (Chairman of the Day), Deputy President, NUJ B Zone, Princess Ronke Samo, NUJ South West Chairmen and Secretaries.

Ogun Court Refuses to postpone Forthcoming Local Government Election

The Ogun State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, the State Capital, has strucked out prayers made by 16 Political Parties in the State, seeking to postpone the proposed Local Government Elections indefinitely.

Delivering judgment in AB/577/2024 Action Alliance & 15 Ors v. OGSIEC & Anor, the presiding Judge, Hon Justice T A Okunsokan, rejected the claims of the political parties that the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) had acted unilaterally and dictatorially by fixing the date of the Local Government elections without first consulting the political parties.

Justice Okunsokan, unequivocally held that there was no provision in the constitution or the relevant electoral laws that required OGSIEC to consult political parties before fixing dates of elections.

The court also found that the claim of the parties that Ondo State Gubernatorial elections would hold on the same day as Ogun Local Government elections is not a legitimate reason for asking the court to compel OGSIEC to postpone elections in the State.

The court thereby maintained status quo ante on the earlier announced date for the Ogun State Local Government elections slated for 16th November , 2024.

Ogun, leading in ease of doing business in Nigeria

One of the best considerations for global economic advancement is the concept of Ease of Doing Business, which is indeed a conducive environment for business activities to thrive and break even without hitches of any kind.

It is also an environment where presiding authorities provide requisite infrastructural facilities aimed at aiding economic growth, coupled with favourable governmental policies and economic friendly regulations.

Ogun State, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, has turned around the business environment of the State since his assumption of office in 2019, and by implication attracted many investors into the State.

Many analysts have ascribed the sterling performance of Governor Dapo Abiodun to his rich business background and acumen, considering his enviable success in private business spanning many decades, while others attributed his exceptional feat to his preparedness for power.

In any way, the Governor have proven to the people of Ogun State and many of his opponents that he understands political economy better than they could have thought and that he was ready for leadership long ago before coming to power.

Recent report indicated that the State is leading other states of the Federation in Ease of Doing Business, owing to the provision of requisite infrastructural facilities through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the State.

According to the report, since the State passed the PPP law in 2019, the initiative has facilitated projects with road networks rehabilitated and expanded as well as reconstruction many of which belong to the Federal Government.

The report noted that the collaborative agreement between the public sector and private sector in Ogun State was predicated on the strengths of both sectors to achieve outcomes that neither could effectively accomplish alone.

Without mincing words, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State has harnessed the potential of PPP to drive significant developments and give Ogun State focused and qualitative governance and as well create the necessary enabling environment for a public private sector partnership.

This is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Ogun. It is therefore, imperative to highlight some of the notable projects of the State Government and their impacts through PPP:

The Ogun State Agro Cargo Airport: Developed in partnership with the private sector, the Agro Cargo Airport was designed to facilitate the export of agricultural products, thereby boosting the agro-industrial sector.

ii.Ogun State Housing Development Projects: Several housing projects, including the Prince Court Estate, have been developed through PPP arrangements to address the housing deficit.

iii.Ogun State Energy Generation Projects: Lisabi Mini Power was developed in partnership with the private sector to generate 4.5MW Power for transmission and distribution within the State to Government core areas.

Other projects of the State Government in the pipeline through PPPs include the Olokola Deep Sea Port, Sagamu Trailer Park, Sagamu Stadium, Hillcrest Estate, PMB Estate, Lomiro Oil Palm, OGSG Pharmaceuticals, OGSG Forestry project, Gateway Hotel Ota, Inland Dry Port at Kajola/Papalanto, amongst others.

Without mincing words, Prince Dapo Abiodun has entrenched indelible legacy of economic advancement in Ogun State by creatively and optimally exploring the concept of PPP to create enabling business environment for investors and still attracticting more.

With over over seven thousands industries making wave in about five clusters around the State, there is no doubt that Ogun State will continue to lead in Ease of Doing Buinsess in Nigeria and West Africa business corridor.

In the words of Gen. Collin Powell, " Great Leaders are almost always great simplifiers who can cut through argument , debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.

Without mincing words, Prince Dapo Abiodun has defied every pessimism, doubt and illusion to provide workable solution to array of challenges plaguing Ogun State for decades. Thank you Omo Baba Teacher.

Olaniyi Ajibola writes from Abeokuta.

Dapo Abiodun, leading by example in responsive leadership

By Olaniyi Ajibola

A Canadian-American motivational public speaker and self-development author, Brian Tracy, once declared that," Leaders think and talk about the solution, while followers think and talk about the problems".

Yes, it is the right of the people to think and talk about problems they are facing at a particular point in time, especially problems that directly affect their existence and survival as a people; issues of paramount importance and urgency.

Unfortunately, many people in various political climes have expressed their concerns about those issues continually without corresponding response nor empathy from their leaders in government, they have endlessly raised their voices and chorused in despair to no avail.; no one was listening and telling them anything, they later became perplexed and frustrated to the point of loosing hope in their governments.

It is indeed a different and sheering story in Ogun State under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, who in principle had vowed upon his assumption of office to do everything humanly possible to meet the yawnings of his people and change the old order of deceptive governance that characterised successive administrations in the State.

It is more than being a Governor of a State in Nigeria to willingly take over the obligation of the Federal Government in order to ameliorate the precarious situation of the people, this is without doubt a reflection of responsive and responsible leadership, the one that is really rare in this part of the world.

Governor Abiodun, since the inception of his administration has consistently reiterated his resolve to be at the fore-front leading his people with vision and at the back defending them with courage, this he has been doing passionately without blemish.

The Governor, in his usual character displayed this enviable passion for humanity again and set aside protocol for the superior interests of the people of Ogun State and Southern Nigeria in general when he immediately ordered palliative work to put the failed portion of Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway in good condition to make it passable.

This is the road under the purview of the Federal Government but remains terrible and a night mare for travellers for decades without any intervention from the Federal Government despite the significance of the road as it connects the South West Geo-political zone to the South South and South East of Nigeria.

More importantly, the deplorable condition of the road over time had responsible for constant traffic logjam which unfortunately had resulted to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties worth billions of naira.

The Governor, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to the bad portion of the road and mentioned that although the reconstruction of the road was awarded by previous administrations, the contractors executed the project from the Benin end to the outskirts of Ijebu-Ode but could not complete it at the interchange before abandoning it due to lack of funds.

According to the Governor, "This is a federal road, and it is probably the most important road to Southern Nigeria because it is the only route to transport goods and people from Lagos to Ogun State and to the South-East and South-South parts of the country; it is a major arterial road.

"The reconstruction of this road was awarded several years ago by previous administrations. However, that reconstruction started from the Benin end of this road.

"Sadly, from what we have been told, the budget was not sufficient to allow for the completion of this road to the Sagamu Interchange. It stopped short of reaching Ijebu-Ode, somewhere around the outskirts of Ijebu-Ode.

"What we are seeing today is what our masses are suffering from. In the last three to four days, this road was totally impassable because, for some reason, there is a drainage that goes underneath this road that is meant to drain water coming from a canal. That drainage is completely blocked, and that is the cause of this problem."

Governor Abiodun added that officials from the State Ministries of Works and Environment are currently working to create another drainage that would channel water away from the road, while the bad portion has been filled with hardcore to make the road motorable.

He disclosed that he has brought the condition of the road to the attention of the Minister of Works, who has promised to look into how to award a contract for its rehabilitation or at least provide palliative measures or some sort of intervention to salvage the situation.

The Governor continued ", Let me confirm to you that last week Thursday, I also brought the issue of this road to the attention of Mr. President. For the avoidance of doubt, let nobody think that Ogun State has not been responsive.

"Knowing fully well that the Federal Government has many critical roads to deal with, and as a responsive state government, we deployed our Ministries of Works and Environment to this site. What they have done is identify the immediate cause; they found out there is a construction that has blocked the drain.

"I have requested from Mr. President that the Ministry of Works can immediately award this road to a reputable contractor, and I know they are working on it.

"However, Mr. President has also instructed me that if we do not get the attention as quickly as we want, the Ogun State government should go ahead and take ownership of this section and repair it".

Governor Abiodun further stated that if in the next two days there is no clear evidence coming from the federal government to commence serious reconstruction work, his administration would step in to take ownership of the section of the road and carry out a total reconstruction.

How else can one depict this gesture of a Governor than a sensitive and responsible leader with proactive inclination to put people first before protocol of any type.

This is not the first time Prince Abiodun would be taken over the responsibility of the Federal Government purposely to please his people, he recently did the same at Laderin Train Station as he took it upon himself to complete the construction of access road to the train station.

Governor Abiodun, who decried the idea by the Federal Government to conceptualize and build the train station without an access road, said that his administration, upon the construction of a world-class airport at Ilishan, deemed it fit to open up a new access road directly from the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, even as the Ilishan and Iperu roads still exist.

He said: "We don't understand why a train station is built without an access road as part of that project conception. Today, we have built a world-class airport in Remo; can you imagine that we built that airport without considering the access road to that airport?

"There are other existing roads to that airport. However, we have begun the construction of an access road that tees off the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. If you are coming to that airport, you don't need to go through Ilisan or Iperu; you make a left turn straight to the airport. This is what a project from inception should look like.

"In this instance, this train station was conceived, built, and completed without an access road being part of the project.

"As a responsible governor and government, we have taken it upon ourselves to award the contract for the road leading to that train station, and that contract is currently ongoing. However, the construction of two big box culverts that will channel stormwater away from the road has been completed.

"Earthwork and drainage will start. I will, however, personally urge the contractor to ensure he finishes on record time."

It would be recalled that this is the exact manner the Prince of Iperu broke the 21-year jinx of reckless abandon of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Road and commenced construction of the 70km road in August; what a fantastic thought leader of immeasurable value!

As it stands, we can not obviously thank Governor Dapo Abiodun enough for changing the dynamics and scope of governance in Ogun State with utmost alacrity and with human face, all we can do is to continue to pray God for his mercy over him so as to continue to provide responsible leadership in Ogun State and the Southern Nigeria in general as the Chairman of Southern Governors' Forum.

Kudos Prince Dapo Abiodun!

Olaniyi Ajibola writes from Abeokuta

Dapo Abiodun's Gospel of Even Development- By Olaniyi Ajibola

That there is a total departure from the past in the governance of Ogun State is indeed an inchoate statement, what the State is presently witnessing is an unprecedented and significant improvement in all ramifications, as a result of purposeful leadership and inclusive governance of Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government.

Obviously, the Governor has taken governance in the State to greater heights and desirable level, to the admiration of all the citizens of the Gateway State living in Nigeria and in the diaspora, against all odds and to the chagrin of his numerous traducers, who had earlier deceived some unsuspecting members of the public about the capacity and acumen of the Governor to provide necessary democratic deliverables.

Interestingly, Prince Dapo Abiodun, since the beginning of his administration in 2019 has exceptionally performed beyond the expectation of many, changing negative perceptions and shaming pessimists at the same time without making noise.

He hit the ground running with his ISEYA pillars of action, putting critical areas of development into the front burner, namely: Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Well-being, Education, Youths Empowerment and Job Creation and Agriculture.

Governor Abiodun, as a result of his private sector experience and exposure, further conceptualized Multi-modal transportation system to suit the growing industrial hub of Ogun State and the increasing population of the State, considering its proximity to Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria.

With strict adherence to his ISEYA mantra, Governor Abiodun, has brought development to every ward in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State. Across the three senatorial districts, he has constructed, reconstructed, and rehabilitated over 500 kilometers of roads. Notable among them in the Ogun Central Senatorial district is the 45KM Sagamu Interchange-Siun-Abeokuta Expressway, now renamed the Muhammadu Buhari Expressway, a marvel of engineering that ensures both pleasurable and timely safe driving experiences as well as improved productivity.

In the Ogun East Senatorial district, the cognitive helmsman of Ogun State has developed the 14KM Ijebu Ode-Epe Mojoda expressway, connecting the State to Lagos and stimulating industrial growth in the area. This road serves as an evacuation corridor for all the industries within Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Epe corridor in Lagos State. Additionally there is an ongoing construction of the 19KM Atan-Lusada-Agbara expressway in the Ogun West Senatorial District. Efforts are presently in top gear to accelerate the project for the purpose of facilitating access to the Agbara Industrial Estate, the largest industrial Estate in the West Africa Sub-region.

Apart from these landmark road projects, other major city, township and rural road projects spread across all the four zones of the State, that is, Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba. Some have been newly constructed, rehabilitated, or reconstructed. These roads were chosen by the administration after consultation with the mass of the people at the grassroots, including traditional rulers, youth groups, business groups, labor, and students, in tandem with the administration's determination to abolish erstwhile practices of prior administrations of developing one section of the state at the expense of others.

The commitment of the government to infrastructural development also extends to the energy sector, with the installation of over 500 transformers across communities, in line with Ogun Light-up Initiative. This Community Electrification Project has improved power supply in the 20 Local Government Areas, while the expansion of the Ogun State Electricity Distribution System will cover more areas especially the corridor from the Sagamu Interchange to Abeokuta (As a phase 1 Project).

In the same vein, and as part of the recently-launched Energy Transition Programme, the administration has recently launched a CNG-fueled mass transit bus system in partnership with the private sector to reduce transportation costs for the citizenry.

Without mincing words, Ogun State is leading the pack in energy transition as it is on record as the first state to deploy these buses in Nigeria. As a result of the commitment and tenacity in steps taken to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal and high cost of diesel fuel, the State has been selected to host the 18th National Council on Transport Conference where the new National Policy on Transportation will be formulated. The State is no doubt leading in strategic exploration of green energy solutions.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, through his well tout out and diverse transportation system established the Ministry of Transportation and developed the Ogun State Urban Transport Policy and Strategic Multi-modal Transport Master Plan, which is currently being meticulously implemented. This includes optimizing the Gateway Status of Ogun State through the implementation of a multi-modal transportation network, comprising air, rail, road, and water transport infrastructure network. It is this dynamic Multi-modal Transport Master Plan that birthed the globally celebrated Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, which is one of the crowning achievements of his clear and dynamic vision.

This world-class airport, situated along the Iperu-Ilishan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of the State and covering 800 hectares of land, was designed to handle cargo, including agriculture-related cargo, and passenger services. The construction of this airport which started in March 2022 has witnessed the completed 4-kilometer runway and near completion of other state-of-the-art facilities including the control tower, apron, fire-station, administrative building terminal and cargo warehouse, including a parking lot. This construction has progressed rapidly, positioning it to be one of the fastest-built airports in Africa.

The accompanying aerotropolis (airport city) spans 5000 hectares and has already attracted Federal Agencies, foreign investors and various businesses, including international logistics companies, a maintenance and repair operations facility, and agro-processing industries. Subsequently, the State has received several unsolicited proposals on concessions at the airport. After necessary evaluation of the deals, the State will be announcing and signing a major concession deal with a private sector player that will pay the state a percentage of their revenue during the term of the agreement in addition to a concession fee that will see it recoup the State's government spending.

Interestingly, the airport and its allied businesses in the aerotropolis are expected to generate over 25,000 direct and indirect jobs for the teeming youths of the State and as well speed up microeconomic activities in the State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, by his style of governance considers youth development and job creation as critical components of his vision for the State, demonstrating this through various initiatives, such as the Ogun Job Portal, Ogun TechHub, and Ogun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OG-YES) thereby empowering youths with employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and access to funding and mentorship. It is no more news that about 5000 teachers have been recruited through the OGUNTEACH Scheme, and just few months ago, 1000 of these interns were given permanent employment.

Abiodun's focus on agriculture and agribusiness has also created avenues for youth engagement and employment in the agricultural value chain.
The government has collaborated with development partners and private sector organizations to create internship and apprenticeship programmes for the youths and also made practical work experience for young graduates possible and effectively improved their employability.

The administration has also prioritized the upgrading of sports facilities in all the stadiums across the State over the past four years. By enhancing these venues, it aims to create an environment that fosters excellence and enables State athletes to train and prepare adequately for their respective sporting events. This commitment has yielded positive results, as athletes from the State have consistently performed exceptionally well in both local and international competitions, as exemplified in their outstanding performance at the last National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State, where the State secured a total of 70 medals, placing it in the 8th position on the medals table.

Recognizing the crucial role of agriculture in ensuring food security and economic stability, the administration has implemented various initiatives to boost agricultural productivity, empower farmers, and enhance food security in Ogun State.So far, it has supported and subsidized grain supply to close to 14,350 farmers with inputs through the OGSTEP Agric programme, OG-CARES FADAMA RA2 programme, and the Value Chain Development Program (VCDP)

The government has also implemented various capacity-building programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers. Through agricultural training and extension services, it has equipped farmers with modern farming techniques, best practices, and entrepreneurship skills. This empowers them to adopt innovative approaches, improve productivity, and access markets for their agricultural produce.

These efforts in agriculture have yielded significant results, positioning Ogun State as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria. The State has won several awards at national and international levels, as farmers witnessed increased crop yields and improved livelihoods. Moreover, the agricultural interventions have contributed to the overall economic growth of the state and attracted investments from both local and international partners.

As it stands today, the State is the largest producer of cassava in the world, the largest producers of poultry products in Nigeria, and the largest producers of rice in the entire southwest of Nigeria.

According to the Governor in one of his recent speeches at a function in Abeokuta, the State capital,''Our focus on agriculture is deliberate. We are an agrarian State with the potential to become the food basket of the nation. In this regard, I again, affirm that no sector of our economy, nor any section of the State, will be developed at the expense of another. This administration will continue with its diversification pursuit in bringing in new industries and maintaining existing ones while ensuring that the ease of doing business will remain seamless, as we sustain our position as the industrial capital of Nigeria".

Undoubtedly, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has redefined governance in Ogun State and set agenda in inclusive governance for coming administrations in the State; as he continues to fire from all cylinders.

Olaniyi Ajibola, SSA to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Media writes from Abeokuta