₦airaland Forum

The Action Alliance (AA) Ogun State Chapter has adopted Otunba Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship candidate.

The party members led by its chairman, Julius Adebola made this known during a visit to his private residence located at Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

The chairman of the party in his speech said the party approached Showunmi because of his stance against bad governance and his capacity to provide forthright leadership, expressing confidence that he would pursue a developmental agenda if given the mandate

Showunmi while speaking recalled that Labour Party (LP) made same call recently when the party leadership visited him, citing his leadership qualities and commitment to the masses.

The Egba born politician, however, lamented voter apathy across the country, with reference to the last Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council election, describing it as a major threat to democracy, and expressed disappointment that only about 7.1 per cent of registered voters reportedly participated.

“I am told that we have done over 90 million PVC in Nigeria but where are all those PVC on the day of the election? You will naturally expect that a population that speaks about development, government and politics everywhere should know that participating is the only thing that makes sense’, Showunmi stated.

“We have just had an election in Abuja. I do not quarrel or begrudge those who won, but I am extremely unhappy that about 7.1 per cent came out to participate despite being an enlightened environment’, he said

Showunmi disclosed that this concern informed his decision to found The Alternative Movement to raise awareness and encourage greater political participation.

The chieftain of the opposition party stressed that it was unacceptable for a few individuals to determine the fate of over 220 million Nigerians because many citizens chose to abstain from the political process.

The party stalwart, was equally of the view that the 2027 governorship contest should provide an opportunity for Ogun West Senatorial District to produce the next governor of the state.

The frankly speaking Showunmi said the state must begin to ask itself critical questions ahead of the election, especially whether Ogun West, which he pointed out had not produced a governor since the creation of the state about 50 years ago, should be given the chance in 2027.

‘The state must decide whether Ogun West Senatorial District, which has not produced a governor since the state was created, should be given the opportunity in 2027’, he emphaised

He equally cautioned politicians against turning the race into what he described as a campaign of calumny aimed at scoring cheap political points, insisting that the focus should be on development driven agendas.

“The second question we need to go and ask ourselves seriously is what does the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria say concerning eligibility, the right to vote and be voted for’, he added

Penpushing also reports that he expressed displeasure over what he called uncharitable attempts to question the eligibility of certain aspirants, added that, some politicians abandoned their own campaign and fighting over eligibility of aspirant

“My ears are overfull with some of your leaders, politicians and others, who will abandon their own campaign and be screaming, non-stop that somebody is not from somewhere’, Showunmi stated

Penpushing reports that Showunmi described such as misplaced arguments suggesting that an individual already serving as a senator could suddenly be deemed ineligible to contest for governor.

“If we decided to do the DNA test of all of us some of you may even be surprised that the people you are even calling your parents are not your parents.How can you say that somebody who has been given the wherewithal to represent in the senatorial district is no longer from your state?’

“The eligibility hurdle that says that somebody can be voted for and can present himself for voting has already been crossed out by being the senator representing Ogun West’, he added.

“So, I don’t have time for bending issues. If you want to campaign, do your campaign on an agenda that will bolster the development of the state and not on unnecessary frivolities,” he said.

The striking workers of Ogun State, on Tuesday, vowed not to sit down and talk with any government official other than Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The workers had embarked on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, over the unremitted N82bn contributory pension deductions spanning 14 years.

Addressing journalists at the secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, at Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, the labour leaders said the strike would continue until the governor called the labour union leaders for a fruitful meeting.

They claimed that past meetings held with other government officials had brought no respite, adding that the issue under dispute was crucial to their survival and well-being.

Speaking during the press briefing, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, supported by his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Akeem Lasisi and representative of the Joint Negotiating Council, stated that no amount of threat or intimidation would make them call off the strike except a concrete agreement with the governor was achieved.

Ademola-Benco said, “Yes we have been receiving calls from one government official, but I told my colleagues that we are not going to meet that person, he is our major problem.

“We want to meet only the governor, His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun. He is our employer.

“We are not employees of the Secretary to the State Government, we are not employees of the Head of Service or the Chief of Staff or any commissioner.

“We are employees of Governor Abiodun. He is the one paying our salaries every month, and he is the one we want to sit with on this matter, not any other person.”

He said the contributory pension scheme was giving the workers sleepless nights, arguing that even if it was implemented, a worker who retired on the old pension scheme could be collecting over N300,000 monthly pension while someone who retired on the contributory pension scheme of the same level would be collecting N60,000 as monthly pension.

He said according to the 2013 amended pension law of Ogun State, the commencement of the scheme was slated for July 1, 2025, whereas the government had failed to remit over N82bn contributory pension deductions of the workers in over 14 years.

The NLC chairman also said the government had failed to pay workers’ leave allowances of over eight years, saying it had repeatedly reneged to fulfil several pledges on the huge outstanding running into several billions of naira.

Comrade Lasisi said the pension scheme which came into force in 2008 was designed to fail from the outset.

He said, “The administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel which started the scheme refused to pay some months, while only nine months was paid under Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s eight-year administration, with Governor Abiodun in the last six years also not paying a dime.”

He said, “We have had several meetings, sent several messages to the government but got no reply yet the future of the entire workforce looks so bleak.

“The way the contributory pension is being handled is a big source of a nightmare to the workers in the state.

“The government set up different committees on the implementation of the CPS but it has refused to work on the recommendation.”

Lasisi said whereas the CPS law says that 7.5 per cent of the workers’ emoluments should be deducted every month, the employer, in this case, the government, will also add 7.5 per cent, making 15 per cent and remit the savings within seven days to the approved Pension Fund Administrators, yet for over 14 years, the government of Ogun State had defaulted.

He said the workers had vowed not to honour any meeting with government representatives except the governor, adding that he was the only one who could help to resolve the crisis.

FreeIgboho:
So sad. Some of us who never had to think about school fees never knew how lucky we were...

Nigerian doctor shares a recent encounter with an ex-classmate of his from medical school who now hawks things to make a living.
The doctor identified as Dr. Cheta took to Facebook to reveal that from their chat, the ex-classmate had revealed that he had been the one sponsoring his own medical education.
However, he had to drop out at 500 level since he couldn’t afford to continue paying his fees, and had no support from anyone.
His words …



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14FtHJHKaL7/

APCNig:
Yayi is a Fellow of the Charted Institute of Accountants of Nigeria. None of the clowns in the list has a better credentials

As the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial election approaches, political discussions are heating up, with several technocrats emerging as potential dark horses.

These individuals, known for their expertise, innovation, and leadership in their respective fields, could shake up the race with their fresh perspectives and proven track records.


1. Bosun Tijani: The Tech Visionary

Dr. Olatunbosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, is a name synonymous with technological advancement and youth empowerment.

A native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tijani’s roots in the state give him a strong connection to its people. His journey from founding CcHUB (Co-Creation Hub), a leading tech innovation hub in Africa, to his current ministerial role showcases his ability to drive transformative change.

With a PhD in Innovation and Economic Development from the University of Leicester, Tijani brings a blend of global expertise and local insight. His focus on digital economy growth could appeal to Ogun’s youth and tech-savvy electorate, positioning him as a formidable dark horse in 2027.

2. Oluyemi Oloyede: The Corporate Innovator

Oluyemi Oloyede, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, serves as the Managing Director of UAC Foods, a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc. Oloyede has built a reputation for strategic leadership and business acumen. His work at UAC Foods has focused on driving growth in one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies, overseeing iconic brands that resonate with households across the country.

Oloyede’s potential candidacy is bolstered by his deep understanding of economic challenges and opportunities in Ogun State, a hub for industrial and commercial activities. His experience in managing large-scale operations and navigating complex market dynamics could translate into effective governance.

Additionally, Oloyede’s low-key yet influential presence, combined with his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, makes him a wildcard candidate who could appeal to voters seeking a pragmatic, business-oriented leader.

For years, his political family have pushed for him to run, but he has kept his focus firmly on his career, but his continual corporate success and visibility position him as a technocrat to watch in 2027, if he finally yields to the call.

3. Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe: The Academic and Innovation Strategist

Biodun Collins Ogundipe (PhD) is a Nigerian Aerospace Engineer, AI Expert, Technologist, and Social Innovator with experience in scientific computing, machine learning (ML), application development, robotics, and industrial applications. An authority in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Dr BCO, as
he is fondly called, is multi-lingual with proven leadership accomplishments across professional, business, and
political spheres.

His adventures into politics as a Student Union Leader in OAU put him in better stead to do more on a bigger platform. So, it was during the Gubernatorial elections in 2003 that he was saddled with election monitoring, campaign organizations, and INEC rule implementations, a task he did to commendable satisfaction. Even as he hustled his way through School in Canada and Ukraine, he kept in touch with local politics and frequently financed or provided insights into political ventures in Abeokuta, his hometown.

His potential candidacy could resonate with voters looking for a leader who combines intellectual rigour with a forward-thinking approach to development. While he may not yet have the public profile of other contenders, his expertise in leveraging technology for practical solutions could make him a strong contender in Ogun State’s increasingly dynamic political landscape. Also, his ability to speak Chinese fluently could give him an edge as a mediator between the state and the Chinese investors seeking to do business in Nigeria.

Why These Technocrats Matter

Ogun State, with its industrial hubs, agricultural potential, and growing youth population, demands leaders who can harness innovation, economic expertise, and global perspectives.

Bosun Tijani’s tech-driven vision, Oluyemi Oloyede’s corporate leadership, and Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe’s innovative approach position them as technocrats capable of addressing these needs.

As dark horses, they may not be the loudest names in the race yet, but their credentials and potential to disrupt the status quo make them figures to watch in 2027, especially if they are backed by one of the various powerful political families in the state, with others adopting them also as compromise candidates instead of career politicians.

As the political landscape evolves, these technocrats could shift the narrative, offering Ogun State voters a blend of competence, innovation, and fresh leadership. Whether they choose to step into the ring, their profiles signal a new era of governance possibilities for Ogun State.


Disclaimer: The potential candidacy of these individuals is speculative and based on their professional achievements and public profiles. No official declarations of intent for the 2027 Ogun gubernatorial race have been confirmed at the time of writing.

OriOko88:
if we talk now they Wil say we worship the whites. Why wud a country be using the same template for minimum wage. USA uses different templates for minimum wage same as in Germany. My sister in Indiana told me their own minimum wage is $12 per hour while in California it's $16. It shows that each state pays it's own minimum wage based on it's economy potential. But in Nigeria the govt is fixing same minimum wage for a worker in Ekiti or zamfara and the ones in Lagos or Rivers. C'mon. Let each state fix it's own minimum wage. But before that can be effective,we must return to Regional govt.

Mk we dey play dey go until then.

helinues:


Adebutu and Pdp should go and sit down somewhere.

Yewa axis should be able to produce the next governor, any credible candidate apart from Yayi should be considered

The turmoil within the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday, escalated as the state chairman, Sikirullai Ogundele, attributed the party’s defeat in the 2023 elections to the gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.

Ogundele accused Adebutu of exhibiting authoritarian behaviour, disregarding party leadership, and refusing counsel, which, he claimed, contributed significantly to the party’s failure to secure power in the state.

He lamented that despite pleas from influential figures like presidential candidate of the party in 2023 Atiku Abubakar and former president Olusegun Obasanjo to include former governor Gbenga Daniel on the ballot, Adebutu allegedly remained obstinate.

He said, “The reason why we are not in power today is because of Hon. Ladi Adebutu. 90 percent of the reason why we are not in government today was caused by Hon. Ladi Adebutu and this is because of his high-handedness, he does not listen to anybody’s advice.

“Adebutu has been the major reason why the party has been failing since 2019 election. I don’t think Adebutu himself is interested in becoming the governor.

“Atiku came to Abeokuta twice to plead with Adebutu that we should put OGD (former governor Gbenga Daniel) on the ballot, but he refused. If we had put OGD (Daniel) on the ballot, the party would have won many seats at the election.

“Everybody was aware that Atiku came to Ogun state twice to beg him (Adebutu). Obasanjo too begged him, but he refused to shift ground.”

Ogundele pledged to reclaim the party’s integrity from Adebutu’s influence, emphasizing that the PDP should operate democratically, without being beholden to any individual.

Ogundele insisted that PDP is not anybody’s personal property.

He said, PDP must be seen and run as a political party that is fair and just to every member irrespective of his or her financial status or position.

Also speaking, the deputy governorship candidate of the party at the 2023 election, Adekunle Akinlade said, the party must be better repositioned to defeat the ruling party in 2027.

He said “What we are saying is that, if we must win or perform differently in 2027, we must reposition this party, we must bring in everybody to this party, we must make everybody feel comfortable that this party is for all of us.

“We must put the past behind us, we must put 2023 behind us and forge a strong front that can give the opportunity to face whatever the future holds.

“The party must be more disciplined and our leaders must have the right temperament and good character”, Akinlade said.

But, reacting, Adebutu described Ogundele as selfish, describing his attack as a “foul cry from a man after his own personal gains”.

Adebutu who spoke through his spokesman, Afolabi Orekoya said he was not perturbed by Ogundele’s allegations and would not join issues with him.

“The chairman is just on his own, out of 57 state executive council members, if it is only the chairman that is alone saying that, then you know that there is more to it.

“We are not joining issues with him, he is the only one on that journey, he was the only state executive member that was at the meeting out of 57 that is to tell you that it is more of his own personal thinking.

“Was it Adebutu that went to disrupt or cause violence at Sagamu where elections were destroyed? Was it Adebutu that gave the judgements at the courts?

He is crying foul because of his personal gain and enterprise, we are not perturbed and we are not surprised.

It was a cool afternoon on Saturday, September 10, 2023. After a bumpy and tiring ride from Sango Ota, the motorcyclist conveying this reporter screeched to a halt at Itekun road in Igbesa, Ado-Odo Ota local government area (LGA), Ogun state.

Situated on the hustling and bustling road connecting Igbesa and Itekun, another town in Ado-Odo Ota LGA, is a 20-bed primary health centre (PHC).

In 2022, Gloria Ajayi's joy knew no bounds when it was announced that the project would be constructed to improve access to quality healthcare in the area.

For long, women, children, and others in the area have experienced nightmares of getting quality healthcare. Gloria, a peasant farmer in the area, told Legit.ng she and others depend on herbal concoctions and services of private healthcare providers when they are sick.

Due to this, hopes blossomed when construction of the project, facilitated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs Nigeria (OSSAP-SDGs), commenced.

But Gloria's hopes and those of other residents were dashed when the facility was abandoned after completion.

"It has remained this way since they completed it; no one has been able to use it. In this community, we live at death's mercy," Gloria lamented.


The multi-million naira project rotting away

The OSSAP-SDGs is responsible for the coordination and policy formulation of programmes designed to achieve the 2030 SDGs Agenda adopted by all United Nations member states in Nigeria. One core of the 17-point agenda adopted by countries in 2015 is good health and well-being.

On October 24, 2022, data from Govspend, an initiative of BudgIT, the Nigerian civic organisation promoting transparency and active citizen engagement, showed the OSSAP-SDGs paid the sum of ₦27,657,262.43 to Ocean Mines and Exploration Ltd to construct one 20-bed PHC with external works at Igbesa town in Ado-Ota LGA, Igbesa, Ogun state.

The same day, the OSSAP-SDGs paid ₦37,349,020.00 to the same company to equip the facility.

Findings by Legit.ng, however, showed that the facility – which should be a game-changer for residents in terms of quality health – is lying fallow.

Over a year after it was awarded and months after its completion, the project has yet to be commissioned.

When the reporter visited the project, parts of the facility had been taken over by bush.

A community leader in Igbesa, identified as Baba Pupa, said the project was designed to benefit residents from 15 areas, including Igbesa and Itekun.

He, however, lamented its non-utilisation after completion. "People have terrible experiences accessing healthcare due to the state of the project. The project was completed around 2022. There are around 15 communities expected to benefit from the project."

Apart from improving access to healthcare, many residents expected the facility to create job opportunities for them.

Sade, a trader in Igbesa, told Legit.ng: "We're on the lookout for jobs. Sadly, the place is now covered with bushes; it has been furnished. The facility would be of great benefit to us when it becomes functional. At least, cleaners, secretaries, gatemen, among others, will be engaged."


No single hospital, herbal concoction to the rescue: Welcome to Ogun

Chief Emmanuel Abiodun, the traditional ruler of Oke-Agbeji, a community in Itekun, is one of those who are livid over the non-utilisation of the project.

"We don't have a single functional government PHC here at the moment. We depend on patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs), also known as chemists and other private health care providers when we are sick," he lamented.

He said about 10 years ago, the community attempted to build a PHC through joint efforts, but the project did not materialise. Abiodun said the 20-bed PHC by the federal government would have benefited residents of Itekun and other surrounding communities, but its non-utilisation has left people vulnerable to sickness.

"We're not benefiting from it (the PHC), but God has not abandoned us. We're looking unto God. They have completed and fully equipped the project. What is left is the commissioning of the project, but you know the government, you cannot say when they will come," he added.

"The government only remembers this place when it's time for an election. Just imagine the state of the road you (addressing this reporter) used while coming here. We usually fix the roads ourselves. We are suffering."

....Tension Soars as Lawyer Enlists Police In Battle For Access Road, Communities Stand Resolute

…Residents Rain Curses On LG Chairman As Sick, Pregnant Victims Suffer

… Desperation on Display: Unions Leaders Turn Tragedy Into Profit Amid Road Chaos


In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the once-bustling Soyoye-Rounder-Lafenwa road in Ogun State has become a symbol of despair and agony for hundreds of residents who traverse its crumbling surface daily.

This road, which connects them to essential services and livelihoods, has been reduced to a perilous journey filled with confusion, frustration, and excruciating pains.

The deplorable state of the road has left countless Ogun residents stranded, as they navigate treacherous potholes and dilapidated sections, praying for safe passage every time they venture out.

No thanks to Ogun State government and the chairman of Abeokuta-North local government for their seemingly indifference to the plights of the people in the areas among others .

It’s a harrowing ordeal that has left many questioning the priorities of their local government and state leadership.


A recent investigation by PLATFORM TIMES unveiled a disturbing truth: the suffering of these residents has been cruelly compounded by the closure of access roads in the area.

The decision by the communities to seal off these routes has not only left motorists and commuters in distress but also trapped commercial taxi drivers in a nightmare of lost income and mounting expenses.

The Soyoye road, which was already in a dire state, has now become virtually impassable due to the relentless rainy season, exacerbating the misery of those who depend on it for their daily routines.

The cries of anguish can be heard echoing through the rain-soaked streets as people endure this seemingly endless ordeal.

In a candid and emotional dialogue with PLATFORM TIMES, victims of this crisis did not hold back their frustration, directing their ire towards the Chairman of Abeokuta-North Local Government.

They accused him of inaction, insensitivity, and sheer wickedness for allowing the once-proud road to crumble into disrepair while their lives hang in the balance.

The tears, curses, and pleas of the affected residents serve as a poignant reminder of the dire consequences of governmental neglect.

Ogun State, often celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture, now finds itself at a crossroads, where the plight of its citizens is overshadowed by the shadows of indifference.

As residents continue to grapple with the agonizing reality of their daily commutes and the relentless rains, they hope for a glimmer of light at the end of this dark tunnel.

For now, they stand united in their determination to be heard, praying that their cries will resonate with those in power, bringing an end to their confusion, pains, and suffering on the Ogun toads of despair.

… Tension Soars as Lawyer Enlists Police In Battle For Access Road, Communities Stand Resolute

In a dramatic escalation of a long-standing dispute, the Ire-Akari Community Development Area witnessed heightened tension and emotional confrontations as a lawyer, determined to access the community’s road, enlisted the aid of the police.

The clash unfolded when the communities stood united against allowing motorists through their access road, despite police intervention.

The lawyer, whose identity remains undisclosed, attempted to force his way through the tightly sealed gate, only to face fierce resistance from the resolute communities of Ire-Akari.

Determined to assert his passage, he summoned a contingent of policemen from the Lafenwa police station to accompany him.

This bold move infuriated the communities even more, as they maintained their unwavering stance of keeping the access road off-limits to anyone.

Prince, the community’s spokesperson, known simply by his title, stood firmly on his ground, emphasizing that the community had invested no less than N800,000 in repairing the road due to the heavy volume of traffic it endured.

The team of policemen, arriving in a Hilux van, found themselves facing a wall of defiance as they requested access through the gate.

The communities, undeterred by the law enforcement presence, ignored the police’s pleas to open the gate.

As tension continued to escalate, similar scenes unfolded in neighboring communities under Opara 1, 2, and 3, as access gates were also locked to returning motorists.

The individuals who depended on these routes to commute from work were left stranded, with Soyoye Road rendered impassable.

The clash over access roads has revealed the depth of frustration and disagreement between the lawyer, the police, and the communities.

As the standoff continues, emotions run high, with each party standing their ground, leaving the fate of the access road hanging in the balance.

… Residents Rain Curses On LG Chairman As Sick, Pregnant Victims Suffer

In a heart-wrenching display of frustration and anger, residents of Abeokuta voiced their vehement displeasure and rained curses upon the Local Government Chairman, Ayorinde Abdu Salam.

The outpouring of condemnation comes as cases of sick individuals and expectant mothers were left stranded on a deteriorating road, with residents alleging that their cries for help had fallen on deaf ears.

The failed portion of the road, which has become a nightmare for locals, became a symbol of neglect as it prevented prompt access to medical facilities, leaving vulnerable lives hanging in the balance.

Amidst the chaos, emotions ran high as residents lashed out at Chairman Ayorinde Abdu Salam for what they perceive as a deliberate act of neglect.

Numerous victims, who managed to speak with PLATFORM TIMES, recounted their harrowing experiences, underscoring the dire consequences of this neglected road.

While there were no reported casualties, the suffering endured by those affected painted a grim picture of their plight.

Pregnant women, already in a fragile state, were forced to endure excruciating pain, and sick individuals faced agonizing delays in receiving much-needed medical attention.

One resident, Mrs. Adesola Adeyemi, with tears streaming down her face, described her traumatic experience as she tried to rush her pregnant daughter-in-law to the hospital.

“We begged, we pleaded, but no one listened,” she said, her voice quivering with anger and frustration. “My daughter-in-law’s condition worsened while we waited for help that never came. It’s unforgivable!”

The anger of the residents is further fueled by what they perceive as the government’s indifference to their suffering.

The neglected road has been a persistent issue for years, causing accidents and inconveniences, yet pleas for repairs have gone unanswered.

Chairman Ayorinde Abdu Salam has faced mounting criticism for his lack of action, with many residents feeling abandoned and betrayed by the very person entrusted to serve their interests. Calls for his resignation have grown louder, and residents have made it clear that they will not rest until the road is fixed and justice is served.

As Abeokuta grapples with the aftermath of this traumatic ordeal, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the LG Chairman, who now stands at the center of a storm of public outrage.

The curses that rained down on him serve as a stark reminder of the profound anger and disappointment of the people he was elected to represent and protect.

… Desperation on Display: Unions Leaders Turn Tragedy Into Profit Amid Road Chaos

In a shocking display of opportunism, chaos unfolded in an unnamed community today as unions and local community leaders exploited the dire circumstances caused by a collapsed road, leaving residents and motorists bewildered and dismayed.

With roads rendered impassable due to flooding, individuals wearing yellow caps emblazoned with union leader insignias took it upon themselves to forcibly extract N200 from desperate motorists and taxi drivers trying to navigate the treacherous terrain.

The deplorable state of the road had left it submerged in water, creating a nightmarish ordeal for anyone attempting to traverse it.

In a disturbing turn of events, these self-proclaimed representatives of various unions claimed that the money collected was earmarked for hiring a pumping machine to alleviate the flooding.

According to eyewitnesses, the youth, bearing the distinctive yellow caps, exhibited a degree of coercion and aggression as they demanded the payment from struggling motorists.

Fear and frustration filled the air as those passing through this hazardous route felt compelled to part with their hard-earned cash.

The irony was stark as the funds collected for the purported pumping machine, intended to clear the waterlogged road, only seemed to exacerbate the problems faced by the community.

The situation, once merely a transportation crisis, had now become a crisis of ethics and trust.

Following these disheartening events, local community leaders were observed at the site of the road’s collapse, desperately attempting to restore some semblance of normalcy.

Their efforts, though commendable, could not erase the stain of the earlier exploitation.

Residents and motorists alike found themselves trapped in a web of desperation, forced to navigate a treacherous path fraught with uncertainty.

The very people who should have provided solace in a time of crisis had instead chosen to capitalize on the misery of others.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, questions of accountability and justice loom large.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible leadership and ethical conduct, even in the face of adversity.

… Like Soyoye, Like Many Others: Ogun State Residents Endure Unbearable Road Conditions

The plight of residents in Ogun State has reached a breaking point as they grapple with the agony of navigating roads that have either collapsed or deteriorated to deplorable conditions.

The story of Soyoye, a representation of countless others, paints a heartbreaking picture of the suffering endured by the people of the state.

A grim reality confronts the state’s inhabitants as roads in nearly every local government area bear witness to neglect and disrepair.

These dilapidated thoroughfares have plunged communities into isolation, causing immense hardship and suffering.

PLATFORM TIMES undertook an investigative journey that revealed the magnitude of the crisis.

In many areas, communities have become virtually inaccessible, as the once-paved roads have transformed into treacherous obstacles.

One such example is the community of Bode-Olude, where Alhaji Badmos Jamiu resides.

He lamented, “From Surudara off Bode Olude to Brown College to Alubarka down Ajegunle Road is a death trap.

The state of disrepair is far beyond the capabilities of Community Development Associations (CDAs). We desperately need government intervention.”

The anguish resonates not only in Bode-Olude but also in Obantoko, where residents endure the agonizing condition of Apete Road, Oloruntedo in Obantoko, Abeokuta, stands as a stark reminder of the decaying infrastructure plaguing the state.

The state’s residents, like Soyoye and countless others, share a collective cry for help.

They yearn for government intervention, for the restoration of safe and navigable roads, and for relief from the relentless suffering inflicted by the current conditions.

As the people of Ogun State endure these unbearable road conditions, their hopes are pinned on the authorities to heed their cries and take immediate action.

Their collective plea is clear: “Like Soyoye, like many others, we need roads that do not lead us into suffering, but rather, towards a brighter and more prosperous future.”

Several attempts to get reactions from both local government chairman and the state government failed .

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State has raised concerns over the soaring debt levels incurred by the administration of governor Dapo Abiodun.

According to a report published by PLATFORM TIMES on Monday, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Ogun State’s total debt has surged to 379 billion naira within four years of his assumption of office.

PLATFORM TIMES had previously reported exclusively that the state was the third-highest indebted state in Nigeria, closely trailing Lagos and Delta states.

The PDP, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Asiwaju Bankole Akinloye, claims that the state’s staggering debt burden appears disproportionate to the visible development of public infrastructure and social amenities.

The PDP accuses Abiodun’s administration, which it labels as incompetent, of driving Ogun State perilously close to insurmountable bankruptcy.

While acknowledging that borrowing is sometimes necessary for financing developmental projects and infrastructure, the PDP questions the absence of significant developments commensurate with the additional 300 billion naira debt accrued during Abiodun’s tenure.

The statement partly reads, “The Ogun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is increasingly worried about the relentless zeal with which the outgoing administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has plunged Ogun state and its coming generations into the irreversible pit of indebtedness.

“In a recent publication made available by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total debt profile of Ogun State has risen and is put at 379 billion naira, the 3rd highest in Nigeria, closely following Lagos and Delta states in the first and second positions respectively.

“An objective look at the mind-boggling amount of the state’s debt in relation to the physical development of public infrastructures and social amenities clearly confirms that Ogun state, under the incompetent watch of Mr. Abiodun and the sinking APC, is edging towards irredeemable bankruptcy if urgent steps are not taken.

“For the PDP, it is not out of place for states to borrow to finance developmental projects, expand frontiers of potentials, and fund their physical infrastructural needs from time to time. So many forward-looking states, including Ogun state, have done this in the past; Lagos state, our immediate neighbor, has also availed themselves of these opportunities.

“What is extremely worrisome and utterly disturbing is that Ogun state has absolutely nothing to show for an additional 300 billion naira debt apart from about 80 billion it inherited from the Ibikunle Amosun’s administration in 2019.

“It is as if the only thing the Dapo Abiodun-led government does is to borrow and loot. Or how else does anyone explain this embarrassing borrowing with no commensurate developments?

“A drive through all major commercial centers and towns across Ogun state provides an embarrassing show of infrastructural decay, abandoned public utilities, a dirty and unkempt business environment, uninspired workforce, and several other tales of woes and failures of government business as a whole. In fact, a first-time visit to any part of the state proves a government that is permanently on holiday.

“The only question that has continued to beg for answers is what Mr. Abiodun and his insensitive government have been doing with all the money; statutory state monthly allocations, the borrowings, and other funds. Yet, the government still diverts statutory Local government funds every month.

“Governance cannot be about reckless borrowing only. From all the realities around, it is increasingly clear that Ogun state is being milked to death.”

The party, however, calls on stakeholders and the state house of assembly to investigate how the funds were spent by Abiodun’s government in the last four years.

The PDP in the statement further siad, “we,therefore, call the attention of all stakeholders, all men of good conscience, to join us in the call to liberate Ogun state from Mr. Abiodun’s unquenchable appetite for unexplained borrowings.

“Particularly, we challenge the State House of Assembly, under the Speakership of Rt. Hon Taiwo Oluomo, to look at the government books immediately if truly The House is not a party to criminal diversion of the state resources to private vaults.

“Mr. Dapo Abiodun must be reminded that government is a trust; a trust he holds on behalf of the good and law-abiding residents of the states. He, therefore, owes his employers, residents of Ogun, some detailed explanations on what has happened to every kobo from the 379 billion debts hanging on the state’s neck.”

Attempts to get in touch with both the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, and Special Adviser to the governor on Economic matters and former Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, failed as the duo ignored both text and WhatsApp messages.

But when contacted, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Lekan Adeniran, verbally attacked PLATFORM TIMES over its exclusive report on NBS recent data on the debt profile of the state.

Adeniran, in his response to PLATFORM TIMES’ questions on the allegation against his boss by the PDP, expressed displeasure with the data story as published by PLATFORM TIMES.

Adeniran, who was asked to highlight the projects the N300bn were used for, said, “If you were really interested in our response, you wouldn’t have gone ahead to publish the fiction that you were fed with before sending this.

“I started journalism in 1992 at the Guardian and have traversed the whole gamut of the industry. There should be decorum in what we do. You can’t be a political journalist and be fair in your reporting. Good day.

“If you were interested in working as a journalist, you would have attempted to get any government official to tell your reader what projects the money was expended on, not you asking me to respond to the PDP statement.”

From statistics curated by @StatiSense, a statistics organisation, Ogun State government under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, has scored the worst in metrics of universal basic education and health care provision.

Ogun State has the highest amount of unaccessed UBE counterpart funds with the Federal government, hence it is of no surprise that it also has the highest amount of out-of-school children amongst states who have consistently refused to match federal government's provision for basic education in their states.

One the health front, Ogun state has also been playing possum, with the state scoring the least amongst states with Primary Healthcare under one roof.

A 56-year old poultry attendant, Olumiyiwa Abiola has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly stealing 1,300 fowls valued at N8million in Libro Farm in Bamsose located in Odeda local government area of the state.
Penpushing reports that the Command Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola who confirmed the incident in a statement said the Director of the farm had earlier reported the case to the police about sudden disappearance of the fowls put in care of the suspect who was employed on January 28, 2023.
The statement added that the complainant said the poultry attendant a resident of Agbaja zone 3 off Akute road Olodo Ibadan was unable to give satisfactory answer or any account when asked of the missing fowls, on August 11, 2023, as it was also noticed that there was no record of death of the fowls nor had any livestock disease.


Penpushing further reports that Odutola said preliminary investigation has commenced and the suspect has been apprehended and presently in police custody to ascertain the extent or veracity of the alleged theft, assuring that the police will uncover the crime in due course and made its findings known to the public
The police spokesperson said in the statement on Sunday that the Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu has been briefed and has equally ordered for more information within and around the poultry to the police so as to get all other suspects apprehended

Relatives of a 30-year-old woman, Rafiat Okewole, are currently grieving over the sudden death of the lady allegedly in the hands of her husband, Wole.

PUNCH Metro gathered that Okewole, though married to the businessman, was living separately on Odelusi Street, in the Ijoko area of Ota, Ogun State.

She was said to have lost her life during a disagreement that ensued when she visited her husband in the Gas Line area of Ijoko on Sunday to collect money for her children’s upkeep.

The deceased was said to have been having a running battle with her husband over his alleged failure to cater for her children. The issue, however, reached its climax when Wole allegedly smashed Okewole’s head against the wall during her Sunday visit.

Our correspondent learnt that efforts made by neighbours to save Okewole’s life after the incident failed as she was confirmed dead in the hospital where she was rushed to for medical attention.

It was further learnt that her 41-year-old husband was arrested after the case was reported at a police station by one of the deceased’s siblings.

One of the deceased’s brothers, Akinola Shittu, in an interview with PUNCH Metro, said he was devastated by the news of his sister’s death.

He said, “My elder brother called me on Sunday evening to inform me that Rafiat died. I asked what happened and he told me that it was reported to him that Wole smashed her head against the wall of his house when she went to ask for money for the upkeep of their kids.

“This happened at Wole’s Gas Line, Ijoko residence on Sunday around 3pm.

“Immediately, I rushed to the house and I saw that neighbours had already gathered and my sister was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. I am devastated.

“I later learnt that one of my brothers who lives nearby reported the case at Sango Police Station which led to Wole’s arrest.”

The deceased’s sister, Basirat Liasu, told our correspondent that the incident happened in the presence of Okewole’s daughter who accompanied her to Wole’s house.

Liasu said, “I learnt on Sunday from one of our elder sisters that Rafiat died due to injuries inflicted on her by her husband, Wole, who hit her head against the wall in his house.


“Rafiat was not living with Wole as of the time of the incident because she was Wole’s second wife. Though, his first wife also packed out earlier in the year.

“She went there to ask for money for the children’s upkeep. One of her children who accompanied her to the house told neighbours that her father hit her mother’s head on the wall.”

The deceased’s elder brother, Yusuf, told PUNCH Metro that he was the one who reported the matter at the Sango Divisional Police Headquarters.

He said, “My wife was the one that called me on the telephone and informed me that she heard that my sister died after her husband hit her head against the wall of his house.

“I rushed to the hospital at Ijoko but she was already dead and I learnt that Wole was still boasting that nothing would happen to him after killing my sister.”

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident.

She said Wole was already in police custody.

The PPRO said, “The Sango Ota Police Division arrested a murder suspect on August 6, 2023, around 4pm. It was one Segun Osho who reported that his sister, Rafiat Okewole, who lived at Odelusi Street, Ijoko, Ota had an argument with her husband, Oluwole Okewole, and he hit her head on the wall and she became unconscious.

“She was rushed to a hospital in Ota where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“Detectives visited the scene, arrested the suspect for interrogation and took photographs while the corpse was evacuated to the mortuary for autopsy.”

A man, Taiwo Ishola, has allegedly killed two sons of his younger brother, Idowu, after he reportedly kidnapped the children at Abata, a village in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the killing was perpetuated in a bush in the Mile 6 area of Ajebo, in Abeokuta.

Our correspondent learnt that Idowu had raised the alarm after he discovered that his children, nine-year-old Promise and seven-year-old Testimony, were missing.

A source close to the family who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the children went missing last weekend and they were last seen with Taiwo.

The source said, “Idowu started looking for Promise and Testimony. After a search in the community, somebody told us that they were last seen with his brother, Taiwo, but since they are brothers, nobody suspected anything.

“It was after their father still didn’t see them after some time that everybody became suspicious. Their father was advised to inform the police before it would be too late. I’m still surprised that the lives of innocent children were cut short just like that.”

Another resident in the community, who gave her name as Iya Alimat, disclosed that the community found it shocking when the news reached them that the children were killed.
She said, “It happened on Saturday, but when they did not see the children, they started searching and people said it was Taiwo that took the boys away.

“On Saturday, we got the news that the children had been killed. Their father, after looking everywhere for them and could not find them, decided to inform the police and that was when the matter was exposed. How will somebody do that to his brother? We don’t know why he did it. Until we know, I can’t say much about it. But the man should face the wrath of the law.”

Pictures obtained by our correspondent showed Promise and Testimony’s corpses in the bush with their clothes still on them, and with the suspect sitting beside them after he was apprehended.

Scars suspected to have been inflicted by sharp objects were on the face and neck parts of the deceased children.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro said the police immediately went after Taiwo, saying the suspect later confessed to committing the offence.

The PPRO said, “On Saturday, August 5, around 11.30pm, one Idowu Ishola of Abata village, Abeokuta, reported that his two children, Promise and Testimony, were missing.

“He strongly suspected his elder brother, Taiwo Ishola, as he was told by people in the community that they saw the brother when he was taking the children away.

“The police swiftly acted on this and the suspect was promptly arrested. Diligent interrogation led to his confession on Sunday. The suspect confessed to having killed the missing children in a bush around Mile 6 Ajebo, Abeokuta. A police team of detectives immediately swung into action and the scene was visited.

“The corpses of the children were recovered and deposited at the Ijaiye General Hospital morgue for autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Mustapha, is an operational police officer who will not rest until crimes are eliminated in the state.”

Odutola disclosed that the case had been transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department at the state headquarters, Eleweran, for further investigation.

A gang of ten senior secondary school students in Ogun State reportedly waylaid and assaulted a teacher, Kolawole Shonuga, who stopped one of them from cheating during an examination in the school.

Daily Trust learnt that the incident occurred on Tuesday at Isanbi Comprehensive High School, Ilisan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that Shonuga while invigilating the unified examination for the SS 1 Art class students, caught one Ashimi Adebanjo, 18 years, cheating and seized his paper.

After school hours, the student ganged up with his peers waylaid the teacher and beat him up at the school’s gate, witnesses told our correspondent.

One of them, Kazeem Adelaja, allegedly hit a stick on Shonuga’s head while others were beating him.

Our correspondent gathered that police personnel from the Remo Division later pounced on the students and arrested about 10 of them.

The police spokesman, Omotola Odutola, confirmed the incident, saying Shonuga had made a formal report on the alleged assault at Remo Police Division.

Odutola also confirmed the arrest of ten suspects.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspects had already been arraigned in court for assault, but the command’s Public Relations Officer failed to answer questions about the arraignment.

The State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Felix Agbesanwa frowned at the incident and insisted that the students must face the the wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent.

“The incident is true and I have been briefed. Our stand is that any student who raises his hand against his teacher should face the wrath of the law. There is no going back on that. No student must raise their hands against the teacher, whether Ogun Teach teachers or permanent teachers, a teacher is a teacher.”

“They must be made to face the law to serve as a deterrent. I learnt they have been charged to court already.”

The state government has also condemned the act and vowed that it would not condone acts of indiscipline by learners across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu gave this warning in Abeokuta while receiving the new Executive of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN).

He noted that part of the efforts put in place was the signing of Undertaking Forms by learners, parents and school heads to make learners and parents liable for any misconduct of the learners or parents alike, saying the aim was to have a safe learning environment free from the pandemonium of any sort.

“I’m using this opportunity to advise parents to talk to their children, they should warn them, because we won’t tolerate any indiscipline from any child. Any student that misbehaves in school will be dealt with appropriately,” he said.

In October 2021, no fewer than four cases of assault on teachers were recorded in different public schools in the State, forcing the government to introduce a compulsory undertaking signed by all the students and their parents to curb hooliganism.

The Ogun House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution for the state to observe the Isese Cultural Day every August 20.

At the plenary, the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff (APC – Ado-Odo Ota I), moved the motion for the House to adopt the passage of the resolution which was later seconded by Mr Lukmon Adeleye (PDP-Odogbolu).

According to him, the Day will also be declared a Work-Free-Day by the state government.

Speaking, Mr Adegoke Adeyanju (APC-Yewa North 1), who sponsored the motion, said the Day was meant to promote the people’s tradition and culture in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeyanju had earlier read the amended resolution, and it was seconded by Mr Damilola Soneye (APC-Obafemi Owode).

Other members who spoke in support of the resolution, opined that the Isese Cultural Day celebration would promote the cultural heritage of Yoruba land.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo (APC – Ifo I), said that the Cultural Day would enable parents to transmit the culture and tradition of the Kingdom to the younger generation.

“Isese is a Yoruba name that tells us what we inherited from our parents and it’s also a way to continually promote culture and tradition so they do not go into extinction,” he said.

By Theodore Opara

Nigerian car owners and buyers of used cars have bemoaned the increasing rate of stealing and cannibalization of vehicle catalysts by mechanics, used car dealers and vehicle importers in recent times.

Most of the car owners who lamented their ordeals to Vanguard said that road side mechanics steal the catalytic converters when the vehicles are brought in for repairs without the car owners knowing that the catalyst had been removed.

The catalyst is located underneath the car, attached to the exhaust pipe. Essentially, catalytic converter filters out harmful byproducts in the exhaust gas and burn them up. It reduces emission and improves the vehicles’ efficiency.

Though it has been argued that it does not affect fuel consumption but the fact remains that it affects the overall performance of vehicles, hence mechanics and car dealers are cashing out on it.Vanguard investigations revealed that over 80 percent of imported used cars in the market presently do not have catalysts.

The most affected are the small and mid-sized cars like Corolla, Civic, Accord and Camry which are in very high demand in the country.

The big cars are not left out either, as further investigations have shown that most of them don’t return to their owners with the catalyst intact if the vehicles stay overnight in mechanic workshops.

The removal is usually carried out by panelbeaters in connivance with the mechanics and sold at exorbitant prices ranging from N150,000 to N350,000 depending on the make of the car. It might surprise you that even the dealers remove the catalysts and sell them before taking the vehicles to the market for display since used car buyers may likely not find out that it had been removed.

The clearing agents too are not left out. While taking the cars to the owners (importers), they sometimes divert to some dubious workshops, where they remove the catalyst and weld back the exhaust.

The trend has also gone international as some businessmen, having discovered how lucrative the business has become, travel aboard to bring catalysts in bags from cars that are billed to be brought into the country and other neighboring African countries.

The saving grace at the moment is that some traders having discovered that they could make much profit from it have resorted to bringing china-made catalysts which cost about N70,000, but the disadvantage however is that this Chinese made catalysts don’t last long before they burn out.

But most car dealers see it as a cheap way to replace the original one that comes with the cars which could cost as much as N350,000.

Speaking to Vanguard on the issue, a motor parts dealer at Trinity Spare parts market, Olodi, Lagos who wouldn’t like his name in print said that the business is booming presently as you could hardly find a corolla with its catalyst intact.

What most people do is to buy the catalyst for their car and get a mechanic to fix it.

He said “I can bet you if you go round the used car markets, eight out of every ten cars on display are without catalysts. They have been removed and sold to spare parts sellers who await the new buyers to cough out several thousands of naira to purchase them.”

Most car owners who have had their catalysts removed said that they are helpless especially if they have visited different mechanic workshops. In this case, they would not know who to hold responsible for the missing catalyst or if it had been removed from the source of purchase of the vehicle.

A car owner told Vanguard that he recently decided to check if any of his three cars still had catalysts as the cars fuel consumption was increasing but he was shocked to find out that there was none.

According to him, it is a very difficult thing to checkmate the roadside mechanics from stealing catalysts as he queried: “Are you going to stay with them when your car is being repaired?”What if the car has to stay overnight in the mechanic workshop?”

Usually, when the catalyst is removed, the car displays “check engine” sign on the dashboard but this is not only the reason the check engine sign pops up. There are many other reasons this sign could trigger up.

This makes it difficult to checkmate the problem. But the easiest way to know is to run a diagnosis on the engine concerning the check engine sign but who has the resources to do this continuously?

Mr Ikechukwu Obinna, owner of a vehicle workshop said that in his workshop, he had been approached severally by all kinds of people to join in the ‘ business’ but he had turned down the request knowing that it is ungodly to do so. Dealers, importers and even clearing agents have been involved in the racket.

According to him, this has been the practice for many years but people are beginning to discover it now because they are looking for how to save fuel due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

Adetunji Ajayi, a 62-year-old physically challenged man has been hacked to death at his residence in Imasayi, Yewa-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The man, DAILY POST leant, was cut to pieces Wednesday by unknown assailants who may have broken into his apartment after members of his family went out for their daily activities.

The Ogun State police confirmed the incident, saying the killers would not go scot-free.

The police spokesperson in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, explained that the victim was macheted to death around 3pm on Wednesday.

According to her, the family met his butchered body in a pool of blood when they returned from work.

“The command received the report of macheting to death of one Adetunji Ayaji, 62 years, where unknown assailants gained entrance into the home of the deceased and murdered him,” Odutola confirmed.

She said that the victim’s mobile line was taken away by his assassins.

Odutola disclosed that the body of the victim had been evacuated to the General Hospital in Ilaro for further examination.

“The Ogun State Police Command has no firm lead about the reason behind this extreme viciousness,” Odutola stated, adding that the Ogun Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, condemned the act, assuring that the killers “will regret their actions and justice will be done.”