Lagos and Ogun States have launched a joint development commission, which is geared towards fast-tracking infrastructure development and smoothening areas of cooperation between both states, especially in border communities.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the development on their respective social media pages.
Lagos and Ogun account for a chunk of Nigeria's factories and businesses. Most folks who reside in Ogun, earn a living in Lagos--Nigeria's commercial capital.
However, road infrastructure linking both southwest states has been left to crumble and rot through the years and there has been little, if any cooperation, between governments in both states.
Past governors of both states have also bickered over who should collect taxes from folks who reside in Ogun but work in Lagos.
"Let's hope this leads to an upgrade of the infrastructure in those neglected towns like Akute, Mowe, Iju, Ishaga, Ọta, Agbára, etc, on the boundaries of both states," says journalist Nicholas Ibekwe
For instance, they rejected RUGA and NLTP. They refuse to prosecute herdsmen truly found to be invading other people's farms.
Now I was reading Oyetola's message after their yesterday meeting in Lagos and he was asking for FG help in setting up ranches. Bia, what is RUGA and NLTP that you people rejected before? Shior
mrpoul: I can't even eat a proper 2 square meal, is it traveling that I will be able to afford? Non of my family members wants to listen to me, my mom doesn't even pick my call again
Family is not just by blood. It's by shared experiences.
That's why you are closer to some people who you don't share the same blood with.
Look out for the iconoclast and talk to him. The lies our condition tells us is that we are the only one suffering. Don't believe that lie. You have comrades. You can beat this lie
mrpoul: I'm tired of life, everyday I keep fighting these suicidal thoughts... I'm scared that very soon, I might finally succumb. Because the situation is not getting better, and it might take longer before all of these might finally go away... Someone should talk to me pls... I'm just tired. I need help
Don't succumb. If you are about to, runaway to Togo.
Also, try as much as possible to get enough sunshine into yourself daily. Seems foolish but sunshine on skin keeps these thoughts at bay.
And you need to tell someone in real life how you feel, not online. I won't recommend a religious person though. They never understand.
Find the outcast. The ones you'd normally not associate with within your family. That's who to talk to. Chin up. You are brave enough to defeat this
The Ogun State Government says it has extended the ban to the sale of all cooling system servicing and repair of air-conditioning and refrigerating units across the state until further notice.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
The government had last week Friday announced the ban on the sale and repair of industrial gas after five explosions hit some parts in Abeokuta.
Explaining the extension of the ban to cooling gas, Oresanya said it was to allow for proper investigation into recent gas explosions in the state.
He added that the explosion arose from sources suspected to have engaged in the adulteration of these combustible products, which has led to the loss of lives.
The statement read in part, “Technicians who specialise in the repairs and servicing of these cooling systems, and dealers on the affected gas types, are directed to adhere strictly to this ban in their own interest and that of the public.
“With the recent incidence of gas explosions in Ogun state, the State government in its bid to ensure that no further lives are lost through similar circumstances, or any other avoidable circumstance whatsoever is placing a ban on all cooling systems related gas sales, purchase and use, until further notice. Compliance is not optional.”
Oresanya called on all dealers, retailers, and technicians in the combustible products to comply immediately with the ban as the state government will clamp down on any outlet or individual that flouts the order.
No fewer than 1,382 aged and 380 persons living with disabilities in Ogun State have been selected from the State Social Register of poor and vulnerable to receive Federal Government’s COVID-19 cash transfer, to cushion the effect of the pandemic.
The State Coordinator, Ogun State Operations Coordinating Units (Ogun SOCU), Mr. ‘Tunde Adebiyi, who disclosed this in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the initiative was a National Social Safety Nets programme, aimed at improving the beneficiary’s livelihood with a stipend of N5,000 for the period of six months.
Adebiyi, in a statement signed by his Press Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Dada, stated that the beneficiaries were drawn from five Local Government Areas (LGAs), namely Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North and Ijebu-East, noting that enumerators, who are engaged in data gathering would do appropriate verification to ensure that the fund get to the right beneficiaries.
“The COVID-19 cash transfer to poor and vulnerable will commence in Ogun State as soon as all necessary processes of enrollment of beneficiaries are completed. The beneficiaries have been selected from the State Social Register and they are from five Local Government Areas in the State”, he said.
Mr. Adebiyi who added that another social intervention programme tagged ‘Rapid Response Register (RRR), the sensitisation on which would commence soon in the State, said recipients would be drawn from 33 wards across 14 LGAs in the State.
He explained further that, a USSD Code would be sent to beneficiaries in the selected wards which would enable them to input their personal details that would qualify them to benefit from the intervention.
The Ogun government has temporarily banned the sale of industrial gas following recent explosions in the state.
Two persons were reportedly injured on Friday morning as a gas explosion occurred at Onikoko area of Abeokuta, the Ogun capital.
On Thursday, a gas explosion occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, killing one person.
Less than than 48 hours before the OOPL incident, a gas explosion rocked the Conference Hotel opposite the library, claiming two lives.
On May 12, three people, including an infant, were killed, while others sustained injuries, following a gas explosion that occurred in another area of the state capital.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta on Friday, Femi Ogunbanwo, the state commissioner for special duties and intergovernmental affairs, said all major stakeholders in the gas sector are expected to abide by the directive.
“Anyone found guilty of selling adulterated gas products or violating safety protocols would have the full weight of the law to contend with,” he added.
He added that Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, has been in consultations with the federal authorities, relevant agencies, and the police to investigate and bring to book whoever is found guilty of sharp practices or negligence that could cause further occurrence.
Also speaking, Ola Oresanya, special adviser to the governor on environment, described the incidents as an ugly development which must be nipped in the bud.
Earlier, a team consisting of Ogunbanwo, Oresanya, Rasaki Ojetola, permanent secretary, ministry of environment, and other government officials had visited different sites of the explosions and some gas plant outlets.
During the visits, two plants in Omida and Idi-Ori in Abeokuta metropolis were sealed off.
In October 2020, following incidents of gas explosions across the country, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), released new guidelines for the establishment and operations of downstream gas facilities across the country.
Barely 24 hours after two lives were lost in an explosion that hit the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, another gas explosion has occurred in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital leaving two persons injured.
The gas explosion which occurred at Onikoko area of Abeokuta around 10:am on Friday caused serious panic.
This explosion will be the fifth incident that has occurred in Abeokuta in the last nine days, killing about eleven persons.
Our correspondent who visited the scene of the incident gathered that it was an industrial gas belonging to a construction company kept in its garage that exploded.
An iron splinter from the exploded gas cylinder flew to about 200 metres inside St. Leo’s College, Onikoko, and hit one of the victims who’s a woman in her chest, injuring one of her breasts.
The effect of the explosion was seen on nearby buildings, shattering walls and glasses.
Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Special Duties, Lekan Ogunbanwo, and Special Adviser to the governor on Environment, Ola Oresanya, said two were injured.
Ogunbawo said, “Within the last one week, we have lost about eleven persons while others were in hospital in critical conditions.
“We were able to trace one of the sources together with the Commissioner of Police and Director of the DSS.”
Meanwhile, the state government has sealed off an industrial gas retailing depot at Omida.
The Ogun State government has warned dealers of gas product and cylinders in the state against adulteration of the product, saying that anybody caught would be visited with the full wrath of the law.
The state government also commiserated with families of the recent gas explosions in Abeokuta, the state capital, as it has summoned a stakeholders’ meeting for Friday to discuss the development.
The Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Kunle Somorin, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta, said, the stakeholders’ meeting, which is part of the measures being taken to find a lasting solution to the problem, will have in attendance dealers, cylinder manufacturers and retailers in that sector.
Somorin said, “the governor warned that anyone found guilty of selling adulterated gas products or violating safety protocols in the state would be visited with the full weight of the law”.
“Governor Abiodun, who has been in consultations with federal authorities to find a solution to the recent incidents, said no stone will be left unturned to stop the such development”.
“He has also directed law enforcement agencies and environmental and safety personnel to move round all the nooks and crannies of the state to investigate and bring to book those found culpable of any sharp practices or negligence that could have caused the gas explosions”, he added.
“The governor also warned business owners against violating safety protocols guiding the location of businesses in residential areas as they would be prosecuted if they are caught”, the statement concluded.
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, says the state government is looking for investors that will develop its tertiary health facilities to a world class health institutions capable of providing quality healthcare services to the people.
The governor also invited investors to collaborate with the government on major infrastructural development projects such as road, railway, agro processing, energy digital economy and other social services under its public-private sector partnership arrangement.
Abiodun stated these at the Nigerian-British Chambers of Commerce (NBCC) Webinar with the theme, "Meet the Governor of Ogun State: Investment and Business Opportunities, also noted that the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, needed attention to bring it to standard and prevent brain drain.
According to the Governor, "we inherited an uncompleted 250-bed Hospital in Abeokuta. As part of our recognition that government is a continuum and anywhere the Commonwealth of Ogun State has been invested, we will not abandon.
"We are therefore looking for investors in order to help us develop it into standard hospital to stem the tide of medical tourism, conserve foreign exchange and provide quality Medicare for our citizens and those who may require the services for research and investigations".
Reiterating the vision of his administration which included; focused and qualitative governance, improving citizens’ confidence and trust in government through transparent and accountable leadership, the governor stated that several reforms on land, energy, judiciary, tax, finance and civil service, were deliberately put in place to ensure Ease of Doing Business in the state.
He said the creation of Public Private Partnership Office, Ogun Investment Agency, Business Advisory and the recently launched Civil Justice Transformation Strategy Document, were other steps taken to ensure seamless business operations in the State.
He further observed that with a landmass of 16,981 square kilometres, suitable for the cultivating of food and cash crops, the atate has a well diversified portfolio in key sectors including manufacturing, mining and trade which put together, jointly constituted 65 percentage of the state's Gross National Product value.
He said the present administration's efforts were geared towards improving productivity, mobility and connectivity through the provision of adequate road infrastructure, particularly in the rural areas.
Abiodun who stressed the importance of having motorable roads that link its neighbours, particularly, Lagos State, said the 14km Epe-Ijebu-Ode road, constructed by his administration, would soon by commissioned, while the construction of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road had since been flagged off, calling on investors to partner his government in building such key economic roads in the state.
The governor lauded the partnership with the British Government in setting up a Multimodal Mass Transport System for the State, adding that his administration was discussing with the Federal Government to create spurs around Lagos-Ibadan Standard guage way to service the intermittent clusters and housing estates springing up along the corridor.
While urging British investors and others to take advantage of the state's economic potentials, Abiodun maintained that investment opportunities existed in rice, cassava, spices and vegetables, cattle and dairy, poultry as well as in Agricultural International Market and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone and in the manufacturing sector.
On housing, the governor said his administration was determined to provide 3,000 affordable housing units across the state in first instance before 2023.
"We have demonstrated this by building almost a thousand units to date in all the three senatorial district and we are looking for Private Sector Organisation to partners with us", he said.
He further disclosed that Ogun will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a legislation-backed Joint Commission with Lagos state, to ensure security, stability, cooperation and development of the two states.
Governor Abiodun also disclosed that the state will host an Investment Summit, themed 'OGUN #ISEYA21: Becoming Africa’s Model Industrial & Logistics Hub' between July 12th and July 13th, 2021.
He noted that the Summit is aimed at providing a platform for collaboration with potential domestic and foreign investors, attract new investors into the state and potentially sign Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Venture agreements with partners and investors.
The Czech Republic government, yesterday, donated medical equipment worth N194 million to Ogun State.
The equipment included 15 ICU beds, an incubator, children cribs, a generator and a phototherapy machine.
Czech Republic Ambassador to Nigeria, Marek Skolil, while handing over the equipment to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, expressed his home government’s delight to support and partner the state government, particularly in the area of health development.
Skolil added that the Czech government was concerned about how Nigeria, being the centrepiece of the regional architecture of the African continent, was not developing not only in terms of infrastructure but also in terms of human and social well-being.
The ambassador, who noted his country’s industrial development, mechanisation of agriculture and the health sector, commended the state government for the role it played during the global pandemic.
In his remark, Abiodun commended the Czech Republic for donating the equipment to the state, saying: “I am glad that at a time when we needed you the most, you chose to support us as a state and a country by extension.
“I want to personally appreciate that gesture. We appreciate your kind gesture donating the equipment estimated at $47,000. This donation is deeply appreciated.”
Abiodun, while also calling for collaborations in the area of engineering and air surveillance from the Czech government, said his administration since it came on board had been able to remove all forms of administration bottlenecks through business-friendly policies.
“We know you are quite experienced in the areas of engineering, infrastructure and agriculture. I am so optimistic we can collaborate on that. We are looking to deploy air surveillance across the state in terms of using drones. We can also collaborate in this area, as we see security as an important part of our administration,” Abiodun added.
He disclosed that his administration was awaiting the donation of about six ambulances before the end of the week, saying his administration is also waiting patiently for the Czech government to deliver on its promise to donate ambulances to the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, commended the Czech Republic government for its numerous support to the state.
She said that the medical equipment would be installed in Ijebu-Ife, one of the local communities visited by Ambassador Skolil
A gas explosion on Tuesday ruptured the calm at the Conference Hotel on Presidential Boulevard, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, killing a technician and another yet-to-be identified person.
The explosion, which occurred around noon time, left three others with varying degrees of injuries.
The hotel sited opposite the sprawling Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), is owned by former Governor Gbenga Daniel.
The injured are receiving treatment in a hospital.
Reacting, the hotel facility manager, Engr. Tunde Osinubi, confirmed the incident, saying it was greatly regretted.
Osinubu, in a statement, attributed the cause of the explosion at the Conference Hotel to “fake gas cylinder.”
He said: “A routine maintenance of the automatic revolving door at the entrance of hotel reception, which involved the use of oxyacetylene gas to weld the door hinges, was being carried out.
“The Oxyacetylene gas cylinder suddenly exploded, killing the technician and one other person yet to be identified.
“Three other people were injured and were immediately taken to the hospital. They are responding to treatment.
“So far no sabotage is suspected. It is however suspected that the gas cylinder purchased at the open market may be fake and unable to withstand gas pressure.
“The incidence of Gas explosions as a result of fake cylinders being sold has become worrisome and of great concern as similar incidents have been reported in several locations in Abeokuta recently with casualties.
“The management of the hotel sympathizes with the families and friends of the deceased and wishes to warn the general public of the presence of fake gas cylinders in the market.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has ordered the suspension of his Senior Special Assistant, Abidemi Rufai, over his involvement in wire fraud in the United States of America.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, confirmed this to DAILY POST in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Somorin confirmed that Rufai is an appointee of the Ogun State Government, saying Abiodun cannot be held responsible for his conducts.
“I can confirm that he (Abidemi Rufai) is a political appointee of Gov Abiodun and we are disturbed by the news. His suspension has been ordered. That I can confirm to you.
“The governor cannot be held responsible for his conduct. He has been suspended to answer charges. He is presumed innocent. He should face the law and answer the charges against him,” Somorin said.
Rufai was arrested on Friday at JFK Airport in New York for allegedly stealing over $350,000 through wire fraud in Washington.
DAILY POST gathered that the fund was from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD).
The government of Washington had set aside the funds as unemployment benefits for residents during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The 42-year-old Abidemi Rufai, who disguised as Sandy Tang, 42, to perpetrate fraud, was said to have made his initial appearance on Saturday May 15, 2021 in New York.
He is scheduled for a detention hearing on Wednesday, DAILY POST has learnt.
In its determination to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, the Ogun State Government is set to adopt free rapid testing of residents in 10 General Hospitals.
This according to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, would afford interested members of the public and all patients to get themselves tested free to know their status.
“We are changing our strategy in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, as we are set to introduce free rapid testing for all residents who visit General hospitals across the State. Anyone who goes in for a checkup or medical care in our hospitals would be tested for the virus-free of charge,” she said.
The Commissioner, while urging residents that have been vaccinated in the first phase of the campaign to present themselves for the second dose of the vaccine, emphasized that it was important for them to be fully immunised against the virus.
She stated that the government had given approval for the funding of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) on a monthly basis, adding that it had also flagged off a 24-hour tricycle-ambulance and emergency service, just as it would increase its fleet from 22 to 34 before the end of the second-year anniversary of the present administration.
‘’A Community Midwifery Scheme will be launched later in the year, as a means to provide employment opportunities for resident midwives, who live close to PHCs, and the Ministry is also planning to create a SERVICOM desk, as a feedback mechanism to feel the pulse of the public for improved service delivery.
Meanwhile, as the world marks 2021 World Hypertension Day, Dr. Coker says the State in collaboration with the Federal Government had begun treatment and management of High Blood Pressure (HBP), also known as Hypertension, in Primary Health Centres and General hospitals at a subsidised rate.
Coker stated that this became imperative in light of the recent increase in the number of people with HBP, saying early detection of the ailment could help in saving lives and preventing untimely deaths.
She maintained that the State remained committed to improving the well-being of its residents, advising people to always make use of the public health facilities in their respective communities.
Ogun State government through it's Public Works Agency, OGPWA has commenced repairs on the Papalanto-Ilaro express road in the Yewa South Local Government Area of the State.
Making this revelation is the Agency's General manager, Arch. Gbenga Akintola who said that the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s total commitment to the development of the State and unshaken decision towards improved standard of living of the citizens necessitated the continuous repairs and maintenance work which OGPWA has been undertaking since it's inception.
He said that the importance of the Papalanto-Ilaro road could not be over emphasized, as it linked motorists coming from Ifo, Sagamu and Abeokuta to Ilaro and by extension Yewa land.
Arch.Akintola said that the repairs would be continuous while he appealed to motorists to exercise patience and observe all traffic rules and signs placed strategically at the troubled spots where OGPWA men are working.
He also appealed to those who have been agitating for the repairs of roads in their areas to exercise patience as the OGPWA train would soon reach them.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has said it will adopt consensus, direct and indirect primaries to choose its chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
Ogun APC Publicity Secretary Tunde Oladunjoye announced this in a chat with newsmen shortly after the party’s stakeholders meeting at the weekend inside the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital
The party’s spokesperson explained the party, having agreed on consensus names with leaders for positions in some local governments, would then activate either the direct or indirect primaries for other local governments that couldn’t arrive at an agreement for a consensus candidate.
Oladunjoye, while saying the stakeholders meeting was to ensure that none of the contestants in the LG elections spend money unnecessarily, also said the party had been able to come up with solutions to multiple candidates in some local governments.
He added the ruling party would ensure that the local government election is free and fair, noting the primaries won’t hold secretly like it was done in the past.
“We are all in Ogun State, we know what happened with “breaking news” at this particular venue when the immediate past administration made arrangement whereby all the names of 236 councillors and 20 local government chairmen were just held in a file, including even other elective officers at the state and national level.
“But to the glory of God, we are not having that kind of dispensation in Ogun State now, we have a governor that has chosen to consult the people and the leaders, and the primaries we are going to have will not be conducted in one corner of the house.
“The constitution of the party states that such primaries for local government must be conducted at the local government headquarters and those for the ward must be conducted at the meeting venue of the ward,” Oladunjoye stated.
He however stated the process of reaching consensus on the candidates had already started, saying lists of agreed candidates would be made available during the week.
“The leaders have assured the Governor that the process of reaching consensus is ongoing, and by Wednesday, they will come back with the list of agreed candidates in the local government.
“We expect that some local governments will come back with one candidate, while those who have more than two or three will go for direct primaries,” the APC Publicity Secretary submitted.
Preparations for the Festival of Adire, Arts and Crafts and Ofada Rice received a boost recently as the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism hosted its partners and stakeholders in Abeokuta, the state capital.
At the meeting, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Toyin Taiwo, emphasised the need to reintroduce what the gateway state stands for to Nigerians all over the world. He also noted that investment opportunities and tourism potential of the state was underexplored.
He said, “The planned expose on adire (tie and dye), the locally cultivated Ofada rice and other artistic products which are identities of the state will be the focal points of the festival.”
Taiwo also reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to arts, culture and tourism.
The festival, which is a brainchild of the ministry, Jimson Global Services, Saubana Multi-Global Ventures, Fritots Global Communications and Creative VIillage Productions, is slated for the last quarter of the year in Texas, USA.
Finewarriboy: It's a proud assertion... It's shameful that a sound minded human will canvas for Tinubu to rule Nigeria.
Na from hell fire to Nigeria be that already...
See? You don't start to dey wail already. You are already abusing and cursing people using their fundamental human rights in the best way they think. You have already reduced them below the level of reasoning human with your condescension.
Look in the mirror sir. The problem begins with you
Properties › Re: Mini Flat In Abeokuta by OmoOgunOriginal(f): 2:57pm On May 24, 2021
