₦airaland Forum

[Last Thursday, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, kicked off the reconstruction of Atan-­Lusada-­Agbara road abandoned by previous administrations and inaugurated the 10.25km Lusada-Igbesa road, reports OKWY IROEGBU-­CHIKEZIE.
There is a link between infrastructure development and economic prosperity because it attracts businesses and lifts the public out of poverty.

Commuting from Ota to Agbara is an ordeal as a result of the dilapidated condition of the road. It becomes tortuous from Atan to Lusada. Don’t forget that the stretch is home to three private universities – Bells University of Technology, Covenant University and Crawford University – that should attract development but it didn’t happen until recently with the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

A tour of the axis showed manufacturing firms that closed their operations with gates and warehouses padlocked, filling stations that are out of use as a result of low traffic on the route.

It is a common sight to see tankers and trailers upturn at will, few commercial vehicles that ply the road carry excess passengers and charge exorbitant fees to make up for delays and longer travel time, wear and tear on their vehicles and the resultant high mortality of their vehicles. The road is lonely and the commonest means of transportation are the motor bikes popularly known as Okada. Before this reporter undertook the journey, she was advised by a colleague that to avoid delays as a result of the bad state of the road, she should board a bike but with a proviso that she must have a spare dress and a scarf because of the dusty nature of the road.

Now, thankfully in 15 months that would be history. Noteworthy, and regrettably, so that several estates that were at various levels of completion were abandoned and several of those real estate companies folded.

Little wonder the flag­off and inauguration were like a carnival as people trooped out and greatful that the administration in Ogun State has given reasons to have a new lease of life. A guide and a resident in Lusada said land speculators had returned. He confided in this reporter that he bought his plot of land for N120,000 several years ago, but was surprised that the same plot is sold now for N600,000 because people saw construction ongoing. He lamented the deprivation they had suffered for years and pleaded with the governor to ensure the completion of the all important road.

Prince Abiodun said the dual event was a symbolic demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the infrastructural development of all parts of the state.

Commending the establishment of the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in Ogun State by former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, he said the establishment of FTZs was a veritable platform to help boost development, adding that its benefits are not limited to only reducing the fiscal intervention and leveling borders between nations. But also in his words, increases commercial flow; deferral, reduction or duty exemption; improved compliance; development of commerce and industrialisation; inventory tracking; quality control and indefinite storage.

He stated that his administration is not unaware of the resultant effect of the Free Trade Zones in terms of employment generation; poverty alleviation, job creation, local patronage, capacity building and perhaps, product varieties, which in the long run, put the state on the global map of trade and investment.

He said: “It is noteworthy to mention that this facility has grown beyond a Free Trade Zone to a community in its own class. And as such, a comprehensive development of commerce, processing of goods and manufacturing of varieties of products with the use of local raw materials and inputs have really boosted the economy of our dear State at large.”

He, however, lamented the misfortune of the state which though has a Free Trade Zone with great potential, but could not be accessed because of the dearth of infrastructure.

According to him, the inauguration of this road is another milestone in the administration’s march towards industrialisation and economic development of the state.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun at the weekend allayed the fears of the state civil servants over the rumour making the rounds that the government was planning to stop the minimum wage.

Governor Abiodun, who said this, while hosting labour leaders and members of League of Imam and Alfas in the state to Ramadan Iftar, at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the state capital, assured the labour leaders that government would continue to improve on the welfare of workers being the engine room of government

He said his administration had intensified its revenue drive and uncovered other areas to generate enough revenue to sustain the steady growth in the state.

The governor urged the labour leaders and the clerics to assist the government in encouraging people to take the COVID-19 vaccination.

He harped on the need for people to take the vaccine to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, stressing that the vaccine stimulates the body system as it neutralizes the effects of the COVID 19 in the body if one gets infected.

While disclosing that the state government had taken delivery of another batch of the vaccine, he declared that the Ogun State recorded the highest number of people vaccinated in the country.

He admonished the labour leaders to join hands with his government in persuading their members to be part of the ongoing vaccination exercise, noting “it has no side effects”.

Describing the month of Ramadan as a period of purification and sober reflection to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah, Abiodun urged the Muslims to use the period to pray for the country, stressing that the insecurity and other challenges militating against the nation would soon fizzle out through the help of prayer.

He posited that war is not an alternative, stating that the security architecture of the state is fundamental to the current administration and would do everything possible to reduce criminality across the state.

Earlier in their respective remarks, the Ogun State Chairmen of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Emmanuel Bankole, his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Olubunmi Fajobi, and that of Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Olarenwaju Folorunso, commended


Abiodun for the immense achievement recorded in every sector in the state including the willingness to pay the outstanding workers’ salary deductions.

They promised to continue supporting the incumbent administration in its determination to transform the state.

Addressing the Islamic clerics led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Sa’adalah Bamgbola, Governor Abiodun reassured that the current administration in the state would continue to partner the religious leaders for the growth of the state.

The governor commended the body for promoting peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

Describing the clerics as important to the enthronement of good governance, Abiodun said the Iftar was organized in appreciation of the contributions of the Muslim Community for being supportive during and after the 2019 general elections.

The governor explained that the current administration since its inception has been working round the clock in improving the condition of the state through the provision of necessary infrastructural amenities for the benefit of the people.

This, according to him, is in fulfillment of his promises during the electioneering, describing the current administration as “a silent achiever who doesn’t make noise on the pages of newspapers about its achievements”.

While urging the clerics to continue supporting his administration with prayers, the governor promised that his government would ensure that the existing mutual relationship between the government and the religious body is sustained by doing things that please and unite the people of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the League, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Sa’adalah Bamgbola, thanked the governor for the respect accorded the Muslim Community and for demonstrating a trait of ‘Omoluabi’ by keeping to his promise to the people of the state.

He assured that the religious body would continue to support the governor with prayers to ensure that he excels in the ongoing restructuring and repositioning of the state.

Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the weekend, hosted labour leaders and members of League of Imam and Alfas in the state to Ramadan Iftar, at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Describing the month of Ramadan as a period of purification and sober reflection to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah, Abiodun urged Muslims to use the period to pray for the country, stressing that insecurity and other challenges militating against the nation would soon fizzle out through the help of prayer.

Addressing the Islamic clerics led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Sa’adalah Bamgbola, Abiodun reassured that the current administration in the state would continue to partner religious leaders for the growth of the state.

Describing the clerics as important to the enthronement of good governance, Abiodun said the Iftar was organised in appreciation of the contributions of the Muslim community for being supportive during and after the 2019 general elections.

Abiodun urged labour leaders and clerics to encourage people to take COVID-19 vaccination.

No fewer than 2000 Ogun State Public School Teachers have benefitted from one day training on Python Programming and Artificial Intelligence across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

The programming is an aspect of Information Communication Technology (ICT), that is demonstrated by the machines in contrast to those by human beings.

The event, which was co-organised by the Bureau of Information Technology, in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria (DSN), Lead Resources, Computer Teachers Association of Nigeria (CTAN) and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), at Hubert Ogunde Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, would broaden knowledge of participants on Information Communication Technology (ICT).

While addressing journalists at the venue, the Director of Information Technology in the Bureau, Mrs. Olatundun Adekunte stated that the training was part of the conscious efforts of State government at transforming the secondary school teaching into a Digitally-Smart workforce.

Adekunte, in a statement signed by the Bureau’s Information Officer, Mrs. Tokunbo Jaiyeola, said, “Since it is generally accepted that no educational system can rise above the standard of its teachers, the State is totally committed to addressing the digital inadequacies of public school teachers, who are critical to the realisation of the present administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.

She noted that it was imperative to train and retrain the teachers, especially in the area of Information Technology, adding that the present administration is passionate in imbibing ICT on students, in order to prepare them for global competition.

“Indeed, we are in 21 century, where people are dealing with ICT, there will be no need for our teeming youths to be searching for jobs anymore, once they have trained digitally. That is why we need to prepare them for the future, because of its demand in the global economy”, Adekunte said

One of the instructors and the Business Manager, DSN, Mr. Amzat Olawasheun said it was a foundation for the primary and secondary school teachers in the State, to make them compete favourably in the area of Python programme and Artificial Intelligence.

Oluwasheun pointed out that teachers need to be adequately equipped and educated on Information Technology, to prepare the upcoming generations for the future challenges, noting that those programmings would be introduced into the primary and secondary school curriculum.

“This is basic foundation for our teachers in the State to develop their intelligence and broaden their knowledge in the area of programmings, to inculcate what they are taught here to their pupils and the world as well”, she said.

In his contribution, the Third Executive President, Computer Teachers Association of Nigeria (CTAN), Mr. Emosu Temitopeoluwa, stated that it is important to “catch them young” and implant such critical programmes into their minds, so as to become employers of labour in the nearest future.

“Indeed, Python Programmings is very essential, as at now, we cannot do anything special on IT without having knowledge of it. It is a new innovation we all need to vast at, so, our students need to be taught now, as they are still young to assimilate “, Temitopeoluwa said.

Some of the participants, Mr. Elemide Florence of Idiko Gateway Senior Secondary School, Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government and Mrs. Sofowote Rasheedat of Wesley Primary School, Iperu-Remo, opined that the programme was for beginners/starters, to develop their skills in the area of programmings on ICT, commending the State government for facilitating such training workshop for both primary and secondary school teachers.

Ilaje44:
[color=#000F99]If Abiodun indeed said such, then shame unto him. Is the predecessor he is talking about from another party or from Mars? If the houses' prices are too exorbitant, why don't you continue the project and offer a better price, and "OWN" the project? Why allow it to continue to be a den of miscreants?
Mr. Governor, it does not show that you have sense at all to come out proudly and make such claims. Very stupid and senseless human beings. All they know is to waste and steal the little resources of the country. Awon alainirori dede![/color]

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that, some of the yet to be occupied housing estates built by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun have become den of miscreants.

Abiodun attributed this to the high price tag placed on the houses by the past administration and condemned the previous government for wasting the state resources on projects that had no meaningful impact of the lives of the people.

The governor spoke at the third Session of the 15th Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Egba, with the theme “God Our Foundation And Salvation”.

Abiodun noted that his administration in the last two years had built more houses than what any other administration had done.

He said, “We are doing some housing projects in Kobape, Ilaro, Ota, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode. Today we have built more houses in two years in office that others have built in four to six years.

“We intend to ensure that these houses are acquired by the people that need it and they truly affordable.

“When I assumed office, there were houses that were built by my predecessor that nobody bought, they have become a den of miscreants and we said something surely must be wrong if they had the good intentions of building these houses and nobody has acquired them we need to find out what has gone wrong.

“We chose to uphold all the tenets of good governance and part of that is being inclusive and being participatory in governance, meaning that we take your opinions into consideration when making decisions.”

Abiodun disclosed that his administration has rehabilitated more than 300 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and increased the number of ambulances in the state from three that he inherited to 20.

In his charge, the Diocesan Bishop of Egbaland, Rt. Revd. Emmanuel O. Adekunle lamented the spate of killings, kidnappings and the worsening security architecture of the country.

He berated President Muhammadu Buhari for surrounding himself with people who are economical with the truth on the state of the nation.

The cleric described those around the President as “noisy propagandists, who “transfer the blames of the misdemeanors to the former President or the opposition party.

Adekunle described the All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration as clueless, lamenting, the insecurity in the country which started with Boko Haram had degenerated to insurgency, banditry, armed robbery, arsons, kidnapping and abduction as a result of mismanagement and insensitivity of the leaders.

“Since the entrance of this regime in 2015, things have not been stable in the political arena. Initially, the government started by apportioning blames on the preceding regime and for six years now they could not right the wrongs.

“The system has been deteriorating. The economy is daily somersaulting, the effect of inflation is biting hard, public amenities and facilities are depreciating, the currency is so devalued that its purchasing blower is quickly plummeting to zero.

“The country is in internecine war, feuds time between the composing tribes: farmlands are being raked and destroyed (breaking the staff of food within a certain region by herders); people are being molested, raped, sacked from their ancestral land and thrown into refugee camps within their country.

“The people involved are doing this with impunity, they move about brandishing sophisticated weapons to suppress and oppress the innocent concerned citizens. These have culminated to a point that some people belonging to a particular tribe are claiming superiority over other tribes as if they are at their mercy.

“The mismanagement of the situation confronting the nation from different sectors has added up to different crises and unrest that are erupting all around as the #ENDSARS protest, eviction of the Fulanis in some regions, regional agitation for independence, demands for dissolve of power to regional governments, soliciting for true and total Federalism.”

...calls on JUSUN, PASAN, others to end strike

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, says his administration is fully committed to clear outstanding deductions from workers salaries on a quarterly basis.

The governor equally restates his commitment to ensure that a minimum of N500m is set aside to clear backlog of gratuities amongst the various cadres of pensioners under the state government and local government services.

Abiodun, who stated this in an address at the International Workers' Day celebration, held at the M.K.O International Stadium, Abeokuta, on Saturday, assured workers in the state that his government would continue to provide conducive ambience to enhance their productivity, by renovating their various offices.

While noting that Workers' Day had since grown to become a day exclusively reserved to celebrate and honour all workers across the globe, he saluted workers in the state, particularly the front line workers for the selfless discharge of their duties during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020.

According to the governor, "the workers continued commitment and dedication to duties remains the most significant motivation to our administration’s continued discharge of an all-inclusive and good governance to the people, particularly in almost two years of our administration in Ogun State".

Abiodun added that his government would not relent on improving the good working relationship created between the workers and the government, by continuing to pay utmost attention to the growth and development of the public servants.

"We remain one of the first few states to commence the implementation of the new minimum wage. As we speak, the 2018, 2019 and 2020 promotion exercises are on-going as efforts are being intensified to ensure prompt approval for the release of promotion letters and commencement of the new payments for the deserving officers immediately after the conclusion of the exercises.

"In addition, our administration recently reviewed the Local and International Duty Tour Allowances (DTAs) upward. All these we do to demonstrate our commitment towards improving our workers welfare, and ensure productivity of the Ogun State Public Service. While we ensure the welfare of our serving public servants, we are also committed to the well-being of our retired public servants who have meritoriously served our dear state.

"We have commenced the distribution of the first instalment of quarterly provision of a minimum of N500 million amongst the various cadres of pensioners under the State Government, Local Government as well as commencement of the augmentation of the shortfall on the (write in full) BRT payments. Let me use this occasion to reiterate our commitment to the continuous payment of these gratuities and assure substantial increase of the payment of the quarterly provision as the economy gets better". He stated.

The governor, disclosed further that the newly launched Ogun State Digital Economy Infrastructure Project (OGDEIP) was one of the practical steps initiated by his administration towards integrating technology into our practices and government businesses.

These, according to him, include deployment of electronic document management systems, e-procurement tools and digitized revenue collection platforms especially to improve efficiency and reduce leakages in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Ogun State public service.

While pleading that workers should collaborate and less agitate, the governor called on the striking workers to put the Nation’s interest first, urging them to explore all conflict resolution mechanisms and think always outside strike.

"On this note, let me again, request that all striking unions: Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeri (PASAN) and the Resident Doctors who have been on war-path lately sheathe their swords. It is the economy and the people that suffer at the ends of the day".

Abiodun also called on the workers, to be more proactive, more professional and dedicated in the discharge of their duties, submitting that "by doing this, particularly joining hands with our administration, we will not only improve on the ‘proud legacy of excellence’ that our forebears bequeathed to us, but also create the Ogun State Public Service that will continue to be the trail-blazer in the comity of Public Services in Nigeria".

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), on Friday announced that local government elections, into the offices of Chairmen and Councillors will hold on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

Penpushing reports that, the Chairman of the commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, made this known in a statement explaining that as part of effort to ensure a free and fair electoral process, a press briefing has been scheduled to hold on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, by 10:00 am

The statement added that the press conference will serve as avenue for the commission to enable it unveils electoral guidelines to all political parties and the general public.

Penpushing further reports that, the commission boss requested all registered political parties, wishing to participate in the forthcoming elections, to present not more than two representatives at the briefing, in compliance with coronavirus protocols.

Says road ready in 15 months


Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun flagged off the reconstruction of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road on Thursday, with a promise that the project would not be abandoned.

The governor also inaugurated the 10.25 km Lusada Junction-Igbesa-Ogun Guangdong FTZ Road, a project undertaken via Public-Private Partnership.0

Flagging off the 19 km Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road at an event which was attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and former governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero; Senator representing Lagos West and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Senator Ayo Akinyelure; Senator Oyeyemi Bamidele; and Senator Micheal Nnachi, among other dignitaries, Abiodun said the commencement of rehabilitation work on the road would impact positively on the ease of doing business along the industrial corridor.

While saying the road will be completed in 15 months time, the governor said that though the road, which is part of the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, belonged to the federal government, he said his administration decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road in order to give succour to the residents and industries along the axis.

Abiodun, who reiterated that his government would not develop any part of the state at the expense of another, disclosed that over 172 kilometres of road had been constructed, while 120 kilometres had also been rehabilitated across the length and breadth of Ogun within two years of his administration.


The governor assured that all roads leading to industrial areas and farm settlements in the state will be prioritised to boost economic growth and development.

He commended Buhari administration for the prompt approval on the request for the transfer of the rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road to the Ogun State.

The governor urged the residents along the axis to take charge of the project, disclosing in the communities would be gainfully engaged during the construction of the road.

‘No doubt, today’s twin events of turn of sod of Atan-Lusada-Agbara road and commissioning of the Lusada-Igbesa road is part of our administration’s commitment to provide infrastructure in order to continue to open up our border communities along the axis. It is, in fact, an assertion of our strategic and deliberate approach to reposition all our industrial hubs in our dear state. And, no doubt, Ogun West, especially the Agbara Industrial Estate in Nigeria, which is one of the biggest industrial estates, remains key to the development of Ogun State,’ he stated.

‘In this direction, the completion of Atan-Lusada-Agbara, which is expected in the next few months, will go a long way towards improving the quality of life and advancement of commerce in Ogun West and other industrial hubs in Ogun State.

‘And, I am very optimistic that, at completion, this Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road will not only improve Ease Doing Business in this area, but bring a wholesome development to the entire Ogun West District,’ Abiodun stated.

In his remark at the event, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Adamu Aliero, assured the Ogun State Government that the committee would ensure that the reconstruction work on Atan-Lusada-Agbara road is included in the 2022 appropriation bill.

The senator noted that the Abiodun administration had thought it wise to reconstruct the federal government road because of concern for the people of the state.

He described the initiative as a symbol of good governance which must be appreciated, while urging the governor to ask for reimbursement from the government at the centre upon the completion of the project.

‘This road is a federal government road, but because of concern you have for your people you decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road because of its economic value, not only to the state, but to the country. This is what good governance is all about.

‘I want to urge you to ask for reimbursement from the Federal Government upon the completion of this project. This project is much more important to Ogun State and by extension Nigeria. I appreciate you for this initiative, it is a right step in the right for the benefit of the country.

‘We’ll give the necessary support to ensure that this project is included in the 2022 budget,’ Aliero stated.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, lauded the governor for taking the bold step to rehabilitate the industrial road, noting his ministry would continue to collaborate with the state on areas of trade and investment.

In their respective remarks, Senator Olamilekan Adeola and former senator who represented Ogun West at the NASS, Akin Odunsi, expressed their delight at the decision to reconstruct the road after years of abandonment.

The Ogun State Police Command on Wednesday paraded suspected kidnappers of students of Olabisi Onabanjo University Ayetoro campus and the community leader in the state, Chief Tajudeen Omotayo.

The police also paraded a suspected kidnapper who sold an AK47 rifle to an undercover police operative for N1m.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Edward Ajogun, paraded the suspects who also included suspected armed robbers at the police headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Ajogun while parading the suspected kidnappers of the two female students of OOU who were abducted on March 14, 2021, at their hostel said the suspects were apprehended two days after the students were released.

The police boss also added that the suspects confessed that they were behind the kidnap of a doctor and a nurse on the Abeokuta-Imeko Road.

The suspects, Umaru Usman, Mohammed Bello, and Babuga Abubakar, 40, reportedly confessed to a series of kidnap cases in the Ayetoro, Olorunda, and Imeko areas.

Ajogun said, “They admitted to the kidnap of the two Olabisi Onabanjo University students in Ayetoro.

“They confessed that a female doctor and a nurse were kidnapped on 7th of April 2021 along with Olubo village along Abeokuta-Imeko road by them.

"They also confessed to kidnapping one Mrs. Yemi Ojedapo at Olodo village, who painfully, they had to kill because she recognized them.

“One Babuga Abubakar who is their informant confessed that he supplied information on victims to the gang for ease of operation."

The Commissioner of Police also paraded two suspected kidnappers behind the abduction of the community leader in Imope.

Omotayo who was abducted on March 20, 2021, on his way from a meeting in Ijebu-Ode was later released after an undisclosed amount was paid to the kidnappers.

The Commissioner of Police paraded Nura Bello, 27, and his partner Abubakar Bello, 26, who have all confessed to the abduction of the Chief and also to several cases of kidnapping in the Ijebu area.

According to the police boss, investigations are still on, and added that other members of the gang will be arrested as soon as possible.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun suggested on Wednesday that he might end up as a pastor after serving eight years in office as governor.

Governor Abiodun, who made the remark when speaking at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, said that athough he would not ascribe to himself the authority of the clergy, because he loves reading, studying and sharing the the Bible, he ‘may end up on the pulpit after I have served as governor for eight years.’

The event, which was equally used to conduct valedictory and commendation services for the retiring President of Baptist Convention, Nigeria and the President, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) Dr (Reverend) Samson Ayokunle, was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Senator Ishaku Abbo, among other dignitaries.

Governor Abiodun noted that the theme of the Convention, “Moving Forward: Finishing the race with Joy”, has called the attention of Nigerians, and the world, to taking action with the with fear of God in their hearts.

According to him, if Nigerians followed the instructions of God in all they do, life would be more peaceful and the country would not find itself in its current predicaments.
The Ogun governor charged Nigerians not to lose hope, stressing that ‘all we need is the fear of God in conducting our affairs.

‘We all need to treat our fellow human beings with love and even take care of our environment. If we do, we will live a more peaceful and prosperous life. We continue to pray for God’s blessing upon our land so that our people will live in constant abundance of every good thing.

‘More importantly, we must reject violence and pursue peace with one another. We need to walk in love and understanding. This is what our heavenly Father expects from us.

‘We, therefore, look forward to the continued reign of peace in our land and the constant strengthening of the body of Christ,’ the governor stated.

While noting that the Convention is the ‘gathering of the faithful and a clear demonstration of the injunction of the word of God,’ Governor Abiodun commended the Baptist Church of Nigeria for remaining relevant in the spreading of the gospel and the provision of qualitative education and healthcare services.

Governor Abiodun congratulated Rev Ayokunle for a successful tenure as the President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention after 10 years, noting his roles as the current CAN president has strengthened the unity among Christians in the country.

Speaking at the event, ex-President Obasanjo commended Ayokunle for serving meritoriously in his capacity as a leader in the Baptist Church.

Obasanjo, who expressed optimism that Nigeria would survive its present troubles, prayed that God would give the retiree new energy to continue the work of God.

Also speaking, Oyo Governor Makinde praised Ayokunle for his tenacity in carrying out the duties of his office, and urged him to continue to lead prayers for Nigeria and the country’s leaders.

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday said the state would soon commence operation of its bus mass transit services to Lagos and major towns in the state.

Abiodun said this while receiving reports on the transport sector christened Abeokuta Urban Transport Policy from the Head, United Kingdom Prosperity Fund, Nigeria Office, Miss Martha Bostock. The governor said the inauguration of the Ogun State Bus Mass Transit Scheme would commence in May, while light rail services in the state would commence as soon as discussions were concluded with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Lagos State Government.

He said, “As part of government’s deliberate efforts at modernising and promoting efficiency in the transport sector, as contained in our urban renewal programme, the birth of Ogun Bus Mass Transit, which takes off in May is aimed at providing improved movement of people in the state through a bus-based public transport system designed to have better capacity and reliability than a conventional bus system.” Bostock expressed the readiness of the UK authorities to offer technical assistance to the state in building capacity in its transport department for development and sustainability.

Ogun State Government through the Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the adoption of Oluwatobiloba Ayomide Amusan, a Nigerian track and field athlete of Ogun State extraction in response to the adopt-an-athlete initiative of the Sports Ministry.

Governor Abiodun made known the state’s interest in Amusan yesterday when he received the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He also indicated Ogun State Government’s desire to host the National Sports Festival just as it has commenced renovation of sport facilities across the state.

The 24-year-old Amusan who specializes in the 100 metres hurdles and sprint, won the 2018 Commonwealth and 2019 African Championship. She is also a two-time African Games champion, whose highest ranking is third in the world.

The governor said: “I like this adoption initiative, as you were speaking, I was already putting down names of who I am going to tell my sports team to go and speak with alongside some of our business people because this is a business state.

“I am very proud to hear that one of our daughters is doing well and doing us proud, each and every time that we find any indigene of Ogun state doing well, we support them, we throw out weight behind them.

“So Tobi Amusan is adopted this afternoon, please, help us to identify other young up and coming indigenes of the state that are doing well that we can support and nurture to actualise their dreams, we will be more than happy to do that. We will like to collaborate with you, the joy will be ours in Ogun state, but the glory is to the entire country,” he submitted.

On hosting the Sports Festival, the Governor said: “We will like to host the National Sports Festival in Ogun State and I believe that you cannot find a better state than us, particularly as the Gateway State.”