Days of illegal detention might be over in Ogun State if the Government Dapo Abiodun administration makes good its plan to make available lawyers in all police stations in the State.

While launching the Ogun Public Interest Law Partnership and Police Duty Solicitor Scheme at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Friday, April 23, 2021, Gov Abiodun said his administration would provide free legal services to the poor and indigent residents of the State.

According to him, “the inability of the poor and the vulnerable to have access to justice may not only cause great suffering for those affected, but could ultimately result in social and economic turmoil with dire consequences for the society.”

He, however, disclosed that his administration, through the Citizens’ Rights Department, as well as the Legal Aid Council, had thus far supported the provision of voluntary legal services to the under-privileged and the disadvantaged in the state.

He added that the scheme would be properly monitored to ensure that it was not abused by people with sufficient means to afford the services of lawyers.

He explained further that “the initiative would enable citizens seeking free legal services submit applications to the OPILP, have them matched with lawyers or law firms registered with the nearest NBA branch, as well as ensure that such applicants are provided with free legal representation”, adding that “once lawyers are assigned, they would be monitored by OPILP to ensure that they give assigned matters the requisite priority with a view to concluding them swiftly and effectively.”

Daily Post reports that the Steering Committee was inaugurated by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu at the event attended by the state Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun.

“The Steering Committee will comprise of the five Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association Branches in the State, a representative of the Justice Research Institute who would serve as members; the Chairperson of the Ogun State Chapter of FIDA; Mrs. Kemi Osisanya, and the Chairman of the Ogun State Coalition of Civil Society, Yinka Folarin, who would serve as observers, and Mr. Yemi Adewole, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice who would serve as an auxiliary member,” the governor said.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Akingbolahan Adeniran, disclosed that the contact details of the solicitors could be obtained by members of the public through the Twitter handle of the ministry @ MoJ_Ogun, or at the Citizens Right Department of the ministry, as well as the five Nigeria Bar Association branch offices in the State.

Also speaking, a Magistrate, Olukemi Adebo, explained further that “the purpose of the scheme is to ensure that a lawyer is available at every police station in the state, to ensure that no one is detained illegally.”

“The initiative is to make sure that we have a lawyer on duty at every police station within the state, and the duty of the solicitor on duty at each station is to make sure that no one is unnecessarily detained, to make sure that whoever is entitled to bail secure one and also make sure that the process of statement taking is actually legit,” she said.

Adebo disclosed that the scheme currently has over 160 lawyers.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has donated a two-bedroom bungalow and N2 million to the 2020 overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) Oladimeji Shotunde, an indigene of the state.
The governor made the announcement during a celebration of Ogun academic laureates 2021, held at the Obas Complex, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also gifted Mr Ademola Adeeko, of Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, winner of 2020 African Union Continental Teacher’s Award, a two-bedroom bungalow.

The governor announced that the state government would also set up an education endowment fund for Miss Faith Odunsi of the Ambassadors College, Ota, in Ogun, winner of Global Open Mathematics Tournament.

He noted that the event was another symbolic confirmation of the status of the state, not only as the education capital of Nigeria, but as the intellectual melting-pot in Nigeria.

Abiodun said that education remained one of the biggest industries in the state and one of the proudest legacies bequeathed to it by her founding fathers, promising that the government would sustain the legacy.

“This is why immediately on assumption of office on May 29, 2019, we declared a state of emergency on education. It was a methodical and calculated approach to rescue the education sector from the dwindling fortunes inflicted on it by the indifference of the past.

“What could have happened to the education of the state that produced the likes of Prof. Wole Soyinka, the first Nigerian and African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature; Prof. Thomas Lambo, the first professor of Psychiatric Medicine in Nigeria?

He listed others produced by the state as Prof. Biyi Afonja, Professor of Statistics; Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti, the renowned Paediatrician; Emeritus Prof. Theophilus Ogunlesi, the first Professor of Medicine in Nigeria; Prof. Oyinade Olurin, the first female Professor of Medicine, Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, foremost Historian.

Abiodun said that the present administration focused on infrastructure development, human capital development, provision of conducive environment, among many others, to redeem the sector and restore the lost glory.

He assured the people that the state government would continue to put measures in place toward providing quality education necessary for the development of the state.

The governor charged teachers, as important stakeholders, to continue to discharge their professional duties creditably beyond the new demands of COVID-19.

He appealed to teachers to ensure that the children were adequately catered for physically, mentally and socially in preparation for future challenges.

NAN reports that Soyinka; Prof. Isiaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB); and Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, Professor of History, joined the event virtually.

They commended the governor for recognising success, urging him to continue to take the state to greater heights.

NAN reports that the governor also honoured 25 others for academic excellence

Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Governing Council, Ambassador Fatimah Abubakar, has described Ogun State Orientation Camp as, “a five star hotel”, due to the quality of facilities available at the camp.

Speaking when she led members of the Council on a courtesy call to the Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abubakar said her team has visited many orientation camps in the country, but none compared to the one built by Ogun State in Sagamu.

“Ogun State is the most friendly NYSC State in the country. I have gone to many orientation camps in this country, I must say that Ogun State has the best orientation Camp. In fact, Ogun State camp is like a five-star hotel. It’s the best”, she said.

While commending the state government for assisting in carrying out COVID-19 testing for all corps members in the state, Ambassador Abubakar, appreciated the State Governor for embarking on massive renovation of the State NYSC Camp, restoring allowance to the Corps members and electricity to the Scheme’s Secretariat.
She however, requested for the provision of an Ambulance, additional staff quarters and 100 hectares of farmland for the scheme initiative.

Responding, Governor Abiodun said that the creation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has helped in fostering and preserving the unity of the country.
Abiodun also noted that the scheme has succeeded in uniting the people through the exposure of youths to the diversity of the country.

“Ogun State hosts about 22,000 youths each year from different parts of the country. This scheme has helped a lot in promoting national unity and encouraging peaceful co-existence,” he said.

According to him, “This scheme is geared towards national cohesiveness which is very commendable because many of our children have been exposed to the different parts of the country in terms of which part of the country exist. It has helped them interact with fellow corps members from other parts of the country; this, to a very large extent, promotes national unity.”

The Governor pointed out that his administration’s concern for the wellbeing of Corps members, led to the Covid-19 test on every member posted to the state last year, assuring that their welfare would continue to be given priority.

He further said that notable sons and daughters of the state were involved in establishing the scheme, expressing happiness that it has succeeded in achieving its objectives.

He said as the education capital of the country, the desire of his administration to provide conducive learning environment, led to the various interventions in the sector, which he said have yielded positive results.

While lauding the State Coordinator of the scheme for her diligence and hard-work, Governor Abiodun noted that his administration has empowered more than 20,000 in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s agricultural programmes, assuring the allocation of 100 hectares of farmland to the scheme to support its Agriculture initiative.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said he met just five functional ambulances serving the entire state when he assumed office in May 2019.

However, the governor said he had procured 12 additional ambulances, saying he “placed high premium and value on the Health and Emergency Response as an important sector in the state.”

Abiodun made it known that his administration was aiming towards making one ambulance available in each of the 26 state constituencies in Ogun.

The governor spoke on Tuesday while playing host to the Governing Board of the National Youth Service Scheme Governing Board (NYSC), led by its Chairman, Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar, in his Oke Mosan, Abeokuta office.

According to him, the state government recently launched its 24-hour ambulance response service across the state, noting that it would avail Ogun residents the opportunity to call emergency numbers and get responses on time.

“The issue of Health and Emergency Response is an important sector to us. When this administration came into office, I think we had about five ambulances, today, we have seventeen ambulances, but we are not even there yet. I demanded the commitment of a few of our public private sector partners and I believe that between now and the next thirty days, we should have about thirty ambulances in the state.

“Our plan is to ensure that each state constituency has one ambulance and we have twenty-six of such state constituencies and then we now have others that will be servicing tertiary hospitals. We have just launched our 24 hours ambulance response service across the state, at any point in time, you can call our emergency number and you get our emergency response,” the governor said.

Abiodun, who commended the NYSC for ensuring national cohesion and for exposing youths in the country to the diversity of the country, stated that the scheme had helped students in meeting fellow youths from other parts of the nation.

While promising to support the NYSC and see to the welfare of corps members in the state, the governor said he had directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state to accommodate every corps member posted to them.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Abubakar, commended the Ogun State Government for making the NYSC Orientation Camp in the state the best in the country.

She maintained that since it came on board, the Dapo Abiodun-led administration had shown total commitment towards the success of the scheme in the state through the restoration of electricity to the NYSC State Secretariat after years of neglect, as well as the constant rehabilitation of the camp.


https://dailypost.ng/2021/04/20/i-met-five-ambulances-in-ogun-gov-abiodun/

The United Nations’ Children Fund (UNICEF) has given the thumbs up to the Ogun State Government, for its efforts towards ensuring child survival in the State, particularly in the area of dissemination of key messages on essential family practices.

Penpushing reports that, the organisation’s Field Office, in Akure, Nigeria, Dr. Tushar Rane, gave this commendation, during a meeting with Commissioner for Information, Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Information, and media stakeholders from Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo States on ‘Facts for Life’ (FFL) programme, saying the meeting is an effort to take stock of strides made so far and chart a new course for sustainability.

The Fund office said the collaboration between Ogun State Ministry of Information and the organisation is yielding positive impact on the lives of residents, noting that more people are gaining access to key messages that promote issues like handwashing, exclusive breastfeeding, proper personal hygiene and sanitation.

Penpushing further reports that, he expressed delight that numerous radio stations have bought into the free broadcast of the United Nations Children Fund(UNICEF) ‘Facts for Life’ radio programme, adding that it was created to disseminate vital information meant to increase every child’s chances of survival.



“Although UNICEF has provided the necessary technical support to facilitate the production of FFL radio programmes, the Ministries of Information in the States under our zone and FM radio stations have taken up this initiative and ensured that the episodes of the programmes are being aired free of charge’.

‘I want to say here that many global experts have described this initiative as excellent for Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC). I appreciate all our partners for this success story”, he said.

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Chief, who emphasised that the fight against infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria could only be won through collaborative efforts, said the organisation would continue to build on the good relationship with the Ministries of Information under the Akure Field Office.

Penpushing also reports that, Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile in his response advised United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to expand its scope to accommodate mental health for women at the grassroot, adding that the overall health of mothers is crucial to the survival and growth of families.

“Let me also align with the need for capacity building of stakeholders in the media. UNICEF can think of a way to contribute to the training of staff of their media partners, in order to ensure the right messages are disseminated. This will engender a better disposition of media practitioners to your programmes”, he said.

The Commissioner lamented that the traditional media may no longer be effective for reaching out to teenagers, particularly female ones, who have shown a preference for online and social media, adding that they would turn out to be mothers in the future.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, has said the state government paid over N20 billion out of its debt in the year 2020.

This, according to him, was the reason the debt of Ogun State stood at N153billion as of December 2020.

Okubadejo made this revelation in an exclusive chat with DAILY POST, when he was contacted to make clarifications on the state finances as published by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The Commissioner who declined comments on how much had been borrowed by the government of Governor Dapo Abiodun, told our correspondent that “N106.7 billion was the domestic debt as at May 2019,” saying “this has been written before, several times.”

But, our correspondent called the attention of Okubadejo to the fact that the DMO report says the Ogun domestic debt, as of March 2019 was N97 billion; N95.2b illion in June 2019, while it was put at N153 billion in December 2020.

In his reaction, Okubadejo stated that, “There are two components of debt. There are domestic debts and there are external debts. External debts are foreign loans. You need to add the two to get the total debt. When you add the two together, you will get the N153 billion.”

DAILY POST reporter also made it known to Okubadejo that his position appeared to be in sharp contrast to a release from Gov Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, where it was said that an undeclared liability of N50 billion by the previous government was the reason why the domestic debt profile of the state rose by N58 billion in 18 months to the current N153 billion.

To this, the Commissioner said: “No, I am taking the benefit to answer you so that you will be informed. What we are saying was that, you are quoting 106 or 100 to 153 (billion Naira) and we are saying to you that the domestic debt that you are referring to, there was a debt; not a debt really, but staff liability, that was not part of the books. We booked it when we came in because it wasn’t disclosed in the financial statements – gratuities and staff liabilities. So, that’s what we booked and that is why it went to N153 billion.

“The books that were handed over to us showed a debt of N132 billion in 2019 as domestic and external debts. Then, we realised that the gratuities were not part of that. The Gratuities at the time was over N51 billion that we inherited. You were there when all the unions were fighting the government; (you saw) the article that was written by the government about inherited liabilities that gratuities were not booked in the financial statement of the state. If you had booked that liability, the debt would have been about N200 billion.

“So, when we came, we had to book the gratuity and that was why the money is now N153 billion.

“Don’t forget that part of the loan has been paid in 2020. We paid over N20 billion in 2020. So, you people should be doing investigation and be understanding it properly.

Meanwhile, the previous government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun has since denied claims of hiding workers’ liabilities, asking its successor to say the truth about the N58 billion debt.

DAILY POST reports that a latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics has revealed that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Gateway State has continued to shrink from N70 billion in 2019 to N50 billion in 2020.

However, some appointees of Gov Abiodun said the reduction was as a result of the economic challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday, commended Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the launching of Ogun Digital Economy Infrastructure Project in the state.

Osinbajo gave this commendation while speaking virtually at official launch of the project, held at the Ogun TechHub, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, the state capital.

The VP noted that digital economy technology is the future of all aspects of human existence such as business, education, healthcare, governance, security, and the practice of practically every profession, lauding Abiodun for his initiative of bringing broad-band to homes, businesses and homes in Ogun.

He added that with the launch of the project, Ogun is taking hold of the future, saying making digital access available to all the citizens and businesses remained the most far-sighted action any government can take in the present time.

While saying the project is a critical component of President Muhammadu Buhari’s objectives of broad-band connectivity for all by 2023, Osinbajo emphasised that access to broad-band and modern technology tools have become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, security and prosperity for its people.

“Indeed access to broad-band and modern technology tools have become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, security and prosperity for its people. So, I will like to commend our futuristic, dynamic, innovative and digitally compliant governor, Dapo Abiodun for credible and relevant initiative by bringing broad-band to homes, businesses and offices in Ogun State; you’re opening up Ogun State residence and businesses digitally not just across Nigeria but to the entire Universe.

“This project is a critical component of Mr President’s objectives of broad-band connectivity for all by 2023. This ambition as you know is now enshrined in our Economic Sustainability Plan and as part of National commitment to make broad-band connectivity available to all. You will re-call that in 2017, the state governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council agreed to harmonize a right of way charges payable by telecommunication companies and related public utility infrastructure on local governments, states and federal gighways to encourage co-location of the companies that fiber the cables.

“In another demonstration of government’s commitment in this regard, the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy launched a National Broad-band Plan which is designed to deliver data downloads units across Nigeria with a minimum of 25ABPS in urban areas and 10MPPs in rural areas with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 at affordable prices”. Vice President Osinbajo stated.

Earlier in his address, Governor Abiodun noted that the FG’s initiative of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) as being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy have yielded positive results.

He added that positive effects of the deployment of ICT towards resolving various challenges have culminated in creating more employment opportunities and poverty alleviation.

While noting that a thriving digital economy will enable the people, especially the youth, to take advantage of information superhighway and new technologies to become leading players in the globalized world, Abiodun pointed out that “digital economy will serve as a viable platform for strengthening the economic diversification as well as the attainment of many key national objectives of fighting corruption, improving security, job creation and expanding the economy”.

He added that his administration has continued to demonstrate commitment towards developing the ICT industry for the continued growth and expansion of all sectors of the economy, stressing that “the fact is that developing and leveraging on digital resources will provide us a sure way to harness a globally competitive citizenry and economy in our dear state”.

“This digital economy infrastructure is the backbone for ICT revolution in our dear state. This will further enhance the ease of doing business in our state. Recent events have even shown the various roles of digital technologies in solving many human challenges and transforming every aspect of the economy. Therefore, this particular effort of our administration of providing a digital economy in Ogun State will not only help to resolve many challenges, both human and economic, but also provide more opportunities to improve the people’s know-how, productivity and innovations as necessary for nurturing their potentials and the continued development of our State’s economy.

“The formal launch of the Ogun State Digital Economy Infrastructure Project (OGDEIP), today, is to formally deepen the various advantages of information technology advancements into all sectors and making ICT one indispensable point of our economy. The ICT industry has continued to account for more than 21% of our dear state’s Gross Domestic Product, and hence continued to provide countless job opportunities for our growing educated and creative citizenry. And, as we are putting efforts towards improving on our status as the Industrial Hub of the nation and the investors’ destination of choice, as well as the education capital of the country, by providing an enduring legacy in digital economy at a full capacity at this time is very apposite”. Abiodun stated.

The governor, however, disclosed OGDEIP in collaboration with private company will provide broadband connectivity to every corner of the state by delivering fibre-optic cables and mechanics across all the 20 Local Government Areas within the next two years.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has been commended for establishing the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) for proper sanitation of the state, which will lead to a cleaner environment.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo gave the commendation when he played host to OGWAMA Management Team who were on a working visit to Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

He said Abiodun had shown determination to bequeath a cleaner environment to the good people of Ogun State, advising the state government to partner with various stakeholders in the waste management sector.

Chief Executive Officer of OGWAMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya, said the establishment of OGWAMA had generated over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
He, thereafter, decorated Obasanjo as the Grand Patron of OGWAMA.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR), in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, have provided boreholes in 13 communities across nine Local Government Areas.

This is part of the efforts to make potable water available to people in rural communities, towards curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The communities include Agedere, Aleke Okesopen, Ifo market, Abule Otun, Camp, Ilupeju Isokan Emere Titun, Omitutu Makun Sagamu, Mechanic Village Ajebo road, Idi Scale Atikori, among others.



Commissioner for Rural Development, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, while speaking at the handing over of the projects, on the sideline of a day training workshop for self-selected Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) members, said access to safe water would enhance proper sanitation.

Oludotun added that the gesture would serve as a key intervention in achieving the response plan to curb the pandemic, saying the provision of the boreholes is in consonance with other palliative measures being put in place by the State government.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Water Supply Department, FMWR, Engr. Isa Ademoroti noted that access to clean and potable water would enable the country overcome the COVID-19 pandemic by 75 per cent, assuring that the Federal Government would not relent in its effort to provide needed support to States in the battle against the virus.

In his remarks, the State Programme Manager, Rural Water Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN), Mr. Sola Ogunbo hinted that the State government is constructing another 20 solar-powered boreholes in Ipokia Local Government Area, in the realisation of the Federal Government’s efforts at attaining the SDGs goal six.

Ogunbo advised the WASHCOM members to take ownership of the project, noting that the maintenance and management of the boreholes remain their responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Mr. Moshood Mosan and Princess Bandele Adeniji, appreciated the government for the project, pledging that they would make good use of it.

HighStar01:
Dear nairalanders,
I am a 40 year old man without a job, home or family.

I graduated from army day secondary School in the year 2000 and immediately joined the army in 2001 at the age of 17 claiming to be 18 and even bought and wrote the Nigerian defense academy exams while still in training in 2001.

I passed out as one of the best recruits and was posted the corps of military police and appointed Lance copral. I was posted to one of the most dangerous division where I continued to trying to get into the NDA and at the same time further my studies.

I wrote jamb and scored 252, was given admission to study law but the army turned it down and since I have no other means of finance I have to continue with the rigrous job.

There are so many instances where I could have lost my life but God saved me.

I was later victimized and dismissed for permitting the escape of a detainee in 2009.

I sold up all my properties including land trying to get justice since I have just five years to retire. I was fortunate enough to be employed in the federal road safety corps in 2011.

I worked for about six months when I was called back by the army. Since I have just a few years before pensionable retirement, I obliged and was deployed to the North East.

We were later court martialled and dismissed for failure to perform military duties, disobedience to a particular order and insubordination.

Ever since then I have searched for job to no avail. My wife has left with my child. My family has deserted me that I was warned to remain in frsc and not to return to the army.

I have even attempted suicide before I was rescued. Sometimes I ask God if he wants me to be a pastor. I even prayed for a dieing Man to test my faith.

I have struggled I in this life and done so many odd jobs which I would not mention.

My question is what did God want me to be.

Pls. I need your urgent advise and attention because am frustrated. Thanks.

The Head of the General Hospital, Imeko, Dr Oladunni Odetola, who was kidnapped on Wednesday night, alongside a nurse identified as Mrs Bamgbose, has been released.

DAILY POST learn that the medical personnel were released on Monday night by their abductors.

It will be recalled that Odetola and the nurse were kidnapped while driving along Abeokuta-Imeko road.

The kidnappers were said to have emerged from the bush at Olubo village, dragged them away, leaving their car on the road.

In an attempt to rescue them, the community had mobilised 26 local vigilantes to comb the forest, but they were attacked by the kidnappers, who shot them and also burnt their two vehicles and nine motorcycles.

Confirming the release of Odetola and the nurse, the Balogun Isale of Imeko, Chief Ganiu Akinloye, told DAILY POST that they were released last night.

“Yes, the doctor and the nurse were released last night. They were released to the community. We thank God,” the community leader said on phone.

Akinleye said he would not be able to give details of how the abductees were released at the moment.

He, however, said in a statement, “My good people of Imeko-Afon Local Government in Ogun State, this is to inform you that the kidnapped Doctor Oladuni Otedola and Nurse Bamgbose of Imeko General Hospital have been released yesterday night (12/4/2021).

“We glorified Almighty God for He did not allow our efforts to go in vain.

“We hereby express gratitude to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun(MFR) for his resilient intervention on the issue, not forgetting his effort to curb security challenges in Ogun West Senatorial District at large. Thanks a lot to your Excellence.

“We can’t not end our gratitude without mentioning the supports we received from our dearest King, the Onimeko of Imeko, HRM, Oba Benjamin Alabi Olanite (Akanku iv), the Kings, Baales and Chiefs throughout Imeko-Afon Local Government axis for their support, all Security personnel – from government, locally recruited security men and hunters.

“Those who spread the news on media as they allowed the news to go viral until it got to the expected end, kudos to you all.

“We pray this will not happen again on our land by God’s grace. Amen.Thank you all.”

The Ogun State Public Relations Officer did not answer calls put to his phone.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured that the next council chairmen in the state would not be appointed, but democratically elected by the people, just as he also pledged that the forthcoming poll will be free and fair

Penpushing reports that Abiodun made this known at an event held in Abeokuta to welcome new members into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and urged the new entrants to continue to work hard towards the continued development of the party and the state.

“Very soon, the time table for the election will be released, we will not appoint chairmen for you at all, chairmanship will not be by appointment, it will be by election, everyone should continue to work hard,,” he said.

The Governor emphasised that his administration would continue to adopt the bottom-up approach which gives the people the power to choose projects that directly affects them, adding that in the next 60 days he would commission the Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway, alongside other projects in the month of May.



Penpushing further reports that, Abiodun added that his administration will continue to give the state capital all the attention it deserves, stating that his administration will ensure that the people get all the attention they deserve.

“This is your government that is the reason why we ask from you before we embark on any project. We call it the bottom-up approach, where we ask the Local Government Chairman, House of Assembly members, our Kings, the Community Development Council and the Community Development Associations to be part of any decision on projects rehabilitation and reconstruction’.

“All the roads we have done so far came through our bottom-up approach, by the grace of God, in the next 60 days; we will complete the Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway..Abeokuta is the capital city of the Gateway state and it must continue to be presented like a capital city, we will do everything to ensure that the city of Abeokuta is a befitting capital city in the comity of capital cities in the country,” he said.

The Governor while welcoming the new members into the All Progressives Congress(APC), urged them to work together with the party in the business of making the party and the state an envy of all.



Penpushing also reports that, earlier in their remarks, Hon. Adekunle Adesina and Chief Bode Mustapha charged party faithful to continue to support the state government and the party, urged party members not to see the new members as their enemies, but to see them as partners in progress.

The State Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Yemi Sanusi, while noting that the administration of Abiodun would be the first administration in the state to accommodate between 75 to 80% of politicians in the same party, added that the party is big enough to accommodate as many progressive minded politicians as possible

Penpushing reports that, in their remarks, the new members which include, former Director General of Governorship campaign team of late Buruji Kasamu, Aare Remilekun Bakare and former Commissioner for Special Duties during the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Kola Sorinola noted that their coming into the party would bring in more members into the party in the state.

Meanwhile, the two party chieftains said that all what the party needs at a time it is receiving more members is good management, which Governor Abiodun is capable of providing.

Born2conquer:
Thumbs up to the Governor

But the question remains, “which road will the fire truck ply?”