₦airaland Forum

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration would by the middle of May 2021, commission four brand new Fire and Emergency Stations in Ifo, Ado-Odo-Ota, and Isheri parts of the state.

Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known while on an inspection tour of the Isheri Fire and Emergency Station, said that the fire station which is almost 95 to 96 per cent completed is in fufilment of his promise during the electioneering to ensure that the state does not have to rely on Lagos State to fight fire outbreak on the Ogun part of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“The fire station is about 95 to 96 per cent completed; we have acquired the fire trucks and water trucks that will be here. We’ve built four of these stations; one in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government in addition to what they have and another one in Ifo Constituency 1.

“In the entire Ifo, we found out that there was no fire station, so, we built two fire stations in both Ifo I and Ifo II constituencies. Ifo now has two fire stations, and they will be getting two brand new fire trucks.

“We should be coming here in the next three to four weeks to formally commission this fire station, amongst other fire stations that we will be commissioning towards the middle of May, 2021,” he said.

Abiodun who also added that the fire stations when commissioned would be equipped with new fire trucks and water trucks, said part of his administration’s Emergency Response System is the combination of fire trucks and ambulances on the same spot.

While recalling that his administration upon assumption of office took stock of fire stations in the state, he revealed that that they were not habitable and not fit for any human use, as a result of years of neglect.

He however assured that his administration would continue to put the people first.

“When we resumed office, we decided to take stock of our fire stations, but, what we saw was embarrassing, I am not sure that the fire stations have been attended to, probably in the past 12 to 14 years. They were not habitable, they were not fit for any human use, they were not premises that would even motivate anyone to attend to any fire, so, we have embarked on the massive rehabilitation of existing ones. We have rehabilitated the stations, we have acquired new fire trucks.

“All these we will be unveiling, they are part of our emergency response system in Ogun State which is the combination of fire trucks and ambulances,” he said


https://theeagleonline.com.ng/ogun-sets-date-to-open-four-new-fire-stations/

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During the inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of Akute-Denro-Ishasi-Oluwakemi Road in Ifo LGA today, Governor Abiodun assessed amongst others, the Lambe-Ijoko stretch.

He then assured residents and road users that his Administration would make the route usable for the general public as soon as possible.

Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured construction of the Agbara-Lusada road will commence in two weeks to ease vehicular and pedestrian movement in the axis.

Abiodun stated this during the opening ceremony of the 10th Gateway International Trade Fair tagged “Transforming agriculture and commerce in a highly competitive global market” at the Trade Fair Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He said: “We will be flagging off the construction of Atan Lusada Agbara road in the next 2 weeks. We are also paying attention to rural roads to boost agriculture and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“We are developing MSMEs clusters across the state that will be provided with full infrastructure of roads, drainage, power, and fiber optics that would be offered at attractive pricing and flexible payment terms to further encourage to incentivise MSMEs.”

Abiodun also noted it was time for Nigeria to explore other sectors to boost the economy, adding that if sectors like agriculture, trade and manufacturing, were given the needed attention, it would go a long way in making the economy viable and sustainable.

The Ogun state police command said it had reached two chinese nationals abducted from their farm in Oba town in the Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun state last week Wednesday, without payment of ransom.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi disclosed this on Tuesday shortly after the victims were released by their captors in Abeokuta .

Oyeyemi said the Chinese were rescued from their captors following serious efforts by men of the state police command .

The two Chinese nationals were kidnapped 24 hours to the inauguration of the state’s wing of the South-West Joint Security Outfit known as, “Amotekun.”

The Chinese nationals working with a fishery and poultry company in the state were whisked away from the farm last week Wednesday by the abductors who attacked the place and took them to an unknown location.

Oyeyemi said, “They have released them. They were released this (Tuesday) evenning.They are with their family members.

“We are not aware of any ransom paid, the only thing is that we worked assiduously to get them released .

”We even employed the use of helicopter that we have been using to search for them since two, three days ago.”

The abductors of the Chinese nationals reportedly accessed the farm in Oba community through Odo Ogun,(River Ogun) and escaped with the captives through the same water.

It was reported that about a dozen of gunmen invaded the ancient Egba town of Oba-Ile around 3:01p.m last week Wednesday and started shooting into the air, before abducting the two chinese.

Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun has stated the handover note given to him by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, did not capture the entire liabilities left behind.

Abiodun said his administration inherited N50billion in financial liabilities from Amosun, which were largely unaccounted for in the financial report handed over to him.

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, alleged the omitted amount N50bn was financial liabilities incurred by Amosun’s administration due to unpaid pensions, gratuities and outstanding staff salaries, “which surprisingly were not captured in the books left behind for the new government.”

“We only got to know about this amount in the course of our carrying out due diligence on Ogun State finances shortly after we took over.

“And as a transparent government, committed to being accountable, we had to disclose this for the first time, to give a true picture of the State’s indebtedness.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun has started paying the retirees and pensioners affected with the first tranche of N500million paid to them last month.

*Every quarter the governor has promised to pay them at least N500million until everyone is paid.”

While noting the recent report by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on the state’s domestic debt, the statement said the omitted figures by the immediate past administration in the state had an impact on the DMO report.

Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in all matters while remaining steadfast in the completion of all projects inherited as well as those initiated by the present government.

Ogun State Government, Thursday, inaugurated the reconstruction of the Journalists Estate Road in Arepo, a community off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state, promising that the 2.35 kilometre road project would not exceed the projected nine-month completion timeframe.

Representing the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to flag-off the project in Arepo, with the State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Waheed Odusile and his Works & Infrastructure counterpart, Engr. Ade Akinsanya.

They were received at Arepo by the representatives of the community, including the Olu of Arepo, Oba Solomon Atanda; Chairperson of the Journalists Estate Residents Association (JERDA) Phase 1, Mrs Funke Fadugba; executives of the Arepo Central Community Development Association (ACCDA) as well as some residents.

The Commissioners assured the residents that the project would not be abandoned but delivered on time.

“This project is not going to be abandoned; the contractor is fully funded. We are going to do everything humanly possible not to inconvenient a lot of people, but at the same time, we need to get the work done.

“This is a dualised road with a median and street lights. The water will be channeled to the proper location to be disposed into the canal. Also, along the way, their will be a lay-by for transporters, the drain is covered, it will serve as a walk-way, the face of this place will change very soon,” Akinsanya said.

According to the Commissioner, “This place has lots of journalists residing in the area, cover and probably document the changes you have seen along the way, so, you should be the government’s eyes on this project.

“This is an affirmation that a promise made is a promise kept as far as Governor Dapo Abiodun is concerned, we want to assure our people that within the time frame allocated for the contract, it will be completed and delivered.”

Assuring resident whose properties were affected by the project on adequate compensation, Akinsanya said: “The Ministry of Physical Planning is responsible, they’ve come out and asked all the areas affected to bring supporting documents. They came with the Bureau of Lands for the enumeration of whatever will be impacted, so, the issue bordering on compensation will be taken care of by the Bureau of Lands and the Ministry of Physical Planning.

“As long as you have all your permits and other approvals, take the documents to them, it will be taken care of. Luckily, most of the areas affected are either fences or walls, it is when you get to the end of the project that we are probably looking at about two to three houses and we can still look at how to mitigate the big impact.”

Also speaking during the flag-off ceremony and inspection of the project site, the Commissioner of Information, Odusile, described the project as a fulfilment of the promise of the Dapo Abiodun-led government, to make movement of goods, services and the people easy in the area.

“When the governor invited traditional rulers of various communities in the state to write to government what were their pressing needs, Arepo told us, this road is the most critical and the governor has listened and today, he has assured, the desire will come true,” he noted.

Appreciating the state government’s show of concern to the community over the long-abandoned and deteriorating road, JERDA Phase 1 chairperson, Fadugba, appealed to the state governor to fulfil the promise made to the people on healthcare, saying the sprawling community really needs a primary healthcare facility.

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the death of the spokesperson of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, describing his death as "painful".

Odumakin was reported to have died in a Lagos hospital on Saturday morning.

But Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, declared that the South-West has lost a courageous human rights activist and fearless public commentator.

The governor noted that Odumakin, while alive, championed the cause of the South-West and promote the ideals of the late sage and Premier of the defunct Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, which were held dear by the Afenifere.

Abiodun, who said the late journalist would be remembered for his timely response to national issues, particularly, ones that affected the southwest, added that Odumakin lived a good life and fought a good fight.

"For those of us who have followed Odumakin's trajectory in journalism and activism, he lived a good life and fought doggedly to defend the defenceless. He and his wife were always at the forefront to protest against oppressive government policies.

"As the spokesperson of the Afenifere, he discharged his duties diligently and defended the cause of the southwest passionately. He never hid his passion for the Yoruba people and was never timid to speak against any policy that would affect the generality of the nation.

"Though, the activist has gone to the join his Maker, his humane and altruistic activities while on Earth will remain indelible in our hearts.

"I commiserate with his immediate family, especially his wife and 'Siamese twins', Joey Odumakin, the Afenifere and indeed, the South-West. I pray that his soul finds comfort in the bosom of the Almighty God. We shall all miss Odumakin. Goodnight, Yinka!", the statement concluded.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has disclosed that, the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) would push the Industrialization agenda of the state to the world.

Abiodun stated this after an appraisal session with development partners African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD) recently.

The Governor noted that, the objectives of SAPZ project key into vision of the present administration in making the state an industrial hub and creating prosperity for the people.

The pilot agric-hub which is to be situated around the axis of the proposed agro cargo airport in Remo, is an all inclusive economic opportunities in all agricultural value-chain, as it would boost employment, food production as well as attract investors.

Governor Abiodun who described Ogun State as the best location for SAPZ implementation, judging from its closeness to raw materials, proximity to Lagos and the commencement of agro cargo airport, said the project would be implemented through Public Private Sector Partnership.

"This is a very interesting and excited development for as a State because it's in line with our economic agenda since inception of this administration to provide a focused and qualitative governance, while creating an enabling environment for a Public Private Partnership which we believe is fundamental to economic growth of the State", he affirmed.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina, expressed delight at the economic impact of the project on the agricultural activities in the localities and across the state in general, saying, the vision for the project was based on the agenda of the present administration to turn the economy of the state around through industrialization which in turn leads to provision of more jobs for youths and food security.

"With this kind of project, our farmers will need to increase their output, because productivity is key and all agricultural value-chain can be assured that the benefits inherent in such a massive initiative will cut across board", Odedina said.

Also speaking, his counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described the initiative as a well thought through plan for the State to take its rightful position as the largest economic hub in the country.

Okubadejo said the Economic Development Clusters were to be located in Ijebu, Magboro, Abeokuta and Atan-Lusada-Agbara axis and the Remo hub being the flagship station because of its proximity to the Lekki Sea-port and lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone, translating to its economic viability.

The leader of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Chima Ezedinma, applauded the readiness of the Ogun State Government for the project, saying the enormous commitment to the project is second to none in the country.

He assured AfDB's his commitment towards the successful implementation of this developmental project with the support of Government as well as stakeholders.

Another development partner, the country Director of International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD), Dr. Patrick Abamachi described Ogun as a place to be for any investor, saying the State's apparent committment to engaging small holder farmers and connecting them to private sector partnership was in tandem with the agenda of the IFAD.


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Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole after officially registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State asked his supporters to pray for him.

Bankole said he has taken a step that needs prayers, urging the supporters trooped to the registration centre to help him with prayers .

Bankole who recently joined the APC, validated his membership at his Ward 10, Iporo – Sodeke unit in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state.

The former Speaker who was led by the representatives of the national and state officials of APC, Bankole, participated in the ongoing membership registration and validation exercise of the party at his ward in the state capital.

Bankole who had contested as governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party in 2019 election joined the ruling party at a meeting with National Caretaker Chairman of APC, Mai Mala Buni in Abuja.

Buni had last week Monday presented Bankole alongside a former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel as new members to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House.

Bankole also held a closed-door meeting with the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun at his office Oke Mosan last week Thursday, as part of moves to formalise his defection.

While addressing his supporters, Bankole told his supporters and party officials that the registration marks his official defection to the ruling party.

He however, urged the party members to always pray for his steps and the success of the party.

He said, “Today is not for a long speech. The only thing I will say is that I have now joined APC. What is left is to continue praying on the step we have taken. It will be well by God’s grace.”

Welcoming Bankole, the State Chairman of APC, Yemi Sanusi described Bankole’s defection to APC as home coming.

He said his former party, the People’s Democratic Party , was one of the legacy parties that formed the APC.

Sanusi asked him to fully integrate himself into the party and contribute meaningfully towards the success of APC ahead of 2023 elections.