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Bisade Ojoye

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday signed 2022 appropriation budget into law.

A statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Kunle Somorin said, the State House of Assembly had earlier in the day passed the exact figure of N350,735,149,739.57 contained in the State 2022 budget with adjustments in some recurrent and or capital estimates of about 182 agencies.

Passage of the budget came barely a month after its presentation by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to the State House of Assembly

The bill was titled: “H.B. No. 075/OG/2021-Year 2022 Appropriation Law – A Bill for a Law for the Appropriation of the Sum of One Hundred and Seventy-Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million, Three and Eighty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira, Twenty-One Kobo Only for Recurrent Expenditure, (Including the Sum of Nineteen Billion, Two Hundred and Twelve Million, Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty-Seven Naira, Ninety-Nine Kobo Only For Servicing of Pensions and Gratuities) and One Hundred and Seventy-Seven Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty-Four Naira, Thirty-Six Kobo Only For Capital Expenditure For Service of Ogun State Government, Nigeria for the Financial Year Ending Thirty-First Day of December, Two Thousand And Twenty-Two”.

The passage of the bill was consequent upon the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Olakunle Sobunkanla, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by his Vice, Ganiyu Oyedeji and supported by the whole House through a unanimous voice vote.

The appropriation bill was later read and adopted clause-by-clause by the Committee of the House presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo at a the plenary held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Assembly in the course of legislative process on the appropriation bill, carried out slight adjustments in the recurrent expenditures of about 144 agencies, just as the capital expenditures of 38 other agencies were equally adjusted.

The adjustments led to reduction in the total recurrent expenditure from the initial N172.997bn to N153.180bn resulting in N19.816bn decrease, while capital expenditure was increased from N177.737bn to N197.554bn giving an increment of N19.816bn

Signing the bill at his Oke Mosan office, Governor Abiodun thanked the members of House led by Olakunle Oluomo, for the speedy, but thorough passing of the bill.

He assured that his administration would put machinery in place to ensure optimum performance of the budget.

Abiodun further said his administration would continue to espouse projects that will affect the state’s socioeconomic activities positively.

The governor, however, urged the House to continue giving the incumbent government in the state its support so that it can continue to deliver on its electoral promises.

By William Adeyemi

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Jose Paseiro the new Super Eagles manager.

The Executive Committee of the NFF stated this in a communique made available on Wednesday to the media.

The communique said: “After careful consideration of a memo presented by Chairman of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, the Executive Committee endorsed a proposal for the appointment of Mr Jose Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, following the end to the relationship with Mr Gernot Rohr.

“However, the Committee resolved that Mr Augustine Eguavoen, named the interim Head Coach, will lead the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon with Mr Peseiro only playing the role of Observer. It was unanimously agreed that the AFCON is a good avenue for Mr Peseiro to launch a working relationship with Mr Eguavoen, who will revert to his role as Technical Director (hence Mr Peseiro’s immediate boss) after the AFCON.”

The Executive Committee also mandated the Technical and Development Committee as well as the NFF Secretariat to organise a friendly match for the Super Eagles when the team arrives in Garoua for the AFCON 2021, and also to arrange matches for the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons in the upcoming FIFA windows for international friendlies

By Olamide Yinusa

The Proprietress of the popular Iwe-Iroyin food canteen located within the premises Nigeria Union Of Journalists, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, Deaconess Olubunmi Oyebola Lawal died on Sunday.

The Caterer popularly known and called Iya Bunke famed for providing sumptuous delicacies for a number of dignitaries and personalities within and outside Ogun State was said to have died in her private home in Abeokuta at the age of 67.

Deaconess Lawal was said to have celebrated the Christmas with her children and grand children without any inkling of her passing on the next day was said to have died in her sleep.

The daughter of the deceased, Chief(Mrs) Ajibola Aminat Bello confirmed the sad incident on Monday, disclosing that her mother died in her sleep.

She announced that a service of song and wake keep would hold at the deceased residence opposite Signature Hotel at Saraki Adigbe, Abeokuta on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

This, according to Mrs Bello would be followed by the funeral service and reception on January 7, 2022 at the same venue

By Bisade Ojoye

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that his administration has been working towards ensuring that the state took advantage of its oil rich deposit in order to become an oil producing state.

Abiodun gave this position during the Convocation Lecture he delivered at the 2nd and 3rd convocation ceremony of the Mountain Top University with the topic, “Quest for Excellence: The Nexus of Faith, Knowledge and Resilience”.

The governor expressed disappointment that Ogun lost a $16b Dangote refinery to Lagos after a break in discussion between the immediate past administration and Dangote.

He, however, expressed optimism that the state will become oil producing, saying “we are working assiduously on that, so, I accept this challenge, we will further strengthen our resolve to ensure that we bring Ogun State to oil producing status in the very near future”.

Abiodun, while also noting that he had the privilege to work as the chairman of the Olokola Free Trade Zone that was meant to have the refinery cited in the state, added that the project was not just conceived with the aim of refining petroleum products only, but to take advantage of the mining lease that as been awarded around the corridor.

“I worked as chairman of Olokola Free Trade Zone that was meant to have the Dangote refinery cited in Ogun Waterside, however, discussion broke down between Dangote and the then administration which led to the loss of that project to Lagos state; a sixteen billion dollars was lost to another state.

“That project was conceived with the aim of not just refining petroleum in Ogun, but also take advantage of the mining lease that had been awarded around that corridor that has even not begun to be exploited,” he said.

The governor affirmed that the state has very rich oil reserves in Tongeji Island, adding that “Ogun state is situated in the Dahomey Basin, which stands for the Niger Delta that goes all the way to Ghana”.

“Everyone of the states in that corridor are oil producing today, even Ondo and Lagos states”, Abiodun submitted.

By Bisade Ojoye

The member representing Umuahia south Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Jerry Uzosike, has applauded the administrative acumen and political leadership qualities of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Chris Ezem.

Uzosike also lauded the Secretary to the Abia Government for his willingness and committment in ensuring the people of Umuahia South have a sense of belonging.

The Abia lawmaker who spoke at the presentation of over two hundred and fifty bags if rice, fertilizers, cows and cash gifts of Peoples Democratic Party members, wisdoms, Amino Women in Umuahia south local government area of Abia state.

Hon Uzosike further said that Barrister Ezem has demonstrated uncommon leadership and has also represented the interest of people of Umuahia South well in the Abia Executive Council, adding that under Ezem as worthy son of Ubakala Community, he has been able to attract meaningful government projects which has given not only Ubakala clan facelifts but entire clans in Umuahia South LGA.

The quitessential legislator further applauded the Secretary to the the Abia State for his inclusive Leadership and open door policies that have endeared many reposing their confidence in the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration of Governor Ikpeazu.

Hon Uzosike charger the people of Umuahia South local government area which he represents in the State House of Assembly to remain steadfast, sustain their continued and unshaken support to the present government in Abia state.

According to him, “Barrister Chris Ezem has made tremendous marks in governace of Abia and has also ensured that dividends of democracy are brought to the doorsteps of the people of Umuahia South with Infrastructural facelifts adorned in every nooks and crannies of Ubakala, umuahia south and Abia at large”.

By Our Reporter

Leaders from Abia State have applauded the sterling leadership qualities of the Nigerian Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development and 2019 Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abia, Dr Uche Sampson Ogah.

This is even as the Abia leaders posited that the Minister, who clocked 52 years on Wednesday, Dec 22, has raised the bar in the unrelenting efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government in providing dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the citizenry.

Evaluating leadership acumen of Uche Ogah, in a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Sam Onuigbo, extolled the track record as a successful businessman and manager which he demonstrated in the management of private business sector company,

He said, “these speak of a man focused on attaining goals that will be of immense benefit to the masses through employment and poverty alleviation. You have proven time and time again that you are an exceptional leader, philanthropist, and brilliant businessman.

Continuing, the federal lawmaker said, “Your track records especially as the President of Master Energy and founder of the Uche Ogah Foundation, speak of a man who is focused on attaining goals that will not only provide employment for his people, but also see that poverty is alleviated, and his people empowered especially through education”.

At 52, Rep Onuigbo further congratulated Dr. Ogah on his recent birthday celebration and described him as an exceptional leader, philanthropist, and brilliant businessman.

“Our nation and state will benefit from your vast experiences and it is my prayer that you live long and in good health to serve our people”.

On his part, the representative of Southeast zone at the National Pension Commission and 2015 gubernatorial flagbearer of APC in Abia state, Dr. Nyerere Anyim, said Ogah has shown uncommon leadership in many capacities entrusted in him and described the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development as statesman

He maintained that Ogah has demonstrated statesmanship and services to the country and the progressive party in Abia and entire southeast region, and as well as Nigeria at large.

“You have done Abia, and indeed Nigeria proud through your excellent service and representation at the federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja”, the party chieftain”, the APC chieftain added.

Anyim also noted that the wealth of experience of Dr. Ogah in the private sector has reshaped and repositioned the the Ministry of Mines and steel Development, and further congratulated the federal Minister on the celebration of his 52 birthday, and prayed God to continue to bless him richly with good health and more prosperity.

According to Anyim in his statement, “As you continue to discharge your service to the nation, it’s my prayer that God Almighty blesses you richly with good health and more prosperous years”.

Also while eulogizing the humility and exemplary leadership styles of the Abia-born minister and foremost industrialist, the lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, and Minority leader of the house, Hon Chukwu Chijioke, described Ogah as a dogged fighter and ardent believer in an equitable society, saying that the minister has continually committees his energy and the resources in ensuring the enthronement of a society for which generations to come will be proud.

Hon Chijioke stated that the Abia politician has replicated his success as a private sector player in the country’s solid mineral sector where he holds sway as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development.

According to him, “Dr. Ogah stands tall among men who gave distinguished themselves in selfless service to fatherland with utmost integrity and honour.

The Minority leader partly said, “He is not only a loud voice in canvassing for fairness, he walks the talk and leads by example, which indeed has endeared him to many. A gentleman, lover of peace and promoter of unity, his milk of human kindness spreads on all irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.

“He has no doubt exhibited statesmanship in his service to fatherland for which posterity will be kind to him”.

Hon Chijioke congratulated Ogah on his 52 birthday celebration and prayed God almighty to grant the minister of State for Mines and Steel Development many more years of fulfillment and joy.

However, lauding the leadership acumen of federal cabinet member, Stalwart of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and former Bende Chairmanship flagbearer of the party at the last local council election held in Abia State, Chief Ikenna Ariwodo, on Wednesday, described Ogah as a Indefatigable and sagacious leader, adding that the Isiukwato-born industrialist has displayed pragmatism and patriotism since assumption of leadership position such as the current office as Nigerian Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development.

Chief Ariwodo further opined that the frontline Abia politician has distinguished himself in selfless leadership that is worthy of emulation while felicitating the minister on his auspicious birthday celebration which took place on Wednesday, December 22nd.

He submitted, “as a very good friend and brother I have been, I must confess that you are really a great blessing to humanity, your leadership roles is worth emulating as you have invested much in the development of our people”.

By Bisade Ojoye

The member representing Umuahia South Constituency of Abia State House of Assembly and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Jerry Uzosike, has congratulated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji on the conferment of traditional chieftaincy titles on them by the traditional ruler of Eziama Ntigha Ancient Kingdom and the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze Ndubuisi Nwabeke.

Recall that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji bagged the Chieftaincy titles of “Ikoro Ukwu Abia” and Ubazuoke Nke Ndi Abia” at a well attended 70th birthday and 22 years coronation Anniversary of Eze Ndubuisi Nwabeke on the throne as Eze Amara 1 of Eziama Ntigha Ancient Kingdom in Isiala Ngwa North local government area of Abia state.

While congratulating the Governor and the Abia Assembly Speaker, which contained in a release issued to journalists in Unuahia, the state capital, on Tuesday, Hon Uzosike, described the traditional titles bestowed on the two illustrious sons of Abia, as well- deserved and meritorious, emphasising that the duo have demonstrated uncommon leadership, pointing out their overwhelming strides in Infrastructure Development, youth, women and men empowerment programmes.

According to the project-oriented lawmaker, “their famed philanthropic gestures have greatly and positively impacted humanity within and beyond, as the entire Abia has recorded overwhelming transformations in every facets of the economy.

He noted that Governor Ikpeazu and Rt Hon Chinedum Orji have ushered in incomparable and unprecedented developments in all facets of governace, also added that their developmental strides have given the state a facelifts as a new destination for local and foreign business investments.

The lawmaker, particularly applauded the great things the two Abia leaders for their tremendous strides at the grassroots which has equally fostered massive development in health, education, security, road Infrastructures etc.

The President of Ogechi Cares Foundation Worldwide, on behalf of his family, friends associates, well wishers and the great people of Umuahia South Local Government Area once again felicitated with the Abia Chief Executive and number one lawmaker in the state on the honour, asking God almighty to grant them longevity of lives, wisdom and direction, as well as strengths to continue their services to the state and humanity.

Hon Uzosike, further felicitated with the revered Monarch and traditional ruler of Eziama Ntigha, Eze Nwabuisi Nwabekee on the ocassion of the celebration of his 70th birthday and 22 years coronation Anniversary, praying to God to sustain and give the respected Abia Royal father more lives and strengths on his immense efforts to enhance community development.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Police Service Commission, (PSC) has approved the promotion of two Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to the next rank of Deputy Inspector-General, six Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and the elevation of seventeen Deputy Commissioners of Police to Commissioners of Police.

The Commission also approved the promotion of twenty four Assistant Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police; forty nine Chief Superintendents of Police to the rank of Assistant Commissioners.
It also endorsed the elevation of seventy four Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents and eight hundred and sixty six Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents.

The Commission, according to its spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani took these decisions at its 13th Plenary meeting, which held in Abuja on Monday, December 20th and Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 before it adjourned to January 2022 to continue with further deliberations.

Ani added that the Commission also during the meeting approved the confirmation of 7,166 ASP11 to ASP1 and considered 24 promotion appeals relating to adjustment in promotion dates, seniority etc.

The two AIG’s promoted to DIGs are AIG Zaki M. Ahmed and AIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo.
While AIG Zaki was promoted to cover the vacant duty post that was created as a result of the retirement of DIG Tijjani Baba who retired on October 6th, 2021, AIG Kokumo will be filling the gap left by DIG David Oyebanji Folawiyo who retired on 21st November 2021.

Commissioners of Police Buba Sanusi, CP, Katsina State; Ndatsu Aliyu Mohammed, CP Anti Fraud, Force Headquarters Abuja; Bello Sani Dalijan, CP INEC; Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya, CP Yobe State; Akingbola Olatunji, CP Benue State and Hakeem Odumosu, CP Lagos State whose appeal for adjustment of promotion date was approved were promoted Assistant Inspector’s General of Police.

The 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to Commissioners of Police after an interactive session with the Commission as stated by Ani are; Josephine Nneka Anyasinti; Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Godwin Aghaulor; Effiom Emmanuel DCA, Zone 5 Benin City; Stanley Kanayo chukwu Ude; Charles Ifeatu Mozie; Tajudeen Olakunle Bakare; Longe Kehinde Patrick; Samuel Olukayode Emmanuel; Faleye Olaleye; Yetunde Longe; Haruna Gabriel Garba; Tajudeen Akinwale Abass; Rex Dundun; Ambrose Sunny Onah, DC A&F Kwara State; Durosinmi A. Olatoye and Ndu Innocent Anene.

The 24 promoted Deputy Commissioners of Police include; Hope Urunwa Okafor; Ajo Geofrey Orue; Olufunke Adeayo Ogunbode; Stephen Olubunmi Ogedengbe, ACP SWAT, FCID Annex Lagos; Yabode Oluwatoyin Agbominoja; Ojo Adekimi; Adebowale Lawal; Yemi John Oyeniyi; Obasi Mary Okereke; Moses Ashu Ottah; Felix Akineme NNebue; Sunday Adeolu Oke; Gazali Alade Abdul-S; Salam; Fidelis Ndubuisi Ogarebe, former CSO to Enugu State Governor and AC State CID, Enugu State Command; Alamu Muyideen Obe; Olubode Ojajuni; Sheikh Mohammed Danko AC SEB, FCIID, Lagos; Simon Asamber Lough; Abiola Reuben Olutunde; Charles Ezekwesiri Dike; Victor Avwerosuo Erivwode; Nnanna Oji Ama; Michael Adegoroye Falade and Yakubu Useni Dankaro.

CSP Edwin Jimmy Mkpa; Mannir Yusuf Ghafai; Ebri Onen Ndidi Alifi Oguamalam; Sikiru Oladejo Saura, Former ADC to OYO State Governor and currently DPO Igbokoda, Division Ilaje, Ondo State; Mathew Chukwuemeka Eze, Enugu State Command and Musa Danko Muhammad were among the Chief Superintendents of Police whose promotion were approved to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police, while Damji Abare Adamu; Stanley Chinonso Agu; Apochi Joseph and Samuel Martins were among the Seventy Four SPs promoted to CSP.

Joseph Suneyanaghoto; Nnamdi Okeke, 0/C D9 Anti Robbery State CID Enugu; Oluwatoyin Adesope; Christopher Chiroma; Stephen Nonjar; Nkiruka Nwode, Zonal PRO Zone 13 , Ukpo, Anambra State and Marcel Amaechi Ozochi 2I/C SWAT Ebonyi State were among the 866 DSPs promoted to SPs.
The Commission, Ani confirmed considered some promotion appeals and approved the harmonization of the promotion date and proper placement of ten Chief Superintendents who were also promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police. They include CSP Sunday Ogenyi, Andrew Ali and Juliet Barasau.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

The Academic Staff Union of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, on Tuesday called on Gov. Dapo Abiodun to urgently constitute the Governing Council of the institution.

It stated that there was also the need for the governor to appoint a substantive Rector for the school to avoid a fresh crisis.

The polytechnic’s management, however, pleaded that the institution was self-sustaining and the union should keep its demands within.

Chairman of the union, Mr Babatunde Osifalujo, stated that Gov. Abiodun’s quick intervention was needed to ensure payment of November and December salaries to workers.

This, he added, would enable the workers to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

He listed other demands to include immediate payment of more than three session’s honoraria and stoppage of accumulation of “part-time’’ claims.

“Union is also worried about the delay in staff promotion and appointments as well as implementation of the new minimum wage in the institution.

“It is worried about the delay in the implementation of resolved matters like pension payments, entitlements and plight of polytechnic retirees and non-remittance of union outstanding check-off dues.

“We urge the governor to attend to these issues without further delay,’’ Osifalujo stated.

He stressed that only the implementation of the demands would ensure industrial harmony in the institution, calling on Gov. Abiodun to reciprocate the gesture of the union by acting on agreements reached.

In a swift reaction, the polytechnic’s management said that it remained a self-sustaining institution.

Mr Oluyemi Ajibola, the spokesman, noted that the state government was not collecting revenue from the polytechnic which made the institution self-dependent.

Ajibola urged the union to exercise patience, saying the management was working tirelessly to meet its demands.

By Our Reporter

The Member representing Umuahia South Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Jerry Uzosike, has described the late Lady Adanma Okpara, the wife of the late Former Premier of Eastern Region of Nigeria, Dr. M. I Okpara, as a woman of substance whose place in history can never be erased, particularly her role in advancing the course for better welfare for women in Ohuhu clan, Igbo land and the country at large while alive

Hon Uzosike also noted that Late Lady Adanma Okpara played significant roles and stood solidly behind her husband, the Late Michael Iheonukara Okpara, at his trying time while steering the affairs of the eastern region as Premier which metaphosed into total economic development of Igbo nation.

In a statement to mark the final funeral ceremony which will take place at her husband’s country home, Umuegwu Okupala Afugiri in Umuahia North local government area of Abia state, on Saturday 18th December, 2021, Hon Uzosike, described her detribalized woman, community women leader, a woman of integrity and a devoted christian who lived a full-filled lives of worthy emulation.

Hon Uzosike who is also the Chairman of OGECHI CARES FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE, said that the Late Lady Adanma Okpara who will be remembered for her incomparable and contributions to the development of Ohuhu ancient community, and her immense roles in galvanizing the Ohuhu women and entire womanhood in Igbo land under a united and peaceful umbrella.

The quintessential Abia lawmaker further noted that Late Adanma Okpara will be missed for her simplicity, generiosity, humility and advisory roles and other exemplary humane nature.

Hon Uzosike also used the medium to commiserate with the son of the deceased, Chief Uzodinma Okpara (Omekanaya), urging him to bear the loss as his Late mother lived and accomplished her journey in the earth with the fear of God.

He however prayed almighty God to grant the soul of the former first lady of the Eastern Region of Nigeria eternal rest and give the entire Okpara family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Similarly, Chief Uzodinma Okpara (Omekannaya), the first son of Late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, former Premier of Eastern Region, has invited members of the Abia State House of Assembly to the burial of his mother, Late Lady Adanma Okpara scheduled to hold tomorrow 18th December, 2021, at Umuegwu Okpuala Afugiri in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

This was contained in a letter issued to the State House of Assembly and read by the Indefatigable Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji.

The late Dr. M. I Okpara’s wife, Lady Adanma Okpara died at the ripe age of 97.

By Bisade Ojoye

Federal Government has said it has digitalised payments for Nigerian Passports, advising citizens to avoid patronising touts and unscrupulous officials when applying for the documents.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, during the rollout of the Enhanced e-Passport with Polycarbonate Data Page and other security features in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday.

“Part of the reforms is the migration of passport application and payments to digital platforms. But we regret to observe that applicants still patronise touts and unscrupulous officials in the hope to beat the system and get expedited services. When they were disappointed, they come to report to us. Of course, we have zero tolerance for corruption and subversion of due process. We, therefore, take seriously any such report and invoke the necessary disciplinary measures.

“But I will implore applicants to stop patronising touts and our officials directly. Follow the process we put in place. Apply for passports and pay online. The only engagement with our staff is the enrolment of your biometrics.

Patronising touts and passport office officials doesn’t always end well, but rather serves to defeat our purpose of eliminating corruption and infusing integrity to the passport administration process,” the minister stated.

Speaking on the new application process, the minister noted that a new timeline has been set for fresh passport application and reissue.

“Our template stipulates maximum of six weeks for obtaining new passports and maximum of three weeks for renewal. We work within this schedule to enable us to investigate any claims made by applicants and verify them, for the final document we issue them to have integrity. If there are challenges, wait. Eventually, you will get your passport before your due date of travel, if you apply early enough. You will still have long enough time to apply for visa and other travel documents.

“Nowhere in the world is passport administration done on a wait-and-get basis except in extreme emergencies. The only wait-and-get passport is passport photograph,” the minister said.

On the new enhanced passport being rolled out in Ibadan, the minister noted that the passport is an improved document with high-security features.

“The Enhanced e-Passport is a great improvement on the Biometric Passport technology which Nigeria adopted in 2007 as a deliberate step towards curbing forgery, impersonation and other forms of travel document fraud associated with the old Machine-Readable Passport regime.

“It is the latest technology in passport making anywhere in the world and only a few countries have it. It is the most secure identity document ever produced. We are proud to make it available to Nigerians,” Aregbesola added.

Speaking during the event, the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, CG Isah Jere, reiterated the call by the minister for citizens to stop patronising touts.

“As you have heard from the Minister, we expect that the only time citizens will have contact with our officers is during the biometric capturing. You are to apply and pay only,” CG Isah Jere revealed.

Given the latest update on payment for Nigerian Passport Application, step by step guide on how to apply for a Nigerian Passport and how to pay for it online has been shared

I have just read a part of the recently released autobiography of my predecessor as governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, which concerns me. He levelled some allegations against me and also made certain allusions and insinuations. My forthcoming autobiography has already taken care of all the issues. Notwithstanding that, however, I have the following preliminary replies to some of the issues he raised where he mentioned my name. This is for the benefit of Nigerians who may be interested in hearing my own immediate side of the story.

1. Bola Ige House contract

Chief Akande said I wrongly accused him of corruption in the construction of the Governor’s Office (Bola Ige House). I did not level any false charges against him. I came into office in May 2003 and discovered that the Governor’s Office complex which Akande commissioned for use after he lost the election was really not completed. The state government asked the contractor to come back to site and complete the works, more so when evidence in government accounts showed that he had been paid. But the project consultant shocked everyone with his claim that part of the payment was taken back to finance the 2003 re-election bid of Chief Akande. The consultant said the contractor could not go back to work unless he was paid his full dues. One of Akande’s own appointees confessed collecting money from this contractor for Akande’s re-election. I consulted Chief Akande on this. He denied having any deal with the contractor and the consultant. Some people were subsequently taken to court on a seven-count criminal charge. Stakeholders in the state and Alhaji Arisekola Alao later intervened. I have the details of who collected how much in my forthcoming book.

2. Chief Akande brought into his narrative some names including that of General Alani Akinrinade whom he quoted as calling me on the content of a government file which Akande confessed was stolen by his people and brought to him in Ibadan. I state that General Akinrinade could not have called me “Lagun” which Akande inserted in his book. General Akinrinade and everyone in the military called (and calls) me Ola or Oyin. In any case, I have records of every document I appended my signature to in my years in government.
3. Akande’s full advance payment of N800million on new Govt House 

Chief Akande wrote on the Government House that he wanted to build on a site on Ilesa road in Osogbo which I stopped. I found it strange that Chief Akande who boasted that he was prudent and honest as governor, awarded the construction of a Government House in his last days in office, after he lost the election, and in advance, paid the contractors the entire contract sum of N800million. Chief Akande confirmed this strange payment on page 393 of his book. This was a man who said there was no money to pay workers and pensioners but he had enough to pay a contractor in advance for a government house after losing his re-election. In any case, the state already had an ongoing Government House started by the military government which Akande refused to complete. I completed the project and added chalets plus a presidential lodge. Everything was completed and commissioned within my first year in office. The state has continued to use the structures till date. Akande, in his book, condemned my decision to opt for that project instead of his own idea. Further details on this are in my forthcoming book.

3. Chief Akande said the 2003 governorship election in Osun State was rigged in my favour. Chief Akande has repeatedly told this lie. The truth is known to everybody in the state that Akande lost the state shortly after he took over in 1999 and started fighting every one in the state. He sacked thousands of workers and did not pay their entitlements. In some instances, the retrenched persons included husband, wife and children. He owed those who were not sacked months of unpaid salaries which I inherited and paid. He deducted 20 percent of workers salaries to fund his projects. He fought obas, chiefs and religious groups and leaders. He sacked the press from government activities, blocked the only access road to NTA Osogbo and locked the gate of the Government House against even press correspondents in the state. He had no word of succor for his victims. These were the ingredients that cooked his defeat in 2003. But it is convenient for him to blame his defeat on everyone else apart from himself. I defeated him comprehensively in all local governments in the state apart from his home council area. Again, the details are in my forthcoming book.
4. I am happy Chief Akande described me in his book as his younger brother. I also hold him in very high esteem. That was why I counselled him at the beginning of his administration when he came to my house in Okuku, around June 1999, that the easiest way to destroy a state government was to draw a wedge between a governor and his deputy. I told him to watch out and prevent this from happening. He told me anyone dreaming of coming between him and his deputy, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, would be wasting their time. The rest is history.
5. Finally, I take responsibility for every action I took as governor. Chief Akande said I apologized to him for my actions as governor. That is not true. As governor, I feared only God and was nobody’s errand boy. I say so because I noticed that Chief Akande repeatedly blamed President Olusegun Obasanjo for the steps I took which he didn’t like. Ironically, Chief Akande was President Obasanjo’s favorite and the president always said this to those of us in his party. The saying that came to my mind when I read Chief Akande’s attacks on Obasanjo is “Eni a fe l’a mo, a o mo eni to fe ni (We only know those we love, we do not know those who love us).

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola
Okuku, Osun State.
16 December, 2021