Category: Uncategorized

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State government has commenced distribution of appointment letters to 5,000 teachers employed via Ogun Teach Scheme.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, the distribution of the letters to the first batch of successful candidates kicked off on Friday.

The exercise, according to Somorin, is being supervised by the Chairman of Ogun State Teaching Commission (TESCOM) Olalekan Ifede.

The statement recalls that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had during the celebration of the 2021 World Teachers Day, promised that the teachers would soon be given their letters of engagement.

Somorin added that introduction of Ogun Teach Intervention to employ 5,000 interns was to fill teacher vacancies in primary, secondary and technical colleges in the State.

“Ogun State government on Friday commenced distribution of appointment letters to 5,000 teachers employed via Ogun Teach Intervention. This is in line with Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to employ 5,000 interns who participated in the Ogun Teach, to fill teacher vacancies in primary, secondary and technical colleges in the state.

“The new teachers are expected to come with originals of their certificates, other proofs of identity such as birth certificates, declaration of birth and LG of origin.

“The distributions is being done in batches, until all the 5,000 teachers are engaged. All successful candidates are being contacted by SMS and the list is available at the state secretariat (TESCOM).

“The governor, however, thanks the people of Ogun for their abiding love, trust and prayers to ensure the future is better than the present”, the statement stated.

By: Adémólá Òrúnbon

Indications have emerged that the targeted 46 percent Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) being envisaged by the Ogun State Government in year 2030 could be hardly achieved due to activities of quacks with attendants’ cases of ineffective and failed Family Planning (FP) being reported by women of reproductive age in the State.

The State with the current CPR of 32. 1 percent, had renovated its Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), across the State with provision of FP consumables, training and re-training of service providers, advocacy for demand generation, adequate logistics for distribution of commodities, among other effective progarammes to ensure improvement in the contraceptive uptake.

Findings during a media chat with some women groups of reproductive age in Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Yewa-South showed that peer influence and lack of adequate information on appropriate places to access quality FP services had made many of them fall victim into the hands of unqualified providers, resulting to health complications, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion.

According to a 26-years old hair dresser in Sagamu, Mrs. Adebimpe Salako revealed that she adopted the injectable method of contraception three years back from a private-owned facility, after which she noticed a sudden signs of pregnancy six months after accessing the service.

“The pregnancy was later confirmed, a situation which I am not pleased with, because the issue is that the unplanned pregnancy that I am running away from eventually happened. With this, some of my friends who are willing to go for their own are discouraged, while the information about ineffectiveness of modern contraceptives has continue to spread.

“However, while attending ante natal care at Makun Primary Health Centre, I got to know that the family planning service received was done by a quack, who is not qualified to provide the service’’, Mrs. Salako explained.

“On her part, Mrs. Ayinke Ajetunmobi, a 30-year-old petty trader in Sabo, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, narrated that she received Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD) method from an auxiliary nurse, who claimed to have offered FP services to women.

Ajetunmobi stated that she later developed health complications attributed to improper insertion of the device.

“’This is a health facility that many people patronize in my area. My husband asked me to do the family planning there because we think the facility can provide the service, without knowing that the provider is not properly trained”, she said.

While reacting to the activities of quacks and its implications, a professional FP provider at the Olikoye Ransome Memorial Hospital, Asero, Abeokuta, Mrs. Funmilola Taiwo said there were reports and complaints from some women with ugly experiences as a result of accessing FP services from unregistered facilities, where there likely to be quacks.

Mrs. Taiwo added that the persistence incidence was due to illiteracy level and inadequate knowledge on where to access quality services, advising women and couples to always visit Primary Health care Centres and other public health facilities for information on reproductive health care, noted that trade associations, community and religious organisations should also intensify efforts to enlighten their members and congregation on socio-economic and health benefits of childbirth spacing.

Serving and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly today paid tributes to the late pioneer Majority Leader and member who represented Odeda State Constituency between 1979 and 1983, Hon. Babatunde Elemide, describing him as a legislator whose wealth of experience was significant to the success recorded by the first legislative session and subsequent generations.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, who led other lawmakers to pay last respect to the late member of the First Legislature in the State at a special plenary in his honour at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, recalled that it is worthy to celebrate the life and time of the late lawyer, who conquered his world with unique achievements.

Oluomo, while commiserating with the families of the lawmaker including a family and member representing Odeda State Constituency, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, stated that he would be missed by a lot of people whose lives he had imparted and influenced positively.

He added that his contributions to debates in the Assembly from the perspective of the legal profession remained a model for all public officials to emulate. 

“It is also important to stress that he was a true representative of the people of his constituency throughout his tenure as a legislator and the first Majority Leader in the House.

“His contributions to administration of justice, equity and fair play as a Barrister justified the portfolios he held as the Secretary and Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association of Ibadan and Abeokuta Branches respectively from 1977 to 1978.

“As we lay the remains of the courageous man, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life as a father, community representative and a leader of reputable character”, Oluomo submitted.

Earlier, while recalling the deceased’s legacies as a lawmaker between 1979 and 1983 in the State House of Assembly, members who represented Owode and Ijebu-Igbo State Constituencies in the third legislature in 1992 to 1993, Oladipo Akingbade and Babatunde Odugbesan respectively, as well as Fasiu Bakene, who served in the fifth Assembly, remarked that the deceased was a devout Christian, a thorough bred lawyer, an astute legislator and efficient representative, who lived a life worthy of emulation.

In their tributes, a family member, who currently represents Odeda State Constituency, Oludaisi Elemide, the deceased’s eldest son  Olabode Elemide and a daughter of the late lawmaker, Mrs. Ayo Adenekan, said that their father was a community leader, who served his people with passion and diligence, noting that he embodied selflessness, accountability and integrity during his lifetime.

 

By Bisade Ojoye

Anglican Clergy and Vicar of the Anglican Church of Saint Luke, Iperu, Venerable Joseph Amadu has described the essence of remembrance as a way of evaluating the deeds of man, and appreciating the good ones, either in death or while alive.

He stated this while delivering a sermon at the holy communion thanksgiving service, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the transition of Late Pa Olatunji Ogunleye, father of the Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye.

Quoting from the books of Mark chapter 14, verse 9, and Acts of the Apostles, chapter 9, verse 36, the officiating Priest dwelled on the need to always do good as all the good deeds by any mortal shall always be acknowledged.

He commended the children of late Solomon Olatunji Ogunleye for finding it worthy to remember their father who, according to him, must have laboured in giving them all the necessary parenting required of a good father.

He enjoined all to believe in God and change from their sinful ways, as ‘no one comes to God, without Jesus’.

Son of the deceased and the Executive Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye, in a chat after the service, appreciated God for his grace and mercy over him and his siblings.
He was full of praises to God for keeping them till now, to be able to celebrate their late father, who he described as a very loving, caring and dutiful father.

“His good deeds will continue to linger in our memories”, said Hon. Ogunleye.

He thanked the Church, families, friends, and associates, who all came to celebrate with them.

Present at the event were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Bolanle Fakoya; Leader of the House, Hon. Oladele Otesanya, and members of the Legislative Council; Head of Local Government Administration, Engr. (Mrs.) Olanike Ogunbona, and Management Staff, all of Ikenne Local Government.

Also at the event were the Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo (Odoru V); the Akinyemi Oloris; Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu Asimi; Vice Chairman, Alhaji Kehinde Ogunnubi; and the Women Leader, Alhaja Fausat Adeyiga; Chairman, Teaching Service Commission, Ogun State, Evang. Olalekan Ifede; Executive Director, Lagos Airport Hotel, Hon. Bisi Adesina; former Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Tajudeen Salako; Friends of the Chairman, Prince Kola Odusanya; Mr. Mudah Odukale; Mr. Lanre Oyefeso; Mr. Adedoyin Adesina; and Apagun Seye Sonuga.

Members of the Iperu Great Ambassadors Club, led by its President, Ambassador Kola Osho; and Iperu Gentlemen Elites Club, led by the President, Otunba Bola Mate, also joined in the celebration.

By Our Correspondent

In furtherance of its desire to prevent visual impairment and blindness among residents, Ogun State Government is planning to introduce a subsidised eye care initiative to be known as ‘Jigi Dapo’, to provide eye care services to residents, especially students in primary and junior secondary schools.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker who made this known at a press conference in Abeokuta, said the services would include eye examination, provision of eye glasses and other treatment options, irrespective of locations, noting that it would be integrated into Primary Health Care services.

Coker who described visual impairment or blindness as a condition that affects every aspect of life and people of all ages said globally many people have near or distant impairments”.

The Commissioner said the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration has made diverse investments to ensure provision of quality healthcare, including eye care services, explaining that the State commemorated the year ‘2021 World Sight Day’ by conducting free eye screening, treatment and distribution of glasses to more than a thousand junior secondary school students across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

She added that the State piloted a Public Private Partnership project to improve eye healthcare services in selected Primary Health Centres, assuring that it would scale up additional sites in the 20 Local Government Areas to ensure that more people benefit.

Coker called on all stakeholders including donors, Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations, as well as community leaders to support and drive the initiative, to promote and improve access to eye health care services.

By Bisade Ojoye

A number of Traders in who plough their trades in Makun area of Sagamu yesterday were said to have lost goods valued about Millions of Naira to fire outbreak which engulfed their shop.

The shops at Isote area, directly opposite Sagamu Town Hall, Sagamu local government in Ogun State were burnt down and the shop owners could not salvage in the fire outbreak which eye witnesses said started
around 1:30 in the morning, allegedly caused by an electrical spark inside one of the shops.

An eyewitness, Olayiga said, “We were sleeping when some security guards and some residents started shouting, banging at the door, by the time we rushed out, the shops were in flame. All efforts to put out was thwarted all we deed was to see what we could rescued before Fire Service operatives arrived to put out the fire. The Fire Fighter however arrived late to the scene around 3:30 am when all was almost lost.

One of the owners of the burnt shops, Mrs Rukayat, said she received a call about the fire from a resident in the area, adding that her goods were destroyed.

We gathered that the same shops were said to have burnt about seven years ago with plumbing materials, Water Pumps, Building Materials,Water Closets, Foodstuffs, Plumbing Pipes, Freezers, Soft Drinks etc and other valuables lost to fire

By: Adémólá Òrúnbon

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has called on stakeholders in the educational sector to support the present administration to enhance its free education programme.

Prof. Arigbabu, said this during the commissioning and handing over of a block of three classrooms, two toilets, one office facility and a store donated by Olutobi Nathaniel Oduyale Foundation (ONOF), to St. Bernabas Primary School, Ilisan.

Prof. Arigbabu who commended the donor for the kind gesture, described it as a giant stride capable of securing the future of the young learners, saying “giving back to the Alma Mata is in tandem with the ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda of the present administration in the State”.

“Our free education policy is to encourage learners that are from poor backgrounds, but willing to learn. We really thank and appreciate the donor, ONOF, for this remarkable generosity”, he said.

In his remark, the Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye, lauded the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s people-oriented programmes and projects, especially in the renovation and reconstruction of classrooms in some schools, and for the ongoing recruitment through ‘Ogun Teach Programme’, commending the donor for the gesture extended to the area.

Earlier in his presentation, the donor, Otunba Nathaniel Oduyale said that the donation was to help the less privileged and also to encourage well meaning Nigerians to contribute their quota to the educational policy of the government.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

45 years after establishment, Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery spread across Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro have been given full accreditation status by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria ( NMCN).

The feat which is the first of its kind in the 45 years history of the state came with an upgrade of the schools of Nursing and Midwifery to Collegiate.

Addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said that the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government had from its first day in office conceived the vision of making health attractive to all, noting that the priority of the present administration was to acquire full accreditation for all schools of Nursing and Midwifery across the state.

Coker said that commitment of the government informed the release of over N125 million (One hundred and twenty-five million naira) for comprehensive renovation and provision of modern training facilities in the schools of Nursing and Midwifery so as to fulfill the requirements of NMCN.

She said that the passionate pursuit of the state has yielded a number of positive outcomes including the full accreditation to ALL Schools of Nursing and Midwifery for the first time in the 45 years history of the State, pointing out that the upgrade of the schools to Collegiate had resulted in the change of the its name to Ogun State Schools of Nursing Sciences thereby increasing the quota admission of students by 60%.

According to her, there are ongoing efforts with the Ministry of Education to conclude the approval of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) which will enable the college to award Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma (OND/HND) academic certificates to students.

“The last accreditation team was in Ogun State in 2017 wherein we got provisional accreditation, which had been the trend in the history of our Schools of Nursing and Midwifery.

“The two-year expiration for all the schools was in 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, made it impossible for the NMCN accreditation exercise in 2020. Hence, the exercise took place in July 2021.

” I am therefore delighted to inform you that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has given full accreditation to ALL Schools of Nursing and Midwifery for the first time in the 45 years history of Ogun State.

“These diplomas will also come with professional certificates of Registered Nursing(RN), Registered Midwifery (RM) or Registered Public Health Nursing (RPHN).

“It is interesting to let you know that the NMCN also increased the quota of student admission by 60% from 220 to 350.

“Under the watch of the present administration, the pass rate in the final qualifying examinations in March 2020, May 2020, September 2020, November, 2020 and May 2021 was 100%. This is as a result of recent changes in our admission process where we have ensured that admission into the schools is strictly on merit without compromise on excellence,” the Commissioner said.

Coker further hinted that the government has ensured that students in health institutions are provided with conducive facilities and knowledgeable tutors coupled with devotion to human capital development and provision of quality and affordable healthcare services to residents.

In commemoration of the 2021 cancer awareness month, the First Lady and Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has flagged-off free breast and cervical cancer screening for women in the State.

The ceremony held at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, was organised by the Office of the First Lady and Ajose Foundation in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ogun State Chapter, to create awareness on breast and cervical cancer.

The First Lady described breast and cervical cancer as the two greatest forms of cancer that had claimed lives of many women, noting that there is need for adequate education and enlightenment on the disease.

According to her, ‘’awareness on breast cancer in the State has improved, more people are conscious and taking advantage of the free screening each time the opportunity presented itself’’.

Mrs. Abiodun assured that the screening would continue throughout the month of October in the four divisions of the State, enjoining women to utilise the opportunity to know their status. She said "we will appreciate if the private sector, government and all stakeholders come together to enlighten the public on the disease, as well as offering access to screening to save more lives and prevent cancer death". In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, represented by the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal reiterated government's continued support for the health care of women in the State, noting that one third of cancers in women are preventable. She advised women to seek early intervention, if cancer is suspected, adding that the health ministry would not relent in promoting programees that would translate to wellness of the people.

On his part, the Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Emilola Gazal expressed his gratitude to the First Lady and MWAN for bringing the campaign to his local government area and enjoined women in the vicinity to maximise the good opportunity to their advantage.

The resource person, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adeola Ekundayo, while speaking on ‘Self-examination and Cancer Detection’, identified cervical and breast cancer as the most prevalent kinds of cancer in West Africa, explaining that early detection remained key to successful treatment of the disease.Dr. Ekundayo demonstrated how to regularly self-examine the breasts, listing the signs that could be noticed when cancer surfaces, urging women to seek medical help.

Some of the beneficiaries at the free screening unanimously appreciated the First Lady for her commitment to the wellbeing of the women in the State.

By Bisade Ojoye

The State Congress Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has announced a screening exercise of all aspirants seeking election into various state party offices at the congress slated for Saturday.

According to the committee chairman, Hon. Wale Ohu, the exercise would take place at the State Secretariat of the party, Moshood Abiola Way, Iyana Mortuary, Abeokuta on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 2:30pm.

All aspirants would be expected to bring along with them for screening all necessary documents that qualify them for the offices sought.

While counting on the support of the party faithful, Ohu assured that everything would be done to ensure a credible, free, fair and transparent congress.

In a bid to wipe out the menace of ‘Pedophile’, a sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object specifically, the Ogun State Government has advised parents to be more vigilant over their wards.

The State Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Funmilayo Efuwape stated this at a day sensitisation campaign at Orona town hall, Ilaro, explaining that the criminal act has become rampant, hence the need for stakeholders in a family circle to be wary of their responsibilities.

Efuwape, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi said Pedophiles are people attracted to children, with persistent sexual interest in them, as evidence by an adult’s sexual fantasies, noting that “it is wrong to assume that someone is not a Pedophile simply because he is nice or religious”.

She added that sexual harassment on an underage is a crime and morally wrong, emphasising that the present administration would not condone such attack on minors in the State.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ogunremi urged parents to speak out whenever they notice such happenings in their environment, saying the campaign could not have come at a better time than this period.

Also speaking, a Legal Practitioner, Barr. Damola Lapite enjoined parents to take proper care of their children, educate and monitor them, to support government in eradicating the act.

One of the parents, Alhaji Saidi Ajibola, commended the State government’s effort in sensitising them, promising to play their part.

One of the Beneficiaries of the Hon. Ajayi cash gifts receiving it from one of the elders in her constituency, while others look on
A Lawmaker representing Egbado South Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lateefat Ajayi has empowered over 400 members in her constituency with cash gift about N.5million.

The empowerment programme which took place at Empire Hall, Ilaro, was packaged to bring succour to the constituents, due to the current economic situation in the country.

Appreciating her constituents, Hon. Ajayi enjoined them to continue to support the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government, promising to sustain the empowerment programme for people of the area.

In his address, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, represented by his deputy, Hon. Hakeem Balogun assured the people that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun would deliver on his electoral promises before the end of his administration, imploring them not to relent at giving adequate support and prayers for his success.

Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Bunmi Sanni from Owode Ward 1, appreciated Hon. Ajayi for the gesture, promising to make good use of the money given to her and prayed that God would continue to grant her and the State Governor more wisdom and knowledge to steer the sheep of the State.