By Bisade Ojoye
His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State will today, Thursday be unveiling the state’s Gateway Bus Pilot Scheme with Free Wi-Fi and Internet and Air-Conditioner.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event will be, His Excellency, Rt. Hon Rotimi Ameachi, Honourable Minister of Transportation
The unveiling ceremony is expected to hold at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan at 10: 00 Am prompt
By Our Correspondent
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun of on Wednesday, sworn-in four Principals-General and 9 Permanent Secretaries, charging them to ensure efficient and effective service delivery in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The governor, while performing the swearing-in ceremony at the Exco Chamber of his Office, also urged the newly appointed Principals-General to give their best in the various divisions in the educational system which they now head.
The new Permanent Secretaries included: Mr. Waheed Adesina; Mr. Adetayo Adewale; Mr. Adedayo Oluyemi Somoye; Mr. Oluwaseyi Sokoya; Dr. Qudus Adegboyega Yusuf; Mr. Adenopo Adegbenga; Dr. Oladeinde Moshood Kayode, while Mr Adebayo Bamidele was sworn-in as the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary and Mr. Aregbesola Thomas Babatunde as the Accountant-General/Permanent Secretary.
The new Principals-General are: Mr. Sobulo Oluniyi Okanlawon for Egba Division; Mrs. Adeyemi Olaitan Abike for Ijebu Division; Mr. Odukoya Olusegun Owodunni for Remo Division and Mr. Orobiyi Sunday Akanbi for Yewa Division.
Abiodun, who noted that the event was another symbolic representation of his administration’s commitment to reform the way government business is conducted, said none of the appointees ever lobbied for the positions.
“We will continue to encourage merit and seniority in appointment and never again will lobbying be a consideration in the appointment of public service positions”, he said.
While emphasising that the new appointees are men and women that have been found worthy in character and cerebral capacity by excelling in the Assessment and Evaluation Programme, in line with Ogun Standard, Abiodun declared that era of lobbying in the Ogun Civil Service is over.
“For emphasis, the era of lobbying is over. I salute members of their families on these well-deserved appointments. I must say that by your deeds, on and off the statutory duties, as Public Servants, you have demonstrated that you are of excellent parentage and thorough bred. You are joining a group that has carved an enviable niche for itself in our Administration with its superlative performance. You have all demonstrated uncommon commitment to the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda.
“I must also say that you must do more than what you did to merit these appointments. Your performance as Directors and as Principals is not sufficient to see you through at these positions of higher responsibilities. You have a great responsibility to continue to distinguish yourselves. In addition to that, you have the greater responsibility to ensure efficient and effective service delivery of your various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the various divisions in our educational system which you now head. This will sustain the tempo of good governance for continued development of Ogun State and increased individual prosperity for the people”, Abiodun stated.
The governor further charged them to unite the various constituents of their MDAs and Divisions respectively, around the vision and mission of his administration, adding that “you must ensure cordial relationship in order to make your contributions to be meaningful. As you begin a journey in the footsteps of illustrious men and women of this great State, you must realise that you are receiving from the people the sacred trust, once conferred to your illustrious predecessors”.
He urged the new appointees to see their appointment as a call to greater service as higher dedication is required for the continued development of Ogun.
“As the Chief Accounting Officers and the Administrative Heads of your respective MDAs and Divisions, you are all enjoined to brace up for the challenges of your new positions and apply yourselves diligently to the ‘Building our Future Together Agenda’. You are also to make probity your watchword, and be prudent in the management of both human and material resources under your care. You must, therefore, provide leadership, be exemplars of virtues, integrity and consciously mentor your subordinates, who are equal catalysts to achieving the greatness of your MDAs and Divisions”, the governor pointed out.
Abiodun, however, reiterated his administration’s unreserved allegiance to the development of all sectors of the economy of the state and continue to create the ambience needed for its optimal development.
“We remain unwaveringly committed to the welfare of our Public Servants. Let me use this opportunity to reassure our Public Servants that we have not, and will not renege on all our promises. We have cleared the backlogs of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 promotion exercises. And, we will continue to work assiduously to off-set all outstanding dues and other entitlements as we continue to work on increasing our Internally Generated Revenues (IGR). Our State is one of the few States that continue to pay salary as and when due before the end of each month, and we will continue to do so”, he added .
He assured the pensioners in the state that their entitlements will be paid as promised by his administration.
By Bisade Ojoye
As Prince Rotimi Oyedele, who emerged as the new Atawa of Latawa, Sagamu sets to ascend the throne of his ancestry, he thanked the Kingmakers of the Kingdom, Baba Oba of Atawa, Chief Deji Ogunfuwa, entire sons and daughters and well wishers for counting him worthy of the stool and solicited their support to bring development to the land.
The Atawa-elect promised to work assiduously to bring about development to the land but added that the support of men, women, youths, indigenes and non indigenes in the land would be required, because according to him the drives and desire to see the land developed would be easily realised with concerted actions.
Prince Oyedele who was elected to ascend the throne by the
kingmakers of Latawa, Sagamu on April 4, 2022 is of the Oyefolu rulling house and his election was announced by Chief Lisa of Latanwa, High Chief, Yisa Odunbajo after the he had polled 4 votes out of five kingmakers to beat his opponent, Prince Dabiri Adeniyi Babatunde who polled one vote.
The choice of Prince Rotimi Oyedele was announced by High Chief Yisa Odunbajo (Lisa), Chief Waidi Oyefeso (Oluwo), High Chief J. O Adeokun (Apena), Otunba Olalekan Ademosiin, and Olootu Ijo Ayo Ogunfunwa made the decision known in the presence of the secretary to the local government, Kola Onalaja and the Director General Service and Administration, Mr. Safiriyu from the Sagamu local government.
The stool of the Atawa became vacant after the demise of HRH, Oba Jimoh Sosanya Alaga who joined his ancestors in 2021.
According to High Chief J.O Adeokun, the Apena of Latanwa who was the spokesman of the kingmakers, the process that led to Prince Rotimi Oyedele’s choice as Atawa Oba-elect was free and fair.
He buttressed the true situation by saying, “We did what the ancestors directed us to do. I believe God has chosen him before now. That is why his choice was free and fair. The rest is left for the Government to act. After that, we proceed to for his coronation. All that needed to be done from the kingmakers has been concluded”.
In the same vain, one of his wives, Olori Mulikat Oyedele who is the proprietor of New Era Canteen, Sabo Sagamu expressed gratitude to God, the Kingmakers and the people of the land for their support and prayed that God would uplift them while soliciting continued support for his reign.
By Olufemilade Oyinade
A number of People’s Democratic Party, stalwarts, comprising former state governors, ministers and Corporate frontrunners will gather in Abeokuta and formally receive Jimi Lawal back into the party.
Jimi Lawal who was until recently the Chairman of Kaduna State Economic Development Council, thereby being in charge of the state’s economy and driving its investment activities.
The British-trained banker, lawyer and public servant who recently picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms for Governorship of Ogun State after joining the party at his ward hails from Ijebu Ode in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of the state.
A statement issued by Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO) stated that the event would afford the people of Ogun state the opportunity to literally hear from his agenda for a Ogun state.
The statement read, “He will speak on his five-point agenda with the theme “EHIGGS” which stands for Economic Development, Human Capital Development (Health & Education), Infrastructure, Good Governance and Security.”
The governorship hopeful has over three decades of international merchant banking experience across three continents of Africa, Europe and North America along with twelve years of public service at the top echelon of government.
Apart from having had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors where he held senior management positions in multi-national banks, Jimi Lawal is a thoroughbred professional, an entrepreneur and employer of labour who has founded several companies, including an investment banking firm,a major real estate development company and an approved educational institution
By Sunday Adeniyi
The Global President of Youth For Change Movement (YFCM) has totally condemned the barbaric and unprofessional mode of action/operation of the men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ibadan (Oyo State).
In his statement, the Global President, Comrade Elvis Segun Ekundina stated that in the past, men of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are known to always follow their mandate of ensuring a crime free society by carrying out due diligence and intelligent findings, proper and thorough investigation after which parading and prosecution of the criminals are done. Which is the normal procedure in a sane and just environment.
“We are now surprised that the men of the EFCC in recent times no longer have their intelligence reports before executing their duties rather they have resulted into unnecessary harassment of Nigerian youths by burgling and forcing entrance to their abode, accousting people in public places like bars, clubs, churches, hotels, schools etc , a dastardly act that is so uncalled for.
“As if that was not enough, it can also be noted that they now engage in creating roadblocks and engaging in stop and search on innocent citizens which I personally see as the height of unprofessional practice by the men of the EFCC”.
It would be recalled that on 27th of March, 2022., the men of the EFCC again engaged in this unprofessional act which led to the arrest of 80 youths in the city of Ibadan. They went ahead to parade those innocent youths as criminals without any proper investigation.
Ekundina said with the above incidence and various others that have happened recently, it is crystal clear that the men of EFCC are just hell bent on harassing and making this country inhabitable for the youths.
He added, “We hereby implore the Federal government led by H.E., President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) to set up an investigative panel that would look into the mode of operation of the EFCC as this would help in retracing our steps to a better community and also make this country more habitable for the youths who are the future of our dear nation”.
By Bisade Ojoye
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, officially flagged off women empowerment scheme with disbursement of individual livelihood grants to 2,094 women across the state.
The governor, who performed the flag-off ceremony at the relaunching of Oko’wo Dapo scheme in collaboration with Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) at the MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, said women empowerment and emancipation would continue to be at the front burner of his administration.
The event had the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; Mrs. Pauline Tallen, wives of the Kwara and Osun State governors, the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, among other dignitaries in attendance.
Abiodun noted that in the economic architecture of his government, the womenfolk form a vital economic bloc, hence, the emplacement of various schemes to empower them, not only financially but economically.
He said out of estimated 7,535,007 2021 population projection by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), for Ogun State, females are put at 3,788,932, which is 50.28%, saying the significant number of women cannot be overlooked, if the state truly desires sustainable development.
Abiodun, who added that his administration had observed women as mostly involved in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) but always find difficult to access financial resources for the growth of their businesses from conventional financial institutions, said his government had since devised other approaches to empower the womenfolk.
These, according to him, include “capacity building of 500 female entrepreneurs across the state to enable them access financing and scale up their businesses; empowerment of 2,500 rural women across the state through provision of products worth ₦100m; empowerment of over 600 youths through vocational training while 400 women and youths are still undergoing training at the V
vocation training centre under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; empowerment of 95 Women across the three
senatorial districts and more than 100 widows were also empowered during the commemoration of year 2021 International Widows Day”.
He emphasised that the empowerment programmes are targeted at alleviating poverty and increasing prosperity of women.
“Our womenfolk are integral part of our financial inclusiveness agenda. We are committed to providing avenues for our women to gain power and control over their own lives and acquire requisite skills and technical know-how to make strategic choices. It is a critical aspect of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 5 – Gender Equality. On its own, Gender Equality provides more socioeconomic and political wherewithal for our women.
“At the macro level, it will go a long way in reducing poverty in the family; reduce gender-based violence and abuse in the society; and, further strengthen the economy. Therefore, empowering our women is not a favour to their gender, it is, in fact, one of the most viable approaches towards achieving sustainable economic development”, the governor added.
While commending the Federal Government for the initiative of the Nigeria for Women Projects (NFWP), the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the World Bank, Abiodun said the choice of Ogun as
one of the six states in each of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria for the implementation of the NFWP programme is commendable.
He expressed optimism that the NFWP programme would be extended to other local government areas in Ogun, saying the FG’s scheme is in tandem with Oko’wo Dapo Scheme.
Abiodun stated further that after disbursing the individual grants to women beneficiaries across the three implementing Local Government Areas of Odeda; Ijebu North-East; and, Yewa North, his administration would soon re-launch Oko’wo Dapo scheme in the remaining 17 LGAs of the state.
The governor, however, disclosed that some of the beneficiaries of the first phase of Oko’wo Dapo in Odeda LG were at an advanced stage of floating a micro finance bank, which according to him, would further provide for financial inclusiveness for more people and easier access to financial resources to boost their enterprises.
While saying the disbursement would be in phases, he enjoined the beneficiaries not to see the financial assistance as their own share of the national cake, but “see it as an avenue for economic empowerment through which they will be gainfully employed, improve their productivity and increase your income-earning capacities, and, expectedly become net employers of labour”.
“We see the sustainability of this programme as a bilateral responsibility. Government has played its own part by providing the funding, beneficiaries should reciprocate by ensuring that they utilize the funds for the intended purposes, so that it will bring the desired results. Fidelity to this public trust will encourage other Development Partners to collaborate with us on this venture.
“Let me also use this opportunity to call on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to come and partner with us and join us in this journey to take Ogun State to a greater and more prosperous heights”, Abiodun submitted.
By Bisade Ojoye
Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has described former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a dutiful and dedicated patriot.
Daniel who gave the remarks in a statement issued to congratulate Tinubu on the occasion of his 70th birthday added that his desire of better Nigeria is not in doubt.
The statement read, ”Our paths crossed many decades ago and to date, you remain the same man I met then: dutiful, dedicated and a patriot.
”Your desire for a better Nigeria is in no doubt, and your contributions at ensuring same are evident to all.
”On behalf of myself, Yeye and the children, I wish you good tidings and continuous God’s blessings as you celebrate your 70th birthday.
”Kindly accept our best wishes on this new return of your age and years.”
By William Adewale
Egypt and Nigeria on Tuesday failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after losing the qualifier matches.
Egypt’s defeat is coming few minutes after Ghana defeated Nigeria on away goals rule to qualify for the World Cup.
Hamdi Fathi’s first half own goal ensured Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in the second leg at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar.
Egypt had won 1-0 in the first leg last week, however, the match ended in a 1-1 aggregate and Senegal defeated Egypt 3-1 on penalty shootout. Sadio Mane scored the winning goal for Senegal to send his country to Qatar.
For Nigeria they played goalless with Ghanian team during the first leg in Ghana and drew 1-1 with them on Tuesday inside Moshood Abiola stadium in the Federal capital territory of Nigeria, Abuja.
The visitors took the lead through Thomas Partey, the Arsenal midfielder’s long range effort that saw Francis Uzoho diving like a pregnant woman to give Ghana the lead.
The Eagles luckily drew level before the end of the first half after VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Ademola Lookman which was brilliantly taken by the Captain, William Troost-Ekong.
The second half of the lackluster match produced no goal. The Eagles never showed and determination or zeal to score, it was one faulty pass after the other, no purposeful short at goal at all. At the end, the match ended 1-1 but the Black Stars of Ghana qualified on away goal rule.
By Olufemilade Oyinade
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has directed the State Commissioner of Police, Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade and the Director, State Security Service (DSS) to relocate their operations to Sagamu and fish out those involved in the recent cult activities in the town.
The Governor equally directed the security agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend those behind recent similar cult activities in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, specifically charged the security agencies not to leave any stone unturned in their efforts to bring the culprits to book, while assuring them of government support in this regard.
While condemning the dastardly act of the hoodlums which left some people dead and others injured, the Governor called on all peace-loving residents of Sagamu and Abeokuta to cooperate with the security agents to rid the town and environs of cultists and other criminal elements.
Governor Abiodun also enjoined the youths, some of whom are involved in cultism and other criminal activities, to shun all acts that could jeopardise their future and bring shame to their parents.
“Our youths must resist the temptation to go into cultism and similar vices. This Administration has invested heavily in programmes and activities designed to equip our youths with the necessary skills and education that could make their future better, as part of our Building Our Future Together agenda. They should not endanger that future by getting involved in crime.
“Parents and guardians must also ensure that their children and wards stay away from criminality,” the Governor said.
“We have zero tolerance for any act that could disturb the peace we have been enjoying in Ogun State since the commencement of this Administration. We will deal decisively with anyone intent on disturbing that peace”, the statement concluded.
By Olamide Yinusa
Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known and addressed as Ruger was sexually assaulted by a fan while performing on stage.
The singer, we gathered was in titillating his teeming admirers with his scintillating rendition and performance standing at the edge of the stage and the female fan grabbed his pubic area.
The 22-year-old felt so embarrassed and was visibly angered by the fan’s action. He stood glaring at the fan in astonishment before walking into the back of the stage but later returned and continued his performance.
By Olufemilade Oyinade
In keeping with the traditional processes leading to the enthronement of a new prince to succeed Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 1, who joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021, the kingmakers in Ogbomosoland have chosen a United States America based Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland.
He beat 24 others in the Olaoye Ruling House and his name was eventually submitted to the Ogbomoso North Local Government for official ratification.
The pastor, who is in charge of RCCG Jesus House, Washington DC, beat his closest rival, Lt. Col. Sirajdeen Olaoye, with one vote to emerge the new traditional ruler of the town.
According to our source, there were four kingmakers in Ogbomoso who had to vote to choose between the two Olaoyes because they did not agree on who to choose between the two candidates who were considered best out of the 25 who contested for the throne. Two kingmakers had voted for Sirajdeen and two voted for Pastor Ghandi. To clear the tie, the head of the kingmakers exercised his right for an extra vote which he cast for Pastor Ghandi which gave the Pastor the edge over Sirajdeen.
Pastor Olaoye is also an entrepreneur, and he is married to Omo Ghandi-Olaoye.
By Olufemilade Oyinade
In keeping with the traditional processes leading to the enthronement of a new prince to succeed Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 1, who joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021, the kingmakers in Ogbomosoland have chosen a United States America based Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland.
He beat 24 others in the Olaoye Ruling House and his name was eventually submitted to the Ogbomoso North Local Government for official ratification.
The pastor, who is in charge of RCCG Jesus House, Washington DC, beat his closest rival, Lt. Col. Sirajdeen Olaoye, with one vote to emerge the new traditional ruler of the town.
According to our source, there were four kingmakers in Ogbomoso who had to vote to choose between the two Olaoyes because they did not agree on who to choose between the two candidates who were considered best out of the 25 who contested for the throne. Two kingmakers had voted for Sirajdeen and two voted for Pastor Ghandi. To clear the tie, the head of the kingmakers exercised his right for an extra vote which he cast for Pastor Ghandi which gave the Pastor the edge over Sirajdeen.
Pastor Olaoye is also an entrepreneur, and he is married to Omo Ghandi-Olaoye.
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