DAILY DIGEST

By Olufemilade Oyinade

increases quarterly payment to N600m

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that his administration had paid over N70bn as gratuity and pension to retirees in the last three and a half years.

The governor who stated this at Ijebu-Ode during the Town Hall Meeting on the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2023 Budget for Ogun East Senatorial District also said the quarterly payment for pensioners had been increased from N500m to N600m.

The governor who took a swipe at the previous government for failing to pay the retirees their entitlements said the amount was huge, but his Administration was doing the needful to ensure retirees enjoyed the fruits of their hardwork.

He assured workers that their entitlements ranging from global deductions, leave bonuses and others , would be paid as the finances of the State improved

The Governor also disclosed that that the State generated over N70bn from January to September this year as Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), saying the various financial policies put in place and the influx of investors, have increased the internal revenue of the State.

“Some few days ago, someone sent me a video of an indigene of the State in Diaspora who claimed that the IGR of the State is on the decline. I can tell you that as of today, Ogun State IGR from January to September is over N70bn.

“Last year, our IGR was over 100bn. So how can someone claimed that our IGR is declining? This claim is false”, the governor explained.

He said this year’s meeting which was a continuation of previous ones, was the most important one being a transitional budget, adding that global best practices and financial engineering would be used to implement the budget that would continue to open up the State for more investments.

The governor while informing that the State economy was on a sustainable mode as all aspects had been touched, also announced that the ground breaking for the construction of seaport at Olokola, would soon be done, just as plans have been concluded to extend the Lagos rail project from Okokomaiko to Agbara for easy movements.

Governor Abiodun used the occasion to enumerate some achievements recorded on infrastructure, health, education and agriculture siting Ijebu-Ode- Epe, , Oba Erinwole, Igan, Ilisan- Ago- Iwoye and market roads, as examples.

While urging communities with deplorable roads to exercise patient, the governor promised that attention would be given to major roads across the State as finances improved.

On measures taken to improve power supply in the State, Prince Abiodun emphasized that attention would be focused on power generation, installation of solar light in major markets in the next financial year, while provision of portable water would also receive due attention.

He said his administration had spent so much in the maintenance of peace by equipping the security agencies with needed tools, calling on the people to eschew violence by living in peace with one another, as this would encourage more investors to come and invest in the State.

The governor noted that the meeting apart from providing the people a unique opportunity to share their thoughts on their developmental needs, was also a right venue for him to hear their views, contributions and remarks, adding that his administration was open to constructive criticism at all times.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okuboyejo said the meeting was to vigorously engage all stakeholders in the Senatorial District to get their views that would form the basis for next year’s budget.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye have been sworn in as the fifth democratically elected Governor of and deputy governor of Ekiti state. They succeeded Kayode Fayemi and Dr. Bisi Egbeyemi.

The ceremony held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavillon, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital where the Chief Judge of state, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye administered the oath of office on Governor Oyebanji and his deputy.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other party leaders including Chief Bisi Akande.

APC National Leader Chief Bisi Akande (left) and APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Progressive governors present at the inauguration included: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Governor Rotimi Aderedolu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu and his Ondo state counterpart, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), former Ekiti State Governors, former Governors, Kayode Fayemi, Mr Ayodele Fayose and Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu and his Ondo state counterpart, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

By Bisade Ojoye

The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Tinubu has commended the seamless transition in Ekiti state from Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and Engr. Biodun Oyebanji.

Tinubu who stated this in Ekiti on Sunday during the inauguration of Oyebanji opined that together, we will make the State and Nigeria better for the shared prosperity of all Nigerians.

Asiwaju Tinubu’s reads in full:

I felicitate with the good people of Ekiti on the occassion of the swearing in today, of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the new Governor of Ekiti State who takes over from Governor Kayode Fayemi.

I must also commend the seamless transition – the first of its kind in Ekiti. It is my sincere hope that this new beginning will usher in even greater progress for the people of the state.

A nation can only deliver good governance when there is sustainability of good government policies and institutions; which are development and people focused. Governor Fayemi has laid a solid framework for the continued prosperity of the Fountain of Knowlege, Ekiti State, – one which Governor Oyebanji is sure to build upon.

Together, we will make the State and Nigeria better for the shared prosperity of its people and all Nigerians.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

The Chairman and the entire members of Ekiti Peerage Media Forum have greeted the newly inaugurated governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as he takes charge of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony today, Sunday in Ekiti, Comrade Adeniyi Adeloye said they were happy to welcome the new governor, and believed, for his displayed mein and their own evaluation of him he would perform excellently.

“We rejoice with him and his deputy, we believe he would work assiduously to develop Ekiti. We listened to his campaign promises, we watched his moves, desires and body language, we believe he is committed to the state and so we are convinced he would do well as the governor of the state.”

The group which comprises sons and daughters of Ekiti state practising journalism outside Ekiti and in Diaspora but committed to the development of the state promised to work with the new governor in his efforts towards developing the state by constantly and timely projecting him and publishing his various activities in their magazines and Newspapers.

They said as much as they vowed to promote his activities, they would not hesitate to give knocks whenever situations called for that, because they believed that would be the only way to bring out the best in him and occasionally remind him his promises to the people.

They charged him to kick start his administration with the implementation of his campaign promises because all eyes have would be on him adding that the people who elected him would begin to compare his words and actions with his campaign promises.

They also used congratulated the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi on the grounds that he started well and ended celebrated. They believed he would be remembered by whatever achievements recorded while his tenure lasted.

By Bisade Ojoye

Immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi has said the Cargo Airport project was established to stimulate the economy and by extension the growth of Ekiti State.

While commissioning the project on Saturday and receiving the first flight at the airport Fayemi expressed delight over it commissioning, describing it as another legacy project of his administration.

He stated the Airport is of a world class standard, being a category 4E airport, saying that it could accommodate large cargo Aircrafts and that Cargo Apron 155m x 128m would conveniently accommodate two 747-400, and the passenger apron 137m x 100.5m can also accommodate three Boeing 737. “The runaway length is 3.2km, the width is 60m (45m full strength and 7-5m each at the shoulders). The terminal building is built to operate and process international and domestic passengers”, he added.

He said as they looked forward to the several benefits derivable from this Airport in terms of promotion of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Tourism, Sports and other multiplier effects on real estate and medical tourism he thanked the people of the state for their understanding and cooperation.

He expressed appreciation to the consultant, KEFE Engineering, the Construction Company CCECC, the airport team, and the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for the selfless service. He also thank the Nigerian Air Force for the upcoming establishment of their base in Ekiti as part of the development of this Airport.

“While the airport is now capable of having aircraft taking off and landing, there are still ancillary services that we still need for it to be fully operational. I am confident that the incoming administration will not spare any effort in completing these additional services”, Fayemi noted.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

By Bisade Ojoye

A postulate says, “a prophet is not without honour except in his home”. This did not hold water in the case of the outgoing governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode FAYEMI who was warmly received by mammoth crowd of sons and daughters, clergyman, chiefs and traditional ruler of his home town, Isan-Ekiti at a special Reception Ceremony in his honour.

At the special event held at the new palace ground, Isan-Ekiti, chaired by Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu all the speakers spoke so glowingly about him. Leading the retinue was the traditional ruler of Isan-Ekiti and Chairman of Ekiti State Council Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon who said they had gathered to express profound gratitude to the outgoing governor for his developmental efforts in the stated.

Oba Adejuwon said Dr. Fayemi had served the state and the nation meritoriously and that the sons and daughters of Isan-Ekiti both at home and in Diaspora were proud of him. ” We are indeed grateful to him for establishing Ekiti State Polytechnic in Isan, Isan Model School, renovation of our primary schools, establishment of CAC Nursery and Primary Schools, renovation of Health Centre Youths employment etcetera”.

The President of Isan-Ekiti Progressive Union, Chief Joseph Idowu described Dr. Fayemi as a proud son of Isan because according to him, he identified with the people in all their efforts towards its growth. We are indeed proud of him and we value his contributions. we had to shift this year’s Isan day to be able to honour him as he bows out office”.

The National President of Isan Youth Progressive Youth Frontline, Comrade Ogunsan Matthew Adebayo described Fayemi as a dependable leader, mentor, philanthropist and a great Icon of their time; a worrior and dogged fighter, proactive and articulate mentor.

Barrister Dayo Apata said the achievements of Dr. Fayemi were testaments to the struggle for a better Ekiti state, saying he brought into governance character, integrity and responsibility. ” You deployed all your potentials, physical, mental and academic into making Ekiti great. Isan will forever be proud of you.”

Dr. John Kayode Fayemi expressed gratitude to the people for their support to him towards the development of the state and vowed not to take their support and love for granted.

By Olamide Yinusa

The Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, this Thursday dismissed an application for Stay of Execution of the judgment delivered on September 27, 2022 in respect of Ogun state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries.

The matter came up on Thursday and the Counsel to Hon. Ladi Adebutu and the PDP, Mr. Muyiwa Obanewa told the court that he was abandoning the application for stay of execution of the judgment of the court and would seek to withdraw it because he was almost done compiling records and transmitting same to the Court of Appeal.

Thaddeus Idenyi of Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) and co., who represented the Plaintiffs, Taiwo Olabode and others, asked for cost because they had filed a response to the application for stay of execution of the judgment of the court.

On his part, Mr. Deji Enisehin, counsel to Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal urged the court to dismiss the application because it was dead on arrival as issues had been joined and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had complied with the order of court by not recognizing Adebutu as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun state.

The trial judge, Hon. Justice O.O. Oguntoyinbo in his ruling, dismissed the application for stay of execution of the judgment of the court delivered on the 27th of September, 2022 but refused to make any order as to cost.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the decision of the immediate past governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to support the governorship candidate of another party during the forthcoming general elections as unfortunate.

Abiodun, who stated this in Ota at a combined ward meeting of the 16 wards in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state added that he was never perturbed by the outburst of Amosun, but remained focus and looking ahead towards a successful reelection.

He said, “it is regrettable that the former governor has forgotten so quickly how his preferred candidate in another party lost woefully during the last general elections”.

Abiodun stated that his victory during the 2019 general elections, despite the antics, anti-party politics of the Senator Amosun became a success story

He said he watched the former governor on television recently saying he would work for the emergence of APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu, yet he had not taking any step, saying it was baffling for someone to sit somewhere and saying he was going to work. Is that not in vein?Asked the governor who described Tinubu’s presidential ambition as a finished and successful assignment. “Asiwaju is definitely going to win”, Abiodun assured.

“He is a member of our great party and he said that he would not work for the emergence of our party in our state. He is someone that could not even work to become a candidate of the party and he is saying he won’t work for the party during the forthcoming gubernatorial election. Was he even part of those that worked for my emergence during the last election? God will surprise them,” he said.

Governor Abiodun at the meeting disclosed that work would soon begin on the reconstruction of Itele and Ota-Idiroko road, assuring the people that the Atan- Lusada-Agbara, Tollgate-Singer, Ota-Idiroko and Ijoko-Ota-Alagbole roads would soon be completed.

He also promised residents of the local government that his administration would stop at nothing to ensure that ongoing road rehabilitation across the local government would be completed in order to enhance the smooth movement of goods and services.

Abiodun who said he would send two or three graders to the local government to assist them in grading rural roads, also said that about ten electricity transformers would be sent to the local government area.

He implored the party faithfuls in the local government to continue to hold their ward meetings, saying that his administration would try its best to extend welfare packages to youths and women in the local government.

He assured that his administration would continue to align with the party executive at the various wards in order to identify some of the challenges facing them, stressing that the welfare of party members would be given a topmost priority in the scheme of things

Earlier, the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Sheriff Adewale applauded the governor for his commitment towards the development of the state, assuring that members of the party at the local government level would work hard to ensure the governor’s re-election and the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as the next president.

By Bisade Ojoye

commissioner for economic planning and budget, Lagos State; Nike Aboderin, director, finance and account, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor, Lagos State, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat; Rabiu Yadudu, managing director, FAAN, and Ope George, Director General, Public Private Partnership, Lagos State Government, during the opening ceremony of Ehingbeti Lagos Economic Summit 2022 in Lagos.

Federal Government has issued approval letter to Lagos State government on the proposed Lekki-Epe cargoes and passengers Airport, Lagos.

The airport, when completed, is expected to cater for about 5m air- traveling passengers around Lekki, Ajah and Epe axis of Lagos state annually.

While officially handling over the approval letter for development of the airport to the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2022 edition of the Lagos Economic Summit tagged “Ehingbeti” on Victoria Island, Lagos, the Aviation minister, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, said, the state is qualified to embark on the project, looking at the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos.

The proposed airport, he said, is crucial, especially as the state embarked on its 30-year Development Plan to make the state the model mega city in Africa and one of the best in the world, adding that “the airport would be effective to link Lagos with Africa and the rest of the world, through the aviation industry. The Lekki airport is the right step in the right direction.”

To him, “aviation has the uniqueness to link markets and opportunities, which Lagos can offer.”

Giving her welcome Address earlier at the event, the Co- chair of Ehingbeti 2022, Mary Iwelumo, said, the Ehingbeti is an important platform for private and public sector stakeholders in Lagos State to engage around the State developmental agenda as it continues to be an invaluable tool for moulding the growth ambition of Lagos, having birthed several landmark projects in the State.

Stating that the focus of this year’s edition of Ehingbeti is “building and achieving consensus on the path to sustainable socio-economic development of Lagos State”.

Iwelumo, who is also a Partner at PwC Nigeria, said, “it is the intention of the economic summit group to introduce and officially launch the Lagos State Development Plan(LSDP 2052) – a holistic plan that clearly articulates initiatives that will guide the State’s ambition of becoming Africa’s Model Mega City, a Global, Economic and Financial Hub that is Safe, Secure, Functional and Prosperous”.

“With the growing youthful and vibrant population, there is no slowing Lagos down. Case in point, this year, based on the number and quality of start-ups, the Global Start-up Ecosystem index ranked Lagos as 81 of the top 1,000 startup cities, reflecting a +41 shift from it’s position in 2021.

“This is a substantial milestone as it is the first year where an African city (Lagos) made the global top 100 list. This is just one of many milestones recorded in Lagos. These successes will result in the migration of more people into the State. As Lagosians, we must be ready for this influx,” she pointed out.

The LSDP 2052- a plan for Lagosians by Lagosians, she said, is expected to play integral part in galvanising the vibrancy of Lagosians and sustaining the State’s growth trajectory for the next 30 years.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Lagos State, Mr. Sam Egube said Lagos was not progressing by luck or accident but evolving through the rigour of conversations and exchanges of ideas coming from platforms like Ehingbeti and the commitment of successive governments, determined to execute resolutions reached at Ehingbeti.

“It is for this reason that we say in Lagos and argue everywhere we go that for the benefits of national growth and nation building, Lagos should not be treated as just a state but accorded special status as a national asset. Lagos continues to lead the Nation in demonstrating what her future can be and indeed take her into the continent as we pursue the objective of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“As long as the earth remains, we will continue to have challenges that have not been resolved yet alongside victories over challenges that are being achieved. Indeed, the plane will take off and fly despite the presence of gravity. Also, Investment decisions are taken due to observed opportunities and observed progress. That is the spirit of Lagos, that is the spirit of Ehingbeti,” he stressed.

The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said cities around the world, were facing a combination of threats and opportunities capable of amplifying globalisation, technology, climate change and even global pandemics like Covid-19”

“These threats and opportunities are often intertwined, meaning that, for example, climate change represents both a challenge to lives and livelihoods as well opportunities for innovation and reinvention”

He promised the state was committed to planning and strategies, not just for today but for tomorrow as well because he believed that, the future of Lagos was in theirs to build, assuring that the 30-year development plan was in the right direction in its continued march towards global governance and excellence.

”Without implementation, even the best of plans are of no use to anyone. After putting in the work to craft and articulate the plans, we must proceed to put in the hard work required to implement it, regardless of the difficulties and obstacles involved. There is no meaningful decisions that will be made without some measure of pain and sacrifice. This is where dedicated leadership is required. As a State government, we will provide the required leadership to move from plan to action, and to transform Lagos from megacity to model megacity,” he pointed out.

He said, Lagos State would continue to achieve its potentials, built on resilience, its rich heritage of culture, innovation and entrepreneurship and most importantly, its people.

By Olamide Yinusa

Ogun State Government has said that would soon commence the first phase payment of N1bn operational grant to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), selected across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State under the Ogun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (OG-CARES) programme.

Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abeokuta, stating that the World Bank-assisted grant was to facilitate recovery and enhance capabilities of business operators for employment retention and job creation, after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Okubadejo, who is also the Chairman, Steering Committee, OG-CARES, revealed that over 3,500 successful MSEs applicants would get a maximum of N100,000 and N350,000 respectively as the selection process would be transparent and fair, adding that women, youths and persons living with disabilities would be given priority.

According to him, “we will ensure that all the beneficiaries were carefully selected and they represented a broader spectrum of the people that have been specifically affected”.

The Commissioner maintained that the reverberating effect of COVID-19 had affected several businesses, especially Micro and Small Enterprises across the world, saying there would be periodic verification by independent agents after disbursement to ensure that beneficiaries utilise the grant judiciously.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State Government has called on subscribers of Prince Court Estate to take full possession of their houses with immediate effect, as failure to comply may lead to forfeiture of the property.

Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi gave this assurance during an interactive session with allottees of Prince Court Estate, Kobape, Abeokuta, saying the present administration’s agenda on housing was to meet the demands of the people who needed shelter.

Omoniyi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing necessary basic amenities, such as potable water and electricity supply, as well as prepaid meters, among others, to ease their livelihood.

The Commissioner said, ’’it is the responsibility of the government to make basic amenities available; the sinking of boreholes will not be needed as electricity and water supply are not part of what you should do’’.

He pleaded with those who were waiting for the next phase to exercise patience, saying the Ministry was working towards ensuring completion of the third phase of the estate.

Speaking, the Managing Director, Gateway Mortgage Bank, Mr. Wale Osisanya called on the allottees with the Bank to regularise their insurance policy and other mortgage documents, noting that the decision would prevent mortgage loss and unforeseen hazards.

By Bisade Ojoye

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has felicitated His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Chairman Ogun State Council of Oba and Akarigbo of Remoland as well as other indigenes of the state for their bestowment of national awards by the President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Akarigbo and others were today Tuesday bestowed national honours in different categories alongside other distinguished Nigerian at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to the governor, “it gives us in Ogun State so much pride to have illustrious sons and daughters of our dear State as well as other notable Nigerians receive prestigious national awards in recognition of their exemplary commitment to service and nation.

“We appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for rewarding these torchbearers”, Abiodun adducing the feats to the “BuildingOurFutureTogetherAgenda of the state”.