By Olufemilade Oyinade

Former Governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel on Thursday validated his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state by participating in the ongoing registration and validation exercise of the party.

Daniel registered at Olukotun Polling Unit, Ward 12, Isote in Sagamu local government area.

The former Governor who performed the exercise alongside his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel were registered by Ward Chairman Suji Olusegun.

The exercise was supervised by the Chairman of the APC Revalidation and Registration Committee in Ogun State, Ademorin Kuye.

Daniel was officially received into the party on Tuesday by Governor Dapo Abiodun and other four governors on the platform of the party at his residence in Sagamu.

While receiving Daniel into the party, the Governor of the state, Dapo Abiodun disclosed Daniel would come with a robust experience, wisdom. He describing him as a very dynamic individual, referred to as the lion of the west.

Prince Abiodun was optimistic that Otunba Daniel’s presence in APC would add value to our the party. “I have the pleasure of leading my colleagues to receive you (OGD) into APC”, he stressed.

Responding, Daniel had said the decision to join APC was ‘well-considered and thought out.’

‘To all our people in Ogun State, I can assure that the decision to join the APC is a well-considered, well thought out decision.

‘More than any time in, the history of this country, what we need to do is to speak together with one voice. Our people have challenges, there is despondency in the land because of security challenges, and if anybody is patriotic, this is the time for us to join hands.

‘And for us in Ogun State, we have no other choice, we have a good governor and we are determined to support him to succeed,’ Daniel stated.

Residents of Ogun State have been charged to patronise the Primary Health Centers spread across the 20 Local Government Areas, so that Government’s desire to provide free health for the vulnerable under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) could be achieved.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who made this call while supervising the ongoing registration of vulnerable in Emulu Village, Orile-Itesi, Odeda Local Government Area of the State, saying that low patronage of people would have negative effect, and jeopardise the efforts of the government at making living more comfortable for residents.

The State Government had in the last few weeks commenced the registration of 1,000 vulnerable in each of the Local Government Areas into the BHCPF, to ensure adequate and sustainable funding to provide quality health care services and financial risk protection for the people.

Coker noted that the basic provision of the Fund included ante-natal care for pregnant women and post-natal care up to six weeks, with overall treatment for children up to the age of five, while the aged would have access to treatment for headache, common malaria, blood pressure, diabetes, Tuberculosis and other basic medical conditions

The Commissioner said investment of the present administration in upgrading the health centers should not be left unutilized, pointing out that all efforts put in place were geared towards making healthcare accessible to people at no far distance.

Appreciating the Prince Dapo Abiodun led-administration for its huge investment in the health sector, the Olu of Itesi, Oba Olayinka Adeniyi, affirmed that his subjects would not take government efforts for granted.

The Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State has promised to reward resourceful youths and also do all within its capacity to bring out the best in them by preparing them for the task of leadership in the future.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu gave this assurance in Abeokuta, while hosting Miss. Adetutu Seriki, a graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta who is one of the corps members honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari for outstanding performance, during the one-year youth service programme.

Arigbabu pointed out that the State government would always associate with youths who have distinguished themselves with notable achievements, advising her to make good use of the benefits the award offered.

The Commissioner expressed delight in her exemplary commitment during the service year, describing her as a role model for others to emulate.

Professor Arigbabu declared, “On behalf of the State government, I congratulate and rejoice with one of our outstanding students, who have proven herself during the National Youth Service Corp programme, to attract presidential recognition and award. We are proud of you and we will continue to support you, because such feat is worth emulating”.

In his contribution, the Acting Rector of MAPOLY, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji said the awardee had made the school proud among its class in the country, while admonishing other students to be good ambassadors of the State.

Recounting her experience earlier, the Computer Science graduate attributed her success to God, saying the plight of the pupils of Ibadan Municipal Government Primary School, 1&2, Oje, Alakia Oke Elewa, in Ibadan, spurred her to solicit support from philanthropists to provide modern well, uniforms and sandals to them.

The awardee who was not posted to the school originally also embarked on mending of collapsed part of the school’s fence, fixed a new gate to the school and donated food items and toiletries to the Children of Jesus Orphanage Home.

Miss. Seriki alongside other 109 corps members have been offered automatic employment into the Federal Civil Service and scholarship for the pursuit of post-graduate studies up to doctorate level in any choice of university in Nigeria and cash prizes.

The Ogun State Government has tasked medical personnel on its payroll to shun act of private practice while on duty, in order to avoid revenue leakages and justify government huge investment in the health sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro gave this charge while leading a team on a monitoring visit to the State Hospital, Isara and General Hospital, Iperu.

Dr. Aigoro said the delivery of efficient services depend on the availability of human and material resources, adding that concentration, focus and patience of the staff in health facilities would help government achieve its goal on improving the health status of the people.

“Indeed, you need to do away with private practice, especially at the expense of the government, you should realise that this is what you are being paid for. And this job needs concentration, focus and patience. So, you need not to leave your job and attend to other people at your private hospitals”, he said.

Dr. Aigoro who charged them on prudency, maintenance of health facilities/equipment, said the procurement of Haematology Analyzers for Haematology works and Non-Selective Electrodes for Chemistry was imperative to provide specialised services, assuring that more equipment needed in various hospitals would be provided across the three Senatorial Districts for prompt service delivery.

Responding, the Medical Director of the State Hospital, Isara, Dr. Bankole Durojaiye said the visit of the monitoring team was timely, noting that the routine exercise would help x-ray its needs and encourage members of staff to improve on their output in health care service delivery.

On his part, his counterpart at the General Hospital, Iperu, Dr. Obasoji Olorundami gave kudos to the government for deeming it fit to assess the hospitals across the State, promising that the hospital would continue to deliver efficient services.

The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele has urged members and loyalists of the All Progressive Party (APC), in the State to shun violence and display acts of humility during and after the registration/revalidation exercise.

Oyedele stated this at this at the Ward 3 Polling Unit, GRA, Ota, in Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government Area of the State after revalidation of her membership and flagged off the exercise.

“Indeed, it is imperative to show acts of responsibility and humility during and after the exercise, we need to shun acts that will bring disorderliness and which will affect the smooth running of the exercise. It is our right to revalidate our membership but let us do it in the spirit of sportsmanship,” Oyedele said

She emphasised that the responsibility of leaders of the party was to mobilize members for the exercise, noting that politics is a game of numbers and not a social gathering nor club.

“In fact, the benefits of politics is not for the people in power alone, but the collective of our responsibility through being part of the revalidation exercise and become bonafide member of the party. Part of which include appointments, I am glad to say Ogun West has benefited in the present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun,” Oyedele said

While imploring party members to troupe out en masse for the revalidation exercise, Oyedele urged those willing to join the party to do so, now that the window of opportunity had been opened for them before its closes on February 25.

Also Speaking, the Chairman, Ogun State membership registration committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, said the exercise was critical towards repositioning the party, urging party loyalists to make themselves available for the revalidation exercise and cooperate with the committee to be hitch-free.

Kuye added that being a registered party members would open doors of opportunities for them, especially when it comes to appointments and other benefits in the State.

In their separate remarks, Senator, Kamal Odun, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Transition Chairman, Hon. Wasiu Lawal and Chairman APC Ogun West, Alhaji Muhammed Azeez urged party faithfuls and others who were willing to join the party to do so, imploring them to cooperate with the committee, shun violence and distance themselves from the act that could distrupt the exercise.

Arsenal legend, Thierry
Henry has emerged as shock front-runner to take over at Bournemouth after topping list of candidates ahead of former team-mate Patrick Vieira and John Terry

Bournemouth have been searching for a new boss after sacking Jason Tindall. Tindall was dismissed with the promotion hopefuls sitting sixth in Championship. Now Bournemouth want to talk to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

The Arsenal legend features on a high-profile list of names Bournemouth have earmarked as potential replacements for Jason Tindall, who was sacked earlier this month.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has emerged as a surprise name to take over at Bournemouth +6
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has emerged as a surprise name to take over at Bournemouth
The Championship side want to talk to the Frenchman about the managerial vacancy

Henry is currently boss at MLS outfit Montreal Impact, but the Cherries want the opportunity to talk to the Frenchman about their top job.

However, Henry endured a nightmare time in Monaco and only lasted three months, 20 games, in charge.

Monaco found themselves in the Ligue 1 relegation zone under his management during the 2018-19 season, having won only five times in all competitions.

But under a year on, he got his next managerial role in the MLS with Montreal, signing a two-year deal until the end of the 2021 season with an option to extend it by a further season.

Henry’s appointment would be viewed as a gamble with Bournemouth desperately targeting a straight return to the Premier League.

The Cherries currently sit sixth in England’s second division, 12 points off leaders Norwich and 11 behind Brentford occupying the final automatic promotion spot.

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele says the revival of Ogun State Agricultural and Multi-purpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA),by the present administration have led to wealth creation, poverty alleviation and provide employment opportunities for the people of the State.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele, who stated this at the induction and training of board members and key officers of OSAMCA, at the Obas complex, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, said the revival has further helped to chart a more practical way in creating avenues for economic sustainability, as the current administration would continue to prioritise socio- economic welfare programmes to improve people’s standard of living.

The Deputy Governor said the resuscitation of the Agency was no doubt a symbolic demonstration of successful implementation of the ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda of government, adding that the training would further position it to fulfil its mandate towards improving the performance of the Agency.

Earlier, in her remarks, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, urged the participants to make use of the opportunity to broaden their knowledge on Micro Credit Scheme and Small and Medium Scale Enterprise, expressing her Ministry’s continued support towards ensuring that OSAMCA achieve its goals.

Also speaking her counterpart in Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina, said credit linkage is an integral part of the goals of present administration, appealing to the Agency to make credit facilities available to farmers at little or no interest rate.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of OSAMCA, Hon. Abayomi Hunye appreciated the State government for taking the bold step in reviving the Agency, which is responsible for economic empowerment of the State, particularly at the grassroots.

Leader of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Team, Barr. Patrick Mgbebi, has advocated the need for the three tiers of government to diversify the economy, to help confront the dwindling economic trend.

Barr. Mgbebi made this submission during the reassessment tour of Economic Diversification Projects and Programmes, at the Conference Hall, Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He stated that the essence of the revenue mobilisation was to look at the non-oil sectors, in terms of mobilising revenue for government, towards providing necessary infrastructural and basic amenities for the people.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said the State is poised to work with the team, so that the objectives of the exercise would be achieved.

Okubadejo, represented by his counterpart in Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, noted that the timing of the advocacy could not have been better, citing the current dwindling revenue informed by the oil price dip and recent Coronavirus pandemic.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo disclosed that the tourism sector is very critical in achieving the diversification of the economy and poverty alleviation bid of the current administration, calling for more fund from the government and private investors to develop tourists’ sites, as well as amending certain legislations and policies.

On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina submitted that diversifying the economy through agriculture would not only increase revenue generation for the State and the nation at large, but also serve as a main tool for solving the nation’s unemployment problem.

He revealed further that agriculture would serve as the main source of raw materials for industries, putting it in mind that Ogun state is the industrial hub of the nation, as well as the main tool for curbing inflation, reduce hunger and malnutrition in the country.

By Segundo Adetiba

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said it was time urgent and pragmatic steps are taken in settling the farmer-herder clashes to guide against its snowballing into an unstoppable crisis.

Governor Abiodun, who stated this at a stakeholders parley on farmer-herder conflict held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, wondered why people who had lived together for years are now turning against each other.

“It has become worrisome that people who had co-existed peacefully for years are suddenly at each other’s throat on account of sources of livelihood. From time immemorial, herders and farmers have peacefully cohabited and have continued to find joint solutions to their mutual challenges, occasional frictions and misunderstandings, while sorting these differences amicably,” the Governor said.

While assuring that no stone would be left unturned in securing the people, the Governor maintained, “Our first priority in Ogun State is the safety of lives and property of everyone in our dear State irrespective of the circumstances of their birth or religious leaning. Let me restate that we will not compromise.

“There is a need for collective action between all of us, whether as native farmers; cattle owners; herders; local community leaders; security agents, et c. to rid our dear State of these criminals.

“We must use the opportunity of this parley to tell ourselves the truth, not necessarily by apportioning blame, but definitely we must come up with more practical and viable recommendations that will further cement the peaceful coexistence that we have always had in Ogun State”.

On his part, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, attributed the farmer-herder clashes to encroachment, poor education and poverty among the herders among others, called for the stoppage of moving cattle from the north to the south.

Ganduje described the crisis as an economic issue that is turning tribal and religious, calling on the Federal Government to assist herders transit from pastoral to modern ranching.

Governor Abubakar Sanni of Niger called for sincere actions to address the problem before it takes a new twist, noting that setting up of ranches was the best way to stop the crisis.

His Zamfara State counterpart, Alhaji Bello Mattawale recalled the activities of bandits in his state, regretting the loss of lives and destruction of property from the clashes.

The Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu said though Nigerians have a right to live in any part of the Country, there must be ways of identifying them and regulating their activities for peaceful co-existence.

The Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, called for a situation where the herders would stay in their respective states and allow those who need their cattle to come and buy from them.

He said the steps taken by Southwest Governors are not targeted at any group, but an attempt to prevent insurgency in the region, calling on the leadership of Miyetti Allah to expose (suspected) criminals among them so as not to give them bad name.

The Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona said the Council supports every step taken by the government in solving the crisis.

The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle cautioned the Miyetti Allah leadership to guide their utterances in the media, while the Onimeko of Imeko alleged that a lot of arms and ammunitions have been brought into Yewaland by foreign pastoralists, drawing government’s attention to the Imeko Forest Reserve which has been turned into a hideout by criminals.

The President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Mohammed Kiriwa, represented by the National Secretary, Uthman Ngelxema, noted that the crisis was caused by foreign herders as their Nigerian counterparts have always lived in peace with host communities, while the Chairman of the State All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Chief Segun Dasaolu revealed that there has been strong collaboration with some herders who have lived in the Southwest for more than 200 years, adding that it was time to combine forces to tackle the menace.

Rounding off discussions, Governor Abiodun said the Federal Government needed to take a second look at the ECOWAS treaty, as it was meant for people and not cattle movement, adding that a treaty was expected to be signed between the herders and the State Government on what has been discussed and agreed on how to go about it.

The Ogun State Government, in conjunction with National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has vowed to eradicate and fight against the excesses of human trafficking, molestation of child, rape, threats to life and other related offences in the State.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who doubled as Chairman Committee on Child and Human Trafficking in the State, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran made this submission during the constitution of Coordinators and Subcommittee of Task Forces to tackle incessant human trafficking and molestation of child, held at his office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Adeniran stated that it was very cogent to sensitize the general public on the side effect of human trafficking, noting that the committee was constituted to fight against child trafficking and of communication channels towards the suppression of crime, being the State closed to border area of the country.

“Indeed, the victims’ protection and eradication of human trafficking is our priority, also the emergency response to strengthen and enhance effective legal means to prevent the root causes of the menace of human trafficking in Persons,” Adeniran said

In her remarks, the Regional Director of NAPTIP, who also doubled as Vice Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, said that the proper collaboration amongst Law Enforcement Agencies remains panacea for effecting crime prevention in the country.

She added that many crimes were related to each other and therefore, needs closer relationship between Law Enforcement Agencies and other key agencies like Ministry of Justice to deal with them.

“In fact, most critical weakness preventing the full compliance to the report of the assessment concerns the legal restriction in NAPTIP prosecutors in respect of trafficking-related offences are not specifically contained in the NAPTIP Act,” Akomolafe said

She noted that offences like, rape, threats to life, aggravated physical and psychological injury, production and presentation of false identity or travel documents, membership of organized criminal structures and money laundering should also be curbed and look into for proper eradication.

She stated further that those offences were in the Panel and Criminal Codes, and could be prosecuted adequately by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), saying that the Agency continued to represent the most comprehensive and integrated model that currently exists in global terms.