In its effort at putting an end to open defecation by year 2025, Ogun State Government said a document, which would serve as guiding template /working tools, by all and sundry, for the attainment of open defecation free status, had been developed for adoption.

Commissioner for Rural Development, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun said this at a day stakeholders sensitisation workshop on “Clean Ogun State-Use the Toilet”, commemorating the year 2020 World Toilet Day, at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Oludotun stated that the State government had mobilised high level political support and other necessary resources, towards building a new culture to safe and sustainable sanitation.

He added that the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency(RUWATSAN), is addressing part of the crisis around rural water supply, through release of counterpart fund by the present administration for the implementation of the National PEWASH Programme.

He called for the collaboration of Local Government authorities, Ward and Community- based Organisations, private sectors and households, as well as Federal Government and development partners.

In her keynote address, Wife of the State Governor who was decorated as the Lead Sanitation Ambassador on Total Eradication of Open Defecation, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said adequate sanitation and good hygiene were parts of fundamental human right that guarantee good health, social and economic wellbeing of the citizens, noting that the stated basic necessities remained greater challenge among larger percentage of the population.

“Let me inform this gathering that the present administration will not take the issue of open defecation with levity. It is for this reason we are stepping up campaign against this act and as the State ambassador on Total Eradication of Open Defecation. I will ensure that by year 2025 every household in the State, particularly those in the rural areas has toilet”, Mrs. Abiodun assured.

She acknowledged the contributions of donor agencies such as UNICEF/ Unilever through its Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiative in Odeda Local Government Area, the intervention which she said had led to achieving 80percent Open Defecation Free (ODF), with additional 145 ODF acclaimed communities, urging other private organisations and well-meaning individuals to emulate such gesture.

In his goodwill message, the Minister for Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, represented by Mrs. Ayaba Kogbara, said the ugly practice of open defecation has became a norm in many communities, due to lack of sanitation facilities, noting that remarkable progress had been made through various Federal, State and Local Governments’ interventions at achieving ODF- country by 2025.

‘’Statistics from the recent launch 2019 Water Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM), shows that we are making marginal progress as 46million Nigerians are still practicing open defecation, a decrease from the 47 million reported in 2018”, he said.

Engr. Adamu added that access to basic water and sanitation services now stands at 70 percent and 44 percent respectively, compared to the 68 percent and 42 percent in the 2018 report.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, ESV. Olalekan Lukan, said the event would facilitate quick response to achieving the ministry’s goals, with overall impact on people’s health, emphasising the need for residents to join hands with government in maintaining clean environment and ensure total eradication of open defecation.

Speaking, the Acting General Programme Manager and State Sanitation Desk Officer, Mr. Sola Ogunbo said the country’s commitment to end open defecation is gradually yielding results, commending the State government for creating conducive environment for the agency to be part of the additional 12 States, keying into the Partnership for Expanded Water Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) Programme.

Highlight of the event was the decoration of a musician, Alhaja Queen Salawa Abeni, as Sanitation Co- partner on End Open Defacation.

Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe has called on beneficiaries of the zero-interest loan from the FCMB SheVentures, to repay the loan as stipulated in the agreement, to enable more women in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), benefit.

Mrs. Longe made the call during the presentation of cheques to women beneficiaries at the 2020 Women Entrepreneurship Day, organised by the Office of the Wife of the Ogun State Governor, in collaboration with FCMB SheVentures, at Conference Hotel, Abeokuta.

She stated that the loan which ranges from N500,000 to N5m was facilitated by the Office of the Wife of the Governor, noting that it should be seen as a seed that must be well utilised, to improve their businesses towards cushioning the negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Beneficiaries of this zero-interest loan should use it to grow their businesses. It is a zero-interest loan and not a grant. When beneficiaries repay the loan, it will further make a case for more women to secure loans through this platform”, she said.

The Commissioner noted that her Ministry would continue to build a stronger partnership with FCMB SheVentures, to ensure that more women entrepreneurs in the State are empowered in terms of access to capital and capacity building, stressing that empowering women would help in lifting more Nigerians out of poverty and bring about the actualization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She lauded the lender for providing the facility, especially at the period when businesses need capital to grow, calling on the organisation to continue to support women entrepreneurs through access to capital and capacity building programmes.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms. Sola Arobieke lauded the contribution of SheVentures, for supporting Ogun women in business, despite the pandemic and different challenges that have threatened the global economy in the year.

The Executive Director, Business Development, FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith, said the bank is focused on empowering women, as it is a catalyst to sustainable development, job creation and poverty reduction.

She added that those empowered were selected based on certain criteria, adding that the financial institution would continue to provide the necessary support to all the beneficiaries to ensure their success, as well as provide more of such loans to women entrepreneurs.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Cynthia Saka appreciated the organisation for coming to their aid, assuring that they would not disappoint in the repayment of the loan.

Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, is to benefit from the British Government’s ‘Future City Programmme’ that would transform it into a smart city.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known at the Thanksgiving service, marking the 15th Coronation Anniversary of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Ake, Abeokuta, disclosed that his administration would continue to give the State capital all the attention it deserves.

“We bidded among so many countries and States to the British Government, which requires us to nominate cities for what they called ‘the Future Cities Programme’ and Ogun State nominated Abeokuta.

“In the entire country and the continent, only 19 cities were selected in Nigeria, Abeokuta and Lagos were chosen for the programme. This is a programme that is been championed by the British Government”, he said.

Governor Abiodun noted that his administration would not abandon any project left behind by the last administration, insisting that only those that have a direct impact on the people would be completed.

He said one of the completed road projects in the capital city is Fajol-American-Gbonagun road, while the Oke-Lantoro- Elite road, Panseke-Adigbe, Kuto flyover and the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway, as well as Ijoko-Ota to Isheri roads, were ongoing.

“I am proud to say that we have also kept our commitment, that any project that will benefit our people will be given priority, that is why the hitherto abandoned model school in Kobape is now the Tech hub, the same way I have energised the completion of Adigbe road, likewise Kuto-NNPC road, even as we have initiated new projects to make Abeokuta a deserving capital and a modem city”, he said.

The Governor stated that the present government would remain committed to the equitable distribution of amenities to all parts of the State, noting that he would leave the State better than he met it.

He described the monarch as an impartial ruler, who served his fatherland meritoriously in the military, saying that he is not only a blessing to Egbaland, but a role model to the present and future generations.

In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop, Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson, said the Oba was anointed by God to serve his people, should do what is right to all manner of people at all times.

Taking his verse from first Samuel 16 vs 7 and Romans 13 vs 1-2, the clergyman advised the Alake to seek wise counsel, lead by example, unite his subjects, as well as draw nearer to God, who is the King of kings.

By Lawal Adesola

Ogun State Government, in collaboration with Orange Card, is planning to host maiden edition of Teachers Fest in the State, in order to inculcate and impact Information, Communication Technology (ICT) on wards at the early stage. It will also contain the training of teachers on Information Communication Technology (ICT), so as to enhance a better training/teaching of wards in the course of their job.

The programme, tagged “Teachers Fest” will come up on the November 28, 2020 in Abeokuta, the State Capital.

Speaking to newsmen during a press conference, the Coordinator, Orange Card, Mr. Abiodun Oshodi of Orange Card said the Teachers Fest will be first of its kind in Nigeria and Ogun State, noting that teachers were the most important people on earth.

“The reward of teachers should not be in heaven but enjoyed on earth. Teachers form the contents of the input of education, while technology is there to enable them to be better at delivering value,” Oshodi said.

He noted that during the Teachers Fest, teachers would be exposed to the new global system of delivering and making learning attractive to their wards/pupils as well as teachers.

He added that it would be of help in delivering value to the society and enhancing better teaching, adding that the State has done a lot for teachers in terms of timely payment of their salaries and emoluments.

Oshodi disclosed that the strategic workshop would provide ample opportunity for master-class training for those interested, noting that it would flag off ICT training for teachers, as well as awards that would attract 10 million Naira grant for career advancement and for continued self improvement toward becoming the best.

He disclosed that Gateway Mortgage Bank pledged support for the programme, because , according to the management of bank, teachers are the pride of the world and should not be undermined in society.

Speaking earlier, the Director of Information, Bureau of Information (BIT), Mrs. Olatundun Adekunle said the TechHub cared for the teachers in the State and would always work towards widening their knowledge on digital methods and equipment, as the world is now in the digital age.

She said teachers would benefit immensely from the upcoming Teachers Fest which comprises different activities, such as access to discount market, and special ICT master-class sessions that would be hosted in the State.

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has presented cheques worth N26m interest free loan to 11 women entrepreneurs in her quest to empower women in the society.

Mrs. Abiodun, at the event marking the 2020 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, restated her commitment to ensuring women entrepreneurs in the State, have access to loan opportunities, for the growth of their businesses.

She said it was necessary for government and corporate bodies to assist the women folk, saying, “when we reflect on the mandate of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we are reminded that educated women are powerful force for change, that is why I am a strong proponent of girl child empowerment, because the long term gains for our societies are worth the investment”.

The First Lady disclosed that her office received correspondence from SheVentures team in January, 2020, explaining that the vision behind the initiative was to empower women in business in Ogun.

She said the gesture would help open women entrepreneurs up to potential opportunities around them.

“In January this year, I received some correspondence from the team, explaining the vision behind SHE-VENTURES. It was a simple vision to empower women in business in Ogun State. The initiative was their response to growing calls to support women owned enterprises through financial and non- financial means, that can open them up to potential opportunities around them”, she remarked.

Mrs. Abiodun appreciated FCMB SheVentures team for supporting Ogun State Government and advised the beneficiaries to put the loan to judicious use.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru, former, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni and Ms. Bukola Onabanjo in their goodwill messages, unanimously enjoined the beneficiaries to invest the loan wisely, so as to be qualified for more after their repayment tenure.

The Executive Director, Business Development, FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith in her address, acknowledged the role of Mrs. Abiodun in empowering women in the State, promising that the bank would continue to be supportive of her office and the women folk.

She stated that FCMB recognised the role of women as entrepreneurs, nation builders and catalysts to sustainable development, explaining that the initiative was to give special attention to women entrepreneurs for easier access to finance, capacity building and building networks, which according to her would in turn bring about job creation and poverty reduction in the society.

By Lawal Adewoga

Sport philanthropist and businessman, Hon. Kunle Soname has said sports, if properly harnessed, would curb social vices among youths in the State and Nigeria at large.

Soname stated this during a visit of Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde and members of Technical Committee on Resuscitation and Repositioning of Sports, to seek for his support towards the forthcoming National Sport Festival tagged; ‘Edo2020’ at his residence in Ikenne.

He explained that sport can be a major tool in assisting government to engage youths, as a way of preventing them from involving in any untoward behavior that could impact negatively on the society.

The philanthropist who promised to look into areas that he could invest in sports, admonished them to look into other sporting activities apart from football, as it is cheaper and more rewarding.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde said the Committee was set up to stimulate the Sports sector and also engage youths, appreciating Hon. Soname for his gesture over the years, saying the State is blessed to have him.

Members of the entourage include; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Olayiwola Abiodun, Acting Director of Sports, Ogun State Sport Council, Mrs. Iyabo Rotimi, Association Chairman and Nigeria Football Federation board member, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Gateway United Football Club General Manager, Mr. Niyi Soleye among others.

By Sola Adesola

A foremost Market leader in Ogun State has poured encomium on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun over the recent launching of AdireOgun, a native clothing material being produced in the state.

Speaking on the launch, Princess Adedamola Adeleke Adedoyin who is the Iyalaje of Falawo Market, Ofin Sagamu, the first Market in Remo Division of the State, said the step taken by the Governor has shown that he appreciated and valued the rich cultural and traditional heritage of people of the state and would be ready to promote them for the growth of the state and the wellbeing of the people.

Princess Adeleke-Adedoyin stated that, with the pronouncement and decision of the Abiodun led administration to promote AdireOgun, he has also expressed his love for the women, because, according to her, majority of the makers and marketers of Adire are woman who stand to benefit enormously from gesture.

She described the policy of Prince Abiodun as developmental on the grounds that it would help the state and indeed the Nigerian Nation to export her own locally made products to the rest of the world, stressing that, even though Adire had been popularly known around the world, the policy of the government to make it a uniform wear would definitely add to its salability and marketability.

The Iyalaje promised that herself and fellow women folk bought into the idea in its totality and were ready to work assiduously to raise the bar in the production of the most competitively price and adorably produced quality of Adire.

Princess Adedamola Adeleke Adedoyin thanked Prince Dapo Abiodun for his foresight and deep thinking which she described as the Hallmark of a selfless leader who is really desirous of positively imparting the market women and men in particular and the people of the state in general.

By Sola Soneye

The Royal household of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, and his wife, Yeyeluwa, Olori Silekunola Naomi Ogunwusi has been blessed with a Crown Prince.

In a special Release signed by Moses Olafare, Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace the Royal Mother gave birth to the Heir to the Oduduwa throne at the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 18th November 2020.

The release informed that Yeyeluwa and the Crown Prince are in a perfect condition.

It further read “Congratulations to the Royal family, the kingdom of Ife (The Source), Yoruba race and the entire descendants of Oduduwa worldwide on the save arrival of this Heir to the sacred throne of the Ooni of Ife”

By Omotola Lawal

The aggressive move by the present administration at securing appropriate youth and women empowerment and the advancement of her Gross Domestic Product for socio-economic independence of the state has made the need for harnessing demographic dividends and potentials inevitable.

This development triggered the ongoing 5 Day Workshop, tagged ‘’Development of Road Map for Harnessing Demographic Dividend’’ organised by the Ministry of Budget and Planning in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA] and Health Policy Training and Research Programme [HPTRP] at Ijebu Ode.

Speaking at the flag off of the workshop, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan represented by the Director of Planning of the Ministry, Mr. Akinyemi Otunuga, said that the ever growing population of the state which was put at a growth rate of 3.2% annually, portended a great asset if properly harnessed through deliberate efforts in carrying out policy decisions and programmes that would increase the working population, improve the standard of living and dependency ratio, a combination of which would lead to increased savings, investment and accelerated economic growth.

Otunuga said that part of the Medium Term Sectoral Strategy (MTSS) of the state was to see it fully implemented to achieve a desirable growth by year 2030, stating that this accounted much for the Governor’s resolve at energizing the youth and women with series of initiatives like ‘Okowo Dapo’, a replica of the trader money at the federal level.

He revealed that other human capacity building initiatives of this present administration include the re-invention of the ICT sector with the establishment of Ogun Tech Hub, a fully integrated ICT Center, which is second to none in the country; the massive revolution tasking place in the Agricultural sector, where a whole lot of youths are being empowered daily with projects that included, the CBN financed Anchor Borrowers Programme; the Broiler and Cassava projects as well as the World Bank financed Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) which is set at creating an enabling environment for Business and Investment as well as setting the pace for the total overhauling of the State Technical Colleges for improved skills development.

The Director of Planning however advised all stakeholders at the Ogun developmental programme to ensure that government policies and programmes were implemented completely as only this could ensure the achievement of a favourable demographic dividend for the state.

Other resource personalities at the workshop include Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Dr. Akanni Lawanson and Dr. Noah Olaseinde from the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, who were of the view that it was only when the state improved on increasing its working population in fields that have multipliers effect like agriculture, that an enabling environment where the private sector involvement in economic development could thrive, would be created.

Dr Akanni Lawanson particulary harped on the improvement of the agricultural sector, which he believed could create massive employment if its value chain was explored.

At the end of the various presentations, it became a consensus among participants that the working class population of the state Needed to be improved on, the enablers of conducive environment that included infrastructural development should be upgraded and areas of strength among the vulnerable should be worked on for the state to achieve a desirous demographic dividends by the year 2030 as proposed, saying that the working population which stood at around 3 million out of about 6 million people of the state could be increased creating an enabling environment where they can break even and become self-sustenance

By Omotola Lawal

National Parents’ Teachers Association, for his landmark achievements in the education sector has bestowed
2020 best Governor on education in Nigeria on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Presenting the Award to the Governor in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the President of the Association, Chief Adeola Ogunbanjo, acknowledged the innovative ideas brought to bear in the sector while highlighting, free education, stoppage of education levies, offering of automatic employment to best graduating students in higher Institutions, renovation of schools and increase in students enrollment, as some of the factors that led to the award.

“We have observed your landmark achievements in the education sector. You did not only make education free, you stopped payment of education levies in the schools, employed best graduating students in our higher Institutions and you are renovating schools.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, no incident was recorded in Ogun schools. Of course this is possible because you brought your managerial skills into play. We see you as education friendly Governor and that is why we are giving you this award as the best Governor in education for 2020”, Ogunbanjo explained.

The PTA President who called for the inclusion of the association in the scheme of things in the State, described the OgunDIGI Class as an innovation that kept students in the State busy during the pandemic, calling for adoption by other States.

Responding, Governor Abiodun said his administration would focus on technical and vocational education as a means of taking the youth out of unemployment market.

Prince Abiodun who described technical and vocational training as one of the ways of engaging the youth positively, noted that his administration has revitalised some of the technical colleges to train artisans and also set up a TechHUB facility to enable youths leverage on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The Governor said the ongoing rehabilitation of primary Schools across the State was to provide the right environment for teaching and learning, assuring that the gesture would be extended to secondary schools and technical colleges.

Prince Abiodun also informed that government was working towards a uniform curriculum, while fibre optics cable was currently being laid to educational Institutions, to enable students have access to Internet service and allow for e-learning.

He called the Association to partner the State by offering useful advise that would help to further reposition the sector.