Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration is irrevocably committed to the development of the state and the well-being of its citizens.

Prince Abiodun stated this on Saturday to mark the 48th anniversary of the creation of the state.

Ogun was created in 1976 by the regime of the late General Murtala Mohammed.

The governor noted that despite various challenges, the Gateway State has become one of the most prosperous states in Nigeria through the efforts of successive administrations.

Prince Abiodun praised the contributions of his predecessors who, he said, laid the foundation of what the state is today.

The governor also praised the people of the state for peacefully co-existing with one another in the last 48 years without communal crises, even as he called on them to maintain such unity for the progress of the state.

Prince Abiodun assured that his administration will continue with the upward growth trajectory of the state through the ‘Building Our Future Together’ mantra as encapsulated in ISEYA. 

He said: “On this momentous occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Ogun State as we celebrate the 48th anniversary of our beloved state. 

“Since its creation on this day in 1976, Ogun State has witnessed tremendous growth and development in various sectors. We have become a thriving hub of industry, education, and culture, creating immense pride in our hearts.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation to all citizens of Ogun State for their unwavering support and dedication to our collective progress. It is through your hard work, resilience, and determination that we have achieved remarkable milestones over the years. Together, we have laid a solid foundation for an even brighter future for our great State 

“As your Governor, I stand here today to assure you of my unwavering commitment to your well-being at all times. My administration remains steadfast in its mission to create an enabling environment that empowers our people and promotes inclusive growth. We will continue to prioritize infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation.

“I am proud of the strides we have made thus far, but I am aware that there is still much work to be done. I pledge to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our state and ensure that every citizen of Ogun State enjoys the fruits of our collective efforts.

“On  this occasion, I urge us all to reflect on the values that bind us together as one united and progressive Ogun State. Let us embrace the spirit of unity, support, and collaboration between the government and the people. Together, we can overcome any obstacles and build a future filled with prosperity, opportunities, and happiness for all.

“Once again, I congratulate everyone on this significant anniversary. Let us celebrate our achievements, honour our past leaders, and rededicate ourselves to the progress and development of Ogun State.”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has congratulated the national ream, the Super Eagles for qualifying for the semi-final at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles on Friday evening beat their Angolan counterpart by one goal to nil, scored in the 41 minutes by Ademola Lookman.

Governor Abiodun praised the resilience, tenacity and the team spirit displayed by the players in overcoming their opponents.

He urged the team to do Nigeria proud by qualifying for the finals of the African football showpiece.

He said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to our beloved Super Eagles on their impressive triumph over Angola, securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations.

“The team’s extraordinary display of skill, tenacity, and teamwork has made our nation proud. This victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and I commend every player and member of the coaching staff for their exceptional performance.

“As a state, we stand firmly behind our national team and will continue to support them as they strive for further success.”

The Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has felicitated members of the association for their contributions to the development and growth of the Profession at 60.

The Ogun SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji in a statement also commended the sacrifice of past leaders of the association for creating a platform for sports enthusiasts to demonstrate their writing potentials.

Comrade Ogunsiji while congratulating the SWAN President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin for piloting the canoe of the association at a time the union becomes 60, charged him to continue to toe the path of civility, transparency, and not to relent in his quest to restore peace to the association.

He noted that Ogun state being the cradle of Journalism in the country would continue to demonstrate and sustain the legacy of the founding fathers in the profession especially in sports reportage.

Comrade Ogunsiji said the association in Ogun state had organized series of sporting events for members and football tournaments for security and safety agencies as part of its contributions to the development in sports in the state.

He gave the assurance that the association would not relent in the discharge of it’s statutory duties of defending and upholding the moral and professional rights of members, contribute through advice, suggestions, criticisms or other means to the development and growth of sports.

Twenty two ( 22) Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly physically present today at the plenary have unanimously elected a member representing Odeda State Constituency, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide as the new Speaker of the State Legislature.

The election of Speaker Elemide, at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, followed the impeachment notice served on the Assembly by 25 out of the 26- member Assembly.

Ogun new speaker, Daisi Elemide, sworn inNew Ogun Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, being sworn-in by the Deputy Clerk, Barr. ( Mrs.) Funmi Adeyemi shortly after Elemide’s election by the State lawmakers during the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. ( Mrs.) Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi.
Elemide’s election during the plenary held at Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta followed his nomination by Hon Adegoke Awoso, seconded by Ademola Adeniran and supported through physical voting by all the 22 lawmakers present at the plenary.
Therefore, the Deputy Clerk, Barr. ( Mrs.) Funmi Adeyemi, administered the oath allegiance and that of office on the new Speaker Oludaisi Elemide before all the State lawmakers.

The Assembly had earlier passed a resolution for the adoption of a report of the Ad-hoc Committee set up by the House for the consideration of the impeachment notice served on the former Speaker on the allegations bothering on embezzlement of funds, high handedness and other related offences held yesterday, Monday 29th January, 2023 at the Assembly Complex.
The report of the adhoc Committee which interrogated the former Speaker reads: “at the commencement of interrogation, the Chairman made it clear to the embattled Speaker that the Committee is not on a witch hunting mission. However, the sitting is an avenue for fair hearing on the allegations levelled against him. The Rt. Hon. Speaker raised an observation that some of the Committee members do not have the right to be a member of the Committee to investigate him, since they were among the 18 Members who originally signed the impeachment notice.

In response, the Committee then established the fact that Order 2, Rule 9(vii) he referred to had been stepped down during the Plenary Session held on Monday 29th January, 2024.

It was stated that the action was necessary in view of the fact that all the 25 Honourable Members are in support of the exercise, hence any Member could serve in the Committee.

In the course of further cross examination of the Speaker, he insisted that the Chairman of the Committee must excuse him but his request was turned down since it was crystal clear to the Committee that the embattled Speaker wanted to cleverly evade questions from members of the Committee. Rt. Hon. Olakunle Taiwo Oluomo, having observed that the Committee turned down his request, walked-out on the Committee to avoid responding to further questions from the Committee.

The Committee observed that, the arrogance attitude of the Rt. Hon. Speaker as displayed before it, wishes to state as follows, that: (i) the attitude of the Speaker shows that he has no regard for the Committee and by extension, the House of Assembly; and (ii.) His attitude is a clear admittance of the allegations contained in the impeachment notice served on him.

The Committee considering the above stated observations, found him guilty of all allegations levelled against him and consequently recommended that he should be impeached”, the report stated.
Consequent upon the presentation of the Adhoc Committee report by the Chairman, Musefiu Lamidi, who also moved the motion for its adoption, and was seconded by Hon. Oluseun Adesanya, all the 22 lawmakers present unanimously supported the impeachment during a physical voting supervised by the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service, Deji Adeyemo.

The Majority Leader, Yusuf Sherif, thereafter moved the motion turning the submission to the resolution of the House for the impeachment of Olakunle Oluomo as the Speaker of the House, seconded by the Minority Leader, Adeleye Lukman with the support of all other lawmakers, after which the Deputy Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to communicate all concerned stakeholders on Oluomo’s impeachment with immediate effect.

Ogun State House of Assembly has expressed concern over activities of illegal miners, as it passed a resolution calling on all Federal and State regulatory agencies to enforce safety precautions in the storage and handling of explosives, especially the indiscriminate use of dynamites by miners in the various quarry sites across the State.

The passage of the resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by Hon. Bisi Oyedele and supported by other lawmakers after an extensive deliberation on the priority for the safety of the people and preservation of the environment at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Right Honourable Oludaisi Elemide at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Thursday 

Opening debate on the motion, the Sponsor, who is also the Minority Leader of the Assembly, Adeleye Lukman, submitted that with an assessment of the occurrence that claimed lives and properties in the neighbouring Oyo State, it had become imperative to address the  potential dangers posed by numerous mining sites across the State controlled mostly by unregistered foreigners with who often disregarded  environmental safety laws.

Adeleye, added that the State Ministries of Environment, as well as Industry, Trade, and Investment, be mandated to actively enforce and ensure strict compliance with safety regulations within the mining sector, noting that such proactive approach was crucial in preventing disasters and protecting the lives and property of  residents and public infrastructure.

Other lawmakers including Bisi Oyedele, Yusuf Amosun, BabatundeTella, Waliu Owode and Adegoke Adeyanju who corroborated the Sponsor’s submissions cited examples of various environmental infractions poised by the activities of the illegal miners.

Acknowledging that the mining sector was under the exclusive list, the lawmakers clarified that the State needed to put in place necessary measures to monitor and safeguard the people of the State.

They urged residents of the State to report any unsafe mining practices or storage of dynamites in their vicinity to the relevant government agencies.

The lawmakers noted that the motion was a preventive measure and as part of their legislative interventions to further put concerned government agencies on their toes towards ensuring protection of lives and ensure environmental safety.

In his response, Speaker Elemide implored all necessary MDAs connected with upholding safety measures to strengthen their operations with a view to preventing anything that could compromise the existing safety, peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the State while preserving the ecosystem.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has congratulated the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and all the State lawmakers for ensuring a rancour- free process through which they elected the new Speaker.

The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele spoke when he received 19 members of the House who accompanied the new Speaker, Elemide on a courtesy call on him on Tuesday in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the members have a perogative on who they want to lead them at any point in time.

He commended the seamless manner in which they elected the new Speaker, reaffirming that the lawmakers have the right to decide who would lead them in a democracy.

According to him, “It is worthy of note that the executive has not interfere in the process to make sure that you are comfortable in what you want to do, that led you to making your decision.
And we support you in the decision that you make.

He said, “You have gone through the progress in a way that is extemporary. This is not the first time in this country that members of a particular legislature has decided to change their leader.”

He emphasized that the executive arm “will continue to adhere strictly to the concept of Separation of Power and the rule of law in its relationship with the House of Assembly.”

The governor pledged that his administration would support and work closely with the legislature to maintain the harmonious relationship that has existed in the last four and a half years.

In his remarks, the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elemide said the House would continue to compliment the executive and avoid the unnecessary mudslinging that may hindered the progress of the State.

“We are not going to fight neither are we going to compromised the executive. In the legislature, there is room for lobbying. We will lobby where we need to lobby, we will assert where we need to assert and we will let the whole people of the State know that we are there for them.

“To my colleagues, I would not want to betray their confidence that they have in me, it is going to be we and not I. I am just the first among equals and we were voted in from our various Constituencies. I will take cognisant that we are equal.

“I will be there to speak for them and I will speak whatever they put in my mouth”, Elemide said.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated a 12-man committee of Ogun Invest Ambassador Network, to create a robust and seamless working relationship between government and investors, for businesses to thrive.

Governor Abiodun, during the inauguration and orientation course for the ambassadors, at Ogun Invest Office, Isheri, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state, said the initiative was a landmark in the history of the state, as it would make a huge difference to the growth of current and potential investors willing to do business in the state.

He explained that the ambassadors would be responsible for enlightening investors on how to harness the opportunities that abound and what they stand to gain by doing business with the state, adding that their role is pivotal in building bridges, fostering collaboration and attracting investors that would propel the state to new heights.

  Governor Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, tasked the ambassadors to sharpen their communication skills, charging them to make accountability and transparency their watchword.

The state’s helmsman disclosed that government would, on regular basis, carry out evaluation performance on them through private organisations transacting business with the state, promising that those who performed well would be compensated accordingly.

Speaking, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, who admonished them to be diligent, in making Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency a success, described them as a link between government and investors, saying a proper regulatory framework would be established to earn investors trust and respect.

Identifying the calibre of people in the network chain, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, noted that a new lease of life would soon commence in the state investment journey, expressing hope that their selection would ensure a critical turning point in the investment atmosphere of the state and charged them to bring to bear their professionalism in the course of enhancing the industrial sector

Earlier, the Special Adviser on Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (Ogun Invest), Ms. Sola Arobieke, said the initiative was part of the drive to attract investments, enhance ease of doing business and carry out the service of a one-stop shop, to ensure access to relevant information and streamline processes for investors in the state, pointing out that the Ambassadors Network is a team of dedicated individuals from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), saddled with investment-related functions, to ease the settling of investors and investments into the state.

On his part, the Managing Director, Coleman Technical Industries Ltd., Mr. George Onafowokan, who spoke on, “Promoting Investment Through Service Excellence”, said the selected ambassadors should see their nomination as an opportunity to serve and see themselves as representatives of the state front liners at giving investors excellent service and be ready to drive both existing and potential investors through excellent service delivery

The 12 ambassadors inaugurated include, Consultant, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Fatai Adeboyejo; Deputy Surveyor-General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Surv. Halimat Yusuf; Director, Physical Planning, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL. Felicia Aleburu; Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Physical Planning and Urban Development TPL. Jolaoluwa Olugbemisola; Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Suraj Fashola; Director, Land Acquisition, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Anifowose Olatunji and Director of Commercial Services, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunsanwo.

Others are, Director of Environmental Quality Control, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Mary Adeosun; Director of Geological Services, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Lekan Eniolawun; Director, Estate and Facility Management, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Mr. Olusola Abijo; Director, Estate, Housing Corporation ESV. Nafiu Olaleye and Deputy Director, Local Government Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Olapemiju Quadri.

In a bid to promote the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State, Community Development Associations (CDAs) have been charged not to relent in the execution of self-help projects, particularly those that would have direct impact on their members, in order to make life more bearable for them.

Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Balogun Ademola, gave the charge at the commissioning and handing-over of Ifesowapo (Irewon) Community Health Centre, at Irewon, Ijebu-Ode in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of the state.

Alhaji Balogun, who affirmed the contributions and support of CDAs to the growth and development of the state, pointed out that the present administration would continue to encourage their efforts through disbursement of grants-in-aid and subventions to deserving associations.

He lauded the self-help initiative of the Ifesowapo Irewon CDA, to complement government infrastructural efforts, promising the community of more developmental projects.

In his remarks, Director, Community Development, Mr. Nurudeen Fayoyin, commended the community members for the synergy among them, saying the facility would enable the people have access to quality health services, urging other CDAs to emulate the strides of the Association.

Speaking, Chairman, Ijebu North-East Local Government, Hon. Bolu Badejo, commended the state government for giving adequate recognition to CDAs, calling on the associations to always inform Department of Community Development in the local government of their activities and programmes, promising that the council would provide the needed resources to make the facility function effectively.    

In his address, the Chairman Ifesowapo Irewon Area Community Development Committee, (ACDC), Alhaji Isaac Oseni, appreciated the present administration for all the projects embarked upon in the area, pledging more support.

Earlier, the host CDA Chairman, Chief Tajudeen Oladunjoye, reeled out the achievements of the Association, including, purchase of a 200kva transformer, installation of the second 500kva sub-station, refurbishing of a 500kva transformer, among others, to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

Contributing, the Bejeroku of Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, gave kudos to Governor Dapo Abiodun for the infrastructural developments across the state, lauding the Association for the cooperation in making the project a reality.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of awards to sons and daughters of the community for their positive contributions towards the completion of the project.

The Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described as deplorable, unjustifiable and inhumane attack on the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun and his camera man from the Ogun State Television (OGTV) by the overzealous and uncivilized security agents attached to the Governor of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, at Joga-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Recall that, Adigun and other media men were attacked at the 66th birthday and Conferment of Chieftaincy title on the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke by Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, at Abepa in Joga Orile on Friday.

Adigun who works with Ogun state Television (OGTV) was on official duty at the event, which according to him attracted many dignitaries.

He added that immediately Governor Ademola Adeleke arrived, his security details started pushing and harassing every Journalists, even those who came with other special Guests from Osun State.

But the union, through the Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju in a statement on Friday stated that as a unified body, it condemned in strong terms the attack, while demanding an immediate public apology from the Osun State Government.

Olarenwaju noted that, the reckless and reprehensible behaviour towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society, granted that any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.

The NUJ chairman stresses further that, the press must remain free, unshackled, and empowered to fulfill its vital role in society.

“It is deeply concerning that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order would resort to using excessive force and intimidation against journalists. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also erode the trust between the government and the people it serves.

“We urge the Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists as attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form and that those responsible shall be made to face the full force of the law.

“As a unified body, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an immediate public apology to our colleague and a commitment from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and safety of journalists. Any failure to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will be viewed as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault on press freedom.”

My name is Bunmi Adigun, and I am the secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Ogun State Council, I work with the Ogun State Television. 

I covered the 66th Birthday and Conferment of Chieftaincy title on the governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke by Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, AbepaJoga Orile as the Baba Oba 

A colorful event which attracted so many dignatries from with the state and outside but majorly from Osun State maybe.

I was there to cover the event for my station, which was  duly paid for, so if not for this, I have no business, and I won’t even near Oke Ata not to talk of Joga Orile

The governor was amiable, but all the security details were unruly. They started behaving anyhow immediately when their governor arrived, pushing and harassing every journalist, even those who came with other special Guests from Osun State 

They pushed my cameraman and other camera men, thought that was enough until they got to where we were standing, I was harassed, embarrassed, and they nearly tore my cloth. We dragged, as you can see in this video, taken by one of us who disguised 

It was so tough as if it was a campaign gathering, a social gathering it was, and one could imagine how it would have been in Osun State 

I tried to get to those who harassed us, then I noticed they were putting on a different uniform from the normal police uniform we all know, bellaruslike, no name tag, they were on nosemask and holding petal like they were sent to Journalists 

I was manhandled and roughened and imagined what will happen to those without tags and any means of identification at an event of such 

Still not feeling fine, but I need to drop this for the world to know how the so called Police who are attached to Special Nigerians behave at times