By Shola Adesola

The executive chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), Ogun State, Otunba Nurudeen Aina (Alowonle) has described the Governor of Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun as the Architect of modern Ogun State and a man who has positively added value and change to governance in the state.

The Amoran boss made this assertions on Monday, November 21 at the official commissioning of the 4km Oba Erinwole Road in Sagamu, Remo division of the state.

In his words, he said, “Let me use this medium to confirm to everyone, and for the sake of posterity, that our Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun is truly the architect of a new and modern Ogun State in whom we are all well pleased. He has indeed transformed the state to a greater heights among states in Nigeria. The commissioning of the 4km Oba Erinwole Road is an indication that the governor is someone who understands and knows the importance of good road network and we are indeed proud of him always”

Otunba Alowonle also assured that Prince Dapo Abiodun would convincingly win the second term bid because he had done very well for the good people of the state.

By Sinob Lawal

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has disclosed the readiness of its administration to collaborate with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to reconstruct the dilapidated Ogijo-Sagamu Road.

Abiodun, who made this disclosure on Monday at the official inauguration of the 4-kilometre Oba Erinwole Road in Sagamu Local Government Area of the state said that work would commence on the construction of Hospital Road in Sagamu during the week.

He expressed his dismay that previous administrations left the Oba Erinwole Road unattended despite its direct bearing on the socio-economic lives of the people, which according to him led to the deplorable condition of the important road.

“We realized that majority of these roads have direct bearing to the economic circumstances of our people. One of such neglected roads is this Oba Erinwole Road. By the time we came into office, the road had become a nightmare; completely impassable and caused untold hardship to our people and Sagamu was becoming a pariah among cities because of this neglect.

“I am therefore happy to be here today, to commission this same Oba Erinwole Road that was meant to be a punishment orchestrated by the former governor and narrow-minded politicians of yesteryears towards the Remo people. This project again is a touchstone to our commitment as a promise-keeping administration. We will continue to fulfil all our promises in all parts of Ogun State.

“In our approach to infrastructural development of Ogun State, Oba Erinwole Road was identified among other roads across the state as top priority for completion before the end of our first term.
Till date, over 80 major roads and others (Federal roads inclusive) totalling 400km have been constructed, reconstructed or rehabilitated across the state. This administration in three years and six months has done more in terms of kilometres of roads than previous administrations in the State”, the governor stated.

The governor noted that the road apart from being a major link to Lagos, the nation’s economic capital and live wire of economic activities to Sagamu, it would also provide access to retinue of industries operating in the axis.

Stressing that the road was constructed to meet standard, Abiodun said it would improve the living standard of the people and open up the potentials of Sagamu for more investors.

He emphasized that the road was chosen by the people based on their needs, assuring his government would ensure that all local government areas benefited from road project.

Abiodun further disclosed that graders and other road equipment would be deployed to local government area across the state, to rehabilitate roads at the grassroots.

The governor pointed out that his administration, in the last three and a half years, has been able to rekindle the hope of the people by deploying alternative financial strategies through the public private partnership in executing projects across the state.

While assuring that his government would not rest on its oars till most roads in the state had become motorable, the governor once again declared that all the abandoned projects that have direct impact on the well-being of the people would be completed, calling on the people of Sagamu to take ownership of the road, while motorists are urged to desist from over-speeding.

In his goodwill message, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi noted that the road, before the reconstruction, was one of the most deplorable roads in the state, appreciating the governor for keeping to his words by reconstructing the road.

While thanking the present administration for spreading developmental projects to all parts of the state, the monarch declared that the incumbent administration would be a reference point for years to come in the State.

The Chairman of Sagamu Local Government Area, Afolabi Odulate said the Oba Erinwole road which is one of the most important roads in the town was in a poor state for a long time, adding that the intervention of the state government in putting it back in good shape is something the people would be grateful for in many years to come.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Akin Adesanya, in his welcome address, said that the road which was constructed to meet acceptable standard, would promote economic relationship between the people of Sagamu and Ikorodu in Lagos, adding that the project provided jobs for the youths as well as impacted on the socio-economic development of people in the axis.

By Shola Adeshola

Towards ensuring peaceful conduct of the 2023 general election in th country, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has called on the police authority to engage politicians in the country on the need to play by the rules.

Abiodun who made this call at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, venue of a conference for senior police officers in the state, with the theme, “Creating the Enabling Environment for a Free, Fair and Credible 2023 General Elections in Ogun State”, equally emphasized that politicians needed to desist from hate speeches capable of heating up the political temperature of the state.

The governor, however, vowed that his administration would deal ruthlessly with any act of thuggery capable of causing insecurity in the state.

He disclosed that he had instructed the police in the state and the Department of State Security (DSS) to be on top of the situation.

“As we approach the 2023 general elections, let me enjoin the police authority in the state to continue to engage politicians on the need to play by the rules, politicians must be warned to desist from hate speeches capable of heating up the polity.

“We will deal ruthlessly with any act of thuggery, I have Instructed the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of Security to be on top of the situation. Our state will not be known for thuggery, cultism and all these types of vices,” he said.

While calling on senior officers to come up with modalities and strategies to nip all forms of evil activities in the bud, noted that youths must be admonished on the need to avoid being used as political thugs.

On the recent fire incident by suspected hoodlums at the Abeokuta South office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Abiodun said that he had mandated the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all those responsible for the incident were arrested and brought to book.

“Only recently, some unscrupulous and frustrated elements attacked the Abeokuta South office of the Independent National Electoral Commission located at Iyana-Mortuary and they razed down the building.

“When we look at that incident, the first question you ask yourself is why did they do that? What was in that INEC office that made them raze that building down? What do they stand to benefit from doing that? It wasn’t as if elections have been conducted and results were being collated and they wanted to frustrate the conclusion of that process.

“Obviously, some persons are trying to create an impression that their would be a threat to the peaceful conduct of the elections in the state.

“I have mandated the Commissioner of police to ensure that all those that are responsible, no matter how small or how big, are arrested and brought to book. We must use this to send a very strong signal that we are going to be intolerant to this kind of act in the next few months,” the governor declared.

Abiodun further charged the senior police officers to use the conference as an opportunity to come up with ways, means and strategy of avoiding violence as the 2023 general elections approached

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, while noting that the police were ready to conduct a free and credible election, said that the police would safeguard all venues of political rallies until the end of the election.

Bankole who also advised all political parties to abide with the Electoral Acts, disclosed that a campaign/ rally monitoring team has been formed to monitor campaigns and rallies across the state.

The police boss while warning that hate speeches from any group would not be allowed anywhere across the state, called on parents, guardians and the traditional institution to call to order their children, wards and subjects.

By Omotola Lawal

The leadership of Remo Growth and Development Foundation (RemoGDF), the entire sons and daughters and friends of the land are set to roll out the drums to celebrate the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of the land, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi as he marks his 5th coronation on the throne of his Ancestors, and on the occasion of his 60th Birthday.

Speaking at the Press Conference held at the palace of Akarigbo, Ita Oba, Sagamu on Friday to herald the 7-day anniversary, Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso, Co-Chairman of RemoGDF said that they were proud to celebrate the royal father whose reign, according to him has been dotted by immeasurable resourceful and visionary leadership he has given to Remo since his ascension to the throne of his ancestors

Aare Oyefeso who gave a little dive into the Origin of Remo land said they were proud, for the records that Remo people have their root at Iremo Quarters, Ile Ife, and the landscape that is known as Remo-Land today because of its vantage location, is indeed the gateway between Lagos-the commercial nucleus of Nigeria and the rest of the country.

The RemoGDf Chairman used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of Remoland to come and join hands with them as the felicitate their royal father who he described as beacon of light and one with uncommon leadership bestowment.

Aare Oyefeso, in his words, “As we thank God and celebrate these milestones, we are urging all Remonians home and abroad and our associates to come and be part of this epoch making celebrations, and particularly to rise to the occasion of being part of the success story of Remo-Land with their God given wherewithal, as we subtly remind us that we all owe our maker a nonnegotiable responsibility of making our environment better than we met it” the Aare added.

In his own contribution, Asiwaju Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, Chairman of Africa’s biggest Cable industry, Coleman Cables and Wires who is also a trustee of Remo Growth and Development Foundation encouraged the young people of Remo land to work hard in order to build a future for themselves.

Onafowokan stated that, from the moment of his accession to the throne, his cerebral attainments as a foremost Accountant and Administrator, and with the veracity that he was on a mission to serve and develop Remoland

He opined that before one could become an entrepreneur, one needed to undergo training and gain experience, but expressed dismay that young people these days were not ready. “You need to work hard, to become successful”, he stressed.

Otunba Seni Adetu, whose directorate is charged with the celebration of the royal father placed emphasis on the Akarigbo’s mission and achievements in the last 5 years which was primarily to build unity among the different communities in Remo land, adding that it was his visionary leadership that gave birth to Remo Growth and Development Foundation (RemoGDF).

Adetu thanked the Akarigbo on the grounds that over the space of five years, his leadership has been characterized by high rate of industrialization and positive business development.

He said the royal father was being felicitated as result of his foresights which has engendered and created a society where businesses thrive, companies get established, and people survive without depending solely on neither the government nor family members.

“Our father’s transformational leadership and achievements alone call for celebration, which is why the days scheduled for the event should be attended by all Remonians both home and Diaspora”, Adetu explained.

The 7-day events will run from December 2 to 11, 2023. Activities lined up for the event include; a Commemorative Jumat service, athletic events, private birthday celebration at the palace, Carnivals, golf tournament and the coronation anniversary as the grand finale with King Sunny Ade on the band stand.

A video documentary was presented to showcase the industrialization of Remo land and attract more investors for the growth and development of the land.

RGDF stands as a great part and pioneer of this initiative, and they stand essentially to ensure the success of the big event, and primarily see to the development of Remo land as a whole.

By: Tope Oyekan

A retired official of the Nigerian Customs Service and princess from both the Koyelu and Anoko Ruling Houses of the Akarigbo Royal Chieftaincy, Sagamu, Princess (Mrs.) Beatrice Mojisola Abijo will be celebrating her eightieth birthday in far away United States of America.

The special A-class event being put together by her children to honour this virtuous wife and quintessential mother, according to an invite sent out by her family holds today Saturday, November 19,2022 at the Indopak Banquet Hall, Arlington, Texas, United States of America.

Born into the prestigious Adetu family in Sagamu, Mojisola’s father was a former employee of the multinational business conglomerate, UAC, while the mother was a teacher who later became a successful trader and businesswoman.

Mrs. Beatrice Abijo is married to late Engr. Hakeeb Olasupo Abijo, popularly referrred to as Arab Akins also from Sagamu, and the marriage is blessed with five successful children, among whom are two doctors, including the US-based, Dr. Ariyo Olajuwon Abijo, a member of the foremost traditional age-grade group in Remoland, Egbe Degbuyi Remo.

The event which is surprisingly put together by the celebrant’s children will have in attendance, the creme-de-la-creme of the society, both from Nigeria and in the United States.

Mrs. Mojisola, earlier in an interview with the press expressed gratitude to God, and highly appreciative of the good gesture of her children, who had gone this far to celebrate her.
According to her, she had loved to have a quiet and modest celebration with her children, and immediate family, but the children however had another surprise plan for her.

“I feel so happy and blessed to celebrate my new life at Eighty. I thank God and my family for being by my side through this journey. Life is empty without God and service to humanity, through genuine love. Love is everything,” said the celebrant.

As Princess (Mrs.) Beatrice Mojisola Abijo, popularly known as Mama Custom, attains the octogenarian status, here is wishing her a very happy birthday, and God’s grace for a more robust and healthy living in her old age.

By Omotola Lawal

The award winning Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola has described the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme as Governor Dapo Abiodun’s best gift to all residents of the State.

Adekola gave this remark during a sensitization tour of markets, motor parks and other strategic locations in the Remo axis of the State in company of Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health; Dr. Tayo Lawal; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde; Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA, and other top officials of the Health Sector.

He said the scheme, if embraced by all residents would save anyone who developed a serious medical condition from having to pay out-of-pocket for treatment, adding that the insurance programme also catered for screening for common diseases that could lead to untimely death.

“Healthcare is a necessity but can be expensive at times. You only need to commit a monthly fee of N1,000 per person or N4,000 for a family of six to access comprehensive healthcare anywhere in Ogun State”,

“Our governor has given us security against sudden illnesses and diseases with this programme. For me, this is his best gift for all of us. Like it is being done in developed country outside Nigeria, you only have to commit a token as insurance,” he said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, while fielding questions from newsmen said the Health Insurance Scheme was the State’s gateway to providing universal health coverage.

Coker disclosed the Health Insurance Scheme included the Basic Healthcare Provision Funds (BHCPF) for the vulnerable including children under five years, pregnant women, people above 60 years and those with disabilities, saying more than 50, 000 beneficiaries across the three senatorial districts have been enlisted to access healthcare for free.

“The Scheme also caters for the informal sector which includes artisans, traders, and unions, and the formal sector including bankers, civil servants, and employees of private business entities. There is also an arrangement for students which allows them to access healthcare and give their parents rest of mind”

“His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been renovating, equipping, and staffing the health centers across the state because they are the access points. This is to ensure that when the insured go to these facilities, they have people to attend to them, and get quality drugs in a conducive environment.

The Commissioner enjoined residents in all areas of the state to take advantage of the scheme, saying the government would continue to engage all stakeholders in order to achieve universal health coverage in the near future.

By Funsho Adelabu

As a result of the failure of the Caretaker Committee of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun Council set up about 2 years ago to resolve the lingering crises in the council, the National Executive Council (NEC) has directed chairmen and secretaries of the chapels in the council to immediately take over the leadership of the council.

The power of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Union to dissolve the Caretaker Committee is derived from its constitution as stipulated in Article 5C, section (9)(c).

The National Executive Council disclosed that an independent electoral body consisting of three members from the Zone have been inaugurated to conduct election within one month.

According to the directive, the decision of the Union was reached during the NEC meeting held in Benin, Edo State following recommendations by the Southwest leaders of the union under the leadership of the Vice president, Comrade Ronke Afebioye Samo.

According to the NEC, aside the fact that the caretaker committee had over stayed and failed to achieve its mandate, it was obvious that it could not do any better.

…vows to rid Lagos-Ibadan Expressway of criminals

By Sola Adesola

Ogun State government has assured the residents in the state and travelers commuting through it of adequate security before, during and after the Yuletide period.

The government added that it would intensify efforts by giving more support to the security agencies to rid the Ogun State corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway of kidnappers and other armed gangs.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State governor, Kunle Somorin on Friday, said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Lanre Bankole, after a security meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun, disclosed that the security agencies had put in place adequate arrangements in terms of manpower and equipment to confront any security challenge in any part of the state during and after the festivities.

The CP, according to Somorin, declared: “We are battle ready to deal with any breakdown of law and order in any part of the state. Our men have been put in high alert and I can assure the people of this state that their security is guaranteed.

“For those hoodlums still operating in the state, I have have bad message for them. We are going to give it to them hot. We are going to make Ogun State unattractive to them. They will have no safe haven in any part of this state, that I can assure them”.

The statement concluded that the meeting which was convened to discuss current security issues affecting the state with a view to putting appropriate measures to ensure the safety of lives and property of indigenes and residents alike, was attended by the heads of security agencies in the state.

By Sinob Lawal

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Ibrahim Shettima as the best candidates that would turn the nation around for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Abiodun told Thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the general public in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday during a mega walk to express their support for the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself and other party’s flag bearers.

Addressing the crowd at the party at the NNPC Junction after a walk through major streets and roads in the Abeokuta metropolis, Governor Dapo Abiodun urged people of the state and party faithful to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), in order to be eligible to perform their civic duties during the 2023 general elections.

He emphasised that those who were yet to collect their cards to do so without delay, explaining that the permanent voters card remained the only instrument that could be used to vote during the election.

“I want to thank you all for coming out in large numbers to show your support for our party’s presidential flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and myself. I want to urge those of us who have not collected their voter’s cards to do so because without it, you cannot vote during the elections next year.

“Please make sure you vote for all our candidates beginning from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for president, me, Dapo Abiodun for governor and senatorial candidates, candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly”, the governor stated.

Abiodun noted that the large turnout was a testimony that the party enjoys wider acceptability across the state

He assured that his administration would continue to formulate and implement people-oriented policies that would engender development in appreciation of the mandate entrusted in him, urging the people to support his second term in office in order to continue the good work he has started

The rally which started from M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Kuto, moved through Naiwa-ru-deen road down to the Iyana-Mortuary and ended at the NNPC Junction, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

By Jubril Tobir

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has advised traditional rulers in the state to shun partisan politics and concentrate on uniting the people and sustaining peace in their domains.

Lalong who spoke during the installation and presentation of first class staff of office to Da John Putmang Hirse as the new Mishkaham Mwagavul, Mangu Local Government warned traditional rulers to shun politicians who want to use them to create division, acrimony and violence in their domains for their selfish political interests.

The event which took place at the Mangu mini stadium had in attendance dignitaries from all over the country including APC Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Maimala Buni, APC Deputy National Chairman Sen. Abubakar Kyari and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase among others.

Lalong, while congratulating the Miskaham Mwagavul for ascending the throne of his forefathers, said the new traditional traditional ruler has a very enviable record of service within his community, Plateau State and Nigeria which gives anticipation that he will excell in the onerous assignment.

He said “Let me advise His Royal Highness and all other traditional rulers to be careful of their conducts and utterances during the political season. You must remain apolitical and demonstrate that you are fathers to all. Resist every attempt by politicians to drag you into their scheming, maneuvering and desperation to get power using ethnicity, religion and other sentiments. Pray for them and admonish them to convince the people and play by the rules of the game. Anyone who chooses to leave his duty and dabble into politics will have himself to blame”.

The Governor said while his administration has no intention of imposing any traditional ruler on the people, it would logical to say that the Government was disappointed that the efforts to fill some vacant stools in the State were being frustrated due to lingering litigations among the Royal Class, promising to continue to do his best to ensure that where vacant stools existed necessary steps would taken to resolve the issues.

“I must remind you that, although I have no part in the emergence of any traditional ruler, I have a duty and powers to remove anyone found to be working against the interest of the people or the State. Those who are privileged to occupy these positions must carry out their assignments based on trust and transparency. No traditional ruler should be a tyrant to his people to take sides with those who are working against the welfare and well-being of the people” he said.

The Mishkaham Mwaghavul Mwaghavul Da John Putmang Hirse in his acceptance speech said he was privileged and honoured to be enthroned as the ruler of his people who were known for hardwork, unity and peaceful coexistence.

He thanked the Governor for allowing the process of his emergence to be free and fair, and for making sure the will of the king maker’s prevailed.

In a goodwill message, APC Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima congratulated the Mishkaham Mwaghavul and said the Kanuri people shared historical ties with the Mwaghavul people well documented and cherished.

He wished him well and assured him of the support and prayers of the people of Borno and Yobe States.

COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Timothy Nwan prayed for the new traditional ruler and committed his reign to God. Various District Heads, title holders as well as leaders of resident ethnic groups in the Chiefdom paid homage to the Miskaham Mwagavul.