By Shola Adesola

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has appointed two clerics as Consultants on Religious Matters.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kunle Somorin, the consultants are Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya for the Christian faith and Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, better known as Sugar for the Islamic religion.

The statement stated that with their appointments, Bishop Akin-Akinsanya who is the present chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Sheikh Lawal, the Wakilin Musulumi of Yorubaland including Edo and Delta States, are to ensure inter faith relationship and religious harmony in the state.

Their appointments, “is also in recognition of the role of religion in ensuring the social welfare and wellbeing of the citizens as encapsulated in the “Building of Future Together” Agenda of the present Administration in Ogun State”, the statement added.

The governor noted that though Ogun has been known for religious harmony and tolerance, the two Consultants are expected to work together to further deepen and enhance inter faith harmony in the state.

Abiodun, in the statement, charged the appointees to bring their wide spiritual experience to bear on their new assignment, expressing confidence that their appointment will further put the state on global map of religious harmony and collaboration.

By Omotola Lawal

Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), former Chief of staff to Governor Governor Kayode Fayemi has won Ekiti State Governorship election held yesterday, Saturday.

Oyebanji who contested the election on the platform of All Progressives Congress won the election with 107, 913 ballots to beat Social Democratic Party candidate, Olusegun Adebayo Oni who had 42,122 and People’s Democratic Party flagbearer, Olabisi Kolawole who got 42, 838 votes

By Shola Adesola

Tinubu declared the elected candidates of All Progressive Congress must deliver victory at the 2023 election at both state and national levels, and must unite Nigerians from all walks of life.

He stated this on Tuesday at the party’s special national convention holding at the Eagle Square, Abuja, organised to produce the party’s presidential candidate from 23 aspirants in the race.

He said the candidate to be selected by the party must have the experience, leadership and qualities saying, “Other aspirants are good men and women but I sincerely believe I am the person that fits that.”

The presidential aspirant assured delegates of All Progressives Congress (APC) that he is “a serious man with a serious purpose.”

He also described himself as a unifying leader who had put together structures that had delivered victory over the years.

“I cannot talk of a brighter future without declaring my intention to fight terrorism and insecurity. I am confident, competent and ready to start from day one,” he added.

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S FULL SPEECH

OUR ENCOUNTER WITH DESTINY:
Here comes a time in a nation when the hopes of the moment. Let not the destiny of this land be stolen because we did not do what was meant for us to do at this critical moment. Remember, we formed this party not simply to wrest power from a wrong and failing PDP.

We formed this party to give the people of this land the progressive good governance they deserve so that they may live as well and as peacefully as any people on the face of this earth. This corrective journey began with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. At this convention, we must take the next step toward the proper and necessary direction.

In 2015, the All Progressives Congress won the election to halt the drift in our nation’s governance, redirect our path, and make clear our national priorities We dedicated this party to the guiding principle that government must be for the benefit or each and every Nigerian before it is for the benefit of any single one of us. No one is above legal rule or regulation. Likewise one is too low for justice and compassionate governance cover or protect him.

Within this context, the APC under President Muhammadu Buhari has governed with patriotic and disciplined commitment this past seven years. The Buhari government has championed needed reforms, ranging from an innovative petroleum industry law to measures that are aimed at improving power and electricity generation for all Nigerians. Government has invested heavily in building modern airports and railway network and roads. Every Naira is better managed than in prior administrations.

This greater fiscal probity was achieved despite the vast reduction in national revenue caused by the COVID and recurrent global economic downturns. The Buhari government has done more with much less than its PDP predecessors did. The successive PDP administrations did next to nothing with the plenty they had. What they did with our nation’s abundance is no secret. But what they did not do was even a greater embarrassment.

They left abandoned infrastructure projects all across the nation. The APC completed them. They allowed ISWAP/ Boko Haram to erect strongholds. The Buhari government has been compelled to wage great war against these threats because of the decade of neglect by the PDP.

The PDP should have uprooted this evil when it was but a seed. The APC led government is now left to contend with the dangerous tree it has become. Yet, as surely as I can state my name, the next APC government shall uproot this evil such that, never again, shall it try to take hold in this land.

While fighting this evil with a purposeful hand, we remain mindful of the socio-economic and political inequalities that often spawn unrest and social instability. Despite economic difficulties wrought by protracted global recession, the APC led government has progressed in diversifying the economy, improving food security through intense investment in the agricultural sector.

But the long day for national rebuilding is not over. Even greater, bolder work is needed to beat back the hard challenge we face. Yet, my hope is high and that is hope not for myself but for you and this nation, My greatest trust and comfort reside in the innate goodness of the people of our beloved nation, Joiner in common purpose, with leadership informed by wise and correct policies, the things that we can accomplish are nothing less than historic.

We can change the very face of the nation Though this season of primaries has been abbreviated, I have talked to thousands of people across this land. Yes, there were crowds and jubilant receptions offered me. These were nice things, but they are not the most important factors to the task at hand. People approached me wanting to know if I had a plan to continue the fight against terror and violence.

They wanted to know if I cared about agriculture and the plight of the ordinary farmer. Youths asked me about jobs and their future in this world. The poor asked how and when they will be assured that they can daily place food on the table for their innocent children.

They did not ask for mage or for me to give them charming yet empty responses. Our people asked honest, serious questions and I gave then honest and serious answers I told them what we can achieve through hard work and dedication to a higher national purpose

I told them we must work harder than ever; but I also assured them that the average person shall not feel left behind, Building on the reforms of the past seven years and on the progressive ideals of our party, the coming APC led government, under my watch, shall place the welfare of the average Nigerian above that of any elite or special interest. Our progressive government must be for the people and never for the powerful.

The powerful already have. Let us give succour and an open door to the less privileged. Let us bring forth a society built on shared prosperity, belief in justice, compassion for others and an unshakable commitment to a form of governance that treats all citizens with equal respect and due regard. Let us not just open the door to the promise of a better society. Let us brick by brick and stone by stone build a new society that begets a greater nation.

Weighty matters now rest in the balance. A fateful decision awaits you the delegates to this convention. Choose that which most wholly benefits the nation. Think big at this moment that we may accomplish great things in the next APC administration that will come on 29 May 2023.

My experience in office and the knowledge gained through hard work, tough trials and patient undertaking have prepared men for this hour. I am a man of purpose with a serious mission. My vow is to use all that I know and all of my abilities to the benefit of the nation and its people. I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be.

I do not say this as a boast. Hear me out. I claim not to be special nor great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what is special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself.

Now is a time for progressive vision and singular purpose. There is a general agreement that 2023 will be an encounter with destiny, when our nation shall need a certain type of leader to realise a better Nigeria.

We need to build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs for the urban population are available and lead to a good life most wholly benefits the nation. Think big at this moment that we may accomplish great things in the next APC administration that will come on 29 May 2023.

My experience in office and the knowledge gained through hard work, tough trials and patient undertaking have prepared me for this hour. I am a man of purpose with a serious mission. My vow is to use all that I know and all of my abilities to the benefit of the nation and its people. I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be.

I do not say this as a boast. Hear me out. I claim not to be special or great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what is special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself. Now is a time for progressive vision and singular purpose. There is a general agreement that 2023 will be an encounter with destiny, when our nation shall need a certain type of leader to realise a better Nigeria.

We need to build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs for the urban population are available and lead to a good life.

We need to encourage and support our farmers so that they can car enough to maintain their families, while feeding a growing nation We must continuously invest in the modernisation and expansion of infrastructure, including power, to enhance the quality of life of our people. Additionally, we must continue to empower the states so that grassroots economic and political development is maximised.

Though our tribe and tongue may differ, we must build a united country , premised on equity, fairness and justice. True reform and progress lie not in copying others but in identifying our own opportunities. I have done this in Lagos. I humbly ask you to allow me to use these skills and experiences to advance the nation.

I come to you with a coherent vision on how to improve our nation such that our schools, industry, agriculture and infrastructure will become the pride of all. Ours shall be a land where all Nigerians will have an equal chance and no one is excluded because of his ethnic background, religious creed, place of origin or social station. We are all Nigerians.

By this statement, I seek your help and support to become our party’s nominee and standard bearer in the coming February 2023 elections. To lead Nigerians is a sacred trust, which I do not take lightly or seek selfishly. By giving me the party’s mandate, I hereby make solemn vow to make Nigeria the best home for its citizens.

As an indivisible, united country, we shall overcome the destructive forces attempting to steal our destiny. May the triumph of our democratic journey be complete and serve as an exemplar to Africa, our race, and the rest of mankind. We were born for this moment. Let us now make the most of it.

I thank you all for listening.

May God bless you all.

May God Bless our party, the APC.

May God bless our beloved nation, the Federal Republic of

Nigeria.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TINUBU
.

By Sinob Lawal

Some members of All Progressives Congress, Ogun State Chapter have tasked Prince Dapo Abiodun to redress what they described as injustices meted to some aspirants of the party during the primaries held across the state.

According to the leader of the group, known as Concerned APC Members Platform (CAMP), Honourable Olushola Oyapidan who is also a chieftain of APC in the Ogun East Senatorial District, Honourable Olushola Oyapidan, some of the people who aspired for elective positions in the party were not given level playing fields to contest, some were discriminated against while others were completely disenfranchised and their teeming supporters were amongst the delegates could not cast their votes while the exercise lasted.

The group therefore called on the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and other leaders of the party in the state to urgently address the issue with the view to calm down fray nerves and forestall any moves by some self-centered and destructive characters whose machination is militating against the cohesion of the party.

He said, “we want things to be fair, orderly and peaceful. This is why we launched years ago APC Concerned Leaders and People in order to ensure that grassroot members of our party are given equal opportunities to operate within the party’s structure”.

Oyapidan added, “Our platform has, within the period of it existence operated as a conveyor belts between the leaders and other members of the party, adding that they believed, for true development of the party, it is only apposite to promote harmony within the party and steer clear anything that could intersperse it teeming members across the state.

The group said they tenaciously believed in the fact that the party’s decision superseded that of any individual, they however urged the leadership of the party to also realise that power resided with the people, and urged them to handle power with civility, because according to him, “ultimate power belongs to God”

He disclosed that the activities of the few but selfish individuals in Odogbolu Local Government has heightened the political temperature in Ogun State, which the group considered as inimical to the collective interest of the people of Odogbolu State Constituency who are frustrated with the so called status quo. “Their are crying for CHANGE”.

The leader said, “having been present on the day of the election, we heard and saw all that happened. We can confidently say the primaries have not been done. What was done was presided over by one of the aspirants who took advantage of her incumbency to subvert the will of the majority of persons in our constituency.
We consider it a rape of our democracy.

It is unimaginable to submit our aspirant to a primary that is presided over by another aspirant, who showed up at the venue with a prepared result of the election that had not been held.
We urge the Governor of our Gateway to listen to the voices of the people, which, according to a postulate is the voice of God – (Vox Populi, Vox Dei).

They urged the Governor of the state, Prince Abiodun to use his good offices to redress the anomalies that characterized the primaries of the party in the state, particularly Odogbolu, where some privileged aspirants held sway and controlled the procedures of the primary to their merit and demerit of other contestants

“All-Progressives Congress (APC), in Ogun State should ensure the needful is done. We know rule laid down by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the untiring efforts of our Peace-Loving, forward-looking Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been making to give the people an all inclusive administration in the last 3 years, it is unfortunate that some elements are trying to bungle it, hence all well meaning individuals in the party should stand up and ensure the illegality perpetrated was not allowed to stand.

By Sainob Lawal

One of the priests at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, Rev Father Andrew Abayomi
has narrated how the church was bombed on Sunday by the terrorists, killing many worshippers.

The cleric narrated, “suspected terrorists struck as the day’s service was about to end. I had even asked people to start leaving, that was how we started hearing gunshots from different angles.”

“We hid inside the church but some people had left when the attack happened. We locked ourselves in the church for 20 minutes. When we heard that they had left, we opened the church and rushed victims to the hospital.”

The Governor of the state, Akakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, has described the incident which happened in his hometown as “vile and satanic”, saying it was a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state. I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.”

“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.

He commiserated with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack and also extended it to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.

“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.” Akeredolu said.

By Omotola Lawal

President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday night met with all the aspirants for President on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), at State House, Abuja, urging them to hold consultations, and come up with a formidable candidate before the party holds its primary election between June 6-8, 2022.

According to a statement signed by Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity the President said the meeting was a continuation of the on-going consultative process aimed at ensuring a smooth and strategic emergence of a standard bearer, who will lead the APC to a resounding victory in the upcoming presidential polls.

“Looking at this assemblage of personalities and considering your rich pedigree of accomplishments in life, I have come to the conclusion that our party, the APC, is rich in human resources and also that our nation is blessed with capable people that can successfully steer the ship of state into the future,” President Buhari said.

He added that with his first-hand knowledge of the demands of the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the expectations of the citizens, “I must salute your courage and your selfless spirit, in volunteering to serve in the highest office of the land.”

The President added: “Our party, the APC, has won two successive presidential elections in 2015, first when we were in the opposition and in 2019 when I sought re-election. Both processes were achieved through unity of purpose, strategic alignment, consultation, fairness, determination and effective leadership. In both instances, national and party interests were overriding factors in our deliberations and decision-making.

“The 2023 General Elections are fast approaching in a global, regional and national environment that is constantly changing and challenging. This demands that our party should become more aware of the changing environment, be responsive to the yearnings of our citizens, re-evaluate our strategy and strengthen our internal mechanism so that we would sustain the electoral successes.

“I am pleased to note that the party, recognizing the significance of all these demands, has over time developed several democratically acceptable processes and policies, that promote consultation, internal cohesion and leadership to facilitate victories at the polls.”

The President recalled the consultation he had held with stakeholders “that would help the electoral fortunes of our party, beginning with the State Governors. This is the second in the series and I still look forward to meeting with party stakeholders. These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.

“Amongst others things, I reminded the APC Governors of the need for the party to proceed to the 2023 Presidential elections with strength, unity of purpose and to present a flag bearer who will give Nigerians a sense of hope and confidence, while ensuring victory for our party. I extend a similar reminder to all of you distinguished aspirants.”

Saying the APC will on Monday June 6, 2022 commence its national convention during which one candidate will be picked by delegates to fly the flag of the party for the 2023 Presidential Election, President Buhari said he was aware that there is anxiety among party members about the outcome of the process.

“Given these circumstances, I charge you to recognize the importance of the stability and unity of the party, which cannot be overemphasized.

“Similarly, I wish to remind you that our choice of flag bearer must be formidable, appealing to the electorate across the board and should command such ability to unify the country and capacity to address our critical challenges.

“Ahead of the Convention, the party machinery has screened and found all aspirants eminently qualified. Recognizing this fact, the Screening Committee has, amongst others, recommended that consensus building through consultation, be intensified.

“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, with a view to building a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members.”

The President assured that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership during the transition processes and on-going consultations, “until we successfully make the choice on the candidate that will fly the flag of our party for the presidential elections and make the party stronger. I seek your support in this all important responsibility.”

Earlier, National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu had promised that all stakeholders of the party would be reached in the consultation process.

Responding on behalf of the aspirants, former Governor of old Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, and Vice President, ‘Yemi Osinbajo, thanked the President for his leadership and guidance, pledging that they would hold the consultations as counseled “for the unity and strength of our party, the APC.”

By Zainab Lawal

Union of Beninese Resident in Nigeria (UBEN), Ogun State Chapter has congratulated Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State on his victory at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary recently held in the state and also rejoiced with him as he clocked 62.

In a Press Statement signed by the President of the Union, Mr. Romain Kakpo, the union said the fact that Prince Abiodun received almost all the votes by the total accredited delegates remained a testimony to his people-oriented style of administration which has translated into massive infrastructural facilities his government has put in place since he assumed office as the Governor of the state.

He stated that they were grateful to him on his huge investment in the Agricultural sector which has provided employments opportunities for many of their members who are farmers across the state, expressing optimism that the Governor’s drive and continuous efforts in the sector would, in no time, turn the state to food basket of the Nigerian nation.

The Beninese President believed the unprecedented achievements Prince Abiodun has recorded by setting up farm settlements in many parts of the divisions of the state, of which they are beneficiaries has shown his concerns about the wellbeing of the people of the state, understanding the importance of food in human existence.

UBEN President said they were not surprised by the feat recorded by the Ogun State Governor because, according to him, he has demonstrated his inclusiveness of his administration with many of his strides, such as security which had made it possible for their members to go about their duties and responsibilities without any fear of molestation or deprivation.

He urged the Governor to keep up the good work in the service of the people as his massive investments in road construction and housing have not only stimulated business development and provided shelter for the people but also employment opportunities for their members in construction, building and allied works.

The Beninese congratulated the Governor on his 62th birthday and prayed to God to give him the Grace to mark many more years.

By zainob Lawal

Union of Beninese Resident in Nigeria (UBEN), Ogun State Chapter has congratulated Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State on his victory at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary recently held in the state and also rejoiced with him as he clocked 62.

In a Press Statement signed by the President of the Union, Mr. Romain Kakpo, the union said the fact that Prince Abiodun received almost all the votes by the total accredited delegates remained a testimony to his people-oriented style of administration which has translated into massive infrastructural facilities his government has put in place since he assumed office as the Governor of the state.

He stated that they were grateful to him on his huge investment in the Agricultural sector which has provided employments opportunities for many of their members who are farmers across the state, expressing optimism that the Governor’s drive and continuous efforts in the sector would, in no time, turn the state to food basket of the Nigerian nation.

The Beninese President believed the unprecedented achievements Prince Abiodun has recorded by setting up farm settlements in many parts of the divisions of the state, of which they are beneficiaries has shown his concerns about the wellbeing of the people of the state, understanding the importance of food in human existence.

UBEN President said they were not surprised by the feat recorded by the Ogun State Governor because, according to him, he has demonstrated his inclusiveness of his administration with many of his strides, such as security which had made it possible for their members to go about their duties and responsibilities without any fear of molestation or deprivation.

He urged the Governor to keep up the good work in the service of the people as his massive investments in road construction and housing have not only stimulated business development and provided shelter for the people but also employment opportunities for their members in construction, building and allied works.

The Beninese congratulated the Governor on his 62th birthday and prayed to God to give him the Grace to mark many more years.

…says females population too significant to be ignored

By Tolani Lawal

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, officially flagged off women empowerment scheme with disbursement of individual livelihood grants to 2,094 women across the state.

The governor, who performed the flag-off ceremony at the relaunching of Oko’wo Dapo scheme in collaboration with Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) at the MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, said women empowerment and emancipation would continue to be at the front burner of his administration.

The event had the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; Mrs. Pauline Tallen, wives of the Kwara and Osun State governors, the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, among other dignitaries in attendance.

Abiodun noted that in the economic architecture of his government, the womenfolk form a vital economic bloc, hence, the emplacement of various schemes to empower them, not only financially but economically.

He said out of estimated 7,535,007 2021 population projection by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), for Ogun State, females are put at 3,788,932, which is 50.28%, saying the significant number of women cannot be overlooked, if the state truly desires sustainable development.

Abiodun, who added that his administration had observed women as mostly involved in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) but always find difficult to access financial resources for the growth of their businesses from conventional financial institutions, said his government had since devised other approaches to empower the womenfolk.

These, according to him, include “capacity building of 500 female entrepreneurs across the state to enable them access financing and scale up their businesses; empowerment of 2,500 rural women across the state through provision of products worth ₦100m; empowerment of over 600 youths through vocational training while 400 women and youths are still undergoing training at the V
vocation training centre under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; empowerment of 95 Women across the three
senatorial districts and more than 100 widows were also empowered during the commemoration of year 2021 International Widows Day”.

He emphasised that the empowerment programmes are targeted at alleviating poverty and increasing prosperity of women.

“Our womenfolk are integral part of our financial inclusiveness agenda. We are committed to providing avenues for our women to gain power and control over their own lives and acquire requisite skills and technical know-how to make strategic choices. It is a critical aspect of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 5 – Gender Equality. On its own, Gender Equality provides more socioeconomic and political wherewithal for our women.

“At the macro level, it will go a long way in reducing poverty in the family; reduce gender-based violence and abuse in the society; and, further strengthen the economy. Therefore, empowering our women is not a favour to their gender, it is, in fact, one of the most viable approaches towards achieving sustainable economic development”, the governor added.

While commending the Federal Government for the initiative of the Nigeria for Women Projects (NFWP), the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the World Bank, Abiodun said the choice of Ogun as
one of the six states in each of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria for the implementation of the NFWP programme is commendable.

He expressed optimism that the NFWP programme would be extended to other local government areas in Ogun, saying the FG’s scheme is in tandem with Oko’wo Dapo Scheme.

Abiodun stated further that after disbursing the individual grants to women beneficiaries across the three implementing Local Government Areas of Odeda; Ijebu North-East; and, Yewa North, his administration would soon re-launch Oko’wo Dapo scheme in the remaining 17 LGAs of the state.

The governor, however, disclosed that some of the beneficiaries of the first phase of Oko’wo Dapo in Odeda LG were at an advanced stage of floating a micro finance bank, which according to him, would further provide for financial inclusiveness for more people and easier access to financial resources to boost their enterprises.

While saying the disbursement would be in phases, he enjoined the beneficiaries not to see the financial assistance as their own share of the national cake, but “see it as an avenue for economic empowerment through which they will be gainfully employed, improve their productivity and increase your income-earning capacities, and, expectedly become net employers of labour”.

“We see the sustainability of this programme as a bilateral responsibility. Government has played its own part by providing the funding, beneficiaries should reciprocate by ensuring that they utilize the funds for the intended purposes, so that it will bring the desired results. Fidelity to this public trust will encourage other Development Partners to collaborate with us on this venture.

“Let me also use this opportunity to call on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to come and partner with us and join us in this journey to take Ogun State to a greater and more prosperous heights”, Abiodun submitted.

By Selimat Lawal

The Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Primary HealthCare
Development Agency, Dr. Gilbert Seluwa has assured that the State
would achieve the target of vaccinating a minimum of 1.5million people
against Covid-19 before the end of the year.

Dr. Seluwa who gave the assurance during his inaugural meeting with
Programmme Officers in the Agency on assumption of duty as its
Executive Secretary, said that the staff of the Agency had been
motivated towards achieving the set target.

Seluwa stressed that the Agency would not tolerate any form of
indiscipline or laxity, emphasizing that there was no room for excuse
in critical situations like the current pandemic especially from
health workers.

Reiterating the commitment of the Fayemi led administration to the
welfare of workers in the State particularly frontline health workers,
Seluwa however stressed the need for the workers to reciprocate
government’s gesture by living up to their responsibilities.

Responding, the State Health Educator, Mrs. Adenike Ajayi and the
State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Adeyinka Ajimati who spoke on behalf
of the Agency staff, pledged to be more proactive in the discharge of
their duties.

They expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary for convening the
meeting which they described as innovative.