By Sola Aladelola

The Yobe State governor and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni, his Jigawa and Kebbi state counterparts, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Muhammad Abubakar, respectively, on Monday, paid a condolence visit to the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the death of his father, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun.

Others who accompanied Buni on the visit were the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, a former governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel, Senator Gbenga Kaka and the chairman of the Tertiary Education Trustfund (TETfund), Kashim Imam, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Buni urged Abiodun to take solace in the fact that death is inevitable outcome of living.

He disclosed that he visited Abiodun to deliver the condolence message of all members of the APC, saying “All APC members are with you and sharing in your grief”

“We are hear to share in your grief, to sympathise with you and your family, but we must all take solace in the fact that death is inevitable and one day we will all die”, Buni added.

Responding, Abiodun, noted that his father’s transition has made him to join the fatherless club, though unwillingly, adding that the visit was a balm that would help in soothing the family in this trying time.

He described his father as humble and God fearing, disciplined and focused, adding that he lived for his family and community.

While noting that his father believed that life was transient, the governor said God has appointed time for everyone, charging all to make the best of their time while on earth, as each one would give account of his/her stewardship.

Meanwhile, the wife of the former President, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, has admonished parents to give their children best education to enable them be useful to themselves and society in the future.

Mrs. Obasanjo, who gave the advice when she visited the governor and the family at their Iperu-Remo home to commiserate with them on the demise of their Patriarch, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, said children who are adequately educated would be a source of joy not only to their parents, but the society at large.

She said it was time for all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribes or social standing to join hands and lift the country up, as Nigeria has the potentials to be great.

Sinab Lawal

The Abiodun family of Iperu – Remo, Ogun State, has announced that the burial activities of their late patriarch, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, will hold from Monday, 6th to Thursday, 9th September, 2021 in Iperu-Remo.

In a statement issued on Monday by Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to the deceased’s eldest son, Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, the family expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love and emotions that have greeted the death of their father.

“We are grateful to political leaders, royal fathers, community leaders, service chiefs, business executives, unionists, civil servants, public officials, students of the late educationist, student leaders, religious communities, women groups as well as politicians across political parties for their calls, condolences visits and avalanche of soothing words, encomiums and kind remarks on the life and times of our patriarch”, Governor Abiodun said.

The family requests friends, associates and well-wishers to continue to remember them in prayers as the burial plans are finalised.

In the meantime, Governor Dapo Abiodun will be available to personally receive condolence visits at the family house in Iperu on weekends, the statement concluded.

By Tola Lawal

No fewer than 40,000 farmers across Ogun State will benefit from various agricultural intervention programmes of Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World Bank-Assisted programme aimed at increasing private sector participation in boosting the State’s economy.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina dropped the hint during a farmiliarisation and validation exercise at Sode, Obafe and Ayerose in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, where two-kilogram bags of maize seeds, cassava stems, cocoa and cashew seedlings, among others were distributed free to farmers.

Dr. Odedina, who expressed delight at the communities’ readiness for the programme, said the State government is giving free planting materials to farmers, which informed the ongoing sensitisation programmes in different communities of the State.

According to him, the OGSTEP intervention programme would include provision of farm infrastructure, such as road network, water and electricity supplies that would link farmers to industrial process to create jobs.

“We are running one of the biggest donor programmes in agriculture under OGSTEP. We have been going around the communities to sensitize and link them to planting materials, roads, water supply and electricity for easy haulage of their farm produce to the market. We are happy with the response of the community.

The Governor has mandated that it should be a continuous process for small holders’ farmers, so that we can link them up to market and industrial process and thereby create job and provide prosperity”, he said.

Also speaking, the Acting Programme Manager, OGSTEP, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire explained that the programme was meant to enhance ease of doing business to attract investors, strengthening agricultural value-chains, rural infrastructure, private sector participation and technical assistance towards increased livelihood.

She added that the programme also focuses on way of evolving easy access to land for farming and industrial purposes, as well as farmers’ linkage to market and off-takers, pointing out that each beneficiary would be required to provide a hectare of land for farming, while the government provides inputs and other technical assistance.

Speaking on behalf of farmers in the community, the Olori-Oko of Sode village, Chief Adesegun Shorinmade expressed joy at the intervention, appreciating the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the gesture.

Also speaking on behalf of his subjects, the Olu of Obafemi town, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, commended the State Government for helping farmers and bringing infrastructure to his domain, assuring of continuous communal harmony between them and non-indigenes.

By Sinob Lawal

The entire security family of Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps ) under the able leadership of Commander Soji Ganzallo commiserate with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun and his entire family members over his father, Pa. Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun who answered the call to glory at 89.

In a Press release signed by ACC Moruf Yusuf,
Director of Information
and Public Relations
and made available to our Reporter, Commander Ganzallo said Death was inevitable, yet Papa transition was painful but thanked God and we gave glory to Him for a fulfilled life the late renowned educationist lived.

According to the release, the Commander prayed to God to forgive all Pa Abiodun’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest at blossom of his Lord.

“May God grant his widow, Your Excellency and his siblings and the rest members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss!
Amen. Accept our sincere condolences”.

By Sola Akadelola

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commissioned Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis center donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility for the wellbeing of the people, as well as the development of the State’s health sector.

Governor Abiodun while speaking at the event held at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, said wellness and welfare of the people would be guaranteed, when churches and other development partners collaborate with the government to provide healthcare services.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun noted that his administration would continue to initiate impactful policies and programmes towards improving the health status of the people.

“We will continue to build on infrastructure to support and help improve the wellbeing of our people through employment generation, poverty alleviation and food security.  We have renovated our health facilities and built new ones, trained and employed more medical personnel across all cadres in the health sector”, he said.

He applauded the RCCG for being a worthy partner particularly in the last two years of his administration, saying it shows the private sector is also into the partnership programme especially in the health sector.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, appreciated RCCG for the unflinching support to the State Government, saying the gesture shows the good relationship between the government and religious based organisations.

Also speaking, the Intercontinental Overseer, Christian Social Responsibility, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, said the dialysis centre has three dialysis machines, one medical water reserve osmosis purification system and a 30kva generator, noting that the new kidney centre was the second to be commissioned in the State.

In his response, the Akarigbo of Remoland, HRM Oba Babatunde Ajayi, called on other spirited-individuals and corporate organisations to support the present administration in its ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda, saying the centre would assist in reducing the number of people with chronic kidney disease.

In her welcome address, the acting Chief Medical Director, (CMD) OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, said the berth of the centre would help provide affordable care for infectious disease patients who want exclusive care.

By Tola Lawal

The Commander General of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Dr. Usman Jahun has, on behalf of National Working Committee, Commanders of the 36 states of the federation and FCT, Officers and Men of the group expressed sympathy with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun over the passing of his father and Patriarch of the Abiodun Family in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, late Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, Baba Teacher.

In a release signed by Aare Shola Shodiyan, National Commander, Special Duties and Coordinator of Harmonised Vigilante Team in Ogun State, Dr. Jahun stated the Governor, no doubt must have lost a friend, confidant as well as an ingenious mentor who would be greatly missed for his invaluable, inestimable mentoring.

Dr. Jahun who said as much as the demise of the Governor’s father would remain an irreparable lose charged him to take solace in the fact that Papa lived a good life which had an memorable and indelible mark on many a people, either as his students, friends, family members, neighbours or as acquaintances.

The Commander General prayed to God to give the Governor and the entire Abiodun family the fortitude to bear the lose.

A charge has gone to public office holders to ensure quality service delivery, wellbeing of the people and development of the environment without compromising standards.

The newly sworn-in Chairman, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Hon. Gabriel Ogunyomi, gave this charge during a congratulatory get-together organised by the staff of the council for him, his Vice, Mrs. Olubukola Omoyayi and the 11 Councilors at the headquarters in Ayetoro.

Hon. Ogunyomi underscored the need for them to initiate lofty ideas to better the lots of the people in a way that would bring the Local Government Area to an enviable height, pointing out that the confidence people reposed in them should not be taken for granted.

“Public office is a platform to represent the interest of the people. The time has come for Yewa North to regain its enviable position in the comity of Local Governments in the State”, he submitted.

While appreciating the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering commitment to the overall transformation of the entire 20 Local Governments, the Chairman applauded career officers in the council for their steadfastness in the Local Government administration.

In their congratulatory messages, a member of Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Ketu Constituency, Hon. Aruna Egungbohun and Consultant to the Governor on Finance, Hon. Bode Edun charged the elected officers to see their election as a call to service and cooperate with one another, while the representative of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Kayode Ajibode and the Head Of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mr. Adeyemi Adeyanju pledged their support for them.

The event witnessed the presence of political stalwarts, career officers, youths, religious leaders, community leaders and representative of trade unions among others well-wishers.

By Sinob Lawal

The Chairman of the Ogun State Ward Congress Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Wale Ohu, has declared that there was no parallel election of party executives into the 236 wards throughout the state.

Ohu, who gave this declaration on Saturday evening while briefing newsmen at Ogun State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Iyana Mortuary, Abeokuta, equally submitted that the ward congress was conducted throughout the state without any hitch.

He insisted that there was no parallel congress conducted anywhere in the state.

Ohu said, “nobody will try a parallel congress in the APC because the party gave a clear directives and anyone who tries that is engaging in anti-party activity and it is null and void.

“So we never expected any reasonable and loyal party member to even think of any parallel congress, so there was none”.

The Committee chairman stated further that “the turnout of members at the stakeholders’ meeting was an evidence of what we saw today. Anyone who is a gladiator in APC in the state was at the stakeholders forum and there was no dissenting view. All of them spoke commonly that they were ready to work together with us to have a hitch-free congress and that was what we had today”.

He disclosed that on arrival in the state some days ago, his committee had, apart from convening a stakeholders meeting, also screened candidates, carried out training for officials used in conducting the congress, as well as put other modalities in place to ensure a rancour free congress.

He added that the ward congress started at about 9a.m on Saturday morning, with Committee members moving round to monitor the conduct of the congress in the three senatorial sistricts, adding that the exercise monitored by the Independent National Electorial Commission (INEC) officials was free and fair with massive turnout.

“I can say with all sense of responsibility that today’s Ward Congress in Ogun State is one of the freest congresses conducted anywhere in this country. The turnout was massive. The process was rancour free in all the 236 wards. It is an indication that the party is well grounded in Ogun”, Ohu submitted.

The Committee Chairman hinted that they were in the State on the authority of the national headquarters, to unite the party as a divided house could not stand, added that with the successful conclusion of the Congress, it was believed that the exco of party at the grassroots, would work to make the party even stronger.

By Tola Lawal

The Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Ogun State, Hon. Olusegun OGUNLEYE, was on Sunday, honoured by his club, the Great Ambassadors Club of Iperu, at an event held at the Club’s Secretariat, old Ibadan Road, Iperu.

Hon. Ogunleye, the Vice President of the club, was honoured in recognition of his immense contributions to the club, and most importantly to celebrate his recent election as the helmsman of Ikenne Local Government.

In his welcome address, the President of the Club, Ambassador Kola Osho described the honoree as a committed and passionate member of the club, and an illustrious and patriotic son of Iperu, who had put in his best towards the development of both the club and the community.

He appreciated everyone who rallied round him and gave their support during the electioneering period, while urging all sons and daughters of Iperu to continue to support him and the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who is also an Iperu indigene, as they deliver on more people-oriented programmes and projects to the good people of Ikenne Local Government and Ogun State.

The celebrant was joined by his colleagues from Sagamu and Remo North Local Governments, Hon. Afolabi ODULATE, and Hon. Dapo ODUNSI, respectively.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman, Remo North Local Government, Hon. Dapo Odunsi commended the club for the honour bestowed on their colleague. He sought the support and cooperation of all at the grassroot, in order for the Chairmen to succeed in their new assignments, assuring that the three Remo Council Chairmen would sustain the love and oneness with which they have started their tenure.

He also advocated the promotion of the indigenous Remo dialect as a means of communication, while he solicited the support for the second term bid of the Governor, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, MFR.

Responding, the honoree, Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye, expressed his deep appreciation to the club for the reception held in his honour while promising to remain a good ambassador of the club and the town.

He further sought the cooperation of all in the payment of taxes, levies, and rates due to the local government, which would enable his administration to deliver on projects and programmes that would have direct positive impact on the people of the local government area.

He appreciated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the opportunity given him and his brother Chairmen to serve, while thanking the voting public for their support in the July 24 local government elections.

Present at the event were the Patron of the club, Alhaji Sikiru Salami; the Immediate Past President of the Club, Ambassador Kola Odusanya; Chairman, Iperu Community Development Association, Chief Babajide Oyeti; members of the Iperu Gentlemen Elite Club; families; friends; and associates of the Chairman.

By Shola Ololade

The Congress of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council has called on the governments at Federal and State levels to urgently look into the Security challenges buffeting the country.

The call was contained in a Communiqué issued at the end of its monthly Congress held at the Council’s Secretariat, Iwe Irohin, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State Thursday, July 29, 2021, signed by the state Chairman, Comrade Soji Amosu and the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Kunle Ewuoso.

The Congress also drew government’s attention to other inmotorable roads in the State and federal roads, with particularly concern for Lagos/Abeokuta and Sango/Idiroko roads which they wanted dualised, while thanking Federal government for the approval for the rehabilitation of Ilaro Papalanto- Sagamu interchange road.

The congress also urged the governments to urgently address infrastructural decay bedeviling the country in general and the State in particular.

On the issue of disqualification of Ten Nigerian athletes at Tokyo Olympic 2020, the Congress frowned at the development, berated the Nigerian officials and recommended that the governments should always ensure round pegs were put in round holes in order to forestall future occurrence of this shameful act.

The Congress commended various stakeholders, particularly, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) for the peaceful conduct of the Local Government Elections in Ogun State. However, it called on the government and the electoral umpire to improve on voters’ education so as to reduce their apathy in future elections.