Ogun Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would build about 10,000 housing units before the end of his tenure.
The Governor also disclosed that over 4,000 houses have so far been built across the State.
Prince Abiodun spoke on Friday when he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The Governor noted that although the cost of building materials is on the high side, the government cannot abandon its responsibility of providing shelter for the people.
Abiodun said: “To date, we have built about 4,000 affordable houses within four years, and we are still building. By the time I’m done, we will probably build about 10,000 houses.
“We have built medium and upper income houses that have been completely sold out. They were fully four-bedroom detached with Boys Quarters, infrastructure, water, and internet facilities.”
He said his administration was working on another project called “Civil Servants Village” that would seat on a 50 hectares of land, provided with infrastructure and layout, saying it would offer an opportunity for members of the state workforce to buy land and build their houses.
Abiodun, who noted the place of trust between between the government and the citizen in the area of housing delivery, said: “We noted that there were some estates that were built by my predecessors that were not habitable. We realized that because they did not consult where to match the needs of our people with the design of the estates, that led to the estates becoming homes for miscreants.
“After consultation, we began to build our first estate at the heart of Abeokuta and sold them between N5million-N6million. They were sold out before we even completed building them.”
He described housing as the largest employer of labour and fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing that it is imperative for states to key in and support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at providing affordable housing for Nigerians.
The Governor assured that his administration would establish a system where Nigerians in diaspora would acquire property in the state online and track their development wherever they are.
He informed the FHA Chief Executive and his management team that his administration would share its experiences in housing delivery to guide them into making decisions that would be of benefits to Nigerians.
He also assured that land would be made available anywhere in the state for the construction of a federal housing project.
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun was recently honoured with two prestigious awards by two media organisations, The Sun newspapers, which conferred on Prince Abiodun, the ‘Governor of the Year’ award, and Silverbird Television, which named the governor its ‘Man of the Year’. These accolades were bestowed on Abiodun in recognition of his stellar performance in the area of infrastructure, among other notable achievements.
In their separate letters to announce the choice of Prince Abiodun, the two organisations said the award was bestowed on the governor for his sterling performance in the field of governance.
The latest awards followed the earlier ones bestowed on the governor. Early in 2023, Prince Abiodun won the Forbes Best of Africa award in the industrial revolution in 2023. He won the Leadership Governor of the Year Award 2022 and the Vanguard’s Governor of the Year Award 2021. He has also won the Governor of the Year Award at the Nigerian Agricultural Awards 2020.
It is heart-warming that the governor’s modest success has transcended the Gateway State and is being applauded across the length and breadth of the nation. His remarkable success in infrastructure development has significantly transformed Ogun State, reshaping its landscape, and improving the living standards of its residents. His visionary leadership and commitment to progress have set him apart as a dynamic and result-oriented governor.
Under Abiodun’s tenure, various sectors of infrastructure have witnessed remarkable improvements. One of the most notable achievements is the extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state. The administration has prioritized the repair of dilapidated roads, fostering connectivity, and improving transportation networks. Many previously inaccessible areas have now been opened up, providing opportunities for commerce, agriculture, and tourism.
To date, more than 500km of roads have been reconstructed. Also in the pipeline is the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway, which is just awaiting the final nod from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
By investing in infrastructure, Abiodun has also attracted private investments to the state, providing an enabling environment for businesses and industries to thrive. This has resulted in an increase in employment opportunities for the people of Ogun State, a boost to the economy, and an overall improvement in the standard of living.
Indeed, Ogun State is now Nigeria’s industrial giant. Remarkable achievement has been recorded in the ease of doing business index. The state government, under Prince Abiodun, has liberalized land acquisition among other incentives to make the state attractive to investors and also to take massive advantage of its nearness to Lagos, the nation’s industrial capital.
One major iconic project embarked upon by the Abiodun-led administration is the Gateway International Cargo Airport. The airport, which is almost completed, will further enhance the industrial base of the state, by further opening the frontiers of businesses and also opening the state to the rest of the world.
Furthermore, the governor has demonstrated a keen interest in the education sector, recognizing its crucial role in shaping the future of the state. His administration has embarked on the construction and renovation of schools, ensuring that children have access to quality education in conducive learning environments. Additionally, Abiodun has implemented various initiatives to improve educational standards, provide scholarships, and promote vocational training, empowering the youth with skills for the future.
Governor Abiodun’s commitment to healthcare has also been exceptional. His administration has prioritized the construction and upgrading of healthcare facilities, making quality healthcare accessible to all residents of Ogun State. By investing in modern medical equipment and adequately staffing healthcare centres, the governor has significantly improved the state’s healthcare system, reducing mortality rates and ensuring a healthier populace.
Aside from his commendable achievements in infrastructure development, Governor Abiodun has shown exemplary leadership skills, transparency, and accountability in governance. He has promoted a participatory approach to governance, engaging various stakeholders in decision-making processes and prioritizing the welfare of the people.
Abiodun’s recognition by the two media establishments underscores his outstanding commitment to transforming Ogun State through infrastructural development. These awards serve as an encouragement for him to continue his excellent work and provide a blueprint for other governors to follow.
The governor described the awards as a testimony to the efforts of his administration to reposition the State for more economic prosperity.
“Our administration in the last four and a half years, has transformed our vision into making the state the investor’s destination of choice. We have also successfully implemented people’s oriented policies and carried out reforms to improve efficiency and service delivery, leading to the state being the most improved in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the country.
“We have implemented a multi-modal transportation plan and other infrastructure across the state. We have constructed over 500 kilometres of road, built over 3,000 affordable houses, renovated over 1,000 schools, and constructed our Gateway International Airport,” Abiodun said.
The governor was lauded by Air Peace CEO, Chief Allen Onyema for his impressive accomplishments and commitment to development. According to Onyema, through the “Building our Future Together” agenda, the governor has successfully boosted the state’s economy.
Senator Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, hailed Prince Abiodun as a transformative leader, crediting his policies for reshaping the state’s economic landscape. Similarly, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka praised the governor’s inclusive leadership style, resulting in increased revenue and significant socio-economic progress.
The state Head of Service, Kolawole Fagbohun, commended the governor for his worker-friendly approach and policies that have elevated professionalism within the civil service.
There is no doubt that the ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda of the Dapo Abiodun administration has been a success story, ensuring the rapid development of the economy of the Gateway State and laying a solid foundation for future successes with more profound projects like the Olokola Deep Sea Port and the Kajola Dry Port knocking at the door.
Adeniran is Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abiodun.
Prince Abiodun, who spoke in Abeokuta at the weekend during the 37th Lisabi Day celebration, reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting young farmers and investors in land clearing, preparation and mechanisation for agriculture.
Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the theme of the celebration: ‘Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship in Agric Business: Panacea for Solving Youth Unemployment in Egbaland’, aligned with his commitment to empower youths for agricultural growth.
He called for intensified efforts in agriculture and allied businesses, focusing on youth development, even as he highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture in the state’s economic roadmap, contributing to food security, job creation and industrialisation.
Abiodun said: “Ogun State remains a major global producer of cassava, with strengths in cassava production, poultry farming, fish production, and animal husbandry.”
He underscored government’s interest in boosting the agricultural value chain, encouraging private sector investment for sustained industrialisation, job creation and food security.
Urging elders to instil core values in the youth, he stressed the importance of hard work, perseverance and diligence.
Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, acknowledged the success of the Lisabi Festival, thanking Egba sons and daughters for their financial support.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the presence of limestone in large quantities in Ewekoro Local Government is responsible for the state contributing 36 per cent out of the 38 per cent revenue generation in the non-oil sector to the coffers of the Federal Government.
The governor made this known at the palace of the Olu of Itoriland, Oba Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo, in Ewekoro Local Government, during the 20th coronation anniversary of the monarch.
Prince Abiodun praised Itoriland for its contribution to making the state the first in revenue generation from the non-oil revenue sector of the country.
“This town and this local government are very important to this state. This local government is one of the local governments that have put this state on the map.
“Today, Ogun State is the number one in non-oil revenue and the largest of that non-oil revenue comes from this local government because of the abundance of limestone here.
“Today, we are number one in non-oil revenue. Out of 38 per cent that non-oil revenue contributes to the revenue of this country, Ogun State contributes 36 per cent and Itoriland is a major contributor to that success,” he said.
Abiodun, describing Oba Akamo as a dependable and responsive monarch, said he is also very passionate.
“Olu of Itori is a good man; he is a very dependable monarch. He is a monarch who is not only responsible, he is also responsive. He is loyal, intentional and consistent.
“When he is with you, you know he is with you. He is very passionate. If he is with you, the whole world will know he is with you.
“I can’t forget when I came to see him in 2018 when he was not with me and I know the difference between 2018 and 2020 till now when he is now with us,” he added.
Abiodun, hailing the monarch for being a stabilising factor among other monarchs in the state, said he had brought development to the town and his people.
The governor also said his administration had begun the demolition of the old hospital in the town, adding that a new one would be built soon.
Oba Akamo thanked Governor Abiodun for his support to the town and its people.
He said he was happy to have been able to transform Itori from its rustic past into a thriving town.
Following the recent waves of protests against the rising cost of living in some parts of the country, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, announced a N5 billion intervention fund to cushion the effect of food inflation in the State.
While addressing a press conference held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s Office, Okemosan, Abeokuta, the state capital, the Governor stated that provision would be made for food palliatives to include rice and other food items for about 300,000 households across the State.
This, he says, “brings our total immediate interventions as a responsible State Government to about N5 billion across all sectors of the State economy.”
For all intent and purposes, this is a time to know a leader who is proactively sensitive to the needs of the citizenry as against reactionaries. For being so swift in his response to the challenging socio-economic situation in the country, not only did the Governor appreciate the people for their perseverance, patience, and understanding, but he also assured them of food self-sufficiency in line with the agricultural policy of his administration.
His words came like a soothing balm when he said: “As our administration acknowledges the concerns raised by many of our citizens regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira value, we identify with you and are taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of these challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being, and wellness of our citizens in this difficult time.
“Let me assure you that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass. Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow.
“In a special way, we extend our appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), for his continuous efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economic landscape.”
As far as Ogun State is concerned, the latest intervention is not a one-off thing. Since he assumed office on May 29, 2019, Governor Abiodun has been consistent in his policy to boost agricultural productivity as a way of ensuring food self-sufficiency. For four and a half years of the present administration, agricultural development has remained one of the key pillars of development of the state. This has been sustained through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) with the commitment to boost the agriculture sector for the well-being of all and sundry.
And, of course, in a situation such as this, the only antidote against food crisis and hunger is a sustained effort to boost productivity. For this concern, Governor Abiodun has assured that he would continue to implement policies that would guarantee people’s access to affordable quality food to ease the burden of the rising cost of living. “In this direction and through targeted interventions, we aim to address these challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens on all our citizens,” he stated.
The essence of the planned interventions emphasised by the Governor is to underscore the readiness of the administration to frontally confront the hunger that is threatening the stability of the polity with a pocket of protests against the high cost of living in some states.
The ordinary people of Niger State who could no longer remain silent in the face of the hardship of the economy recently took their anger to the streets of Minna, the state capital, protesting the high cost of living. Youths and women had thronged the popular Kpakungu Roundabout along Minna-Bida Road to lament their lack of access to food. Subsequently, the protest spurred similar indignations in some other parts of the country.
And because of adversarial politics going on in the country, some reactionary members of the opposition, who wanted to make capital out of the situation, turned the blame against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange rate unification as the reason for the current hardship confronting the people.
That submission was shallow, hasty, and a lack of critical thinking in the analysis of issues. For all they care, such a triviality is undeserving of public attention. And quite interestingly, the insinuation has been rightly treated with benign neglect by the listening audience. There is no denying the fact that since the declaration of the two audacious policies, the hardship arising from the socio-economic consequences of the new regime of subsidy removal has taken the better part of the common people, questioning the reality of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the administration. Among other things, the combined effects of these two policies have resulted in a high rate of food inflation and a lack of access to basic needs. From the records, the current rate of inflation (28.92%) remains the highest in the recent past.
But all Nigerians know that the food security situation in the country has over the years been impacted by insecurity, especially the insurgency in the North East; armed banditry in the Northwest; perennial farmer–herder conflicts in the North Central, South West, and increasingly across the country. Other factors contributing to the food insecurity situation include rising inflation, poverty, and unemployment with deleterious effects on the conditions of living of citizens, and their ability to access food.
Before then, the food security situation in Nigeria had been a major concern with 17 million people estimated to be critically food insecure in 2022. A similar report by Cadre Harmonise, a government-led and UN-supported food and nutrition analysis, estimated that about 25 million Nigerians were likely to be food insecure between June and August of 2023.
There is a nexus between the current food crisis and natural disasters, like floods in some parts of the country. For instance, according to the report of the National Emergencies Management Agency (NEMA), the 2022 floods led to the destruction and washing away of over 675,000 hectares of farmland. One can only imagine the extent of the impact of this scale of destruction of farmlands on agricultural activities and food production across the country. Farmers, the majority of whom are small-scale, lost not only crops and harvests, but also farm animals, poultry, fishery, and farm implements to the raging floods.
What all this means is that the food crisis has been a looming threat for the past two years but the cynics feign ignorance of the hunger that has been lurking long before the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For the Patriots, this is not a time for a blame-game. We must all see the current situation as a collective tragedy that requires the collective action of all concerned stakeholders. As Jean Ziegler rightly quipped, “Hunger is a ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction.’ Hunger is not a respecter of tribal, religious, or racial boundaries. Hunger happens when people do not have enough food to eat. The main cause of hunger is not a collective shortage of food but rather access to food. Addressing hunger is more than just giving verbal support or condemnation”.
To show that the APC-led administration is not shying away from the current reality, the Federal Government has identified food insecurity as well as climate change as factors responsible for lower incomes and higher prices of foods in the country. These challenges have seriously put food out of the reach of many Nigerians.
In August last year, President Tinubu saw the threat of the looming crisis when he declared a state of emergency on food insecurity and unveiled a comprehensive intervention plan to ensure food affordability and sustainability.
The intervention plan involved 12 key action points. These include the release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households, synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources for irrigation and all-year-round farming, creation of a National Commodity Board for price assessment and maintenance of strategic food reserves, increased security measures for farms and farmers, enhanced agricultural value chain and activation of 500,000 hectares of land for farming and river basins for continuous farming. Though the potential gains of the initiative have yet to manifest, the long-term effect will stimulate tremendous positive impacts on small and large-scale farmers, the poverty rate, and increased food security for the country.
Regardless of political affiliations, to maximize the long and short-term benefits of the new policy direction of the present administration on agriculture, every patriotic citizen of this country must be ready to be a part of the solution to the existential threat of the lack of access to food has become not only in Nigeria but the entire global community.
Already, Ogun State has commenced work on its action plan to stave off the threat of hunger in the country. For instance, on February 12, 2024, the state ministry of Agriculture organised a day retreat at Ijebu-Ode to brainstorm on the direction to take toward food self-sufficiency focusing on the theme: “Achieving Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State: The Place of Public Servants.” This was part of the initiative to give a boost to agricultural policy of the Abiodun administration.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, in his remark, explained that the retreat was to brainstorm on the best ways to achieve food security through an increase in food production, effective agricultural value-chain, access to inputs for the farmers and bringing youth and women into agriculture, among other things.
Even before the situation assumed the current dimension, the State had distinguished itself as a pacesetter in agriculture. That explains why the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had chosen the state to serve as a pioneer in the South-West for the Federal Government’s mechanisation programme for the production of cocoa and rice in the country, noting that it is one of the states that had an interest in two vital areas of cocoa, rice production and also in agricultural mechanization.
Suffices to say, therefore, that the Abiodun administration’s commitment to sustainable agro-allied industrial policy growth remains unwavering. One of the manifest evidence of that is the construction of Agro-Cargo International Airport, Ilishan-Remo, which has been a major attraction for prospective investors who see the state as an investment destination of choice.
Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital
The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hammed Benco, has hailed Governor Dapo Abiodun for being sensitive and responsive to the plight of workers.
He spoke at the presentation of two new 18-seater buses to the NLC and National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The NLC chairman, speaking on behalf of the two unions, said the governor is a man bound by his words and committed to the plight of workers.
Benco said: “We are grateful to our governor for being a man that is faithful to his words and being a worker-friendly governor. We were actually not expecting these at this time, but I think the governor’s word is his bond.”
Governor Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said his administration always prioritised workers’ welfare.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said his administration will continue to leverage technology to improve the economic parameters of the state.
He also said that his government, upon realising the importance of technology, was quick to understand the need to develop and leverage digital resources.
Prince Abiodun made this known in Lagos State on Tuesday during the launching of a book titled: “The Transformational Leader (The journey of a Tech Bro turned Bank CEO), written by Ademola Adebise, the former managing director of Wema Bank.
He said: “At the inception of our administration in 2019, we were quick to brace up to the fact that developing and leveraging on digital resources would provide us with a sure way to harness a globally competitive citizenry and the economy of our dear state.
“We identified the fact that businesses cannot not survive in the 21st century without innovation and creative content, since all activities undertaken in the business sector are linked to Information Technology.
“In Ogun State, our administration has continued to raise the bar on all economic parameters. It is no gainsaying that uniqueness and competitive advantage of Ogun State as a Gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity, especially with the largest concentration of industries in Nigeria, our strategic location, human and natural resources and proximity to Lagos State have positioned our state as the investor’s destination of choice.”
The governor said the launching of the book encapsulates the journey of Ademola Adebise as CEO/MD of Wema Bank, adding that the book also illustrates the challenges he overcame as well as the successes achieved.
Abiodun noted that the values of integrity, innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence are testaments to the values that have guided Adebise all through his life.
He described the author as an astute banking administrator with a legacy of innovation.
“Demola was an accomplished programer and systems analyst, an astute banking administrator with a legacy of innovation and it is for this reason that this book that we are launching today is very noteworthy,” he said.
He commended Adebise for consistently steering Wema Bank on a trajectory growth and profitability between 2019 and 2023, even as he acknowledged him for being part of the leadership team that launched the ‘Alat’ app, which has grown to become a foremost digital financial services platform in the country with over 1.3 million users.
Also present on the occasion were the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oyo State Deputy Governor Alhaji Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, the CEO, Elizade Motors and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Micheal Ade Ojo and the Managing Director, Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, among others.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote yesterday paid a condolence visit to the parents of Herbert Wigwe, Access Holdings Plc group chief executive officer.
The Access Holdings GCEO died in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday alongside his wife, Doreen Chizoba; son, Chizzy and Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Abiodun, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, said Wike, Dangote and himself were accompanied on the visit to Pastor Shyngle and Mrs Stella Wigwe in Lagos by the late Access Holdings boss’ close friends and associates.
The governor wrote: “In the company of Dr. Aliko Dangote and a group of close friends and associates, we gathered to express our heartfelt condolences to Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and his wife, Mrs. Stella Wigwe.
“These sorrowful parents have suffered the loss of their beloved sons, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Mrs Chizoba, and his son Chizzy in a tragic helicopter accident.
“During this solemn visit, we fervently beseech God to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and bring solace to the grieving families they have left behind.”.
Dangote had earlier yesterday joined more eminent Nigerians and groups in mourning Wigwe.
Describing the Rivers State-born banker as a “beloved friend and brother,” he recalled his(Wigwe) contributions to the growth of the banking sector and his role in the fight against COVID-19, especially in Nigeria.
Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man, extended his “deepest sympathies” to the entire Wigwe family and the staff of Access Holdings Plc.”
He said that Wigwe’s first-rate mind, brilliance, tenacity, unforced charm, and clarity of purpose stood him out among his peers.
The billionaire and industrialist wrote: “His(Wigwe) remarkable organisational skills and penchant for excellence came to the fore during our days of collaboration in the CA-COVID initiative where we complemented the official efforts to curb the unprecedented impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
“Like some of us, he stood up to be counted and deployed huge personal resources to fight a common scourge. How noble, how patriotic.
“As I mourn the shocking demise of a loyal friend, my heart goes out to Tochi, David, and Hannah, the rest of the extended Wigwe family, the staff of Access Holdings, and the good people of our beloved country Nigeria.”
Diri, Otti, Abiru recall association with Wigwe
The other prominent Nigerians who recalled the life and time of Wigwe were Governors Diri Duoye (Bayelsa), Alex Otti(Abia); and Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Adetokunbo Abiru.
Groups that also mourned the banker and Ogunbanjo include Lagos State House Assembly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives and Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Governor Diri said he was deeply saddened by “the loss of a dear friend and brother, who understood what friendship and brotherhood meant.”
Wigwe, according to the governor, was a consummate banker and businessman who touched lives and brought dreams to reality. He recalled how Wigwe, through Access Bank, positively impacted youths in Bayelsa State by partnering with the government to organise the maiden edition of a sports festival in 2023.
While commiserating with the Wigwe family, the family of his wife as well as the management and staff of Access Bank Plc, he said Nigeria has lost an illustrious son.
In an emotion-laden statement, Governor Otti, who once headed Diamond Bank, a deposit money bank acquired by Access Bank, revealed that Wigwe was to pay him a visit on his return from the U.S. where the chopper crash took his life.
In the statement titled “Saying Goodbye,” Otti said the death of the Access Holdings boss, was a a personal blow to him.
The governor wrote: “Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?
“Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong.
“I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then came a call minutes from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank.
“You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola.
“He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable.
“For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!
“What do we tell Tochi and the little ones? Who will tell Mummy Stella and Daddy Shyngle, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two years ago?
“How about those of us who have come to see you as part of our lives?
“This death is too big a blow to me personally and all those who knew you closely. You were not only my friend but my brother.
“I remember taking you up about 15 years ago quoting a research-based position that over 70 percent of mergers and acquisitions destroy shareholder value. You responded that Access Bank was in the 30 percent category.
“A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted: ‘Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. “We must get some of us that dare to go into public office, and you must remain there.’
“Since then, you have been consistent in your support.
“This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper.”
Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions Charman Abiru said that Wigwe’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark in the business world.
Abiru described him as a passionate, dedicated, fearless and accomplished businessman.
The committee chairman said: “I witnessed his extraordinary goal-driven professionalism. He reached the pinnacle of his career in the banking industry and business, leaving an indelible mark on the generation of accomplished bankers who cut their teeth at Guaranty Trust Bank.
“His death is a national tragedy of monumental proportion.”
Lagos Assembly observes minute silence
Lagos House of Assembly observed a minute silence for the late Access Holding chief and called on his colleagues to sustain his legacies.
Speaking under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described Wigwe’s demise as “shocking, painful, disturbing and unexpected.”
Obasa recalled his last encounter with Wigwe on their way back to Lagos from Abuja, describing him as one who was passionate about Nigeria’s development.
He said: “My last encounter with him was from Abuja to Lagos in his aircraft. Within the one-hour flight, we had a lot of discussions.
“All we can do now is mourn and accept what happened as what fate has brought upon us. He did not die alone. His wife, son and friend were with him.
“The lesson from this is that even though none of us wants to die, we must put the best of us in our relationships with others and contribute our best to our society and nation as these are what people will remember after us.
“I want to urge his colleagues to sustain his legacies, his philanthropic activities part of which is the Lagos City Marathon which has been expanded beyond the shores of Nigeria as well as the Wigwe University which, I am sure, was for the benefit of Nigerians.”
Rivers Reps caucus urges thorough probe
The state caucus in the House of Representatives also lamented the passing of three members of the Wigwe family and called on the U.S. to ensure a thorough probe of the crash.
It advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to also initiate a similar probe.
In a statement, the Leader of the caucus, Dunamenne Dekor, said the accident threw Rivers State into mourning,
He said: “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we extend our deepest condolences to the Wigwe family and loved ones during this distressing time.
“Dr. Herbert Wigwe played a prominent role in the financial banking community, Education and Welfare.
“His leadership at Access Holdings Plc has left an indelible mark on the industry.
“As we mourn the loss of our son; a nationalist, lover of Rivers State, and visionary and compassionate leader, we take solace in the very remarkable impact he made in the financial sector, education, and particularly his philanthropic lifestyle and belief that the well-being of a people is the only thing that has intrinsic value.
“We fervently hope that authorities will successfully locate and provide the necessary support to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.”
Ohanaeze: Wigwe’s death tragic
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said Wigwe in his lifetime “proved to the entire world that the audacity of intellectual prowess, social skill, humility and honesty is far more impactful than the audacity of the aristocracy.”
The apex-Igbo socio-cultural group, added in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, that the death of the Access Holding topshot was tragic.
It said Wigwe was one of the “most brilliant creative thinkers, audacious achievers, trailblazers, innovative edifice, charismatic visionary and top bankers.”
The statement partly reads: “Wigwe proved to the entire world that the audacity of intellectual prowess, social skill, humility and honesty is far more impactful than that of aristocracy.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is in deep sorrow over the death of Herbert Wigwe.
“Iwuanyanwu sends his condolences to the Wigwe family, the Abimbola Ogunbanjo family, the Access Bank Plc, the good people of Omueke village, Isiokpo, community, the entire Ikwerre and the good people of Rivers State.
“He prays that the Almighty will grant the souls of Wigwe; his wife, Mrs Chizoba Nwigwe and the son, Chizi Wigwe an eternal rest in his bosom.”
Also, the ACCI has expressed sorrow and shock over the death of Wigwe.
ACCI President and Leader of the Organised Private Sector in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Emeka Obegolu, said Wigwe’s death is not only a great loss to his family but also to the Nigerian banking sector and the business community.
The impeachment of Olakunle Oluomo as Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly came at an unexpected time. After escaping the banana peels many times, he was ousted cheaply at an unprecedented time in the state’s history. The development was coming just around when the Supreme Court put a rest to post-election litigation concerning the governorship election in the state.
Delivering the judgement, the five-member jury, led by Justice John Okoro, declared a watershed judgement upholding the election of Prince Dapo Abiodun as the duly elected Governor of Ogun State in the March 18, 2023 governorship election. Prince Abiodun’s challenger and the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, failed to prove allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the conduct of the governorship election. “This appeal is unmeritorious and ought to be dismissed and it is hereby dismissed. The judgement of the court is hereby affirmed,” Tijjani Abubakar, who read the lead judgement, said.
Governor Abiodun, who was seeking reelection, flew the flag of the APC during the March 18 governorship and was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having polled 276,298 votes to defeat Adebutu, who scored 262,383 votes.
As is his right, Adebutu approached the Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta to contest the results of the election. In a unanimous ruling on Saturday, September 30, 2023, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Hamidu Kunaza struck out the petition because it was “incompetent, defective, disjunctive and lack merits”.
Not satisfied with the judgement of the tribunal, and despite other opposition parties under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state saying the case was dead on arrival at the higher courts, Adebutu proceeded to the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision.
Addressing a press conference in Abeokuta after the tribunal judgement, IPAC’s state chairman, Engr. Samson Okusanya described the statement credited to PDP after the judgement, which discredited the verdict, as docile and out of crass ignorance from political merchants.
“Ladi Adebutu and his team of lawyers ought to have known that law and facts are not based on technicalities but rather on fairness and objectivity of the legal process which stipulates that the petitioner ought to have frontloaded certain information in the petition. We salute the judiciary and most importantly members of the Tribunal led by Justice Hamidu Kunaza for a job well done. The PDP and her candidate should as a matter of importance, discontinue his planned wild goose chase at the appellate Court and accept the will of God,” he said.
As predicted, Prince Abiodun’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), prayed the appellate court to dismiss the appeal. He urged the court to uphold Governor Abiodun’s victory as the validly elected governor of Ogun State. The court upheld the prayer. Delivering judgement on the appeal, in its majority judgement of the three-member panel that was delivered by Justice Joseph Ikyegh, said there was no reason to overturn the judgement of the tribunal.
With post-election litigations over and the governor’s re-election duly affirmed by the Supreme Court on January 19, the high expectations of the people of the state, majorly because of the standard set by Governor Abiodun in his first term, demand that all involved come together in reconciliation to move the state forward.
Already leading that reconciliation tone is no other person than Sir Kessington Adebutu, an industrialist and father of Hon. Adebutu. He congratulated Governor Abiodun on the revalidation of his re-election by the Supreme Court and urged his son to join hands with the governor in the interest of the state after the apex court’s verdict. In a letter addressed to Prince Abiodun, dated January 22, the senior Adebutu said he had counselled his son to sheathe the sword and join Abiodun in moving the state forward. He also called for a peaceful meeting between Hon. Adebutu and the governor. Most importantly, he noted that the apex court’s judgement had put an end to all matters of litigation surrounding the 2023 governorship election.
After his victory at the polls, Prince Abiodun promised that “We will continue with the same vision of providing focused and purposeful governance. We will push our frontiers as the industrial, educational and religious capital of Nigeria. We are fast becoming the food basket in the southwest, so we have a lot to be thankful for. Please let us keep our eyes on the ball.”
Embarking on the delivery of these promises and the completion of major projects in the state not only require strategic partnerships and collaboration. Ogun needs an enabling environment for industrial growth, manpower development, and creativity to thrive. Part of that enabling environment is for stakeholders, no matter their creed and political alignment, to close ranks and for the good of the state.
From that point, every political pundit thought the APC was on a roller coaster. It has successfully quelled internal opposition, winning all elements loyal to former Governor Ibikunle Amosun over. Weeks before, another APC lawmaker, Kunle Sobukunola, snatched victory from his PDP counterpart, Babajide Owodunni from the governor’s constituency at the Appeal Court and the euphoria became more undiluted with more converts into the APC. That was when the lucre of leadership snapped for Oluomo, the governor’s protege and the state’s number 3 citizen.
Perhaps conscious that this is his second and final term, Abiodun understands that this is his “legacy term”. He buckled under his place in history at the moment when not only governance but crisis, whether internal or external, would be a reflection of his stake in statesmanship. More than his first term, it is during this second term that history will record his administration’s scorecard in terms of performance and his political dealings with friends and foes alike.
The crisis of confidence in the Ogun State House of Assembly did send a wrong signal about the willingness of the governor to foster reconciliation within his party as a benchmark for his ability to close ranks with other stakeholders outside his party. Despite describing Governor Abiodun as his benefactor and expressing gratitude for endorsing his candidacy for the speakership twice, embattled Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, expressed disappointment in the lack of intervention from the governor and the leadership of the APC, which he had expected. He said the disappointment meant that he would have to seek justice elsewhere.
What a pity from someone who admitted there has been no love-lost relationship with his colleagues in the House. The governor’s love and protection notwithstanding, it appears he left many things to chance. An ordinarily sagacious four-term lawmaker would have not been left in the lurch as it happened to him. Some loyal forces would have squealed to him on the impending sack, probe and formal impeachment and helped him strategise.
But it seemed all his network of friends, colleagues, party chieftains and even career officers could not muster support when it mattered most. Something must be wrong for no one to have given him any inkling of the putsch. These only advertise dissidence, unpopularity and political quicksand which must be monitored in the State. Going to court and appearing before the Musefiu Lamidi panel without getting a damage control system in place is equally antithetical to common sense. Worse still, the executive arm, the civil apparatchiks and party stalwarts were quick to seal the fate of the embattled Speaker, swore in and embraced Oludaisi Elemide as his replacement.
Prince Abiodun was unequivocal on the fall of Oluomo. He agreed with the decision of the assembly members to impeach him, insisting that the lawmakers have the right to choose their leader. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade in Abeokuta, the governor said that the lawmakers have the prerogative to elect their leaders in line with the stipulated law. Oluomo was impeached over alleged gross misconduct, high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance, poor leadership style, financial misappropriation and inciting members against one another – allegations which his erstwhile deputy Dare Kadiri spewed two years ago.
These events are a real challenge for governance in the State. Many believe that there are political undercurrents and that Governor Abiodun should be careful with the politics of succession and post-governorship politicking. Thankfully, the governor erred on the side of all democratic norms and Baron de Montesquieu would have turned in his grave for him putting his gubernatorial seal on the triumph of the ineluctable theory of separation of power.
That move further gives a fillip to Prince Abiodun’s much-mouthed template and deliberate action plans to transform the state by implementing the “Building Our Future Together” agenda, hinged on the five developmental columns of I-S-E-Y-A: Infrastructure; Social Development and Wellbeing; Education; Youth Development, and; Agriculture and Food Security. Now that he has a renewed mandate, he should not let political expediency, primordial sentiments, or party loyalty sway him. More collaboration, reconciliation and collective interest should drive his clear agenda on how to consolidate the gains of the past four years while embarking on fresh developmental programmes and projects.
Going forward, governance, justice, fairness, the rule of law and the people’s welfare should continue to be his priorities because those are the benchmarks by which his legacy lies post-2027.
* Somorin, former Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Dapo Abiodun, is a doctoral candidate at Crescent University, Abeokuta.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, his Ondo State counterpart, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun and other eminent personalities paid last respect to late Major General Ekundayo Opaleye as his remains were laid to rest on Friday in Abeokuta, the state capital.
General Opaleye passed away in November 2023 as a result of a heart attack. He was at the helm of affairs in Ondo state between 1986 and 1987 as military governor.
Abiodun, Aiyedatiwa, and Amosun separately eulogized the late Opaleye as an exemplary soldier, leader, and administrators who served his Nigeria, Ondo, and Ogun states with dedication.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, described the deceased as an exceptional administrator and exemplary leader whose contributions to the development of old Ondo State can never be forgotten.
Aiyedatiwa, also said that the late military administrator of Ondo State was a dutiful soldier who served the country meritoriously.
He said:, “Listening attentively to the tributes given by all the various groups here present, I cannot but conclude that Major General Opaleye was a total man who excelled in all spheres of life. He was a responsible and committed father, highly revered elder statesman, and an illustrious son of Ogun state.”
“In Ondo state, we know him as a very thorough and articulate administrator who has left an indelible mark on the sands of time. I recall he was the one who introduced the ‘due process’ in the operations of government in the then old Ondo state – a feat that will be remembered by generations yet unborn,” the Governor said.
He further described the late General as a steadfast Christian who demonstrated his faith in God at all times and a complete gentleman soldier who had high regard for the Yoruba tradition and the entire black race.
“As testified by one of his close friends here, General Opaleye was, no doubt, a devout Christian who until he took his last breath, still proclaimed Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal saviour. He also held the traditional institution in high esteem during his tenure as military administrator of Ondo state.
“Though his demise is painful we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of purpose. On behalf of the government and people of Ondo state, I wish to commiserate with the Ogun state government for this irreplaceable loss, not only to the state but the country at large.”
Present at the event were dignitaries from all walks of life including the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, serving and retired military personnel.
