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  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, others celebrate industrialist Jolayemi at 85

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, others celebrate industrialist Jolayemi at 85

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and several dignitaries joined in celebrating renowned industrialist, Chief Oyin Jolayemi, as he marked his 85th birthday in Lagos at the weekend.

    The day began with a thanksgiving service at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, attended by top government officials, captains of industry, religious leaders, and family members.

    In his sermon, Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, commended Chief Jolayemi for his impactful life.

    Reading from Psalms 90:14 and speaking on the theme, ‘Unmerited Grace,’ Okupevi described Jolayemi as a man blessed with divine grace and a legacy of hard work.

    The celebration continued with a grand reception at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where tributes poured in from across the country.

    President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, described Jolayemi as a national asset whose contributions to industrial growth and youth employment have helped shape Nigeria’s economic landscape.

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    “Mr. President asked me to thank you for a life well lived, for your service to the nation, for creating opportunities for our youth, and for remaining a beacon of excellence in industry,” Dr. Salako said.

    Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, also gave glowing remarks, while tributes from the Lagos and Ogun State Governors praised the celebrant’s integrity, humility, and service to humanity.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that Chief Jolayemi had become synonymous with enterprise and generosity. “At 85, you remain a source of wisdom and inspiration to all who know your story,” he said.

    Governor Abiodun, in his message, highlighted the celebrant’s entrepreneurial impact and his contributions to nation-building, describing him as a role model who embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion.

    Oluwatosin Jolayemi, the celebrant’s first son, listed some outstanding qualities he has learned from his father, including integrity, being God-fearing, and purposefulness.

    His second son, Oluwasegun Jolayemi, praised his father’s virtues of exemplary life and hard work, noting that the industrialist has set high standards that have shaped the good life he is leading today. He prayed that Chief Jolayemi would continue to enjoy good health. 

    His daughter, Bunmi, also praised her father for teaching her the ways of the Lord and, most importantly, discipline, noting that her children have also imbibed the same virtues.

    Other dignitaries present at the event included former Supreme Court Justice and former High Commissioner to the UK, Justice George Oguntade; Senator Florence Ita Giwa; Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman of the Doyin Group of Companies; and top executives from various sectors.

    In a tribute, Odu’a Investment Company Limited praised Chief Jolayemi for building the Daily Need Industries into a resilient business and for mentoring generations of professionals.

  • Tinubu hails Gov Abiodun at 65

    Tinubu hails Gov Abiodun at 65

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Ogun Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his 65th birthday and sixth anniversary of his administration.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu congratulated Abiodun for what he described as a “model of progress” in governance over the past six years. 

    The President lauded Abiodun’s steady hand in delivering visible dividends of democracy in infrastructure, education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and social development across Ogun State.

    “Your unwavering commitment to public service and the advancement of our great nation remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity,” the President said, commending Abiodun’s transparent and inclusive style of leadership.

    Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Abiodun has overseen a wave of developmental projects in Ogun, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations. 

    Tinubu acknowledged the Governor’s achievements in boosting internally generated revenue and fostering innovation-driven growth, describing Ogun State under his leadership as “a beacon of stability and innovation.”

    The President also highlighted Abiodun’s role beyond the state level, recognizing his contributions to intergovernmental collaboration and regional development in his capacity as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum. 

    Read Also: Abiodun: Impact of National Sports Festival on Ogun economy massive

    Under his stewardship, the forum has championed policy dialogue and unity among southern states on matters ranging from economic cooperation to national security.

    “As you mark this dual milestone, I join your family, associates, and the good people of Ogun State in honouring your achievements and legacy of service. May the years ahead bring continued health, joy, and enduring peace,” President Tinubu concluded.

    Governor Abiodun’s tenure has been marked by initiatives such as the Ogun Digital Economy Infrastructure Project, the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometers of roads, support for agro-processing zones, and the launch of youth-focused innovation hubs—efforts that have drawn accolades from business leaders and development partners alike.

  • Abiodun commissions Nigeria’s first rapid diagnostic test production facility in Ogun

    Abiodun commissions Nigeria’s first rapid diagnostic test production facility in Ogun

    The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned Nigeria’s first large-scale rapid diagnostic test (IVD) production facility and the second of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The company, CODIX BIO Limited, an In-vitro Diagnostic (IVD) factory, is located along the Sagamu expressway, with a scope of production that concentrates on manufacturing test kits for HIV, Malaria, as well as Hepatitis B and C.

    The Governor, while speaking at the event on Friday, expressed delight over the giant strides, adding that with the capacity of the facility to produce about 147 million test kits annually, the factory marks the dawn of a new era in biomedical innovation in the country.

    “Today, we open a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape with the official commissioning of CODIX BIO Limited. It is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to strengthen its public health infrastructure and significantly reduce our dependence on imported diagnostic tools.

    “We appreciate that this initiative is indeed aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to reforms towards unlocking the healthcare value chain through local manufacturing firms to reduce importation,” he said.

    Governor Abiodun added that over 90% of diagnostic kits used in Africa are being imported, mainly from Europe, Asia, and North America, according to a WHO report in 2023, noting that the test kits offer a game-changing tool in early detection and also serve as a desirable instrument for effective disease management.

    He said that the investment by CODIX BIO Limited speaks volumes of his administration’s economic vision, adding that the investment by CODIX BIO would help the country save viable foreign exchange, create jobs, build industrial capacity, create employment, and improve health delivery.

    The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate Muhammad, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the massive turnaround in the area of infrastructure across the state, saying the state government has found the magic source to connect talent with industrialization, which he said would fuel growth in the area of medical manufacturing.

    Read Also: Gateway 2024 will be benchmark  for National Sports  Festival , says Abiodun

    “Your Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, I have to appreciate what I have seen in your state in terms of industrialization, the convergence, and the ecosystem you are trying to create.

    “I came from the airport and, to see what is going on around and what I have heard about it, I think you’ve played an incredibly viable leadership in this direction, and I commend you and your team for what you have done.

    “I hope other states, including my state, can learn a few things from what you have done in industrializing Ogun State,” he said.

    Also, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in his speech, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the good job done by his administration at the Gateway International Airport, as well as for making the business environment friendly for investors in the state.

    Dr. Alausa charged CODIX BIO Limited to look at the possibility of using their factory as a training ground for the next generation of biomedical engineers, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, and quality assurance professionals, encouraging the factory to deepen partnerships with universities, polytechnics, and research institutions not only to strengthen their workforce but to help develop the health innovation ecosystem.

    In his earlier remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of CODIX BIO Limited, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, said that the factory is designed to be one of the largest and most advanced in Africa, adding that the goal of the company is to serve not only Nigeria but also the ECOWAS region and the entire continent of Africa.

    “In Geneva, this factory, CODIX BIO, is being announced as the first factory selected by the partnership of WHO, SD Biosensor, and MPP under the WHO H-TAP program to support regional manufacturing of rapid diagnostic test kits in Africa. What this means is that the factory is now officially within the scope of WHO and other partners for technical assistance,” he noted.

    Ogunjimi, who also acknowledged the Ogun State Governor for approving a 30% discount for CODIX, said that the project could not have been possible without the enabling support of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

  • Abiodun appoints Odegbami as Grand Sports Ambassador of Ogun

    Abiodun appoints Odegbami as Grand Sports Ambassador of Ogun

    Former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, has been appointed as the grand sports ambassador of Ogun State.

    Also appointed were Tobi Amusan and Anthony Joshua.

    The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced the appointments at the Segun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

    Governor Abiodun presented the certificate of appointment to Odegbami as the state grand ambassador while speaking to sports editors about the readiness of the state to host the 22nd National Sports Festival.

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    “Permit me to use this opportunity to perform this ceremony of unveiling Chief Segun Odegbami as our grand sports ambassador.

    “The National Sports Festival will come and go, but we’re already thinking of leveraging on the gains that will come from hosting the NSF.

    “That’s where Odegbami will come in to help us maximise the sports economy.

    “He had already given us the template of the Amsterdam Arena, which we intend to replicate at the MKO Abiola Stadium.”

  • Abiodun, Ibori, well-wishers, others honour Senbanjo at father’s burial

    Abiodun, Ibori, well-wishers, others honour Senbanjo at father’s burial

    Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun with some former Governors, top executives, captains of industries, family members and friends gathered last Thursday to honour OmoOba Segun Senbanjo and his siblings at the burial of their father and patriarch of the Senbanjo family, Pa Ayodele Oluwole Senbanjo, who passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 92.

    OmoOba Segun Senbanjo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State and Regional Director of Seymour Energy Consulting, led family and well-wishers in giving his father a befitting farewell.

    The funeral service took place at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, followed by a grand reception at the prestigious Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Among the dignitaries were former Governors Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and James Ibori (Delta) respectively; the Chairman of Oodua Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and a former chairman of Wemabod, Otunba Seyi Oduntan, among several others. 

    The guests were treated to an array of sumptuous meals and assorted drinks, with music provided by the vibrant Vintage Band, known for its lively and nostalgic performances.

    Overwhelmed with gratitude, Senbanjo moved around the venue, personally thanking guests for their presence and support during the solemn yet celebratory event.

    Read Also: Ogun students laud  Abiodun on facilities for Sports Festival

    Speaking with journalists, the oil magnate expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who attended and paid tribute to his late father, whom he described as a role model and selfless family man.

    “Pa Senbanjo was the best father anyone could ask for. He ensured we had the best education and instilled in us life’s essential values. He left no stone unturned in preparing us for life,” he said.

    “He believed life isn’t about seeking perfection, but about embracing our imperfections and learning from them. I urge parents to give their children the support and foundation they need to thrive in life,” he added.

    Fondly called “Seby” by his friends, Pa Ayodele Oluwole Senbanjo was born on July 24, 1932, in Lagos, Nigeria, to Jonathan Olorunfunmilayo Senbanjo and Beatrice Ayoola Senbanjo (née Odumosu).

    A royal by birth, he was a prince and a respected member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of the Ile-Nla Compound, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    He began his career in the early 1960s at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and went on to serve as an accountant with the Federal Mortgage Bank and ITT Telecommunications through the 1960s and 1970s.

    Pa Senbanjo remained a devoted Christian and an active member of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, where he served in multiple capacities. 

    From his youth, he was one of the first altar servers in the church and later became a longstanding member of the Cathedral Guild of Stewards. In March 2025, he received a 50-year Long Service Award from the Guild’s Executive Committee.

    He was also a proud member of the Cathedral Torch Bearers, a founding member of the Cathedral Circle, and an active socialite. He joined the Lagos Island Club in 1964 and the Yoruba Tennis Club in 1965.

    Pa Ayodele Oluwole Senbanjo is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Toyin Senbanjo, eight children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

  • NANS, NAOSS hail Abiodun over progress on Gateway International Airport

    NANS, NAOSS hail Abiodun over progress on Gateway International Airport

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) have lauded Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his unwavering commitment toward making the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo fully operational.

    In a joint statement signed by NANS Ogun Chairman, Gabriel Abiola, and NAOSS National President, Thomas Kehinde, the student bodies said the airport’s development is a major step toward enhancing the state’s socio-economic growth and international connectivity.

    They described the recent flight checks conducted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as a positive signal that the airport is nearing commercial takeoff.

    Commending the quality of work on-site, the student leaders referenced remarks by the head of the NAMA team, Engr. Miri Selzing, who praised the runway length, terminal structure, and overall standards of the facility—affirming the impact of Governor Abiodun’s administration on the project.

    The statement added that though the incumbent administration in the state has transformed the narrative of governance in the state, particularly in major critical sectors, the 97 per cent completion of the airport within a short period of time has further written Abiodun-led administration in gold.

    According to them, the governor, through his exemplary leadership, has entrenched democratic values which has helped in the delivery of good governance to the people of Ogun State. 

    While noting that the construction of Gateway International Airport Airport is an icing on the cake of enviable achievements of the current administration in the state, the statement said that “successes recorded in housing, infrastructure development, education, health, agriculture, security, sports and youths development, has put Governor Abiodun ahead of his predecessor in terms of performance and delivery of real dividends of democracy.”

    It added: “NANS in Ogun and NAOSS commend Governor Abiodun-led administration in the state for its unrelenting efforts in ensuring that the Gateway International Airport becomes operational. The flight checks carried out on Monday by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Monday, towards validation for the commencement of commercial flight, is a positive indication that the airport will soon be given approval.

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    “When eventually stamped by NAMA, the airport will not only operate as an agro-cargo airport, it will also be used for commercial flights for both local international passengers. This will further open Ogun to the international market and air traffic, which in turn will give a boon to the socioeconomic development of the state.

    “Meanwhile, the words of commendation by the head of the NAMA team, Engr. Miri Selzing, on the standard of physical looks of the airport, length of the runway, which he noted is the longest in the country, and the impressive terminal building, are a testimony to the good work done at the airport by the Governor Abiodun’s administration. It is also pleasing to hear the team lead say that the airport’s runway is long and large enough to accommodate any type of aircraft and that it will handle diversions from Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin airports.

    “While we salute the governor for his giant strides in all the major sectors of the economy in the state, we urge him not to relent in his efforts to transform Ogun and leave enduring indelible marks in the state.

    “NANS and NAOSS will continue to rally support for his administration in its quest to build a prosperous state by making Ogun the number one destination of choice for investors within the country and abroad.”

  • Ogun to build, replicate largest European farmers’ market, says Abiodun

    Ogun to build, replicate largest European farmers’ market, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says his administration is set to build massive farmers’ markets in many locations across the state.

    He added that his administration would replicate the largest farmers’ market located in France, in the state.

    Abiodun said this during an on-the-spot assessment of work done on the farmers’ market located in Asero, Abeokuta.

    He said the plan of his administration was to spread farmers’ markets in several locations across the state, adding that the idea was to bring the farmers straight to the locations.

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    “What we are doing here is one of the several we are going to build. This one here in Asero is going to be one of the smallest in the state.

    “The plan is to build the type of farmers’ market at several locations across the state and link our farmers to the market locations across the state.

    “Our intention is to actually build a massive one. I was in France a few weeks ago, and I saw the largest farmers’ market in Europe, one of the largest in the world, and our intention is to replicate this in the state.

    “These ones are just spokes to that; that major farmers’ market that we will be building will be somewhere around the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in a yet-to-be-determined location,” he said.

  • Dangote resumes Itori cement plant project, hails Abiodun for revival

    Dangote resumes Itori cement plant project, hails Abiodun for revival

    Alhaji Aliko Dangote has reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Dangote Cement Plant in Itori, Ogun State, citing Governor Dapo Abiodun’s intervention as the key reason for the project’s resumption.

    Speaking after a meeting with the Governor, Dangote revealed that the project had suffered setbacks under the previous administration, with the site being demolished twice by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. 

    However, he credited Governor Abiodun’s pro-business policies and leadership for restoring investor confidence, paving the way for Dangote Cement’s return to Ogun State.

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    The Itori Cement Plant, set to become Dangote Cement’s fourth greenfield project in Nigeria, is expected to boost local production, create jobs, and enhance Ogun State’s position as a leading industrial hub in the country.

  • Abiodun endorses Southwest Games 2025

    Abiodun endorses Southwest Games 2025

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has endorsed the Southwest Games 2025, hailing the tournament as a groundbreaking initiative set to unlock vast opportunities for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and sustainable socio-economic growth in the region.

    Governor Abiodun made this declaration while receiving members of the Organising Committee led by its President Dr. Lanre Alfred at the State House in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

    In recognition of the governor’s unwavering support for youth and sports development, the delegation presented him with a customized tournament jersey, further cementing his commitment to the landmark sporting event. The South West Games 2025 is scheduled to take place from March 25 to 28 at Onikan Stadium, Rowe Park, YabaTech, and Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

    Speaking on the upcoming tournament, Governor Abiodun expressed excitement over the initiative, describing it as an innovative platform that will redefine the role of sports in fostering development, unity, and economic prosperity across the Southwest.

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    The governor, known for his progressive governance and support for youth-focused initiatives, emphasized that sports are critical to nation-building. He noted that the tournament aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision for Ogun State as a hub for talent development, economic growth, and tourism.

    The South West Games 2025 is set to bring together 1,200 athletes and 120 officials in a grand celebration of sporting excellence, with competitions spanning multiple disciplines.

    A major highlight of the tournament is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a sub-event dedicated to nurturing young athletes under the age of 18.

    Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it would play a crucial role in discovering and grooming the next generation of world-class athletes. His endorsement adds to the growing list of eminent personalities and institutions supporting the South West Games 2025.

  • Abiodun appoints best Unilag graduates education ambassadors, gifts them N20m

    Abiodun appoints best Unilag graduates education ambassadors, gifts them N20m

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has appointed Messrs Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, who emerged as the best graduating students of the University of Lagos during the institution’s 55th convocation, as the Education Ambassadors of Ogun State.

    The governor also presented them with cheques of N10m each to appreciate their efforts.

    Speaking while receiving the duo in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor said that by scoring a Grade Point Average of 5.0, they not only made the state proud but also set themselves on the path of greatness.

    According to the governor, his administration would continue to honor individuals who made the state proud in their chosen careers to serve as motivation for others to discover their full potential.

    He said: “I want to commend you for achieving this great honor for yourselves, your families, the state, and Nigeria, because it is not enough that you come from Ogun State and are flying Ogun State’s flag.

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    We are going to appoint you as our Education Ambassadors. We hope that other up-and-coming students, those who are still in school, will see you and find motivation in you, allowing them to emulate your good virtues.

    “You have to think about how you can support and motivate them. As our Education Ambassadors, we are going to develop programs where you can go to schools and talk to them because it will be easier for you to communicate with them.

    “I can talk to them, but I may not be able to communicate with them effectively. However, when you speak to them, you will be able to connect because they can identify with you as you are of the same wavelength and age bracket, and you can relate to what they are going through, including their pains and issues.

    “I congratulate you as our Education Ambassadors, and I don’t want you to be too far away from the Commissioner for Education so that whatever career path you choose, we can support you in achieving your potential and all that you aspire to.