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Tag: Abiodun

  • Abiodun to increase interns from 4,000 to 6,000

    Abiodun to increase interns from 4,000 to 6,000

    • Governor pays beneficiaries N80,000

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said his administration would raise the bar of teacher recruitment by increasing the number of teachers in Ogun Teach initiative, currently pegged at 4,000 interns, to 6,000.

    The move, he said, was to ensure gap in the student-to-teacher ratio in the state was closed.

    Read Also: Abiodun, Amosun, others mourn as socialite ‘Cash Madam’ Bisilola Edionseri dies at 89

    Prince Abiodun spoke at his Oke-Mosan office when he received the management team of Teach For All and Teach For Nigeria programme, who are in the state for their retreat.

    He said his administration, in line with current realities, had increased the wages of Ogun Teach interns to N80,000.

    “I think we borrowed from the Teach For All and Teach For Nigeria schemes. Seeing the gap in the teacher-to-student ratio and how underserved our students were, we tried to plan how we can fast-track employing or recruiting teachers, while also taking into account our budgetary allowance. “

  • Teachers hail Abiodun over Christmas bonus

    Teachers hail Abiodun over Christmas bonus

    Academic Staff Union of Secondary School (ASUSS), Ogun State chapter, has sent a message of appreciation to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun over the end of the year bonus given to secondary school teachers across the state and the rest of workers.

    In a message on Christmas day, signed by ASUSS Chairman, Dr. Felix Agbesanwa, Prince Abiodun was praised for remaining a worker-friendly governor over the years.

     “We say thank you sir on behalf of over 13,000 secondary school teachers, who have benefited from this good gesture of yours,” the statement said.

    Read Also: Labour hails Abiodun for approving ‘Xmas bonus

    Governor Abiodun had directed that all workers be paid end of the year bonus.

    “He did the same last year without telling anyone. This year’s own did not come to us as a surprise. He was one of the few governors that quickly approved the national minimum wage. He has been so supportive to us and to Labour in general,” Agbesanwa said.

  • Christmas: Be optimistic of better tomorrow, Abiodun urges Christians

    Christmas: Be optimistic of better tomorrow, Abiodun urges Christians

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has felicitated Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration, calling on Nigerians to look beyond the present economic challenges and be optimistic of a better tomorrow.

    Abiodun, in his Christmas message to the people of the state on Tuesday in Abeokuta, said that there was light at the end of the tunnel for Nigerians.

    He called on residents of the state to exhibit a high sense of tolerance, irrespective of their religious differences as a way of entrenching harmony and sustainable peace among themselves.

    The governor stressed the need for all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the growth and development of Nigeria and be more patriotic.

    He highlighted the positive impacts of the initiatives being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He said that the measures had begun to yield favourable outcomes, with the economy showing signs of recovery.

    Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising projects that would benefit the people, ensuring that their living standards remained elevated.

    Read Also: Why we engage youths in governance, by Abiodun

    “As we celebrate this special season in moderation, let us all keep in mind that the present economic challenges facing our nation are ephemeral and there is a bigger picture of hope ahead.

    “We must support all the reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu towards the revitalisation of our hitherto weak economy and ensure prosperity.

    “This is not rocket science, as we have begun to see its positive impacts in all sectors,” the governor said.

    (NAN)

  • Abiodun: entertainment remains money-spinner for Nigeria

    Abiodun: entertainment remains money-spinner for Nigeria

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said entertainment industry is capable of engaging the youth positively and also a source of revenue generation for the country.

    He said this when he received Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa, who visited him in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    The Paris-born artiste and songwriter was christened ‘Omobowale’ by the governor, who described her as a pride of Ogun State.

    Read Also: Financial creativity places Ogun as topmost IGR state after Lagos, says Abiodun

    Governor Abiodun said Asa, like other artistes as well as other prominent sons and daughters of the state, was a force to be reckoned with, as they had made the country and state proud locally and internationally.

    He said: “Ogun State indigenes are versatile, cerebral and a rare breed, who have done the nation proud. The destiny of this nation and our state is intertwined. We have been involved from the beginning.

  • Abiodun seeks foreign investment in livestock, timber processing, others

    Abiodun seeks foreign investment in livestock, timber processing, others

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has said investment opportunities abound in livestock production, timber processing, automobile manufacturing, renewable energy and power sectors in Ogun state that require the buying-in of foreign investors.

     Abiodun spoke at a meeting with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina at the ongoing Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days, in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

     He also said Ogun State is exploring opportunities for the establishment of an automotive assembly plant and extending the Lagos red and blue rail lines from Agbado to Kajola and from Okokomaiko to Agbara/Lusada, as well as the Purpleline.

    Read Also: Abiodun: A push for infrastructural development

     Abiodun praised the commitment of the AfDB president in connecting sub-national entities on the continent to investment opportunities.

     “Our meeting earlier today in Morocco with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, focused on key projects we plan to embark on in Ogun State.

     “We expressed our appreciation for the critical role AfDB plays in connecting sub-national governments with potential investors and providing proof of financing for major initiatives.

     “This engagement reinforces our commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions to drive sustainable development and economic growth in Ogun State,” Abiodun said.

  • Abiodun: A push for infrastructural development

    Abiodun: A push for infrastructural development

    • By Halimat Balogun

    Leading a delegation of party bigwigs from Abuja to last Saturday’s Akesan Day celebrations in Ogun State, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, pondered a logistics question. Was the team to land at the domestic wing of the Murtala International Airport, Lagos, then bus its way to Iperu, or was it to take the Ibadan route, landing at the Ibadan Airport, then taking a bus ride to Iperu? Neither option was bad, but it was unnecessary in the end, as the delegation flew straight into the Gateway International Airport, connecting the destination in a jiffy, a testimony to the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun’s power of vision. The airport nestled within an airport city that is already primed to revolutionise cargo and passenger travel in the country and harness the agricultural power and resources of Ogun State, has captured the national imagination, and the APC boss couldn’t hide his delight: “We ended up landing at an international airport of four kilometers runway with the state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities. This governor is making history, this governor is leaving legacies. I congratulate him on that. In addition, on our way to the venue, I have seen well constructed road networks with concrete drainages. His passion for infrastructural facilities is well documented and I can assure you of our support.”

    Actually, the occasion, a celebration of culture and glamour, looked more like a parade of federal lawmakers: as many as 50 senators stormed the Akesan Day celebrations held at celebration held at the Apostolic Church Grammar School, Iperu Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State as the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, took stock of his life-changing projects in the Gateway State to roaring applause. The roll call included Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Alli Ndume, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Shuaib Salisu, Tokunbo Abiru, Kenneth Eze, Abdul-Hamid Maduri, Aliyu Wadada, Ibrahim Bomat, Patrick Ndubueze,  Lawal Adamu, among others. Members of the Green Chamber, including Honourables Olamide Osoba, Gboyega BIsiaka,  Abiodun Akinlade,  Joseph Adegbesan, and Afolabi Afuape, made it a point of duty to attend the event and felicitate with the Ogun State helmsman, widely seen in legislative circles as a strong pillar of support, and the people of the ancient town. This much was acknowledged by the leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the delegation on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    Bamidele said: “This is the most attended programme from Abuja where you have the highest concentration of distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives. It is not by accident, it is because Governor Abiodun is involved and so it was not difficult for our dear brother and colleagues, Distinguished Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), to invite us. Those who are not here amongst our colleagues are out of the country or attending some other programs outside of Abuja. Governor Abiodun is an achiever and a serious minded democrat and public servant. Flying into the international airport today (Saturday) did not only confirm the seriousness that we had always attached to Governor Abiodun, it also holds him out as a governor who did not only work hard during his first term, but because he realized that the second term is even more important. Those are the years of legacy creation and we are happy that he is leaving a lot of legacies behind.”

    The celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Iperu-Remo saw masterful displays from horse riders, traditional drummers and the Eyo Masquerades,  and a footballer who dazzled everyone present with his skills. Members of the Igbo, Hausa and other communities and sundry groups made the day unforgettable. And when Governor Abiodun took the microphone, it was applause galore. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Abiodun described the Akesan Day as an opportunity for all sons and daughters of the community to come together to foster unity and to celebrate the deep culture and traditions of the town. Noting the development strides the town had made in recent years, he promised to provide the town with greater infrastructure upgrade, adding that with the provision of infrastructure by his  administration, the state would continue to be Nigeria’s industrial hub. His words: “We have the airport, the first truly Agricultural Processing Zone, which is one of the six zones approved by the Federal Government across the states. That zone will be completed in the third quarter of 2025. We will ensure that we are defined by people oriented policies, programmes and projects. We will work till the end of our tenure in 2027.”

    Lauding the Federal Government for approving the construction of the Nigeria Customs Federal Operating Unit in the State, the Ogun State governor averred that adding that with the provision of infrastructure by his  administration, the state would continue to be the industrial hub of the country. The, state, he reiterated, would continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s quest for industrial revolution.

    Read Also: Abiodun seeks lawmakers’ approval for N1.05tr 2025 Appropriation Bill 

    Also speaking on the Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport, the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, congratulated the people of the state for having a legacy project that would stand the test of time. As he noted, the project would open up the state for more investments. According to him, with the interest shown by government institutions like the Nigeria Customs and the private sector, the airport project is not only viable but would add value to the state’s economy in terms of internally generated revenue.

    With the regular harvest of projects in road construction, housing, agriculture, health and education, analysts say that the Ogun State governor is laying the groundwork for a model state. As the APC chairman quipped, “the governor’s niche for infrastructural facilities is well documented. The governor is concerned about the progress of this town and the welfare of the people.” That, really, is the objective of his ISEYA mantra.

  • Kudos to Abiodun on uplift of Ogun border roads

    Kudos to Abiodun on uplift of Ogun border roads

    Sir: A good road network plays important roles in the economic development of a country or state. Apart from facilitating trade through the movement of goods from factories to markets, good road networks attract investments as investors are more likely to invest in places with robust road infrastructure. Good roads signify effective governance and are therefore an indicator of the nation’s or state readiness for business.

    For the people living in the border towns of Ojodu-Abiodun, Denro and Ishasi, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, this important infrastructure was for a long lacking in the areas, thus making life unbearable for them.

    Knowing that good road helps in reducing the impact of wear and tear on vehicles, lower fuel consumption, improved connectivity and access to larger markets, particularly being closest to Lagos, the economic capital of the country, they appealed and requested for something to be done on the road all to no avail.

    For some time before now, border towns in Ogun State were regarded as neglected areas. They were hardly considered when developmental projects were to be distributed across the state. Then, the border towns were seen as inconsequential and therefore no plans were made for them. This has been the lot of Ojodu-Abiodun, Denro, Ishasi and the surrounding towns.

    Looking at these towns, one can see that though development is spreading fast even into Lagos State, what is lacking is basic infrastructure like good road network and the likes and this most have informed Governor Abiodun’s desire to change the narratives.

    Read Also: Police academy screening: PSC chair insists on merit, respect for equity

    The decision of the current government in Ogun State to construct the road must have been a big surprise and of course a big relief not only to the residents, but those who plied it on daily basis and had to endure the tortuous experiences for long.

    The Ojodu-Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road to say the least was in a deplorable condition as attested to by Governor Abiodun when he commissioned it few weeks ago. According to him, it took the determination of his administration to restore the road to good shape to ease the suffering of people in the area.

    In Ogun State, Ifo Local Government is one of the key areas in the state and therefore putting the road in good shape, will offer the opportunity for people to live and work in Lagos or live and work within the state as well as revitalize the socio-economic life of people, which had been in comatose for some time.

    One interesting thing that should gladden the hearts of the people in that axis is that the Abiodun administration is also poised to award contract for the construction of Alagbole-Akute and Akute-Oke-Aro-Ijoko roads. With this, the years of cries and lamentations of the inhabitants of these areas will be a thing of the past and the economic activities will definitely be in the upward swing.

    While giving kudos to Governor Dapo Abiodun for keeping to his promise by repairing the road, it is hoped that the people of Ojodu-Abiodun, Denro and Ishasi will reciprocate government gesture not doing things that will damage the road like turning it into a mechanic workshop or dropping refuse in the drainage.

    •Elijah Udofia,Laderin, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Abiodun pledges to transform Ogun youths’ image, focuses on empowerment

    Abiodun pledges to transform Ogun youths’ image, focuses on empowerment

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has pledged to change the negative perception surrounding Ogun State youths, expressing concern that many are frequently reported in the media for criminal activities. 

    Abiodun highlighted how some youths are often associated with undesirable news, whether it’s the arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for involvement in cybercrime (commonly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’) or police apprehensions for money ritual killings

    Calling this trend a “major crisis and ticking time bomb” for the state, the governor emphasized the importance of addressing these issues.

    He explained that his administration is committed to reshaping the future of Ogun’s youth by prioritizing their development and empowerment, particularly through information technology. 

    Abiodun’s remarks were delivered through his special adviser on youth development, Akinwale Ogunnaike, at the Ogun Creative Industry & Technology Conference held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    The event had in attendance Tunde Kelani, stand-up comedian, Ali Baba, Showbiz personality, Denrele Edun and hundreds of youths cutting across the state.

    He expressed the hope that Ogun youths will leverage the present-day creative technology to maximise their full potential for maximum economic gains.

    Abiodun said: “Ogun youths, looking for what to do, looking for where to channel the education that they have acquired here in Ogun State into something productive.

    “So, the challenge now is how do we begin to harness these talents that we are nurturing such that we can begin to convert it to economic prospects in the state in line with the vision of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration?

    Read Also: Abiodun commissions Ojodu Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road

    “I have had the opportunity of working with Governor Abiodun closely now for the past 12 years and I know that he is passionate about development in Ogun State. Everything he thinks about daily is “How do we develop Ogun State? How do we put Ogun State on the map of productivity and economic growth?

    “As we speak, the statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics place Ogun in the first three of revenue generation since he has become the governor of the state. Every time, he thinks about the young people; the future of the state. Little wonder the mantra of his administration is ‘building our future together.’

    “And who are the elements of this future, it is the youths. If we do not channel a purposeful course for youths, we’ll probably lose the future president of this great country to cultism; probably we’ll lose the future Senator to ritual killings and probably we’ll lose them to armed robbery or the EFCC’s cells.

    “So, how can we begin to harness that opportunity to have pull effects, rather than the push effects that we have? A substantial number of the Nigeria creative youths that are doing better globally today are indigenes of Ogun State. Likewise others in the global space; pass through the soil of this state.

    “So, how do we begin to harness the potentials of our young people to build that overall creative economy that we hope to see in Ogun State?”

  • Adebutu battles Abiodun over N214b council funds

    Adebutu battles Abiodun over N214b council funds

    The feud between the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, and Governor Dapo Abiodun worsened yesterday, with the former alleging that Abiodun’s administration received at least N214billion meant for the 20 local governments without any development at the grassroots to show for it.

    Adebutu, who was released on Tuesday after spending a night in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS), said it was his quest for accountability that allegedly made Governor Abiodun to be using security agencies to harass and silence him.

    Adebutu, who made this known yesterday while addressing reporters in Abeokuta, said the immunity the governor enjoyed would soon be over and he would be asked to give account of his stewardship to Nigerians.

    “They have been pursuing me and want to silence me because they are embezzling local government funds. They don’t want the theft of our resources to stop,’’ he alleged.

    Read Also; I want to put pageantry aside now to prioritise education – Chidimma

    But Ogun State Government has described the allegation levelled against Governor Abiodun by Adebutu as the ranting of a drowning man.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government said it was not surprised by the antics of the PDP chieftain, who, it noted, ‘’is currently under investigation by security agencies for acts of electoral violence and attempted murder, as he has acquired notoriety over the years for making baseless and empty claims that call his sanity into question.’’

  • Abiodun hails Ogun council poll

    Abiodun hails Ogun council poll

    Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun has commended the people of the State for the orderly manner they conducted themselves during the local government election in the State.

    The Governor gave the commendation on Saturday while fielding questions from newsmen after voting at Ita-Osanyin Unit 2, Ward 3, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the State.

    Abiodun, who arrived at the polling booth at 11:10 am and voted at 11:22 am, noted the peaceful atmosphere across the State is an indication that the people are ready to elect the candidate of their choice.

    The Governor said: “I want to thank the good people of Ogun State who have come out in their numbers to express themselves through the ballots. I see this as a vote of confidence, particularly at this time.

    “I am confident that when the elections are concluded and the people have expressed their choice through the ballot everybody will be happy.”

    He acknowledged some hiccups in the process, but expressed confident in the ability of the State Independent Electoral Commission to surmount it.

    Abiodun added: “I want to appreciate the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) for the level of preparedness for this election. The feedback I have gotten is that they are very thorough and they have been very diligent.

    “In any election, you cannot rule out some logistical hiccups but by and large, I have been informed that that is over now and electoral materials have reached all polling booths in the State and the process of voting has commenced in ernest.”

    The Governor commended men and women of the law enforcement agencies for working collaboratively to ensure a peaceful election in the State.

    Abiodun lauded the media for giving adequate coverage to the processes leading to the election and pleaded with them to be objective in their reportage to avoid confusion and disaffection, adding that “when there is no misinformation, there will be no confusion.”

    Meanwhile, there was very impressive turn out in Sagamu and Ikenne Local Governments as voters were seen trooping to their various polling units to cast their ballots.

    An election observer from Advocacy for Social Justice & Liberty, Charles Odunuga, commended the electoral body for what he termed decent and well organized process.

    He, therefore, uurged the electorate to maintain the peace till the end of the exercise, adding that peaceful environment plays pivotal role in strengthening democracy.

    Also, a voter in Sagamu, Pastor Sola Komolafe, euologised the proactiveness of the electoral commission and level of preparedness, including level-playibg ground for opposition parties to thrive.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others eulogise Tunde Bakare at 70

    In the same vein, Mrs Kafilat Sokoya, another voter in Grammar School area of Ikenne, described the process across the town as peaceful and orderly, as she advised voters to shun inducement and act of violence.

    The election was also peaceful, particularly in the Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Governments.

    A visit to various locations within the two local governments revealed a calm environment.

    Heavy presence of security personnel, including the police, army, Amotekun and the NSCDC was observed at most places to keep the peace.

    At numerous polling stations, voters were seen behaving appropriately and patiently awaiting their turn to cast their ballots, as the necessary electoral materials had been delivered.

    [16/11, 14:18] Lekan: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun cast his vote at Ita-Osanyin Polling Unit 2  Ward 3, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government, during the local government election on Saturday.