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Tag: Amosun

  • Tight security as Ogun tribunal set to deliver judgement

    Tight security as Ogun tribunal set to deliver judgement

    Heavy security mounted by a plethora of armed policemen, operatives of the Department of the State Security Service(DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) including those on an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) dotted Isabo, Abeokuta,  and adjoining roads as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment latest by noon today.

    Vehicular and pedestrians movements were fenced off the area while all residential buildings within 60 meters radius of the Isabo high court, the venue of the Tribunal sitting, were also taken over by armed security agents in bids to ensure adequate security around the Court.

    The three – man Tribunal headed by Justice Henry Olusiyi which began sitting last May in respect of the the petition filled by the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gboyega Isiaka, challenging the victory of Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his All Progressives Congress(APC) started reading introductory part of the judgement by 9:20am.

    According to him, the April 11 governorship polls in the state where Governor Amosun was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) with 306,988 votes as against Isiaka’s 201,440 score,  was marred by rigging, corruption and malpractices.

    Addressing the court this morning before proceeding with the reading of the judgment, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Olusiyi, on a lighter note, said “everybody will be glad today” as the long awaited day has come.

    He, however, added that there “was no pressure whatsoever from any quarter” on them as they also performed their task “without tension.”

     

  • Amosun for Oronna Festival

    Amosun for Oronna Festival

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, lawmakers and businessman Aliko Dangote are among dignitaries expected at the Oronna Ilaro Festival with the theme: “Festival of Achievement”.

    The weeklong festival from November 14 to 22 will culminate in a grand finale on November 21 at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Empire Field, Ilaro- Yewa.

    The Chairman of the planning committee, Kayode Odunaro, said the over two decades annual cultural festival was endorsed by the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in 2012.

    “It is celebrated in honour of the legendary warrior, Oronna, and a unifying developmental platform for the display of cultural practices of Ilaro and Yewa people.

    Highlights of the festival include road show/street carnival, tributes to Oronna and other deities, Egungun and Gelede Masquerade display, Sisi Ilaro cultural beauty pageant, Poosu Night in celebration of food tourism and the all-white attire Onigba Aje ceremony.

    Others are a three day medical checkup programme, Festival 50 Kilometer race, jumat and thanksgiving service as well as the grand finale where over 70 clubs and societies will pay homage to the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

  • Amosun’s wife sponsors 12 to Europe

    Twelve winners of the Green Education For The Youth (GEFTY) yesterday left for Europe to attend a nine-day green awareness training workshop.

    The trip is a fulfillment of promises made by wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, to winners of First National Green Essay Competition.

    Participants were tested on the book by Mrs. Amosun, “Green Education for the Youth”.

    The workshop is to broaden the 12 ambassadors’ knowledge on environmental issues and develop a responsible citizenry capable of arresting further degradation, deforestation and climate change issues.

    It also exposes the ambassadors to job opportunities in solar energy, waste management, recycling and environmental sustainability.

    Mrs. Amosun’s GEFTY (Green Education For The Youth) children’s book educates children about the basis, basics and essence of going green, and to encourage all pupils to read the book, she organised the 1st National Green Essay Competition last year, which was open to all secondary school pupils in Nigeria.

  • We’re committed to quality education – Amosun

    We’re committed to quality education – Amosun

    Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Ogun State governor, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to do everything possible to ensure that education in Ogun State is affordable for all. The governor stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the 23rd and 24th Convocation ceremonies of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

    “Undoubtedly, you will agree with me that, affordable, qualitative education takes a focal point in the 5-Cardinal programme of our mission to rebuild Ogun State,” Governor Amosun said. He added that his administration’s commitment towards rebuilding Ogun State has started yielding positive results even at the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

    “For this great citadel of learning, I am proud to reiterate that there has been improved service delivery to both members of staff and students alike. The peaceful conduct of examinations, timely processing of results and issuance of certificates and transcripts to graduands is also an attestation to the improvement in this great institution,” Amosun said.

    He added that, “In fact, it has come to our notice that OOU has gained full accreditation for Medicine and Pharmacy programmes from the NUC while the results of others are being awaited.

    “I am optimistic that the university, by this encouraging performance, will soon attain her target of full accreditation of all other new courses.”

    The governor said, “In the last four years, Olabisi Onabanjo University has risen steadily from its low public rating to an enviable one. You will also note that the university’s various monumental infrastructural development in all its campuses; have no doubt transformed the aesthetics of its landscape and this has also boosted the students’ morale as they now find themselves in a conducive environment that can compete favourably with any tertiary institution in Nigeria.”

    He also expressed confidence that “with the number of university graduates coming out of this (OOU) and other institutions in our state, I am confident that the skilled human resources needed for our mission to rebuild, which is still in progress in Ogun State, are already here with us.”

    The convocation ceremonies also witnessed the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu; Olola Frederick Olabode Ogunlana and Chief Ayinla Olatunde Abudu who were recognised for their contributions to the development of the university and their immediate community.

  • Why change depends on teachers, by Amosun

    Why change depends on teachers, by Amosun

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said the plan to change the nation’s socio-political climate depends, not just on the political leadership, but also on effective teaching and positive impact of teachers on learners.

    The governor also said the state government would recruit 600 teaching and non-teaching staff for newly built model secondary schools.

    He spoke at the 2015 World Teachers Day Celebrations at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    “In the light of this, we are in the process of recruiting over 600 teaching and non-teaching staff into our new model schools across the state,” the governor added.

    While congratulating teachers in Ogun State and all over the world, the governor, borrowing the words of Plato, a Greek philosopher said, “no society develops beyond the capacity of its teachers.”

    He added that the success of the change mantra depended on the teaching-learning process and proper curriculum development to inculcate in the youngsters, the positive attitude of change.

    Amosun said the Ogun State government, under his watch, had always been mindful of this fact, adding that this accounts for why the provision of affordable, qualitative education took the No.1 slot on the list of his administrations’ five cardinal programmes.

    The governor said this also explains why his administration had “consistently dedicated 26 per cent to education in our budget since inception,” in May 2011.

    “The choice of education as the first on the list is not a coincidence. It is a pre-determined motive towards building a society where citizens will not only be easy to govern but be useful to themselves and their various communities,” Amosun said.

    He added that beyond distribution of educational materials, including textbooks, to pupils at no cost to their parents, the state government continued to deploy different motivational strategies to encourage teachers.

    This, he said, included “increment in emoluments” and “regular payment of salaries and allowances.”

    The governor also seized the opportunity to announce that the backlog of promotion of teachers in the state was being critically addressed while adding that “training and re-training of teaching and non-teaching personnel are being organised time and over again.”

    Responding, Hakeem Lawal, president, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS and Dare Ilekoya, state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT both commended the governor for teachers’ welfare in Ogun State.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Amosun to judges, lawyers: Support anti-graft war

    Amosun to judges, lawyers: Support anti-graft war

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has urged judges and lawyers to support the executive in ensuring the success of the war against corruption.

    Amosun, who spoke during a religious service to mark the beginning of the new legal year, said the executive alone cannot successfully pursue the war against graft.

    He said the active support of the bar and bench is needed.

    The governor assured judicial officers in the state of his administration’s determination to improve on their welfare in order to nip corruption in the bud.

    A church service was held at the Cathedral of St. Peters, Ake, while a Moslem service held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti in Abeokuta.

    Amosun, while praising the Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, for the judiciary’s support, said his administration would continue to improve on judicial officers’ welfare despite the current economic situation.

    “A lot would be done to improve on the welfare of our judicial officers in the state. Government alone cannot fight corruption to a standstill. We need the active support of the Bar and Bench to nip the cankerworm in the bud.

    “There is no better time for you to rededicate yourself than now that the new administration at the Federal level is trying to kill what I call corruption.

    “So, we need the judicial staff – both the judges and the lawyers to assist in that process to have a new Nigeria,”the governor said.

    Speaking with journalists after the church service, Justice Olopade urged judicial officers to be steadfast in administering justice.

    She said they should ensure fairness and equity in the dispensation of justice at all times.

    Justice Olopade said the state would embark on renovation of all the courts, provide tools for workers andfocus on measures at decongesting the prisons, such as community service.

    Delivering a sermon, the Lord Bishop of Ijebu Southwest, Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo said judicial officers should endeavour to administer justice with truthfulness, righteousness and the fear of God.

    He added that they should be humble despite the enormous powers they posses.

    Prof Hafis Oladosu of the Department of Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan praised the state government for placing Ogun on the path of development.

    He urged the governor to complete all on-going projects.

     

  • Nigeria holds lots of promises, says Amosun

    Nigeria holds lots of promises, says Amosun

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said despite the failures of the past and challenges of the present, Nigeria still holds the promise of becoming the land of our dream “if we are all determined to make it happen”.

    Amosun, in his Independence celebration message in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, congratulated Nigeria and Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 55th birthday.

    The governor said Nigerians have every reason to celebrate because the country is experiencing resounding changes on account of a focused leadership.

    Amosun, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Adejuwon Soyinka, said: “We may not have got to the Promised Land and there are issues which still confront us as a people, but there is no denying that as a nation we are on the right path.

    “It is therefore incumbent on all of us to build on our strength- huge population, natural and human resources and the resilient Nigerian spirit- to take our country to where it should be in the comity of nations. We must all continue to make sacrifices for the good of our country.

    “The Nigerian project is still work in progress and all of us, irrespective of our social, religious and ethnic background, must contribute our quota to the development of the country.

    “This is the time to completely shun divisive tendencies and emphasise those issues that unite us because without unity of purpose not much can be achieved,” the statement added.

    The governor also seized the occasion to call on Nigerians and particularly Ogun State workers, to renew their determination and vigour for hard work and discipline in order to contribute to the economic development of the state.

    As the state that pays workers the highest wages in the federation, Governor Amosun called on the civil servants to reciprocate government’s gesture by renewing their dedication to duty and resolving more than ever before to serve the people of Ogun.

    “Looking beyond oil revenue, there is the need now, more than ever before, for developing alternative sources of income and in the area of agriculture and associated industries, Ogun has comparative advantage which we are already tapping into,” the governor said.

    Amosun said his faith in the Nigerian nation remains unshaken while adding that every Nigerian has every cause to be grateful to God for preserving the country in the last 55 years.

  • Amosun submits commissioner’s list to Assembly

    Amosun submits commissioner’s list to Assembly

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun has submitted the list of his commissioner – nominees to the Ogun State House of Assembly for approval.

    The Speaker of the Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi who read the letter during Wednesday’s plenary of the Assembly, informed co – lawmakers that the governor is seeking their support and confirmation of the nominees.

    In the list , the governor nominated former commissioner for finance; Mrs Kemi Adeosun, former commissioner of agriculture ,Mrs Ronke Sofekun, former commissioner of local government and Chieftains Affairs, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo and former commissioner for works and infrastructure, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite.

    Others who served in the Governor’s first tenure who also made the list are former Commissioners for Commerce and Tourism , Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Yewade Amusan respectively.

    Others whose names were on the list include,Arch. Segun Abiodun, Hon. Jide Ojuko, Mr. Sunday Segun Bamiwola, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye, Barr. Leke Adewolu, Mr Folabi Afuape, Mr. Gbenga Adeosun, Chief Kolawole Wasiu Lawal and Olumide Ayeni

  • Amosun names SSA media

    Amosun names SSA media

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has approved the appointment of a multiple award winning journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, as his Senior Special Assistant (Media).

    Soyinka a former Deputy General Editor and member of the Editorial Board of TELL Magazine, Lagos.

    The SSA Media, whose experience spans over 16 years, holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in History and International Relations and Diploma in Law from the Lagos State University.

    He bagged an Ordinary National Diploma in Journalism and Certificate in Basic News Writing and Reporting from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism in 1999.

    Olajuwon has won several awards, including Nigerian Media Merit Awards as Foreign News Reporter in 2013, Human Rights Reporter in 2012, Print Journalist and Human Rights Reporter of the Year 2011.

    Other awards in his kitty are the Wole Soyinka Prize Investigative Reporting (Climate Change Reporting Category) in 2010 and the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) Capital Market Reporting Award in 2009, among others.

    The 38-year old indigene of Ogun State is a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).

     

  • Ember-months’ road crashes not spiritual, says Amosun

    Ember-months’ road crashes not spiritual, says Amosun

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has urged motorists to stop the erroneous belief that road crashed in the “ember” months are spiritual or the result of evil spirits working during the season.

    The governor urged motorists to understand that there are usually increased economic activities, making people to speed, in the last quarter of the year.

    Amosun, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, spoke at the Ita-Oshin Motor Park in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the beginning of “Ember-months’ Safety Campaign.

    The governor noted that the last four months of the year, popularly called the “Ember-months”, usually witnessed an upsurge in vehicle movements and the number of travellers.

    Accompanied by Acting Corps Commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Commander Seni Ogunyemi and the General Manager of the State Parks and Garages, Alhaji Ola Ayo Ogunsolu, the governor stressed that road users should always show the highest sense of discipline and avoid any act that could violate traffic rules.

    He warned drivers to desist from speeding, overload, wrong overtaking, use of phones while driving, drunken-driving and other traffic offences.

    Amosun said any motorist caught driving against the traffic would be taken to Aro Psychiatric in Abeokuta for a psychiatric test.

    The governor advised drivers and passengers to always fasten their safety belts, adding that this would reduce accidents and fatality rate during road crashes.

    He added that the objective of his administration’s safety campaign was to reduce road crashes.

    The Chairman of the Road Transport Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Owotade Monsuru, and his National Union Road Transport Worker (NURTW) counterpar, Alhaji Adetunji Odunifa, thanked the governor for organising the campaign.

    They said it would further reducing accidents during the “ember-months”.