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Tag: Dapo Abiodun

  • Be hopeful of better tomorrow, Abiodun urges Nigerians

    Be hopeful of better tomorrow, Abiodun urges Nigerians

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has advised Nigerians to renew their faith in God and hope for a better tomorrow, saying the challenges confronting the nation are surmountable.

    Abiodun said that true measures of success are beyond economic achievements as it lies in the collective resolve of the people to grow together with a common destiny.

    The governor, who spoke at the year 2023 Christmas Carol and Service of 9 Lessons held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, called on Nigerians not to lose sight of the values that define them as a people, but to continue to love one another.

    He also emphasized the need for all Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers, noting that unity can only be achieved by supporting and uplifting each other.

    Christmas period, according to the governor, holds significance beyond the celebration and euphoria of Jesus Christ’s birth as it provides an opportunity for sober reflection and thanksgiving.

    He called on Nigerians to show kindness to one another, especially to those who are currently facing challenges.

    Read Also: Abiodun appoints Oladunjoye as senior media consultant

    He stated: “This event is beyond the celebration and euphoria of the remembrance of the birth of our messiah; it is a time for sober reflection and thanksgiving. As we celebrate, we must be conscious of those around us who are struggling with one challenge or the other.”

    He said his administration in the past four years, has successfully implemented its ISEYA vision with fairness, adding that more than 500 kilometres of road have been constructed across the state, building the Aro Cargo Airport, houses, provision of adequate health care facilities, education, among others.

    Abiodun pledged to continue implementing programmes and policies that would have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

    In his sermon titled: “Jesus Christ, The Truth,” the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, reminded everyone that they were God’s creation and that God can repair or recreate what He had created 

    Taking his text from John 8: 32, Pastor Adeboye highlighted that God is the ultimate authority, controlling the earth and times, reassuring the congregation that when God opens a door, no one can shut it.

    Some dignitaries at the occasion included the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife Bola, former governor, Olusegun Osoba, former military administrators; Oladeinde Joseph and Daniel Akintonde, former deputy governors; Salimot Badru, Yetunde Onanuga, Senator Sefiu Kaka, former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.

    Others included Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, among others.

  • Light won’t blink in Ogun before I leave office – Dapo Abiodun

    Light won’t blink in Ogun before I leave office – Dapo Abiodun

    Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed optimism in resolving the power challenges in the state before the end of his second tenure.

    He made this known when he appeared on Channels TV Sunday Politics.

    The governor said: “The fact is that in the next four years, my target is to ensure we implement our Light Up Ogun State project where before I leave office, the light will not blink in Ogun State.”

    According to him, his government has also waded into the infrastructure challenge in the education sector by building and renovating schools in the last four years.

    “Over 1,000 schools have been rebuilt or renovated in four years,” he said on the current affairs show, adding that his government has also built roads, and hospitals and helped in the creation of job opportunities for the teeming masses.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Appeal court upholds Dapo Abiodun’s election as Ogun gov

    He also stated that Ogun State is one of the few states in the country that can survive without dependence on allocations from the federal government.

    Abiodun stated: “I am sure that you are aware of a recent release by Budgit that showed Ogun State as the number one in the most improved for internally generated revenue – by miles ahead of any other state.

    “At the same time, we are also, I believe, maybe number five or seven on the list of most resilient states and one of the few states that can actually survive peradventure there is no allocation from the federal government.”

  • BREAKING: Appeal court upholds Dapo Abiodun’s election as Ogun gov

    BREAKING: Appeal court upholds Dapo Abiodun’s election as Ogun gov

    The Appeal Court Lagos Division has affirmed the re-election of Prince Dapo Abiodun in the March 18, 2023, governorship election as the duly elected governor of Ogun State.

    The majority judgment delivered by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Ladi Adebutu in the 2023 governorship election.

    Meanwhile, in the minority judgment delivered by Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang allowed the appeal and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.

    Reacting, Abiodun on his ‘X’ handle welcomed the ruling, noting that he remains committed to the advancement and socioeconomic growth of the state. 

    Read Also: Appeal Court sacks Bauchi speaker, orders rerun

    He said: “Dear citizens and residents of Ogun State, I sincerely wish to convey my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support throughout our journey.

    “Today’s triumph at the Court of Appeal not only validates the authenticity of the mandate you bestowed upon us during the last governorship election but also demonstrates the strength of our unity.

    “Our administration remains committed to the advancement and socioeconomic growth of the Gateway State.

    “Through our Building Our Future Together Agenda and #ISEYA mantra, we will tirelessly strive for the betterment of every individual living and working across this great state, ensuring prosperity for all.”

  • ‘I am committed to governance’

    ‘I am committed to governance’

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has reiterated the focus of his administration to provide qualitative governance for the people of the state.

    Speaking during the citizen’s engagement on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2024 budget at Ijebu-Ode, the governor said he would create an enabling environment for a public-private sector partnership, which he said, is fundamental to the creation of enduring economic development and individual prosperity.

    The citizen engagement, which was the first in the series for the 2024 budget, attracted several stakeholders, including traditional rulers, women groups, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), students, professional groups and members of Community Development Associations (CDAs).

    Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Prince Abiodun said the administration was keen on the MTEF forum, based on the style of governance and avowed pledge to be open and accountable and to run an inclusive administration where everyone is involved in decision-making.

    He said: “This is a multi-year public expenditure planning exercise that is used to set out the future budget requirements for existing services and to access the resource implications of future policy changes and any new programmes.

    “As you all know, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework enhances the transparency of the budget process and budget documentation so that policy goals and resource allocation are clearly set out.

    “In this way, it empowers the government to determine priorities and seamlessly deliver democratic deliverables without predilection or sentiment

    “The promise to continuously engage citizens, is still fresh in our hearts and remains irrevocable; this is why our infrastructural investments are people-oriented and transformational, with resultant and obvious multiplier effects on the socio-economic development of the state.

    “I am happy to inform you that we have done and will continue to do so through our ISEYA mantra as encapsulated in the ‘Building Our Future Together’ Agenda, institutional policy, and structural revolutions for individuals.”

    Abiodun stated that the administration’s infrastructure investments are people-oriented and transformational, with immense multiplier effects on the socio-economic development of the entire citizenry of the state.

    Read Also: Dapo Abiodun, unlocking Ogun prosperity   through aerotropolis

    While specifically mentioning some of the projects executed in Ijebuland, sequel to inputs of citizenry, Abiodun promised to continue to engage the people, to know their needs.

    Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan, while speaking earlier, said the administration would ensure that no section of the state would develop at the expense of the others.

    The commissioner highlighted some of the projects executed by the administration in the last five years, noting that the government would concentrate on people oriented projects and those that can enhance the state’s revenue generation.

    Stakeholders, who spoke at the event commended Governor Abiodun on the several developmental projects executed in Ijebuland and also pointed out areas where the administration should intervene.

  • Abiodun, experts seek robust support for emerging digital tech economy

    Abiodun, experts seek robust support for emerging digital tech economy

    The Ogun State Government has again vowed to ensure that Digital Technology is adopted to drive its various developmental agenda by opening a pathway for technological talent discovery in youths, nurturing and empowering them to place Ogun on a global map of unmatched innovations and technological advancement.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun stressed this while declaring open the 2023 Tech Summit Ogun tagged Disruptive innovation: Digital technology for shaping the future in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The event was well attended by technology experts, disruptors, creators, innovators, start-ups, organizations, and tech enthusiasts.

    Abiodun noted that Ogun is working towards becoming Nigeria’s Silicon Valley by not only giving support to technology-driven professionals but also taking advantage of ICT initiatives targeted at attracting more investors.

    The Governor who was represented by the Special Adviser on ICT, Dayo Abiodun, said the State had embraced Information Technology through the creation of Ogun TechHub which has helped to identify the best brains in ICT and a platform to harness youths’ IT knowledge, and other initiatives such as learners’ certificate numbers, digital curriculum, and infrastructure in the education sector, which are now done digitally.

    Read Also: Kogi guber poll: No room for ethnicity, says Bello

    Convener of the 5th Tech Summit, Ayoola Olaniyi said the summit was put together five years ago with a view to ensuring that Ogun State takes the front row in Digital and technology talents Hunt and also to chart a new course for advancement in line with global best practices.

    While stressing the importance of being relevant in the digital economic competitiveness, Human Resources expert, Emmanuel Nwalor Jnr. said it is important for Nigeria to remain relevant within the digital landscape for emerging markets to thrive, economic advancement and soar above competitions that rise with such markets.

  • Dapo Abiodun: When a father immortalises son

    Dapo Abiodun: When a father immortalises son

    By: Elijah Udofia

    Sir: The whole essence of human existence is to be of help to one another. Even the Almighty enjoins us to extend a helping hand to those who are weak and vulnerable.

    The current economic downturn, which of course is not limited to Nigeria, has caused a lot of dislocation and made it difficult for families to discharge their responsibilities to their loved ones.

    Poverty, the seven-letter word is one phenomenon that has prevented a lot of people from achieving their full potential. It denies many people access to good health, good education and generally reduces many to nothing in society.

    Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State must have spared a thought for families that are going through a lot and wondered how they are coping with the current economic realities which is not friendly in any way. He must have also wondered how children who are brilliant academically and those who have the zeal to study, but whose parents are not financially buoyant enough to sponsor them due to the economic hardship, are feeling.

    For a man whose parents were teachers and knowing the impact education can have in the life of an individual, he and members of his family decided to step in and do the best they could to ensure that at least some of these children are given a lifeline to face the future.

    And so on Saturday, October 7, the 1,500 capacity Hall at the Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, was filled to the brim when Abiodun launched the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Scholarship Award with 550 indigent students in Remo Federal Constituency being the first beneficiaries. 

    In coming up with the idea of scholarship for those who find it difficult to support their educational pursuit, the Abiodun family must have aligned with the American Human Rights Activist and screenplay writer, Timothy Pina, who said: “Philanthropy is not about money, it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.”

    He told the people that the scholarship scheme was his family’s way of assisting the poor in honour of his late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, who died in 2017.

    The governor informed the people that the scholarships cover pupils in primary and secondary schools, vocational and tertiary institutions. He emphasized that it is meant to ensure that brilliant students and those whose parents could not afford to educate them, have access to quality education.

    The governor would further explain: “The award is in two phases. The first phase is a Scholarship Award, designed for indigent and brilliant students, while the second phase will be a Bursary Award for in-need but not necessarily brilliant indigent students whose chances of upward socio-economic mobility are probable with bursary support.”

    Read Also: Dapo Abiodun’s long walk to tribunal victory

    Governor Abiodun informed the people that 200 learners from public primary schools would receive the sum of N50,000 each to take care of their educational materials, 200 students from public secondary schools would get N100,000 for their educational materials, while 100 students in tertiary institutions would be paid N250,000 each to take care of their educational needs.

    He pointed out that the scholarship award is designed for a period of three years and for those within the age bracket of 6-25, and selection will be determined by the State Ministry of Education Science and Technology, using the Cumulative Promotion Examination Result obtainable from the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA) platform while the beneficiaries for tertiary institutions were recommended by their respective institutions.

    While the Abiodun family deserves a thumbs up for adopting a unique style in honouring their departed loved one, it is imperative at this point to urge the scholarship awardees to adhere to the advice of Timothy Pina, who says: “to begin to visualize your bright future ahead of you and then start walking the roads towards it.”

    • Elijah Udofia, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • Kogi guber: We’ll ensure overwhelming victory for APC Dapo Abiodun, others assure

    Kogi guber: We’ll ensure overwhelming victory for APC Dapo Abiodun, others assure

    The Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Kogi State Governorship Election, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Saturday, assured the All Progressives Congress supporters that the national leaders of the party across the country would work together and provide all the necessary support to ensure overwhelming victory for the APC governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, on November 11, 2023.

    Describing Kogi as an APC state, he said, from the reality on the ground, it was clear that there was no vacancy for any other party in Lord Lugard House.

     Gov. Abiodun spoke at the inauguration of the Kogi State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council held in Lokoja.

    He noted that, with the inauguration of the Campaign Council, election victory had begun in Kogi State, and commended the resilience and hard work of Governor Yahaya Bello which he said had led to the restoration of peace and security in the state.

    Read Also: Behind Dapo Abiodun, Gbenga Daniel’s quiet war

    “Governor Yahaya Bello’s outstanding achievements in virtually all the critical sectors of the state are visible for all to see and I assure you the next APC governor will build on these achievements in the interest of the good people of Kogi State,” he added.

    The National Campaign Council Chairman said, with the result of the last general election held in the state, it was certain that the APC would beat any opposition party in the governorship poll.

    He urged all APC members to join hands in securing victory for the party, stressing that the election was for the party to win with the palpable absence of opposition in the state.

    Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the caliber of people nominated into the Campaign Council, describing the election as the first test for President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Also speaking, Co- Chairman of the Campaign Council and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the opposition political parties to look elsewhere for votes, insisting that Kogi was a no-go area for opposition parties in the November governorship election.

    The Lagos State governor urged the people of Kogi State not to be deceived by the rantings of opposition parties, saying there was no alternative to APC, “a party that has the interest of the people at heart.

    On his part, the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, said the people of Kogi State had resolved to stay with the APC.

    He said Kogi State had fared better under the APC-led administration, adding that the opposition parties were being driven by those who did not mean well for the state.

    In his remarks, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State appreciated President Bola Tinubu for leading the way in the sustenance of the nation’s democracy and promised not to disappoint him in the provision of gains of democracy to the people of Kogi.

    He assured that the party would deliver for the APC, landslide, in the November governorship poll, saying the election “is a done deal”.

    He described the APC flag bearer in the state, Usman Ododo, as one “who is coming with a whole lot of experience to consolidate on the unity and achievements recorded in the state under our administration.”

     Governor Bello urged supporters to campaign based on issues and shun violence, stressing that Kogi State would remain united before, during and after the election.

  • How leaders, followers can make Nigeria greater, by Abiodun

    OGUN State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said leaders and followers have roles to play to make the country truly great.

    He said Nigerians may not have a had an elaborate Independence anniversary this year due to some challenges, but the nation still had cause to be happy about many things.

    The governor noted that for the nation to have overcome its many challenges showed the resilience of the people.

    Abiodun, who spoke at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O) Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, the state capital, expressed worry about the rate Nigerians flee the country in search of greener pastures.

    The governor expressed concern that Nigeria was losing its best brains to developed nations due to perceived little opportunities at home.

    He advised Nigerians, particularly the youths, to be more patriotic and give their best to the development of the country, instead of running to other countries where things may turn out to be “a mirage” for them.

    Abiodun said: “At 59, our dear country still has much work to do. We must remain patriotic. We must put our nation first. It is worrisome that our people are migrating to other countries for greener pastures.

    “While some of our current national challenges may make it tempting to seek fortunes outside our shores, we must also realise that these countries were once in our position with different challenges. And indeed, more often than not, the greener pasture is a mirage. We must not run away but stay and solve our problems together.

    Read Also: Abiodun inherits N32b gratuities

    “I, therefore, use this medium to encourage our people to come together as one and solve our challenges for the greater good of our nation. If we do this, our great nation will be better.

    “We must realise that we are Nigerians before any other affiliation; because of this, we should have the love of this country, whatever responsibilities that we are entrusted with. We should discharge them with fervour and commitment.

    “Our 59 years of political independence as a nation have not been all glowing. Our dear country survived three traumatic years of the Civil War between 1967 and 1970; we had our civil liberties curtailed under different military juntas. We also experienced the 1993 political impasse which was close to a national crisis, but we survived it.

    “Our experiences have taught us resilience; we have weathered together a lot of storm as a nation and people, and have come out stronger. It is a testament to our resilience that we are still standing as a country.

    “Since 1999, we have continued to have civilian to civilian transition with each succeeding cycle better than the preceding one. And for this reason, we have cause to celebrate and thank God for keeping us together as a united nation whose diversity remains the tower of her strength.”

  • RTEAN urges cooperation with Gov. Abiodun

    THE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has named Oluomo Akibu Titilayo as its Caretaker Committee Chairman in Ogun State, urging the Committee to cooperate with Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure peace in the state.

    The Committee also appointed Com. Tiwalade Akingbade as the Secretary and Kayode Inuolaji as the Treasurer.

    The National President, Musa Muhammed and Secretary, Henry Ejiofor Ugwu, made this known to The Nation in a statement on Thursday night, urging the Committee to cooperate with the Governor Abiodun – led administration to foster cordial and harmonious atmosphere at various parks and garages in the state.

    The national president also advised the new leadership of RTEAN in the state to live up to expectations in accordance with the constitution of the union.

    Read Also: Osinbajo for UNILAG Law alumnae re-union dinner

    The new Caretaker Chairman, Titilayo, in his response, lauded the national leadership for deeming him worthy of the appointment and he pledged to run an open door policy where welfare of members would be given utmost priority.

    He also appealed to all aggrieved members of the union to come together to move the union forward.

    “Let me enjoin members with whatever complaints to reach out to the appropriate quarters, and this will be addressed wholesomely,” he said.

    Other members of the committee include Rilwan Lamidi, Yinka Oshikoya, Segun Johnson, FOS Folarin, Yaya Oriyomi, Muniru Jimoh, among others.

  • Ogun celebrates World Tourism Day

    THE Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said efforts are in top gear to harness the potential of the state’s tourism sector towards the successful implementation of the state agenda.

    The governor said this during the celebration of the 42nd edition of World Tourism Day organised by the  state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, themed: “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future for All,”  held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto,  Abeokuta.

    Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele,  Abiodun stated that apart from the fact that Ogun State owns interesting artefacts and historic sites, the numerous and long-lasting tourist centres and businesses across the state, it has continued to contribute immensely to the economy of our state, adding that since the inception of his administration, structures have been put in place to support tourist activities.

    In her speech, the  wife of the governor and the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said tourism should be given priority, being a source of revenue in the country and a means of employment generation.

    Chairman, House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Yusuff Adejojo disclosed that the state and country are endowed with potential which, if given attention, would go a long way in tackling the problem of unemployment in the state and country at large.

    Read Also: Abiodun: Development for the forgotten ones

    Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism , Alhaja Selimot Ottun, stated that the essence of the World Tourism Day is to support changes in policy, business practices and tourism