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Tag: Dapo Abiodun

  • Abiodun to chair Four Square’s lecture

    Abiodun to chair Four Square’s lecture

    Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun will serve as chairman of the 12th public lecture of Four Square Gospel Church.

    The General Overseer, Dr. Sam Aboyeji, disclosed this during a press conference heralding the church’s 70th annual national convention.

    He said: On Wednesday, 17th September 2025, we shall be hosting the 12th Annual Public Lecture at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Wilmot Close, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos at 11:00am. The public lecture is open to the general public, irrespective of tribe, race, religion, or political affiliation, and forms part of the activities preceding the 70th Annual Convention of our church.

    This year, we shall be considering a topic that touches on the survival of the ordinary Nigerian, that is: “POVERTY ALLEVIATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY”. Poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges to Nigeria’s economic development and stability.

    With recent media publications quoting a World Bank figure (April 2025), which puts the poverty rate amongst the Nigerian rural population at an alarming 75%, while 41% of the urban population is said to live below the poverty line, poverty alleviation is not merely a social issue but a critical economic imperative. In the words of 1998 Nobel Prize Winner, Indian economist and philosopher, Amartya Kumar Sen, “poverty is not just lack of income, but lack of capability to live with dignity”. Addressing poverty, therefore, requires structural reforms that empower citizens with skills, opportunities, and access to resources necessary for sustainable livelihoods.

    The stability of the Nigerian economy depends on the extent to which poverty alleviation and economic development policies are effectively harmonized. A stable economy requires not only macroeconomic policies that control inflation and stabilize the naira, but also social policies that ensure equitable distribution of resources.”

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    Gracing the occasion as the chairman of this year’s lecture series “is the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON. Governor Abiodun has implemented a wide range of poverty-alleviation and economic development initiatives across agriculture, social welfare, education, health, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and investment promotion in Ogun State. Some of these initiatives include Magboro Rice Farm, ₦5billion Economic Relief Fund rolled out in 2024 to mitigate inflation and economic hardship, employment of over 4,000 teachers via “OgunTeach”, amongst other laudable and productive initiatives. Indeed, Governor Abiodun is a fitting personality to chair this annual lecture.

    “Our guest lecturer is Dr. Doyin Salami, a Senior Fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University. He leads sessions in the Economic Environment of Business, and previously served as Chief Economic Adviser and Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council in the Buhari Administration.

    “He was saddled with macroeconomic policy, fiscal matters, and economic strategy. His role was subsequently broadened to shape national economic policy, monitor trends, propose reforms, and support stability, growth, jobs, and poverty reduction. The guest lecturer will be supported in engaging our topic by a team of expert discussants, consisting of Pastor Ben Akabueze, former Director General, Budget and Planning of the Federation; Mrs. Ini Abimbola, Management Consultant and Vice President of Sustainability Professional Institute of Nigeria (SPIN); and Dr. Otive Igbuzor, former Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria.”

  • Abiodun appoints 1,200 political aides to strengthen grassroots democracy

    Abiodun appoints 1,200 political aides to strengthen grassroots democracy

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has appointed 1,200 political assistants to serve as change agents and enhance civic engagement across the state.

    A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the move as a strategic effort to strengthen democratic governance across all nooks and crannies of the state.

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    According to the statement, the assistants —five from each of the 236 wards in Ogun State — will ensure greater local participation in governance, effectively bridging the gap between the grassroots and the state government.

    “The newly appointed political assistants are to support the delivery of democratic dividends, articulate the needs of their respective wards, and communicate these needs to the state government. They are also expected to provide accurate feedback from the government to the wards and vice versa.

    ”The state government further urged the new appointees to contribute significantly to the growth and development of their wards, local governments, and the state at large.”

  • Ogun ‘will partner Fed Govt to upskill women’

    Ogun ‘will partner Fed Govt to upskill women’

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said his administration will support Federal Government programmes at empowering and improving the economic status of women.

    Abiodun spoke yesterday in Abeokuta when he received Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor noted the roles women play as home builders. According to him, women have contributed to national development, hence their voices should be heard. He added that his administration has supported women through empowerment and has focused on issues affecting them.

    The Federal Government, he noted, has empowered women in agriculture, trade, vocation, and others that have enhanced their livelihoods.

    Ogun State, the governor affirmed, has the political will to support women’s projects and will be a pilot for programmes that uplift women.

    He lauded the minister’s impactful service, saying his government would work with her.

    Speaking earlier, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the need to empower women is top priority for President Bola Tinubu, hence the empowerment programmes put in place.

    She noted that Federal Government is considering scaling empowerment for women in all states to enable them to be self-reliant and contribute to national development.

    The minister noted that her visit was to see the state’s programmes for women, and an opportunity for three commissioners in Anambra, Gombe, and Zamfara in her entourage to study and learn methods used by the state for women.

    She lauded the state for its transformation, urging the governor not to relent but to make it an example to others.

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    The governor’s wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun hailed the minister’s support for women.

    Mrs. Abiodun spoke at a  programme where women were given food items and others at Women Development Centre, Asero, Abeokuta.

    She said Ogun women are hard working, providing for their children and families.

    She appreciated the Minister for her love for Ogun State women, saying her visit is an indication that she considers them important and should be recognized in the scheme of things in the country.

    The Minister, Hajiya Ibrahim-Sulaiman, lauded the state for being gender-sensitive by giving women a pride of place in the scheme of things, a good example that should be emulated by others.

    She noted the reliable and dependable nature of Nigerian women and disclosed that the federal government has allocated considerable resources for women’s development programs across the country, just as women would benefit from the one trillion dollars economy being envisaged by the federal government.

    While calling for the stoppage of all forms of attacks, including trafficking of girls, the Minister called for their empowerment to enable them to realize their potential and live useful lives that would benefit both them and society.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Oladipupo-Adeleye, said the state operates four ‘Safe Centres’ where, apart from providing a safe haven for the abused, it also provides training for women in various trades and vocations.

    She appreciated the state government for supporting women’s projects and the governor’s wife for moving the state women forward.

  • 2025 IYC: Abiodun tasks cooperative stakeholders on poverty reduction

    2025 IYC: Abiodun tasks cooperative stakeholders on poverty reduction

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has tasked cooperatives leaders, members, regulators and policymakers to embrace sustainable business models toward reducing poverty, enhancing food security, creating jobs and promoting inclusive growth.

    Abiodun gave the charge during the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives celebration organised by the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives in conjunction with the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.

    The governor noted that beyond economic empowerment, cooperative societies can promote social solidarity, provide community with a sense of ownership, and reduce inequality across the societies.

    Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor also noted that the theme of the 2025 celebration ‘Cooperatives Build A Better World’, was not only apt but also inspiring, said it underscored the enduring relevance of the cooperative business model in addressing global challenges and accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals, adding that the day was a reminder of the power of collective action and enduring strength of communities.

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    He said: “This day reminds us all of the power of collective action and enduring strength of community. Over the years, Cooperatives Societies have proven to be a veritable vehicle for driving sustainable, social, and economic development across communities. As the international labour organisation once affirmed, Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises owned, controlled, and run by and for their members to realise their social, common goal, social and cultural needs, and aspirations.

    “I want to charge all stakeholders, leaders, members, regulators, and policy makers to remain true to the founding principle of cooperatives while embracing modern realities. With the right leadership, innovation, and collaboration, cooperative will continue to serve as an effective tools for reducing poverty, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive growth.”

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, described the day as an opportunity to recognise the immeasurable contributions of cooperative enterprise model to human and socio-economic development, saying they continue to stand as a pillar of peace, job creation, wealth generation, and people-centered empowerment.

    On his part, President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, while appreciating the State government’s efforts to improve the sector, called for the provision of one billion naira revolving loan to boost financing for small businesses and individuals, as well as other initiatives that would further enhance the growth of cooperatives in the State.

    On behalf of others at the event, the President, Federal Medical Centre United Staff Cooperative Society Limited, Dr. Olusanjo Olugbenga, and his counterpart from Osuolale Cooperative Society, Ita Oshin, Mrs. Olayinka Adeosun both appreciated the State government for the various initiatives aimed at improving Cooperative movement in the state.

  • Awujale: Abiodun urges kingmakers to be fair

    Awujale: Abiodun urges kingmakers to be fair

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the Awujale- Chiefs-in-Council to ensure a level playing field in the process of appointing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale-Chiefs-in- Council at Iperu, Prince Abiodun noted that it was imperative for the people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum.”

    He assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.

    “Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.

    “The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes, which are enshrined in the laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.“I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been making the rounds,” the governor said.

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    He hoped the process would be rancour-free, as those who would be lining up for the exalted position would be given equal opportunity.

    He described members of the Awujale Council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.

    “I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.

    “This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them.

    “The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them. There is no pluralisation; they are all working hand in glove with each other, and I am happy with today’s meeting, and I thank them,” the governor concluded.

    The Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, stressed the resolve of the Council to continue its peace-building duties. He said members would continue to unite and work as a team for the peace and progress of Ijebuland.

  • Liaison officers to deepen governance

    Liaison officers to deepen governance

    The newly-appointed 27 Governor’s Liaison Officers (GLOs) across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State have passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    They promised to provide effective bridge to deepen government’s reach and impact across all areas of the state.

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    The liaison officers, who were appointed recently by Governor Abiodun to serve as a bridge between their local governments and the state government, expressed their commitments to facilitating grassroots development and feedback to the government for holistic development of the state.

    The GLOs said the appointment was not just a title, but a call to service in demonstration of the governor’s recognition of the importance of grassroots connection and the privilege to serve the people in their local governments

  • Abiodun seeks Chinese partnership in mineral resources exploration

    Abiodun seeks Chinese partnership in mineral resources exploration

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called for a partnership with Chinese investors to explore the numerous mineral resources that abound in the state.

    Governor Abiodun made the call yesterday when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    He said the state is blessed with abundant natural resources, making it the largest contributor in the non-oil sector of the nation’s economy, hence the need for the state to partner with Chinese investors for more coordinated exploration.

    He said: “Ogun State is blessed with a lot of mineral resources; we have gold, clay, bitumen, limestone, kaolin, glass sand, granite, among others.

    “Ogun State is number one in cassava, eggs, poultry and fish production. Our land is fertile for the cultivation of cocoa, rubber, and cashew. We are the number one producer of cement in Nigeria and the third in Africa behind Egypt and Morocco.

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    “We have huge human resource potential because we are the education capital of this nation. We have more educational institutions than any other state.

    “We look forward to partnering with Chinese investors in the area of exploring our natural resources because some of your people have connived with the locals to explore our mineral resources illegally without paying attention to the environment.”

    Governor Abiodun, who acknowledged the exploits of Chinese investors in the global economy, noted that his administration, since inception, has focused on how to attract more investors by creating an enabling environment and promoting the idea of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to galvanize the State’s economy.

    His administration, the governor noted, has created agencies aimed at making business seamless by eliminating bottlenecks and putting in place a multimodal transport system that connects air, rail, and road transport together.

    Abiodun noted that his administration has constructed a world-class airport whose license to operate commercial flights was recently approved by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and has also commenced the construction of a Dry Inland Port at Kajola, while plans for the construction of a deep seaport at Olokola are in the offing.

    Ogun State, the governor emphasized, needs more investment in the transport sector as it is making plans to connect the blue rail lines on Lagos to the State, while also beckoning on Chinese investors to take advantage of the huge arable land to invest in agriculture, as the State is poised to become the food basket of the country.

    While calling for the strengthening of bilateral relationships between Nigeria and China, the governor accepted an invitation to visit Shandong Province during its roadshow exhibition to showcase the State’s potentials and attract more Chinese investors to the State.

    Speaking earlier, the Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, said the state hosts about 160 Chinese companies investing more than $1 billion at the Ogun-Guandong Free Trade Zone at Igbesa, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of the State, assuring that about 100 more were on their way.

    He attributed the influx of Chinese investors to the conducive business environment, the good weather, and the friendly nature of the people as the core attractions.

    Nigeria, the Ambassador noted, is China’s biggest trading partner on the continent, adding that the signing of a bilateral agreement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, was to reposition Nigeria-China relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

    Fielding questions from reporters after the visit, Ambassador Dunhai said the Chinese Government encourages Chinese companies to come to Nigeria as it is the largest market in Africa.

    “They have provided job opportunities to the locals and contributed to manufacturing, trade, and investment in Nigeria. This is very important cooperation that we have,” he said.

    He warned against his nationals’ illegal activities, including illegal mining in Nigeria, urging them to operate within the ambit of the laws in their host country, as the Chinese government and its Nigeria Embassy would not tolerate its nationals flouting the laws of the host country.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ogun-Guandong Free Trade Zone, Hajia Hafsat Balewa, disclosed that the Chinese Government, through the free trade zone, has contributed significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of the State and the nation as a whole, adding that the visit is to reiterate the bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria.

  • Remo by-election marks new chapter in our democratic journey – Abiodun

    Remo by-election marks new chapter in our democratic journey – Abiodun

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has described the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday’s by-election in Remo Federal Constituency as a new chapter in the democratic journey of Ogun State.

    Abiodun congratulated the House of Representative-elect, Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, on her well-deserved victory and urged her to carry this sacred mandate with humility and diligence.

    The governor stated this on Sunday while addressing press at his residence in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government area of the state, adding that the celebration of the victory encompasses the reflection on the journey that heralded the victory.

    He explained that the victory did not come by chance but a product of dedication, commitment, teamwork, and absolute trust in God, saying his team from the onset resolved that the election would not be an ordinary contest but an opportunity to showcase the strength of APC, the resilience of the people, and the clarity of shared vision.

    He noted that the election has turned out to be a true testament to the popularity of his administration and APC across the country as well as a validation of the success of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s revolutionary 24 months in office.

    While eulogising the sterling qualities of Elegbeji, the Governor described her as a round peg in a round hole, noting that the representative -elect embodies competence, vision, and dedication.

    He, therefore, assured the people of the constituency of quality representation with dignity and commitment at the Green Chamber, saying she would carry the voices of Ikenne, Sagamu, and Remo North to the national stage.

    “While we were all saddened by the shocking demise of the late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, whose absence we still sorely feel, the massive turnout of our people to overwhelmingly vote for our party and our candidate, Princess Dr.Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji, has brought indelible solace and restoration to us all ,particularly against the background of the deceit and attempted theft of the 2023 Gov elections in this constituency .

     “The victory is indeed a testament of our unprecedented achievements in all sectors of our state, we have been very deliberate and intentional in our quest to improve the lives of our people and to transform our towns and cities through aggressive and massive infrastructural development across the state.

    “I have consistently stated that this administration will remain unstoppable in its pursuit of rapid development and human capital advancement, ensuring that no part of our dear state is developed at the expense of another.

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    “The people of Remo Federal Constituency have spoken loudly and this is a referendum on our exceptional strides in governance through their votes in this election—despite desperate attempts by agents of darkness to intimidate, harass, and compromise them with unholy inducements . I sincerely thank you, our people for your resilience and for standing firm and saying enough is enough.

    “Interestingly, this is a dual celebration for us in Ogun State. Just on Friday , the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted approval for our Gateway International Airport to commence commercial flight operations. Without doubt, this is a monumental achievement that will leave a lasting imprint on the history of our state. I heartily congratulate us all on this remarkable feat.

    “I must also commend the professionalism and patriotism of the umpire, Independent Electoral Commission, INEC for conducting a free, fair, and credible poll. I salute the gallantry and neutrality of our all our security agencies Army Police, DSS, NSCDC for being on top of their game ensuring a peaceful and rancour-free exercise. To the electorate, I extend deep appreciation for displaying political maturity and a high sense of civic responsibility, which translated into the massive turnout and peaceful conduct we witnessed. I also thank the media for their balanced and effective reportage of the entire process,” Abiodun said.

    The representative -elect, in her remarks thanked the Governor and all the leaders of the party in the axis and the state at large for their supports and encouragement, as she reiterated her resolve to provide inclusive representation.

    She, however, canvassed for more inclusion of women in elective positions during the general elections of 2027.

  • Abiodun urges judiciary on fairness, integrity

    Abiodun urges judiciary on fairness, integrity

    • Governor swears in three judges

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday swore in three additional judges into the Ogun State judiciary.

    He said the people must see them as the hope for justice, the shield against oppression and the assurance that right would always prevail over might.

    The new judges are Mr. Julius Ojikutu, who was the chief registrar of Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta; Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, former permanent secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; and Mrs. Oluyemisi Adebo, ex-secretary of  Ogun State Judicial Service Commission.

    Abiodun urged the new judges to ensure they made fairness, integrity and justice their guiding light, noting that the country’s democracy thrived because judges of conscience stood firm in defending the ethos of democratic institutions without fear or favour.

    He further advised the judges to let the fear of God, their conscience and the Constitution of Nigeria guide their judgments.

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    He said the country required judges who were not only learned in the law, but also upright in character and resolute in conduct.

    The governor enjoined them to be fair, firm and courageous in the face of pressure and always place the interest of justice and the people above personal interests.

    “This is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral one, ensuring justice is felt in tangible ways by every citizen regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or economic status.

    “You must therefore continue to uphold the sacred principles of the separation of powers, ensuring the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary operate independently, yet harmoniously, all within the constitutional framework for the good of the people.

    “Let me restate that our government is a responsible and responsive administration that fully appreciates the role of the judiciary in nurturing democracy.

    “I stand here today a grateful beneficiary of the courage, impartiality and fidelity to the rule of law shown by our courts.

    “We will continue to respect court judgments, support the judiciary with resources and enhance the processes that guarantee swift and fair dispensation of justice,” he said.

  • Her contributions immeasurable, says Abiodun

    Her contributions immeasurable, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed sadness over the demise of Dr. Doyin Abiola, widow of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.

    Abiodun, in a condolence message, noted that Dr. Abiola was not only a devoted partner to her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola, but also a distinguished individual in her own right, who contributed immensely to the journalism profession.

    The governor noted Dr. Abiola’s foray in the field of journalism, starting with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and a brief stint with the Daily Times before becoming the Managing Director of the Concord Newspapers.

    “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a remarkable woman whose contributions to society and unwavering support for her late husband during the tumultuous period surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria will forever be remembered.

    “Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character.

    “She displayed excellent spirit in the fight for the validation of the annulled June 12 election as the person in charge of the Concord Group of Newspapers, owned by her then embattled husband.

    “She played a significant role in advocating for the democratic ideals that many Nigerians still strive to uphold today. Her commitment to these principles, particularly during a time of great political unrest, demonstrated her courage and unwavering belief in the power of democracy.

    “As we reflect on Dr. Abiola’s life, it is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices she made alongside her husband during a period marked by challenges and adversity.

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    Her strength in the face of political turmoil exemplifies the spirit of resilience as she stood steadfastly by her husband, providing support and encouragement during trying times, and her unwavering dedication to his vision for a better Nigeria will never be forgotten.

    “In addition to her political involvement, Dr. Abiola will also be remembered for her contribution to the journalism profession.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who admired her. We must continue to uphold her ideals and strive for the principles she passionately advocated for throughout her life,” the statement noted.