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  • Governors make case for unity

    Governors make case for unity

    Governors yesterday called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace and love.

    They also urged citizens to be inspired by the sacrifices of Jesus Christ, whose resurrection from death is the reason for the season.

    The governors are Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta), Monday Okpebholo(Edo), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Hyacinth Alia (Benue)  and Agbu Kefas(Taraba).

    Lagos

    In his message, Sanwo-Olu enjoined  Christian faithful to reflect on the sacrifice and love Jesus Christ showed to mankind through his crucifixion and resurrection.

    The governor implored residents to continue to live in peace, love and harmony, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love are among the several lessons taught and exemplified by Christ.

    The message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

    It partly reads: “  I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind.

    “As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationality.

    “Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”

    Highlighting the unique role of Lagos as a combination of cultures and religions, the governor called on residents to uphold its long-standing tradition of tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence.

    “In a city as diverse as ours, peace and mutual respect are not just ideals, they are necessities. Easter reminds us that love triumphs over hate, and that selflessness can heal even the deepest divisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Ogun

    In Abeokuta,  Governor  Abiodun acknowledged the sacrifices of Christians during the 40-day Lenten period, which was marked by fasting and abstinence and prayer.

    He expressed belief that their endurance during the period would greatly assist in transforming the country spiritually.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to forging ahead with its developmental strides.

    He called on Nigerians to look forward to a brighter future in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Abiodun added that just like Christ prevailed over adversity, Christians should continue to pray for the country to overcome its challenges.

    He said: “As we celebrate Easter, a time-honoured tradition that symbolises renewal and hope, let us reflect on the profound lessons this holiday imparts.

    ‘’Easter, observed by millions, transcends its religious significance, offering valuable insights into the themes of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

    “Easter commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate exemplar of sacrifice and submission to divine will. It is a season that invites us to look at the future with hope, enabled by God’s boundless grace, and fully equipped with the resources of faith, love, and kindness for one another.’’

     Ondo

     Also,  Governor Aiyedatiwa urged residents of the state to use the Easter celebration period to promote unity and express love.

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    He charged them to remember the scriptural emphasis of love, which, according to him,  builds peaceful coexistence and spurs development. 

    The message reads: “I greet you all, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we celebrate Easter in commemoration of the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ,after a glorious self-sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.

    “The message of Easter reminds us of the power of divine love, faith and redemption. Easter also evokes in us the resilience of the human spirit, not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life.

    “I urge you to increase your love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotic commitment to the development of our dear state.’’

    Kwara

    In a message posted on his  X, Governor Abdulrazaq  advised  the Christian community in the state to reflect on the “lessons, significance, and virtues of the Holy Week, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.”

    He wrote: “The triumph of Jesus Christ in the face of adversity, which Easter symbolises, should drive our belief in God and the endless possibilities that come with having unshakeable faith in His power.

      ‘’Today, we join others in the body of Christ to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His triumph over death as well as the assurance of hope for eternal life.’’

    Delta

    Oborevwori, who also emphasised the importance of Easter as a time for reflection, called on Christians to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, and unity exemplified by Jesus Christ.

    The governor urged Christians to use the occasion to pray for the unity, peace, security, and continued progress of Delta State and the nation.

    He acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians amidst socio-economic challenges and expressed confidence in their strength to overcome adversity through faith and positive collective efforts.

    “As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let us renew our commitment to building a more just, united, and prosperous society,” Oborevwori said.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, promoting social welfare, and creating opportunities for all Deltans.

    Edo

      Also, Governor  Okpebholo called for unity, love and resilience among Nigerians at Easter and always.

    The governor reflected on the significance of Easter, which, according to him, marks the triumph of hope over despair and the power of sacrifice and renewal.

    Okpebholo said: “As we celebrate this sacred season, let us be reminded of the enduring lessons of Easter: the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future.

    “Just as Easter signifies a new beginning, so too do we, as a state, continue to strive for progress, development, and a more prosperous future for all our citizens.”

    He acknowledged the challenges the state had faced and continued to navigate, while drawing inspiration from the Easter story, which underscores the possibility of overcoming adversity through faith and collective effort.

     Okpebholo said: “This Easter, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peace, harmony, and mutual respect. Let us strengthen the bonds that unite us and work together to build the Edo of our dreams – a state where opportunities thrive, and every citizen can reach their full potential.”

    The governor also encouraged all residents of the state to use the period to spend quality time with their families and loved ones,  extend kindness to those in need, and reflect on God’s blessings in their lives.

    At an Easter service by St. Anthony Catholic Cathedral, Uromi, Okpebholo assured Edo residents that significant developments were on the way across all spheres of life in the state.

    Among the projects mentioned by him is the construction of a dual carriageway that would connect Uromi and  Ubiaja.

    “Work has already commenced on the Ubiaja side, with plans for additional lanes reflecting our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the Esan region,” the governor said.

    He also mentioned plans for alternative routes to reduce congestion, including a new road from Uromi to Iworah, through Unewa and Uwesan.

    Okpebholo used the occasion to once again express gratitude to God the favourable judgment he got at the election petitions tribunal in Abuja.

    He emphasised the importance of community cooperation in driving development, promising that his administration would work diligently to improve the lives of the people.

    The governor promised to support the development of the Cathedral.

    Akwa Ibom

     Governor   Eno described Easter as a season of sacrifice, hope, and redemption.

    According to him, it represents unconditional love.

    “This season also exemplifies the concept of selfless service, as captured in Matthew 20:28. ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many,’” he said in his Easter broadcast.

    The governor added, “As we mark this season of love, sacrifice, and hope, I urge you, my dear people, to rest assured that we are working diligently to elevate our state to higher levels of growth and development by prioritising you, our people, in all our endeavours.” 

    Benue

    Governor Alia enjoined Christians to intensify prayers for the state, which celebrates one of the saddest Easters in history.

    Alia solicited prayers, love for one another, forgiveness, sacrifice and reconciliation, saying they are the virtues Christ bequeathed to mankind by his death, burial and resurrection.

    He regretted that this year’s Easter was being marked at a time the state came under several attacks, but assured that all would be well soon.

    The governor said his administration was doing everything within its power in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure the safety of all Benue people.

    He called for collaboration amongst the people to be able to defeat the forces of evil bent on causing pain and agony to the innocent people.

      Alia said Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection demonstrated selflessness, freeing humanity from chaos and condemnation, and nurturing hope and optimism for a life of virtue on earth and eternity.

    In his message,  Governor  Kefas said the lessons of Easter must be imbibed by all believers, “especially those of sacrifice and love”.

     He noted that the season calls for greater understanding and treating one another with decency and empathy.

    The governor, who  stressed that “self-discipline and moderation in all matters are cornerstones of the Christian faith, advised Christians  to emulate  Christ, “who endured the pains of the cross as the sacrificial lamb.”

    Ibas, wife, children worship at Rivers Govt House chapel 

    Rivers State Administrator Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas marked Easter yesterday with a worship at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House in  Port Harcourt.

    Ibas was in company with his wife, Dr. Theresa, their children, and key state officials,  including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ibibia   Worika.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant   (SSA) on  Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the administrator joined worshippers in a service filled with hymns and prayers for peace in the state and country.

    Chaplain of the Chapel Barasin Ogan delivered a message, reminding the congregation of the transformative power of Christ and assuring them of divine justification, deliverance, healing, and righteousness through faith. 

    Special prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu, Vice-Admiral   Ibas, and the state.

    Umahi, Alake felicitate Christians

    Like governors, Works Minister Dave Umahi and his Solid Minerals Development counterpart  Dele Alake called on Nigerians to embrace peace and love.

    While Umahi also called on citizens to renew their  hope in Nigeria, Alake reminded all that Easter celebration is a reminder that light always breaks through the darkest dawns.’

    Umahi words: “I am delighted and profoundly pleased to convey my good wishes to Christian faithful and all Nigerians on this special occasion of the festival of Easter celebrated by Christians all over the world.

    “This celebration inspires us to reflect on the fundamentals of the festival, which centres on the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and the triumph of God’s love for humanity.

    “We are invited to dig deeper with our faith, re-examine our lives, renew our hope and love for our nation, engage cordially with one another, and promote peace and unity.”

    The works minister further urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the manifestation of God’s plans for the nation.

      He said God has used President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advance the cause of unity, peace and prosperity of the country.

    In his message, Alake described the sacrifice of  Christ on the cross as a harbinger of triumph and a pathway to eternal life.

    “Today, we are redeemed by the essence of that resurrection.

    “May the power of that redemption herald joy, peace, and prosperity in our lives and across our dear nation,” he said.

  • Oladunjoye helped stabilise our administration, says Abiodun

    Oladunjoye helped stabilise our administration, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said his administration would miss the invaluable contributions of the late Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, who defended the policies and programmes of his government till the end.

    Prince Abiodun, who said this yesterday at the ‘Fidau’ for the late Oladunjoye held at St. John Community Primary School, Ijebu Itele, Ogun State, recalled the efforts of the deceased to ensure the emergence, stability and progress of the current administration.

    He described the late spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state as a resourceful, tenacious and hardworking man, who was one of the three executive committee members that helped stabilise his administration at its inception.

    He noted that he was a good party man.

    Abiodun said: “As a party man and aide, Oladunjoye never believed in half measures: he went out of his way to defend the programmes, policies, philosophy and the image of Ogun State Government under our leadership. He was an effective and highly accomplished spokesman, whose brilliance was never in doubt.

    “He was a voice of courage and easily the best spokesman Ogun APC has ever produced. His contributions to the modest successes this administration has recorded in sectors cannot be overemphasised. I commiserate with his family and Ogun APC.

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    “His doggedness, tenacity and loyalty to the cause he believed in shone through at all times. There is no doubt that he contributed a lot to making Ogun APC a big brand. He was frank, down-to-earth, forthright and focused.

    “He was very dear to my heart. Tunde was a prolific writer and a dogged fighter in anything he believed in. As a local government chairman, his legacies are all around for all to see. He was passionate about the plight of the common man.”

    The governor noted that as a fearless and focused individual, Oladunjoye was a great philanthropist, who was concerned about the welfare of journalists and others around him and was selfless in his dealings with others.

    He prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, assuring that his administration would support them ‘’at this trying time.’’

    APC state Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, recalled the challenges they faced together and Oladunjoye’s contributions to the growth of the party in the state, describing the news of the late spokesperson’s death as devastating and tragic.

    The state 2025 Amirul Hajj and National President of Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs, and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Prince Adebayo Apelogun, enjoined all to do good while still alive, ‘’as no one knows when death will come.’’

    Oladunjoye, Apelogun noted, did his best and had gone to rest with his maker.

    The deceased’s daughter, Robiat, eulogised her father for being upright, peaceful and hardworking, while instilling in them the spirit of contentment and simplicity.

    Oladunjoye, according to Robiat, was a father to many and a benefactor to countless people, noting he was a gift to humanity. She says although he is dead, his memory will remain with them.

  • Abiodun reaffirms Ogun readiness for National Sports Festival

    Abiodun reaffirms Ogun readiness for National Sports Festival

    • Governor says  MKO Abiola Stadium to host 2026  Africa Under-20 Athletics

    All is now set for the 22nd  edition of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State as Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday  embarked on another tour of the facilities meant to host the event.

    The Governor, during an assessment of the work done on the facilities being prepared for athletes participating in the sports festival, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and handball court behind the main bowl, as well as the Alake Sports Centre, all in Abeokuta, said Ogun State is ready for the festival.

    According to him, the facilities put in place will not only be used for the upcoming festival but also other competitions, national and international.

    Abiodun added that the MKO Abiola International Stadium, which is being renovated in preparation for the National Sports Festival has already been picked by the African Athletics Federation to host the Under-20 athletics competition in 2026.

    The stadium, when completed in preparation for the festival, will no longer be available for non-sporting events in the state, the governor said.

    He said: “The track that we installed here has already begun to reap benefits. The African Athletics Federation, because of the quality of our tracks, has chosen Ogun State to host the athletics competition in 2026 for the Under-20.

    “So, you find that based on what we have done, Ogun State will now become home to other world-class competitions across the country, across Sub-Saharan Africa, and even internationally.

    “For us, we are already excited that this investment has begun to yield dividends. This will be one of the legacies of our administration,” he said.

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    He also disclosed that his administration has chosen to construct a pavilion behind the MKO Abiola Stadium to cater to other non-sporting events, with the main bowl of the stadium dedicated only to sporting events.

    He said: “Let me assure you that the stadium will only be used for sporting activities. To that extent, we’ve chosen to construct a pavilion somewhere behind the stadium, and that pavilion will now be used for rallies, parties, march pasts, October 1 celebrations, Labour Day celebrations, community days, and Democracy Day.

    “All those events will cease to happen in the stadium; the stadium will be made available only for sporting activities.”

    Abiodun said that plans are underway to rename the stadium as the MKO Abiola Sporting Complex.

    “Our MKO Abiola International Stadium has now gone beyond being just an MKO Abiola International Stadium; it is now an MKO Abiola Sporting Complex. We will soon be holding the renaming ceremony,” he said.

    The governor noted that 15,000 people are expected to attend the National Sports Festival, adding that his administration is working to get the Olumo Rock Tourist Center and other adjoining tourist centers ready for the games.

    “The festival itself will allow us to host maybe 15,000 people in the city of Abeokuta. You can imagine that those people will be eating and drinking; they will be transported back and forth. They will be buying recharge cards and water.

    “Where am I going? They will be visiting our tourist sites. We are getting Olumo Rock and other adjoining tourist centres ready for the games. There will be a lot of visitors sleeping in hotels.

    “The economic impact of this festival on the economy of this state can best be imagined; the multiplier effect will be felt more after the games,” he said.

    He added that the National Sports Festival creates an opportunity for new talents to be discovered for both national and international sporting meets, noting that what his administration has done with the investment in sporting facilities in the state is the best across the country.

  • How Abiodun dazzled doubters, took Ogun to great heights

    How Abiodun dazzled doubters, took Ogun to great heights

    By Kayode Akinmade

    It is the tree set at nought that causes one to trip and fall, so says the elders, and critics of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, learnt that lesson so well. The naysayers ought to have learnt from the intense persecution that heralded his move into the Oke Mosan Government House, but they did not, in part because of the power of rumour. If getting into office was tedious, keeping it was war. No sooner had he assumed office than opposition figures within and without ganged up against him, telling whoever cared to listen that nothing good could from his administration. But the Iperu-born prince—and yes, he is actually a prince—would not deviate from his focus. He kept in mind the motto of the Royal Air Force: Per adua ad astra (Through difficulty to the stars), and the inflow of projects and investments into the state ever since has validated his position.

    At this very moment, Ogun is on the cusp of a massive turnaround in energy and food production. Do not take my word for it: Google is your friend. Nigeria’s industrial capital is intent on fully leveraging the recent amendment to the 1999 Constitution which allows federating units to generate their electricity independently and sufficiently according to their needs, and Governor Abiodun made this clear while receiving a delegation from Brazilian companies, Ambar Energia Brazil, led by its President, Mr. Marcelo Zanatta, and the CEO of an agricultural firm, JBX, Mr Jose Batista, who visited the state for an on-the-spot assessment of various sectors of the Ogun economy. President of Ambar Energia Brazil, Mr. Marcelo Zanatta, and the representative of JBX commended the Ogun State Government for providing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate investment growth, pledging to invest massively in the power sector and contribute significantly to the state’s industrial development.

    Ogun currently consumes approximately 8,200 megawatts of electricity, with a whopping 80 percent of this generated independently.  And the administration is fully determined to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation through various strategic initiatives. For one thing, it has the advantage of gas reticulation, with two major gas pipelines traversing the state, ensuring easy access to energy across the eight industrial clusters. Actually,  an Independent Power Plant meant to provide 24-hour of uninterrupted electricity to most parts of Abeokuta, the state capital, will  be ready for commissioning shortly. Governor Abiodun made this known  in February after inspecting the 30-megawatts power plant located in Onijanganjangan, near Ewekoro. The project, run in collaboration with private sector partners, is the first phase of the Ogun State Light Up Project. The power plant  will  provide constant electricity to government institutions like offices, health facilities, government quarters, police stations, local government offices, and higher institutions, and will eventually reach private individuals and industries when the capacity is increased.

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    The state that hosts Dangote, Nestlé, and Lafarge and other big businesses is ready to thrive. The largest protein producer in the world, JBS of Brazil, has indicated interest in investing $2.5bn in the livestock subsector of Nigeria’s economy, and it is set to capture that investment. The Controlling Shareholder of the company, Mr. Wesley Batista, gave this indication when officials of his firm, led by the Controlling Shareholder of EMN, Mr. John Coumantaros, visited the people’s Governor at Oke-Mosan. Governor Abiodun promised to open up Ogun State for investments and industrialization, and he has achieved already that. Roads are being built left, right and centre and investors are pouring into the state. And then there is the  peace and tranquility that have attended his stewardship, and the position of Ogun in the comity of states. Ogun is being envied because across all sectors—agric, education, security, environment, human capital development—discernible progress is being made. Ask the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who recently revealed that his company decided to return to Ogun State because of Prince Abiodun’s vision and the state’s investor-friendly climate. Now, in Itori and Ibeshe, cement plants targeted at producing a combined 18 million metric tons per annum are being constructed, potentially making Ogun the highest cement producing state or region in Africa. And there’s a deep seaport to boot as part of Dangote’s $700 million investment.

    Besides, the Abiodun administration is building a dry port to further open up the state for investment opportunities, in addition to the over 4,000 affordable houses already built for medium and upper-income earners in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota.  Abiodun’s Gateway State has a huge IGR profile that marks it out as one of the few financially self-sufficient states in the country. It has Nigeria’s largest industrial layout, is one of the few states with N150bn IGR annually, and can conveniently pay salaries without federal support.

    The investment story is not a fluke. In April 2022, the Ogun State government signed a $400m MoU with a foreign firm, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, on the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing Zone. In August of the same year, a steel conglomerate, African Industries Group, pledged to invest over $500m in the Ogun State economy. Nigerians will remember that in May 2023, the Canadian Government indicated interest in investing in the agricultural and technological sectors of the Ogun economy to strengthen over 60 years of the bilateral relationship with Nigeria.  In July 2024, the South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber pledged to spearhead aggressive investment drive for Ogun State, funding series of investments to drive economic growth and development in the State. The next month, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) expressed strong support for the $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance power infrastructure in Ogun State. Also, a Chinese company, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited, in October last year, announced a $300 million investment to establish a new steel plant for the production of specialised steel products in Ogun State, and in the same month, the Ogun State Government announced the establishment of a $5 million battery recycling plant by a British company.

    It can be no surprise that Governor Abiodun’s vision is taking shape with the urban renewal initiative across major towns in the state: the housing projects initiated by his administration have added lustre and beauty to all major cities across the state. Kobape, Iperu, Ijebu Ode and Ilaro are now being referred to as smart cities. The first phase of 35 houses are receiving finishing touches at the Ibara Government Reservation Area, Abeokuta, with drainages, sidewalks, solar street lights, electricity and water reticulation already in place. Hear Governor Abiodun: “You can see that the designs are very pleasing to the eyes and the completion is also commendable. This project is not executed by foreign contractor and it is not even in contract but constructed by direct labour to ensure that our citizens who are artisans like painters, bricklayers, carpenters, welders participate in this construction.”

    Governor Dapo Abiodun took over the reconstruction of the 81-kilometres Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway after sustained diplomatic engagements with the Federal Government. Critics of the road situation in the state had dwelled on the poor state of federal roads. But now the story has changed. Residents of the  Lagos-Ogun border communities can testify to the massive construction and reconstruction of roads in the area after decades of abandonment. Go to Alagbole, Ajuwon, Akute and other  communities in Ifo Local Government Area of the state, and see wonders. The world class Agro-cargo Airport located along the Ilisan-Iperu axis, a facility widely adjudged as the biggest in Nigeria with its 4km runway and standard  apron,  is of course yet another story, as is Governor Abiodun’s focus on  ICT, which has tremendously improved the quality of education in schools. It is no accident that a teacher from Ogun State, Mr. Kayode Adewale, is one of the best 50 teachers in the world.

    •At the end of the day, we should thank the doubters, shouldn’t we?

  • Ogun needs 7,000mw electricity to be at its best, says Abiodun

    Ogun needs 7,000mw electricity to be at its best, says Abiodun

    • Govt signs MoU with Morocco

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the state requires about 6,000 to 7,000 megawatts of electricity to power industries.

    He says the state is working to achieve this through a scheme called ‘Light Up Ogun Project’ by seeking collaboration that will help address issues with generation capacity, efficient and effective distribution as well as issues with transmission.

    The governor made this known after the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM) to collaborate on power generation and distribution, education, housing, infrastructure and port development.

    Governor Abiodun signed on behalf of the state, while Mr. Ali Zerouali signed for the Moroccan side.

    Speaking at the event held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun noted that Morocco had achieved success in the areas of education, technology, manufacturing, agriculture and a host of others, from which Ogun State would benefit.

    He said country had transitioned from importing to exporting electric vehicles to Europe and manufacturing parts for aircraft manufacturers.

    The success story of Morocco, the governor emphasised, would be replicated in Nigeria with the arrival of the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco to establish operations in Ogun State.

    He said: “We hope that in our partnership we can unlock the potential and maximise it. We want to learn from you how you perfected hydro, solar and gas energy, presenting the right mix that, of course, brings down the cost of energy.

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    “We identified agriculture, agribusiness and agricultural technology, in which you are very advanced. Morocco today is the largest producer of fertiliser on the continent and one of the biggest exporters of fertiliser. I recall that you were informed of the plan to establish a massive fertiliser plant in Nigeria. We hope we can bring that plant to Ogun State.

    “Being an industrial state, we discussed manufacturing and industrial development, in which you’ve excelled. How do we partner? How do we learn from you so we are not starting from the scratch? How do we develop technology together? How do we collaborate with companies in Morocco to bring the automobile industry to Ogun State, where we know that from here, you can easily ship vehicles to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa?”

    He said the state had a Special Economic Zone at the Gateway International Airport, which would serve as a Free Trade Zone, adding that it was important to partner on how to transfer technology and collaborate to bring manufacturing and agricultural companies to the state.

  • Ogun to partner Brazilian firm on power, agric production

    Ogun to partner Brazilian firm on power, agric production

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said his administration will partner with Ambar Energia of Brazil to establish power plants in the state.

    Abiodun said the initiative formed part of his administration’s commitment to guarantee adequate supply of power and food security to residents, as well as thousands of industries operating in the state.

    The governor said the state, being the industrial capital of Nigeria, must optimally utilize the amendment of the 1999 constitution, which decentralizes power generation and allows federating units to generate their electricity independently and sufficiently according to need.

    He spoke while receiving a delegation from Ambar Energia, led by its president, Marcelo Zanatta, who paid a courtesy call on him in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    He said the state, as the industrial hub of the country, was in dire need of energy to meet the demands of the numerous factories operating in the state, as the current energy allocated to the state was not adequate.

    Abiodun said Ogun and Lagos states currently consume about 40 per cent of the 6,000 megawatts (Mw) of energy generated in the country, adding that with the nation’s demand projection of 45,000Mw in 2030, Nigeria holds a lot of potential that the company could explore.

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    “The power plant we are building now had four megawatts before, but we are increasing that with the one we are currently building. The first phase is meant to be 30Mw to serve the state government offices and residential areas, and this is just a drop in the ocean.

    “What we plan to do is to build similar plants in the three zones of the state, and they will be like captive plants. We desire to partner with Ambar to generate the required electricity for the state and also assist in the distribution,” he said.

    The governor emphasized that Ogun State is blessed with natural resources like gold, lithium, bitumen, silica, and limestone, among others, just as it is the largest producer of cement, cassava, poultry, and eggs, stating that electricity is needed to unlock these potentials.

    Abiodun noted that the state is divided into different industrial clusters including Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Atan-Agbara, Remo, Imeko-Afon, and Aworo for easy siting of industries by investors.

    The governor also disclosed that the construction of the largest garment producing company in Africa is set to start at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at the Gateway International Airport and would need 300 megawatts of electricity for its operations.

    He said with the rich background of Ambar Energia, being among the first five energy companies with 27 plants and the capacity to produce about 4.3 gigawatts of electricity, the state could collaborate with it to unleash its potential as the investment destination of choice in the country.

    “Our policy as a government is to work with the private sector. Our vision is to be a good administration that creates an enabling environment, believing that by doing so, it will translate into economic prosperity and individual upliftment for our people.

    “Government must work with the private sector because it cannot do business. The government is an enabler of businesses, and we believe that by enabling businesses, they will employ citizens, leading to individual prosperity,” he said.

    Zanatta, who spoke on behalf of Ambar Energia, said they were ready to share their experiences with Ogun State and explore areas where they would like to invest in the state.

    The Ambar Energia team, made up of Zanatta, Fabio Bindemann, and Marcus Preitas, had earlier visited the Gateway International Airport, Olorunsogo Power Plant, and the Onijanganjangan Power Plant.

  • Abiodun bags leadership award indigital transformation, cyber security

    Abiodun bags leadership award indigital transformation, cyber security

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has received the Leadership Award of Excellence in Digital Transformation and Cyber Security, by Babcock University.

    The university bestowed the award on him at the campus of the University in Ilishan Remo during the 2025 Cyber Security Workshop, tagged “Building A Resilient Cyber Security Ecosystem: Bridging Academia, Industry, and Organisational Practices.”

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Salisu, who received the award on behalf of the Governor, stated that Governor Abiodun understands the importance of the 4th industrial revolution on career advancement; hence, various achievements have been recorded so far towards digitalizing the State.

    He maintained that Ogun State has been recognized locally and internationally based on free tech empowerment programs and training made available at the Ogun tech hub for youths, technology entrepreneurs, and startups, calling on Nigerian youths to navigate digitalization, which is the 4th industrial revolution, for career development.

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    Senator Salisu, who was also honored with the ICT Policy and Cyber Security Advocacy Excellent Award, underscored the need for every individual, organization, and government agency that desires growth to embrace digitalization, saying that service delivery in Ogun State has been made easier through the digitalized and technology-driven agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    He reiterated that the state government would enhance the career paths of individuals or organizations that are ready to embrace and leverage digital technology, emphasizing various opportunities available at Ogun Techhub.

    Speaking, the Special Adviser on ICT to the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dayo Abiodun, appreciated Babcock University for the honour bestowed on Governor Abiodun and Senator Afolabi Salisu, acknowledging that the gesture would spur them to do more advocacy on the digital economy and Cyber Security, among other areas.

    Mr. Abiodun, represented by the Director of Standard Regulations Planning and Research at the Ogun State Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), Olatundun Adekunte, highlighted various achievements of the state government in digitalization, such as the development and adoption of education web portals, land administration portals, and business premises tax remittance web portals, among others.

    Presenting the awards, the Director of Academic Planning at Babcock University, Prof. Oludele Awodele, said the honour was in recognition of the relentless pursuits of Governor Abiodun towards ensuring that people in the State embrace digital technology.

  • We’ll make Olumo Rock tourism destination of choice, says Abiodun

    We’ll make Olumo Rock tourism destination of choice, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said his administration would make Olumo Rock the best tourism destination in the country. He said his government would shift its focus to tourism as a deliberate policy to benefit from the potential inherent in that sector.

    Prince Abiodun said a plan would be developed to ensure Olumo Rock Tourist Centre received a befitting presentation it deserved. He spoke yesterday while inspecting Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, which he said represented the deep culture, history and tradition of Egbaland and the state as a whole, with over 20,000 visitors in 2024.

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    “Now, the tables have finally turned to tourism, and we are going to be very deliberate about pushing the frontier in our tourist development. “Tourism with the potential it offers is not only a source of income or revenue for any state or nation. We’ve seen nations whose only source of income is tourism. We’ve seen countries that have transitioned from being dependent on oil, and now 70 per cent of their revenue comes from tourism,” he said.

    The governor noted that Olumo Rock was the foremost tourist attraction site in the state, promising that it would receive the uplift it deserved to make it the best destination for visitors within and outside the country.

    He said if the government was not intentional and deliberate about restoring, maintaining and protecting its tourist centres, the facilities would gradually begin to depreciate and erode.

  • Abiodun installs Onimope, Alaparaki

    Abiodun installs Onimope, Alaparaki

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has installed the Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, as the first Onimope in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the state.

     Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said the installation and presentation of staff of office was a demonstration of the administration’s unrelenting commitment towards ensuring that the state takes its rightful position across the nation.

     “We realise the fact that a traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned as it serves as a bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots,”  he said.

     In his goodwill message, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, represented by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebayo, enjoined the people of the area to work together for the development of the land.

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     Chairman, Ijebu-North Local Government,  Odusanya, appealed to the people of the community to work in harmony with the new king for peaceful coexistence, saying, ‘’the job of communal peace and progress calls for everybody’s concern’’.

      Oba  Omotayo expressed gratitude to the governor, dignitaries and the entire community, promising that his reign would sustain the peace and bring anticipated development to the community.

     In a related development, Abiodun has installed the new Alaparaki of Aparaki, Prof. Julius Ogunfowora, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area.

     Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the governor noted that it was imperative that traditional institutions and its leadership were properly positioned, as they serve as the bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots.

     “This is the reason why we have made it a matter of policy to reposition our traditional institutions by upgrading the deserving Chieftaincy stools in Ogun State,”  he said.

     Abiodun enjoined the monarch to justify the mandate and trust reposed in him by the state government and the people.

     Ogunfowora  thanked the state government for the opportunity given him, saying his reign would not compromise on set standards in the interest of the people, calling on sons and daughters of the land to join hands with him for a successful reign.

  • Abiodun inspects roads in Ogun East

    Abiodun inspects roads in Ogun East

    • Governor: current developmental drive must be sustained

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun at the weekend inspected road construction projects in Ogun East Senatorial District, as part of the urban regeneration scheme of his administration.

    He said his administration had succeeded in rewriting Ogun’s developmental stride, which he noted must be sustained.

    Prince Abiodun said his administration was building a dry port to further open up the state for more investment opportunities, in addition to the over 4,000 affordable houses that had been built for medium and upper-income earners in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota.

    He said plans had been concluded to extend the Red Rail Line from Agbado to Kajola, just as the Blue Line would be extended from Okokomaiko in Lagos to Agbara in Ogun State.

    He said: “We have built over 4,000, going to 5,000 affordable houses for medium and upper-income earners across the state. In Ilaro, they are eager for me to come and inaugurate those houses. We have them in Iperu, Sagamu, and two in Abeokuta.

    “We started our urban regeneration at the GRA in Abeokuta and began building the PMB estate also in Abeokuta. You can feel my excitement today because I can look at all that and even see the clips from the airport where the conveyor belts, metal detectors and luggage scanners have started working, and I said to myself, ‘something new has happened in Ogun State,’ and this needs to be sustained.”

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    He says 11 roads that have economic impact on the lives of the people have been identified and awarded for reconstruction across the state, noting that fairness, equity and inclusivity would be adhered to when distributing projects.

    Governor Abiodun, who acknowledged the inability of his administration to reconstruct all the roads in the state, said: “There are many roads we will like to do, but the truth is that no administration can reconstruct all the required roads in eight years; it’s impossible.

    “However, that much we have done is much less than needs to be done. So we are very thankful that we have achieved this feat. I think I can beat my chest and say we have probably constructed more roads than two administrations combined together.”

    Speaking at Ode-Remo, he disclosed that contract for the building of the 12-kilometre Akaka-Ilara-Ilisan Road had been awarded, just as the construction of the Ode-Isara Road would begin soon.

    While inspecting the 15-kilometre Sagamu-Iperu-Ode-Sapaade Road, Governor Abiodun described it as an arterial route that served as a bypass to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, saying it was divided into three phases and changed from a single to dual carriageway due to the cooperation of the people who pulled down their structures to give way for the road.

    He also inspected the 14-kilometre Sagamu-Ayepe Road in Sagamu Local Government, where he informed that the first phase of 14 kilometres was being done in the area with a large population.

    He assured citizens all the important roads with economic value in Sagamu would be built before the end of the tenure of his administration.

    Abiodun, who inspected the Igbeba junction-Yidi Road, lauded the quality of work done on the road, noting that the three-feet drainage done on the road would ensure a free flow of water during the rainy season.

    The governor referred to the state of the road before reconstruction as a “swimming pool,” saying engineers from the state had proffered solutions to the perennial erosion that affected the city, adding that erosion would be a thing of the past before the end of his administration.