The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Dapo Abiodun

  • Excitement as Abiodun leads carnival train to end 50th anniversary celebration

    It was all glamour and colour whichever direction one turned yesterday on the roads of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, as Governor Dapo Abiodun and Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele led a carnival train procession in one of the activities marking the grand finale of the state’s 50th anniversary celebration.

    The procession comprising several floats, each depicting the state’s four zones – Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, Egba (RIYE) – as well as their unique cultures and occupations, including (eja nla) giant size fish measuring about the length of a 22-tyre truck fish float, to showcase the aquaculture of the riverine people of the state.

    The train included an estimated 3,000 Ogun indigenes as well as traditionally-dressed dancers, drummers, masqueraders, folklore skaters, bikers and other performers with each leaving a lasting impression of excitement, glamour and colour in the air, a kind of festive atmosphere.

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    The procession took off at the Government House, Oke-Igbein, Ibara, Abeokuta, coursing through Omida, Ibara under bridge, Lalubu, Okelewo, Kuto road, before terminating at MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.

    It was packaged by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to celebrate culture, unity and development of Ogun State, which was created on February 3, 1976.

    The carnival train is also a pointer to a broader plan to make cultural celebrations an annual event in the state and to position the 50-year-old state as a major destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

  • Ogun launches initiatives to boost food production, support farmers

    Ogun launches initiatives to boost food production, support farmers

    The Ogun State Government has unveiled multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing food production, food security, and farmer support across the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, has stated.

    In a statement to newsmen on Thursday, Owotomo said the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is implementing programmes such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, OGCARES, the Value Chain Development Programme, and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to increase agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

    The commissioner noted that the state government has procured 40 tractors, 10 bulldozers, and harvesters to advance farm mechanisation, while solar- and petrol-powered pumping machines have been distributed to support dry-season farming.

    Owotomo added that the administration has invested in infrastructure within farm settlements, including the construction of poultry pens, fish processing centres, and storage warehouses.

    He highlighted efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture, strengthen farmer support systems, and improve market access through digital platforms. The state has also partnered with international organisations to secure funding, technical expertise, and capacity-building support for agricultural development.

    “These initiatives are expected to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth in Ogun State,” Owotomo said.

    The commissioner further disclosed youth-focused programmes, including the Ogun Youth Agricultural Programme, which annually targets 8,000 youths in greenhouse and hydroponics farming.

    He emphasised that all activities align with the state’s economic transformation agenda, underpinned by strict implementation frameworks, robust monitoring and evaluation, and strategic public-private partnerships.

    Owotomo urged farmers to leverage these support programmes, assuring them of the government’s commitment to their welfare and the growth of the agricultural sector.

  • Abiodun secures FG’s approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

    Abiodun secures FG’s approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has secured the approval of the Federal Government for the proposed establishment of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway, Ijebu-Ode.

    This official approval for the project followed the quest by Abiodun to deliver several projects as enduring legacies of his administration.

    The project, to be sited on 130 hectares of land allocated by the Ogun State Government, followed a request by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to Governor Abiodun.

    The allocation, granted on an ex-gratis basis, reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting national infrastructure and creating enabling environments for trade and investment.

    Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor,  Tayo Mabeweje,  who made this known to newsmen on Friday, said the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port will decongest the Lagos Port System, serve as a cargo consolidation and distribution hub for the South-West region and enhance Ogun State’s competitiveness in trade and logistics when completed.

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    Mabeweje added that it will increase national Gross Domestic Product (GDP); strengthen the Ogun State Industrial Hub initiative; create jobs and unlock new economic opportunities in addition to enhancing the aesthetic and infrastructural value to Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

    This milestone comes on the heels of another major infrastructural success — the Gateway International Airport recently received its official certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), positioning Ogun State firmly on Nigeria’s aviation map and boosting its appeal as a destination for global trade, investment, and tourism.

    Speaking earlier on the approval, Governor Abiodun affirmed that “the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large.”

     The governor noted that with the Kajola Inland Dry Port already secured for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster and now the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port for the Eastern corridor, Ogun State was strategically balancing industrial growth across its three Senatorial Districts, ensuring equity and sustainable development.

     These achievements stand as shining testaments to Governor Abiodun’s visionary leadership and his administration’s unrelenting drive to deliver modern infrastructure, attract investment, and unlock prosperity for all,” he said.

  • Demolish your Iperu residence before coming after mine – Daniel tells Abiodun

    Demolish your Iperu residence before coming after mine – Daniel tells Abiodun

    ‎The face-off between the Ogun State Government and former governor Gbenga Daniel over alleged violations of building regulations has escalated, with Daniel accusing Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of selective enforcement.

    Speaking on Monday at the Aseludero Hall within his Sagamu residence, Daniel, through his media aide, Mr. Steve Oliyide, alleged that the government had “ulterior motives” in targeting his properties while ignoring similar cases, including the governor’s own private residence in Iperu.

    He claimed the house, which faces the Iperu–Ode Remo federal road, has no setback but has never been served a contravention notice.

    Daniel, now the Senator representing Ogun East, recalled that in 2019, he endorsed Abiodun’s governorship bid at the same Aseludero Court Hall where the press briefing was held. He questioned why his property was only deemed in contravention six years into Abiodun’s tenure.

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    Accusing the governor of “political persecution” ahead of 2027, Daniel maintained that his political fate rests with the people who have supported him since 2003, not the governor.

    He warned that the alleged misuse of building regulations to settle political scores could “plunge the state into chaos” if unchecked.

    “Does his house in Iperu, facing the Iperu–Ode–Isara road, have an approved setback? That house should be demolished. If no notice has been pasted on his property, the administration has no moral right to demolish any property in the state,” he declared.

  • Group hails Abiodun, Daniel, others on ‘Ijebu State’

    Group hails Abiodun, Daniel, others on ‘Ijebu State’

    A group, the All Progressives Congress National Awareness Youth Vanguard Nigeria (APC-NAYVN), has lauded the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the member representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the Senate, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on the proposed  creation of Ijebu State out of the current Ogun State.

     APC-NAYVN also hailed traditional rulers for showing solidarity in the quest for the actualisation of the proposed state. These are contained in a statement in Lagos  by the  group’s National Secretary,  Mr. Dayo Ogunjebe .

     Ogunjebe praised all stakeholders in the agitation but cited the leadership and pivotal role of  Abiodun and Daniel, saying their efforts have given all Ijebu and Remo natives  confidence that the proposed state would eventually come to fruition.

     “On behalf of my group, I wish to thank Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel for the pivotal role of championing this cause.

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     “I am not sure that any meaningful thing would have been achieved without their tacit support and we believe that their involvement would serve as the needed catalyst for the realisation of the dream,” he said.

     Ogunjebe  thanked  traditional rulers in Ijebu and Remoland for their show of brotherhood and  passion for the project. He did same for  paramount and subsidiary rulers in Egba and Yewaland for their support.

     “We have noted that the issue has further united traditional rulers in present Ogun State rather than divide them, a development which is a sign of brotherhood and love which will continue to unite all when the dream is realised,” he added.

  • Ogun declares Monday work-free for teachers

    Ogun declares Monday work-free for teachers

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved Monday, October 6, 2024, as a work-free day to enable teachers to celebrate Teachers Day in Ogun State.

    Abiodun announced this year’s Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

    The governor also approved the construction of 12 blocks of 900 smart classrooms in four schools in each zone across the state.

    The four benefiting schools are Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta; Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode; Remo Secondary School, Sagamu; and Yewa College, Ilaro.

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    The governor also announced the absorption of 1,000 OgunTeach scheme interns into the State Teaching Service Commission, bringing the total to 5,000 since the inception of the administration.

    Speaking further, the governor said approval has been given for the renovation of all special schools and an increment in the feeding allowance of pupils in special schools to make them feel a sense of belonging.

    Abiodun, who acknowledged the contributions of teachers in moulding the character of future generations, agreed to pay transport allowances to all public school teachers in place of the work-free days currently being enjoyed by other state government workers.

    Other achievements, according to Governor Abiodun, include the approval of the Ogun State Education Intervention Fund, the successful conduct of the BECE with the introduction of OMR (Optical Mark Reader) sheets, and the installation of ICT facilities in preparation for the flag-off of Nigeria Learning Passport for e-contents.

    On why his administration did not access the 2020 UBEC funds, the governor said: “You recall that when I assumed office, this state had not accessed the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 funds. Shortly after I assumed office, we paid the counterpart funding for those four years, and we accessed the funding. The current one we are implementing is for 2018 and 2019.”

  • Ogun releases first batch of non-statutory board appointments

    Ogun releases first batch of non-statutory board appointments

    Ogun State Government yesterday released the list of members of non-statutory boards recently appointed by Governor Dapo Abiodun to run boards.

    This was made known in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Strategy to the Governor, Mr Kayode Akinmade.

    The appointments, the statement said, are the first in the series of appointments that will soon be announced by the state government.

    The appointments cover Ogun Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), Plantgate Limited and Ogun State Alternative Medicine Board (OGAMB).

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    The membership of OGWAMA, which has Ajibola Kaka as chairman, includes Prince Salako Olalekan, Mr. Iroko Ganiu, Adefisan Kazeem, Aare Fagade Ajibola, Otemolu Sheu Olakunle, M.A.O. Akovoyon, Olubode Bankole, Mr. Olukoya Bankole Adelaja and Mr. Kadejo Akeem Adekunle.

    The statement also listed the members of the new OSAMCA board to include Sodeinde Kunle (chairman), Olaonipekun Tajudeen A., Akinoso Olusesi Olayinka, Kuye Rasaq Abiodun, Odeyemi Rafiu, Alhaji Agoro Akinlagun, Adeogun Wasiu, Mr. Kazeem Adeyanju, Mrs. Bello Iyabo, Risikat Sanusi, Elder S.M.A. Akinyemi and Oyewole Akeem A.

    For Plantgate Ltd, the members are Mukaila Olugbuyi Bello (chairman), Nuberu Adesanya Olufemi and Adeleye Jimo Pelumi.

    For OGAMB, however, the members include Nurudeen Olaleye Alawoerin (chairman), Chief  Mrs Tuke Omotara, HRH Agasagan Awusinu, Chief Kokumo Abiodun Edubona, Alhaja Iyabo Sonubi (Agbebi), Aroyeun Shuaib Ajisope (Onisegun), Prof. Cyril Gbolagade Omisande, Haruna Ishola Elegbede, Alhaji Tunde Abioye and the representatives of the ministries of Culture and Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry, Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs and Ministry of Health.

    The statement enjoined the appointees to put in their best in their agencies, justify the confidence reposed in them by the Ogun State Government and give the agencies a massive turnaround.

  • Ogun to encourage wet, dry season food production

    Ogun to encourage wet, dry season food production

    • Abiodun inaugurates committee on agric scheme

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the state is working towards producing enough food for local consumption and for export through wet and dry season farming.

    He said his administration is committed to developing sectors of the state’s economy, particularly agriculture, due to its potential in revenue and employment generation, as well as food security and poverty alleviation.

    Prince Abiodun spoke during the inauguration of a 13-member State Working Committee (SWC) of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – AGRO POCKET held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    He said: “Our target is to produce enough food to attain self-sufficiency in a short time and, in the long term, to produce enough food for other states and for export.

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    “As an administration, we are committed to the development of all sectors of our state economy. In particular, we recognise the immense potential of the agricultural sector, especially in employment generation, revenue generation, food security and poverty alleviation.

    “As a government, we are aware of our responsibility to provide the needed relief for our people, especially during these challenging times.

    “The Federal Government, alongside state governments, has developed a framework and reforms for providing mutually reinforcing components, such as agricultural reforms, improved delivery of farm inputs and quality extension services.”

    Ogun State, he said, had identified viable sources of finance through partnerships with the Federal Government and African Development Bank (AfDB), under the Policy-Based Operation (PBO), to boost agricultural production in wet and dry seasons.

    “You will recall that in 2023, a pilot scheme in 15 states of the federation was initiated, which was cultivated during the dry season. This led to an astronomical increase in wheat yield. The results revealed that an estimated 277,000 hectares of wheat were planted in Nigeria in 2023-2024, representing 139 per cent increase over the previous year’s season.

    “Undoubtedly, this result is the direct impact of the inputs received under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme supported by the African Development Bank,” he said.

  • Abiodun makes Sijibomi’s head swell

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, didn’t just honour Sujimoto’s 5th anniversary; he came with a message that could make any young CEO feel like a legend in his chosen career.

    At the event, Abiodun said that by all measures, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto, Siji’s name resonated along the length and breadth of Nigeria.

    According to him, for his age, he is a success story and this is just the beginning for him. He added: “My prayer is that all other young Nigerians will use Siji as a prayer point. In Nigeria, rather than for people to appreciate the hard work you put into getting to where you are, they will keep looking for how to find faults. It’s called ‘the pull him down syndrome.’

    ‘You know, even if you were selling ice-cream, or giving it out for free, people will still be unhappy and say all sorts of things about you.  I advise that you cannot and should never attempt to make everyone happy. Be diligent, hardworking and most importantly be a man of integrity.”

    Chief Segun Osoba, Donald Duke, Mo Abudu, Timi Dakolo, Cobhams, Darey Art Alade, Bovi and many other known personalities were sighted at the party which over 1,820 guests attended at Banana Island, Lagos.

    Sijibomi appreciated everyone who had been of support to him in a way, including critics. He stated, “Pessimists don’t know this, but they contribute more to our success than our failures.”