The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Ibikunle Amosun

  • Amosun escapes death as CBN bullion vans ram into his convoy

    Amosun escapes death as CBN bullion vans ram into his convoy

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday had a firsthand experience of the reckless driving by drivers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) bullion vans as a convoy of CBN bullion vans rammed into his convoy, escaping unscathed narrowly.

    Amosun was travelling to Lagos for an official assignment after receiving the Southern Governors Wives Forum earlier, when the incident occurred at the Ibafo (Ogun State) stretch of the Lagos – Ibadan expressway.

    The CBN convoy damaged the escort vehicle in the governor’s convoy.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor,  Adejuwon Soyinka, who said Amosun escaped unhurt, added that the latest case was not the first time he would have unpleasant encounter with the CBN’s reckless bullion vans drivers.

    “Governor Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday, narrowly escaped unhurt when a convoy of bullion vans belonging to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN rammed into his convoy on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    “The incident occurred around Ibafo, while the Governor was traveling to Lagos for an official assignment and the CBN convoy damaged the escort vehicle in the governor’s convoy.

    “The CBN convoy, driving dangerously, attempted to overtake the governor’s convoy without regards for the safety of other road users.

    “On sensing danger, the Ogun Governor’s escort commander used a public address system mounted on his vehicle to warn the CBN convoy to desist from such reckless driving.

    “Not only was the Governor’s escort commander ignored, the CBN convoy drivers went ahead to crush his vehicle and subsequently went after other vehicles in the Governor’s convoy, including the Governor’s official car, before they were brought to a halt by the security team attached to the Governor,” Adejuwon said.

    According to him, the Thursday incident was not the first time the Governor would have cause to personally caution reckless CBN convoy drivers in Ogun State.

    He said Amosun  had in the past personally turned back reckless CBN bullion van drivers who often drive against traffic with impunity on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    Also reacting, the Governor described it as “lawlessness and the height of impunity” on the part of CBN bullion vans drivers.

    Amosun warned that such acts of impunity will not be tolerated again within the borders of Ogun State.

    “If this could happen to a governor within his territory, you can imagine what they would do to our citizens who are simply going about their legitimate business.

     

  • African drums festival symbol of unity, say Amosun, Soyinka, others

    African drums festival symbol of unity, say Amosun, Soyinka, others

    Eminent Nigerians including the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and traditional rulers have hailed the on – going African Drums Festival in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as one that would “foster greater unity and Cooper action among Nigerians and African nations.”

    The festival featured an  array of performing troupes from five countries and over 15 States of Nigeria including the Konkere beats troupe run by a  University of Lagos lecturer, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, with all showcasing their unique drums and dances to thrill of enthusiastic crowd of  dignitaries, tourists and participants.

    Amosun who declared it opened with the beating of the acclaimed 18 feet tallest drum in the world, said the event which began as Nigerian Drums festival last year, was upgraded to African Drums Festival because of the national and continental support the maiden edition received.

    The Governor said the festival was an avenue to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Gateway State and project it to a global reckoning.

    “The need to sustain the legacy of the maiden edition and provide platform for participation of the states in Nigeria, African countries and the world made this administration to further expand the scope and call it African Drums Festival 2017.

    “We therefore, believe that this event will among other things, project the uniqueness of African culture in a more positive light; open up new vistas for African cultural artifacts as viable tool for social-economic development as well as broaden the knowledge of all and sundry to the varied drums and dances that are peculiar to multi-ethnic groups in Africa.

    “It is expected that this platform will also re-energise the cultural zeal in the minds of our people and the resultant cultural resurgence will in the long run, help us to appreciate our African culture more than before and forge ahead culturally on a united front,” Amosun said.

    In his remarks, Soyinka who noted that Ogun State is always first in pioneering best and great things in Nigeria, said it should not be a surprise that a festival to that has a unifying force for all tribes and Africans was initiated in Ogun.

    He recalled that the Afro beat music originated by the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti started in Ogun State before he spread to Lagos and the rest of the world.

    Also,  the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was represented  by the Director, National Troupe, Mr. Tar Ukoh, said the festival has great potential to unite Nigerians as well as promote pan-African unity and increased inter – African economic trade.

    Mohammed urged other states to walk the path of Ogun state in its bid to use arts and culture to reinvigorate the tourism potentials of the state for socio – economic development and investment.

    The Minister reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to diversify the nation’s economy from  oil to  non-oil sectors like agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.

    In their separate goodwill messages, the royal fathers – the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, all pushed  for the promotion of African cultural values and norms by governments.

    The Alake, Oba Gbadebo  urged governors of other states  to identify other aspects of Nigerian culture  and propagate them.

    He said the era where states have depend free oil money from Abuja is gone for good and charged governors to develop the tourism potentials of their respective states and turn them in foreign currency earners.

    In his message, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi  highlighted the place of drums Yoruba ethnic nationality, saying drums are used as a veritable tools to remind obas to responsible and accountable to the affairs of their domains.

    “Drums are important tools that accompany monarchs and warriors to the war-front and act as source from which they draw encouragement and courage as well as indicate to them when to withdraw or advance into battle.

    “Drums are also used to announce the deaths of some important personalities in Yoruba land.” Alaafin said.

    In an interview with The Nation, Sotimirin, said the festival is an opportunity to reinforce the place drums in the traditional lives of the people.

    He cited gbedu and bata drums as having significant place in the traditional setting of the people.

    “The gbedu drums are used in palaces to herald an Oba. Once you hear the sound, no matter where you are, you know it is for royalty. With other countries like Haiti, Congo, Burkina Faso and others participating, it shows that the importance of drums have gone global. Therefore, it is time to intensify the celebration for both social and economic gains,” he said.

     

  • USA, Haiti, others to grace African drums festival in Ogun

    USA, Haiti, others to grace African drums festival in Ogun

    … Festival will promote unity, rich culture – Amosun

    Performance troupes and drummers from the United States of America, Haiti, and nine other countries have expressed interest to participate at the second edition of the African Drums Festival this April in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital in Southwest Nigeria.

    Apart from Cuba which would grace the festival as an observer, over 12 Nigerian States have also confirmed readiness to participate.

    These were made known to journalists on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of Ogun State, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, during a World press briefing about the festival at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Adeoluwa said the State would be spending an amount less than N50 million on the Festival.

    The Logo of this year’s African Drums Festival with the theme, “Reviving our Culture in Drums,” was unveiled by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Yetunde Onanuga.

    The Festival is been organised by the State government.

    Adeoluwa cited Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, Congo Brazzaville and Zimbabwe as some of the African countries that would attend the event.

    He explained that the Festival would be both participatory and competitive, saying those who want to compete would opportunity to do so while those who don’t, would enjoy themselves.

    “It will cost the State so little, what we are spending is under N50 million and it is not about the size of the budget. We are using direct labour and we are sourcing for everything locally, we are also leveraging on our friends and supporters who are partnering with us,” he said.

    According to him, the 2017 edition has been expanded to take care of troupes from private and Non – Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

    Before unveiling the festival’s logo, the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the festival would promote unity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the African continent as well as put the State on the world map.

    Amosun said: “the unique aspect of the festival was the unveiling of the world tallest drum last year. It (festival) received greater acceptance, and it has opened doors for our brothers and sisters from other African countries. It is one way of promoting unity in the continent.”

    The maiden edition of it kicked off in Abeokuta on April 19, 2016 amid glamour as drummers from every part of the country graced the festival.

    While it lasted, the tallest drum in the country, standing at about 16ft was unveiled by the host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and witnessed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and his wife, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adetona Gbadebo, Senator Momora, representative of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and the Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

     

  • We will serve with more vigour – Amosun

    We will serve with more vigour – Amosun

    Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has assured of his administration’s commitment to always place the welfare of Ogun citizens on the front burner.

    The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists led by its President, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, who came on a courtesy visit to the Governor in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office.

    This is contained in a press statement signed by Adejuwon Soyinka, Senior Special Assistant (Media)
    Ogun State Governor.

    The NUJ leadership also seized the opportunity to formally inform the governor of the union’s decision to honour him with the 2016 Excellence in Leadership Award.

    Explaining the rationale for choosing the Ogun State Governor for the award, Odusile said it was in recognition of the giants strides Governor Amosun has recorded in his mission to rebuild Ogun State.

    “As journalists, we have gone around the country and we are impressed with the level of development we have seen in Ogun State,” he said.

    The Governor who appreciated the Union for recognising him with the award said it would spur and challenge his administration to do more and serve the state with a greater sense of dedication, vigour and vitality.

    “I will continue to serve the good people of Ogun State with more dedication, vigour and hard work,” Governor Amosun said.

    While assuring that his administration would not leave any projects abandoned Governor Amosun said, “contractors have been mobilised back to site across the state and we promise to complete all projects initiated across the state before the end of our tenure.”

    Speaking on the welfare of civil servants in Ogun State, Governor Amosun who promised to offset all outstanding cooperative deductions before the end of the year, revealed that about 6 months of the deductions would be paid from the Paris Club refund the state is expecting.

    He also seized the occasion to announce that the state government has concluded plans to pay the October 2016 salaries of some workers who took part in an illegal strike action last year. Governor Amosun said the payment would be effected before the commemoration of this year’s Workers Day on May 1.

    It will be recalled that the state government evoked the ‘no work, no pay rule’ in response to a politically motivated strike action embarked upon by a section of the labour movement in the state in September 2016.

    Speaking earlier, Odusile commended the Governor for the infrastructural development that has dotted the nooks and crannies of the state.

    He also appreciated the Governor for hosting the first NUJ Media Summit in 2016.

    Alhaji Odusile noted that the Mission to Rebuild Ogun State is already yielding results and helping in the process of creating a desirable future for the gateway state.

  • Amosun signs bill upgrading MAPOLY to University

    Amosun signs bill upgrading MAPOLY to University

    Governor  Ibikunle Amosun on Monday signed into law,  a Bill upgrading the state-owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, to Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta.

    Amosun who signed the bill into Law during the Executive Council meeting also signed another bill into law for the re-establishment of the Ogun State Polytechnic to be sited in Ipokia-Yewa-Awori areas of the state.

    The Governor said that the institutions would be multi-campus, as government would engage professionals and people of high knowledge to provide the technical guide, adding that this great step would enhance the prospect of education in the state.

    He lauded the state House of Assembly for the timely and successful passage of the Bill into law, and assured that necessary documents have been prepared and sent to the appropriate quarters.

    Also, the Speaker of the Ogun Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, said the step would create employment for the people, open access to tertiary education in Ipokia as well as encourage the people to embrace education.

  • Gov. Amosun wades into Customs/Rice Sellers’ rift

    Gov. Amosun wades into Customs/Rice Sellers’ rift

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has promised to intervene in the rift between men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) and rice sellers in Sango/otta area of the state.

    Amosun made the promise on Thursday when scores of the traders stormed the governor’s office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, to protest raiding of their markets by customs officials on Wednesday.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the protest, reports that the traders chanted solidarity songs and carried placards bearing inscriptions which disparage the NCS.

    The governor, who spoke through Mr Bimbo Ashiru, his Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, called for restraint and suspension of all forms of protests while he mediates between the traders and the NCS.

    Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the representatives of the traders, the commissioner promised that government would intervene.

    He said that he had commenced the process of intervention since he heard of the incident on Wednesday.

    Ashiru said: “I heard of what happened at Sango-Ota market.

    “The government will intervene, in fact, we have started doing something about it.

    “As part of our efforts, we have contacted the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “As we speak now, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa is in Abuja concerning the matter.

    “When adire sellers had this kind of problem, the government intervened and the problem was resolved.

    “We will intervene in this one too, but I want to appeal to you to remain calm and suspend all manner of protest.”

    NAN reports that on Wednesday, the rice sellers staged protest against raiding of their markets by customs officials.

    They blocked both lanes of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at Sango end.

    The protest paralysed traffic and business activities in that axis for hours.

    However, the NCS denied raiding their shops; they claimed that their operatives only raided a warehouse in the market where contraband goods were kept.

  • Ogun 2017 budget estimate objectives are realistic–Speaker

    Ogun 2017 budget estimate objectives are realistic–Speaker

    The Speaker, Ogun  Assembly, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, has expressed optimism that the objectives of the 2017 budget presented to the House by Governor Ibikunle Amosun would be realised.

    Adekunbi expressed this hope while fielding questions from newsmen in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

    The governor had on Tuesday, presented a budget proposal of N221.12 billion for 2017 to the House of Assembly for approval.

    The Speaker explained that the 2017 budget tagged: “Budget of Repositioning” would complement and assist in the rebuilding mission of the State Government.

    He said that a review of the 2016 budget revealed that 56.2 per cent performance had been achieved as at October, saying this could be improved upon with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

    Adekunbi assured that the government would continue to partner with the relevant stakeholders, Non-Governmental Organisations and donor agencies for support towards actualising more infrastructure development.

    “The assembly will strive within its constitutional powers to ensure the speedy passage of the Appropriation Bill.

    “It will further reposition the state to immediately prepare ground for the delivery of more democratic dividends to the people,” he said.

    He called for the support of all citizens in the actualisation of the budget.

    Adekunbi promised that the lawmakers would put in place necessary resolution to enable the government begin the arrangement for the inclusion of the state in the list of oil-producing states.

    He said that the development would enable the state to earn more money to finance its projects.

  • Amosun presents N221.1bn budget proposal to Ogun Assembly

    Amosun presents N221.1bn budget proposal to Ogun Assembly

    … Says its budget of repositioning

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Tuesday morning presented an Appropriation Bill of N221.129bn for the 2017 fiscal year to the Ogun State House of Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

    Reading the Budget christened “Budget of Re – positioning,” before the 26 member – legislators at the floor of the Assembly chamber, Amosun said salary and wages would take N62.73bn while N73 .93bn would be spent on pension and gratuities

    According to the Governor, the 2017 budget proposal which increased by 10.5 percent compared to that of the current year which stood at N200. 200 billion.

    He said N102.82bn was earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N118.30 for capital expenditure.

    He explained that the budget would be financed from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the tune of N114.4bn while N41bn is expected to come from Federal allocation.

    Also, the remainder of the budget is expected to be financed with funds sourced from Development partners of the state.

    The Governor noted that the overall performance of the year 2016 budget achieved 56. 2 per cent as at 31st October.

    As is his tradition in the last six years, education sector takes the lion share of the 2017 budget as it is expected to gulp N47 billion, representing  21. 28 per cent, while the rural and infrastructural development/employment generation follows with N44. 2 billion which represents 19.99 per cent.

    Amosun assured that his administration would strive towards reducing cost, while efforts would also be geared towards maximising every opportunity to increase the state’s IGR.

    Amosun appealed to the people of the state  to look beyond the “challenging hard time,” saying “we are taking our destiny in our own hands.”

    According to him, Ogun state would no longer rely much on what comes from Abuja as experience has continued to show a decreasing revenue from that quarter.

    He however, assured that all the on-going projects scattered across the state would be completed within the period of the tenure of his administration.

    In his response, Speaker Suraj Adekunbi, said the House would critically examine it and expedite action towards its speedy passage.

    The Budget presentation was attended by former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Earnest Shonekan, former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipupo Diya (Rtd), former Military Administrators of the state which included: Gen. Seidu Balogun (Rtd.), Gen. Oladayo Popoola (Rtd.), Navy Commander Oladeinde Joseph (Rtd.), Navy Captain Kayode Olofinmoyin (Rtd.), Col. Daniel Akintonde (Rtd.), as well as the doyen of Accountancy in Nigeria, Mr. Akintola Williams as well as traditional rulers among other eminent citizens of the state.

  • Amosun, El- Rufai, urge Nigerians to see nation’s diversity as strength

    Amosun, El- Rufai, urge Nigerians to see nation’s diversity as strength

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El – Rufai, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Dickson Seriake, have urged Nigerians to see the nation’s diversity as a source of “strength” for its “greatness” and not for disunity.

    Amosun, El – Rufai and Seriake said the country’s diversity should be fully utilised by Nigerians in harmony “for the good and progress of Nigeria” and not otherwise.

    The trio made the appeal separately yesterday while delivering separate goodwill messages at the 2016 annual Ojude – Oba cultural carnival of the Ijebu nation in Ogun State, Nigeria which depicted an array of people suffused with glamour, excitements and splendour.

    An estimated 25,000 Ijebu sons, daughters friends and well – wishers participated at this year’s Ojude Oba in Ijebu – Ode, the royal home of Awujale and where over 35 age grades – Regberegbes, took turn to pay homage to him who is often referred to as the Orisa Ijebu(the god of the Ijebu people)

    Amosun who lauded Oba Adetona for his capacity to use “culture, tradition and religion” to weave a an enviable and enduring unity among his people, said the nation’s leaders should emulate leadership style and forge a greater unity among Nigerians out of the country’s multi –  diversities.

    The Governor also commended the Ijebu people for not only making Ogun State unique with the Ojude Oba festival but for also using same to continually launch the State into global consciouness.

    ” One sees the love, tenacity and determination of the Ijebu people to showcase their rich cultural heritage and tradition. In Ogun State, we create the template for others to follow.

    “In Nigeria, we should serve diligently. It is not where one comes from or religion should count but one’s diligent service. We should emulate Kabiyesi ability to forge unity among his people despite different religions.

    “We should live in togetherness, love and harmony not only in Ogun State but also in Nigeria,” Amosun said.

    For El – Rufai, he lauded Awujale for the courage and leadership competence in leading his people towards organising the annual Ojude Oba which he dedcribed as an “incredible event.”

    ” I came here not as Governor, not as guest of Governor Amosun or as a member of All Progressives Congress but I’m here because Awujale is my father, a man of great wisdom, unparralled courage and integrity.

    “Throughout my public service and exile, he was a true father to me. He adviced and even supported me financially. I know dream of  Ijebu State is close to your heart and one can pray for your long life to see Ijebu State come to pass,” El – Rufai said.

    Also, Governor Dickson Seriake who was the Special guest of honour, urged Nigeria to find a way to export Ojude Oba to the rest the world through cultural tourism.

    Seriake who is a descendant of Adebukunola Fidipote, a Princess from one the Ruling Houses of Awujale stool in Ijebu – Ode, said Nigeria should leverage on her rainbow of diversity to work towards greatness and not division.

    In his brief spech, Oba Adetona said the festival has continued to gain more local and global attention by the year and commended Govermor Amosun and corporate bodies for their continual support.

    Apart from the three governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s Deputy – Governor, Princess Yetunde Onanuga, former military Governor Old Rivers State and traditional ruler, HRH, Afred Diette – Spiff, were among the digniatries who honoured the Awujale at this year Ojude Oba with their presence.

    Others are Omoba Olori Subomi Balogun, Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, the Moyegoso of Itele – Ijebu, Oba Adesanya Kasali, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, Chief Bimbo Ashiru, his Culture and Tourism counterpart, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu.

  • Recession: Amosun urges Nigerians to be patient

    Recession: Amosun urges Nigerians to be patient

    … Says two years not enough to fix rots in govt

     

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Sallah Day urged Nigerians to exercise more patience with President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, saying two years are not enough for him to fix the rot the (Buhari) met in government.

    Amosun said it is obvious that times are hard today and that Nigeria has also suddenly headed to a “corner,” but expressed the hope that once the country wriggled itself out of the “bend,” rays of better life for Nigerians would emerge.

    The Governor made this known yesterday while fielding questions from reporters shortly after observing the Eid prayer along with thousands of faithful at the Muslim prayer ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta, the State capital.

    He noted that a lot have gone wrong with governance over the years, saying the President does not only need time to put the nation on the right path but that Nigerians have to also work hard enough to enable the country navigate the challenging time.

    “My message to Nigerians is that we are on the right track, we do not expect that things that have been bad for years will just be normalised in one or two years, no.

    “Even four years is not enough, eight years is not even enough to fix the rot in government, that is why whatever you do with two terms, let other fresh hands come in.

    “With where we have found ourselves, with where we are coming from, it is appearing like things are very tough now, like we are almost getting to the corner now but once we just take the bend, we are going to be on the right path and we will all get there.

    “I believe that it is only tough times that bring the best out of the people of this nation, that is why all of us are thinking out of the box, we know that money is hard to come by these days and that is why we have to work very hard.

    “I appreciate all Nigerians for their support so far and I urge them to continue with their support for the government and I know that Nigeria will be better for all of us at the end of the day,” Amosun said.

    On the forthcoming local government election in the State slated for October 8 this year, Amosun said it is about the state and not individual or political parties, adding that whoever wins would serve the interest of Ogun people.

    “In the final analysis, we are all citizens of Ogun State, the common thing that binds all of us together is that we are all from Ogun State because of that we should know that whoever ultimately emerge as winners in the election will be serving the good people of Ogun State. He will not be serving his political party.

    “I know that our people will not let us down, we know who we are, you can see there will be nothing like rancour or violence because the people of Ogun State are peace loving so for me, the local government election is just like any other election,” he said.

    Earier in his Sallah message, he urged Nigerians to live and love one another as well as support the three tiers of  government in order to move the nation forward.

    Also, in his Eid – El – Kabir sermon, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Chief Liadi Orunsolu, urged Nigerians, particularly the muslim faithful, to have the fear of God in their daily dealings with others to ensure peace, progress and development in Nigeria.