The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ibikunle Amosun

  • Ogun audits applications for building approvals

    Ogun audits applications for building approvals

    THE Ogun State government has raised two committees to begin a comprehensive audit of pending applications for building approvals and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

    This is to determine how many of such applications are with the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning and the Bureau of Lands and Survey, the processing stage reached and what is delaying them from getting the governor’s assent.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun announced the names of the committee members on Monday at the Executive Council meeting.

    The three-man committee that will look into applications for building approval is headed by the Managing Director of the State Housing Corporation, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing Development, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose.

    Members are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Ajibola Chokor, and Mr. Bode Adefala, a senior special assistant in the Governor’s Office.

    The Managing Director of the State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC), Mr. Jide Odusolu, is the head of the committee that will sort out pending applications for C of O.

    Members are Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects Lekan Onamusi and his research and documentation counterpart, Leke Adewolu.

    The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, will work on the applications that need the governor’s consent.

    Amosun said the committees will work with the Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Gbenga Otenuga, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Adewale Oshinowo.

    He also delegated the power to sign C of Os and Governor’s Consent to some members of the Executive Council.

     

  • Ogun to assist radio station

    Ogun to assist radio station

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has assured the management and staff of Paramount FM, the branch of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Abeokuta, the state capital, that the government will help the station come back on air.

    The station’s mast collapsed last Friday.

    Amosun spoke when he visited the site of the collapsed mast.

    He said the incident, if not quickly addressed, would leave a huge communication gap, adding: “The media is important as it educates and enlightens the citizenry, particularly the radio, which penetrates the nooks and crannies.

    “This is a Federal outfit that benefits our people. So, we have to be as concerned as the Federal Government. “It is not about Federal people. If anything happens in Ogun State, whether Federal or whatever, it will affect our people.

    “We will see what we can do. We may not be in a position to shoulder everything, but we will contribute and make sure that the station resumes full operation soon.

    The station’s General Manager, Wale Adeboboye, said it would cost between N40 and N50 million to fix the collapsed mast, which slightly affected the transmitter.

    Adeboboye said: “We hope something would be done soonest to get us back on air.”

     

  • Amosun mourns slain Newswatch editor

    Amosun mourns slain Newswatch editor

    Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has expressed deep shock and heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Newswatch Newspapers Limited, and the family of late Mr. Toyin Obadina, who was killed by suspected armed robbers last week.

    In a release signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Amosun described the killing of Mr Obadina, who was the deputy editor, Sunday Newswatch, as “gruesome and most regrettable.

    “It is more painful that the deceased was killed while returning home from work as a journalist, after practising his profession with passion for decades”, he added.

    The governor urged security agencies to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • 2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the issues and personalities that will shape the 2015 governorship election in Ogun State.

    Ogun State is delineated into three senatorial districts. These are Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West. Of the three districts, only Ogun West has not produce the governor, since the creation of the state 38 years ago.

    Ogun East produced the first civilian governor, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who ruled between 1979 and1983, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2003-2011). From Ogun Central came Chief Olusegun Osoba (1992-1993; 1999-2003) and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who assumed office in 2011.

    The main bloc in Ogun West , the Yewa, nearly succeeded in breaking the jinx in 2011 when two political parties picked their candidates from the area. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fielded General Adetunji Idowu Olurin and Mr Nasir Gboyega Isiaka was the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) flag bearer. The Yewas blamed the defeat of their sons on split votes and the political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Otunba Daniel. They alleged that the two gladiators wrecked havoc on the district by fielding two candidates at a time, instead of cooperating together to secure bloc votes for a consensus candidate.

    A Yewa leader, Chief Ishola Olagunju, observed that the rift between Obasanjo and Daniel has not ended. He warned that, as long as the feud persists, it will be impossible for the Ogun West to actualise its push for power shift.

    Unlike in 2011 when the governorship candidates emerged on the platforms of six political parties, the platforms would be narrowed to three in 2015. They are the All Progressive Congress (APC), the PDP and the Labour Party (LP).

    The APC governor, Senator Amosun, is warming up for a second term. Other aspirants eyeing his job include Isiaka, former Information Commissioner Sina Kawonise, Abiodun Akinlade, former House of Representatives member Kayode Amusan, renowned estate manager Jide Taiwo, former Solid Minerals minister Sarafa Isola, and Anthony Ojesina.

     

    Amosun

     

    The governor is expected to be endorsed for a second term by the APC before the end of this quarter. Even, the PDP leader, former President Obasanjo, is proud of the achievements of the accountant-turned politician. The governor has fought the infrastructure battle across the three districts. He has turned the state into a huge construction site. Amosun has also honed his political skills. Recently, he intiated reconciliation with his leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. Peace returned to the party immediately after the truce. The governor is expected to declare for a second term, following the endorsement by the party stakeholders.

     

    Isiaka

     

    He hails from Yewaland. Isiaka contested on the platform of the PPN in 2011. But, he lost to Amosun. He came third in the keenly contested poll. This time, he is likely to run on the platform of the LP because his god father, Daniel, has defected from the PPN, which he single-handedly formed in 2011, for LP. What is working for Isiaka as Daniel’s favourite is his loyalty. Recently, the former governor described him as cool-headed, intelligent and hardworking person.

    In spite of Daniel’s support, analysts are of the opinion that Isiaka may not get the ticket on the platter of gold. There are other candidates in the party. One of them is also a close associate of Daniel. Besides, there are other challenges that would make it difficult for the party to market Isiaka as the flag bearer, if he wins the ticket. His link with Daniel may also be his albatross. Daniel has friends in Ogun State. But, his enemies are also many and they do not want him to bounce back to relevance.

    To analysts, a vote for Isiaka is a vote for Daniel and, by extension, a call for the continuation of Daniel’s style of governance.

    The people of the Ogun State have not forgotten the role Isiaka played as the Managing Director of the Gateway Holdings Limited. It was alleged that public assets were not properly managed. However, the present government had reversed the decision of the Daniel Administration on some of the assets.

     

    Akinlade

     

    Akinlade, a member of the House of Representatives from Yewa (Ogun West), has declared his ambition for the governorship. The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain became a legislator in 2011on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Akinlade unfolded his plan to rule the Gateway State at a time Governor Amosun is seeking re-election.

    However, Akinlade has defected to the LP to realise his ambition. Apart from foot soldiers working for him, he is banking on the goodwill garnered over the years as a federal legislator.

    Analysts have identified impatience, immaturity and inordinate ambition as his major weaknesses. A chieftain of the APC, Chief Adekanmbi Aborode, said that Akinlade is joining the race without sparing a thought for the political developments in the state. He said it will be difficult for him to defeat Amosun, even if he emerges as the LP candidate.

    Also, a youth leader from Yewaland, Yomi Olojeloju, noted that the youths are not unmindful of the fact that Ogun West is yet to produce a governor since the creation. But, he pointed out that the youths have endorsed the governor for a second term. He said, based on his performance, the governor deserves another chance.

    But, Akinlade has objected to this. He said he will perform better than the governor, if elected He explained that he is in the race because the people of the old Egbado Division are agitating for power shift.

    According to observers, Akinlade stands a better chance of becoming the governor, if only he can wait till 2015. Also, he has a better chance if he returns to the APC.

     

    Kawonise

     

    The former Commissioner for Information and Orientation has been mobilising, ahead of 2015.His loyalty to Daniel is not in doubt. He is the Managing Director of Western Publishing owned by the former governor.

    Who will Daniel support? Isiaka or Kawonise? Analysts say that the zoning arrangement may not favour him. The reason why Daniel picked Isiaka in 2011 was that, of all the three senatorial districts, Ogun West has not produced the governor. But, the perception has changed. Despite the clamour for a governor from Yewa, many also agree that the incumbent is constitutionally entitled to seek a fresh mandate.

    Analysts say the odds against Kawonise are many. He is an Ijebu man from Ogun East like Daniel, who left office in 2011. Observers are of the opinion that no political party in Ogun State would tinker with an idea of fielding an Ijebu man as its governorship candidate because it will be difficult to sell him to the electorate in other districts.

     

    Isola

     

    The former Secretary to the Government (SSG) was appointed as the Minister of Solid Minerals by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. The circumstance surrounding his removal from the federal cabinet strained the relationship between him and Daniel. However, Isola had dumped the Obasanjo group and reconciled with Daniel. The Egba-born politician is eyeing the Oke Mosan Government House at a time the Egbas are rooting for a second term for Amosun . He is likely to contest on the platform of the LP.

     

    Amusan

     

    Amusan is a member of the PDP. He has declared his ambition for governorship. The challenges that are likely to confront him are many. The PDP in Ogun State is polarised. Amusan belongs to the Buruji Kashamu camp, which is locked in a battle of supremacy with the Obasanjo camp in the troubled chapter. It was at a meeting in Kashamu’s house in Ijebu-Igbo that Amusan declared his ambition. There are speculations that he has been endorsed by Kashamu. The new PDP strongman said that, if Amusan, who is younger than Olurin, was fielded as the PDP governorship candidate in 2011, the fortune of the party would have improved in Ogun State.

    Observers are of the opinion that Amusan, who hails from Ogun Central, is being groomed to penetrate the Egba axis, the birthplace of Amosun.The goal is to split the votes from Egbaland and weaken the Amosun’s home support.

     

    Taiwo

     

    Taiwo is a household name in estate management. He is being drafted into the race by his Awori kinsmen. The Aworis are the second largest group in Ogun West. He is likely to contest for the PDP governorship ticket. His foot soldiers are already on the field. Analysts say the guru in estate management is a green horn in politics, but the goodwill he has garnered over the years through the estate business across the country may work in his favour.

     

    Ojesina

     

    He is a former Commisioner for Environment. Ojesina has declared his ambition to occupy the Government House in 2015. The platform on which he intends to realise his ambition is unknown. His mission, if elected as the governor, is to harness resources to create job opportunities, enhance the state’s Internally Generate Revenue and improve the healthcare delivery.

    For the aspirants, the fear of incumbency is the beginning of wisdom. Although Amosun has not formally declared his interest, the gale of endorsements by associates, professional bodies, market women, students, religious leaders and traditional rulers point to that direction.

    Amosun is the candidate to beat in 2015, if he seeks re-election. Given his achievement in less than three years in office, the chances of winning the next year’s governorship election is very bright for the Owu-born governor. The roads projects, model schools springing up in every nook and cranny of the state, the financial re-engineering, the clean environment, and the provision of healthcare facilities are unparallel in the history of the state.

    In fact, the first endorsement came from an unexpected quarters. Obasanjo, who was overwhelmed byhis achievements, showered praises on him.

    The Ogun Youth Professional Forum (OYPF) has also endorsed him for a second term, based on his infrastructural development drive, provision of qualitative and affordable education.

    In Ogun West, leaders of thought and traditional rulers, are also rooting for him. The renowned historian, Prof Anthony Asiwaju, and the Olola of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Samuel Alade Adeluyi, have lauded Amosun for opening the area with the construction of a110 km road and provision of model schools for pupils.

     

  • Amosun, lawmakers unite for party registration

    Amosun, lawmakers unite for party registration

    There were indications yesterday that All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in Ogun State have resolved their differences.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the party’s National Assembly members gathered at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta for a stakeholders’ meeting on the party’s membership registration, which begins tomorrow.

    At the meeting were Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East); Senator Akin Odunsi (Ogun West); Senator Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central); the party’s seven members in the House of Representatives, Kehinde Oduneye, Olumide Osoba, Segun Williams, Abiodun Abudu, Bukonla Buraimo, Kunle Adeyemi and Babatunde Olabode; members of the House of Assembly and top government officials.

    Amosun urged members to be orderly and peaceful during the registration.

    He said the party was united, adding: “All chieftains, including our leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, are one. We must, through our words and actions, affirm the oneness of Ogun APC members at all times. We are one.

    Ogun APC Membership Registration Committee Chairman Adeniyi Fabikun urged members to participate actively in the registration, which begins daily at 9am and ends at 5pm. The exercise will end on Sunday.

    Intending APC members are to go to the nearest polling booth to them with two passport photographs. They would be required to sign or thumb-print. The registration is free.

    Fabikun urged stakeholders to mobilise people for the exercise.

     

     

  • 2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    2015: 15 for governor in Ogun

    Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the issues and personalities that will shape the 2015 governorship election in Ogun State.

    Ogun State is delineated into three senatorial districts. These are Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West. Of the three districts, only Ogun West has not produce the governor, since the creation of the state 38 years ago.

    Ogun East produced the first civilian governor, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who ruled between 1979 and1983, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2003-2011). From Ogun Central came Chief Olusegun Osoba (1992-1993; 1999-2003) and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who assumed office in 2011.

    The main bloc in Ogun West , the Yewa, nearly succeeded in breaking the jinx in 2011 when two political parties picked their candidates from the area. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fielded General Adetunji Idowu Olurin and Mr Nasir Gboyega Isiaka was the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) flag bearer. The Yewas blamed the defeat of their sons on split votes and the political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Otunba Daniel. They alleged that the two gladiators wrecked havoc on the district by fielding two candidates at a time, instead of cooperating together to secure bloc votes for a consensus candidate.

    A Yewa leader, Chief Ishola Olagunju, observed that the rift between Obasanjo and Daniel has not ended. He warned thatm, as long as the feud persists, it will be impossible for the Ogun West to actualise its push for power shift.

    Unlike in 2011 when the governorship candidates emerged on the platforms of six political parties, the platforms would be narrowed to three in 2015. They are the All Progressive Congress (APC), the PDP and the Labour Party (LP).

    The APC governor, Senator Amosun, is warming up for a second term. Other spirants eyeing his job include Isiaka, former Information Commissioner Sina Kawonise, Abiodun Akinlade, former House of Representatives member Kayode Amusan, renowned estate manager Jide Taiwo, former Steel Minister Sarafa Isola, and Anthony Ojesina.

    Amosun:

    The governor is expected be endorsed for a second term by the APC before the end of this quarter. Even, the PDP leader, former President Obasanjo, is proud of the achievement of the accountant-turned politician. The governor has fought the infrastructure battle across the three districts. He has turned the state into a huge construction site. Amosun has also honed his political skills. Recently, he intiated reconciliation with his leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. Peace returned to the party immediately after the truce. The governor is expected to declare for a second term, following the endorsement by the party stakeholders.

     

    Isiaka

     

    He hails from Yewaland. Isiaka contested on the platform of the PPN in 2011. But, he lost to Amosun. He came third in the keenly contested poll. This time, he is likely to run on the platform of the LP because his god father, Daniel, has defected from the PPN, which he single-handedly formed in 2011, for LP. What is working for Isiaka as Daniel’s favourite is his loyalty. Recently, the former governor described him as cool-headed, intelligent and hardworking person.

    In spite of Daniel’s support, analysts are of the opinion that Isiaka may not get the ticket on the platter of gold . There are other candidates in the party. One of them is also a close associate of Daniel. Besides, there are other challenges that would make it difficult for the party to market Isiaka as the flag bearer, if he wins the ticket. His link with Daniel may also be his albatross. Daniel has friends in Ogun State. But, his enemies are also many and they do not want him to bounce back to relevance.

    To analysts, a vote for Isiaka is a vote for Daniel and, by extension, a call for the continuation of Daniel’s style of governance.

    The people of the Ogun State have not forgotten the role Isiaka played as the Managing Director of the Gateway Holdings Limited. It was alleged that public assets were not properly managed. However, the present government had reversed the decision of the Daniel Administration on some of the assets.

     

    Akinlade

     

    Akinlade, a member of the House of Representatives from Yewa (Ogun West), has declared his ambition for the governorship. The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain became a legislator in 2011on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Akinlade unfolded his plan to rule the Gateway State at a time Governor Amosun is seeking re-election.

    However, Akinlade has defected to the LP to realise his ambition. Apart from foot soldiers working for him, he is banking on the goodwill garnered over the years as a federal legislator.

    Analysts have identified impatience, immaturity and inordinate ambition as his major weaknesses. A chieftain of the APC, Chief Adekanmbi Aborode, said that Akinlade is joining the race without sparing a thought for the political developments in the state. He said it will be difficult for him to defeat Amosun, even if he emerges as the LP candidate.

    Also, a youth leader from Yewaland, Yomi Olojeloju, noted that the youths are not unmindful of the fact that Ogun West is yet to produce a governor since the creation. But, he pointed out that the youths have endorsed the governor for a second term. He said, based on his performance, the governor deserves another chance.

    But, Akinlade has objected to this. He said he will perform better than the governor, if elected He explained that he is in the race because the people of the old Egbado Division are agitating for power shift.

    According to observers, Akinlade stands a better chance of becoming the governor, if only he can wait till 2015. Also, he has a better chance if he returns to the APC.

     

    Sina Kawonise

     

    The former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Daniel’s administration has been using every opportunity to express his governorship ambition in 2015. His loyalty to Daniel is not in doubt. After Daniel left office, Kawonise is still at the service of his political boss. He is the Managing Director of Western Publishing, publisher of the Nigeria Compass owned by the former governor..

    Apart from Isiaka standing on his way from clinching the LP’s governorship ticket, the zoning arrangement may not favour him. The reason why Daniel picked Isiaka in 2011 was that of all the three senatorial districts, Ogun West is yet to produce a governor and that it is their turn of Ogun West. The situation has not changed. Analysts say the odds against Kawonise are many. He is an Ijebu man from Ogun East like Daniel who left office in 2011. Observers are of the opinion that no political party in Ogun State would tinker with an idea of fielding an Ijebu man as its governorship candidate because such candidate would be difficult to sell to the electorate in other senatorial districts.

     

    Sarafa Isola

     

    He served under Daniel’s administration as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and was later appointed Minister of Solid Minerals by late President Umaru Yar’Adua. The circumstance surrounding his removal from the federal cabinet developed into a strain relationship between him and Daniel. However, Isola had dumped the Obasanjo group and reconciled with Daniel. The Egba -born politician is eyeing the Oke Mosan Government House . He is likely to contest on the platform of the LP.

     

    Kayode Amusan

     

    Amusan is a member of the PDP. He has openly declared his ambition for governorship in 2015. The challenges that are likely to confront him in realizing his ambition are many. PDP in Ogun State is polarized. Amusan belongs to Buruji Kashamu that is locked in battle of supremacy over the control of party structure with the group loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. It was at a gathering in Kashamu’s house in Ijebu-Igbo that Amusan declared his ambition. Kashamu sounded like endorsing Amusan governorship ambition when he said that if Amusan, younger than Olurin, was fielded as PDP governorship candidate in 2011, the fortune of the party would have perhaps, been better at the poll.

    Observers are of the opinion that Amusan who hails from Ogun Central, is being groomed to penetrate the Egbas where the incumbent governor Amosunn also came from. The ultimate goal, according to observers, is to split the votes from Egbaland and weaken the Amosun’s home support.

     

    Jide Taiwo

     

    Taiwo is a household name in estate management. He is being drafted by his Awori kinsmen to give governorship election a shot. The Aworis are the second largest group in Ogun West. He is likely to contest for the PDP governorship ticket.. His foot soldiers are already on the field marketing him. Analysts say the guru in estate management is a green horn in politics but the goodwill he has garnered over the years through estate business across the country may work in his favour.

     

    Anthony Ojesina

     

    He is a former Commisioner for Environment. Ojesina has declared his ambition to occupy the Government House in 2015. The platform on which he intends to realise his ambition is unknown. His mission, if elected governor, he said is to harness the resources to create job opportunities, to enhance the state’s Internally Generate Revenue and improve the healthcare delivery..

     

    Senator Amosun

     

    Although Governor Amosun has not formally declared to run for second term, but the gale of endorsement by party associates, professional bodies, market women, students, religious leaders and traditional rulers point to that direction.

    Amosun is the candidate to beat in 2015, if he seeks re-election. Given his achievement in less than three years in office, the chances of winning the next year’s governorship election is very bright for the Owu-born governor. The roads project cutting across all the senatorial districts, model schools springing up in every nook and cranny of the state, financial re-engineering, clean environment, and provision of healthcare facilities are unparallel in the history of the Gateway state.

    In fact, his endorsement came from unexpected quarters. Former President Obasanjo and a pillar of the opposition party (PDP) who was overwhelmed by the Amosun’s achievements showered praises on him and encouraged him to remain in office beyond 2015.

    The Ogun Youth Professional Forum (OYPF) has also endorsed him for second term based on his administration’s massive infrastructural development drive, and provision of qualitative and affordable education.

    In Ogun West, leaders of thought and traditional rulers in the zone, including the renowned historian, Prof Anthony Asiwaju and the Olola of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Samuel Alade Adeluyi lauded Amosun for opening the area with the 110 km road construction as well as provision of model schools for pupils. They noted that their communities which was almost marooned from each other and from the rest of the state will henceforth be able to inter connect with the road project that stretched over four local government councils in the zone.

    Analysts say the only challenge facing the second term bid of Governor Amosun is the simmering crisis that erupted in he state chapter of the APC recently. The crisis, according to observers, has pitched the supporters of former Governor Osoba against Amosun group. They advised early resolution of the crisis to ensure party cohesion ahead of 2015.

  • Amosun convenes parley on APC’s registration

    Amosun convenes parley on APC’s registration

    Ogun state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will tomorrow hold a stakeholders’ parley to provide updates on arrangements for the membership registration exercise scheduled for Wednesday.

    The meeting, convened by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, according to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, will commence by 1pm at the June 12 Cultural Centre Ground, Kuto, Abeokuta.

    All former governors and deputy governors as well as National and State Assembly members (present and past), who are members of the APC are expected at the meeting.

    Others who have been invited to the parley are all political appointees at the state level, including Commissioners, Special Advisers to the Governor, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Consultants to the Governor on Local Government Affairs; Local Government Chairmen and their deputies, Councillors, all political appointees at the Local Government Level as well as all members of the Consultative and Advisory Councils.

     

    Also expected are Chairmen of Commissions and Boards; Chairmen, Secretaries and National Officers of the Legacy Parties (that is ACN, ANPP and CPC) and interim National Officers of the party who are from the State, Adeoluwa added.

     

  • Amosun: training enhances productivity

    Amosun: training enhances productivity

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has identified regular training of government officials and civil servants as a tool for excellent service delivery.

    He spoke at the opening of a three-day retreat for government officials in Ota, with the theme: “Consolidation: Present Gains and Charting the Way Forward.”

    Amosun said the regular training of officials was the best way to keep them abreast of international best practices.

    He said the retreat was an avenue for participants to share experiences and improve in developing the state.

    Amosun said: “We want to keep the enviable status and rich heritage of our state and the best way to go is through retreats.”

    The governor urged participants to share ideas, saying: “Our people’s expectations are high.”

    Former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dele Alake, who gave a lecture, said the Amosun administration had performed well.

    He urged the administration to enhance its feedback gathering system to consolidate on its achievements.

    The retreat is for members of the Executive Council, permanent secretaries and general managers of corporations, among others.

     

  • N400m loan for 24,850 Ogun women

    N400m loan for 24,850 Ogun women

    The Ogun State government is disbursing N400 million to 24,850 women under the state’s Micro-credit Initiative for Women.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi, said the facility, which is in the third phase, would help small-scale business women to expand their businesses.

    Mrs. Sonubi said the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration partnered Ecobank Plc to give out the loans at a single digit interest rate.

    She said 3,850 women got N100 million in the first phase and 5,000 got N200 million in the second.

    The commissioner said the government increased the loan to N400 million because of its positive impact on beneficiaries and the success rate of the repayment of past loans.

    She said beneficiaries would get between N20,000 and N200,000 each.

  • Obasanjo, others hail Amosun at 56

    Obasanjo, others hail Amosun at 56

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the massive infrastructural projects of Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, as unparalleled.

    Obasanjo gave the commendation in Abeokuta during a special prayer session organised for Amosun to mark his 56th birthday.

    The former President noted that things were much better in Ogun state, saying ”This event is a testimony of what God has done in your life and what he has made you to achieve in the state since you assumed office.

    “As far as infrastructure is concerned, you are doing marvelously well.”

    He also commended the state Executive Council for working with the governor as a team “otherwise you will be going in different direction and if the house is not in order, the governor will not have peace of mind.”

    Speaking on behalf of the EXCO members, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, described Amosun as an agent of change.

    “It is an exceptional privilege to serve under him. His passion and commitment to add genuine value to Ogun state is commendable and he is a committed statesman who is ready to make a change.”

    Others who eulogised Amosun at 56 include Ogun Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, who spoke on behalf of the state legislature and Mr. Oluremi Obayomi, who spoke for the body of Permanent Secretaries.

     

    They all agreed that Amosun has simplified governance in the state with his numerous developmental projects across the state.

    In his response, Amosun said his own idea of birthday celebration should be an opportunity to show love to the less privileged and offer more selfless service to the people of Ogun state.

    “There is still more to be done for the people of the state. We should not take them for granted and as a government, we pray for more capacity to do more,” the governor said.

    He thanked all the good people of Ogun state for their support so far, promising not to disappoint them.

    He later visited Borstal Training Institution, Adigbe Abeokuta where he presented gifts to the students.