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Tag: Ibikunle Amosun

  • 2019 Senate poll: Tough battles ahead for Shettima, Okorocha, Yari, other 2nd term govs

    In the next few months, some state governors in their second term will end their tenure and bid bye to exotic villas where they had called the shots for eight years like the Lord of Manor. But Their Excellencies are not tired. They still want to be relevant, they want to remain in the limelight. In the next dispensation, they are eyeing the Senate. In this piece, our Managing Editor, Northern Operations, YUSUF ALLI, examines the battle ahead for the affected governors.

    In the next couple of months, 11 out of the nation’s 36 governors will no longer be eligible to be governors as they would be in office for the mandatory eight years. Those affected are Governors Kashim Shettima( Borno); Ayodele Fayose(Ekiti); Ibrahim Dankwambo(Gombe); Rochas Okorocha(Imo); Abdulfatah Ahmed(Kwara); Umaru Tanko Al-Makura(Nasarawa); Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola(Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo).

    For senators and members of the House of Representatives who became governors, returning to the National Assembly is a familiar turf.  But for those outgoing governors seeking to be senators for the first time , it may be a different ball game. Yes, the constituency is smaller, but the battle is tougher as the variables may also be different.

     

    The situation at present

    In the 109-member of the 8th Senate , 20 are ex-governors. They are the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki,   Theodore Orji (Abia); Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom ); Andy Uba (Anambra); David Mark  (Benue); George Akume (Benue); Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti); Danjuma Goje  (Gombe); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Ibrahim Gaya (Kano); Adamu Aliero (Kebbi); Muhammed Lafiagi (Kwara); Abdullahi Adamu  (Nasarawa); Jonah Jang  (Plateau); Aliyu Wammako  (Sokoto); Bukar Abba Ibrahim  (Yobe); Danladi Abubakar Sani (Taraba); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); and Ahmed Sanni Yerima (Zamfara).

    A report by a newspaper had indicated that out of the former governors, Senators Andy Uba, Abiodun Olujimi, and Theodore Orji have sponsored an appreciable number of bills.

     

    Saraki stood tall among them having learned the legislative tricks enough to win the much prized seat of the President of the Senate. Many of them are bench warmers because the transition from executive mansions to hallowed chambers is a Herculean task for them.

     

    What are the chances of the 10 governors eyeing the 9th senate?

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that political realities in the affected states have shown that it won’t be a tea-party for most of them. The challenges before the governors , among others, include clamour  for power shift, ethnicism, disdain for godfatherism.

     

    Shettima(Borno)

    Ordinarily with his modest achievements in office in the midst of insurgency, Governor Kashim Shettima should have an easy ride to the 9th Senate but he faces some hurdles, the latest being where he hails from in Borno. He is either expected to contest for the senatorial seat in Borno Central District (the platform he used to be governor) or Borno North District where bitter politics in the state has led to the discovery of his real origin. Whatever it is, he will slug it out with Sen. Kaka Garbai (from Borno Central who may not relinquish his slot without a viable alternative like the governorship ticket) and Abubakar Kyari representing Borno North. Shettima, widely seen as a “central  boy, ” requires much of serious political calculation and negotiation before taking a leap for the Senate. The governor’s major headache is how to rehabilitate Garbai in a commensurate measure.

    A source , familiar with the state’s politics, said: “Kashim Shettima was born in Maiduguri, located in Borno Central. His mother is from the central, but his father is a Mallam from Ngazai in Borno North Senatorial District. His associates had mooted the idea that he runs for the seat from the North.  But sensing the danger, especially because Kyari, the incumbent, is very popular and formidable, the idea was dropped. To displace Kyari from the Senate would mean to hand him the governorship ticket.

    “So at it is, his posters are everywhere for Borno Central Senatorial District. For now, it is certain he will run from the central. The incumbent, Garbai, is his friend. Without Shettima’s prompting, Garbai would not have run in the first place when the seat became vacant shortly before the inauguration of the Senate in 2015. Hon. Umar Kumalia had wanted to run then ; he, however, gave way when it became obvious that the governor preferred Garbai, who incidentally is Kumalia’s friend too.

    “For now, apart from Shettima, no one has shown interest in the seat within the APC. And even with the PDP, no visible aspirants for now. But should the Abuja politicians within the APC decide to move against Shettima, getting someone to run against him within the party won’t be too difficult.

    “For the north, the only strong person from PDP who can challenge the APC candidate is Sen. Sanusi Daggash (a former Minister of National Planning). But Daggash has been on the quiet side politically in recent times.”

     

    Al- Makura(Nasarawa)

    Were it constitutionally possible to have a third term in office, the people of Nasarawa State would have allowed Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura to continue . But the reality has dawned on everyone; the governor has to leave the Executive Lounge for a shot at the Nasarawa South Senatorial District seat. He will be on the turf against the incumbent Senator from the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe( a third term Senator); a PDP member representing Keana/Doma/Awe in the House of Representatives, Ogoshi Onawo; and Husseini Egyegbola of the APC, who was elected as a senator in 2015 before the Election Petitions Tribunal upturned his victory.

    Getting APC ticket by Al-Makura is taken for granted. But he has an ethnic barrier at hand and he has to work very  hard to sell his candidature .  There are five local governments in Nasarawa South Senatorial District namely; Doma, Lafia , Awe, Keana and Obi. The district also harbours about 20 ethnic groups which are contending for power, including Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri, Mighili, Gwandara and Alago among others.  Governor Al-Makura comes from Kwandere in Lafia Local Government Area. He is a Gwandara by tribe, which is  a minority in Lafia LGA and the Senatorial District.  According to findings, three of the local governments areas(Doma, Keana, and Obi ), are controlled by Alago tribe  of Sen. Adokwe, Onawo and Egyegbola.

    The battle is basically between Alago ( where late Governor Akwe Doma hailed from  ) and other ethnic groups in the district. It was only in 1999 that the Alago allowed the late Haruna Abubakar(a Kanuri), who was a  Deputy Senate President to late Chuba Okadigbo, to  represent the district.

    For Al-Makura, history beckons on him to break another electoral jinx again in the state as a minority. His God-fearing, good and fair-minded nature has fetched him a rare political goodwill like the case in 2011 when he became a governor as a minority. If he gets his political strategy right, he might secure the Senatorial ticket. Once Al-Makura can secure the huge votes from Lafia Local Government Area(LGA) and about 5% to 10% in other four LGAs, he will ride to the Senate with less sweat. The huge votes from Lafia, Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon crowned him as a governor seven years ago.  And he can defeat his opponent in a landslide if he retains his cosmopolitan look and make his campaign issues-based rather than playing ethnic politics. Surely, all eyes will be on Al-Makura if he secures the APC ticket.

     

    Ahmed(Kwara)

    Will the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, compensate Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for his loyalty? As the outgoing governor of Kwara State, Ahmed’s ultimate desire is to be a senator for Kwara South Senatorial District. He is seeking the ticket currently held by Senator Abdulrafiu Ibrahim, who has been a long standing loyalist of Saraki. It is a hard knot for Saraki to untie but if performance is anything to go by, Sen. Ibrahim has a little edge over Ahmed, who has spent eight years to create political liability for Saraki due to his low performance in office. Saraki is battling to clean the Augean Stable at a higher cost to his political career. But going by the PDP’s Right of First Refusal for defectors, the ticket will automatically go to Ahmed leaving Ibrahim in a quandary.

    Whoever is anointed by Saraki will face a tough contest with a renowned architect, Lola Ashiru, whose ingenuity led to the design of Skye Bank structures all over the country and other architectural works. Ashiru, who is from Offa , which has not produced a senator  since 1999, has the war-chest to give Ibrahim or  Ahmed a good fight. The last time Offa produced a senator was during the aborted Third Republic.

    Another silent contestant is the US-based Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun from Esie in Irepodun Local Government Area, who is determined to prove a point that a first timer can make a difference. Apart from palace rivalry in Saraki’s courtyard, Governor Ahmed has the people of Kwara South to contend with. They are enlightened, conscientious and detest money politics. The governor has to sell himself  for any electoral breakthrough. The Kwara south PDP senatorial primaries will be an interesting race

     

    Ajimobi(Oyo)

    It is a straight fight between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other aspirants for Oyo South Senatorial District ticket. Despite the recent electoral upset for APC in Ibarapa East Constituency in Oyo  House of Assembly, which it lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, Ajimobi may regain  his seat without sweat. Up till now, he has not known his opponent in either the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) or any of the emerging coalitions in the state. But he has an opponent in APC, Sen. Soji Akanbi, who might not get the party’s ticket because Ajimobi has a firm grip on the structure of the party. Where Akanbi is not “well accommodated”, he might seek refuge in another party. So far, Akanbi is keeping his game plan close to his chest.  A former chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, said: “The governor will defeat any party’s candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District. He has performed well to earn a return ticket to the Senate.” The district comprises Ibadan North, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibadan North East, Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East,  and Ido.

     

    Fayose(Ekiti)

    Still struggling to survive the pains of the defeat of his political godson at the recent governorship poll, Governor Ayodele Fayose faces an uncertain political future. He has spoken less of either his presidential ambition or the alternative of going to the Senate. His obvious choice is to vie for  Ekiti Central District Senatorial ticket with Sen. Fatima Raji Rasaki. But it will be a disaster and the end of the road for Fayose if he loses again. While he is considering the next step in his turbulent political career, his associate, Obafemi Adewale(a former chairman of NBA in Ekiti State), is aspiring for Ekiti Central District ticket. Whether or not the aspiration of Adewale is in trust for Fayose, time will soon tell.

     

    Rochas Okorocha(Imo)

    Owelle Rochas Okorocha,  no doubt, is facing a massive gang-up in the state by forces within APC and those in PDP over alleged plans to foist his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as the governorship candidate of APC in the state. He wants to make it a double-edge sword by aspiring for the senatorial ticket of Imo West Senatorial District. He wants to take over the seat of Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who is interested in the governorship race. In February, Okorocha said: “I have decided to run for the Imo West Senatorial zone because if I don’t, bad people will take the position. If my name appears on the ballot paper as contesting for the Senate, it will boost APC’s chances in the state. And many from my zone have said they will not contest if I am interested.” But he has a match in a  business mogul and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State, Chief Charles Ahize and others who seek the same office.

    Noted for a refrain, “My people, my people,” it will soon be judgment day for Okorocha when the Imo citizens will decide whether Okorocha can eat his cake and have it. If Okorocha has his way, he would be highlighted  in the Guinness Book of Records but if otherwise, history will be unkind to him forever.

     

    Yari(Zamfara)

    The battle in Zamfara West Senatorial District will depend on the outcome of any accord or unwritten agreement between Governor Abdulaziz Yari and his godfather, Ahmed Sani Yerima, who was an ex-governor of the state. Yerima, who has been in the Senate since 2007, is in dire straits because he wants to produce Yari’s successor and at the same time retain his senatorial slot. But the governor, who was once a member of the House of Representatives, is interested in going to the Senate. He is from the same zone with Yerima. It was learnt that Yerima would not mind  sacrificing his senatorial ambition to be allowed to pick the next governorship candidate of APC (Yari’s successor) in Zamfara State. Yerima is said to be interested in the current Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad, who was his former Commissioner for Religious Affairs. The deputy governor comes from Zamfara Central, which has never produced the executive of the state since the return of democracy in 1999. On the other hand, it was learnt that Yari favours  his most powerful Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muttaka Rini, who is from Zamfara West. Unless tact and diplomacy prevail, Yari and Yerima may lock horns  in the end. But a source said: “Whatever it is, Yerima still holds the ace in Zamfara politics. Yari needs to engage in a lot of reconciliation to win back the hearts of the people of the state.” It will be interesting to know in the next few weeks what manner of accord the two gladiators will reach.

     

    Gaidam  (Yobe)

    This is a slippery terrain.  Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and his godfather, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim have to test the waters over Yobe East Senatorial District ticket.  Although one Dr. Almajiri Gaidam is also interested in the senatorial race, the contest is really between the governor and his mentor. For Governor Gaidam, the next venture is the Senate but he is from the same district with Ibrahim who has been in the Senate since 2007. There are seven local governments in the district, including Gujba, Gulani, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Geidam and Bursari. While Sen. Bukar Abba  hails from Gujba, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is from Yunusari, although he was brought up in Gaidam.

    The power game has been  a quiet political war in Yobe State since 1999; the struggle for Yobe North East by the two titans might redefine politics in the state if not maturely handled. Old prejudices/ sentiments  are being whipped up. For Gaidam, he had wanted to be a senator in 2003  after the demise of Senator  Adamu Usman  of the defunct ANPP but he was denied the ticket by Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who was then the governor of the state. Sen. Abba was said to have rated Gaidam as unfit to be a councillor. This time around the governor, who has hijacked the structure of the party,  does not want to suffer fools gladly.

    His godfather will also not let go his seat. Recently, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim said: “In sha Allah,  I will be seeking re-election back to the Senate in the forthcoming election and I do not see anybody as a threat.

    “ I have no problems with my constituency and the electorate. I have not been recalled by those who voted me to represent them and I am physically and mentality fit. All I know is that by 2019, I will be re-elected back to the Senate.

    “The governor has not told me that he is interested in the seat after the expiration of his tenure next year and I don’t need to bother myself about it since I know that there would be no vacancy because I am re-contesting for the position next year and I will continue to offer myself to my people for the position as long as I have the energy and sound health to represent them.

    “I will stay in the Senate until death do us part. Everybody tells me that I’m senator for life. I’m going to be in the Senate for life…”

    On his part while planning subtly, Gaidam said: “My becoming governor is not by my power or the making of any other human being. It’s destiny because somebody said I would not even be a councillor in Yobe. Today, God has made me the governor, who knows where I will be tomorrow?”

     

    Amosun(Ogun)

    The man to beat for Ogun Central District seat is Governor Ibikunle Amosun, whose performance might give him an edge. With the party’s structure in his kitty, Amosun,  who was a one-time senator,  already has the senatorial ticket in his pocket. But he will have to slug it out with his godson, Sen. Lanre Tejuoso(who may defect to ADC), Sen. Gbenga Obadara, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Amusan(PDP)  and a former commissioner in the state, Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu (PDP). Obadara has, however, added a caveat to his aspiration when he said he night step down if Amosun is interested in the race.

    Although the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, is being speculated to be interested in the senatorial seat, it was unclear if he is serious or merely flying a kite.

     

    Dankwambo(Gombe)

    The purchase of governorship nomination form by ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Bayero Nafada on Friday has confirmed a swap deal between Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo for Gombe North Senatorial District, if the governor does not get the presidential ticket of PDP. Nafada, who represents Gombe North District, has left the Senate for good. It is a different ball game if Dankwambo will keep to the secret pact with Nafada by ensuring that the former  Deputy Speaker emerges his successor.

    For Dankwambo, who  has been accused of using his presidential aspiration as a smokescreen, the battle for Gombe North District might be between him and Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who was  elected as a PDP Senator  in August 2010  after the death of Sen. Kawu Peto Dukku. He was also re-elected in the April 2011general poll. Alkali was a former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Danjuma Goje.

  • Amosun tasks NYSC members on selfless service

    Gov.  Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun  has urged corps members who just completed their three-week orientation programme  to contribute their quota to national development through selfless service.

    Amosun made the call on Monday at the close of the orientation course for the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps members held at the NYSC Permanent Camp in  Sagamu.

    Mr Afolabi Afuape, Ogun Commissioner for Youths and Sports, who delivered the governor’s address, said  corps members  must be good ambassadors who should project the country’s image positively.

    Amosun commended them for their perseverance throughout the period of their training.

    He also reminded them of the aims and objective of the NYSC scheme, which he said include  to foster and promote unity in diversity.

    “As responsible citizens of this country, I urge you to play your roles as agents of positive change very well in your places of primary assignment.

    “Be rest assured that the people of Ogun State are very hospitable and caring.

    “You must identify with the people of your host community, soar their hopes and aspirations and your entire service year will surely be worthwhile and memorable,” Amosun said.

    He reiterated the assurance of continual improvement in creating conducive atmosphere for the corps members in the course of their service.

    “Let me assure you that Ogun State has provided the required security and enabling environment for you to have a peaceful and rewarding service year.

    “We will continue to evolve strategies and partnership  with organisations for the socio-economic development of our state as expressed in our five-cardinal programme  to rebuild Ogun,” he said.

    Amosun challenged the corps members to be the best they could be,  saying that those who distinguished themselves would be adequately rewarded by the state government.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Josephine Bakare, the Ogun NYSC State Coordinator, has urged employers of labour to engage the corps members positively, especially in their professional areas of discipline.

    She said a total of 2, 411 corps members registered for and completed the orientation exercise which began on July 24.

    The State Coordinator,  however,  added that a total of 387 corps members were redeployed to other states on marital and health grounds.

    “These ones have shown a very high level of commitment to all aspects  of the orientation course and I have no doubt they will not fail in the pursuit of the NYSC’s objectives.

    “The NYSC shall continue to ensure that the abundant God given talent in these vibrant youths are rightly channelled for the benefit of the state.

    “To the corps members, I expect you to take your postings in good faith and brace up for the challenges of nation building.

    “I implore you to steer  clear of all forms of anti-social behaviour and relate cordially with the people of your host communities,” she said.

  • People who wrecked our economy desperate to govern again – Amosun

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday rued the absence of conscience among some politicians in the country, saying it is only in Nigeria that people who only “wrecked the economy” yesterday, could have the “effrontery” to aspire to govern the country again.

    Amosun said when the present All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled government at the centre came on board; things met on ground were so bad on all fronts but expressed the joy that President Muhammadu Buhari had laid a solid foundation for Nigeria and her economy.

    The Governor who made this known in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while addressing the seventh Quarterly Meeting of the Secretaries to the governments of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – controlled states, said in no distance time, the foundation being laid by Buhari would yield positive results to make the  people rejoice.

    According to him, the Federal Government is focusing on enhancing policy implementation of programmes across the states.

    While declaring the meeting open, he noted that it was first held in March, 2017 and remained the  brain – child of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), and had since  became  a veritable platform for peer reviews among the APC-led states.

    “Since the inaugural Quarterly Meeting that in Lagos State on 16th and 17th March, 2017, the focus has been on the critical objective of facilitating the adoption and implementation of policy initiatives across all APC states in line with the social democratic philosophy of our great party,” he said.

    The meeting, according to Amosun, is expected to  focus on setting enabling framework for implementation of PGF’s policy briefs on education, security , Internally-Generated Revenue and health sectors.

    He expressed hope that the meeting would provide an opportunity for cross-fertilisation of  ideas and create synergies for improved and  workable solutions to the challenges of the sectors.

    Read Also: Amosun tasks advertising practitioners on economic growth

    “It is my sincere belief that you, our guests, will have a few tips to take home from our success story here in Ogun.

    “As you continue in your deliberations at this Meeting, I urge all of you to avail yourselves of the opportunity to share with one another lessons, ideas, experiences and challenges from our respective states,” he said.

    A former Secretary to Ogun government, Sarafa Ishola, who attended the opening ceremony, described the roles of the SSGs as “pivotal” to their respective governments.

    Ishola recalled that there was no such platform during his tenure, and urged the SSGs to ensure sustenance of the platform for the benefits of the APC- controlled states.

  • Power supply: TCN to build 1,320KVA stations in Ogun

    Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Thursday said it would boost the power supply in Ogun State with construction of four substations of 330KVA capacity each across the state.

    The sub – stations which are sited in Ogijo (Sagamu), Agbara, Mountain of Fire Ministry area by the Lagos – Ibadan expressway  and Arigbajo(Ifo) would be completed soon.

    The TCN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gur Mohammed, disclosed this at the Official inauguration of the new 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer by  Governor Ibikunle Amosun,  at the TCN Transmission substation, Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State.

    The Governor was represented at the occasion  by his Chief of Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi.

    Read Also: TCN urges DisCos to recapitalize

    Mohammed explained that the need to build the four substations was predicated on the increasing energy requirements of the state following its industrialising status and the socioeconomic life of the people.

    On the newly installed 60MVA 132/33 KV transformer, he said the project increased the existing 48MW – power substation in Ijebu – Ode to 96 MW and reduced the load shedding being experienced within Ijebuland and its environs.

    According to him the civil and installation works on the new facility were carried out by TCN staff of Osogbo transmission region when the Indian firm  contracted to do the job, failed to deliver the after the contract was awarded since 2012 under the  World Bank sponsored project at the cost of nine million US dollars (N166m)

  • We’ve attracted over $200billion investments to Ogun – Amosun

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Friday disclosed that his administration’s has attracted over $200bn investments to Ogun State in the last couple of years.

    Amosun said the administration would continue to create an enabling environment, improve upon the infrastructural facilities and security to attract more  investors.

    The Governor made this known while presenting new Executive 18 – Seater bus to the National Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), at the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, the State capital.

    Amosun who spoke through the Secretary to the state Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, said Ogun State has emerged the industrial hub of Nigeria, having beaten Lagos and Kano States respectively, to it to become the investors’ first destination of choice.

    Read Also: Pray for me to hand over better Ogun State – Amosun

    He noted that the administration would not have been able to turn the fortune of the state around for good without the active support of NACCIMA, the organised private sector and other stakeholders, saying the bus donation was meant to further acknowledge the contributions of the body to the state’s success story.

    And receiving the key of the bus, the National President of NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, said since her emergence as head of NACCIMA, it has brought tremendous improvement as  investors continued to invest in the state, pledging that more investors would soon come to further boost its socioeconomic status.

    Chief (Mrs) Larsson lauded Amosun for his infrastructural development, provision of good roads and adequate security, saying those were the issues investors had first considered before coming to the state.

  • Amosun seeks end to malaria scourge

    Irked by the prevalence of malaria scourge in the country, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has urged the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on the health sector in order to end a situation where 300, 000 people die annually as a result of the menace of malaria.  The governor spoke at Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta the Ogun State capital while decorating the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo as “Net Ambassador” during the inauguration of this year’s Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets Replacement Campaign. He was represented by his deputy Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga at the event.

    He said African has a burden of 90 per cent of preventable diseases and 91 per cent death of diseases worldwide, noting that Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa account for about 24 per cent of the disease and 24 per cent of malaria deaths globally.

    Amosun added that malaria is responsible for approximately 60 per cent out-patients visits and 30 per cent of hospital admissions in Nigeria currently. He also said malaria contributes 11 per cent of maternal mortality, 25 per cent of infant mortality and 30 per cent of mortality of children below age 5.

    He said about 110 million cases were clinically diagnosed annually, noting that malaria, which was transmitted by mosquito is the cause of deaths for about 300, 000 people in Nigeria yearly. Victims of malaria, he said, are children and expectant mothers who live in rural communities; hence their deaths are under-reported.

    In the same manner, the Minister of Health, Dr. Isaac Adewole, represented by the Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof, Babatunde Salako, affirmed that malaria persists in the country because 69 per cent of households in Nigeria do not have at least one insecticide-treated nets, adding that only 39 per cent of households in Ogun State have at least one insecticide-treated nets.

    Adewole said only 19 per cent of households have at least one net for every two persons, noting that the flag off of the distribution of 3.3 million insecticide-treated nets would help in the elimination of malaria in the country, even as he urged the state to take ownership of the campaign process to ensure sustainability.

    He admonished the traditional and religious leaders to support the process and not just the campaign but the net hanging activities in their communities to ensure sustainable net culture in the state. Adding that major setback in the process was poor net use, appealing to every house hold to sleep inside the mosquito nets to eliminate malaria in the country.

    The Vice-President and Chief Information Officer of the Catholic Relief Services, Mr. Karl Lowe said malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria considering the high level prevalence which leads to increase in maternal morbidity rate, especially among the children and expectant mothers.

    He noted that with the support of ‘Global Fund’ and the implementing agency Catholic Relief Services (CRS), malaria scourge had reduced maximally, at least from 42 per cent in 2010 to 27 per cent in 2015.

    Lowe said with the reduction, the donor ‘Global Fund’ and implementing agency CRS approved the distribution of over 3.3 million LLINs in Ogun State, using technology platform to fast-track the programme. He noted that the nets would be distributed across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of the state.

    Earlier, the ‘Net Ambassador,’ý Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo said malaria is a killer disease that had kept so many people out of their good jobs, including civil servants, adding that it had impoverished people most people.

    Alake urged the residents to troop out en masse for the collection of the nets, saying that they should use the net according to the instructions of the health educators across the state, especially in the rural areas where the scourge is most dominant.

  • Ogun residents troop out to collect mosquito nets

    The distribution of mosquito nets has commenced across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas of Ogun State after the exercise was flagged off on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

    The distribution exercise witnessed large turnout of residents at various Distribution Points (DPs), in all the local government areas of the state.

    In Abeokuta North East Local Council Development Area, the distribution was flagged off at Sokori Health Centre, the Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Taofeek Olabode (Talent) charged the beneficiaries of the mosquito nets to make proper use of it in order to kick out malaria from the state.

    He warned the recipient against using the nets for another thing entirely, keep it somewhere or even sell them, noting that the nets have been proven as a cost effective means of fighting malaria.

    The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Officer in the area, Dr. (Mrs.) Shola Adeoye Akinsola said that the people have been given proper orientation on the usage of the mosquito nets.

    Also speaking, the Amoore of Olomore, Alhaji Liafisi Adedeji Ogunrounbi commended the CRS, donor ‘Global Fund’ and the Ogun State government for the nets, noting that it would has a long way in elimination of malaria in the state.

    Baale Ogunrounbi added that the insecticidal nets would also help in reducing the scourge of malaria in the state, which he said has affected many homes in the state.

    “I want to commend the government, CRS donor ‘Global Fund’for this net distribution in the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state because our people have embraced and participated in it and I believe that this will largely reduce the rate of malaria in the state,” Baale Ogunrounbi said.

    The Technical Consultant on the project, Mrs. Wasila Kolo said the residents have been advised on the usage of the insecticidal nets, noting that the nets would come to an end on next week, urging other residents to come out and collect the net.

    Some recipients of the nets, Mrs. Oyeleye Taiwo Adedoyin and Mrs. Nofisat Abiola Abidoye expressed gratitude at the gesture, promising to use the mosquito nets as instructed by the health officials at the Distribution Points (DPs).

    The mosquito net replacement exercise is being facilitated by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the Ogun State government with support from Global Fund, and the distribution of the nets exercise for the 3.3 million would last for one week.

  • Ogun pensioners to sue State Govt. over alleged pension law violation

    The Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ogun Council, said on Tuesday that it would institute a legal action against the State Government over its alleged violation of the Pension Laws.

    The state Chairman of the union, Mr Olujimi Odukoya, made this known at news conference in Abeokuta.

    Odukoya said that the union would institute the legal action to seek redress of the alleged injustice meted to the retirees.

    He alleged that Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had unconstitutionally scrapped the Bureau of Local Government Pensions and it activities were taken over by the office of the state Accountant-General.

    The chairman also claimed that the state government had contravened the guidelines of defined gratuity payment and introduced another guideline based only on basic salary, rent and transportation.

    According to him, government had failed to comply with the constitutional provision on review of pension alongside the civil service salary every five years.

    Odukoya said that the contravention of the pension laws had led to poor pension management in the state and left pensioners in the state in sorry state.

    Read Also: Electricity for Ogun community, 25 years after

    “Retired primary school teachers have continued to clamour for the review of their pensions from 1991 to 2010 while their gratuities had remained unpaid from 2011 to date.

    “Like the retired primary school teachers, the gratuities of state pensioners were paid up to June, 2013 only.

    “The union had been rejecting these violations of the pension laws but the state government had gone ahead with its illegal act,’’ he said.

    The chairman said that the retirees would also embark on strike to register their displeasure.

    “Many people may wonder if it is possible for pensioners to embark on strike, but we shall let them know that we have our own way of embarking on strike.’’

    NAN

  • We spent N170bn to rehabilitate federal roads – Amosun

    Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun said on Thursday that  his administration had  spent about N170 billion  to rehabilitate federal roads across the state since  2011.

    Amosun made this known while fielding questions from members of Civil Society Organisations who held an interactive session with him at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta.

    He said that the state could not wait for the Federal Government which had to fix many of such roads across the country while the people of the state suffer.

    “We do not have federal citizens, we only have federal roads and our people have to make use of the roads,” he said.

    Amosun,  who pleaded for a refund,  called on the Federal Government to hand over some of the federal roads to states so that they could  fix them  through investors and toll them.

    He said the rehabilitation would be more effective and faster if some of the roads were ceded considering the number of federal roads being handled by Federal Government.

    Amosun commended the Federal Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, noting that” the project is up to 70 per cent completion.”

    He also commended the Federal Government for approving funds  for the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Abeokuta road.

    NAN

  • UPDATED: No crisis in APC – Governors

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum ( NGF ), Abdulaziz Yari, said on Wednesday there is no crisis in the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

    There were claims the governors are divided on the tenure elongation for the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other members of the party’s National Executive Committee ( NE C).

    The Zamfara State governor told State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday that there was no deadlock on the matter.

    He was accompanied to the briefing by Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdullahi Gamduje (Kano) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).

    APC Governors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa
    APC Governors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House

    Yari said: “Gentlemen of the press, you know yesterday (Tuesday) we left you in the dark after the meeting and today we have seen so many captions that there is disagreement between the governors over the issue of party chairman or about the party leadership.

    “No. We had a meeting with Mr. President yesterday (Tuesday), and we extended the meeting till night and we followed up with the consultations with the President now.

    “We consulted and all the 24 governors of the APC are on the same page with Mr. President that we are going to respect our party constitution. We are going to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So therefore, we collectively agreed that we will have congresses at all levels – local, state and national.

    “And the committee set up by the National Secretariat of our party headed by governor of Plateau State is presenting its report later today. The governors are also meeting with the working committee today so that we come up with convention committee names as well as timetable of the election.

    “So, there is no deadlock in our meeting. We have progressed and very soon you will have the names of the convention committee members as well as the timetable.”

    Okorocha added: “I just want to let you know that there is no crisis in the APC at all. And we want to use this opportunity to advise the media operatives to stop spreading rumours of crisis in APC. There is no single crisis in APC.

    “The issue was one of people who believe that we did not have enough time to organize a party congress and run election. Some people felt that it was a good idea but the most important thing is that, if we do that we will be contravening both our party constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is the major issue that we have that they call crisis. We do not have virus.

    “This morning we met with Mr. President to fine-tune issues, one regarding the congress and we have resolved that the congresses at all levels and the chairman of the elongation committee, is also fine-tuning the arrangement in the same line. To this effect, the convention committee will be set out, it will be announced.

    “But let me correct one impression, the issue of congress and convention does not mean that the previous people who have served the party have done badly. And it does not mean that they cannot come back or that they cannot re-contest, that is not it. We are simply saying that their tenure has ended and those who wish to re-contest can re-contest and can be elected into our party structure. So we are all one as family and we are set to go for 2019 elections in victory.”