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Tag: Ibikunle Amosun

  • Lorry drivers want FG to repair bad roads

    Lorry drivers want FG to repair bad roads

    The Ajowa Owners and Lorry Drivers Association of Nigeria ( AJOWA ), Agbado Chapter, has appealed to the Federal Government to repair all bad roads across the country to enhance dividends of democracy to the people.

    The Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Tomori, made the appeal in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.

    According to him, deplorable state of roads in the country has been a major challenge confronting the association from carrying out its activities.

    Tomori also attributed rising the rate of auto crashes in the country to the bad roads.

    ”There are sometimes that the drivers will be trying to avoid potholes and in the process cause accident, “he said.

    Read also: Two injured, cars damaged in road crashes

    He said that the deplorable state of the nation’s roads also damaged vehicles; a development he noted made the drivers to spend unnecessary money in repairing their vehicles.

    Tomori also said the bad roads were the major causes of gridlocks in the country, saying there was an urgent need to address the problem before getting out of hand.

    He, however, commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun toward providing good roads for the people.

    ”But we urge them to do more because that is the only way the people can enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

    NAN

  • Senate approves $350m World Bank loan for Ogun

    Senate approves $350m World Bank loan for Ogun

    The Senate at plenary on Thursday approved 350 million dollars World Bank loan for Ogun State Development Policy Operation (DPO) as contained in the 2016-2018 Rolling Plan.

    The approval followed the presentation of a report on the loan by Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Sen. Shehu Sani.

    Presenting the report, Sani said that the committee observed that the Ogun State DPO budget for the loan had been approved by World Bank in 2016.

    He added that the loan was further captured in the 2016-2018 borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly.

    Sani noted that the committee also observed that the credit facility had an attractive low financing interest rate below five (5) percent, a moratorium of five (5) years and a twenty-five-year (25) maturity term.

    He said “the facility has already been captured in the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

    “It also has low and acceptable loan sustainability level, therefore it is eligible to borrow.

    “The DPO loan will further help to enhance the capacity of the state government.

    “The state has met the various conditions laid by World Bank and as such qualified for the loan.

    “It has also put in place institutional framework for transparent and accountable budgetary and financial purpose.”

    He explained that the projects to be funded by the facility would engender economic growth, increase revenue generation and create employment opportunities.

    “The committee recommends that the Senate should go ahead and approve the loan as contained in the 2016-2018 external borrowing rolling plan of President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ Sani added.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, put the report to voice vote and was adopted by the lawmakers.

  • MAPOLY upgrade: Amosun allays fears of students

    MAPOLY upgrade: Amosun allays fears of students

    Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun says the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic ( MAPOLY ), Abeokuta, will continue to run its normal academic programmes in  the next four years.

    Amosun also dismissed insinuations that the institution had gone into extinction following its upgrade to a university.

    He made the clarification when he spoke to protesting students under the aegis of National Association of Nigeria Students ( NANS ), Ogun chapter, at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in Abeokuta.

    The state government recently upgraded MAPOLY to Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology ( MAUSTECH ).

    It also created Ogun State Polytechnic to be located at Ipokia area of the state.

    Placard carrying students marched from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) on Abiola Way to the Governor’s Office in protest.

    The demonstration was christened “Rescue Ogun State Education Campaign.”

    Some of the placards had inscriptions which read: “Save Ogun State Education”, “Education must survive” and “Mapoly must survive.”

    Amosun also said he would discuss with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic ( ASUP ) on the problems in the institution.

    He explained that students running various programmes at different levels would complete their studies and would not be taken to Ipokia.

    Amosun, however, said that there would not be automatic appointment for the aggrieved lecturers in both the university and the new polytechnic.

    “I am not happy because this is my school. What is happening today is because those that have been given the privilege to serve us are not serving well.

    “Everybody here will finish their courses; it will take four years before MAPOLY will go into extinction.

    “You are not going to Ipokia. If the lecturers don’t want that, we will sort them out.

    “We will seek for new lecturers for the university and the new polytechnic.

    “Mapoly lecturers are not comfortable with it. I said the appointment they have is for MAPOLY, for the new university, they will have to reapply.

    “If they are qualified, they can take them. I will ask the commissioner to meet them again,’’ he said.

    On the delayed examination, the governor stressed that the lecturers should explain why they decided to hold the students to ransom.

    He argued that the reason should not be because the state government created a new school.

    “We are only admitting ND1, if you have carryover, you are going to Ipokia. I told them (management), don’t admit new students to MAPOLY,” he said.

    He added that education would be free at the primary and secondary schools, adding that government would need to subsidise tertiary education.

    The governor said the state government was working hard to improve the standard and quality of education in the state.

    Earlier, Olawale Balogun, the NANS Chairman in Ogun, explained that the students were not happy with the standard of education in the state.

    Balogun urged the government to address the issue as a matter of urgency.

    He specifically mentioned the delay in the commencement of   examination at MAPOLY, saying the action would affect the career of the students.

    Balogun also decried the cancellation of the payment of Senior School Certificate Examination fee and the hike in the acceptance fee of Olabisi Onabanjo University ( OOU ), Ago-Iwoye.

    Meanwhile, the Rector of the school, Prof. Oladele Itiola, has proceeded on his terminal leave.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, announced the appointment of  Mr Ayodeji Salimon  as the Acting Rector of the school.

    NAN

  • Army to begin ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in Ogun

    Army to begin ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in Ogun

    To address the security challenges in Ogun and its environs, the Nigerian Army said on Sunday that it had concluded  plans to launch a new security initiative code named “Operation Crocodile Smile.”

    The Brigade Commander of the 35  Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Basil Adoke, disclosed this in Abeokuta  at a reception organised by the state government as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary.

    Adoke, who  said that the initiative  would commence “in the next couple of days” across the state and its environs, is  targeted at  miscreants.

    “We are going to start Operation Crocodile Smile in Ogun and it involves series of actions to step up tempo targeted at  miscreants,” Adoke said.

    The commander,  who allayed fears over the initiative, called on  residents to be calm, stressing that some miscreants had  been identified and  would be flushed out.

    ‘Though the state is relatively peaceful but we still have some miscreants to deal with, so when you see Crocodile Smile, don’t be scared,” he said.

    According to him, the exercise  is a replica of  Operation Python Dance recently carried out  in Abia  to tackle crime.

    Responding, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, commended the roles of security operatives in the state since he took over   in 2011.

    Amosun pledged continued support on any programme  to make the state crime-free.

    “ I want to appreciate our security agencies and we will continue to support security measures put in place to silence criminals in our state.

    “This is because Ogun has grown to become the economic hub of Nigeria and investments can only continue to thrive in an environment of peace and order,’’ he said.

    Reflecting on Nigeria at 57, Amosun expressed optimism that the nation would overcome all its challenges, stressing that ” this period is just a phase in our national life.’’

    He stressed the need for Nigeria to consider and use its  high population as a factor of strength in unity.

    Amosun,  who described governance as service to the society,  expressed optimism that his successor would tread his path of serving the people and would equally record great achievements like him.

    He said the model of governance through the selfless service introduced and established by his administration  had transformed the entire state and changed the face of leadership in the state.

    “When we got to office, we have raised the bar to the delight of the people and I believe that my successor will follow my path of achievements,” he said.

    Notable guests at the reception included  the first military governor of Ogun, Seidu Balogun, former military administrator of the state, Raji Rasaki,  and a  former military administrator of Sokoto State, Raji Rasheed.

    Others were the Chairman, Ogun Traditional Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

  • ‘Traditional institution is vital to development’

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said traditional institution is a critical segment in the nation’s quest for egalitarian society. He said traditional rulers always work towards creating opportunities for socio-economic development of their communities.

    The Governor stated this at the official installation and presentation of staff of office to Oba Olusegun Oludolapo Ogunye (Ilufemiloye Koko 1), as the new Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom.

    He was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko. The event was held at Abigi Comprehensive Grammar School, Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

    Police and other security agents were present to ensure security of people and their properties. Traditional rulers, political stalwarts, dignitaries, family members and well-wishers who dressed gorgeously from across the country were present to rejoice with the Kabiyesi.

    Governor Amosun congratulated the people of Abigi on maintaining peace and tranquillity during the interregnum, adding that their patience had led to the successful completion of events leading to the official installation of the oba.

    “Kabiyesi, to whom much is given, much is expected. I enjoin you to collaborate with other obas within Ijebu Traditional Council and mobilise your subjects for effective discharge of their civic and social responsibilities such as prompt payment of taxes and other levies, ensure peaceful co-existence with others in order to maintain law and order,” Amosun said.

    Speaking at the event, the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona,  who was represented by the Dagbure of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, advised the new monarch to use his wealth of experience as a legal practitioner to transform the community, even as he urged him to put tradition first in the scheme of things in order to have a successful reign.

    In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area Hon. Femi Onanuga, described the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration as people-oriented, adding that the governor’s massive rural development agenda had ensured that dividends of democracy reached every nook and cranny of the state.

    In his speech, Oba Ogunye pledged to serve his people with fear of God, assuring that his tenure would usher in massive development. He urged all sons and daughters of the community at home and in the Diaspora to join hands with him to move the community forward.

  • Ogun  to distribute C of O bi-monthly

    Ogun  to distribute C of O bi-monthly

    Ogun State Governor  Ibikunle Amosun has assured that the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy and other land title documents under the Homeowners’ Charter Scheme will now be bi-monthly in order to fast-track the process.

    The Governor who stated this while distributing the documents to successful beneficiaries at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said it would help speed-up the process and avoid needless delay in the issuance of the Certificates to qualified applicants.

    Amosun, who was represented by the Special Adviser/Director-General, Bureau of Lands & Survey, Mr. Biyi Ismail, pleaded with applicants yet to complete payment to pay up on time so that their application can be promptly processed.

     ‘’We have been consistent in the distribution of C of O and other land title documents in the last three months and we even made it bi-monthly from August 2017 just to make Homeowners’ Charter process faster and not to keep successful applicants waiting’’ he said.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Dada, thanked the beneficiaries for their support and understanding.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Taiwo Yusuf from Ayetoro, was grateful to the State government for giving them their title documents saying they could now heave a sigh of relief as the development literarily puts an end to the agony they had  suffered in the hands of land grabbers popularly knwon as ‘’Omo- onile.’’

  • Germany to train 10,000 youths in Ogun, Plateau

    Germany to train 10,000 youths in Ogun, Plateau

    Germany has concluded plans to train 10,000 Nigerian youths in Ogun and Plateau between September and June 2018  to enable them acquire  vocational skills.

    Mr Horst Bauemfeind, an official of  GIZ, the  German national  agency for international cooperation, stated this in Abeokuta on Thursday at the inauguration of the committee for the monitoring of the initiative in Ogun.

    Bauemfeind said that the project would provide demand-oriented vocational training for  young persons in the agriculture and construction sectors  considered to be two areas with high growth and employment potentials.

    He further said that the gesture was part of an ongoing development cooperation between Nigeria and Germany based on bilateral agreement.

    The German official,  who said that 5,000 youths would be trained in Ogun,  explained that his team had already embarked on an assessment tour of vocational centres and technical colleges in the state to identify possible gaps and areas of needs.

    He added that the team had also organised workshops on vocational skills development for the agriculture and construction industries to aggregate the demands of the stakeholders and develop  a programme strategy.

    “The project aims to improve the vocational skills and knowledge of young Nigerians to increase their employment prospects .

    “The project will work in three activity areas namely: increase training at the level of micro and small enterprises  as well as  improve the capacity of training providers and public private dialogue on vocational education and training in Ogun,’’  he said.

    Bauemfeind said that the committee made up of critical stakeholders  in agriculture and construction sectors in the state  would  ensure the alignment of the project with partner strategies for full implementation.

    The Chairman of the committee, Rev. Peter Akinola, said he was concerned about the millions of Nigerian youths who had  remained unemployable.

    Akinola, a former  Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, however, expressed optimism that the  training would reverse the trend.

    He called on  government  to refocus and redirect  policies in order to priotise vocational education and training among the youths.

    Mrs Hafsat Abiola – Castelo, who is a co-chairperson of the committee, said  the body was committed to the sustainability of the project.

    Abiola – Castelo,  who is the Special Assistant to Gov.  Ibikunle Amosun on Trade and Investment,  also pledged government’s  support for the programme.

    She said the committee planned to partner the organised private sector to defray the cost of the training per participant to make it affordable for more young persons after the exit of the Germans.

    “The training costs N100,000 per participant in the construction aspect which has been fully paid by the German government.

    “The committee intends to engage some partners to defray the cost and reduce it to about N25, 000 so that those who have been trained by the Germans can retrain others at affordable cost at the end of their own programme,” she said.

    She  called on the youths, particularly  females, to take advantage of the programme by Germany to improve their  living standard.

    “Our young women should not abandon the training because they are relevant in the value chain of the construction sector,  particularly in the area of interior decoration as well as in cassava processing aspect of agriculture,” she said

  • Only ill- health will stop Buhari in 2019 – Amosun

    Only ill- health will stop Buhari in 2019 – Amosun

    The number of governors rooting for President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general election increased on Saturday with Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, saying only ill- health will stop the President from seeking re-election in two years time.

    The governor stated this in Abeokuta shortly after attending a book launch put together to mark the one year anniversary of the death of renowned educationist, Chief Lamidi Sofenwa.

    The book titled: “Lamidi Ayinla Sofenwa: Quintessential Gentleman and Educationist: A Biography” was written by Olasumbo Martins; ‘Dele Sogbesan and ‘Biodun Odetoyin.

    It was reviewed by Dr. Taofiq Salisu.

    Amosun said considering the huge debt the country was plunged into before Buhari’s administration came on board, Nigerians should know that a lot work has been done to put Nigeria back on track.

    He said: “If President Buhari and his administration had not come in time with rescue mission, only God knows where Nigeria would have been today.

    “On this 2019 for me, the only thing that can probably prevent Mr. President from contesting is ill -health because if not for this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari only God knows where Nigeria would have been today.

    “As humans, we quickly forget things. If we could be fair to this administration, they came in at a time the country was plunged into a very deep end and imagine where the country is today. We were in recession and now we are out of it and it not easy to get to this point.

    “Again, I am saying it, the only thing that can stop Mr. President is ill- health. But as we can see today, Mr. President is back, rejuvenating and very soon, it would be clear for everybody to see that Mr. President is so well now.

    “Meanwhile, nobody will take the fact that from the three cardinal points he set for himself, this administration has been doing tremendously well in the area of security. We all know that nothing good can happen in any country without adequate security.

    “Yes, some people are saying Boko haram has not yet been conquered but if you look at America and put into consideration how many years it took them to win the war against Osama Bin Laden among others you will know that this administration should be applauded as far as security is concerned.

    “The same thing in our economy. Just look at our agriculture for instance, it has never been this good. At least I am a governor and this is my seventh year.  This is the first time that Nigeria is truly diversifying.”

  • Ogun road crash- ’22 die, 152 injured

    Ogun road crash- ’22 die, 152 injured

    At least 22 people died while 152 others sustained injuries in 74 road crashes in Ogun during the last Sallah holidays, the state road safety authority has said.

  • APC not opposed to true federalism – Odigie-Oyegun

    APC not opposed to true federalism – Odigie-Oyegun

    National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the party was not opposed to true federalism as perceived in some quarters across the country.

    He stated this on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating a 24-member committee on True Federalism to articulate the party´s position on restructuring of the country as agitations in that regard increased.

    According to Odigie-Oyegun, it is only the APC that can claim ownership to the principle and the need for true federalism in the country.

    “When we sat down to discuss the union of the APC, it was one of the principal issues that were almost like a no-go-item that we negotiated and agreed.

    “And as such, the Constitution and the manifestos of the party are very elaborate in their references to true federalism and devolution of power.

    “It is therefore totally inconceivable for uninformed members of the public to jump on this bandwagon of reconstituting the federation,” he said.

    He added that such members of the public gave the impression that the APC was “in any way against the principle of taking a fresh look at the basis of our federalism”.

    Odigie-Oyegun insisted that true federalism was already a mantra to the APC, and must be looked into without jeopardising the fundamental unity of the country.

    He tasked members of the committee to have a critical look at issues of devolution of power, fiscal federalism, resource control and others thrown up following recent clamour for restructuring of the country.

    He, however, stressed that APC’s Constitution and manifesto vigorously canvassed the issues, adding that they were elaborately provided for.

    The chairman said that the party´s position on the issues had been eloquently stated in the terms of references of the committee.

    “It is your duty, especially having regard to the emotive nature of the national discourse on restructuring, to distill from our party constitution and manifesto the various ideas canvassed in different constitutional conferences.

    “I expect you to look at whatever document available on this subject and to look at whatever views and recommendations available on it.

    “I also expect, at all times, that your anchor will be the constitution and manifesto of the party, because it is on that manifesto that we went to the public of this nation.

    “I ask you to generate a report which will truly reflect the desire of our people and a true reflection of what our party stands for,” he said.

    He added that it was critical to ensure that the party met the desires of Nigerians on their idea of true federalism.

    In his response, Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of the committee, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, said that APC believed in balanced federation and fiscal federalism and was doing well in that regard.

    “We can give example as state governors of the level of participation of states in certain economic policy directions for the country.

    “This government has also taken steps to devolve power and responsibility to states, without any constitutional amendment to states.

    “We have seen more cases of federal assets and roads being taken over by states willingly,” el-Rufai said.

    He disclosed that the committee had met three times and had identified 12 key issues to be discussed by Nigerians to ensure a clearer direction on issues of restructuring.

    He said that the committee would visit 12 states in the country to meet with the people at the grassroots to collate their views on the issues with a view to proffering solution.

    El-Rufai said some of the issues to be looked into were state creation, regionalism, land tenure system and revenue allocation.

    He added that the committee would also utilise social media platforms to interact with the people across the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 24-member committee, which has nine states’ governors, women, youths and some leaders of the APC, was constituted on July 9.

    Member of the committee are Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun.

    Others are former governor of Edo, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; APC National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso; APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Hajiya Fatima Balla.

    Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi is the committee’s Secretary.

    The committee is expected to complete its assignment within three months.