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Tag: ogun State government

  • Ogun suspends monarch for six months over public assault

    Ogun suspends monarch for six months over public assault

    The Ogun State Government has slammed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo with six-month suspension for engaging in conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.

    The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation.

    The monarch was caught on video, which has gone viral on social media, supervising the assault of a chief accused of treachery. He also used foul languages on the victim, threatening to kill and bury without consequences.

    The government said the measure would ensure the dignity of persons and protection of sanctity of the revered traditional institution.

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    A statement on Monday evening by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, stated that the suspension was slammed on the monarch after investigation of his uncivil conduct.

    “After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.

    “The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021,” he stated.

  • Ogun to protect public infrastructure

    Ogun to protect public infrastructure

    Ogun State Government is planning to constitute a special task force involving security agencies, local government officials, community leaders and monarchs in the 20 local governments, to protect public infrastructure.

    This follows vandalism and theft of public infrastructure in some parts of the country,

    Special Adviser/General Manager, Ogun State Public Works Agency, Babatunde Adesina, made this known while fielding questions from reporters in Abeokuta.

    He said the move was to strengthen security architecture and promote sense of belonging among people.

     “What informed our decision to set up this special task force is as a result of happenings in the country, where some criminals, under the guise of scavengers, steal public infrastructure.

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    “As a responsive government, we will not fold our arms and allow anyone under whatever guise to destroy and steal public infrastructure,’’ Adesina, an engineer, said.

    He noted that road and infrastructure were catalysts to development and the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration had made infrastructure one of its priorities.

    “The governor is doing everything to create opportunity for citizens through infrastructure development, and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught stealing public facilities,” Adesina said.

    He said in Abeokuta metropolis, failed sections on roads would be fixed, while in Ijebu axis, the agency had completed pothole patching on Mobalufon-Efinrin/Imowo Road-Lagos/Ibadan Garage, adding that  in Ogun West, the agency had completed pothole patching of Ansarudeen-Oju-Ore, Ilo-Awela-Toll gate.

    Adesina said people, especially motorists and road users, needed to be educated on maintenance culture of roads and other public facilities.

  • Your welfare is sacrosanct, Ogun tells workers

    Your welfare is sacrosanct, Ogun tells workers

    Ogun State Government says it remains steadfast in its resolve to work with labour unions and their affiliates to create an enabling environment for the well-being of its workers.

    Head of Service (HoS) Mr. Kehinde Onasanya gave the assurance while declaring open the 5th state branch Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Ogun State branch, held at the Ogun Bureaucrats’ House, Magbon, Abeokuta.

    He said the commitment of Ogun State Government under the visionary leadership of the worker-friendly Governor Dapo Abiodun, to promoting a mutually beneficial relationship with organised labour could not be overemphasised, with emphasis on the principles of dialogue, understanding and collaboration.

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    Acknowledging that their contributions to the development and advancement of the public service were invaluable, the HoS said the combined efforts of the labour leaders had been instrumental in advocating the welfare of the workers and nurturing continuous improvements within the labour environment.

    He urged them to continue to lend their support to the policies, programmes and projects of the state government, ‘’as they are designed with the ultimate goal of enhancing the welfare of the people, thereby securing a brighter future for all.’’

    “Revered comrades, as we continue the journey of ‘Building Our Future Together’ under the leadership of His Excellency, the Governor, your continued support and collaboration remain absolutely crucial to the successful implementation of this transformative agenda.

    “The progress and prosperity of Ogun State depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, and as key partners in this journey, your cooperation, understanding, and active participation are indispensable,” the HoS said.

  • Ogun warns teachers against corporal punishment

    Ogun warns teachers against corporal punishment

    Ogun State Government has again sent a delegation to commiserate with the family of Monday Arijo, who died last Friday after being subjected to corporal punishment by a teacher at Obada Grammar School, Idi-emi.

    The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, was the second government team to pay condolence visit to the family.

    Arigbadu warned teachers in state-owned primary and secondary schools to desist from administering corporal punishment on pupils.

    He said: “The state government has set up a committee to look into the cause and other circumstances surrounding what has happened, because when anything occurs, the most important thing is for us to learn from a particular situation, not only about Obada Grammar School.

    “I have said this in the past; we usually have what we call stakeholders’ meetings before the beginning of every session, where I always reiterate the need to say no to corporal punishment.

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    “What I am saying is that this is not even about Ogun State; we are saying this is a world standard. There are regulations against corporal punishment. That does not mean children will not behave well; we can actually discipline children. We can raise them to become whatever they want to be in life without resorting to corporal punishment.”

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Abdullateef Oduntan said: ‘’We are not interested in a legal battle with the state government, but we expect the government to do all in its power to ensure such incident does not happen again anywhere in the state.’’

    Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, said the government will continue to support the family during and after the mourning, as well as ensure such incidents do not happen again.

    Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta is conducting post-mortem on the deceased to determine the cause of his death.

  • Ogun officials’ invitation by EFCC not linked to Adedayo’s petition – Govt

    Ogun officials’ invitation by EFCC not linked to Adedayo’s petition – Govt

    The Ogun State government, on Saturday, refuted reports that its officials were invited to the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a petition allegedly filed by Wale Adedayo, a former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, who was removed from office over allegations of financial misappropriation.

    Contrary to insinuations made in a story entitled “Alleged Funds Diversion: EFCC Quizzes Ogun Accountant General, Others,” published by certain media outlets, the government clarified that the officials were not summoned over any alleged diversion of local government funds.

    This clarification was provided in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the State Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.

    According to the statement, the officials were not presented with any petition from Adedayo. The EFCC, being a responsible body, would have provided them with the petition if it were truly the basis for their invitation.

    Read Also: Ogun officials’ invitation by EFCC not linked to Adedayo’s petition – Government

    “Ordinarily, there would be no reason to respond to the antics of a known provocateur and rabble-rouser, who has made salacious, evidence-free allegations against Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, with the intent to sow discord among the people and destabilize Ogun State.

    “While we continue to respect media organizations as partners in progress, we categorically state that the report in question is nothing but fake news and should be disregarded.”

    The statement added: “As is the case with officials from other state governments, Ogun State officials are not exempt from invitations by anti-graft agencies if clarification on any matter is needed. It is reassuring that the EFCC confirmed our officials, as law-abiding citizens, honoured the invitation and have since returned to their duties.

    “It is, however, a complete fabrication to claim that they were invited due to a petition by Wale Adedayo, a chief propagandist who once accused his former boss, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, of being a serial killer, and who falsely claimed that his co-chairmen supported his petition against Governor Abiodun—a claim they have categorically denied.

    “The media, as a cornerstone of society, should not assist rabble-rousers and morally bankrupt individuals in spreading falsehood.”

  • Ogun Govt donates 25 patrol vehicles, drones to boost security

    Ogun Govt donates 25 patrol vehicles, drones to boost security

    The Ogun State Government yesterday took a giant step in securing lives and properties. It donated 25 patrol vehicles to the State Police Command and acquired surveillance drones to monitor criminal activities.

    The security kits were handed over by Governor Dapo Abiodun donated in the presence of Inspector-General (IG) Kayode Egbetokun at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    Prince Abiodun, who called on the force to include technology in its crime fighting efforts, said that acquiring the drones was one of the proactive steps the Gateway State took in collaboration with its Lagos and Oyo neighbours to effectively monitor activities on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and enhance prompt response in emergency situations.

    The drones, the governor noted, would be operated by trained personnel from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).

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    Abiodun, who had earlier received the IG in his office said: “As a gesture of appreciation of you and all what your are doing to law enforcement and effective policing in our state and by extension Nigeria, we have decided to complement you and your efforts by donating today, 25 patrol vans to the police and our law enforcement architecture. This, we believe, will commemorate your first official visit to Ogun State.

    “Towards ensuring peace in our state, we will continue to strengthen and support our already established Security Trust Fund (STF) by procuring relevant gadgets, including drones. We will continue to argument the allowances and living condition of our security personnel to motivate them to enhance security and safety in our state.”

    Lauding the police efforts under Egbetokun’s watch at repositioning the force for optimal performance in line with the tenet of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, however called for the deployment of modern technology in tackling the various security challenges facing the nation.

    He said: “As we acknowledged your alignment with the tenet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we urged the integration of cutting edge surveillance technology to combat the challenges of banditry and terrorism in the nation.”

    He restated the state commitment to the fulfillment of  its constitutional role by prioritising the welfare and security of residents through effective inter-agencies cooperation among security agencies in the state.

    According to him, his administration has procured more than 100 patrol vehicles and motorcycles, as well as over 300 communication gadgets for security agencies, assuring that his administration would spare nothing at ensuring that residents live in a stable environment and engage in business activities without fear of molestation.

     The governor described the Egbetokun as a dutiful officer and a fine gentleman who, because of his educational background and professional dedication, has shown determination to lift the police to enviable heights.

    Abiodun said: “You have been deliberate and intentional in the systematic redesigning of the operational strategies and administrative policies of the police force which is driven by purposeful  leadership and capacity enhancement.

    “The impactful motivation you continually instill in your personnel through timely promotion and incentives, have boosted their performance and dedication. As an expert in peace and conflict studies, you have exemplified the essence of positive police/civil relations, elevating the trust of Nigerians in the police by addressing misconducts with decisive action.

    “Your commitment to community policing has strengthened the bond between the law enforcement and the community members significantly improving the intelligence capacity of the officers. Realising that modern policing necessitate cooperation with all and is underpinned by technological advancement, you put your efforts and encouraged continued innovations in these areas.”

    The IG said his vision was to put in place a professionally competent police force that is service oriented, rule of law compliant, people-friendly and positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamics of crimes in the society.

    He acknowledged the massive infrastructural development across the state, disclosing that more police stations and more Area Commands would be created as well as the deployment of more mobile policemen squadrons to provide adequate security in the state.

    Egbetokun praised the governor’s innovative idea in the acquisition of drones, noting that the gesture would further boost security in the state.

    He urged other states to take same step for the security of their domains.

  • One person dies as Ogun SSG survives auto crash

    The Secretary to  Ogun State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, was on Friday involved in an auto crash on Abeokuta – Sagamu Road in which one person died.

    Adeoluwa, who sustained some injuries, was taken to the Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba,  Abeokuta.

    Mr Clement Oladele,  the Sector Commander,  Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun,  confirmed the incident to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta.

    Read also: Ogun SSG in fatal auto crash

    Oladele, who could not immediately say what caused the accident but said the SSG was at the Federal Medical Centre,  Abeokuta, receiving treatment.

    “The crash occurred around Day Water Man College, close to Kobape, Abeokuta.

    “The SSG is responding to medical treatment and he is about being discharged from the hospital.

    “I actually spoke with him and he is recuperating well,” Oladele said. (NAN)

  • Wabba to governors: Make workers’ welfare priority

    Wabba to governors: Make workers’ welfare priority

    National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Waba, on Tuesday asked the nation’s state governors to make workers welfare their priority.

    Waba said some states have enough resources to adequately cater for the welfare of workers but failed to attend to their needs because they did not make the issue of workers welfare a priority.

    The NLC boss made this known in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the opening ceremony of the meeting of the National Executive Council of the NLC.

    He noted that workers are partners in the project in ensuring good governance and political stability, saying governors should encourage the workers by paying their salaries and allowances promptly.”

    “It is not that some states cannot pay their workers’ salaries as and when due, but it depends on their priority.

    “Some governors see workers welfare as a priority, while some others do not.

    “However, it must stress that workers are partners in the Nigerian project. We believe in good governance and stability of the polity.

    “We will support the Federal Government on good governance and political stability,” Waba said.

    He lauded Ogun State Government for making workers welfare its priority through prompt payment of salaries, however, appealed to him, to clear the backlogs of deductions of the workers.

    He also appealed to him to reinstate the sacked labour leader in the state – the state NLC chairman, Akeem Ambali, urging   the Governor to “forgive and forget.”

    On his own part, Ambali, lauded the state governor for the infrastructural development of the state, making it an investors destination of choice.

    He also appealed to the governor to clear the backlogs of deductions of the civil servants, and contributory pension.

    The governor pledged to continue to make workers welfare his priority, adding that his administration would not leave any stone unturned in the areas of regular payment of workers’ salaries.

  • Court docks man over motorcycle theft

    Court docks man over motorcycle theft

    A 35-year-old man, Akinyele Sabitu, who allegedly stole a Bajaj motorcycle valued at N95,000 was on Wednesday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun state.

    Sabitu, whose address is unknown, is facing a count charge of stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 9 at about 11.40 p. m., at No. 14, Adeyanju Str., General Hospital, Ota.

    Mustapha said that the accused stole a Bajaj Motorcycle with registration number TRE 458 UU, valued at N95, 000 from the place where the complainant, one Arewole Seun, parked the motorcycle.

    “The accused was caught in the act by some passers-by and handed over to the police,’’ he said.

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    According to him, the offences contravened Section 390(a) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. B. Adebowale, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She said that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit of means.

    Adebowale also ordered that the sureties provide evidence of tax payment to the Ogun State Government and submit four recent passport photographs to the court, as part of the bail conditions.

    The case was adjourned until Nov. 23, for hearing.

    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.