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Tag: Ogun state

  • Special effects artist James Akaie dies in Ogun film set explosion

    Special effects artist James Akaie dies in Ogun film set explosion

    Nollywood special effects artist James Akaie has died in an explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

    According to the film production crew, RockBottom Flix, the incident occurred while Akaie was experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic simulation involving a gas cylinder with two assistants. 

    He sustained severe injuries and died at the hospital, while his assistants suffered fire burns but are receiving treatment and are stable.

    The producer and director of the film, James Abinibi, confirmed the incident, describing Akaie as a brilliant and passionate artist who inspired everyone with his craft. 

    “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm a tragic accident occurred on location in Abeokuta as filming was coming to a wrap, resulting in the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, James Akaie.

    “During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside of the film set where James was experimenting on an unauthorised pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants.

    “James succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His two other assistants sustained some fire burns and were immediately taken to a specialist hospital where they received immediate attention and were later confirmed stable as they continue receiving treatment.

    “Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion, with the production team cooperating with authorities.

    “The specific circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. We are cooperating fully with this investigation as we further conduct our own internal review,” Abinibi stated.

    “James was a brilliant and passionate Special Effects and Pyrotechnics Artist, whose creativity, dedication and love for his craft inspired everyone who worked with him,” he said.

    “We will remember him not only for his exceptional skill but for the vibrant presence he brought to our set every day. We ask that the privacy of James’s family and our crew be respected as they navigate this unimaginable loss,” the statement added.

    Akaie was known for his outstanding work on several Nollywood movies, including “Mai Martaba”, “The Night of June 7th”, “Dark October”, and “Ireke”.

  • Ogun launches initiatives to boost food production, support farmers

    Ogun launches initiatives to boost food production, support farmers

    The Ogun State Government has unveiled multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing food production, food security, and farmer support across the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, has stated.

    In a statement to newsmen on Thursday, Owotomo said the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is implementing programmes such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, OGCARES, the Value Chain Development Programme, and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to increase agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

    The commissioner noted that the state government has procured 40 tractors, 10 bulldozers, and harvesters to advance farm mechanisation, while solar- and petrol-powered pumping machines have been distributed to support dry-season farming.

    Owotomo added that the administration has invested in infrastructure within farm settlements, including the construction of poultry pens, fish processing centres, and storage warehouses.

    He highlighted efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture, strengthen farmer support systems, and improve market access through digital platforms. The state has also partnered with international organisations to secure funding, technical expertise, and capacity-building support for agricultural development.

    “These initiatives are expected to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth in Ogun State,” Owotomo said.

    The commissioner further disclosed youth-focused programmes, including the Ogun Youth Agricultural Programme, which annually targets 8,000 youths in greenhouse and hydroponics farming.

    He emphasised that all activities align with the state’s economic transformation agenda, underpinned by strict implementation frameworks, robust monitoring and evaluation, and strategic public-private partnerships.

    Owotomo urged farmers to leverage these support programmes, assuring them of the government’s commitment to their welfare and the growth of the agricultural sector.

  • Vulnerable families in community get a lifeline

    Vulnerable families in community get a lifeline

    Everlasting Fountain Welfare Initiative has given relief to vulnerable households in Magboro community in Ogun State, reaching 120 elderly and low-income families with food support.

    Beneficiaries received food packs containing 3kg of garri, 2.5kg of rice, Mamador vegetable oil, Indomie instant noodles and seasoning

    The distribution was orderly and community-focused, with volunteers attending to beneficiaries, especially the elderly with care and dignity.

    Founder, Abiola Adeniyi, described the outreach as a response to the realities many Nigerians continue to face.

    “The transition to a new year has not reduced food insecurity. This is to ensure the elderly and vulnerable are not left behind,” she said.

    Adeniyi added that the programme also marked activities marking their second anniversary, noting that they have impacted 3,000 since inception.

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    “Our vision goes beyond emergency relief. We’ll provide a 500-capacity homeless support programme to give shelter and skills training to help beneficiaries be financially independent,” she said.

    She noted while Magboro covered 120 homes, the body plans to scale up. “Our work extends to Ogun and Lagos, and we’ll reach more communities with more money.”

    Woman Representative of Magboro Area Community Development Committee, Mrs Abdul Folashade, praised the organisation for its consistency and community impact.

    “This has become a source of support for us. The body has returned again this year, and that is laudable. We appreciate their concern for the elderly and vulnerable,” she said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Taiye Sekinat, expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the food items would provide immediate relief for her household.

    “This support will help my family for the next few days. We are very thankful and pray that God continues to bless everyone involved,” she said.

  • Forum commends Ogun govt’s plan to stop illegal miners

    Forum commends Ogun govt’s plan to stop illegal miners

    The Ibile Justice Forum, an advocacy group fighting the cause of justice, has praised the Ogun State government for its decisive action towards ending the menace of illegal mining across the state.

    This commendation followed the intervention of the State Government, which on Tuesday ordered the cessation of all illegal mining activities across the state including some communities in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village in the Ado-Odo area of Ogun State, allegedly by SAF Investment and Property Company Limited. 

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, had on Tuesday, reiterated the State Government commitments towards safeguarding farmlands, a goal, he said, remains a top priority of the administration.

    The State Government reportedly ordered the immediate cessation of the unauthorised mining activities in the communities by the company.

    According to the Commissioner, no directive was issued by the State Government permitting the company to mine in the area, prompting swift intervention once the activities were discovered.

    “Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security engaged the company directly. The company acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to halt all operations at the site immediately,” Owootomo said.

    He added that the company has commenced the evacuation of its equipment and materials from the affected locations, noting that the process is already underway.

    “To ensure compliance, formal communication, including a written notice, has been issued to document the agreement,” he stated.

    The Commissioner further assured residents of the affected communities that SAF Investment and Property Company Limited would no longer operate in the area, emphasising that monitoring and enforcement measures remain in force to prevent future violations.

    In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, the Forum described the government’s action has indeed heartening and something to cheer about.

    According to the group, the state government’s timely intervention coming at this critical point in time is indeed reassuring and gives a sense that the lives of the less privileged people matter too.

    In the statement which reads in part, the Forum said: “We are immensely grateful to the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government for its prompt intervention to nip the menace of illegal mining activities across the state in the bud and feel very strongly that such gestures would send the right signal to the downtrodden that their lives and livelihoods also matter in the scheme of things.

    “We are indeed persuaded that such ill-conceived, selfish motives by a section of the public aimed to achieve selfish interests of a few, would not arise again and we also hope that members of the communities wherever they need to take ownership of their land by observing internal vigilance of their environment and be ready to call out anyone who acts in ways that would further undermine the peace and stability of their communities going forward.

    “Again, we reiterate that the state government must as a matter of urgency ensure that companies involved in all manner of illegalities including economic sabotage and other actions capable of jeopardizing public interest must be treated as the criminals they are and made to face the wrath of the law with no mercy whatsoever.”

  • Ogun roads and the cost of deliberate neglect

    Ogun roads and the cost of deliberate neglect

    Sir: For someone like me who has lived virtually my entire life between two states of Ogun and Lagos, I consider myself well placed to speak authoritatively on the deplorable living conditions, particularly the state of roads, in Ogun State.

    Anyone familiar with the geography of both states will agree that Lagos and Ogun are, in many respects, twin states. You can walk along a street identified as part of Lagos State, only to be told that the next few buildings fall within Ogun State. The streets are that interconnected. It is therefore not unusual for someone to live in Ogun State and literally trek to work in Lagos State.

    Over the years, Lagos State has consistently invested in road infrastructure, extending development even to its outskirts. Governors across different administrations, most notably Babatunde Raji Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode paid significant attention to road networks, including boundary and suburban areas in Lagos State.

    Ogun State, on the other hand, largely concentrated its infrastructure efforts around the state capital, Abeokuta, and a few select towns, while deliberately, yes, deliberately neglecting the outskirts of the state, especially communities bordering Lagos. I have yet to understand the reason for this.

    I challenge anyone to visit areas where Lagos and Ogun states meet and observe the stark contrast. On the Lagos side, roads are often paved, maintained, and functional. Cross over into Ogun State and development abruptly ends. Ogun State simply looks the other way. Yet, this same state has repeatedly lamented that residents who live in Ogun but work in Lagos should remit their taxes to Ogun State.

    One is compelled to ask: what tangible development justifies this demand?

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    Why am I raising this issue now?

    A few days ago, world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal accident along the Sagamu Expressway, resulting in the loss of two lives. I intentionally refer to it as Sagamu Expressway without attaching “Lagos” because the incident occurred on Ogun State soil. The horrifying images of how their bodies were laid bare on the road were deeply dehumanizing. I am deeply saddened that the images kept replaying in my mind, even in my dreams.

    What pained me even more was reading how influencers across the world generalized this tragedy as a “Nigerian problem,” branding the country as a typical third-world society. As a Nigerian who has lived all of her nearly four decades in this country, this particular generalization hurt deeply.

    In all honesty, the blame in this instance should be squarely placed on the condition of Ogun State roads and the manner in which the state is governed. I strongly believe that this incident should spotlight Ogun State as a case study of governance failure, rather than being used to condemn Nigeria as a whole.

    To compound the injury, Anthony Joshua himself was reportedly conveyed in a police van after the incident. While the vehicle may not have been rickety, it was still an indignity that should never have occurred under proper emergency-response standards. It would not have been this bad if it had happened on a Lagos State road.

    It is my firm opinion that Ogun State, in its current form, has become too large for effective administration. I make this argument not as an indigene of Ogun State, but as someone who has lived there, schooled in one of its universities, and experienced first-hand the consequences of its administrative failures. For the sake of effective management, infrastructure development, and human dignity, Ogun State should be restructured, I kid you not.

    •Titilayo Oladimeji,<titipetral482@gmail.com>

  • BREAKING: Two die as Anthony Joshua survives fatal road accident in Ogun

    BREAKING: Two die as Anthony Joshua survives fatal road accident in Ogun

    World boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident on Monday along the Makun-Ogun corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which resulted in the deaths of two people.

    Joshua, however, escaped with minor injuries.

    Eyewitnesses reported that Joshua’s vehicle, a Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck by the roadside near Danco Filling Station.

    Passersby confirmed that the bodies of two victims were recovered from the wreckage.

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.

    Emergency responders were on the scene managing traffic and assisting with rescue operations, while an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances leading to the crash.

    The accident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with fans expressing relief that Joshua survived and extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

    Details shortly…

  • Ogun building top quality roads – Abiodun’s aide 

    Ogun building top quality roads – Abiodun’s aide 

    Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Gov. Dapo Abiodun, says the state is constructing quality roads that will stand the test of time.

    Akinmade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta on Saturday that roads completed by the current administration were built with quality materials and handled by professional contractors.

    “The state has the longest and largest network of federal roads in terms of kilometres.

    “The present administration has constructed both federal and state roads with the support of the federal government and is delivering remarkable, sustainable results for the state’s infrastructure network,” he said.

    He said federal roads in Ogun had endured years of poor maintenance spanning more than two and a half decades.

    He noted that the rehabilitation of the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway and some other federals roads was impeded by bureaucratic challenges during the last administration.

    “During the Buhari administration, efforts to rehabilitate the Lagos‑Abeokuta expressway were hampered by bureaucratic obstacles, but the current administration has restored the project and expects it to be completed to about 74 km of double‑lane road by mid‑next year.

    “The state government has constructed over 1,500 km of road across Ogun and several new projects are already in the pipeline,” Akinmade said.

    He stressed that no previous government in the state had addressed road infrastructure with the level of commitment, scale, and intensity demonstrated by the Abiodun administration.

    “What makes his position unique is that he did not neglect federal or state roads when he came on board.

    “Stakeholders from every local government met with the governor, who asked them to identify the roads most important to their communities. From that day to today, that strategy still works,” he noted.

    According to the special adviser, the administration inherited several abandoned and dilapidated road projects but has taken deliberate steps to revive, complete, and upgrade many of them as part of its broader infrastructure renewal drive.

    He added the administration would also explore the construction of link roads to improve connectivity, ease the daily commute for residents, and eliminate tolls on existing highways, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective transportation network for the people.

    He assured that as the rains have subsided, construction activities on projects affected by heavy downpours would proceed without interruption.

    (NAN)

  • Ogun gets mosquito net factory

    Ogun gets mosquito net factory

    A mosquito net manufacturing facility has been launched in Ogun State by Vestergaard Sàrl and Harvestfield Industries Limited.

    The project, a joint venture named SNG Health will produce PermaNet Dual, Vestergaard’s latest dual active-ingredient mosquito net designed to combat rising insecticide resistance.

    Full production is slated for April next year , with an annual output capacity of 10 million nets and the creation of 600 skilled jobs.

    The ground-breaking ceremony drew top government officials and development partners including National Coordinator of the President’s Value Chain Initiative (PVAC), Dr Abdu Mukhtar; Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Godwin Ntadom; National Malaria Elimination Programme Coordinator, Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor; Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Cornelia Camenzind; Task Team Leader for World Bank Nigeria, Mr Onoriode Ezire among other dignitaries.

    Dr Mukhtar stressed that the project reflects the Federal Government’s drive to industrialize the health sector and retain value within the economy

    He said the facility signals Nigeria’s readiness to lead West Africa’s next phase of malaria control.

    “Every mosquito net produced here represents a Nigerian job, a Nigerian skill strengthened, and value created within our economy.

    “This joint venture between Vestergaard and Harvestfield shows what responsible, future-focused partnership looks like. 

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    “Today’s ground-breaking reaffirms our determination to ensure that lifesaving tools like PermaNet Dual are manufactured at scale, to global standards, and with long-term sustainability,” he said.

    Vestergaard CEO, Amar Ali said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria and belief that private sector innovation can drive lasting health impact.

    On his part, Harvestfield CEO, Martins Awofisayo described the facility as a boost to Nigeria’s health security and industrial base, ensuring “a reliable local source of world-class mosquito nets.”

    SNG Health Managing Director, Prosper Ndayiragije added that the venture marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s malaria control efforts. He said the partners are committed to ensuring that Nigerian families no longer bear the burden of malaria.

  • Women called to integrity, divine purpose at Victory convention

    Women called to integrity, divine purpose at Victory convention

    Women from across Ogun State and beyond gathered at Victory City, Abeokuta, for the annual Women’s Convention of Victory Life Bible Church International, themed ‘Overflow.’

     The spiritually enriching event, featuring worship, teachings, and exhortations, brought together speakers who encouraged women to rediscover their identity, integrity, and God-given purpose.

     At the opening session, the Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, reminded women of their sacred responsibility as vessels created for divine purpose.

    He urged them to “uphold the integrity that surrounds womanhood,” emphasising that every woman—whether young girl, single lady, mother, or grandmother—must remain committed to God and the kingdom agenda.

     Achudume highlighted the importance of leaving a godly legacy. “No mother desires to see her children suffer. You came into this world with nothing, and you will leave with nothing. Let your children enjoy the fruits of your labour,” he said, urging women to live purposefully and wisely.

     Describing women as “complicated yet extraordinary,” he stressed their immense potential. “Women possess more power than they often realise. They can shape families, communities, and even nations. Women either give life or destroy it,” he said, encouraging them to choose paths that uplift and inspire.

     Guest speaker Pastor Barbra Kiweweisi from Uganda urged women to see themselves through God’s eyes—as beings of strength, purpose, and beauty. “If every woman knows what she carries, she will understand she was not created just to give birth or clean the house, but to change the world,” she said. She advised women to avoid frivolities and instead focus on transforming their environment, noting that human life is both limited and invaluable.

    Reinforcing the theme ‘Overflow,’ Pastor Kiweweisi described it as a life of continuous abundance rooted in God’s promises. Quoting scripture, she affirmed, “God is faithful and has come to give life in abundance.” She encouraged women to embrace their spiritual authority, identity, and influence, reminding them that “when a woman prays, God hears.” She warned against self-doubt and urged women to foster unity, confidence, and mutual upliftment.

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     In her opening remark, the wife of the General Officer of Future-Life Bible Church, Pastor Mrs. Funke Adeyanju charged the women to be good ambassadors of their homes, the church, and the convention. She assured them that the 2025 Women’s Convention promises to be impactful, uplifting, and spiritually renewing for every participant.

     In a vibrant display of gratitude and celebration, women from various districts danced gracefully before the altar, later returning to kneel before Apostle Achudume to receive the father’s blessing. Carrying banners adorned with pictures of the convener, Reverend Fola Achudume, they showcased a colourful blend of culture and devotion. Some wore elegant Igbo attire; others displayed the rich heritage of Egba Adire; many shone in coordinated white and pink garments—creating a beautiful tapestry of unity, culture, and joyful reverence.

  • Ogun’s battle with physical and AI-driven security threats

    Ogun’s battle with physical and AI-driven security threats

    By Tolulope Moore

    In the wake of rising national anxieties over banditry, terrorism and cross-border criminal infiltration, Ogun State has once again leaned on the steady hands of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who has emerged as one of the few subnational leaders demonstrating clarity, restraint and firm strategy in the face of chaos. At a time when panic spread faster than facts, and when digital manipulation threatened to distort public perception, Governor Abiodun’s response underscored why Ogun continues to enjoy a reputation for stability even in turbulent moments.

    Addressing journalists after a high-level security meeting in Iperu, Abiodun announced the introduction of a comprehensive security protocol, beginning with the mandatory documentation of all foreign nationals working with multi-national companies in the state. This initiative, long overdue at the national level, is a testament to his administration’s commitment to anticipate and neutralize threats before they take root. In the last few days, security operatives arrested about 70 foreigners from Niger Republic, Sudan and Chad who were unable to explain their presence or provide valid documentation—an operation made possible by the governor’s insistence on tightened internal monitoring. These individuals, many of whom could not communicate in English, are now being processed by the Nigeria Immigration Service to determine their status and intention.

    Abiodun reiterated that Ogun, as Nigeria’s industrial capital and a daily recipient of millions of commuters from within and outside the country, cannot afford laxity. He directed that all first-time non-indigenes entering the state must be screened by their community leaders to verify their means of livelihood and reasons for relocation. This, he maintained, is not an attempt to criminalize migration but a necessary step to protect the peace and prosperity the state has built over the years. The governor’s approach reflects a balance of firmness and pragmatism—ensuring security without shutting the door on legitimate residents or workers.

    Even more telling of his leadership was the manner in which Ogun confronted the recent wave of AI-generated threat videos that had unsettled parts of the public. While many states were still grappling with the implications of synthetic media, Ogun quickly deployed its cybercrime unit to investigate the viral footage of a masked pseudo-militant issuing threat to communities and educational institutions. The near-perfect visual mimicry initially caused concern, but investigators soon confirmed that the figure in the videos never existed—he was a digital phantom, created using artificial intelligence, recycled from an older clip targeted at a completely different region months earlier. The steady and methodical handling of the situation prevented mass panic and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the public not just from physical threats, but from psychological manipulation as well.

    The governor disclosed that the security meeting also focused on monitoring scavengers and scrap dealers, noting that while the profession itself is legitimate, recent intelligence suggests that some operators are being exploited as conduits for criminal information gathering. Law enforcement officers have been directed to scrutinize these groups more closely, engage their associations, and ensure no cluster becomes a cover for unlawful activity. In the same breath, Abiodun ordered the police to immediately clear out enclaves such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and similar settlements suspected of harbouring miscreants, warning that properties used for criminal operations would now be liable to forfeiture.

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    As part of the renewed strategy, forest reserves and mining sites are to come under heightened surveillance, given their history as potential hideouts for kidnappers and illegal miners acting under the cover of legitimate operations. The governor emphasized that illegal mining activities will no longer be tolerated and that his administration is working with security agencies to flush out criminal elements from these spaces. He also cautioned traditional rulers, particularly Obas and Baales, to desist from allocating government land to unknown persons without clearance, warning that such actions undermine the state’s security posture and would attract accountability measures.

    Throughout the unfolding events—physical arrests, digital manipulations, and coordinated security reviews—Abiodun maintained a calm but assertive tone. He urged residents to support security agencies by being vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and participating actively in community policing. He applauded the synergy among security agencies in the state and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilising the national environment and supporting joint rescue operations in recent kidnap cases in Niger and Kwara states.

    What stands out is not just the breadth of measures announced, but the governor’s ability to navigate both real and artificial threats with a maturity that has become characteristic of his administration. In a climate where fear can be engineered on a laptop and spread to millions within minutes, Ogun’s response shows a government that understands the evolving nature of security—one that protects citizens not just from danger, but from the illusion of danger as well.

    At the centre of this stability is a governor who refuses to be reactive. Abiodun’s blend of foresight, firm directives, and deliberate calm has once again positioned Ogun State as a model of responsible governance in a digital age rife with misinformation. Under his watch, the state continues to reinforce its security architecture, strengthen community vigilance, and adapt to new realities with a level of composure that many other regions can only attempt to emulate.

    •Moore sent this piece through tolumoore@aol.com