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  • Ogun @ 50: Leading the way in governance and grace

    Ogun @ 50: Leading the way in governance and grace

    By Femi Ogbonnikan

    Ogun State is poised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its creation—a landmark historical milestone. This celebration, however, is more than just the passage of time; it is a tribute to the remarkable achievements that have established the state as a leading light in the country.

    By divine providence, Ogun State has the distinct honour of being the home of peerless political leaders and globally renowned scholars. The collective contributions of eminent icons and pioneers, such as the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr Tai Solarin, Chief (Dr) Moses Majekodunmi, the Kutis, Shofelas, Akintola Williams, and Ernest Shonekan, among others, laid the bedrock for the progress we celebrate today.

    Known as the cradle of Nigeria’s intellectual and political elite, the state’s journey has been shaped by the combined advantage of its geographical location and the brilliance of its people. Indeed, the enduring contributions of its human endowment remain the heartbeat of this 50-year success story.

    To honour the pioneering spirit of our founding fathers, celebrate five decades of socio-economic and intellectual leadership, and catalyze a new era of innovation and inclusive growth for all citizens of the Gateway State, we must all see this event as a call to action. Let us unite to build a legacy that will inspire the next generation. As we cross this historic threshold, let’s turn the next 50 years into an era of unprecedented industrial and cultural prosperity.

    For the youth, the next 50 years belong to you. Let the achievements of our icons fuel your ambition. Rise with Ogun at 50. For a 50th-anniversary celebration, emphasizing the youth is vital because they are the ones who will carry the state through the next 50 years. As the education capital of Nigeria, the youth are the most significant stakeholders in this Golden Jubilee.The foundations laid by our founding fathers—and strengthened by current leadership—were built specifically to serve as your launching pad. With the highest concentration of tertiary institutions in the nation and a rapidly expanding industrial landscape, Ogun State provides you with the tools to compete, not just locally, but globally. As we celebrate 50 years of history, we are, in truth, celebrating the beginning of your era. Seize the opportunity, innovate with purpose, and carry the torch of excellence forward.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    The 50th anniversary of Ogun State is a testament to what vision and continuity can achieve. For you as tomorrow’s leaders, the good foundation laid by our leaders is now visible in our tech hubs, our industrial zones, and our classrooms. You are the sons and daughters of giants like Soyinka and Awolowo; greatness is in your DNA. This Jubilee is a call to action. Leverage our status as Nigeria’s industrial hub, take up the mantle of ethical leadership. The building of the Ogun State of 2026 starts today.

    Fifty years ago, a path was cleared. Today, that path has become a highway of opportunity. Both past and present leaders have ensured that the youth of Ogun State do not start from scratch, but from a position of strength. Whether in the arts, sciences, or commerce, the Gateway State stands ready to support your ambitions. You are the heartbeat of our future—let us build the next half-century together.

    We must acknowledge that progress is a relay race where each leader passes the baton to the next. Crucially, the visionary stewardship of both past and present leaders has established a robust foundation, ensuring that the youth of Ogun State are well-positioned to inherit a future of boundless opportunity. From the pioneers of 1976 to the innovators of today, our leaders have consistently prioritised building a sustainable legacy that empowers our young ones to reach global heights. Built on the wisdom of the past and the drive of the present, the foundation of Ogun State is now a launching pad for the dreams of our next generation.

    The dedication of both past and present leaders has laid an enduring legacy for the future of our youth, ensuring that the Gateway State remains a beacon of hope and excellence for generations to come.

    As the state with the highest number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the future is already paved for the progress of our youth. The emerging tech hubs and digital literacy programmes for young entrepreneurs serve as a competitive advantage.

    Additionally, the state’s industrial growth provides jobs through the massive industrial hubs in Ota, Agbara, and Sagamu.

    Despite the unique diversity of its people, Ogun State remains bound by a common vision of economic prosperity. Acknowledging this diversity is important because Ogun State is famously composed of several distinct sub-groups-Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Yewa, Awori, etc, who, despite their different dialects and traditions, have built a powerhouse economy together.

    Each of these sub-divisions has made specific contributions to the state’s collective success. The pioneers of  enlightenment which Ogun State is known for are largely from the Egba people. They are historically the firsts in many categories of Nigerian development. In their unique contributions, they served as the entry point for Western education and Christianity in Nigeria. They produced the first indigenous newspaper in Nigeria (Iwe Irohin) and established Abeokuta as a fortress of resistance against colonial and regional invaders. Olumo Rock, the iconic symbol, which represents resilience and refuge, defines the Egba spirit.

     The Ijebu division is the commercial heartbeat of the state, known globally for their business acumen and fiscal discipline. They pioneered modern banking and massive indigenous trade networks that still sustain the state’s economy today. They host the Ojude Oba Festival, one of Africa’s biggest cultural celebrations, which has become a major tourism revenue generator for the state. The Awujale’s Palace remains a symbol of one of the oldest and most organized monarchies in Yorubaland.

    Remo land, including Sagamu, Iperu, and Ikenne, is where the state’s political philosophy and industrial strength intersect. It is the birthplace of the Awoist philosophy of free education and social welfare, which defined the Western Region and modern Ogun State. It hosts massive manufacturing plants (like Coleman Cables and Lafarge Cement) and the Gateway International Airport (GIA), positioning the state as a global logistics hub. The Awo Legacy at Ikenne, signifying intellectual and political leadership.

    Formerly known as Egbado, the Yewa people occupy the western frontiers and are the guardians of the state’s international borders. They provide the state’s food basket, specializing in large-scale agriculture, particularly cocoa, cassava, and timber. Their strategic position on the border with the Benin Republic facilitates the cross-border trade that earns Ogun State its Gateway title. Its

    iconic symbol is the Yewa River, which gave the division its name and symbolizes life and continuity.

    The Awori people around Ota, Agbara and the Egun around Ipokia provide the vital links to the Lagos economy and the Atlantic. They transformed Ota into one of the largest industrial clusters in Africa. If Ogun is the industrial hub of Nigeria, the Awori land is its engine room.

    The Egun bring a rich maritime and salt-processing heritage, along with the vibrant Tongeji Island, and Zangbeto culture, adding a unique coastal dimension to the state’s identity.

    As we stand on the threshold of our Golden Jubilee, we look back not as a collection of separate towns and tribes, but as one indivisible family bound by a shared heritage.

    Our strength lies in our Unity in Diversity. We are the intellectual depth of the Egba. We are the commercial brilliance of the Ijebu. We are the industrial grit of the Remo. We are the boundless fertility of the Yewa. We are the manufacturing might of the Awori and the cultural vibrancy of the Egun. Separately, we are proud divisions; but together, we are Ogun State—the heartbeat of the nation and the gateway to the future.

    The foundation laid by our sages and sustained by our present leaders has prepared us for this moment. As the sun rises on our next fifty years, let us pledge to build a state where the dreams of our youth find a home, where our economy knows no limits, and where our leading light never dims. Fifty years of history. Five divisions of strength. One vision of prosperity.

    While boasting a rich tapestry of sub-ethnic diversity, the people of Ogun State remain indissolubly united by a singular vision of shared economic prosperity and industrial growth. In Ogun State, diversity is our strength. Beyond the varied traditions of our people lies a common, unwavering commitment to making the Gateway State a bastion of economic opportunity.

    Transcending its unique cultural diversity, Ogun State remains united by a common drive for economic advancement, cementing its role as the nation’s industrial powerhouse.

    Though our people represent a beautiful mosaic of traditions and dialects, we are unified by one common goal: the pursuit of lasting economic prosperity for every citizen.

    It is this unity of purpose that continues to drive our state toward a future as bright as its illustrious past.

    While our people represent a unique tapestry of cultural diversity, Ogun remains a leader in the Nigerian federation. For inclusivity, the leadership ensure that every group within the state feels seen and part of the historial achievements we all celebrate.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun occupies a unique position as the chief host of this epoch-making event, showcasing his administration’s achievements and vision for the state’s future. His leadership has been marked by significant progress in infrastructure development, human capital growth, and economic transformation, earning him recognition as a visionary leader.  His leadership ensures that the state’s legacy is not only preserved but propelled into a new era of prosperity.

    He will forever be known as the Jubilee Governor. The Gateway International Airport is a 50-year dream being realized under his watch. Over the last six years, he has elevated Ogun’s status to the  number one industrial destination of choice in Nigeria. He is the guardian of this milestone, overseeing a period where the state’s industrial and intellectual heritage is being transformed into a sustainable, global success story.

    As he nears the end of his term in 2027, Abiodun’s legacy is being cemented as a champion of progress and development in Ogun State.

    • Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

  • Ilaje group faults Ogun over oil drilling, Olokola seaport claims

    Ilaje group faults Ogun over oil drilling, Olokola seaport claims

    The Ilaje socio-cultural organisation, Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, has faulted claims by the Ogun State Government over alleged approval for oil drilling activities in Eba community and plans to develop a deep seaport under a renamed Olokola Free Trade Zone.

    The group described the claims as misleading and a direct encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ondo State, insisting that Eba is a riverine community located in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    In a statement on Wednesday signed by its President-General, Prince Iwamitigha Raphael Irowainu, Egbe Omo Ilaje stressed that Eba is an entirely Ilaje community and hosts one of Nigeria’s oldest forest reserves, which it said was acquired during the colonial era from Ilaje traditional rulers.

    The organisation recalled that evidence of bituminous oil surfacing in Ago-Alaja village, Eba, was first reported by residents in 2013. This, it said, prompted a joint investigation by the Ondo State Ministry of Environment and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

    According to the group, samples taken from the site were analysed and later presented to officials of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), after which the Ondo State Government restricted access to the area for security reasons.

    Egbe Omo Ilaje further alleged that land speculators later invaded the area with security personnel, claiming to be acting on the authority of the Ogun State Government.

    It said the development was formally reported to the Ondo State Government and condemned by Ilaje monarchs.

    On the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport, the group said Olokola was historically an Ilaje settlement designated during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a Free Trade Zone for major industrial projects, including a deep seaport and refinery.

    The group explained that Ogun State’s involvement in the Olokola project was merely a compromise aimed at resolving boundary disputes, adding that unresolved disagreements had earlier forced investor Aliko Dangote to relocate his refinery project to Lagos.

    “It is shocking and unacceptable for Ogun State to now unilaterally rename Olokola and claim exclusive rights over a deep seaport project in an area where it has no coastal territory,” the statement said.

    Egbe Omo Ilaje insisted that Ijebu land, which forms Ogun State’s southern boundary, has no coastline, stressing that only Lagos and Ilaje constitute the contiguous Yoruba coastal areas.

    It added that this fact is clearly documented in colonial records.

    The group accused the Ogun State Government of making the claims to mislead security authorities and provoke tension in the area, warning that any attempt to assert control over Ilaje ancestral land would be resisted.

    Egbe Omo Ilaje also called on President Bola Tinubu to reject or withdraw any approval allegedly granted through Ogun State for projects in Eba or Olokola.

    It also urged the Ondo state government to take firm steps to protect Ilaje territory in the interest of peace, justice and stability in the coastal region.

  • NAOSS condemns attack on Customs officers in Ogun

    NAOSS condemns attack on Customs officers in Ogun

    The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has condemned recent attack on officers of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by suspected armed drug smugglers.

    NAOSS described the attack as a reprehensible act of violence against men and women carrying out their legitimate duties.

    It emphasised that such a nefarious act is unacceptable and should be met with serious consequences.

    Suspected armed drug traffickers attacked and injured officers of the Command during an anti-smuggling operation at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer Zakari Chado, explained that officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

    He added that the attackers in an attempt to frustrate law enforcement efforts, mounted barricades at about nine strategic locations, blocked access routes and opened fire on the officers, while a Customs patrol vehicle was disabled.

    Chado disclosed that two officers of the sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving intensive medical attention, as the smugglers reportedly escaped with the seized truck amid the chaos.

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    NAOSS, however, in a statement jointly signed by its National President and General Secretary, Olubodun Olalekan and Adesanya Peter, respectively, condemned what it described as “brutal attacks” on the customs officers by the drug smugglers.

    While commending the bravery and dedication of the NCS in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national security, the student body empathized with the injured officers and wish them a speedy recovery.

    “We empathise with the injured officers and wish them a speedy recovery. We also commend the bravery and dedication of the NCS in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national security.

    “NAOSS calls for increased synergy between sister agencies, paramount rulers, and stakeholders to tackle the menace of drug smuggling. We urge the government to provide adequate protection and support to law enforcement officers risking their lives to curb this scourge.

    “The dangers of drug smuggling are real and far-reaching, contributing to addiction, crime, and the destruction of lives. We must act now to prevent our country from becoming a haven for drug traffickers.

    “To this end, NAOSS demands stiffer legislation and penalties for smugglers of banned substances. Those found guilty of attacking law enforcement officers should face the full weight of the law.

    “We stand in solidarity with the NCS and will continue to support efforts to combat drug smuggling and related crimes”, the statement submitted.”

  • Ogun, Edo, others trained on data-driven forest management

    Ogun, Edo, others trained on data-driven forest management

    The Chief Technical Advisor for the FAO GEF7 Biodiversity Project, Professor Segun Oladoye, has said that strengthening technical capacity and data use is central to addressing Nigeria’s forest and biodiversity challenges.

    Oladoye made this known in Abeokuta at the opening of a training programme titled ‘Collect Earth and Mapathon Data Collection,’ organized under the Food and Agriculture Organization–Global Environment Facility (FAO-GEF7) programme in collaboration with the Ogun State Government.

    He explained that the Global Environment Facility supports environmental and livelihood initiatives globally, with biodiversity conservation as a key focus. According to him, the FAO GEF7 Biodiversity Project is structured around four components, including capacity building, which informed the organization of the training.

    Oladoye said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills in geospatial data collection and interpretation, adding that such skills are essential for planning restoration activities in degraded forest areas and improving decision-making across institutions.

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    Earlier in his speech the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, emphasized the importance of adopting data-driven approaches to forest governance and biodiversity conservation.

    He noted that while forests provide critical ecosystem services and support livelihoods, they remain under pressure from illegal logging, land encroachment, unsustainable land-use practices, and climate change.

    The commissioner stressed that reliable and timely data are necessary for responding to these challenges, noting that tools such as Collect Earth and Mapathon can enhance monitoring of land-use change and forest conditions through satellite imagery and participatory data collection methods.

    The training, scheduled to bring together representatives from federal and state government agencies, project implementation units, development partners, and relevant institutions.

    Oludotun urged participants to apply the skills acquired beyond the training room, noting that the success of the programme would be measured by improvements in sustainable forest management on the ground.

    Participants at the training also shared their expectations. A Principal Forest Officer from the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Orogun Ademola, said his participation was motivated by the need to update his knowledge of geospatial technologies and improve data application in his work.

    Other participants, including Titilayo Omogie of the Edo State Forest Commission and Johnson Mafiejor from the Delta State Ministry of Environment, described the training as timely and expressed hope that continued institutional support would help translate the knowledge gained into practical outcomes.

  • Ogun to mark 50th anniversary with inauguration of 20 roads

    Ogun to mark 50th anniversary with inauguration of 20 roads

    • Abiodun opens 3.5km Laderin-Wole Soyinka train terminal road

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday  inaugurated Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, announcing plans to inaugurate 20 additional roads across the state as part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said construction work was progressing steadily on the Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Opele Road, describing the 100-kilometre highway as a critical east-west connector within the state.

    According to Abiodun, the road, when completed, will provide motorists with an alternative route, eliminating the need to pass through Abeokuta before accessing other parts of the country, while also opening up the corridor for increased commercial activities.

    “Let me share with you the biggest secret of our reconstruction efforts right now – the Ogun East-West Connector. This road stretches from the Sagamu Interchange through Papalanto to Opele, covering about 100 kilometres,” the governor said.

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    “We have completely closed off the road for reconstruction. As we speak, between Sagamu Interchange and Papalanto, which is about 40 kilometres, we have reconstructed approximately 25 kilometres using reinforced concrete. When completed, trucks and vehicles conveying goods and services from Ota, Ifo and Ewekoro will no longer need to use the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, as they can connect directly to Papalanto and access the expressway.”

    Governor Abiodun described the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station as a major landmark linking Ogun State to Lagos, Oyo State and the northern parts of the country, noting that the presence of five train stations in the state underscored Ogun’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic development.

    He said although access roads were not originally provided when the rail line was constructed, his administration decided to rehabilitate the Laderin road in line with its multimodal transportation agenda.

    He added that between 100,000 and 150,000 passengers, including investors, commuted daily between Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states.

    The governor said the train station road formed part of the over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed across the state, adding that one lane of the Atan–Lusada–Agbara Road had been completed, while work had begun on the second lane.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lateef Yusuf, said the three-kilometre road would provide access to the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Lukosi and other surrounding communities, noting that it would ease movement and boost commercial activities.

    A former member of House of Representatives and the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, recalled the deplorable state of the road in the past, saying its reconstruction, alongside other projects, had significantly benefited Ogun Central Senatorial District and Abeokuta under the Abiodun administration.

    The Chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (AMORAN) in the state, Alhaji Taofeek Sokoya, said the road was previously a no-go area due to its poor condition, as transporters avoided it.

    He commended Governor Abiodun for rehabilitating the road.

  • Taming land grabbers in Ogun

    Taming land grabbers in Ogun

    By Passover Adeshina

    Land, the foundation of shelter, business, and investment has become one of Ogun State’s most contested assets, as cities like Abeokuta, Ifo, Ota, Obafemi Owode, Sagamu and Ijebu axis continue to grow and attract real estate developers from neighbouring Lagos. However, the surge in land demand has brought with it a dark underbelly: land grabbing, illegal sales, and violent encroachments.

    For years, these activities not only robbed individuals of their properties but also undermined investor confidence and threatened peace in communities. In response, the Ogun State government decided enough was enough and set up the Ogun State Land Task Force to restore sanity to the system.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun inaugurated the Special Land Task Force to address a problem that had festered for decades. The 10-member team, drawn from the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Ministry of Justice, security agencies, and other stakeholders, was mandated to investigate complaints, recover encroached lands, and prosecute offenders.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Abiodun said the initiative was “a response to the cries of citizens who have suffered from intimidation, illegal acquisition, and the activities of unscrupulous land speculators.”

    The task force’s work is backed by the Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Landed Properties and Other Related Offences Law of 2016, popularly known as the Anti-Land Grabbing Law. The law makes it a criminal offence to forcibly occupy land, sell the same plot to multiple buyers, or use threats to dispossess lawful land owners. To criminalise all aspects of land grabbing the Ogun State House of assembly is reviewing the law.

    At its core, the task force’s mandate is to ensure that every parcel of land in Ogun State is governed by law, not by might. Its responsibilities include: Investigating land fraud, encroachments, and unauthorized sales, recovering lands acquired through fraudulent means, enforcing court judgments on land disputes and arresting, prosecuting land grabbers and their accomplices.

    According to the Director-General of the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Segun Fowora, “We have recorded several successes since the task force began operations. We’ve recovered illegally occupied lands, dismantled criminal rings, and restored confidence in property ownership.”

    The task force has not hesitated to go after powerful offenders, a move that has both earned it praise and criticism.

    In April 2025, the government arraigned the suspended Olu of Obafemi Owode, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, for allegedly selling more than 500 acres of land without authority. The charges included conspiracy, fraudulent sale, and forceful takeover. The case sent a clear message: even the influential are not above the law.

    Similarly, in September 2025, the task force operatives made arrests in Ilaro, following reports of land grabbing by armed groups. Communities in Ado-Odo/Ota and Sagamu have also witnessed coordinated enforcement operations, leading to recovery of government and private lands.

    Ogun State government also filed charges of forceful takeover of land against other monarchs and notable chiefs such as, Oba Fatai Matanmi, the Onijoko of Ijoko- Ota, Oba, Yusuf Olasunkanmi, the Olu of Orile- Igbon, a town in Igbesa and Chief Lekan Agbogun and Chief Akinbowale Beckley in Mosafejo area of Abeokuta.

    These actions have been widely reported in national dailies and have strengthened the perception that Ogun State is serious about ending impunity in land dealings.

    Beyond enforcement, the government is adopting a proactive strategy, which is public sensitization and enlightenment to educate the mases. In collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Bureau of Lands and Survey has launched a state-wide campaign to educate citizens on proper land documentation, title registration, and verification processes.

    “Most victims of land fraud are those who fail to verify ownership at the Land Registry,” noted Fowora. “We want to prevent crime before it happens by empowering people with knowledge.”

    Billboards, radio programs, and community outreaches are being used to spread awareness, especially in rural and peri-urban communities where fraudulent sales are rampant.

    While the land task force has made commendable progress, the path is not without obstacles. Many land grabbing cases linger in courts for months or even years and legal experts suggest that special land courts could help speed up trials and ensure timely justice. Also, some suspects are well-connected traditional rulers, politicians, or businessmen making enforcement politically sensitive. The government’s prosecution of a monarch, however, has shown political will.

    Covering the entire state requires logistics, manpower, and modern surveillance tools. Analysts believe additional funding and training are vital to sustain operations and ensure professionalism.

    Reactions from the public remain largely positive, as. Morenike Adebajo, a landowner in Ota, described the task force as “a relief to those of us who have been terrorized by omo onile (land thugs) for years.”

    However, others urge caution. “We support the initiative, but the government must ensure no innocent person is harassed in the process. Due process must always be followed” said community leader Chief Adewale Oduro of Obafemi Owode area.

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    These perspectives highlight a central tension: balancing enforcement with fairness.

    Urban development experts view Ogun’s model as a template for other states. Tunde Olofin, a policy analyst at Ibadan, noted, “Ogun State’s approach combines law enforcement, awareness, and institutional coordination. If sustained, it could drastically reduce land-related violence not only in Ogun but across the Southwest.”

    He added that public access to land information through digitized registries and transparent documentation would further strengthen the system.

    For the Ogun State Land Task Force to maintain credibility and long-term impact, there should be a regular public reporting on cases handled and convictions secured, transparent complaint channels for citizens alleging misconduct, stronger inter-agency collaboration among the principal stakeholders Bureau of Lands and Survey, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Nigerian Police Force.

    In addition, there should also be adequate funding for equipment and personnel training and improved digitization of land records to prevent manipulation and duplication.

    As Ogun State continues to urbanize, the importance of a transparent and secure land system cannot be overstated. The land task force’s bold interventions from prosecuting influential figures to educating ordinary citizens have begun to shift the culture from lawlessness to accountability.

    In the words of Governor Abiodun “ Our commitment is to ensure that no person, no matter how highly placed, will use power or privilege to dispossess another of what is rightfully belongs to them. Ogun State will remain a place of peace, justice, and opportunity for all.”

    To walk the talk, the governor has ensured the digitalisation of land administration processes for reliable land information Systems through the implementation of the Ogun State Land Revenue and Management System enhancement project (OLARMS enhancement project).

  • Ogun, Soilless Lab partner on youth agric

    Ogun, Soilless Lab partner on youth agric

    Ogun State is joining forces with Soilless Farm Lab to spearhead a major transformation in agriculture, focusing on training youth to create agribusiness jobs, develop modern, resilient, and technology-driven farming practices, and ultimately ensure food security across the country.

    The partnership was highlighted during the graduation of the 12th cohort of the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYIA) program, a joint initiative between the Mastercard Foundation and Soilless Farm Lab aimed at training young people in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and nutrition to enhance the vegetable value chain in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to the Governor of Ogun State, Dr. Angel Adelaja, lauded the program’s alignment with the state’s vision. She said:”Our vision is clear, to build a modern technology-driven agricultural economy that empowers young people, enhances food security, and attracts investment. The work of Soilless Farm Lab aligns perfectly with this vision, and we’re proud to be partners on this journey.”

    Dr. Adelaja, who represented the Commissioner, emphasised the state government’s commitment, citing support provided to previous participants, which included five million Naira in grants and access to land to establish and scale their agri-ventures.

    She noted that many of these graduates are now building “thriving ventures and contributing meaningfully to food security.” She also confirmed the government’s broader initiatives to help farmers, including youth, use technology to adapt to climate change.

    In a keynote address Project Manager for Soilless Farm Lab, Ms. Peace Bassey, detailed the project’s profound success over its three-year pilot phase. According to her, the  EYIA project has directly trained 12,000 participants and its impact has extended to over 18,000 secondary beneficiaries trained by the graduates themselves.

    She added that the  initiative’s infrastructural achievements include the construction of 960 greenhouses and the establishment of 240 new companies. Ms. Bassey revealed the massive entrepreneurial success: “From 240 companies established, monthly revenue exceeds 40 million not including income from contract jobs. Furthermore, our graduates have secured over N50 million in grants. We have success stories of transformed entrepreneurs such as  Hannah-Rotimi-William of AgriWellness and Israel of Calvary Farms among many. They are   others who leveraged their business acumen to diversify into fields like fashion and catering.”

    Ms. Bassey highlighted the project’s significant community impact in the Awowo area, which included strengthening the local economy, electrifying the villages of Agbopa, Egan, and Olowopapa, and the creation of a 5 km road. “Through the vision of an EYIA graduate, free basic education is now provided for over 100 children in the surrounding village. The project’s model has also achieved institutional buy-in, securing government partnerships in states like Ekiti, Niger, and Jigawa for replication.

    She noted : “The EYIA project has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and impact. Let us build on this momentum to reach even more young people, create even more opportunities, and transform even more communities.”

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    The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer  Soilless Farm Lab, Paul Idoko, reiterated the organisation’s  commitment to combating hunger. He noted the organisation’s motto: “Farming should not be seasonal because hunger is not seasonal,” explaining their revolutionary approach of operating over 1,050 greenhouses on-site for 24/7 production all year round.

    Idoko indicated  the goal had been achieved. “Today we are at the twelfth cohort, the cohort of the pilot phase of the first three years and I am happy to tell you today that we have trained 12,000 young people who have come from all the diverse parts of Nigeria, the 36 states including the FCT and from other several African countries. “The people that learned from us and translated the knowledge to other people that are around them, they have recorded a number of 19,000 plus. That is our secondary impact,” he explained.

    In addition to empowering youth, he said Soilless Farm Lab has focused on strengthening the local farming community, having trained over 3,200 adult farmers in collaboration with various partners, including support from the British American Tobacco Foundation.

    He  was optimistic  with the future  “We believe that in time to come, Soilless Farm Lab, with the collaboration of the stakeholders that we have today, the support of the young and the youthful farmers that we have trained, we believe that hunger will be tackled. We believe that we’re going to contribute to that sustainable development goal. And we believe that the voice of the farmers is going to be heard and be on top of the game.”

  • Ogun shuts seven battery recycling plants in Ogijo, suspends lead Ingot exports

    Ogun shuts seven battery recycling plants in Ogijo, suspends lead Ingot exports

    The Ogun State Government has called for an immediate temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation from the state as part of urgent measures to address concerns over alleged lead poisoning in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, made the announcement during an inspection tour in Ogijo following a viral video alleging hazardous contamination in the area.

    Oresanya, who was accompanied by experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), disclosed that seven industries engaged in used lead-acid battery recycling in the community have been shut down.

    Reassuring residents of the government’s commitment to their safety, the commissioner stated that a comprehensive health and process audit will be conducted on the affected facilities.

    This will include testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and major water sources within and around the industrial town.

    He added that the results of the tests will be made public, while also reviewing the methodology and outcomes of previous assessments cited in media reports.

  • Ogun needs continuity, not hostile succession – Ex-UK Envoy

    Ogun needs continuity, not hostile succession – Ex-UK Envoy

    Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has canvassed a succession model that encourages continuity in Ogun State as against the recurring political hostility that trails transitions of power in the State.

    The diplomat decried the hostility witnessed in the State every eight years, especially when the tenure of an administration is winding off, lamenting that the development has stagnated the State from making formidable progress compared to her vast resources and location.

    Isola, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, who spoke during a Twitter Space session monitored in Abuja on Wednesday, expressed concerns that the State risks perpetual stagnation if the pattern continues in 2027.

    The Abeokuta born ex-envoy noted that since 1999, each transition season in the State is marred by bitterness and political vendetta, preventing successive administrations from building on the achievements of their predecessors.

    The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) lamented that no chief executive of the State has witnessed a smooth and cordial transfer of power from a predecessor.

    Ogun State has witnessed a series of turbulent transitions since 1999. From the rift between Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the strained relations between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun as well as the fallout between Amosun and Dapo Abiodun

    Calling for a break in the pattern ahead of the 2027 general elections, Isola said: “What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and to put an end to hostile succession. So that wherever one government ends, another one can continue, building on the foundation that has been laid. That is the only way we are going to build our state. But, this issue of hostility every 8 years is really taking us backward.

    “So, let us join our hands. What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and an end to hostile succession. The issue is having good governance where every local, state person will be happy about.”

    The former Diplomat lamented that the absence of continuity had prevented long-term planning and hindered sustainable development across key sectors in the state.

    He prayed for a rancour-free transition and peaceful handover in 2027 when Governor Dapo Abiodun ends his tenure.

    He predicted that should Abiodun succeed in ensuring a rancour-free transition, it would mark “a new chapter in Ogun’s political history” and help entrench stability and trust in the state’s leadership process.

    “There is a good plan in Ogun State but what is truncating the plan is hostile transition, and that is why I want everyone, Muslims and Christians, to pray that Governor Abiodun becomes the first governor to hand over to his successor peacefully at the stadium. 

    “Since 1999, no Governor has done that because transitions have always been hostile. No matter how beautiful a development plan is, you can’t complete it in eight years. So the bane of our problem today is this hostile succession. And if we don’t put a stop to it, we will not be able to move at the pace that we are supposed to. 

    “Development must be sustainable. But when every government starts afresh and disowns the work of its predecessor, we lose time, resources, and progress 

    “Any ongoing project in the state is financed with Ogun’s state revenue, hence the need for continuation and  completion of ongoing projects of the preceding administration.

    “What we need is harmony. Let’s bring all our leaders together for the sake of orderly development. Even if you rule for eight years, can you fully develop a village in eight years to talk less of a state ?” he asked.

  • Five die as truck rams into tricycle in Ogun

    Five die as truck rams into tricycle in Ogun

    Tragedy struck in Ogun State on Friday night when a Dangote Cement truck rammed into a tricycle, killing all five occupants at the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto–Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.

    The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.

    According to Akinbiyi, the accident involved an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck with registration number GRZ 767 XA. Preliminary findings indicated that the truck lost its brakes before crashing into the tricycle.

    “A fatal road traffic accident occurred at Alapoka Village, Papalanto–Ilaro Road, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State on Friday at 8:25 p.m. The tricycle was conveying five people, and sadly, all five died on the spot,” Akinbiyi said.

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    Quoting an eyewitness, he added that the truck driver was unaware of the collision until its tyres had already crushed the tricycle and its passengers.

    On receiving the report, TRACE Acting Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, led a rescue operation to the scene. However, the team reportedly faced hostility from angry residents before the intervention of the Amotekun Corps restored calm.

    “The presumed dead were taken to the morgue by Federal Road Safety Corps officials,” Akinbiyi added.