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  • Bolstering security in Ogun

    Bolstering security in Ogun

    • By Lekan Adeniran

    In the realm of security and economic development, Ogun State shines as a beacon of progress. Since the coming of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Gateway State has witnessed uninterrupted peace and massive economic development.

      It stands as one of the most peaceful and fastest-growing states in Nigeria, a testament to its importance. The responsibility to safeguard this crucial massive business hub with over 6,000 industries, fell upon the government to bolster security measures, as the state’s progress and its nearness to Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital had caught the eye of other parts of the country, drawing people in daily.

    The Abiodun-led administration has committed huge resources to equip the many security outfits in the state, including the Nigeria Police, the Southwest security outfit, Amotekun, So Safe Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to ensure that the many business concerns, industries and the citizens of the state enjoy high level of security.

    The three-day official visit by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to the Gateway State last week was an icing on the cake in the attempt by Governor Abiodun to further secure the state. It turned out to be a harvest of a sort for the state. At the Governor’s Office last Thursday, it was Egbetokun who first announced the goodies when he told the governor of his plans to establish more police stations, Area Commands and Mobile Police Squadron in the state to commensurate with its rapid industrialisation.

    The IGP, who also appreciated the massive infrastructural development going on in the state, told the governor: “I can see that our state has been turned around. In the last three days that I have been around, I hovered over the major towns in the state, and I could see massive developments going on. I want to thank you for the infrastructural developments that are going on across the state. The development is even; I can see that government projects are evenly distributed.

    “And the least we can do as the police is to support you. We also have to pay attention to even provision of security to Ogun State because the infrastructural development going on here is going to massively attract people from other states to Ogun. I can see the migration of people into Ogun State increasing every day because of the development in the state and again because of the peace of the state. Ogun State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. And of course, the fasted growing state in Nigeria.

    “All these developments coming to Ogun State that his Excellency is undertaking have a burden on security. We recognise that, and the police leadership has decided to pay the necessary attention to the state. We are going to create more police stations to match the development that is going on in the state. We will establish more area commands. We are going to bring additional Mobile Police Squadron into Ogun State.  

    “We must do everything to secure this state because Ogun State is very important to Nigeria. It, no doubt, is the industrial capital of this country, and we can’t do less than paying the necessary attention to the state. So, in terms of security, we are going to do the best that is needed for the state.”

    The IGP, who said he gets reports from the state Commissioner of Police daily, noted that the vision of the police leadership under his watch has materialised with pursuit of professionalism, compliance with the rule of law, and a people-friendly approach to policing. His ultimate aim, he further noted, is to have a force well-equipped to face the evolving nature of crime. Such a transformation required the  support of state governments and Nigerians. Thus, the IGP did not seek just support but pleaded for it.

    “Your Excellency, I want to share the policing vision of the police leadership with you. I came into the office of the IGP with a vision to emplace a professionally competent police force. We intend to change the policing narrative of this country for the better. We need the police force that is service driven, that is the rule of law compliant, and that is people friendly. We need a police force that would be so well-positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamics of crimes in our society. We can not achieve this without the support of state governments. We can not achieve this without the support of the people of Nigeria. So, I’m here not to ask for your support because you have been giving that support but to plead that you don’t get tired of supporting the police,” Egbetokun said.

    Welcoming the IGP, Abiodun expressed deep appreciation for the visit, recognising the privilege of having a son of Ogun State leading the Nigeria Police Force for the first time. He said his administration took pride in the IGP’s exceptional leadership, reflecting intelligence, capacity, and a profound sense of duty. The governor commended the strategic redesigning of operational strategies and administrative policies, driven by purposeful leadership and capacity enhancement. He also noted the IGP’s commitment to positive police-citizen relations, which has elevated trust and redefined the police force.

    Abiodun said: “I feel very privileged that it is under my watch as governor that we have an Ogun State son as the IGP. On behalf of the entire government and the people of this great state, I extend my heartfelt pride as you continue to excel in steering the Nigeria Police Force with commendable efficiency over the past 10 months.

    Read Also: Ogun judiciary staff suspends strike

    “Your public demeanour, profound insight, and strategic orientation in policing vividly reflect the intellect and capacity of a top tier, well-educated officer, and a gentleman, marked by an admirable sense of duty and patriotism. You have been very deliberate and intentional in the systematic redesigning of the operational strategies administrative policies of the Nigeria Police Force driven by purposeful leadership and capacity enhancement. The impactful motivation you consistently instil in your personnel through timely promotions and incentives has undeniable enhanced their performance and dedication. As an expert in peace and public studies, you have exemplified the essence of positive police/civil relations, elevating the trust of Nigerians in the police force by addressing misconduct by decisive actions.”

    Abiodun announced the donation of 25 new patrol vehicles to the police, alongside a state-of-the-art surveillance drone. He recalled that in the last one and half years, over 100 vehicles, 100 motor bikes and more than 300 units of walkie talkies had been donated to security agencies along with many other initiatives by his government. These initiatives have ensured that Ogun remains one of the most peaceful states in the country.

    “I am pleased to report that Ogun State remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to prioritise the security and welfare of the citizens. We’ve done this with the active effort underway to meet our thought on state police discourse as agreed at the National Economic Council of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ogun State stands among the forerunners in fostering exceptional inter-agency cooperation. This has contributed significantly to our robust security landscape. This concerted effort is integral to our mission of establishing Ogun State as a beacon of economic growth and ensuring the well-being of every inhabitant.

    “This is because ensuring security and safety for people and businesses is very crucial to attracting investment and promoting economic growth. This is even more critical as we work towards achieving our mission of promoting and sustaining Ogun State as the fasted growing economy in Nigeria and maximising the potential of every citizens and residents of the state in everywhere they want to. Consequently, the issue of security is one that we take extremely seriously as a sub-national.

    “Towards ensuring peace in the state, we continue to strengthen our support through our already established trust fund by continuous procurement of relevant gadgets, including drones. We will continue to augment the allowances and living conditions of our security personnel to motivate them and enhance security and peace in the state. The state will continue to fund and engage our various security outfits, including our own Amotekun with community leaders and residents, to implement effective strategies that have resulted significantly in the reduction of crimes across the state.

    “Our administration is committed to ensuring that every resident can live in a secure and peaceful environment. These efforts have made Ogun State an investor destination of choice and contributed to job creation,” he said.

    Amid this landscape of security reinforcement, an autonomous drone was launched by the IGP. Equipped with night vision and infrared capabilities, the new drone marks a significant upgrade for Ogun. Abiodun explained that the drone is aimed at safeguarding the lives of residents and travellers, particularly along the vulnerable Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He acknowledged collaborative efforts among the police commands of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, which he noted, had already reduced crime levels, but the deployment of surveillance technology would ensure an even quicker response time and deterrence.

    The drone would be continuously monitored by a central station staffed by trained personnel, allowing for immediate identification and apprehension of miscreants.This initiative was just another example of the state’s support for the police force.

    Abiodun said: “The drone is one of the initiative of the Ogun State government to continue to ensure that we protect the lives of those who are living in the state or those who are passing through it. One of the reasons we took the decision to acquire this drone was because of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which remains one of our most vulnerable points for those that are travelling through Ogun State, being the gateway to the rest of the country and the West African sub-region. The collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Police Command, Ogun State Police Command, and the Oyo State Police Command have significantly reduced the level of crime and criminal activities on that road alongside other law enforcement agencies. But we believe that with the deployment of this kind of technology, it will allow for shorter response time when there is an incident like we experienced in the past when miscreants kidnapped innocent victims on that road and run into nearby bushes.

    “We believe that with this kind of surveillance equipment, which is continuously being monitored from a central monitoring station by personnel of police, DSS, civil defence, who have been trained for weeks, who are constantly monitoring these activities, it will make for rapid response time in ensuring that either this is discouraged or after it happens, the miscreants can be immediately identified and brought to book. Initiative to support the police.”

    Egbetokun said the surveillance drone provide invaluable support in various operational aspects by granting the police a tactical advantage and enabling swift responses to criminal activities. He expressed the hope that other governors would follow suit, emulating the Ogun example.

    There is no doubt that Abiodun always strives to create a safe and secure haven, leading to increased investments and job creation opportunities in the Gateway State, a source said.

    • Adeniran is Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Ogun State Governor,  Prince Dapo Abiodun.
  • Ogun Speaker advises residents on routine medical check-up

    Ogun Speaker advises residents on routine medical check-up

    Residents of Ogun State have been advised to always engage in regular medical check-up, to ascertain their health status and be able to take care of their health.

    Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, gave the advice at a free medical and surgery outreach organised by the member representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1, Lukmon Atobatele.

    The event was held at Biliikisu Atobatele Memorial Health Centre, Ita-Agemo, Igbehin, Abeokuta.

    Elemide, who was joined by his deputy, Bolanle Ajayi and a member representing Ewekoro State Constituency, Yusuf Amosun, was taking round the various sections.

    Read Also: Ogun Govt donates 25 patrol vehicles, drones to boost security

    He described the programme as laudable.

    Atobatele said access to good health care service had become a huge burden to most Nigerians and it was in line with this reason that he organised the free medical and surgical outreach for his constituents.

    He said the outreach was in conjunction with a team of medical volunteers from the United States of America and Commonwealth Foundation, as well as Precious Sight Foundation, which gave out over 300 recommended glasses and free eye drugs to over 500 people.

    According to him, “the medical experts on ground were to cater for the dental, optical, general body sessions as well as surgeries, having done two days pre-screening of the patients, at Lekfad Medical Centre in Abeokuta, to determine their fitness for the surgeries”.

    It was indeed a great advantage for the beneficiaries, many of whom could not afford such treatment, as they participated in the health programme.

  • Ogun governor inaugurates Head of Service

    Ogun governor inaugurates Head of Service

    • Promises better civil service

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday said his administration would continue to fulfil all promises made to the public service by ensuring the provision of adequate working tools for the workforce.

    He spoke at the swearing-in of the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, a journalist, at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    Noting that the appointment of Onasanya symbolised a call to greater service, Prince Abiodun said his administration would continue its commitment not only to the service, but also to the broader development of humanity.

    According to him, the civil service is the backbone and the engine that drives the policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of the government.

    “As you are all aware, civil service is the bedrock of our administration, the engine that drives our policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of the government.

    “It plays a crucial role in ensuring effective governance, effective service delivery and the implementation of government programmes and initiatives.

    “As an administration that understands and acknowledges the role of the civil service, we remain guided by the principles of merit, character, competence and capability in the appointment of top civil servants,” he said.

    “Let me also take this opportunity to assure all our great workers of Ogun State that our administration will never renege on our promises. We will continue to fulfil our promises.

    “We will continue to ensure the provision of policies and adequate effective working tools as well as a conducive working environment for the well-being, effectiveness and efficiency of Ogun State Public Service,” he added.

    Read Also: Afenifere remembers first civilian governor of Ogun, Bisi Onabanjo

    Governor Abiodun challenged the Head of Service to raise the standard of the state public service and urged him to tread the path of excellence his predecessors were known for.

    Onasanya, appreciating the governor for being a man of equity and fairness, said the civil service under his leadership would continue to support his administration.

    He called on workers to embrace Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme and promised to gravitate towards improving the service.

    Governor Abiodun approved the appointment of Mr. Onasanya as the Head of the Service on April 8.

    Onasanya takes over from Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, who has retired after a meritorious service.

    Until his appointment, Mr. Onasanya was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration.

  • Ogun shuts firm for environmental pollution

    Ogun shuts firm for environmental pollution

    The Ogun State government has shut Tera Aqua Environmental Consult in Sango-Ota for environmental infractions.

    Special Assistant to the governor on Environment, who doubles as Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Farook Akintunde, led a team to shut the black- oil, bio-char and steel wire producing company.

    The company was found guilty of operating under harmful, inhuman and substandard conditions, as its production processes, involving burning of tyres, which have negatively impacted the environment and residents of its immediate communities.

    The company was also found liable for continuous release of noxious gases, untreated waste-water and suspended particles into the environment, which residents of the community had protested against.

    Read Also: Lagos-Calabar coastal road will connect all regions, says Umahi

    Akintunde added that the company was also operating without necessary Environmental Approvals as well as Environmental Impact Assessment which is contrary to government’s guidelines.

    “The environmental hazards it caused residents of its immediate communities due to its harmful operation will also be looked into, as well as suitability of its operation at the estate,” he added.

    Vice Chairman of Riverview Community, one of the four communities in the Excellence Estate, Obanla Abel, thanked the government for coming to their aid as the company’s operation had brought untold hardship to its inhabitants through its incessant release of noxious gases and untreated waste-water to the environment. He added that the closure will bring peace and tranquility to the estate.

  • Ogun govt shuts firm for releasing harmful substances

    Ogun govt shuts firm for releasing harmful substances

    As part of its efforts to make industries operate and adopt global environmental best standard, Ogun State Government has shut down Tera Aqua Environmental Consult in Sango Ota for serious and harmful environmental infractions.

    The Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, who is also the Chairman of the Task Force on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Farook Akintunde, said the company was found guilty of operating under harmful, inhuman and substandard condition, as its production processes, which involved burning of tyres, had impacted negatively on the environment and the residents.

    The company was also found liable for continuous release of noxious gases, untreated waste-water and suspended particles into the environment, which have caused serious environmental infractions and led to protest by the residents of the estate.

    Akintunde added that it was discovered upon investigation that the company was also operating without necessary environmental approvals as well as environmental impact assessment, which was contrary to the state government’s guidelines, thereby committing serious environmental offences.

    “No serious government will fold its arms and watch its environmental regulations and guidelines trampled upon. So the company will remain shut until these serious issues are resolved.

    Read Also: Police arrest two for blocking containers at Lagos ports

    “Besides these, the environmental hazards it caused residents of its immediate communities due to its harmful operation will also be looked into, as well as the suitability of its operation on the estate, as the state government lays emphasis on the well-being of residents than pecuniary gain of few individuals,” he said.

    Akintunde, therefore, warned companies that despite government’s friendly posture to them, it would not condone any environmental infractions, especially those that would have direct impact on residents, urging them to obtain documents that would guide them in their operations so that they would not fall into the wrong side of the environmental laws.

    Responding to the closure of the company, the Vice Chairman of Riverview Community, one of the four communities on Excellence Estate, Mr. Obanla Abel, thanked the state government for coming to their aid, “as the company’s operation has brought untold hardship to us through its incessant release of noxious gases and untreated waste water to the environment.”

  • Ogun monarch to host Owu Obas

    Ogun monarch to host Owu Obas

    The monarch of Akinale town in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Femi Ogunleye, has been chosen to host the 5th meeting of Owu monarchs.

    Accordng to a statement issued by the Royal Union of Owu Obas (RUOB), comprising monarchs in Owu communities, the choice of Akinale town and Oba Ogunleye was based on the outstanding leadership virtue of the monarch and trajectory of Akinale.

    Read Also: Ogun NNPP elects Aina as chairman at congress

    A statement containing the approval read in part: ”The Royal Union of Owu Obas (RUOB), comprising Obas in cities and towns in Yorubaland after the 4th meeting at Owu Isin, Kwara State, has approved Akinale(town) in the Owu Ewekoro Zone of Ogun State, to host the 5th meeting of the Owu Obas on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

     ”To say this decision is epoch is an understatement considering the history of Akinale as a premier settlement of our forebears after they arrived in Abeokuta from the war-torn Orile Owu in the late 17th century.

  • Contextualizing the Ogun development survey

    Contextualizing the Ogun development survey

    • By Kayode Akinmade

    In actualizing good governance, the place of data and science cannot be quantified. In line with both local wisdom and global best practices, governments that make a real change in the lives of the people adopt critique as a cardinal feature. Intent on delivering good governance, they are heavily involved in outcome monitoring. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, many governments have in the past three decades developed systems to measure the performance of programmes that aim to improve key outcomes in areas such as job creation, child safety, and health. These performance management systems, it says, can help policymakers to ensure that publicly funded programmes are achieving the results that constituents expect.

    In this connection, the decision by the Ogun State government to conduct household surveys towards developing a framework that will assist in planning, management, and evaluation of the multi-dimensional poverty human development index is quite in order.

    Among other objectives, the survey, which is expected to transcend the bounds of the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) multi-dimensional poverty index, will give the Dapo Abiodun government an opportunity to assess the impact of the various policies it has been implementing in the last four and half years in such areas as education, health, job creation, empowerment and other social interventions. As observed by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, the survey will also enable the state government to properly establish baselines on different data points in the state and allow for the implementation of the various strategies already earmarked for execution. 

    Olabimtan provides further context: “In the past five years, under the pillar of infrastructure, our administration has brought development to every ward in the 20 local government areas of the state. We have constructed, reconstructed, and rehabilitated over 500 kilometres of roads across all regions in the state in line with the administration’s policy of inclusiveness and determination to abolish erstwhile practices of prior administrations of developing one section of the state at the expense of other sections. Similarly, in the energy sector, the administration has installed over 500 transformers across communities through its Community Electrification Project and has improved power supply in the 20 local government areas.

    “The administration has also rehabilitated the Arakanga Waterworks in Abeokuta to ensure a reliable supply of potable water and constructed new water storage facilities as well as expanded the water supply and reticulation network to many streets and neighbourhoods in the city of Abeokuta. These completed projects, which are already in use and being enjoyed by residents, will soon be formally commissioned. We are currently at the planning stage of expanding the reticulation network into new areas within the state while rehabilitating all our Mini Water Works in other parts of the state for improved water supply for our people.”

    The benefits of the survey are not hard to decipher. It is perhaps axiomatic that in planning for development, state governments cannot rely exclusively on research by statistical agencies such as the UNDP, NBS, etc. They also have a duty, if they are to radically transform the society, to determine how impactful or otherwise their policies and programmes have been on the populace. Nigerians are well aware of the fact that in the last five years, the Gateway State under Governor Abiodun has initiated certain policies and programmes targeted at reducing/eradicating poverty and improving healthcare conditions and social wellbeing. It has made creating good roads, industrializing the state, opening it up for investment and creating channels of opportunities for the residents an article of faith. This fact has been acknowledged by a welter of agencies that typically endeavour to assist states with their statistics and findings.

    For instance, last December, Economic Confidential, a subsidiary of PR Nigeria, showed that apart from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, Ogun State is Nigeria’s most economically viable state. The report was compiled from figures released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). A recent report by BudgIT ranked Ogun State in the 7th position in the 2023 overall Fiscal Performance Ranking and the first in IGR improvement in the country, affirming the position of the state as the investment destination of choice. However, it is also important for the state to look inwards and determine how its policies have been faring, as determined by the people themselves. This will enable it to know the areas where improvements are needed. That, to a large extent, is why it initiated this survey meant to produce the indicators needed for the design and monitoring of the implementation of various State Development Plans (SDPs) and transfer capacity to the Ogun State Bureau of Statistics (BoS) to continue implementing annual CWIQ surveys on a regular basis. Handling the project is E-services Nigeria led by Professor Oladoyin Akinyosoye, the immediate past Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The retired professor of Applied Economics and Data Management at the University of Ibadan is an accomplished economics researcher and a highly skilled statistician who has impacted younger scholars and practitioners.

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    The government under Abiodun has provided solar street lights, solar boreholes and solar home kits to rural dwellers, built the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, which, along with its aerotropolis, is expected to generate over 25,000 jobs; automated business processes to improve efficiency and the Ease of Doing Business Index in the state; renovated and constructed of over 1,200 classrooms and buildings across all 234 wards in the state; rehabilitated, equipped, and staffed 100 primary healthcare centres across the state; boosted the status of women by including them in politics, governance, and economic activities, as well as providing education for girls; grown over 50,000 businesses by women, with investment in women’s empowerment put at N1.5 billion; constructed 4,000 housing units; commenced the construction of 200 units of high-end duplexes at PMB Estate, Kobape, commenced development of Ibara and Idi Aba GRA Regeneration Schemes, the construction of 200 units of Affordable Housing in Gateway Aviation Village, Iperu and 250 units of Affordable Housing in Kobape Phase 3, and 100 units of mixed Housing units at OPIC Estate, Warewa, Isheri.

    In the 2024 budget speech, Governor Abiodun spoke of his government’s installation of over 500 transformers across communities, deployment of CNG buses ahead of other states in Nigeria, launching of the Digital Economy Infrastructure Project aimed at providing 5000 kilometres of optic fibre cables across the state, highlighting key physical capital projects like the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ofada-Owode Road, Lagos Garage – Ikangba – Ilese Road, Ota-Lafenwa-Itele-Ayobo Road, etc; extension of the Lagos Blue Line Metro Rail Project into Agbara and the Lagos Red Line Metro Rail Project to Ijoko and Ifo/ Kajola; introduction of two and three-wheeled electric vehicles in furtherance of its green initiatives, among others.

    These are, no doubt, highly commendable projects. But it is even more commendable that Abiodun’s government is tracking policy initiatives for optimal delivery of democratic dividends. 

    •Akinmade is Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Media, Communications and Strategy.

  • Ogun building 4,000 units to bridge housing gap

    Ogun building 4,000 units to bridge housing gap

    • Explains household survey

    Four thousand units are being built in Ogun State to tackle the housing challenge, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, has said.

    The commissioner, who explained the General Household Survey (GHS), said the projects would raise living standards and discourage rural-urban drift.

    Olabimtan noted the government had kicked off infrastructure upgrade and new schemes at Ibara and Idi Aba in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He listed construction of 200 units of high-end duplexes at PMB Estate; Kobape through PPP (Public-Private-Partnership); 200 units affordable housing in Gateway Aviation Village, Iperu; 250 units affordable housing in Kobape Phase III; and 100 units of mixed units at OPIC Estate, Warewa, Isheri, as some interventions by the government.

    Olabimtan said GHS would go beyond multi-dimensional poverty index of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and assist government in planning and development.

    He noted E-Services Nigeria would, in collaboration with state Bureau of Statistics, do the survey in six months.

    “The survey will allow government to assess impact of policies in the last four and half years in education, health, job creation, empowerment and other social interventions.

    “GHS will produce indicators for design and monitoring of implementation of State Development Plans (SDPs), the commissioner said.

    Olabimtan added the survey would enhance establishment of baselines on different data points and allow for implementation of programmes.

    He said: “This is in line with ‘Building Our Future Together’ mantra of Dapo Abiodun administration, which had implemented strategies across ISEYA development agenda.”

    On what government has done under Abiodun’s watch, the commissioner said: “In the last five years, under infrastructure, our administration has brought development to every ward in the 20 local governments.

    ‘‘We have built, rebuilt, and rehabilitated 500 kilometres of roads everywhere in line with the policy to abolish practices of prior administrations of developing one section at the expense of other sections.

    “On energy, we installed 500 transformers through Community Electrification Project and improved power supply in the councils…’’

    ment areas.

    “We have also provided solar street lights, solar boreholes for potable water, and the distribution of solar home kits to rural dwellers.

    Read Also: Ogun tackles rural-urban drift with 4,000 housing units

    “The administration has also rehabilitated the Arakanga Waterworks in Abeokuta to ensure a reliable supply of potable water and constructed new water storage facilities as well as expanded the water supply and reticulation network to many streets and neighborhoods in the city of Abeokuta. These completed projects, which are already in use and being enjoyed by residents, will soon be formally commissioned.

    “We are currently at the planning stage of expanding the reticulation network into new areas within the state while rehabilitating all our Mini Water Works in other parts of the state for improved water supply for our people.

    “Ogun State is leading the pack in energy transition as we are on record as the first state to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Nigeria and have deployed them in Abeokuta and Mowe/Ibafo to Lagos routes with the aim to cushion the effects of transport fares for our citizens and facilitate movement of people and goods from the rural to urban and vice versa for increased livelihoods for our people.”

    The Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, with the   allied businesses in the aerotropolis, will create more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs, Olabimtan said.

    He added that the state was investing in automating business processes to improve efficiency and the Ease of Doing Business Index in its domain.

    The commissioner identified education and human capital development as key priorities of the government with the renovation and construction of over 1,200 classrooms and buildings across the 234 wards in the state, together with over 50,000 new desks and chairs, provision of learning materials, and the implementation of the OgunDigiClass initiative, which utilizes technology for virtual learning.

    The commissioner identified the recruitment of 5,000 teaching interns under the OGUNTEACH programme and the conversion of 1,000 teachers from the programme for permanent employment as part of efforts to tackle the shortage of teachers in public schools.

    The creation of the Ogun Job Portal in 2019 was to enable the government match thousands of applicants with employment opportunities in the various sectors of the state economy.

  • Ogun tackles rural-urban drift with 4,000 housing units

    Ogun tackles rural-urban drift with 4,000 housing units

    Four thousand housing units are being built in various parts of Ogun State by to make the hinterlands in the Gateway State livable, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, has explained.

    The commissioner, who explained the motive behind the ongoing General Household Survey (GHS) in the state, described the housing projects as some of the interventions introduced by the government to raise the people’s standard of living and to discourage rural-urban drift.

    Olabimtan also said that the government had kicked off the infrastructure upgrade and regeneration schemes at Ibara and Idi Aba GRA in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He listed the construction of 200 units of high-end duplexes at PMB Estate; Kobape through a PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) programme; the 200 units of affordable housing in Gateway Aviation Village, Iperu; 250 units of Affordable Housing in Kobape Phase III and the 100 units of mixed Housing units at the OPIC Estate, Warewa, Isheri, as some of the interventions by the government.

    Olabimtan said the GHS would go a step beyond the multi-dimensional poverty index of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will assist the government in the designing of a framework for planning and development.

    According to him, E-Services Nigeria Limited had been commissioned by the state to – in collaboration with the state Bureau of Statistics – carry out the survey in within six months.

    Olabimtan said: “The survey will allow the government to assess the impact of the various policies it has been implementing in the last four and half years in such areas as education, health, job creation, empowerment and other social interventions.

    “The GHS will produce indicators needed for the design and monitoring of the implementation of various State Development Plans (SDPs), the commissioner said.

    Olabimtan added that the survey will enhance the establishment of baselines on different data points in the state and allow for the implementation of the lined-up programmes.

    He said: “This is in line with the ‘Building Our Future Together’ mantra of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration, which over the years, have been implementing various strategies cutting across the ISEYA development agenda.”

    On what the government has done under Abiodun’s watch, the commissioner said: “In the past five years, under the pillar of infrastructure, our administration has brought development to every ward in the 20 local government areas of the state. We have constructed, reconstructed, and rehabilitated over 500 kilometers of roads across all regions in the state in line with the administration’s policy of inclusiveness and determination to abolish erstwhile practices of prior administrations of developing one section of the state at the expense of other sections.

    Read Also: Nestlé Nigeria, Ogun State collaborate on sustainable water

    “In the energy sector, the administration has installed over 500 transformers across communities through its Community Electrification Project and has improved power supply in the 20 local government areas.

    “We have also provided solar street lights, solar boreholes for potable water, and the distribution of solar home kits to rural dwellers.

    “The administration has also rehabilitated the Arakanga Waterworks in Abeokuta to ensure a reliable supply of potable water and constructed new water storage facilities as well as expanded the water supply and reticulation network to many streets and neighborhoods in the city of Abeokuta. These completed projects, which are already in use and being enjoyed by residents, will soon be formally commissioned.

    “We are currently at the planning stage of expanding the reticulation network into new areas within the state while rehabilitating all our Mini Water Works in other parts of the state for improved water supply for our people.

    “Ogun State is leading the pack in energy transition as we are on record as the first state to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Nigeria and have deployed them in Abeokuta and Mowe/Ibafo to Lagos routes with the aim to cushion the effects of transport fares for our citizens and facilitate movement of people and goods from the rural to urban and vice versa for increased livelihoods for our people.”

    The Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, with the   allied businesses in the aerotropolis, will create more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs, Olabimtan said.

    He added that the state was investing in automating business processes to improve efficiency and the Ease of Doing Business Index in its domain.

    The commissioner identified education and human capital development as key priorities of the government with the renovation and construction of over 1,200 classrooms and buildings across the 234 wards in the state, together with over 50,000 new desks and chairs, provision of learning materials, and the implementation of the OgunDigiClass initiative, which utilizes technology for virtual learning.

    The commissioner identified the recruitment of 5,000 teaching interns under the OGUNTEACH programme and the conversion of 1,000 teachers from the programme for permanent employment as part of efforts to tackle the shortage of teachers in public schools.

    The creation of the Ogun Job Portal in 2019 was to enable the government match thousands of applicants with employment opportunities in the various sectors of the state economy.

  • Ogun to begin household surveys for planning

    Ogun to begin household surveys for planning

    Ogun State Government says it will conduct household surveys to develop a framework for planning, management and evaluation of the multi-dimensional poverty human development index.

    The survey is expected to go one step further than the NBS’ Multi-dimensional poverty index. The survey will allow the government to assess the impact of the policies it has been implementing in the last four and a half years in such areas as education, health, job creation, empowerment and other social interventions.

    Already, a consultant, E-services Nigeria Limited, has been contracted by the state government to carry out the survey for a 27-week period. The General Household Survey will produce indicators needed for the design and monitoring of the implementation of State Development Plans (SDPs).

    The consultant began work on March 6. They are to work in liaison with the Ogun State Bureau of Statistics.

    According to the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, the survey will enable the state government to properly establish baselines on different data points in the state and allow for the implementation of the various strategies already earmarked for execution. 

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    “This is in line with the “Building Our Future Together” mantra of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration, which over the years have executed and implemented various strategies cutting across the ISEYA development agenda.

    “In the past five years, under the pillar of infrastructure, our administration has brought development to every ward in the 20 local government areas of the state. We have constructed, reconstructed, and rehabilitated over 500 kilometers of roads across all regions in the state in line with the administration’s policy of inclusiveness and determination to abolish erstwhile practices of prior administrations of developing one section of the state at the expense of other sections.

    “Similarly, in the energy sector, the administration has installed over 500 transformers across communities through its Community Electrification Project and has improved power supply in the 20 local government areas.

    “We have also provided solar street lights, solar boreholes for potable water, and the distribution of solar home kits to rural dwellers.

    “The administration has also rehabilitated the Arakanga Waterworks in Abeokuta to ensure a reliable supply of potable water and constructed new water storage facilities as well as expanded the water supply and reticulation network to many streets and neighborhoods in the city of Abeokuta. These completed projects, which are already in use and being enjoyed by residents, will soon be formally commissioned.

    “We are currently at the planning stage of expanding the reticulation network into new areas within the state while rehabilitating all our Mini Water Works in othe parts of the state for improved water supply for our people.

    “Ogun State is leading the pack in energy transition as we are on record as the first state to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Nigeria and have deployed them in Abeokuta and Mowe/Ibafo to Lagos routes with the aim to cushion the effects of transport fares for our citizens and facilitate movement of people and goods from the rural to urban and vice versa for increased livelihoods for our people,” he said.

    The commissioner also spoke on the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, which, along with its allied businesses in the aerotropolis, are expected to generate over 25,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    He also noted the government’s investments in automating business processes to improve efficiency and the Ease of Doing Business Index in the state.

    The commissioner said education and human capital development remain key priorities of the government with the renovation and construction of over 1,200 classrooms and buildings across all 234 wards in the state, together with over 50,000 new desks and chairs, provision of learning materials, and the implementation of the OgunDigiClass initiative, which utilizes technology for virtual learning.

    Olabimtan spoke on efforts to address the shortage of teachers in public schools, with the recruitment of 5,000 teaching interns under the OGUNTEACH program and the recent conversion of 1,000 teachers from the program for permanent employment.

    In the same vein, the commissioner noted that the Abiodun-led administration launched the Ogun Job Portal in 2019, which has enabled the government to match thousands of applicants with employment opportunities in the various sectors of the economy.

    The government has also rehabilitated, equipped, and staffed 100 primary healthcare centres across the state to provide quality heathcate to the people, he said.

    “We’ve implemented programmes to boost the status of women by including them in politics, governance, and economic activities, as well as providing education for girls.

    “Through the Oko’wo Dapo Women’s Empowerment scheme, over 50,000 women have grown their businesses, and with additional funding from the Federal Government’s Nigeria for Women Project, the total investment in women’s empowerment now stands at about N1.5 billion,” he said.

    In the area of provision of shelter, Olabimtan said the construction of 4,000 housing units, amongst others, are some interventions that the government believes should filter down to improve the living standards of the people of the state.

    In addition, government, this year alone, started the construction of 200 units of high-end duplexes at PMB Estate, Kobape through a PPP programme, commenced development of Ibara and Idi Aba GRA Regeneration Schemes, commenced the construction of 200 units of Affordable Housing in Gateway Aviation Village, Iperu, commenced the construction of 250 units of Affordable Housing in Kobape Phase 3 and the construction of 100 units of mixed Housing units at OPIC Estate, Warewa, Isheri

    A recent report by BudgIT ranked Ogun State in the 7th position in the 2023 overall Fiscal Performance Ranking and 1st in most improved in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) among the 36 states and the FCT.

    This affirms the position of the state as the investment destination of choice as well as one of the most resilient states.

    “We will continue in our drive towards attracting investors by providing the most business-friendly environment through well-thought-out policies assisted and driven by technology,” Olabimtan said.