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Tag: Ogun

  • Ogun demolishes Akute shanties structures

    Ogun demolishes Akute shanties structures

    Ogun State government has demolished all shanties and makeshift structures at the Akute Under- Bridge and on the wall of the fence of Zumuratul Primary School.

    The government also warned traditional rulers not to use their position to illegally allocate setbacks and open spaces in their domain to traders for commercial gains.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Alhaji Farook Akintunde  gave the warning when he led the state Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement to demolish all the shanties and makeshift structures in the area.

    He said the demolition became necessary following a petition sent to the state government by the Anigilage Community Association and the management of Zumuratul Primary School on the illegal allocation of the spaces at the Akute Underbridge and on the walls of school by the traditional ruler of the area for commercial gains.

    The allocation and the activities of the traders according to him exposed the residents of the community to avoidable danger while the students of the schools have faced untold hardship through noise pollution and unnecessary distraction.

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    “Aside from the environmental nuisances which they create, no government will fold its hands and watch a traditional ruler illegally allocate setbacks and open spaces to traders instead of him directing them to government designated markets for selfish gains.

    “That the wall of the fence of Zumuratul Primary School was even allocated despite knowing that serene atmosphere is needed for learning is not only bad, but constituted an affront to state government’s policies of effective learning environment.

    “So the state government had no other choice than to restore the environmental and learning dignity of the area by demolishing all the shanties and makeshift structures” Akintunde added.

    He therefore warned the displaced traders not to go back to the recovered spaces as Environmental Marshals have being detailed to apprehend anyone caught.

    In her remarks the Chair of Ifo Local Government, Mrs Kikelomo Delano thanked the state government for heeding the call of the community.

  • Ogun okays N5 billion intervention fund

    Ogun okays N5 billion intervention fund

    Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday announced a N5 billion intervention fund to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living and inflation in the Gateway State.

    Addressing reporters at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, he said the fund would cover education, health, workers’ deduction and food palliative.

    Abiodun said: “As our administration acknowledges the concerns raised by many of our citizens regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira, we identify with you and are taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of these challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of our citizens in this difficult time.

    “In this direction and through targeted interventions, we aim to address these challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens on all our citizens.

    “The state has taken the following steps: Education sector: providing a minimum of five exercise books for all 850,000 pupils in our public primary and secondary schools.

    “We are providing a one-time N10,000 education support grant for at least 100,000 pupils in the state’s public primary and secondary schools.

    “We are providing all 27,600 indigent students in tertiary institutions nationwide with an education grant of N50,000 each.”

    The governor said his administration would provide insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries, including expectant mothers, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector.

    He said expectant women, under the Ibidero Scheme, would enjoy free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in the state hospitals and primary healthcare centres.

    Abiodun said provision would be made for food palliatives to include rice and other food items for about 300,000 households across the state.

    Read Also: Ogun begins N5bn palliatives for households, students, others

    He added: “The state government will commence to offset the backlog of inherited deductions.

    “To this end, we are immediately committing N500 million monthly payment towards outstanding deductions.

    “It is noteworthy that we have continued to pay N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the last eight months.

    “This brings our total immediate interventions as a responsible state government to about N5 billion across all sectors of the State economy.”

    He thanked the people for their perseverance, patience and understanding.

    The governor said: “Let me assure you that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass.

    “Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow.”

  • Ogun begins N5bn palliatives for households, students, others

    Ogun begins N5bn palliatives for households, students, others

    Ogun State Government said it will embark on immediate N5bn worth of intervention to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on residents. 

    Governor Dapo Abiodun, who announced this on Wednesday evening during the emergency briefing of newsmen inside Chief Olusegun Osoba Press Centre at Oke Mosan Governor’s Office Abeokuta, said the intervention covers grants to indigent students, food palliative to vulnerable households, insurance cover for pregnant women and gradual offsetting outstanding deductions.

    Breaking it down, Abiodun announced N50,000 grants will be given to each of the 27,600 students of Ogun indigene spread across the tertiary institutions in the country while N10,000 will be paid to each of the 100,000 pupils/students in public primary and secondary schools in addition to donation of five pieces of exercise books to the 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools.

    The Governor said garri, rice and other food items will be distributed to 300,000 households in the State while N500million will be committed monthly towards offsetting the outstanding and unremitted workers deduction.

    Abiodun said: “Today, we come together in the face of the prevailing economic realities vis a viz: high inflation and currency devaluation in the country.As an Administration, we are not oblivious nor insensitive to these challenges being faced by our citizens.

    ” I therefore on behalf of this Government, want to appreciate the perseverance, patience and understanding of all the good people of Ogun State.Let me assure you that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass.

    “Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow. In a special way, we extend our appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his continuous efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economic landscape. His dedication to steering the ship through turbulent times has not gone unnoticed. Even the IMF and World Bank have commended these initiatives.It is this sincerity of purpose that is the main ingredient of the continued success of the “Renewed Hope” Agenda.

    ” The Federal Government is not only steadfast in its commitment towards creating a brighter future for all citizens, but is also trying hard to foster a society where prosperity and well-being of the entire citizens prevail.As a State, we identify with this beacon of “Renewed Hope” in these challenging times. Together, we shall overcome the adversities and build a stronger, more resilient nation.
    “As our administration acknowledges the concerns raised by many of our citizens regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira, we identify with you and are taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of these challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of our citizens in this difficult time.In this direction and through targeted interventions, we aim to address these challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens on all our citizens.

    “The State has taken the following steps:Education Sector:Providing a minimum of 5 exercise books for all 850,000 students in our public primary and secondary schools. Providing a one-time N10,000 education support grant for at least 100,000 pupils in our public primary and secondary schools in the state.Providing all 27,600 indigent students in tertiary institutions nationwide with an education grant of N50,000 each.

    “Health Sector:We will be providing insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries to include pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector.  More specifically, for pregnant women, under our Ibidero Scheme, we would be providing free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in our State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers across the State.

    Read Also: Nine die, 21 injured in Ogun, Plateau road crashes

    “Food Palliatives: Provision of food palliatives to include rice and other food items for about 300,000 households across the State. Civil Servants:The State Government will commence to offset the backlog of  inherited deductions. To this end, we are immediately committing N500M monthly payment  towards outstanding deductions. It is noteworthy that we have continued to pay N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the last 8 moths.This brings our total immediate interventions as a responsible State Government to about N5Bn across all sectors of the State economy.

    “Our primary responsibility as a government is to provide security of lives and properties to all residents in the State. I have met with the law enforcement agencies in our State and let me be clear, I will not allow anyone to test our will. Anyone who wants to test our will, will do so at their own peril. While the road ahead may be challenging, your patience, understanding and cooperation are crucial as we navigate these challenging times together.

    “Together, we will work towards building a society that leaves no one behind which is also the essence of the successful implementation of our “Building our Future Together” Agenda & the “Renewed Hope.”

  • Ogun ready for reconstruction of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta expressway – Commissioner

    Ogun ready for reconstruction of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta expressway – Commissioner

    The Ogun State Government said it has concluded arrangements to mobilise contractors to the site for the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway.

    The government said it has selected a reputable contractor for the reconstruction of the road, out of the three that bidded for the job, while waiting for a formal Extract, communicating the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The reconstruction of the 70km road will cover the stretch from Abeokuta to Abule Egba in Lagos State. 

    Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the government was meticulous in picking the contractor that will work on the project. 

    He said that the engineering work with survey, design, and Bill of Quantity (BOQ) has been concluded.

    Akinsanya added that 80 percent of the equipment required by the contractor to move to the site is ready for deployment.

    He noted that the contractor is ready to hit the ground running with the reconstruction works once the coast is clear. 

    The commissioner said bridges along the expressway would be reconstructed with new materials to prolong their lifespan. 

    “The old bridges don’t have approach slabs. So, we are not going to use asphalt but instead, polyester concretes will be used to elongate the lifespan of the bridges,” Akinsanya said.

    To ensure speedy and timely reconstruction of the road, the commissioner said that between three and five gangs would be deployed to work simultaneously along the different segments of the road.

    Read Also: Ogun Assembly Speaker stops motion suspending Oluomo

    He, however, said consideration would be given to the plight of motorists and residents along the route.

    He said: “We have priority areas such as Sango-Ota, Ifo,  Ewekoro/Itori. We are going to do palliative works on all sides of the bad portion of the road. Essentially, the move is to ensure that we minimise the impacts of the proposed reconstruction on the lives of the people. 

    “We are going to have multiple gangs on working shifts to get things done quickly. By and large, there will be a lot of supervision from outside in order not to compromise standards.”

  • Ogun, Lafarge seek collaboration

    Ogun, Lafarge seek collaboration

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has emphasized the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

    The governor expressed appreciation for the contributions made by Lafarge Africa Plc to the socio-economic development of state. He acknowledged the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy during a courtesy visit by the management team of Lafarge Africa Plc to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    With over 64 years of presence in Ogun State, Lafarge Africa Plc has played a pivotal role in the state’s economic development, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable growth and community empowerment. The company’s extensive operations and investments have significantly contributed to job creation and overall economic prosperity.

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    Abiodun also commended Lafarge for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development. Lafarge’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure, underscore its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents.

    The governor noted that the collaboration between Lafarge and the state enhanced the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lafarge demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of Ogun State residents through the provision of equipped clinics for COVID-19 patients, medical supplies etc.

    Responding, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lafarge, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, highlighted the company’s proud 64-year history of contributing to the economic growth of the Ewekoro axis. The CEO said: “Lafarge is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building materials giants. A commitment to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which we operate is fundamental, non-negotiable principle in our business.”

    According to Mr. Alade-Akinyemi, the company’s commitment to sustainable development is nested in four pillars- circular economy, climate and energy, and people. Lafarge’s CSR interventions and commitments are carried out under the fourth pillar, “people”.

    Governor Abiodun assured the company of continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders, noting that his government was committed to attracting other multinational companies to the state. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Lafarge’s commitment to contributing to the region’s ongoing development.

  • Ogun CJ to  court President:  resist abuse of judicial powers

    Ogun CJ to  court President:  resist abuse of judicial powers

    The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has sworn-in  new Customary Court President, Legal, Mr. Idowu Folami Sodimu and 32 members, to enhance prompt dispensation of justice in the state.

    Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Ceremonial Court Hall, Judiciary Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, Justice Dipeolu implored them to resist the temptation of abusing judicial powers in the course of dispensation of justice.

    She said the appointment was based on trust and confidence reposed in them.

    The Chief judge also urged them not to be carried away with the enormous powers which various laws have conferred on them and in the discharge of their duties.

    She stated that the appointees had special roles to play towards ensuring that justice was delivered at all times to further improve the standard of the Judiciary, pointing out that government would not tolerate misconduct or indiscipline of any form.

    “As members of Customary Court that have been administered under oath, you have to be good ambassadors of each jurisdiction you represent because you are closer to the grassroots. Do not collect bribes and fair God in all your dealings’’, she said.

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    In her remarks, the Acting President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun, said the appointees had been screened and appointed, in line with laid down procedure which was in accordance with the provisions of section 197(1)(c), 202 and 204 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), the Customary Courts Law of Ogun State 2006 (as amended), as well as Ogun State Judicial Service Commission Guidelines.

    Justice Femi-Segun, who charged them to bring their experiences to bear in the discharge of duties, stressing, “ethics, decorum and comportment should be observed in your new office. You must be faithful to your oath of office and be impartial in the delivery of justice in their jurisdictions.

    “Indeed, you are expected to observe the ethics, decorum and comportment of your new office. It is also expected that you will be faithful to your Oath of Office and dispense justice without fear or favour, as you adjudicate cases assigned to you, please same will not be tolerated in any form or guise.

    Responding, on behalf  of the appointees, Mrs. Aderonke Jacobs appreciated the state government for allowing them to serve the state, promising that they would all discharge their duties in accordance with the rule of law and dispense justice without fear or favour. 

  • 3MTT: Empowering Ogun tech talents with Grazac Academy

    3MTT: Empowering Ogun tech talents with Grazac Academy

    Grazac Academy, the leading tech academy in Ogun State after being approved as the training provider for 3MTT program organised by the  Federal Ministry of Digital Economy hosted some of the fellows assigned to the company on Friday, 19th of January 2024. It was an exceptional day as over 110 3MTT fellows were officially inducted into their 3 months of training via a thorough orientation program. 

    The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a critical part of the Renewed Hope agenda, is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone to power our digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter. 

    Situated in the heart of the state capital, Grazac stands as the premier technology innovation hub in the state, dedicated to promoting tech entrepreneurship, empowering the youth, and fostering social innovation. From its inception, Grazac has been at the forefront of offering up-skilling opportunities for individuals, both within and outside the state through its academy.

    The orientation program in Ogun state was held officially at Grazac Innovation Hub to welcome and onboard the 3MTT Fellows into their tech training and to also give them a heads up on the opportunities available in tech and what lies ahead. 

    In a bid to make the orientation program more valuable and insightful for the 3MTT Fellows, Grazac Academy invited Idris Olubisi, a Developer Advocate at Axelar to address and inspire them to build a career in tech. Idris spoke about his journey into tech and in an aim to encourage and motivate the 3MTT Fellows, Idris has garnered millions of views with a proven track record of contributing to reputable publications such as Freecodecamp, Section Engineering, Logrocket, Media Jams (Cloudinary), AppSmith, ImageKit, Aviyel, Hashnode Web3, Alchemy, Infura, and Moralis.

    During the orientation, the CEO of Grazac, Victor Adeleye congratulated them and reiterated what a privilege it must be for the 3MTT Fellows to have the government fund the 3MTT program for them considering that at the time he ventured into tech, he didn’t have such luxury to himself.

    He went on to share his journey with them, stating, “I strongly believe that the Federal Government has done its part. I want to plead with you that your personal strong will to complete this journey is crucial. Anyone can start something, but it takes conscious effort to reach the final stage,” Victor emphasised.

    Furthermore, the Growth and Marketing Lead at Grazac, SeunBayo also addressed the 3MTT Fellows to inform them about the scope of their training and the part Grazac Academy plays in helping them achieve their learning goals in tech over the next 3 months.

    The session was then preceded by questions and answers from the 3MTT Fellows and SeunBayo took time to address their questions and concerns. 

    The final icing on the cake was the exchange of pleasantries, networking, and clicking a few photos, and it was a wrap.

  • Ogun family warns against land speculators

    Ogun family warns against land speculators

    The family of late Pa David Soremekun Fletcher has urged the public to beware of impersonators and land speculators claiming to be its representatives in Ofada land, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The new family head, Dr. Ayodele Bajomo, a retired navy captain, and the Secretary, Mr Adedeji Shonuga, in a statement, said the family’s agent, Datatrick Consults Co and lawyer, Chief Adekunle Funmilayo, are the only representatives to be dealt with.

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    They warned the general public against dealing with any other person or persons over the land.

    According to them, the title of the family land had been judicially confirmed in the suits numbered CA/IB/22/2013 and AB/238/2008, AB/101/2008 and others which declared their progenitor as the first settler and founder of Ofada land.

    There are pending cases over the land, including suits numbered AB/304/2023, AB/ 662/2023, AB/ 559/2023 and AB/593/2023 at the Abeokuta High Court against alleged trespassers and those allegedly dealing illegally with the property.

  • Ogun introduces solar-powered street lights

    Ogun introduces solar-powered street lights

    • Moves against vandals

    Ogun State Government has begun solar-powered street lights-up project across the state, as part of measures to ensure the safety and security of the citizens.

    The government’s move is coming on the heels of recent arrests of vandals stealing street light cables and other accessories along the Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta Expressway by security agents, with one of the criminals nabbed for stealing a transformer.

    Read Also: Supreme Court dashes PDP’s hopes in Ogun, Kaduna, Nasarawa

    Disclosing this in a chat with reporters in Abeokuta yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy Matters, Mr. Oluwafemi Omisanjo, said persistent vandalism of government assets, especially street lights on the highways across the state, forced the current administration to seek alternative to the generator-powered streets lights.

    Consequently, the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration, he said, decided to introduce a more secure and sustainable solution, adding that a pilot scheme of the solar-powered streetlight had begun in some parts of Abeokuta.

    Omisanjo said the government would replace the street lights on Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta Expressway with a solar-powered system.

    The government, he added, is also embarking on a full-scale analysis of the planned deployment of the newly introduced solar-powered street lights to replace the current ones across the state.

    “Very soon, the good people of Ogun State will begin to see and feel the impact of this solution. We assure them of their security and safely in all parts of the state,” he said.

  • Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A Catalyst for Transforming Education in Ogun State

    Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A Catalyst for Transforming Education in Ogun State

    Ogun State, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strong commitment to progress, is poised to revolutionize its education system through the adoption of public-private partnerships (PPPs). Recognizing the need to bridge gaps in access, infrastructure, and quality, education authorities are exploring this collaborative approach to unlock the full potential of the state’s educational landscape.

    With the rapid population growth and increasing demand for quality education, the government of Ogun State is faced with the challenge of meeting the evolving needs of its students. The integration of public-private partnerships presents a promising solution that combines the strengths of both sectors, leading to an array of benefits that can propel education in the state to new heights.

    One of the primary advantages of PPPs is the potential to expand access to quality education. By partnering with private entities, Ogun State can tap into their expertise, resources, and innovative approaches to reach underserved areas and provide educational opportunities to a larger number of students. This collaborative effort can significantly reduce educational disparities and ensure that every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their location or socio-economic background.

    Moreover, the infusion of private investment in the education sector can lead to substantial improvements in infrastructure and facilities. Private partners often bring additional funding and management expertise, which can result in modernized classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and upgraded technology infrastructure. These enhancements create a conducive learning environment, inspiring students to thrive and explore their potential.

    Innovation is another key aspect that PPPs can introduce to Ogun State’s education system. Private partners often possess access to cutting-edge teaching methodologies, digital tools, and personalized learning techniques. By collaborating with these entities, schools can leverage their expertise to revolutionize pedagogical approaches, making learning more engaging, interactive, and tailored to individual student needs. This innovation-driven education model can foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students, preparing them for the challenges of the future.

    Additionally, PPPs can facilitate professional development opportunities for teachers. Private partners can offer training programs, workshops, and mentoring sessions, empowering educators with new teaching techniques and strategies. This investment in teacher capacity building enhances instructional practices and elevates the overall quality of education delivery, benefiting students across the state.

    Efficient resource management is another advantage of PPPs. Private Partners often brings in their expertise in financial management, procurement, and administration, ensuring that resources are utilized optimally and transparently. This leads to effective resource allocation, reducing wastage and maximizing the impact of available funds. As a result, the education sector can achieve more with limited resources, driving efficiency and sustainability.

    Read Also: Ogun NNPP has no factions – Chairman

    Moreover, the alignment of curriculum with industry requirements is vital for preparing students for future employment opportunities. Through PPPs, Ogun State can establish stronger ties between educational institutions and private entities, enabling the integration of real-world skills and knowledge into the curriculum. By nurturing a workforce that meets the needs of the job market, PPPs contribute to economic development and create a pathway for students to succeed in their chosen careers.

    Accountability and performance monitoring are intrinsic to successful PPPs. Performance-based contracts and rigorous monitoring mechanisms ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable for their commitments. This fosters transparency and encourages continuous improvement, enabling the education system to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances.

    As Ogun State embarks on its journey to transform education, it is imperative to emphasize that PPPs must be implemented with careful planning, robust regulation, and stakeholder engagement. Transparent processes, equitable access, affordability, and quality should remain at the core of this collaborative approach.

    The adoption of public-private partnerships in Ogun State’s school education system is a visionary step towards creating a future-ready generation. By harnessing the combined expertise, resources, and innovation of the public and private sectors, the state can unlock a world of opportunities for its students, building a solid foundation for their personal growth and the socio-economic development of the entire region.

    Dele Disu, is a UK-based Lecturer/Freelance Project Management Consultant and writes via: deledisuesq@yahoo.com