The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ogun

  • Fuel scarcity: Ex-CBN director urges FG to repair refineries

    Fuel scarcity: Ex-CBN director urges FG to repair refineries

    Dr Titus Okunronmu, a former Director, Budgetary Department, Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ), on Monday, advised the Federal Government to repair all the four refineries in the country.

    Okunronmu said in Ota, Ogun, that the revamping of the nation’s refineries would increase domestic supply and end current scarcity of petroleum products.

    According to him, the government would also earn foreign exchange from the importation of  refined products if the refineries are working at optimal level.

    “By earning foreign exchange from importation of its refined products, the Federal Government would be able to diversify the economy effectively and create jobs for unemployed youths,’’ he said.

    He also urged the government to halt export of crude oil so as to reduce borrowing and pressure on the nation’s currency.

    NAN

  • Ogun hosts Tech Summit

    More than 1000 individuals, organisations and future disruptors are expected to gather in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for The TechSummitOgun 2018.

    With the theme “Disruptive Innovation; Where Are We?” the summit will hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Thursday, January 18, 2018.

    Hosted by Vervetree Global, an emerging incubator, the summit will convey leading stakeholders within the digital innovation ecosystem to explore solutions to drive digital innovation and growth from the early-stage nascent phase of technology innovation.

    Speakers at the summit would range from diverse background and industries including, but not limited to – telecommunication companies, start-up technology companies, members of the academic community, policy makers, entrepreneurs, young people and several others with experiences required to drive productive conversations and actions for the future of tech-enabled innovation.

    They will speak across technical sessions and sub-topics, including innovation and Start-ups, Education, Innovation and Financing and Innovation and Digital Media.

    The summit will be characterized by keynote addresses, plenary sessions and breakout sessions.

    Some of the topics to be treated at plenary include: Promoting Ogun as a Technological and innovation hub in Nigeria; Start-up, education and the digital age: leveraging social and traditional media for growth; Pitching the media, what works?; Turning student into founders: How to run an effective start-up; Investing and seed funding: challenges facing the financing of start-ups in Nigeria; Growing a sustainable technology start-up; Innovating start-ups: targeting the core of the market; and addressing the shortage of tech talent and innovativeness within higher institutions in Ogun.

    Outcomes and key metrics proposed for evaluating the success of the summit include ensuring the largest multi-stakeholder platform to discuss technology innovation in Ogun State, show commitments for partnerships and likely investment in digital opportunities, commitment to infrastructural development and policy by the relevant stakeholders, and launch of the ‘Tech Challenge Ogun’ and other collaboration towards the future of digital transformation and innovation in Ogun State.

  • Man docked over alleged theft of Aluminum

    Man docked over alleged theft of Aluminum

    A 28-year-old man,  Olayiwola Sunday, who allegedly broke into a house and stole an aluminum frame and other valuable items valued at N500,000, was on Friday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.

    Sunday, who has no fixed address, is facing two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December 7 at about 5.00 a.m at Pen Estate, Lafenwa, Ota.

    Gbesi said that the accused broke into the house of one John Adebayo to steal an aluminum frame and other valuable items valued at N500, 000.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

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

    The Senior Magistrate, Mr S. O. Banjo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

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

    He also ordered that the sureties should show evidence of tax payment to the Ogun Government and submit four recent passport photographs to the court.

    The case was adjourned until January 31, for hearing.

    NAN

  • Ogun invests N4b in rice

    Ogun invests N4b in rice

    The Ogun State Government has invested N4billion to boost rice production.

    Agriculture Commissioner, Mrs Adepeju Adebajo, made this known in a statement.

    She said the government was ready to  develop areas of high-quality rice products, using high technology.

    She said the government is focusing on researching high-quality rice varieties and rice production technical package to reduce production cost, improve rice quality, protecting the environment and ensure sustainable agricultural reforms.

    “This administration is encouraging the restoration of culture and heritage of our people, this include the production of indigenous variety ofada. Hence the government is leaving no stone unturned to promote and improve the production of ofada which has become the State’s brand.

    Moreover, other varieties, such as Nerica 8 and Faro, which are short and long grain are also being promoted. This is to ensure that economic growth plan of the Federal Government of “eating what we grow” is realised in the state.”

    The state, according to her, working with various development partners, such as World Bank through Fadama and International Fund for Agricultural Development Programne (IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP),  boosted rice production.

    “This is apart from the public sector supported intervention which resulted in increasedhectarageunder cultivation. Prior to now, there was not much rice processing mills in the state.

    “Farmers had to travel long distances to access the few that deploy old equipment which hinders quality. The establishment of the processing mills in at least one in each senatorial district will ensure the easy access by farmers, ensure quality assurance and traceability of products, she added.

  • Ex-ANAN Chief advises FG on early passage of 2018 budget

    Ex-ANAN Chief advises FG on early passage of 2018 budget

    Dr Samuel Nzekwe,  a former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria ( ANAN ) has advised the Federal Government to push for early passage of the 2018 budget.

    Nzekwe said in Ota, Ogun, on Wednesday that the early passage of the budget would facilitate rapid infrastructure  development.

    He urged the National Assembly to pass the budget on time to allow the government undertake massive infrastructure development in power, roads and rail sector in 2018.

    “There is the need for the Federal Government to work according to the budget so that it could achieve most of its goals in 2018. ” he added.

    Read also: 2018 budget: Expert advises Govt, NASS on early passage

    Nzekwe noted that the late passage of the 2017 budget led to the non payment of local contractors and imposing hardship on the people.

    The former ANAN president said that infrastructure deficit was the major problem facing the nation.

    “Stable power supply and other amenities are the backbone of any nation because no economy can thrive and move forward positively without infrastructure development. ” he said.

    Nzekwe also said that power supply was imperative for the nation’s industries to thrive and provide employment opportunities for youths in order to eradicate poverty in the country.

    The former ANAN boss, however, implored the government to formulate people’s-oriented policies that would benefit all Nigerians in 2018.

    NAN

  • Ogun 2019: What APC wants from governorship aspirants, by chairman

    Ogun 2019: What APC wants from governorship aspirants, by chairman

    The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has listed virtues those aspiring to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2019 must possess.

    Over a dozen of aspirants, including House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi, Prince Adeleke Tella, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Jimi Lawal and Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, want the top job.

    The party chairman identified youthfulness, drive, clear-cut vision and mission, competence to raise the bar of governance in Ogun State, to outperform the incumbent.

    APC State Chairman Tajudeen Lemboye spoke with The Nation after hosting a governorship aspirant, Adeleke Tella, and his supporters during his formal expression of interest in Abeokuta.

    Lemboye said he looked forward to raising the hand of a governor under his chairmanship of APC.

    He expressed confideqnce that the party’s governorship candidate would succeed Amosun, adding that there is no strong opposition to constitute a minimal threat to the party in the state.

    The APC chairman described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State as one that is in “total disarray” which may never be able to put its house in order again.

    Lemboye said: “It is one thing to have an ambition, it is another thing to have a vision and a mission for one’s ambition.

    “We need a young man, who is still very vibrant, whose energy is still there, who can run up and down. These are qualities of people we want to steer the affairs of government in Ogun State.

    “But what we are really after is that we are looking for somebody who will raise the bar and standard of what Governor Ibikunle Amosun has done; someone who will even do more and perform better than him.

    “That is the type of person we are looking for. We will continue to pray, as a party, because I want to raise the hand of a governor during my own time and I will continue to pray to God Almighty to give us the best person for governor in 2019.”

  • 2018: Amosun assures of accelerated development in Ogun

    2018: Amosun assures of accelerated development in Ogun

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has assured the residents of accelerated development this year.

    In his New Year broadcast, the governor noted that the “Mission to Rebuild” Ogun State of his administration had continued to gather momentum and yielding good results across the state.

    According to him, his government will leave no stone unturned in developing the state and improving the lives of the people.

    Amosun said: “Our eyes are firmly set at finishing high, finishing strong and finishing well.”

    His administration, the governor said, would not relent at making positive, inclusive and lasting impact on the lives of our people.

    He added: “To achieve this, the consolidation of the Rebuilding Mission of our dear state will be vigorously pursued this year to ensure the completion of all ongoing projects.

    “No doubt, these projects and the developmental strides have made our state to rise to the top tier among the comity of states and made us the pride of our citizens at home and in the Diaspora.

    “Even, our most ardent critics have come to the conclusion that Ogun State has carved a niche of excellence for itself in the delivery of good governance to our people with the stamp of ‘Ogun Standard’ proudly imprinted on all that we do.”

    The governor thanked the people for their support, which he said contributed to the numerous achievements his administration recorded in the past six and a half years.

    He described them as invaluable partners in progress, saying their partnership manifested in the successes the administration recorded in the state’s economic development.

    Amosun said: “As we celebrate this New Year, let us use the opportunity of this festive period to reflect on the journey before us. We must map out improved and more workable strategies for better achievements. Without doubt, our tomorrow will be better than our today.”

  • Fatality rate in Ogun drops by 38.5% in 2017- FRSC

    Fatality rate in Ogun drops by 38.5% in 2017- FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) on Friday said that the fatality rate from road crashes in Ogun declined from 270 in 2016 to 166 in 2017.

    Mr Clement Oladele, the Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, made this known at the 12th Annual Road Safety Walk in Lagos.

    The Safety Walk entitled “Safer Mental Health and Safety Roads’’, was organised by Ogun FRSC in collaboration with Temidayo Ogan Child Safety and Support ( TOCSS ) Foundation.

    The Safety Walk covered Alagbo-Ile, Akute, Ojodu Abiodun and Yakoyo.

    Oladele said that the theme was in line with the FRSC’s slogan and United Nations’ slogan for Road Safety 2011 to 2020.

    The sector commander said that the fatality rate declined from 307 in 2015 to 166 in 2017 due to safety awareness and cooperation from the stakeholders.

    Oladele said that there was the need to do more by educating the public on safety issues to be cautious.

    He, however, implored motorists with unstable mind to desist from driving in order not to endanger the lives of other road users.

    “We encourage people to have a stable mind.

    “If you know that you have family problems or you just lost your job, you are advised not to drive because you are as dangerous as the man who is drunk,” he said.

    Read also: FRSC sensitises on safe driving

    Oladele also advised passengers to report drivers found with intoxicant materials like drugs and alcohol to the appropriate channels for necessary sanctions.

    “We have observed that some drivers would not take intoxicant materials from the garage but asked someone to give them on their way to their destinations,” he said.

    The sector commander urged other corporate organisations to partner with the FRSC with their resources, to further bring down the fatality rate from crashes.

    Oladele commended the Foundation for its consistent partnership with the FRSC over the years in promoting safety and creating awareness for the people.

    Mrs Temidayo Ogan, the Executive Director of TOCSS, said that incessant increase in road crashes had been attributed to poor mental health and other related factors.

    Ogan said that general mental health status like anxieties, personality disorders and moodiness, among others, had great adverse effects on road safety.

    “I urge motorists to be sound minded and be in good health before driving.

    She advised motorists to desist from taking intoxicants and avoid what would prevent them from sleeping in order to have sound mind while driving.

    “Every road user requires 100 per cent mental health and concentration level to avoid road incidents and crashes while using the highways. ‘’ Ogan said.

    She, however, appealed to the Federal Government to assist persons living with common or uncommon mental health conditions so as to ensure sanity and safety on the roads.

    NAN

  • FRSC advises motorists to register their vehicles

    FRSC advises motorists to register their vehicles

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) has advised motorists to ensure proper registration of their vehicles to enhance identification in case of emergency.

    Mr Clement Oladele, the Ogun Sector Commander of the corps, gave the advice in Abeokuta on Friday during the handing over of a missing vehicle number plate to the owner.

    Oladele said that the owner of the number plate was tracked through the FRSC’s National Vehicle Identification Scheme Data Base.

    “A driver who had picked a fallen vehicle rear bumper with a number plate attached, contacted the FRSC Command in Ogun State on possibility of locating and returning same to the rightful owner.

    Read also: FRSC set up office in Lambata, Niger

    “After a search on the national vehicle identification scheme, the owner of the vehicle was contacted on phone and he confirmed the loss from his vehicle.

    “After due diligence and all security checks, the recovered number plate was handed over to the rightful owner.

    “It is important to highlight that it is in the interest of motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered, ‘’ he said.

    Oladele advised motorists to drive cautiously, obey traffic regulations and follow instructions by the FRSC patrol teams and other traffic agencies.

    NAN

  • DPR dispenses petrol for free in Ogun

    DPR dispenses petrol for free in Ogun

    The Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR)  Abeokuta Field Office, yesterday dispensed petrol for free to motorists in Abeokuta.

    The filling station Daslap Petrol Station, Olomore, was caught selling above the official pump price.

    The team, led by its Head of Operations, Mr Kasali Akinade, said the action was necessary to make others comply with the law.

    “We got a tip-off that this station, Daslap, had fuel but they were selling above the pump price at N200 per litre.

    “On getting here, we also had evidence to support the claim.

    “When we checked their fuel stock level, we discovered they had 33,000 litres. In order to serve as a deterrent to others, we decided to ask them to give their fuel for free.

    We said they should give fuel to 20 motorists and 30 bikes for free,” he said.

    He noted that most of the marketers sold at night and “ungodly hours, when they know that officials cannot visit their station”.

    Akinade, however,accused some security agents of sharp practices, thereby making the DPR’s work more difficult.

    “Most of the law enforcement agents are not really helping matters. Some of them collect Jerry cans, some of them bring in vehicles from the exit points while we are trying to arrange and create sanity within the filling stations,” he said.

    Akinade described the fuel situation in the city as ‘artificial’, noting that most of the stations had petrol, but were either hoarding or selling above pump price.