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Tag: Ogun

  • Ogun earmarks N73.5 billion for rural infrastructural devt

    Ogun earmarks N73.5 billion for rural infrastructural devt

    Ogun State government has said 21.3 per cent or N73.5 billion of its N345.42 billion 2018 budget is for rural and infrastructural development/employment generation, and to facilitate new infrastructural projects and fast-track the completion of ongoing ones.

    The Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, disclosed this while presenting the 2018 Appropriation Bill entitled: ‘’Budget of Accelerated Development’’on the floor of the state House of Assembly recently.

    Amosun, who restated his administration’s readiness to construct more urban, semi-urban and rural roads to ensure, listed some would-be beneficiaries of the allocation to include the 26-kilometre Sagamu-Ogijo Road; 28-Km Ikangba-Ilese-Itele Road and 26-km Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye Road.

    Others are the 36-km Abeokuta – Sagamu interchange road; 24-km Atan-Agbara rRoad; 42-km Sango-Ojodu Road; 5.5-km Enugada-Adatan Road; 3.5-km Itoku-Ajitadun-Iberekodo Road and 10-km Adatan-Alabata-Camp Junction.

    Amosun, who was quoted in a statement by the head of media, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, also noted that 171 rural roads and 25 semi-urban roads have been earmarked for construction while three bridges at Ilaro, Oju Ore in Ota and Lusada Junction, in Ado/Odo Ota Local Government Area, would be constructed.

    “The provision of adequate infrastructure will always be a critical part of this government’s drive for development of its people. As the Gateway state we will use all the resources at our disposal to ensure that our business, people and residents alike enjoy continuous improved mobility in and around our state,’’ he said.

    Amosun assured that government will not relent in its efforts at ensuring the development of the Olokola Deep Sea Port and the Olokola Free Trade Zone, urging well meaning investors to partner government in its bid to developing the state’s free trade zone in Tongeji Island, in Ogun West Senatorial district.

    The governor disclosed that with the commencement of work by the Federal Government on the Lagos -Ibadan rail line, the state is set to benefit as the project would create several stations in the state as well as a rolling stock yard in Kajola in Ifo  Local Government Areas.

    “In addition the Federal Government has located a new dry port in Papalanto, in Ifo local government area, aside from the main station in Abeokuta. This development will enhance our position as the Gateway state as it will enhance the trade opportunities, reduce cost of doing business and make Ogun State even more attractive destination for residents and businesses,” Amosun remarked.

  • Truck crushes pregnant woman, six others to death in Ogun

    Truck crushes pregnant woman, six others to death in Ogun

    Seven persons, including a pregnant woman, were crushed to death in an accident involving a white Volvo truck and a red Nissan blue bird at mechanic village along OGTV/Ajebo road in Abeokuta.

    Mr Clement Oladele, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in Ogun, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, said the incident happened on Tuesday night.

    Oladele said that the truck with registration number: KJA 731 XP had break failure and lost control which led to a head-on collision with the blue bird car with registration number: ED 638 EKY, coming from opposite direction.

    “The truck was coming from OGTV road going into Abeokuta, while the car was going to Mile 6. The truck had break failure, lost control and crossed to the opposite lane and hit the incoming vehicle.

    ” The accident involved nine people – seven males, one female and one child, but five males, one female and one child died in the accident.

    “The only dead female victim was pregnant, ” he said.

    The sector commander said the corpses of the victims were taken to Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, mortuary, and the injured ones were admitted to the same hospital.

    He, however, said that the driver of the truck who caused the accident had fled.

  • Why Covenant University won’t accept sale of handout – Don

    Why Covenant University won’t accept sale of handout – Don

    The Chairman, Covenant University (CU) Publication Committee, Prof. Solomon Oranusi, says the university has zero tolerance for the sales of handouts by lecturers to students in order to fight intellectual theft and plagiarism.

    Oranusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the privately-owned university was striving to rank among the 10 best universities in the world.

    Covenant University, Ota in Ogun established in October 2012, is a faith-based institution owned by the Living Faith Church Worldwide and it is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

    The institution ranked sixth in the July 2017 ranking by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Oranusi said the feat achieved by the university, despite its young age, was as a result of due diligence to academic research and excellent teaching methodology.

    “It is zero tolerance, that is, there is nothing like lecturers selling handouts to their students in Covenant University; you don’t try it; and as for textbooks, we don’t produce just any kind .

    “We run textbook publication of international standard.

    “We are not producing any textbook for our students to use; we produce for other authors, who want to publish materials, in the university.

    “All the textbooks we use in CU must meet the standard set out by the international standard committee on publications.

    “The university is now reckoned with because we maintain the policy of due diligence to academic research and second to none teaching methodology,’’ he said.

    Oranusi, who is a Professor of Microbiology, said the policy of no sale of handout had earned the university the reputation in the publishing sector.

    He added that it was a form of hard-earned quality control.

    “Books must pass through academic reviews; through this committee, before we send them to reviewers outside the university.

    “The reviewers give their result before any decision can be taken on a book, which is finally sent to the International Standard Desk for ratification before publication.

    “Research works are held in the highest esteem by the university and we also have a zero tolerance for plagiarism.

    “So, for you to publish anything or use some other people’s work, it must be certified.’’

    Oranusi implored private universities to contribute their quota to the fight against intellectual theft by stopping all forms of plagiarism.

    “Private universities should fight to protect intellectual properties.

    “Intellectual property is in different foray, now looking at how some are using other persons’ materials without properly referencing them.

    “For us, every seminal we hold and every project from our undergraduates, masters and doctoral degrees as well as paper presentations go through online checks before they are approved,’’ he said.

  • I’m  ready for a debate with you any day,’ Akinlade replies Adeola

    I’m  ready for a debate with you any day,’ Akinlade replies Adeola

    In response to the call by  Senator Olamilekan Adeola on governorship aspirants in the Ogun West Senatorial district for a public debate over 2019, one of the contenders, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade,  has accepted the challenge.
    Senator Adeola  and Hon. Akinlade are both members of the current 8th National Assembly, the former being in the Senate while the later is in the  House of Representatives.

    Adeola had at the weekend, invited other aspirants both on the platform of All Progressives Congress(APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to a debate following their disagreement with his endorsement by the Ogun West Consultative Forum(OWECOF).

    But on Sunday,  Akinlade through his media aide, Olalekan Soyemi, said he is ready for a debate with Adeola popularly called Yayi and dared him to “choose his preferred place and venue of the discussion.”
    Akinlade who is representing Yewa South and Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State,  also said he would face Adeola  in a debate but added that the Senator should first provide evidence of similar media debates he participated in as an aspirant in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 in Lagos which he presently represents.
    ” I’m confident that any of the other aspirants who had been part of the successfully executed transformational policy of the Sen. Amosun’s administration will make a total mess of Yayi at any debate.

    “We are not given to issuing empty boasts in Ogun State which is why we refuse to allow our state turn into another Osun state by those whose sole interest is pecuniary.

    “It insults our collective intelligence for Yayi to claim that he did not influence members of Ogun West Consultative Forum because even a child in Yewa knows that another name for Ogun West Consultative Forum  is YEWA CITY CLUB of which Yayi is a member and financier,” Akinlade said in a statement by media aide, Olalekan Soyemi.”

    The House of Representatives member accused the Senator  funding  multiple trips of  some members of OWECOF to the US, UK and Canada where members have been lodged in expensive hotels and  driven in luxurious cars.
    He pointed out that while he was prepared to take  Yayi on, it is advisable for the Senator to first forward to the public domain evidence of being an Ogun state voter and registered member of the party in the state.
    “Available public record indicate that Senator Yayi voted in Alimoso during the last July local government election in Lagos state,” Akinlade said.

  • Re: Ogun’s extortionate task force

    SIR: Our attention has been drawn to a letter written by one Tobore Gabriel, from Warri, Delta State published by The Nation on Tuesday November 21.

    The writer complained about an alleged daylight robbery by elements of Ogun State Road Task Force, according to him, operating around Ijebu- Ode area, on the Benin/Ore Federal Highway.

    The writer explained that his vehicle loaded with products returning from Lagos, broke down near Ijebu- Ode on Friday, November 17. Unfortunately, he failed to disclose how long the broken down truck was abandoned on the road before the task force officials came to tow it to their office.

    His description of extortion bothered on the alleged payment of N15,000 for a test on alcohol, N180,000 for road obstruction and his friend’s report of an alleged payment of N200,000 a fortnight ago.

    The complainant demanded to know from Ogun State government when it became a crime for a vehicle to break down on the road and, in such case, whether the owner of the vehicle should be prepared to pay N500,000.00, whenever a vehicle breaks down on the road.  This is what he calls “daylight robbers masquerading as road task force”.

    On behalf of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), the only agency authorized by the Ogun State government to take charge of the administration and control of road traffic matters in the state for the welfare and safety of all and sundry, I write to say that the state government is unaware of the so called “Ogun’s Extortionate Task Force” or “daylight robbers masquerading as road task force”.

    The three TRACE Divisions of Ijebu-Ode, Ikene and Ogbere which covers and patrol the area mentioned in the article, denied knowledge of towing any truck as at the time of the case in question. They demand that the writer produce the vehicle number of the truck, receipts issued and the particular date he paid the money, to assist in further investigation.

    Besides, we find it difficult to believe the allegation because the various amounts stated by the writer do not match with TRACE’s fines for recalcitrant traffic offenders and violators. Take for instance, TRACE does fine N50,000 for road obstruction and N100,000 for towing of vehicle. TRACE does not collect money for test of alcohol in the area in question and any other area for that matter.

    It is pertinent to state that the name of our agency remains Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) and not Road Task Force. In this regard, the task force mentioned in the article has no link and connection with our agency. TRACE is the only authorized agency in Ogun State charged with the responsibility of enforcement of Section 46 of the Environmental Management (Miscellaneous) Provisions Law, No13 of 2004, which prohibits the abandonment of vehicle, container or other property on any road or open space in the state.

    The question on when it becomes a crime for a vehicle to break down on the road was borne out of mischief and ignorance of the cited law by the writer. The owner of any broken down vehicle on the road has the duty of ensuring his vehicle does not constitute an impediment and nuisance on public roads which may cost other people’s lives and property, if allowed to stay longer than necessary.

    TRACE has often rolled out telephone numbers to call at such a distress period when vehicles break-down, especially in the night, to avoid collision on the broken-down vehicle by on-coming vehicles due to bad eyesight of the drivers or foggy weather.

     

    • Akinbiyi Babatunde,

    TRACE Corps PRO, Abeokuta.

     

  • Ogun 2019: I challenge governorship aspirants to debate – Adeola

    Ogun 2019: I challenge governorship aspirants to debate – Adeola

    Senator Olamilekan Adeola has challenged Prince Gboyega Isiaka, former House of Representatives member, Abiodun Akinlade, and Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, to a public debate on how they intend to govern the state better if given the mandate in 2019.
    Adeola, a Senator representing Lagos West at the Senate said such debate could give Ogun people not only a window of opportunity to know those aspiring to lead them, but also put to rest, the unwarranted grumbling over his recent endorsement by Ogun West Consultative Forum(OWECOF).
    The quartet of Adeola, Suraj, Isiaka and Akinlade as well a two others – all from Ogun West Senatorial district and aspiring to govern Ogun State come 2019, were screened by the OWECOF between August and November this year.
    At the end of the exercise, the body endorsed Adeola as a consensus candidate whose candidature it said could help the zone actualise their 2019 governorship agenda, but the endorsement was disputed by other aspirants.
    But in an interaction with journalists on Friday, Adeola  said he did not influence the outcome of the screening by OWECOF or induced the body to favour him as alleged by others, adding that he was “taken aback” when he received the news of his endorsement.
    He  noted that  the opportunity given to him by the body to sell his programmes and vision to them, was also extended to Isiaka, Suraj, Akinlade and Chief of Staff to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Tolu Odebiyi, and called the quartet out for a public debate since they were not comfortable or convinced about the endorsement.
    According to the Senator, the debate if organised for the aspirants from Ogun West by journalists in the state or any group, may put to rest all unnecessary bickering and murmuring about OWECOF endorsement.
    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Contents said he had resolved to contest for the governorship seat of Ogun State come 2019, saying it is his “strong conviction that God and the good people of the state” that would crown him a Governor and not a single individual.
    He pledged to improve on the revenue base of the state, consolidate on the good works of past and current governors of Ogun State, assuring that he wants  to become governor because he  has “what it takes to take Ogun State to the next level by the special grace of God.”
    “I’m aware that before the Ogun West Consultative Forum embarked on this journey, consultations were made and I believe part of the consultations that were made was with the traditional rulers, elders of Ogun West senatorial district and other notable sons and daughters of Ogun West.
    “It is aftermath of the consultation that was done here and there that the idea of invitation of aspirants came on board and as I’ve said, six of us were invited and it’s a programme that lasted for nine months.
    “It’s not something that they did within three or four weeks, nine months and none of us contributed anything to the programme, not a dime! They are not here but God is here.
    “I was invited like any other aspirant and I was given the opportunity to speak and address those people for two hours. Can he rule, yes or no, you can mark it. I think that is what those people did and they misconstrued them.
    “Maybe by the time they put all of us on the podium like this and the whole world is watching, maybe then it can be a different ball game.
    “And if they like, I challenge them to a debate, all the aspirants from Ogun West to a public debate and let us discuss and let us tell the whole world what we are ready to do for our people.
    “I challenge them. I challenge Akinlade, I challenge Tolu, I challenge Suraj, I challenge Gboyega Nasir Isiaka(GNI). I challenge them to a public debate. If you are sure of yourself and you believe you have what it takes to govern our state and take Ogun State to the next level, come out for a public debate.
    “Let Ogun State listen to us and let Ogun State take its decision and let everybody stop hiding under the finger of one individual. The media can be the observer, you (journalists) can call for the debate, you can organise it and let all of us come and talk to you.
    “So, whosoever that is not convinced about what Ogun West Consultative Forum has done, I challenge them to a public debate and let us settle the score one and for all.
    “If you are embarking on such a journey, one thing you must seek for is the face of God and once God says there is a way, then there is nothing else you can do. If I want to sit in the palatial home of Ikeja, GRA, Lekki, then why do I want to go into the rural part? But one day that rural part can be the same with these, some people must take the bold step.
    ” So I’m one of those that are taking that bold step. So, as I’ve decided to run or contest for the governor of the state, I have no regret. I am standing by my words that 2019 is sacrosanct,” Adeola said.
  • FRSC warns drivers against use of worn-out tyres

    FRSC warns drivers against use of worn-out tyres

    The Ogun Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Mr Clement Oladele, has warned drivers to desist from using worn-out tyres when driving to save lives and property.

    Oladele gave the warning in Ota on Thursday at the 2017 Ember Months Safety Campaign organised by the Sango-Ota Command in collaboration with Shell Nigeria Gas.

    The campaign had as its theme: Right to Life on the highway: Not Negotiable.

    Represented by Mrs Bridget Asekhuno, Ogun Head of Administration and Human Resources of FRSC, he said the use of exhausted tyres had been a major contributor to road crashes in the country.

    The sector commander noted that safety on our highways during the ember months was a collective responsibility of all road users.

    ‘‘Safety on our roads required our collective responsibilities and we all have one role and the other to play in reducing crashes,’’ he said.

    The sector commander implored all road users to be cautious as there would be increase of vehicular movements during the ember months.

    Oladele, however, warned drivers to desist from overloading and speeding to ensure safety of passengers to their various destinations.

    He advised road users to watch carefully before entering main and minor roads to minimise accidents.

    Mr Kunle Oguntoyinbo, Sango-Ota Unit Commander of FRSC, urged drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles before embarking on any journey.

    Oguntoyinbo also warned vehicle owners to desist from driving under the influence of alcohol and avoid speeding to stay alive.

    ‘’The higher the speed the higher will be the crash which will also increase the number of causalities,’’ he said.

    The unit commander, however, advised drivers to install speed limiting devices in their vehicles to reduce speeding and crashes.

    He also urged drivers to constantly use their seat belts and desist from receiving calls on their cell phones while driving.

    NAN

  • FRSC returns recovered items to family of accident victim

    FRSC returns recovered items to family of accident victim

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Ogun command, said it had returned some recovered items to family of accident victim.

    The command’s Public Education Officer, Mrs Florence Okpe, said in a statement in Abeokuta on Thursday.

    Okpe said that the items include: cash, digital camera, laptop and other personal belongings, recovered from an accident scene along Abeokuta -Sagamu Expressway.

    She said that the crash, which happened on Tuesday, involved a private vehicle but recorded no death.

    “The crash occurred on Tuesday and it involved a private vehicle with an occupant, a male adult, who sustained serious injuries.

    “FRSC personnel carried out the rescue operation and took the injured victim to the nearby hospital with a male occupant, who sustained serious injuries.

    “After due documentation, the Command Public Education Officer, Route Commander Florence Okpe presented the recovered items to the victim’s son in the presence of other family members , ” she said.

    NAN

    Read Also: FRSC threatens to arrest, prosecute drunk drivers in Bayelsa

  • I remain South-West PDP chairman, says Olafeso

    I remain South-West PDP chairman, says Olafeso

    A factional leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Eddy Olafeso, says he remains the authentic leader of the party in the South-West zone.

    Olafeso  on Wednesday in Akure that his group was re-affirmed as the PDP leaders in the zone during the last convention of the party in Abuja.

    Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, another factional leader of the party, had on Monday in Lagos claimed that he was the authentic chairman of the party in the South-West zone.

    Olafeso said: “It is very unfortunate and tendentious for someone to assume that carrying court papers around is enough to make him the leader of the party.

    “Even, if they have court papers to back their claims, the case is already at the Appeal Court.

    “They should wait till pronouncement of the court before jumping around that they are the leaders of the party in the zone.

    “Leadership is freely given by the people and endorsed by the party through all its processes.”

    He said that Makanjuola and his group were part of the challenges facing the party since 2011 “till when we won at the Supreme Court in July 12, 2017”.

    Olafeso noted that PDP had gone beyond unnecessary antagonism, saying that the party’s focus was to ensure victory at the polls in 2019.

    He expressed optimism that all the crises rocking the party would be resolved before its Dec. 9 National Convention.

    “Today, I can tell you categorically that South-West PDP under my watch has been able to stabilise the party in Osun, Ogun, Oyo and Lagos States.

    “We thank the leadership of the party for the opportunity given us to serve.

    “We will continue to do our best to ensure that our party will be positioned in a way that it can begin to win again,” he said.

    NAN

  • Ogun, MTN partner on Yellow Heart Initiative

    The Ogun State government and MTN Foundation, with other healthcare agencies, have pledged to work together to tackle infant and maternal mortality.

    Director, MTN Foundation Dennis Okoro said the foundation is sensitive to the plights of members of the community where it operates. “We are very sensitive to challenges within our society, which is why we go the extra mile to make the people’s lives brighter. It is against this backdrop that the foundation created a mandate to improve healthcare, education and economic empowerment.

    “Ogun is the first to experience the Yellow Heart Initiative, and other states will follow. We realise that most deaths – mother and children – can be prevented using existing knowledge and proven cost-effective interventions. This is why we hope to use the Yellow Heart initiative to address predominant issues, such as attitude and cultural practices, which hinder women and children from accessing healthcare services in the society.”

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Babatunde Ipaye thanked the foundation for the initiative and other impactful projects.

    Ipaye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr N.O Aigoro, said the partnership comes at a time when the state is taking serious steps to improve its healthcare.

    He said: “The yellow heart initiative is especially laudable, not only because it is a step in the right direction, but also because it aligns with what the state is doing to improve healthcare. In Ogun State, we have the Araya Scale-up (Community Based Health Insurance Scheme), which provides beneficiaries with a card that qualifies them to visit any of the designated Health Care Providers in their councils and get free healthcare.

    “This is why we are grateful to MTN for this support, and we pledge our commitment to ensuring that the yellow heart initiative reaches as many people as possible.”