The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ogun

  • Ogun to give priority to indigenous contractors

    Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, has said the state would consider indigenous contractors  in the award of contracts for the construction of 171 rural roads.

    In a statement made available to The Nation  by the ministry’s Head of media, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, the commissioner assured that notwithstanding the preference of government for smaller indigenous firms in the execution of this project, bigger firms will not be prevented from applying for the contracts.

    ‘’Presently, there are so many contractors that are working for us, including indigenous companies. Look at the present jobs where we have requested for Bids for the construction of the 171 rural roads and 25 semi-urban roads, deliberately we are saying they should be indigenous contractors for all these rural roads. We are not stopping the big contractors from applying, we are saying let our focus be on indigenous contractors in the 171 rural roads we want to do,’’ it read.

    While reacting to the accusation that government was more concerned with the construction of Federal roads at the detriment of state roads, Adegbite noted that government had constructed several state roads across the state.

    “There is hierarchy when you are doing roads. The one that benefits most, that is the spine (major roads), are the ones you will do first. We are not claiming that government ends with this administration. Government is continuum,” the statement read.

    He assured that all the roads constructed by the government were designed to last for a minimum of 30 years, adding that the state had written the Federal Ministry of Works on the need to cede some of these roads to Ogun.

  • In Ogun, crackdown on erring drivers, hawkers continues

    Commercial drivers in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, who pick and drop passengers on the highways had a bad experience as their vehicles were impounded during a joint task force operation which began from Sango-Tollgate on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The seven-hour operation began by 7:00 a.m. and ended at 1:00 p.m.

    The operation, led by Sango Ota Deputy Area Commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Camillus Okoye. Others in the team were the Sango Divisional Police Officer Sola Ogunwale, Sango Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) Adekunle Awoniyi, Ota Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kunle Oguntoyinbo, Ota Divisional Commander, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) Adekunle Ariyo Ajibade, Ota Divisional Commander, Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) Paul Kehinde Osukoya and the Ogun State Vigilance Service.

    The DPO warned traders and hawkers to desist from displaying their wares on the road in order to facilitate free flow of traffic. He said it was impossible for any driver whose vehicle brakes were faulty to manoeuvre when the road is blocked.

    Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Prince Bashiru Oladele Adeniji, said his administration would not lift the ban on trading, picking and dropping of passengers on the road sides.

    He noted that it was his vision to see the local government environment free of traffic jam.

    He spoke through the Secretary to the local government, Adewale Adegoke Dada, when he visited Ota Command’s office of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE).

    Reacting to the incessant crashes on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and other roads across the council, he said crashes had claimed lives and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

    The chairman denied that the council officials were collecting money from the street traders.

    He said: ‘’There is no truth in the allegation that the council encourages insanity at the Tollgate by collecting money from traders and allocating spaces to them in order to display their goods.  We’ve just completed cleaning of Oju-Ore. Tollgate is the next port of visit.”

    According to him, it is difficult for vehicles to manoeuvre their way in case of brake failure or other mechanical fault because 75 per cent of the road had been blocked by traders and illegal/indecent parking by commercial transporters.

    He said the council would continue to partner traffic agencies, the police, military and paramilitary to restore sanity on all roads across the local government.

    According to Prince Adeniji, the exercise began from Oju-Ore with the Department of Environmental Sanitation sealing off the shops of some traders who breached environmental laws while goods of traders were seized to ensure compliance with the traffic and environmental laws.

    He appealed to Ado-Odo/Ota residents to obey traffic rules, saying anyone that breaches traffic and environmental laws would be prosecuted according to the established laws of the state.

    Ajibade said eradicating indiscriminate parking, picking and dropping of passengers on the road by commercial drivers, and hawking were the target of the joint task operation. He said it will be a continuous exercise until sanity returns to the highway.

  • Ogun govt cautions youths against drug abuse

    Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, has described as worrisome the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths.

    He said it was responsible for most social vices among youths.

    Ipaye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in Ogun State Health Management Board, Dr. Ayinde Adesanya, spoke at this year’s United Nations (UN) Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the theme: Listen First, jointly organised by the state government and the state’s command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    The commissioner listed the social ills associated with drug abuse, saying parents and other stakeholders should interact with youths to inculcate the right attitudes and morals into them to check the trend.

    He said the state government’s Committee on Control of Drug Abuse would increase its campaign against the menace as well as other ills, including child trafficking.

    Ipaye said: “In the effort to rid our schools of hard drugs, the State Drug Abuse Control Committee has successfully established drug-free clubs in 20 secondary schools across the state.”

    The state’s NDLEA Commandant Bala Fagge said drug abuse had assumed non-conventional means.

    He said addicts had resorted to taking overdose of cough syrup and other dangerous substances to get high.

    The NDLEA officer added that it was imperative to vigorously pursue public enlightenment and prevention campaigns on drug abuse.

  • CBN engages Ogun farmers, SMEs on financial inclusion

    CBN engages Ogun farmers, SMEs on financial inclusion

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has engaged farmers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Abeokuta, Ogun State on financial inclusion initiatives.

    The exercise was in continuation of the apex bank’s enlightenment campaign, aimed at bringing more people into the formal financial sector.

    The apex bank used the opportunity provided by the financial inclusion fair to educate participants on its numerous real sector intervention programmes.

    These programmes the bank said were geared towards enhancing the wellbeing of Nigerians and promoting economic development in general.

    CBN’s Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Department, Hajia Khadijah Kasim said the bank took its enlightenment campaign to the ancient city of Abeokuta in order to inform the people about its activities, interventions and recent developments in the financial system.

    Speaking on the theme: Promoting Financial System Stability and Economic Development,  she said: “We want to interact with you one on one. The bank’s officials are here to talk to you about rights and responsibilities of bank customers, how we can lodge complaints to CBN if we have issues with our financial service providers.

    “You will also be informed about different efforts of the CBN to ensure that every Nigerian is financially included, so that all of us can enjoy enormous opportunities that abound in this space.”

    The Abeokuta branch controller of CBN, Babatunde Amao called on the farmers and SME operators to make constructive criticisms and suggestions that could serve as useful contributions towards pulling the country out of recession.He said the CBN recognises the importance of the city, and the fact that Abeokuta is home to most prominent Nigerians some of whom are dead and some are still living.

    A senior manager in the development finance department of CBN, Xavier Okon, explained to participants that the apex bank helps to solve the problems most businesses face in Nigeria, especially that of long-term financing needs which commercial banks cannot meet because their funds are mainly short term in nature.

  • 400 benefit from free surgery in Ogun

    No fewer than 400 people have benefitted from the ongoing free medical surgery jointly organised by the Ogun State government and Rotary International, especially Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria.

    The surgery, which covers health issues such as hernia, glaucoma, breast biopsy, burn excision, debridement and many others, was supported by Rotary International 3020 India, and Rotary International 3610 South Korea.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye stated this while inaugurating the event at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu Ogun State. He added that the philosophy was to reduce the overhead cost associated with the large charities by providing volunteers with the chance to be part owner of the organisation.

    He explained that the event aimed at giving succour to indigent citizens that could not afford the costs of the operation or travel abroad for such surgical operation, adding that the Governor has given them the mandate to work with local and international partners in making life better for the masses.

    Ipaye said: “Such surgery usually costs so much and most of our people, especially those living in rural areas and the aged, might not be able to afford the cost.”

    He said the medical tourism was a global phenomenon and there are some reasons for people going abroad for medical check-ups, some would not get well until they go abroad for treatment while some who do not have the means die untimely. He urged the Federal Government to do more to enhance the health sector in order to reduce medical tourism abroad.

    “About 400 people will benefit from this free medical treatment. We are calling on the government to pay priority attention on the health sector so as to reduce capital flight in terms of people who travel abroad for medical treatment,” Ipaye said.

    The Elepe of Epe and President Remo Traditional Council, Alayeluwa Oba Adewale Osinderu, said the programme was unprecedented as the people had wanted to experience the programme in the state. He appreciated the state for the giant strides recorded during the programme.

    “Don’t you know how much it costs travelling abroad for medical check-ups? At least 400 people would benefit from the surgical mission. We thank the state government and the Rotary International for deeming it fit to help the people with the people-oriented programme”, Elepe said.

    Earlier in his speech, the High Commission of India in Nigeria, Mr. Jagdeep Kapoor said the free surgical mission was to be done with seven Indian medical doctors for free, saying that they chose the state because of the Rotary International Nigeria preference of the state to others.

    He praised the state government, Rotary International Nigeria and the patients for their hospitality and steadfastness, noting that those on exceptional cases would not be attended to but referred to the hospital because the programme was slated for only eight days.

    Among the beneficiaries were those with cataract, gynaecological diseases such as uterine prolapse, hernia, glaucoma, ovarian cyst, breast biopsy, burn excision/debridement, dental restoration, gastric bypass, caesarean section and those that have breast mass, among other ailments.

  • Homeowners’ charter: Ogun to give 1000 CofO to beneficiaries

    Homeowners’ charter: Ogun to give 1000 CofO to beneficiaries

    The Ogun State Government will be presenting 1000 Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents to another batch of beneficiaries under the Homeowners’ Charter Programme conceived by the administration of  Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

    The Director-General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Biyi Ismail, in a statement,  said beneficiaries would collect their documents on June 22  at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    He urged all contacted beneficiaries to come with valid means of identification. They are to be at the venue by 8am for accreditation.

  • Ogun empowers young people

    Ogun empowers young people

    Babatunde Gbenga, mass communications graduate turned farmer  now  gives up his time to participate in the  farmers market  set  up by the  Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture  at the state’s  secretariat, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.

    He  is  amazed by the sales  he makes  and the support shown by civil servants. The mart holds every Friday. He grows maize and raise chicken. His  farm has an array of agronomic practices that guarantee a year-round supply of produce.

    Though he operates from the state’s model market, he finds it irresistible coming to the market to sell his produce. Gbenga is one of the beneficiaries of the programme. After the very first outing, Gbenga was excited at the level of success.

    Another  farmer  is Oludare Tunde. He plants cassava that is intercropped with maize. Intercropping with maize, poultry and cassava helps him keep that income relatively steady year-round. He is fast on picking up ideas that see him become a better farmer.   He has found the Ogun state civil servants’ mart a veritable income source.

    Across Ogun State, small business entrepreneurs are exploring  market opportunities proving by the  farmers market   for civil servants.

    Spotting a lucrative opportunity, many farmers have agreed to sell their produce using the thriving market platform. It is now a Friday ritual for workers at the Secretariat, to stroll into the mart to buy fresh fruits, eggs and vegetables. Such markets are celebrated for providing fresh produce, such as eggs and fruits. The “foodie bazaar” gives civil servants an opportunity to pick up local produce and support small-time suppliers. Stalls sell everything from fruit and vegetables to   fresh fish. Stallholders are well aware that their livelihood depends on retaining loyal customers and this requires them to deliver great value.The program has empowered young people to become entrepreneurs and create a self-sustaining system linking farmers to markets.The feedback from most of the stalls was how fantastic it was.. But the main aim of the market was to bring something back to the secretariat that workers feel is missing.

    The PermanentSecretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Steve Olusegun Ipinniwa, said the aim of establishing the mart was to provide a community get-together.

    He explained that workerscan do all the shopping at the secretariat at home and head home at the close of work to do the cooking.

    He said the initiative is the government’s way of helping entrepreneurial and talented farmers and small businesses.

    He added that the mart was conceived to stock and sell fresh farm produce as a way of linking up agricultural production to the markets to ensure that farmers receive a fair reward and encouragement to increase production.

    He said “the mart is meant to bring food nearer to the civil servants  at a very reasonable price in a healthy environment.

    He stated that this initiative will not only ensure all year round access to food supply at a wholesome quantity but will also create jobs across the agro-business value chain in collaboration with the private sector.

    Head of Service,Ogun State,Mr  Abayomi Sobande said the state is  committed to further development of  farmers skills so they can stand on their own as small business entrepreneurs. The success of the programme, according to him, would empower farmers, input agents and buyers to expand their networks, increase their overall profits, and rebuild their livelihoods.

  • Ogun, manufacturers partner to boost infrastructure

    The governor of Ogun state, Ibikunle Amosun has called on manufacturers in the state to collaborate with government for infrastructural development.

    The governor made it known during the factory tour immediately after the launch of Familia and Papia, the two new tissue brands manufactured by Hayat Kimya.

    The launch of the new products coincided with the completion and launch of Hayat Kimya’s $100million ultra-modern factory in Agbara where all the three products will be manufactured for the Nigerian market as well as the West African and Central African markets.

    The Marketing Manager of Hayat Kimya Nigeria, Mrs. Roseline Abaraonye stated that in less than two years of Hayat Kimya’s presence in Nigeria, the company was able to attain the number two position in the diaper category with its flagship brand Molfix diapers.

    She attributed the success of the brand to the high and consistent quality of the product, the support of Hayat’s trade partners and the great Nigerian mums.

  • June 12 anniversary: Ondo, Oyo, Ogun declare Monday public holiday

    June 12 anniversary: Ondo, Oyo, Ogun declare Monday public holiday

    Government of Ondo, Osun, Ogun States have declared Monday as a work- free day in honour of the winner of the June 12, presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola..

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said the late Abiola’s supreme sacrifice culminated in the hurried departure of the military from the political scene in 1999.

    As part of the programmes lined up to celebrate the day, the government is organizing a lecture, with the theme: “June 12: A celebration of courage and resilience’.

    The event will hold at the International Events and Culture Centre (The Dome) in Akure.

    Eminent Nigerians, including notable activists are lined up to grace the event. Hon. Wale Oshun is chairman of the occasion, while human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, will be the guest speaker.

    Akeredolu asked politicians across the country to always demonstrate their unquenchable love for the country.

    The Oyo State government has also declared the day as a public holiday.

    A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, said that Governor Abiola Ajimobi approved Monday as work-free day to commemorate the annulment of the anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections, which was generally believed to have been won by late Chief MKO Abiola.

    The government said the anniversary was also in recognition and honour of the martyrdom of Chief Abiola, who laid down his life for Nigerians to enjoy the democratic dividends of today.

    Also, the government of Osun has declared Monday a public holiday to mark June 12 celebration in the state.

    A statement issued on Friday, by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, announced the holiday.

    The statement said: “In line with its established policy of observing June 12 of every year as Democracy Day, the State Government of Osun has declared Monday, June 12 as public holiday.

    ‘’The public holiday became imperative in view of the fact that June 12 marked a watershed in the history of democratic evolution in the country. It was the day the June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria took place.’’

    Late Bashorun Moshood Abiola won the election. However, victory was annulled by the then military head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    The Ogun State government also declared the day as work-free.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, in a statement said: ‘’Consistent with the practice of the past six years, and, as a way of identifying with and keeping the ideals of June 12 alive, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has declared Monday, June 12, 2017 as work free.’’

    The statement added: ‘’This year’s celebration will feature the annual “Democracy Walk”, which will be led by the governor, starting from the JUNE 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta at 7 in the morning. The walk is expected to take participants through major roads in the state capital to the Abiola family homestead, at Oke-Ido, Gbagura, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, where special prayers and speeches will be made. Later in the day, an inspirational stage play, “Oju Kelekun” (farewell to reproach), directed by Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki, will be performed at the June 12 Cultural Centre, between 3:45 and 6:00pm.

  • Police kill two suspected highway robbers in Ogun

    •Luxury bus, cash, arms recovered

    Two persons suspected to have robbed a Southeast-bound luxury bus at Ogbere on Sagamu-Ore Expressway in Ogun State were shot dead by men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to the Ogebere-Ijebu divisional police headquarters.

    The suspects’ bodies were displayed at Ogbere Police Station with three pump action rifles, two locally-made pistols and a machete, allegedly recovered from them.

    Also, N166,000, handsets, laptop, wristwatches and other valuables, said to have been snatched from the victims were recovered from the suspects.

    The 34-passenger bus on the fleet of the Chisco Investment Company, with registration number (Lagos) AAA 649 XN, was said to have been attacked by the robbers at 1 a.m.

    The hoodlums allegedly broke the windshields of the bus, forced their way in and evicted the driver and drove it into the bush.

    It was gathered that the robbers first used an 18-seater bus to block access to the luxury bus, compelled the driver to pull over and used their weapons to smash their way into the bus.

    A victim, Donatus Adie, told reporters that the bus took off at Jibowu in Lagos en route Aba-Owerri-Port-Harcourt.

    He said it was at J4 near Ogbere the robbers struck and dispossessed the passengers of their valuables.

    Adie said for over two hours the operation lasted, the hoodlums terrorised the passengers.

    The traveller said even after the robbers had vanished into the bush, the fear-stricken victims remained in the bush until the police arrived.

    Kunle Apanishile, who said the suspects snatched his N30,000 and wristwatch, added that the hoodlums beat him up.

    Police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the police got information that a bus conveying passengers was attacked at J4 Junction.

    The spokesman said this prompted the Ogbere Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Agunbiade Adeyinka, to storm the area with his team.

    Abimbola said although the robbers had left the scene when the police arrived, he added that the police traced them to their hideout in a bush, where two of them were shot dead.

    He said another suspect escaped with gunshot wound.