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Tag: Ogun

  • Ogun embarks on monitoring exercise on commercial drivers

    Ogun embarks on monitoring exercise on commercial drivers

    The Prince Dapo Abiodun-led Administration in Ogun State has embarked on a monitoring exercise in all the parks and garages in the state.

    The exercise which is tagged: ‘Task Force Control of Transport Fares of Motorists and Unethical Practice by Filling Stations’ was inaugurated by the State Government through the Ministry of Transportation, and has commenced operation. 

    The  Commissioner For Transportation, Dairo Olugbenga while speaking to the media on the vision of the exercise, said there is a need to feel the pulse of the people of Ogun State from a transport angle which connects everyone in the country.

    “The vision of this exercise is to feel the pulse of the good people of Ogun State by enduring and confirming that they are not being overburdened by the cost of transportation in the State.  We had earlier met with all the union leaders in the state and had instructed them not to inflate the price of tickets on the excuse of high cost in fuel price.

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    “It is obvious that the high cost of transportation in the country is getting outrageous due to fuel prices, and as such the necessity to ameliorate pressures on the citizenry should be as swift as His Excellency’s directives.  This, as a matter of urgency, has been kicked to action since last week Monday,” he said.

     While ensuring testament to His Excellency’s course, Dairo added that the Task Force Team is not limited to the  Ministry of Transportation.

    In achieving success of this effort,  MDAs like the Directorate, State Security Service(DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, Ministry, Industry  Trade and Investment, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement and other Stakeholders from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Workers Union, Ogun State Park And Management (OGSPAM ) have been duly involved,” Dairo said.

  • Ogun shuts school, suspends principal over pupil’s death

    Ogun shuts school, suspends principal over pupil’s death

    The Ogun State Government has shut down Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi following the death of Master Monday Arijo, an SS2 student of the school.

    The closure of the school was based on the directive of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has also directed that a panel should be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.

    Abiodun has promised that those liable by the outcome of the investigation will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    Earlier, the teacher allegedly responsible for the death of the student on Friday last week as a result of corporal punishment was arrested and suspended.

    The Principal of the school, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, who was earlier issued a query for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the pupil against the established rules and regulations in the state, has also been suspended.

    Read Also: Ogun rejects inclusion among states challenging EFCC’s constitutionality

    Representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology have also visited the family of the late student.

    The visit was to offer condolences to the family and express the ministry’s sadness over their loss as well as getting first-hand accounts of the incident for a thorough investigation.

    A condolence letter to commiserate with the bereaved family over the loss as well as a cash gift of N500,000 were handed over to the representative of the deceased family.

    The officials were received by the family who expressed their grief and shock at the sudden loss of their child.

  • Ogun court refuses to postpone council poll

    Ogun court refuses to postpone council poll

    Ogun State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, has struck out prayers made by 16 parties in the state, seeking to postpone the proposed local government elections indefinitely.

    Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice T. A. Okunsokan, rejected the claims of the parties that Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) had acted unilaterally and dictatorially by fixing the date of the local government elections without first consulting the parties.

    Justice Okunsokan held that there was no provision in the constitution or the relevant electoral laws that required OGSIEC to consult parties before fixing dates of elections.

    Read Also: Ogun shuts school, suspends Principal over student’s death

    The court also found that the claim of the parties that Ondo State governorship election would hold on the same day as Ogun local government poll was not a legitimate reason for asking the court to compel OGSIEC to postpone elections in the state.

    The court thereby maintained status quo ante on the earlier announced date for Ogun State local government election slated for November 16.

  • Ogun distances self from suit challenging EFCC’s constitutionality  

    Ogun distances self from suit challenging EFCC’s constitutionality  

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina  Ogungbade SAN, has decried the continued inclusion of Ogun in the list of States that took the Federal Government to Supreme Court on the issue of the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta at the weekend, Ogungbade wondered why some sections of the media continued to include Ogun state in the list of the states in court against the EFCC.

    “We don’t have a suit against EFCC. We never filed any action against EFCC challenging its constitutionality. We already issued a statement to that effect last week clarifying that we never had any suit attacking the EFCC’s constitutionality and that we did not join the suit filed at the Supreme Court filed by some other states in that regard. 

    “We respect the decision of states that have filed such a challenge as it is their right to approach the court. That is allowed in a democracy and in a Federation. But the papers we have filed are public documents open to scrutiny and So, I am surprised that some media outlets are still running reports that include and mention Ogun State as one of the States challenging the EFCC’s existence when that is not the case. I hope that such outlets will be guided by this clarification as well as our statement from last week, to put out the correct position,” he said. 

    Read Also: Jigawa withdraws from suit challenging EFCC legality

    The Ogun State government had  issued a  rebuttal in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.

    According to the statement, the constitutionality of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had since been determined by the Supreme Court, and Ogun State considers discussions on the issue closed.

    The Ogun State Government stated that it had no factual reason or recent development to reopen the question of the EFCC’s constitutionality.

    It added that as a federating unit with law enforcement agencies of its own, it had no desire to undermine the Federal Government’s law and order objectives.

    Providing clarification on the actual case filed by Ogun State in court, Ogungbade said : “The case Ogun State has filed (SC/CV/912/2024) does not attack the constitutionality of the EFCC. The suit seeks to invalidate the NFIU Guidelines and Advisory issued in January 2023, which interfere with the economic and governance interests of Ogun State and its local governments.”

    “That’s what we filed. We are not challenging the constitutionality of EFCC in the case”, Ogungbade said.

    Recently, about five States have made applications to the Supreme Court to withdraw from the case initially filed by the Kogi State Government challenging the existence of EFCC while the Benue Governor actually suspended Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, for unilaterally joining the case without prior approval of the state governor.

  • Octogenarian dies, one rescued as fire razes house in Ogun

    Octogenarian dies, one rescued as fire razes house in Ogun

    An early morning fire that ravaged a residential building in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital has claimed an octogenarian Madam Mariam Salako.

    The fire, which started around 1:am on Saturday at a building located 28 Ifelodun Ago ka area in Abeokuta, burnt the elderly woman to death as she was unable to flee. 

    However, neighbours were able to rescue an occupant alive through the window.

    Ogun Police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta, said that a distress call was received by the Area Commander that fire had gutted a house at Ago ka area, adding that the remains of the elderly woman had been deposited at a morgue.

    ”Around 1:00a.m, a distress call was made regarding a building on fire located at No. 28 Ifelodun Ago Ka area in Abeokuta .

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    ” The Area Commander promptly led a team of police officers to the site while the fire service was called for assistance.

    ” The Ogun State Fire Service quickly responded and managed to bring the fire under control.

    ” Unfortunately, an elderly woman, Mariam Salako, aged 80, who lived in the building, was unable to escape and died in the fire incident.

    ” However, a man known as Baba Ali, whose age is not yet identified, was asleep during the fire and was rescued through a window by community members,” Odutola said.

  • 32-year-old man found dead in hotel in Ogun

    32-year-old man found dead in hotel in Ogun

    The Police Command in Ogun has confirmed that one Lanre Ogungbe, 32, was discovered dead in a hotel room at Soyoye in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola,  confirmed in a statement on Friday that  the incident occurred at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

    Odutola explained that a bottle of one alcoholic drink called “Lakoko” and another bottle of pesticide known as “sniper” was found beside the deceased in the hotel room.

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    She stated that on Thursday at 3 p.m. the owner of Authentic Hotel on Soyoye road reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer of Lafenwa Police Station.

    “He (the hotel owner) explained that around 2 p.m. of that same day, his hotel’s manager raised an alarm at the hotel and informed him about a customer later identified as Lanre Ogungbe, who had come to the hotel for a short rest.

    “The receptionist, after noticing that the customer had not  been seen, went to check on him and discovered his lifeless body on the bed.

    “She immediately notified the manager, who then alerted the hotel owner.

    “They condoned off the scene, leaving the exhibits untouched before the complainant made a formal report of  the incident to the police,” Odutola said.

    She said police detectives reacted swiftly, and found the deceased on the bed, alongside an empty bottle of “Lakoko” and a bottle of “sniper”, suspected to have been consumed by him.

  • Awori calls for inclusive governance 

    Awori calls for inclusive governance 

    Awori, a sub-Yoruba ethnic group in Lagos and Ogun states, have called for an inclusive politics and governance to end marginalization and enhance its contribution to national development. 

    The group resolved to bring its kith and kin in the two states together to take their rightful position in the scheme of things. 

    Rising from its summit in OPIC Centre, Isheri-Olofin Mole, Ogun State, tagged: ‘Projecting Awori image in nation building,’ the group resolved to mobilise the indigenes to contribute to nation-building. 

    A communique signed by Semiu Olusola Yusuf, Chairman of Planning Committee,  said the summit resolved to complete the ongoing Awori Lecture Hall in the Lagos State University, Ojo, as one of its contributions.

    It advised Awori Obas to ensure unity and synergy among the Awori communities in Lagos and Ogun States in order to make meaningful impact in the states.

    According to the group, the history of Awori in Lagos and Ogun States must be properly documented with adequate data for proper planning, adding that documentary on its culture, embracing digital ideas of the young ones to project Awori Image in nation building, should be sponsored.

    The communique reads: “Awori must promote good leadership, education, economic development and value networking to play key roles in development of the nation.

    “Awori must be resilient and develop capacity to recover quickly from our difficulties by taking meaningful actions rather than discussion in order to contribute to nation building.

    “The summit identified the need for inclusive politics and address political and economic marginalization to contribute to the development of the nation.

    “The summit also identified the need to develop the youth and students in the areas of Information Technology and Communication to enhance Awori relevance in Nation Building.

    The summit identified the need to promote and preserve our language and culture as a symbol of Identity of the Awori both home and abroad with branded Awori symbols such as Stickers, Awori Laa Website/Application, Logos, banners, , T-shirt, Caps, clothes e.t.c and also to ensure that the  Annual Awori Day event does not die.

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    The summit identified the need for Aworis to embrace all government empowerment programmes particularly for the Youth, Artisans, Business Men and women, Small Business Owners and Students.

    “The summit identified the need to project Awori Image anywhere we find ourselves in the world through the use of social media and other technological advancement for the creation of awareness, opportunities and positive information sharing for the benefit of all Awori communities.

    “The summit also resolved to caution against allowing partisan politics to affect the unity and brotherhood amongst the Aworis.

    “The Summit identified the need to bridge intergenerational communication gap between the elders and Youths in order to have a continuous and adequate orientation in future.”

  • National Sports Festival: Ogun begin reconstruction of major sporting complexes

    National Sports Festival: Ogun begin reconstruction of major sporting complexes

    The Ogun State Government has commenced reconstruction and renovation works on the MKO Abiola International Stadium and the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta, ahead of the National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged ‘2024 Gateway Games’.

    Speaking after inspecting the two facilities, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka,   assured that the renovation works would be completed within the stipulated time and would be tested before the games.

    The scraping of the pitch at the main bowl of the stadium, the removal of the tartan tracks, as well as the roofs at the indoor hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, are ongoing simultaneously as the commissioner led journalists to the sites.

    He revealed that the VIP section of the stadium would be expanded, while an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and handball courts would also be constructed within  the stadium.

    The commissioner noted that the current administration is intensifying its efforts to develop sports and youth development programs in the state, as well as to discover and nurture young athletes.

    He highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of the youth and channelling their energy into productive ventures for their personal success and the socio-economic gains of the state, reiterating the government’s commitment to organizing a world-class National Sports Festival.

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    Hon. Isiaka submitted that the festival will bring together the best athletes from the state, inspiring the next generation of athletes, promoting the rich cultural heritage, and promising to reward outstanding performances.

    He stated that the massive renovation will not only help develop the skills and dedication of local athletes before, during, and after the games but will also underscore the commitment and readiness of the state government to host the National Sports Festival, calling on corporate organizations and other well-meaning individuals to join hands with the government to make the NSF a huge success.

    The Commissioner added  that the Sports Festival is a moment for the state to shine and show the world the abundance of talents, potentials and inherent hospitality in the state.

    He, therefore,  reaffirmed the readiness of the state government to host a befitting festival, adding that the facilities would be top-notch and would attract national and international events.

    The National Sports Festival has been slated  to hold between January 12 and January 26, 2025.

  • Ogun unveils digital platform for education revitalisation

    Ogun unveils digital platform for education revitalisation

    The Ogun State Government has achieved a groundbreaking feat in education technology, transforming the state’s education sector through the Digital Platform for Education Revitalisation, developed and implemented by a school management solution provider, Edutams.

    This innovative platform also known as DiPER has reportedly streamlined enrollment processes, eliminated favouritism, and ensured merit-based admissions into flagship schools.

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Edutams, Ademola Adenubi in a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, revealed that DiPER assigned unique Learner Identification Numbers to over one million learners across public and private schools in the state.

    He said the platform was tracking their educational journey from primary to secondary school.

    According to EduTAMS’ CEO, DiPER was designed to bridge the gap in education management, providing a transparent and efficient system.

    “We are proud to partner with Ogun State in revolutionizing their education sector,” he noted.

    He explained that the platform has transformed the enrollment process, making it more accessible, efficient, and fair.

    He stated, “Prospective learners can now apply online, pay for application forms, and access admission letters seamlessly. DiPER has also digitized placement exercises, ensuring equitable distribution of learners across public secondary schools.

    “Flagship schools, once plagued by long queues and unfair advantages, now admit students based solely on merit and space availability. Recently, over 191,000 students applied for admission, with 150,000 securing placements purely on merit.”

    Beyond enrollment, Adenubi said DiPER empowered the education ecosystem by providing real-time data to guide resource allocation.

    He noted that schools now experience balanced distribution of learners and teachers, while revenue collection has become transparent and efficient.

    He stressed that Edutam’s innovative solution has positioned Ogun State as a model for education management in Nigeria.

    He revealed plans to replicate this success story nationwide by collaborating with policymakers, development agencies, and investors.

    “Ogun State’s DiPER success serves as a powerful message for Nigeria: locally developed technology can transform entire sectors. By embracing innovation, Nigeria can build a competitive, inclusive education system serving every learner, regardless of background,” he noted.

  • Ogun, body launch initiative to save mothers

    Ogun, body launch initiative to save mothers

    Health care technology firm, Emergency Response Africa (ERA), with Ogun State, has launched an initiative to save expectant mothers and infants through Rural Maternal Health Emergency Transportation (R-MHET).

    According to a statement, the programme would reduce maternal mortality and increase access to life-saving emergency obstetric care for rural communities, ‘’where health care infrastructure and timely access are challenges.’’

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said research showed ‘’when a mother dies, her child is 50 times more likely to die in the first month of life.

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    “The loss affects not just her family, but also the community. This initiative is a critical part of our strategy to reduce maternal mortality. Partnering Emergency Response Africa allows us to provide women with life-saving transportation they need during emergencies, saving mothers, children and families…”

     Chief Executive of Emergency Response Africa, Folake Owodunni, said its partnership with Ogun ‘’will save over 1,000 lives by ensuring expectant mothers reach care during emergencies.’’

    Supported by Novartis Foundation and Global Fund through Health Tech Hub Innovation Challenge, the initiative aims to establish a financially sustainable model to be replicated in Nigeria.