The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ogun

  • Ogun FRSC holds Sallah safety campaign

    Ogun FRSC holds Sallah safety campaign

    The Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Adegoke Adetunji, has urged passengers not to rely on drivers for their safety while travelling.

    Adetuji made the plea at Kuto Garage in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when he led his corps’ members, including special marshals, on a road safety campaign at the garage.

    He said the theme of the campaign, “Road safety is a share responsibility, was designed to educate everyone that safety depends on the drivers, passengers and other road users.

    The sector commander said in line with the drive to achieve the FRSC’s 2014 goals of reducing road accidents, especially at the  festive seasons, travellers should join the corps to tackle road lawlessness.

    He noted that the exercise was designed to cater for the  sallah celebration and to address violations of road traffic regulations.

    Adetunji advised the passengers, travellers and commuters to sensibly and not aggressively caution any driver, who want to go contrary to traffic rules and regulations, such as the use of cell phones while driving.

  • Two die in Ogun cults clash

    Two die in Ogun cults clash

    Two persons suspected to be secret cults’ members have been killed and others injured in  a pre-dawn attack and counter-attack between rival groups in Ijebu-Igbo, the headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Council Area, Ogun State.

    A gun battle between two warring cult groups –  Eye Confraternity (the Air Lords) and the Aiye Confraternity (the Black Axe) was said to have begun around 3:56a.m at the Aleke Oke-Sopin area of the town.

    Residents were thrown into panic as they were woke up by the sounds of sporadic gunshots.

     

    The dead were identified as 28 year-old Abiodun Adeniye and Taiwo Yusuf (24).

    Their remains have been deposited at a morgue in  the town, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

    The  Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who  confirmed the incident, told reporters that cutlasses, pairs of scissors,  guns, expended bullets, live cartridges, cults’ paraphernalia and charms were recovered from the groups.

    Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), added that the clash informed why the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, directed all anti-crime teams in the state  to relocate momentarily to Ijebu for adequate protection of lives and property, particularly during the Ojude Oba festival.

    Adejobi said the police would not relent in its efforts in tackling activities of cultists  in any part of the state “via robust intelligence and sophisticated policing.”

    He appealed to  Ogun residents to collaborate with the police and other security agencies to succeed in the war against cultism and security of lives and property.

  • Ogun State: From F9 to A1

    SIR: “Where is it easier to do business in Nigeria?” It was the Management and Board of Editors of Nigeria’s leading business newspaper, Business Day, that first answered the question in 2013when it declared Ogun State the fastest-growing economy and first choice for industrialists and entrepreneurs among the 36 states in Nigeria.According to the financial newspaper, Ogun State, under the leadership of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, won the prestigious award “because it has the highest number of businesses established in its domain and that the government has made the environment more attractive to investors. Ogun also has the highest positive number of Gross Domestic Product in the last one year, the number of bank branches has increased more than that of other states in the last three years and its financial inclusion, particularly the embrace of cashless economy and use of Automated Teller Machine by residents had increased tremendously.”

    If anyone thought that the breakthrough was a fluke and was only a national recognition, then wait for this. The report of the World Bank, Doing Business in Nigeria 2014, rates Ogun, out of 35 states and FCT, as one of the five states “that  made the biggest strides towards the national frontier of good practices.” The biennial report, released last Monday, puts Ogun in the exclusive club of the top reforming states in Nigeria.

    This, to many observers, is an extraordinary performance by the current government of Ogun State. The giant strides made by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, in the last three years are better appreciated when compared to the situation of the state before he mounted the saddle of leadership in May, 2011. The same World Bank, in 2008 and 2010 reports, ranked Ogun State as one of the lowest overall performers among the 36 states in Nigeria in terms of ease of doing business. In other words, Ogun State was by then not conducive to business. If a student that had ‘Credit’ as a grade in 2010 now has ‘Distinction’, we say he or she has improved. But when a student that secured ‘Failure’ as a grade in 2010 now has ‘Distinction’, it is no longer a mere improvement but complete transformation.

    “Thanks to a concerted effort across federal and state authorities, and in collaboration with the private sector, Ogun improved on three of the four Doing Business indicators benchmarked,” the World Bank says.

    The report observes further that in Ogun State, “The construction permitting system was radically overhauled, with the state government authorities decentralising the approval system and a new committee monitoring delays. Building permit applications and payments can now be made simultaneously in district offices. Private professionals issue environmental-impact assessments in accordance with the conditions and templates set out in a framework agreement. The certificate of completion is issued on the spot, immediately following the final inspection.”

    To begin a business in the current Ogun State, according to World Bank, “entrepreneurs no longer need to travel to Ibadan or Lagos, thanks to the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s new stamp duty office in Abeokuta. In addition, the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry abolished the requirement for a physical inspection of the business premises – today, a proof of company address, such as a utility bill, is sufficient.

    “A business premises permit is issued on the spot upon payment of the fee. Finally, Ogun’s Bureau of Lands digitalised property records with the aim of enabling electronic title searches and making property registration more efficient.”

    Amosun has moved Ogun State from F9 under the last administration to A1 in just three years of being the governor. One can imagine how successful Ogun would become by the time Amosun, through the grace of God, concludes eight yeas in office!

    • Soyombo Opeyemi

    Abeokuta

  • Ogun PDP woos LP members

    Ogun PDP woos LP members

    TheChairman of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief  Bayo Dayo, has urged Labour Party(LP) members to join the PDP.

    Dayo spoke at a rally in Ijebu-Igbo, where he received over 250 defectors from the Accord Party(AP) and the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    He said the APC leader, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the LP leader, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, cannot lead the state to the promised land.

    Dayo urged the defectors, including the LP Chairman in Ijebu East Local Government, Mr Ganiyu Ishola, to work for the success of the PDP in Ijebu East Senatorial District.

    He said Daniel has been dropping the name of President Goodluck Jonathan, thereby creating the impression that they can be relevant through the back door.

    Dayo described the LP as a sinking ship, urging the members to desert it before it is too late.

    PDP chieftain Dapo Abiodun, who attended the rally, said he was in Ijebu-Igbo to hold consultation the party leader and financier in the Southwest, Prince Buruji Kashamu, stressing he would make the outcome of the consultation known to party supporters soon.

     

  • Rival cults clash in Ogun claims two, others injured

    Two persons suspected to be members of secret cults were killed and few others injured in  a pre – dawn attack and counter – attack between rival cult groups in Ijebu – Igbo, the headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Council of Ogun state.

    A deadly gun battle was said to have began around 3:56am at the Aleke Oke -Sopin area of Ijebu Igbo between waring cult groups –  Eye confraternity (the Air lords) and the Aiye confraternity (the Black axe).

    Residents were thrown into panic as they suddenly woke up following the sounds of sporadic gunshots, footsteps of persons fleeing from danger as well as groaning from others suspected to have been struck by bullets.

    Those picked dead at day break when the pitched – battle ended around 4:30am, are said to be 28years old Abiodun Adeniye and Taiwo Yusuf(24) while their remains have also been deposited at a morgue in  the town awaiting a postmortem examination.

    The  Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who  confirmed the incident, also told reporters that cutlasses, pairs of scissors,  guns, expended bullets, live cartridges, cults’ paraphernalia and charms were recovered from the cult groups.

    He appealed to  Ogun residents to collaborate with the police and other security agencies to succeed in the war against cultism in the state and accord security to all and sundry in the state.

  • 12 pupils win Ogun essay contest

    Twelve students from across the six geo-political zones  of the country have emerged winners of the First National Green Essay Competition for Secondary Schools.

    The contest, organised by the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, in association with Channels Book Club, forms part of her contribution towards educating youths on environmental issues and sustainability, and producing young talented pupils who are being described as Ambassadors of Green Education for the Youth (GEFTY).

    The winners include Fadipe Isabella Oluwadamilola, Fatima Aliyu-Gebi, Ann Enjoyo Austin, Akudinobi Kasarachi, Igwe Chinaza, Judith Hassan, Sule O Nathan¸ Amadi Sarima Kyna, Agboola Daniel, Ramos Ayomide, and Ibitokun Oluwanifemi.

    Speaking during the grand finale of the competition at the Progress Hall, Southwest Resource Centre in Abeokuta, Mrs. Amosun said the aim of the competition was to encourage youths to work towards sustaining the environment to reverse the adverse effects of climate change.

    She congratulated the winners, saying her Uplift Development Foundation would continue to engage in human capital development among children and youths to promote reading culture that would help improve educational standard in the country.

    The Coordinator of the competition, Mr. Kunle Kasumu, said there were over 200 entries for the essay in which  40 finalists emerged. He urged candidates to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by Mrs Amosun by putting in their best.

     

  • Ogun community tackles insecurity

    Ogun community tackles insecurity

    After years of incessant attacks by robbers and other social miscreants, the people Pejuola community in Abeokuta, Ogun State have resorted to self help to secure their lives and properties. ERNEST NWOKOLO reports.

    Residents of the seedy Pejuola community in Idi – Aba, Abeokuta, rose at the weekend to tackle the long standing security challenge confronting them.

    The rainbow community of the elite, the middle and lower income classes respectively, say it is a task their leaders must accomplish because security threats are not directed to the landlords only, but also to the tenants and visitors.

    Toyin, an undergraduate and resident of the area said miscreants are in the habit of robbing people, snatching women’s bags, handsets and other valuables while girls are also sexually assaulted.

    She told The Nation that the situation was quite pathetic five years ago but added that respite appeared to have returned with the present administration in the state.

    The area now called Pejuola was hitherto a large expanse of land and home to bushes, thick forest and sparsely populated by people who could challenge wild animals and reptiles that frequently strayed into residential compounds then.

    But with the creation of Ogun state in 1976, coupled with the Pejuola’s government approved layout plan, it soon became an attractive location for many.

    And this was followed by an upsurge of building activities as people equally eager to live there surged in.

    The Nation gathered that the attendant security challenges did not only increased, but also took a new dimension.

    Residents already used to shoeing off threats posed by reptiles and other dangerous animals began to face new threats from marauders, robbers and petty thieves unprepared.

    According to Chief Adeniyi Abiola, a resident, “the early inhabitants were of necessity compelled to form themselves into vigilance groups for safety of their lives and properties in 1981.

    “The early settlers worked together then regardless of who was landlord, tenant, adult or youth because the intruders did not limit their invasion to the landlords only.”

    And to bolster their chances of gaining upper hands over their foes, the residents largely divergent then on many grounds, decided to come together formed a cohesive community and adopted the name Pejuola in early 80s.

    Late Pa Aroyewun popularly called Baba Ibadan was one the early inhabitants who facilitated the birth of Pejuola Community to enable residents draw strength from its number and unity to surmount the challenges they contend with,  particularly security.

    Today, the community is bounded by Lisabi Elite road in East, Baptist Mission Premises in the South, Olorunsogo village in the West and Salamu Kaola – Lantoro High School in the North.

    Abiola, who is an engineer and  past president of the Pejuola Community Development Association(PCDA) said when the “menace of the marauders were curtailed,” the residents decided to elect their first 10 – man officers in March 10, 1984 with Pa Aroyewun as patron, for its proper administration.

    Chief Michael Ogunmuyiwa, said ensuring security of lives and properties comes first on the priority of needs of the residents and which should also be attended to.

    Ogunmuywa who was inaugurated the new President of PCDA last Saturday told The Nation that part of measures he and members of his executives have mapped out to check criminality include presenting of jackets and identification cards to all commercial motorcycle operators that ply the community as well as car stickers to car owners.

    According to him, this would assist members of the vigilante group and the Police who would be brought to secure the residents, curtail hoodlums who carry out criminal acts on residents under the pretext of being commercial motorcycle operators.

    He also  noted that a dozen entry points or exits in the community would be provided with gates and urged the residents to cooperate with the new security arrangements so that criminals in and around the community could be identified and flushed out with ease.

    According to Ogunmuyiwa, efforts would also be made to improve upon the community’s roads networks, the drainage system, develop its landed property and sink boreholes for the use of the residents.

    Also, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command,  Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police would render necessary help to adequately secure the area.

    Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the Command would visit the community leaders as is its practice to give them tips periodically on how to keep their domains safe and secured.

    According to him, the police are also building cordial relationship with the local hunters and towing van operators on intelligence gathering as they are very useful in cases of kidnapping and other vices.

    But Abiola who recalled that few years ago, daylight robbery, snatching of bags and raping of girls were common phenomena, expressed a sigh of relief that the situation is being brought under control with the current administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

    He told The Nation that with the approach of another general elections,  it is now pertinent that the residents reflect deeply before casting their votes for politicians seeking elective offices in the state to avoid a return of the past era of criminality and fears in Pejuola community.

    He said:”the security situation was bad few years ago. By 6.30pm, people started watching their back daily. Bags of women were being snatched, girls were often attacked and abused but relative peace has returned with the present administration in the state.

    “We don’t pray for the return of that era. That is why we have to be careful about whom we would choose as governor at the state level during the forthcoming general elections. We don’t want a return of the era of security breaches.”

  • Ogun doctor creates ‘Omowunmi’ to enhance maternal health

    Ogun doctor creates ‘Omowunmi’ to enhance maternal health

    Driven by his desire to reduce maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, a young doctor, Niyi Osamiluyi has created a global system for mobile telecommunications, (GSM) software to enhance maternal health delivery in the country.

    Osamiluyi, a physician, is leading a team of doctors, nurses and other auxiliary medical staff using GSM phones to deliver health information and education to pregnant women.

    A field trial of the programme called “Omowunmi” has already received accolades from people, particularly pregnant women at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro-Abeokuta, Ogun State who are excited about it.

    On their part, the management of the hospital with a data base of over 250 expectant mothers has also confessed its admiration for the programme which it said has improved attendance at its antenatal clinic sessions.

    Osamiluyi worked with the Ogun State government until he resigned recently to become the chief executive officer and lead developer of Premier Medical Systems (PMS) Nig. Ltd.

    Interestingly too, the Ogun State government has also endorsed the programme, and granted approval that it be introduced in the  state-owned hospitals.

    Recently at the 2014 Partners Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, the   “Omowunmi” platform was among 40 commitments launched towards the advancement of the Every New Born Action Plan (ENAP) of the United Nations (UN).

    According to Osamiluyi, the programme is an application which delivers critical health information (via voice calls and SMS) to expectant mothers using mobile technology.

    His words: “The mobile phone penetration in Nigeria is said to be over 60 per cent and virtually every household has a phone. A basic phone is all that is required to receive messages,” he stated.

    Under the initiative, each registered expectant mother would receive health tips and reminders to attend antenatal clinic beginning from the fourth week of pregnancy till her delivery date.

    He explains further:”  “Each pregnant mother gets messages based on her last menstrual period. This implies that each registered expectant mother would receive messages that are specific for her gestational age. As a result, she gets the information when she needs it most”.

    Osamiluyi added that expectant mothers could also send an SMS to a dedicated number for counseling and necessary advice.

    Such advice would include food and fruits that are beneficial to them, what they should avoid as pregnant mothers like drugs, the physiological changes to expect in their bodies and important milestones in the development of their baby.

    “The overall goal of ”Omowunmi” is to reduce maternal mortality by increasing Ante-natal clinic attendance and hospital delivery. This is because it has been established that in Nigeria, only about 38 per cent of all deliveries are attended by skilled (doctor, midwife and nurse) and traditional birth attendants.

    “Basically, what we do is that once we get an expectant mothers last menstrual period and phone number, we key the information into our application and such a person begins to get our messages automatically”, he stated.

    Explaining rationale behind the programme which he said is essentially charity, Osamiluyi said the desire to reduce Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate propelled him.

    “So we are trying to increase antenatal clinic attendance which will lead to increased hospital delivery and in turn lead to a decrease in maternal mortality rate”, Osamiluyi explained, disclosing that Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates accounting for about 14 percent of worldwide maternal deaths.

    According to him, the   choice of Sacred Heart Hospital for the pilot scheme was informed by its general acknowledgment as the state version of the “baby factory” in Lagos, Island Maternity.

    Aside from this, he also confessed: “the management of the health facility believed in us and gave us ardent support during the initial stage of gathering data and developing the software and agreed to partner with us”.

    However, he was quick in adding:” we are not limiting ‘Omowunmi’ to Ogun State alone, we are already discussing with some major hospitals in Lagos with the overall goal of reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria”.

    Osamiluyi assured that the programme would be taken on a road-show to other states to avail pregnant women across the country the beauty of  ‘Omowunmi’, stating: “Having practised as a medical doctor for about a decade, I realised  that there was a low health literacy level amongst expectant mothers particularly in rural areas and these resulted in some of them having preventable complications during their pregnancy,  labour or delivery”.

    He also lamented that ignorance had been identified as a major factor contributing to the high maternal mortality rate in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Esther Ajayi, a senior nurse with the Sacred Heart Hospital, who spoke on behalf of the management confirmed that the programme which she described as informative and educative had been helping both the health institution and pregnant women.

    “Since we embraced it here, we, have noticed that more pregnant women attend the antenatal clinics regularly. This is a great departure from the old practice, where many expectant mothers forgot their clinic days”, she said.

    Ajayi, while commending those behind the idea, also recommended the programme to pregnant women in the state and even beyond.

    “This is a lofty idea that I want to recommend to all pregnant women in the state and even beyond.”

    Three pregnant women, Mrs. Rasheedat Ajimobi, Abosede Peter and Mrs. Adijat Akanni said that the programme had helped them and other pregnant women too.

    Ajimobi said: “Unlike in the past when I often forgot my ante natal days, “Omowunmi” reminds me through a text message as well as gives me, healthy tips on safe delivery”.

    On her part, Akanni said she has been receiving regular messages reminding her of what to do at a particular period of her pregnancy adding, “It is a good thing, as I receive messages more than four times in a week”.

    Peter, who described the pilot scheme as something very unique in the state and indeed in Nigeria added:” since I registered with this hospital as a pregnant woman, I have been receiving regular messages from “Omowunmi”, reminding me of what I should do and not to do with my pregnancy, free of charge.“It makes me and other expectant mothers know our responsibilities towards ensuring smooth pregnancy and safe delivery”, Peter confessed.

  • Ogun 2015: What is Bankole up to?

    Ogun 2015: What is Bankole up to?

    Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is searching for a credible governorship candidate to run against Governor Ibikunle Amosun in next year’s election. A section of the party has endorsed former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole for the governorship. But, another section is kicking against the endorsement. Can Bankole get the ticket? Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO examines the politics of endorsement and the former legislator’s  chances at the primaries.

    Former Speaker of the House of  Representatives Dimeji Bankole has an ambition. In next year’s election, he wants to contest against Governor Ibikunle Amosun. A section of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed his aspiration. But, many stakeholders are also kicking against it. The question is: can he get the ticket?

    Bankole has been nursing the ambition before the death of President Umaru Yar’ Adua. He was very close to the former leader. But, when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him, there were new calculations. In 2011, his tenure as the Speaker ended. The people of Abeokuta South Constituency voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, a relatively known Segun Williams. . Thus, the man who succeeded former Speaker  Patricia Etteh failed in his third term bid for the House.

    The defeat was particularly shocking and humiliating. Bankole had hoped to keep his seat and continue as the Speaker in the Lower Chamber. Unlike his Senate counterpart, Gen. David Mark, who made it,  Bankole returned home to a divided party battling with crises. Since then, he has been scheming to bounce back.

    On returning to Abeokuta, the state capital, he could not unify the divided party. Neither could he avert the defections to the APC and the Labour Party (LP). The factional leaders have not sheathed their swords. Although Bankole has been preaching unity, his advice has fallen on deaf ears.

    Shortly after leaving the position of the Speaker, Bankole was being hunted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). He was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Before he left office, there was an allegation that he was involved in  N9bn contract scam.

    The EFCC had claimed that the ex – Speaker  had a hand in the fraudulent purchase of two Range Rover bullet-proof vehicles,  two Range Rover vehicles, three Mercedes Benz S-600 cars, 400 television sets, 400 units of DSTV systems, 800 units of desktop computers, and 100 units of Sharp Digital Copier.

    But, in February, respite came his way as the court  discharged and acquitted him, following the inability of the anti-graft body to prove the allegation.

    For Bankole, the trial was a bitter side of politics. Having survived it, he believed that the coast was clear for him to move forward. He renewed his bid for the governorship. Bankole strated to hold consultations with stakeholders. Now, his aspiration has become a divisive issue in Ogun PDP.

    Few months ago, he met secretly  with public relations experts in Lagos to assist in laundering his image.Roles were assigned to these foot soldiers. According to sources, they were to storm over 4,500 villages and communities to prepare the ground for his ambition. Their assignment also include door-to-door mobilisation and political sensitisation.

    However, Bankole is in a dilemma. While some people have advised him to contest the governorship, others said that he should try his luck at the senatorial election. Sources said that prominent PDP leaders have yet to give him their assurance that they would back him for the number one seat. The President, a source said, is not also thinking about him. There is also a division among Egba leaders. Majority of them are supporting Amosun for a second term.

    The ex – Speaker is a Muslim. He is an Egba indigene from the Ogun Central Senatorial District. Amosun is also a Muslim and an Egba from Owu in the Central District.

    To analysts, if Bankole picks the governorship ticket, he would have to scramble for votes from the Central District with the governor, who enjoys incumbency power.

    Besides, Amosun is perceived as a performer, who has changed the face of the state capital. The governor is also popular in Ogun East(Ijebuland and Remo) and Ogun West(Yewaland) because he has turned them into a huge construction site. Therefore, it may be difficult for Bankole to campaign against him across the three districts.

    Bankole  also faces other challenges. Will the people of Yewaland cast their vote for Bankole, another Egba man? The thinking is that, if he gets there in 2015, he will like to go for a second term. That means that the ambition of governorship contenders from the highly marginalised Yewa/Awori ethnic group would be in jeopardy.

    The fear of defeat at the poll appeared to have also seized Bankole in recent times. Sources said that   he is worried about the likely effect of electoral defeat for the second term at home. Should he be defeated, he would become an electoral liability in need of rehabilitation.

    Another challenge is that Ogun PDP is now a weak platform. The factions are waxing stronger in crisis to the detriment of the platform. Things have continued to fall apart and the centre cannot hold. Reconciliation has failed and warring leaders are working at cross-purposes. In this atmosphere of disunity, the PDP’s calculations for 2015 are affected.

    The PDP went for the 2011 general elections as a divided house. Failing to put its house in order, it lost its deposit at the polls as over 95 per cent the elective seats were swept by the APC. The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), which was a faction of the PDP, also could not make a headway. Up to now, the followers of former Governor Gbenga Daniel and the PDP executive committee led by Chief Bayo Dayo are still at loggerheads.

    The crisis, mistrust and division that heralded the party’s woeful defeat have not abated. Although majority of PDP leaders in Ogun claim to be working for the second term ambition of President Jonathan, they have not closed ranks at home.

    Few months ago, a chieftain, Prince Buruji Kashamu, dismissed Bankole’s  consultation with stakeholders as a joke. The PDP Southwest mobiliser and financier said his aspiration does not enjoy the support of party followers.

    Since 2011, Bankole appeared to have  been aloof to local politics. Thus, his sudden re-appearance was a surprise to many people. After losing his seat, he was left in the cold. Federal appointments eluded him and he was never perceived as one of the national leaders of the party.

    Kashamu  gave reason for dismissing Bankole’s ambition as a ruse. He said: “Like most people, I also heard of Dimeji Bankole’s ambition through the media. Every true member of the party, who has an ambition, is free to declare it. In fact, we expect more of such declarations to be made in the days ahead. However, such ambitions should be done with respect for constituted authority.

    “Anyone who says because he has an ambition, things must be done his own way, is definitely not serious. Anyone who says, for him to realise his ambition, the authentic and legally recognised state executive put in place by party members should be broken,  is definitely a joker.”

    Also, earlier during his numerous row with the then Governor, Gbenga Daniel,  while serving as Speaker, Bankole was reported to have said that he was too busy with national assignments of making life better for Nigerians towards initiating and supervising quality laws and rarely have time for the “Ogun local politics.”

    Also, many have said in Egbaland that Bankole is in the race to fulfill the long time dream of his father to rule the state. But, the old man has since forgotten that dream. In fact, a source said that the elderly Bankole, an astute politician, had advised his son to vie for either the Senate of the House of Representatives, based on the reality on ground. To him, parliamentary elections are not as tedious as the governorship.

    The former Speaker may have heeded the advise by shelving his public declaration last week. But, some of his associates said that he has not given up hope.

    When he visited the party’s office, the ex – Speaker told party leaders and his supporters that he had not come to make any declaration, but to preach a message of unity. He said Ogun PDP needed harmony to move forward.

    Bankole said: “There is no word about aspiration or any other sort in the letter I sent to you and I want that established. If I ever decide to aspire, I will come and tell you. This is not the purpose of the visit.

    “We mend the fences of our members, aggrieved people inside and outside this party, to make sure that we give the opposition party a good run for their money in 2015.  That is the purpose of my visit. That has been the purpose of the three senatorial districts that I have done and I will continue to do so.  It is precisely what I’ve done in the three senatorial districts since I came back from the United States a few months ago, which is the purpose of unifying our great party.

    “ I’ve come to report my own findings to you all and  appeal to the wisdom of this state executive on what needs to be done in averting a mistake, precisely after a proper diagnosis of what happened to us in 2011.”

    However, a source said that Bankole may declare his ambition in few weeks. According to the source, the former Speaker is waiting for the blessing of Aso Villa. Although there are hurdles on the way, he is hopeful. For Bankole, hope is the elixir of life.

  • Ogun begins rice harvest

    The Ogun State government has started rice harvesting at its 250 hectares rice farm in Eggua Yewa North Local Government Area.

    Speaking at the harvesting of the 50 hectares that are ready, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, said the project has shown the commitment of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun administration at increasing food production in the state.

    Mrs. Sokefun said the Nerika 8 rice will be processed according to international standard and will be available for local consumption.

    She, therefore, used the opportunity to thank the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his support for agricultural development in the state, adding that when all government effort matures, Ogun State will become self sufficient in food production.

    Speaking at the harvesting of the rice in Eggua, the Eleggua of Eleggualand, Oba Michael Dosunmu, thanked the state government for citing the project in his domain.

    He said the project has promoted job opportunities for local farmers while many more have been empowered through the project and promised his subjects’ loyalty to the state government.