OGUN COUNSELS RESIDENTS OF ITS BORDER TOWNS TO EMBRACE PROPER ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AND HYGIENE

 

Ogun State government has counselled residents  of its border towns of Ojodu-Abiodun,Denro, Ishasi, Alagbole- Akute,Lambe and Ijoko to embrace proper environmental sanitation and hygiene to fully reap the benefits of the road infrastructure newly provided for them by the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration.

Commissioner for Environment,Dr Ola Oresanya made the admonishion he led a combined team of the Environment Family that consists of officials of the Ministry of Environment,Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency OGEPA,Ogun State Waste Management Authority OGWAMA and officials of Ifo and Ado-Odo Local Governments on an environmental tour of the new road infrastructure in the border towns as a follow- up to Governor Dapo Abiodun's recent inspection visit  to the border towns 

Oresanya said the residents and the Community Development Association of the towns must monitor and ensure that wastes are not dumped on the drainage channels of the road infrastructure to prevent them from been clogged thereby constituting environmental nuisance to them as well as stopping some of them from illegally channelling waste- water from their homes to the newly constructed roads.

"The CDA as the first responder must equally prevent residents especially those on the roadsides from placing planks and containers on the drainage channels in the name of creating spaces for home trading which will reduce the lifespan of the drainage channels as they will inhibit free flow of erosion during raining season as government cannot be everywhere"

He therefore urged the residents to provide covered bins in their houses and patronize certified waste collectors assigned to their various communities for proper waste collection and stop patronizing waste cartpushers to avoid improper waste disposal and stop waste water channelization from their homes into the road infrastructure which will reduce its lifespan.

Oresanya also urged residents and the CDAs to restrain some of their members from placing planks and containers on drainage channels which will prevent free flow of that will result to erosion during the raining season.

On the side of the state government, Oresanya said the setbacks of the new road will be cleaned-up and beautified to add to the aesthetic beauty of the border towns, urging them to own the new infrastructure as well as urge retail and wholesale outlets to avoid noise pollution which would have negative consequences on the well-being of residents.

For the Chairmen of Ifo and Ado-Odo Ota Local Governments,Hon Idris Olalekan Kusimo and Wasiu Lawal who were part of the combined Environment Team,they promised to continue to enforce environmental laws in their local councils to promote environmental safety and hygiene while the Chairman of the Ifo Community Development Committee,Alhaji Akangbe Olatunde thanked the state government for bringing relief to the residents of the border towns through the massive road infrastructure and pledged the committee's resolve to embark on massive  environmental  awareness campaign to protect the infrastructure from environmental hazards.

Ogun to Leverage Technology for Water Supply to Residents

Plans are in top gear by the Ogun State Government to leverage the use of technology and the Internet to produce, distribute, and generate clean, quality water for residents.

The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on SDG and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, made this known during an assessment tour of water generation facilities in the state capital.

Otubanjo also said that the state government will continue to pay a lot of attention to quality assurance, adding that there are several plans by the government to ensure that the water corporation isn't just producing water but producing it sustainably.

"We need to have the process flow to make things more automated, and we need to explore the Internet to see how we can leverage technology to make our processes more efficient.

"There is a need for us to adopt advanced technology; some of the processes are a bit outdated, so we need to look at how we can optimize and make them more efficient.

"There are a lot of challenges; clearly, there are many areas in the space of maintenance. We need to pay a lot of attention to quality assurance because during my tour, I engaged with the team to understand the quality processes and the testing that they have to conduct," she said.

The Special Adviser also noted that the state government is planning to convert its several customers across the state who are still on flat and post-paid rates to pre-paid rates, saying that the conversion would help the corporation and the state government gain significant value from the water they are producing.

Otubanjo further said that the state water corporation has a high level of non-revenue water due to the lack of appetite from customers who are not paying because they don't receive the water they need.

She added that the state government would look at the possibility of installing sensors and meters to measure the quality and quantity of water that is being produced in order to properly estimate what its revenue should look like.

"There is also the issue of metering. We need to convert our customers who are on flat rates and post-paid plans to pre-paid plans. That way, we can gain significant value from the water we are producing.

"So, when we install pre-paid meters, it means you only pay for what you consume. They won't suffer any sense of loss because they only pay for what they consume, so we need to make our system more efficient," she said.

The Special Adviser assured the people of the state of immediate improvement in the distribution of water, also affirming that the corporation would do a lot in terms of advocacy and awareness.

Otubanjo also stated that the corporation's response to bursts and leakages of its pipes across the state would be optimal, urging members of the public to be collaborators in progress.

"I can assure the people of the state that they will see improved water service. Largely, there is a need for us to create a lot of awareness. To reinstate the confidence and trust of the people back in the Ogun State Water Corporation, we need to do a lot in terms of advocacy and awareness. We need to be accessible, reachable, and we need to communicate.

"Our response to bursts and leakages must be optimal. Within 24 hours, we should be able to respond, and I want to call on the members of the public to be collaborators in progress.

"We have our toll-free line (07080601161) that they should reach out to us on to report issues, and I promise that we will respond promptly," she added.

On her part, the Consultant to the Governor on Water Resources, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Jaji, noted that water production is not limited to Abeokuta alone, adding that the state has Papa Water Works that supplies Papalanto, Ilaro, and Ifo, Ota 2 that supplies Ota, the Ijebu-Ode Yemoji scheme, and Apoje that supplies water to Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, as well as borehole schemes across the state.

Jaji urged the people of the state to pay their water bills on time, even as she tasked them to report timely information on burst water pipes to prevent contamination of clean water supply.

The Chairman of Workers' Estate, Laderin, Abeokuta, Mr. Olatunji Oladapo, commended the state government for showing a willingness to put an end to the issues of burst pipes in the estate, adding that the visit would go a long way in ensuring that the estate continues to enjoy uninterrupted water supply.

Some of the areas visited include Oke-Temidire Water Reservoir in Abiola Way, Ogun State Water Corporation (old and new schemes) at Arakanga, Alamala booster station, Car Wash booster station, Panseke booster station, Ibara booster station, Abeokuta area office, and the Laderin Borehole scheme.

Ogun Only Recognizes Constitutionally Established Courts

......says no group can bring Sharia through the backdoor 

The Ogun State Government has warned against any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state.

The state government, in a statement personally signed by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noted that Sharia Courts cannot be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing.

The government was reacting to a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state.

According to the statement, Ogun State only recognizes courts established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution, adding that a Sharia Court does not form part of the legal framework operating in the state.

The statement reads: "The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari'ah Court in Ogun State.

"No Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State. The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws, which are: Magistrates' Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

"No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society.

"The Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion, and recognizes the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.

"However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorized assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves to the public as a court without legal backing. Those behind that notice have no legal backing. They cannot set up a court or administer justice by fiat or public notice.

"The Ogun State Government hereby directs that all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorized court must immediately cease all related activities and disband the illegal entity and all its apparatus.

"The Ogun State Government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court. Such occurrences should be promptly reported to the State.

"The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the State, and prevent a breakdown of law and order."

Economic Transformation Hinges on Education, Skills Development – Ogun Commissioner

Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, has said that the State Government’s vision to modernize its eight technical colleges is grounded in the understanding that education and skill acquisition are critical drivers of sustainable growth.

Olabimtan, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), said that the economic transformation of any state or nation depends significantly on education and skills development.

He spoke during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Government Technical College, Ajegunle, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state. 

"One of the pillars of this project is skill development. The whole idea is that you cannot have economic transformation without prioritising education and skill acquisition, which are essential for the State's growth," Olabimtan said.

He also called on community leaders to collaborate with the government to ensure the sustainability and effective use of rehabilitated technical colleges.

The commissioner commended the Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, for his proactive engagement and encouraged other community leaders to adopt a similar approach.

“I am really happy the Baale is here, already taking ownership of this project. We want it to be a community-driven initiative where people see the college as their own, ensuring its security and encouraging them to enroll their children. That is the kind of partnership we are aiming for," he added.

Mr. Olabimtan commended the contractor for adhering to quality and for promising to deliver some of the buildings well ahead of deadline.

In her remarks, the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, assured the community that the college would be equipped with world-class infrastructure upon completion. 

Represented by the OGSTEP Project Manager for the Skills Development Sector, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, she highlighted the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for learning and skill acquisition that aligns with global standards.

Similarly, Engr. Kayode Oseni, Project Engineer for OGSTEP, expressed confidence in the timely delivery of the project, stressing that all efforts were being made to ensure the facility was completed as scheduled.

The Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, expressed his gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing the rehabilitation of the technical college. 

He pledged his community’s support in maintaining the facility and ensuring its security to promote its sustainability and impact.

Ogun Revamps Technical Colleges to Equip Students for Global Competitiveness

 

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has said that the ongoing rehabilitation of technical colleges across the state is meant to attract more students to technical education.

He stated that the move would also enable them to compete favorably with their counterparts across the country and contribute significantly to closing the skills gap nationwide.

Prof. Arigbabu made this statement during the inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of Government Technical Colleges at Idiaba and Isabo, Abeokuta, respectively.

Expressing satisfaction with the level and quality of work done so far, the Commissioner noted that the rehabilitation of the structures would, in no small measure, contribute to the learning skills of students. 

He added that the upgraded facilities would enhance practical learning, foster creativity, and provide a conducive environment for academic excellence.

Prof. Arigbabu disclosed that the revamped technical colleges, apart from helping to attract more students to technical education, would also increase their employability and prepare them for entrepreneurial opportunities in various industries.

In an interview with some of the female students at the college, the Commissioner urged beneficiaries of the Ogun Girls TVET scholarship to make the best use of the opportunity.

His counterpart at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Hon. Adebola Sofela, commended the Ogun State Government for its foresight in prioritizing technical education.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of producing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of both local and international markets.

Mr. Sofela further noted that the intervention would strengthen the link between education and industry, ensuring students are equipped with relevant skills for today’s dynamic economy.

The ongoing rehabilitation is part of OGSTEP’s commitment to improving the economic livelihoods of the people through strategic interventions in education and skills development.

Nigerian Navy, Ogun Govt set to flag-off naval base, dockyard

 

…...To strengthen security along the state’s waterways

The Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government are set to flag-off the ground breaking ceremony of the Naval Base and Dockyard in Ode-Omi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON,made this known in his Oke-Mosan office when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen.

According to him, the flagging off is coming at a critical time when the state needs to strengthen its security along its waterways to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the porous security situation in that corridor and to protect the recently discovered hydrocarbon  minerals (petroleum gas) in the area.

The Gateway State Governor  added that the citing of the Naval Base and Dockyard in the state would further send a strong signal that the security architecture in Ogun State is further strengthened and safe for more investment.

The Governor further disclosed that the state is looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Naval Base and Dockyard, adding that it is important to have a Naval presence in the state to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not take advantage of all the economic benefits in the horizon.

Prince Abiodun also said that the access road to the Naval Base and Dockyard would be ready by the end of the week.

"We are looking forward to the ground breaking ceremony. I have with me pictures of works that have been ongoing to allow us access the said property and I am told that sometime by the end of this week, the access road that is being worked on by our Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will be fully accessible

"We are going further not just in making the place accessible but in actually preparing the site for the ground breaking ceremony and it will be a befitting preparation.

"This will allow us to underscore the importance that we attach to the Nigerian Navy and how much we look forward to having their presence here to further complement our law enforcement architecture.

"We are looking forward to this ground breaking; we believe that it will send a strong signal that indeed Ogun State is ready to partner with the Navy and also that we will not be a haven for unscrupulous elements.

"The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure is here, and he has briefed me that sometime by the end of this week, on or before, the access road to Ode-Omi, which is where the site for the Naval Base and Dockyard is located, will be ready, and the site itself will be prepared for groundbreaking.

"With the coming of the Navy it would be a good signal that security architecture in Ogun State is further strengthened and it is a place to continue to look at for investment," he said.

Governor Abiodun who noted that there had been steps to begin the construction of the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas Project as well as the Ogun State Deep Sea Port project in Ogun Waterside by previous administrations before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, added that the ground breaking of the Naval Base and Dockyard would further improve the economic base of the state.

The Governor also said his administration has completed the formalities of allocating about 100 hectares of land for the purpose of citing the Naval Base and Dockyard.

He further stated that the state government has waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and has forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy to the Naval headquarters.

"In view of the prospective activities that we are envisaging in our riverine areas, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, gladly obliged us and accepted that it is important for us to have a naval base and a dockyard in Ogun State.

"We proceeded to make different positions available, and at that time, a committee was set up between members of the Nigerian Navy and the state government to identify locations that would be acceptable to the Nigerian Navy.

"Subsequently, a location was identified in Ogun Waterside, and we allocated a parcel of land, 100 hectares, for the purpose of setting up this facility.

"We have since completed the formalities of allocating the parcel of land to the Nigerian Navy.

"We have waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and have since forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy for that parcel of land to the Naval headquarters," he added.

Prince Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo who he said played a major role at ensuring the presence of the Nigerian Navy in the state, especiallyTongeji Island.

"Let me put on record and thank the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who worked collaboratively with us to ensure that there is some Naval presence in Tongeji. He was very determined to ensure we did that because those people in Tongeji were already wondering if they were just Nigerians in name only.

"Sadly and unfortunately, we do not have a road connection to Tongeji like Benin Republic has but the past Chief of Naval Staff ensured that we have some Naval outpost and some little jetty there in Tongeji and we are very grateful.

"I also want to thank him because it was under his watch that I made a case for the wider presence of the Nigerian Navy here and currently, we have the Secondary School and the Music School."

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen commended Governor Abiodun for the support he has been providing to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the state.

He also noted that it was necessary to assist the Ogun State Government in ensuring security in its maritime space, adding that the Navy is poised to ensure that all coastal states are free from unscrupulous elements by maintaining the presence of Naval personnel in all the waterways and creeks.

"The Ogun State Governor has taken the security of life and property of residents and indigenes of the state very seriously, and the Nigerian Navy is very ready to support this effort.

"We are going to set up a Naval Base where you have your new deep sea port and the gas region and we are hoping that as soon as possible, we will be getting a lot of things done in conjunction with the state government.

"The Naval Base is part of the Chief of Naval Staff's plan, and very soon work will commence there. Be assured that the Navy will be fully on the ground in Ogun State.

"I will assure his Excellency that the Naval headquarters is very disposed to ensuring that the base takes off as soon as possible," he said.

French Investors Eye Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport, Others

 

The former French Minister of Transport, Mr. Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, has hinted at the desire of investors from his country to invest in the transport sector of Ogun State, especially the agro-cargo airport.

Other areas of interest for the investors, according to Mr. Jean-Baptiste, are the Dry Port, the Olokola Sea Port, and the railway system.

Fielding questions from newsmen after a closed-door meeting with the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Mr. Jean-Baptiste said he was impressed with the level of infrastructural facilities at the airport, hence the need to draw the attention of French investors to the state.

He said: "This is one of the several meetings I have had with the governor over the years. We discussed aviation-related items owing to the fact that the state is developing the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and all the major infrastructural projects related to transport.

"We have many French operators who are involved in transportation, logistics, and aviation. There are many interested in investing in Nigeria and Ogun State because Ogun State is seen as a very dynamic and reliable partner."

He said he had met the governor on many occasions, including last December at the occasion of the state visit of President Bola Tinubu to President Macron in France, and proposed to come and see how he could contribute to the amazing development in Ogun State in the area of transport and aviation.

According to the former transport minister, during the two-day visit, his team would tour the Gateway International Airport, assess the opportunities regarding the Dry Port, the Sea Port, and the railway system with a view to sharing experiences, adding that "because I can see your products are developing very quickly and booming, the demography and market demand are very high."

He described Governor Abiodun as a man with a clear vision who took pains to assemble good hands to assist him in realizing his dreams for the state, noting that "it has been six years since the governor has been heading the state, and I can see that the changes are really massive and positive."

Governor Abiodun had earlier informed his guests that his administration had developed a multimodal transport master plan meant to assist the state in designing its modes of transport to drive the state economy.

"We took advantage of the rail infrastructure that the federal government has invested in; that is what informed our Gateway International Airport, and that is also what has informed the construction of our Dry Port and our upcoming seaport.

"We believe that cargo destined for Ogun State or other states around can be put on the train and transported to Kajola and cleared there. It will make for a more efficient Tin Can and Apapa Ports and, of course, ease the troubles that manufacturers here have experienced in the past.

"Our airport, in terms of physical construction, has been completed; the runway is 100% completed, and the control tower is 100% completed with all the equipment installed. The terminal building is maybe 90% completed; it is completed physically, and they are doing the fit-out in terms of fittings. We have a temporary terminal building," he said.

The governor said commercial operations would have started in the last quarter but for the non-installation of navigational equipment like the runway lights, emphasizing that the aim of his administration is to make it the best-equipped airport in Nigeria.

"The airport, as I told you, is an ecosystem. It is situated in what we call our aerotropolis, so we have a Special Agro-Processing Zone there, and we also have the Nigeria Customs and Excise Village because we envision the airport to have a system where Customs and Excise can process things very fast," he added.

Ogun's N1.05trn Budget to Pave Way for Development, Prosperity - Finance Commissioner

 

Ogun State Government has said that the 2025 budget of N1.05trn, is aimed at executing projects that would set the State in the path of development and prosperity.

The Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo stated this during the highlights and breakdown of the 2025 budget tagged "Budget of Hope And Prosperity", held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. 

He said the increase in the 2025 budget was to continue on the implementation of qualitative and affordable education, healthcare delivery, housing, provision of critical road infrastructure, youth empowerment and other essential services for the good of the people.

He further the budget State's budgets have increased from N335bn in 2020 to N1.1trn in 2024 as a result of the reforms put in place and the blockage of leakages and loopholes.

He continues: "We have significantly increased our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through lots of reforms in lands, payments, industry, trade and investment where you can do business online. We have also done a lot of internal reforms to drive efficiency as well as digitized the entire internal revenue service."

Okubadejo stated that the Ogun State is expected to generate N194bn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, N121bn from internal revenue service and N228m from federal allocation from N199bn in 2024.

On his side, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan said the N1.05trn budget is broken down into N600bn for Capital and N400bn for Recurrent Expenditures, which is a 50 percent increase over the 2024 budget which stood at N703bn.

"For us, what is significant which is why we keep coming first whenever we are ranked in the IGR and its sustainability is that the percentage of our funding from the federation account keeps going down and that is a deliberate attempt on the part of this government to ensure sustainability.

"We will spend more on capital expenditure than we spend on recurrent. Personnel cost is expected to be N125bn which is 12 percent, Overhead Cost of N216bn or 20 percent of the budget and Consolidated Charge of four percent giving us a total Recurrent Expenditure of N455 bn which is 43 percent," Olabimtan said 

Speaking on the education sector, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said N178bn or 17 percent of the budget was allocated to the education sector and this would be used for the building 12 mega smart schools, each containing 900 classrooms.

Other projects to be carried out by the Ministry included fencing of schools to provide security for learners and their teachers, providing basic amenities like boreholes, renovation of dilapidated classrooms, among others.

In the agricultural sector, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the state is ready to revive all the farm settlements, increase productivity through effective agricultural value chain, bring more youth and women into agriculture, as well as promote dry season farming through the distribution of 1000 water pumps to farmers.

Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, said emphasis would be placed on the construction of legacy housing projects across the State as N7.5bn is budgeted for housing projects, another N4.5bn for the ministry and N4.9bn for the Housing Corporation.

He said houses built at the Kobape Housing Estate have been allocated to those who fully paid the required amount, while 32 of those who did not get allocation would get their refund.

On her part, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said a total of 80 Primary Health Care Centres have been renovated this year, while plans are underway to procure MRI machines to meet the needs of patients in the State's health institutions.

Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, hinted that government plans to extend the Lagos Red, Blue, and Purple rail lines into the State, emphasizing that the development of new rail stations would not only facilitate easier movement for commuters but also enhance the transportation of goods in and out of the State.

The commissioner also revealed that the ministry is focusing on water transport with a view to improving connectivity across the State and encourage cargo transportation.

Engr. Dairo also affirmed that the Gateway International Airport, which is designed for both cargo and passenger services, has received full certification for operational takeoff, noting that this development positions Ogun State as a strategic hub for air transportation in the region.

Ogun Completes Process of Allocating 100 Hectares of Land to Nigerian Navy for Naval Base, Dockyard

 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON on Tuesday said his administration has completed the formalities of allocating about 100 hectares of land at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state for the purpose of citing a Naval Base and Dockyard for the Nigerian Navy.

Governor Abiodun also stated that the state government has waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and has forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy to the Naval headquarters.

The Governor made this statement in his office when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, in his Oke-Mosan Office, Abeokuta.

He said: "In view of the prospective activities that we are envisaging in our riverine areas, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, gladly obliged us and accepted that it is important for us to have a naval base and a dockyard in Ogun State.

"We proceeded to make different positions available, and at that time, a committee was set up between members of the Nigerian Navy and the state government to identify locations that would be acceptable to the Nigerian Navy.

"Subsequently, a location was identified in Ogun Waterside, and we allocated a parcel of land, 100 hectares, for the purpose of setting up this facility.

"We have since completed the formalities of allocating the parcel of land to the Nigerian Navy.

"We have waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and have since forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy for that parcel of land to the Naval headquarters."

Governor Abiodun noted that the access road to the Naval Base and Dockyard would be ready by the end of the week.

The Governor further disclosed that the state is looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Naval Base and Dockyard, adding that it is important to have a Naval presence in the state to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not take advantage of all the economic benefits that are on the horizon.

"The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure is here, and he has briefed me that sometime by the end of this week, on or before, the access road to Ode-Omi, which is where the site for the Naval Base and Dockyard is located, will be ready, and the site itself will be prepared for groundbreaking.

"We did not make as much progress as we anticipated because of the rains; however, since the rain stopped, we have begun to work on the access to the place and also the site itself," he said.

Governor Abiodun, who noted that his administration has been very particular about deepening its relationship with the Nigerian Navy, added that the state is a coastal state because of the presence of Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government and Olokola Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government.

The Governor further stated that these two coastal areas are of particular interest to his administration because Tongeji Island and Olokola Deep Sea Port are regions where the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had issued oil prospecting licenses in the past.

Abiodun, while noting that the prospect of Ogun becoming an oil-producing state is high, said that the recent visit of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, NNPCL, and the Ministry of Petroleum to declare the state a frontier state is a huge indication that the state is moving in the right direction.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Oamen commended Governor Abiodun for the support he has been providing to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the state.

He also noted that it was necessary to assist the Ogun State Government in ensuring security in its maritime space, adding that the Navy is poised to ensure that all coastal states are free from unscrupulous elements by maintaining a presence of Naval personnel in all the waterways and creeks.

"The Ogun State Governor has taken the security of life and property of residents and indigenes of the state very seriously, and the Nigerian Navy is very ready to support this effort.

"The Naval Base is part of the Chief of Naval Staff's plan, and very soon work will commence there. Be assured that the Navy will be fully on the ground in Ogun State," he said.

Work to commence on 17-kilometer Sango-Ijoko road immediately, says Gov. Abiodun

 

....as Alagbole -Ajuwon-Akute road set to be commissioned by end of February 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the 17-kilometer  Sango-Ijoko road would be divided into two sections to allow for its quick completion as he announced the immediate construction of the road.

The Governor also added that  the 3.25 kilometers Alagbole-Ajuwon-Akute road in Ifo Local Government Area of the state would be ready for commissioning by the end of February 2025.

The  Governor made these known during the inspection of several roads under  construction  in Ifo 2 state constituency.

“About four months ago, we were here in response to the fact that our attention was drawn to the state of  roads in Ifo 2, particularly Alagbole-Ajuwon, Denro-Ishashi-Akute, Ajuwon-Akite, Ijoko-Sango, and Lambe. I came here and promised that within a few months I would be back to commission all those roads that were in deplorable condition.

“Today, we are here; Alagbole-Akute is completed and 100% ready for commissioning, Ajuwon-Akute is ongoing, it is about 3.25 kilometers, and by God's grace, by the end of February, it will be totally completed.

“Sango-Ijoko is a long road. We started it from the Sango area; we have an outstanding 17 kilometers, and we have decided to divide it into two sections of 8 kilometers each,” Abiodun  said.

The Governor hinted that he had instructed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure that construction must start immediately at the worst  sections of the raod, adding that the decision to ascertain those portions of the road would be collectively taken by the government and the residents.

He continued :" I am giving you my commitment because this constituency is of extreme importance to us; it is our border community with Lagos State, and there is a lot of cross-border migration between us and Lagos. It is important for us to make that cross-border experience as pleasurable as possible for the citizens, and that is our 100% commitment.

Governor Abiodun, therefore,  urged the residents of the local government to use the road responsibly and maintain it to serve its original purpose.

In his  remarks, the Chairman of  Ifo CDC, Alhaji Akangbe Olatunde, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the ongoing construction on the Ajuwon-Akute road, saying  that the Governor has brought joy to the people of Ifo Local Government.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Hadijat Adeleye, noted that the people of the  area had gone through so much pains in the past with the neglect of the area by previous administrations.

“We have gone through so much sufferings in this area, we have really seen so much. We are bordered by Lagos, but yet, we don't have anything to show for it.

“But God sent someone; he sent Governor Dapo Abiodun to come and give us succour and lifted our spirits by  bringing  us out of the dust that we are known for in Ifo 2, we are most grateful to him,” she said.

Suleja fire: Southern Governors Forum condoles Niger gov

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON has described the tanker fire explosion that claimed 77 lives and injured 25 others along the Dikko-Maje road in Suleja, Niger State, 

as a devastating tragedy.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Sunday, Abiodun, who said that the governments and the people of the southern states were deeply troubled by the tragedy, commiserated with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and his cabinet, as well as  the people of Niger State, urging them not to allow their spirits to be dampened by the extremely tragic event.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims of the fire while expressing hope that the injured will have speedy recovery and be back on their feet in the shortest possible time.

He said: "To say that we in the Southern Governors Forum are terribly shocked by this devastating tragedy in which as many as 77 people lost their lives and no less than 25 others were grievously injured would be an understatement. 

"This is a soul-crushing event that has befallen Niger State and we pray that Almighty Allah will comfort the families that lost their loved ones in the incident. 

"We also hope that the security agencies will up their ante and enforce the directives given by His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, to ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules in the state, especially given that this was an entirely avoidable tragedy.

"It is also important to warn Nigerians to desist from the practice of scoping fuel from fallen tankers, as most of the victims of this tragedy were people  who ran to the scene of the accident to scoop fuel."

While calling on state and federal agencies to redouble their efforts in managing the fallouts of the tragedy, Abiodun urged the Federal Government to liaise with the Nigerian State Government and render any assistance that the state may require at this time.

Abiodun Approves Recruitment of Additional 1,000 Amotekun Personnel, Warns Criminals

 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 Amotekun personnel to effectively police all nooks and crannies of the state, just as he warned criminals that the state would not be a haven for their criminal activities.

The Gateway State governor also pledged to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other necessities to enable the Corps members to discharge their duties effectively.

Prince Abiodun announced this on Saturday at the passing-out parade ceremony of 690 Batch D trainees of the Corps, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

The State number one citizen also pledged to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other necessities to enable the Corps members to discharge their duties effectively.

The Gateway State governor announced this on Saturday at the passing-out parade ceremony of 690 Batch D trainees of the Corps, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

He said the establishment of the Corps was aimed at strengthening security, particularly at the grassroots, as well as reducing unemployment in the state.

He further "We will also continue to strengthen the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to ensure that you have the tools and infrastructure required to perform your duties effectively and diligently.

"I am today, based on what I have seen regarding your level of preparedness and commitment, approving the extra requirement of another 1,000 Amotekun Corps.

"This will bring the total strength to over 2,000. They will, of course, be enumerated very well in line with the civil service structure.

"I will also be approving additional logistics, including but not limited to vehicles, electric motorcycles, and all that is required to allow you to discharge your responsibilities to the best of your abilities," Abiodun said.

He stated that the passing-out event represented a milestone in securing the state, as they would be made to patrol major roads and communities across the state.

The establishment of the Corps, the governor emphasized, was meant to complement the federal government's efforts to address insecurity, as the Corps is to cooperate with other security agencies in tackling criminal activities in the state.

Governor Abiodun, who was impressed with their level of training, discipline, and conduct, noted that with their commitment and sense of duty, those who left the organization would be motivated to rejoin.

He urged them, as custodians of security and peace in the state, not to use their position to intimidate or molest the people, but to secure them through intelligence gathering and cooperation with the traditional rulers to ensure effective community policing.

While maintaining that the training of the Corps is to serve as a warning signal to criminals that the state would not be a haven for their activities, Prince Abiodun, however, stated that he expects improved security across the state in the coming days.

He commended the pioneer Commander of the Corps for laying a solid foundation and called on the people to cooperate with the Corps by providing useful information to enable the members and other security agencies to nip crimes in the bud.

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the Corps, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (rtd), said the trainees were exposed to physical training, weapon handling, and intelligence gathering.

While appreciating the state government for providing the needed resources for the smooth operation of the Corps, the Commander said operatives of the Corps have been able to repair some broken-down patrol vehicles and motorcycles, while the government has provided new sets of uniforms and communication gadgets to the agency.

He called on the trainees to operate within the confines of the law, serve the people with renewed commitment, and cooperate with other security agencies for the peace and tranquility of the state.

Highlights of the ceremony included the distribution of prizes to teams that emerged at the top in football matches, tug of war, and cultural displays.

Cultism, ritual killings: Ogun Won't hesitate to Sign Death Warrants of Condemned Criminals --- AG

The Ogun State Government has said that it is considering signing the Death Warrants of condemned criminals sentenced by competent courts to serve as a deterrent to those who may want to commit heinous crimes in the state.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), made this known on Friday after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.

The Attorney General, who was conducted around by officers of the Centre, expressed concern over the increase in criminal activities like ritual killings, kidnapping, cultism, and other heinous crimes in recent times in the state.

According to Mr. Ogungbade, the state government is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing the law through signing the Death Warrants.

He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crimes, crimes of some nature have not abated particularly ritual killings, adding that the government had identified the wrong perception that there would be no repercussions when some of these crimes are committed as the root cause.

"I can tell you that we are looking seriously at a means of sending a message that Ogun State is not a place where you can come and commit such serious crimes and get away with it.

"The law as of today, for example, states that a murder case attracts the death penalty and some other offenses. But if you look at it nationally, for a long time, there has been reluctance on the part of governments across the states, particularly since the advent of democratic rule, to sign Death Warrants. But I assure you that at this time, we are looking very seriously at following the law to its letter.

"It is part of the duty of the governor to sign Death Warrants, and I am certain that when he took that oath of office, he took it knowing full well the responsibilities that come with it. He is a governor who upholds the rule of law, so I can assure you that in deserving cases, he will not shy away from that constitutional duty.

"Though I may not give a timeline, I can only say that in deserving cases, which we are looking at, it will happen.

"If somebody has gone through the process of a fair trial and has made use of all his appeals, we will begin to look seriously at implementing those judgments, hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to those who still intend to carry out such crimes. But in doing so, I can assure you that we will be systematic about it; we will not be reckless about it," he assured.

He said the present administration has done a lot in terms of granting amnesty to those condemned to death by turning their death sentences into life imprisonment, reducing life imprisonment to a fixed term of imprisonment, as well as allowing punishment to serve as a deterrent.

The Commissioner attributed the upsurge in criminal activities to a total loss of value system and the support given to criminals by their relatives, saying this is in variance with the African belief system that abhors criminal behavior and seeks punishment for offenders.

"In times past, when people committed crimes, their family members were usually the ones who would even alert law enforcement. But what we have today is where the family comes together to shield people who have committed crimes. Unless there is a total reappraisal of our value system, we will continue to have this problem. We need to go back to the family," he added.

The Attorney General said his visit to the Correctional Centre was to see the conditions of the inmates and the facilities, with a view to doing the needful to ensure that the centre worked the way it was designed and that the inmates were not made to go through excruciating suffering.

Ogun IPAC Disowns CUPP, Accuses Sholuade of Impersonation

 

The Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ogun State, Comrade Sanyaolu Adebayo, has disowned the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in the state, saying it is an alien group in the face of law and has no record with the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Adebayo,  also accused the acclaimed Chairman of the group, Otunba Femi Sholuade of criminal Impersonation, adding that he is not the Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC) as he claimed.

He explained that IPAC remains the only recognized group of registered political parties in the state and that any group outside IPAC is operating illegally and against the law.

According to him, upon his emergence as the State Chairman of IPAC, he made frantic efforts to ascertain leadership of different political parties from INEC and subsequently discovered that Sholuade is not the Chairman of ADC in the State.

He expressed dismay that an illegal group with Impersonator as the Chairman could come out openly to make allegation of any type in the public space.

Adebayo said:" I read the statement issued by CUPP in profound astonishment,  especially the signatory, Otunba Femi Sholuade,  who  claimed to be the Chairman of the group,   first and foremost, there is nothing like such group in the record of INEC, the electoral umpire recognizes only IPAC as coalition of registered political parties.

"Secondly, Otunba Sholuade, who claimed to be the Chairman of the illegal group is a mere Impersonator, he is not the Chairman of any political party in the State, I have painstakingly conducted my findings from INEC and he was not the name sent to me as the Chairman of ADC.

"While I am not disappointed by these  dubious tendencies of those individuals claiming to be members of CUPP, my only concern is the Chairman of Peoples Redeption Party(PRP) Mr Ogunsanya Samson who is among them, he is the only authentic Chairman of a political party among them and I wonder how he found himself among those characters".

Abiodun Mourns Late Lawmaker Adewunmi Onanuga, Describes Her Death as Devastating

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON has sympathized with the family of the late member of the House of Representatives representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly known as "Ijaya," in political circles.

Onanuga, who until her passing served as the Deputy Chief Whip in the Green Chamber, reportedly died early Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, Governor Abiodun described the passing of the late lawmaker as devastating and shocking, noting that her death is a monumental loss to Ogun State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

The Gateway State Governor eulogized the deceased as a fearless leader, a loyal party member, and a great mobilizer who contributed immensely to the advancement of women and the general well-being of her constituents until her final days.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and for strength for the family she left behind to bear the irreplaceable loss.

"I sincerely sympathize with the leadership of the House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and the entire members of the lower chamber on the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga.

"Without mincing words, her death came as a rude shock to all of us in Ogun State. It was both devastating and sudden; we have truly lost an extraordinary amazon.

"Her courage was exemplary, and her loyalty was exceptional. We will sorely miss her. However, we take solace in her immense contributions to humanity and the good of all.

"May God Almighty rest her soul and grant her family the strength to endure this great loss," Abiodun concluded.

NSC Presents Official Hosting Rights Award Letter to Enugu State for 2026 National Sports Festival

 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken a significant forward step in the preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival, after the Commission officially presented the Letter of Award for the hosting of the Games to the Enugu State Government, on Tuesday.

The leader of the NSC delegation to the event at the Enugu State Government House, Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration has shown immense dedication in working with the NSC to deliver a spectacular event. 

The event included discussion on key topics including infrastructure development, logistical planning, and the festival’s potential economic and social benefits for Enugu State.

Hon. Olopade outlined specific baseline requirements for hosting the festival, including the provision of state-of-the-art sporting facilities, efficient logistics, and the establishment of an environment that fosters sportsmanship and unity among participants and spectators.

"The National Sports Festival is more than just a competition; it is a platform for fostering unity, showcasing talent, and driving development," Hon. Olopade stated. "Before the current NSC leadership assumed office, Enugu had already been given the nod as hosts, and upon our arrival, we facilitated the final approval to cement that decision.”

"For the first time in history, we are announcing the host of the next edition ahead of the commencement of the current Festival. This shift is deliberate, providing ample planning time and ensuring that Enugu delivers a spectacular event. Traditionally, the next host was only unveiled during closing ceremonies, but we believe this proactive approach will set a new standard for excellence in hosting the National Sports Festival."

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission for presenting the State with the official hosting letter. He said it represented a proud moment for the people of Enugu State.

"Enugu State has a rich sporting history that dates back to the pre-independence era," the Governor said. "Beyond being a commercial hub of our nation, we have woven ourselves into the fabric of sports excellence. We are fully prepared to host the National Sports Festival and have already embarked on several projects to ensure our facilities meet world-class standards."

 "The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, along with other key facilities, will be ready to deliver a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike," the Governor added. 

The NSC remains committed to working closely with the Enugu State Government to create an unforgettable sporting spectacle that aligns with the nation’s vision of  building a viable sports economy and using sports as a tool for development and social cohesion. Excitement continues to build as the National Sports Festival returns to the Coal City for the first time in 28 years.

A Tragedy and Travesty: GT Bank Vs. Journalism

Global Rights is appalled by the travesty of justice and calls for an end to the intimidation and continued detention of four journalists: Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, noting that they have unjustly remained “wards” of the Nigerian criminal justice system since September 2024 till date for the “crime” of practicing journalism.

 

This shameful saga is compounded by the fact that their chief persecutor—a major Nigerian commercial bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)- has turned a blind eye to its complicity in the violation of the human rights of these journalists. It seems the bank which is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange has forgotten that it owes a fiduciary duty to its shareholders to respect human rights and engender public goodwill. Rather, this institution has exploited its power and connections to weaponize the criminal justice system against these members of the Fourth Estate, marking a disturbing escalation in the suppression of press freedom in Nigeria.

This case highlights an alarming trend of the misuse of legal instruments by powerful individuals and institutions to attack journalists and civic actors who expose unflattering truths. As demonstrated in both the Dele Farotimi case and the plight of these journalists, this unethical practice, which underlies a blatant disregard for the rule of law, underscores an undemocratic message: dissent will not be tolerated and the powerful are at liberty to weaponize instruments of the state, especially enforcement to subvert justice and crush citizens who dare paint unflattering portraits of them.

Nigeria is a democracy—at least in principle—a constitutional republic where the right to freedom of the press (Section 22) and freedom of expression (Section 39) are enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). These provisions mandate the press to hold power accountable and empower citizens to express themselves freely. Yet, laws like the Cybercrime Act of 2015 (as amended) and outdated criminal defamation statutes have been wielded to crush dissent, silence critics, and further shrink the civic space. It is our considered opinion that these laws are inconsistent with constitutional guarantees and must be declared void to the extent of their inconsistency.

The charges against these journalists range from making “false and misleading allegations” to allegedly causing “harm” to GTBank’s reputation—are rooted in an authoritarian misuse of the Cybercrimes Act and Nigeria’s criminal code. It is terrifying that if they are convicted, they face draconian penalties, including up to 14 years in prison.

It is important for all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the government, to recognize this genre of impunity and demand an immediate stop to them. As 2025 unfolds, the Nigerian judiciary, legislature, and law enforcement must prioritize the protection of press freedom and end their complicity in the erosion of Nigeria’s democratic values. Based on the foregoing, we demand the following:

The Immediate Release of All Four Journalists: These journalists must be released unconditionally. GTBank and its CEO must drop all charges and compensate the journalists for their unlawful detention and reputational harm.

Judicial Accountability: The Chief Justice of Nigeria must mandate the judiciary to dismiss criminal cases that blatantly violate constitutionally protected rights to free expression and press freedom.

Repeal of Oppressive Laws: The National Assembly and State Legislatures must repeal laws criminalizing defamation. Defamation is a civil matter and should not be weaponized to silence critics.

Law Enforcement Reform: The Inspector General of Police and law enforcement agencies must resolve not to waste resources pursuing cases stemming from personal vendettas and attempts to suppress dissent.

The Nigerian Constitution is clear: no law or action that infringes on the rights of the press or free expression should stand. Consequently, we call on all stakeholders to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to democracy by ending the persecution of journalists and protecting the fundamental freedoms that uphold a vibrant civic space. Let this be our charge at the start of a new year.

Abiodun Baiyewu

Executive Director

Global Rights

Ogun CUPP’s statement on Abiodun, ranting of political jobbers—Govt

Ogun State Government, on Wednesday, described the statement released by the Ogun State Chapter of the  Coalition for United Political  Parties  (CUPP) accusing the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in the state of plunging 68.1 percent of people living in Ogun State into poverty as the ranting of political jobbers and fraudsters stunned by the governor’s rising political profile.

The government, which described the Femi Sholuade-led CUPP as a gang  of political obscurantists desperately seeking for relevance by concocting voodoo figures, challenged the coalition to release the statistical evidence backing its submission, or remain silent forever in the gutter of irrelevance to which it belongs.

In a statement issued by Hon Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, the government said it was not surprised by the antics of corrupt and perfidious individuals who can only thrive in mushroom parties which they used as meal tickets.

 

The statement said: “Were it not for the need to disabuse the minds of innocent people who may be taken in by CUPP and its tales by the moonlight, it would have been entirely unnecessary to dignify the utter gibberish by CUPP and its sponsors with a reply, but we owe the nation a record to curtail the spread of fake news released with intent to create chaos in Ogun State".

The statement wondered how Governor Abiodun had pauperized Ogun State through investments such as the$400m MoU with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform on the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing Zone, the $500m investment by the  African Industries Group, the Canadian Government’s promised investment in the agricultural and technological sectors of the Ogun economy to strengthen over 60 years of the bilateral relationship with Nigeria, the $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance power infrastructure in Ogun State, the Galaxy Steel Company Limited $300 million investment to establish a new steel plant for the production of specialised steel products in Ogun State, and the $5 million battery recycling plant by a British company, among others.

It continued: “As Governor Abiodun himself has said, Ogun remains the safest state in the country due to the security architecture put in place, while over 600km of roads have been constructed and various reforms and policies put in place to help improve the Ease of Doing Business ranking of the state.

“CUPP and its sponsors are just playing to the gallery because some politicians gave them money to rubbish the achievements of the governor in various sectorsMost of these so-called CUPP members lack integrity; they should be disregarded. Only the blind will fail to see achievements.

“Their hearts being full of mischief and evil, we understand why CUPP and its sponsors are willfully and deliberately blind, and cannot see the numerous achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun, for which the good people of Ogun State remain deeply appreciative.

“CUPP’s statement is nothing but a vainglorious, irredeemably illiterate and utterly mischievous concoction that can only excite ignoramuses. Just how can anyone who claims sanity say that a Governor who has been radically transforming Ogun State and made it an investment destination has plunged the populace into poverty by so doing?

 “On a weekly basis, the Ogun State Governor inaugurates new roads. In  November last year, during the commissioning of the Ojodu Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced plans to award contracts within the next two weeks for the construction of the Alagbole-Akute and Akute-Oke-Aro-Ijoko roads in the Ifo Local Government Area, arguing that a robust road network is essential for development. That is his style.

 “The Ogun State Government did not give out houses freely; it is not a bazaar People paid and were allocated the houses.  Government made advertisements on housing schemes, people applied and were allocated houses accordingly. If CUPP has concrete evidence of wrongdoing, we challenge it to publish it.

“ It is a pity that Femi Sholuade says that many states in the federation  are evolving into Solar or  going into independent Power Projects in order to improve their economy fortune with stable supplies of electricity, without paying attention to happenings in his own state.

" The law establishing an Ogun Electricity Market (OGEM) to ensure increased quality and quantity of services to Ogun residents has just been assented to by the Governor. 

“It will provide a deregulated market for electricity, including several major players like the Transmission and distribution companies, among others; provide a framework and map for the private sector, commercial viability, service, and improve the people’s wellbeing, facilitate business, enhance industrialization and promote peace and development across the State.”

THE PAINFUL SILENCE: WHEN WILL OUR FOUR DETAINED JOURNALISTS BE FREE?

 

By Omotayo Ayanda

As the new year unfolds, a haunting question lingers in the hearts of families, colleagues, and advocates: When will Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami be free once again?

Since their detention in September last year, these journalists have endured separation from their loved ones, forced to spend the festive season in the cold isolation of incarceration.

Their absence during what should have been a time of joy has left their families drowning in pain, uncertainty, and heartbreak. While others celebrated new beginnings, these families counted the days with a mixture of hope and despair.

These men are more than just journalists; they are fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and the backbone of their families. Their detention has not only silenced their voices but has also plunged their loved ones into untold emotional and financial hardship.

Mothers are left to explain to their children why their fathers are not coming home, while wives cry into their pillows at night, wondering if this nightmare will ever end.

But this is not just a family tragedy; it is a national disgrace. The continued detention of these journalists is a chilling reminder of how fragile press freedom and democracy have become in Nigeria.

These men were doing their jobs, seeking the truth, holding power accountable, and serving the public. Yet, their commitment to these principles has cost them their liberty.

How long will the silence from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other stakeholders last? How long will the anguish of these families continue to be ignored? The NUJ must rise to its duty, not just as a union, but as a touch of hope for every journalist in this country.

 

These men are not just four individuals, they represent the collective voice of the press. Their detention sends a chilling warning to every journalist who dares to speak truth to power.

But the NUJ cannot fight this battle alone. Where are the civil society organizations, the human rights advocates, and the international press freedom groups? Where are the voices that should be shouting from every corner of the world that this injustice cannot stand?

The detention of these journalists is not just about four individuals; it is a test of Nigeria’s soul. Are we a nation that values truth, justice, and democracy, or are we willing to let fear and repression silence those who dare to hold a mirror to power?

The world is watching, but more importantly, their families are waiting. Waiting for their fathers to come home. Waiting for their husbands to embrace them. Waiting for justice to prevail.

The time to act is now. Not tomorrow, not next month, not when the news cycle shifts, is now. Let this new year not be another year of waiting and suffering for these families. Let it be the year we prove that justice, press freedom, and democracy are more than just words; they are principles we are willing to fight for.

  Comrade Omotayo Ayanda is the immediate past Secretary of Kwara NUJ

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Let's Work to Build a Better Nigeria-Abiodun

 

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,CON, has called on Nigerians to join hands with governments at all levels to build a country where unity and peace would continue to prevail over division and silence the echoes of conflict.

Governor Abiodun made the call during the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

The Gateway State Governor also called on the people to ensure that the legacies of the fallen heroes remain alive, saying that they fought for the territorial integrity of the country.

Prince Abiodun also called on the people toensure that the legacies of the fallen heroes remain alive, saying that they fought for the territorial integrity of the country.

"Today, let us pledge to honour their memory not only with ceremonies but with actions. Let us build a Nigeria where unity prevails over division, where peace silences the echoes of conflict and where the sacrifices of our heroes inspire us to serve one another selflessly," he said.

Governor Abiodun added that the welfare of the families of the country's fallen heroes shouldn't rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone, but should be a shared responsibility of the people of the country.

He added that their sacrifices should be enshrined in the heart of the country's history and the fabric of the collective consciousness of the people.

"We must ensure that the legacies of our armed forces remain alive, enshrined in the heart of our nation's history and the fabric of our collective consciousness.

"The Legion have continued to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes are well cared for. However, this responsibility should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone.It must be seen as a collective duty, a debt that we all owe in honour of the memory of our departed men and women.

"As a nation, it is our moral duty to support and care for them, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten," he said.

While noting that the armed forces remembrance day isn't just a day in the calendar, but a sacred moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the country's fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood, Governor Abiodun noted that their sacrifices is a testament to ththeir triotism, resilience and courage.

"They stood firm in the face of adversity defending the unity of our nation during times of war and unrest. They faced life threatening situations to ensure that the dreams of millions of Nigerians will not be extinguished.

"Their blood, sweat and tears have down the seed of hope, peace and national pride, let us all take a moment to appreciate the families of this heroes; the unsung heroes who endeared the pain of loss with unyielding grace," he added.

The Governor promised to continue to implement measures that would help cushion the bumps on the path of the  economic renaissance of the country for all of its citizens and residents, adding that his administration will continue to support law enforcement agencies in the state.

In his sermon, the Rt. Rev'd Emmanuel Akinrodoye, the Bishop of Egba Diocese, the African Church, stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate God despite the nation's numerous challenges, saying it is only when they acknowledged God's benevolence that He could heal the land.

He said it is imperative for Nigerians to remain prayerful especially for the families and the nation, be steadfast in faith, be united and extend hands of fellowship by using their gifts and resources to uplift others.

Bishop Akinrodoye called on the government to provide security agencies the needed resources to overcome insurgency that is troubling the nation, calling on Nigerians to show love to security personnel who are working round the clock to protect the nation as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate price for th peace of the nation.

Prayers were offered for the peace of the nation, Ogun State, the governor and families, while Governor Abiodun read from the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 to 10.

Ogun redoubles efforts to fight insecurity, convenes meeting

 

Ogun State Government has set mechanisms in motion to tackle insecurity across the state in the face of reported invasion of the South-West Geo-political zone by suspected bandits.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media & Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, on Friday, saying the government is in firm control of its security architecture through robust collaboration among security agencies and local security apparatus.

The statement explained that part of the strategy to secure farmlands was the heavy deployment of armed security guards at the local level to protect farmers in their farms as well as constant security patrols.

It noted that the present security arrangements in the state were evident in the atmosphere of peace in all the nooks and crannies of the state during the festive period.

The statement said: "The recent reported influx of banditts from the North into the South-West coincided with the recent security meeting of the heads of security agencies in Ogun State. After a careful review of the state of security in the state,  the agencies resolved to redouble their efforts to sustain the unprecedented peace and tranquility the state has been enjoying in the past few months, especially during the recently concluded Christmas and new year celebrations, leaving no room for destabilizing infiltration of bandits from from any part of the country. 

"Our security agencies have therefore, revitalized their winning formula and strategies,including visible presence in every nook and cranny of the sate, patrols, manning of key and vulnerable points, blackspots, intelligence -led operations, community partnership and inter-agency cooperation.

 

"In addition to this, residents of the state have been alerted to the information and reminded of their civic obligation to join hands with the police to address the threat posed by armed banditry by being extra-vigilant, and report any suspicious movements of persons, especially strange faces in the communities. In particular, commercial farmers have been advised to continue to utilize the services of armed security guards and escorts to access their farms.

"Also, local hands have been deployed to help mount surveillance at their farms to assist their safe entry and exit from the farms, do everything possible to enhance visibility in and around their farms through lighting and erection of security towers".

The statement also acknowledged the ongoing synergy between the state and Oyo State in sharing intelligence with regards to movement and operation of suspected bandits around the axis.

The statement continued: "It is important to state we already have some useful tips for a well honed-agenda to annihilate the bandits should they step into Ogun state. In pursuit of this legitimate goal, all ethnic groups in Ogun state, the Yorubas, Hausas, Igbos, Fulanis Edos, Igalas, Urohbos, Ebiras, and numerous other ethnic groups are united by a common goal to jointly fight whoever comes to disturb the peaceful environment in Ogun State.

"It is also important to reiterate the State government's warning to decisively deal with anybody who procures or provide accommodation for any bandit of any ethnic extraction to operate in Ogun State. Such a person will face the wrath of the law".