ABIODUN DESCRIBES LATE AGURA AS A UNIFIER
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the late Agura of Gbagura in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre as a unifier of the four pillars of Egbaland.
Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known during the 8th Day Fidau prayer for the Monarch in Abeokuta, describing him as an intelligent and eloquent person, who served his people and the country with his heart.
Abiodun, said the late monarch during his short reign unified Gbagura, Egba-Alake, Oke-Ona and Owu, saying "he was a thoroughbred Egba man, who served humanity, his country and the people. From all accounts, he was gentle, amiable and a generous giver, who was loved by everyone.
The Governor urged well-wishers at the event to learn from the life of the departed Monarch and endeavour to impact the lives of people around them.
Obasan Oluwafunso,
Press Officer, Office of the Governor.
OGUN 10TH ASSEMBLY ELECTS PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
Ogun State House of Assembly has elected its principal officers for the smooth running of legislative activities for the Tenth Legislature.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo made this known while presiding over the plenary session at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, disclosing that the announcement followed internal arrangements amongst the lawmakers.
The Officers are the member representing Ado-Odo/Ota I State Constituency, Yusuf Sherif as Majority Leader, his Sagamu II Counterpart, Adeniran Ademola emerged as the Deputy Majority Leader, just as the member representing Ijebu–Ode State Constituency, Olanrewaju Bakare emerged as the Chief Whip, Babatunde Tella representing Abeokuta North, would be the Deputy Chief Whip.
Others are Lukman Adeleye representing Odogbolu State Constituency, now the Minority Leader, his Abeokuta South I counterpart, Lukmon Atobatele as deputy Minority Leader, while the representatives of Ijebu North I and Remo North, Rasheed Kashamu and Dickson Awolaja were announced as the Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip respectively.
Jamiu Lawal,
Head of Unit, OGHA.
JUDICIARY ROLE, PIVOTAL TO SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT- OGUN CJ
To sustain an effective democratic setting, the role of the judiciary is crucial to societal development due to its function as the watchdog of society.
This was the opinion of the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu at the 12th public lecture of the bar and bench with the theme "The Role of the Judiciary in Democratic Government: A Social Engineering or Quagmire", held at the Ceremonial Court of the Judiciary Complex along Kabape, Abeokuta.
The Chief Judge said it is essential for good governance to have a formidable Judiciary which contributed to nation-building, pointing out that democracy and human rights were related as there could not be human rights without democracy.
Justice Dipeolu noted that a state that respects the rule of law had the chance of survival while those without the rule of law breed avenues for inequality, manipulation as well as marginalisation.
She added that the role of the judiciary in democratic government could not be discussed without the duty of lawyers, saying that citizenry who were rightly advised by their counsel and cautioned to respect the law would not dare to disrespect it.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Prof. Olanrewaju Onadeko (SAN), described the theme of the lecture as relevant as it was chosen at the right time, describing the State judiciary, as well as the Ministry of Justice as one of the best in the history of the nation while appreciating the efforts of the Chief Judge for keeping the flag high.
On his part, the lecturer as well as a speaker at the event, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), said the judiciary was a guardian in a democratic state and the final hope of an ordinary man as it guarantees equal access to justice with equity.
He stated that the judiciary ensured that judgements were given out in accordance with the dictates of law and facts presented in court adding that the institutional duty of administering justice should be carried out impartially and without fear or favour.
Oladele Opeyemi,
Press Officer, Min. of Justice /Judiciary.
OGUN HoS CHALLENGED TAX INSPECTORS ON INNOVATIVE IDEAS
In a bid to ensure that adequate financial resources are made available to the government to execute its programmes, Inspectors of taxes have been challenged to champion innovative ideas and skills in revenue generation and collection that will, in turn, empower the government at delivering on its mandate to the people.
The Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at a one-day capacity-building session put together by the Inspector of Taxes Forum (ITF), Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, at the Obas' Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Mr. Fagbohun stated that it was imperative for them to be conversant with the new trend in handling their jobs, adding that professionalism should be embraced, while relating with members of the public and their loyalty to the present administration in the State should be absolute and never in doubt.
According to him, ‘’the Inspectors of Taxes and all revenue collection job categories in the Civil Service have a central role to play to ensure that adequate financial resources are made available to the State Government to execute its programmes in order to be able to cater for the workers' welfare and the citizenry at large’’.
He charged them to continue to be diligent and honest in the discharge of their duties, shun any form of unethical and unprofessional behaviour in the conduct of official assignments, and not drag the Civil Service into disrepute by ensuring that all hands are on deck to get revenue in the most effective and efficient manner, while they display an uncommon commitment to the vision of the present administration, as it was essential for them to re-dedicate themselves and be alive to their responsibility.
"I enjoin you to continue to champion innovative ideas and skills in revenue generation and collection that will in turn further empower the government at delivering on its mandate to the people. Professionalism should be embraced while relating with members of the public and your loyalty to the present administration in the State should be absolute and never in doubt", the HoS admonished.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Hezekiah Sobayo, appreciated the Head of Service for honouring the Forum, saying the session was put in place to acquaint the officers with the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service.
Omolara Osindele,
Office of the Head of Service.
OGSG’s INITIATIVE ON PPP, STANDS IT OUT AMONG ITS PEERS- GOV’S AIDE
The Chief Economic Adviser to Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, says the government's Public-Private Partnership initiative has given the State an edge over its peers in the country, particularly in securing investments, increasing Internally Generated Revenue, effective Budgeting, among others.
Mr. Okubadejo stated this in Abeokuta during a collaborative meeting with the Heritage Advisory Group and Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Okubadejo said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration has many economic plans in place to surpass the achievements recorded in the first term of the present government, pointing out that the Governor is committed to creating a favourable business environment and fostering economic development to transform the State into a prosperous and thriving hub.
The Governor's aide explained that the implementation of the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) deployed in the first term of the administration recorded a milestone in the economic boost of the State today.
He said, “The Medium-Term Revenue Strategy facilitated strategic investments in key sectors of the State's economy. Ogun State actively encourages private sector participation through initiatives such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and favourable investment policies. These efforts attracted local and foreign investments, which not only generated revenue but also stimulated economic activities, fostered job creation, and improved the overall socio-economic landscape of the State,"
Also speaking, the Chief Economist and Director of Research and Development, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Olusegun Omisakin, said the group is a renowned think tank for African States, has the objective of providing policy recommendations and evidence-based interventions to support governments.
He explained that the collaboration with Ogun State was to enhance the state's economic capacity and ensure that its citizens and residents benefit from the promising prospects.
Other personalities in attendance were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan , Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Finance and Budget, Mr. Adesina Towolani and Mrs. Abosede Dada respectively, Member of Heritage Advisory Group, Mr. Kunle Elebute, CMC Connect Group. Mr. Yomi Badejo- Okusanya, among others.
Bolaji Abiodun,
Press Officer, Min. Of Finance.
OGUN WINS WORLD BANK AWARD AS BEST AMONG IMPLEMENTING STATES
Recognising the resilient efforts of the Ogun State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) of the Nigerian for Women Project (NFWP), a unit under the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has won the World Bank award.
The award as the best among the implementing States was in recognition of the effort of the Ogun SPCU to be able to form 3,600 Women Affinity Groups, support, and improve the livelihood of women in the state,
Speaking at the presentation of the award in Abuja, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, said the State Government was known for providing the enabling environment and financial support for projects, in order that NFWP could be fully implemented and effective in the state.
He added that in the spirit of gratitude, ‘’the World Bank would like to express sincere appreciation to the state government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ogun SPCU team, and the good women of Ogun State for the moral and technical support accorded the Ogun SPCU team towards the actualisation of this laudable feat’’.
While responding, the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo said the success could not have been possible without the support of the State government and the people, saying her team would not relent in giving their best in future services.
Kemi Peters,
Press Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs.
GERMAN AGENCY CALLS ON OGSG TO REDOUBLE EFFORTS ON GENDER EQUITY
In a bid to ensure equity and inclusiveness in governance, the Coordinator, Germany International Cooperation in Ogun State, Mr. Bamidele Dada, has urged the State government to redouble efforts on gender mainstreaming, to further enhance good governance.
Mr. Dada made the appeal in Abeokuta at a two-day training organised for Gender Focal Persons in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, saying the present administration has been gender sensitive in its policies and programmes.
He stated that from planning to implementation and evaluation of government activities, gender should be focused on to ensure that the key principles of good governance which include, equity, inclusiveness, efficiency and effectiveness could be easily achieved.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi, while welcoming the participants to the training, appreciated the agency for the training, noted that the present administration has been gender sensitive in its policies and programmes.
In her lecture, the resource person, Mrs. Peju Osoba, said the erroneous belief in society and the culture has relegated women which prevents equity and fairness unconsciously in government policies and programmes that were meant for both men and women. She appealed to the government to intensify more efforts in implementing Gender Mainstreaming.
Responding on behalf of the participants, the Gender Focal Person in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Fola Ojikutu appreciated the organiser of the training, saying the participants would put to practice all that were taught.
Kemi Peters,
Press Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs.
OGUN, GIZ TRAIN WOMENFOLK ON DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ECOSYSTEMS
Determined to encourage womenfolk from breaking away from their traditional way of trading, the Ogun State Government through the Bureau of Information Technology in collaboration with GIZ-SEDIN has organised a 3-day training for women, which would give room for the traditional gender stereotypes and access the hidden wealth in digital technology ecosystems for the advancement of their businesses.
The training tagged: 2023 Women In Tech Celebration held at Mitros Hall, Abeokuta with the theme "Developing Entrepreneurial Skills Through Emerging Technology captured various training classes for technology-driven was targeted at incorporating more women into the Community of Women in Technology, a Non-Governmental Organisation that advocates gender equity and dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial initiatives.
In her welcome address, Director of Standard Regulations, Planning and Research, (BIT), Mrs. Olatundun Adekunte, said it was pertinent for Nigerian women to enjoy the enormous benefits in digital innovative skills by becoming tech entrepreneurs, noting that this would place them at par with their peers across the world.
She reiterated Governor Dapo Abiodun's commitment to exposing more women to entrepreneurial heights attainable through technology by putting up various training programs for women.
In his remarks, the Technical Advisor on Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills, (GIZ-SEDIN), Sikelola Olaifa, stated that the essence of the celebration was to recognize roles played by women in reshaping digital marketing as well as train participants on various tech tools to harness business development.
While giving her keynote address, the Co-founder, FarmSpeak Technology, Adaeze Akpagbula, highlighted platforms where women entrepreneurs could advertise or create content for their businesses for free, adding that with the use of proper tools, mental stress and loss in businesses could be reduced to the barest minimum.
Adaeze, who has developed different technology solutions for farmers shared her wealth of experience, saying digital marketing should be embraced to enable businesses to reach further than their location for growth.
A panellist in one of the sessions, Dr Jumoke Soyemi, has also developed several IT solutions to drive work and performance in the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, charging women to utilise digital space for their personal development and development of the State as a whole.
Appreciating the organisers of the event, Abosede Womiloju and Oluwaseun Owosso, who acquired knowledge of UI/UX Product Design and Cyber Security respectively, said they would use the skills to advance their businesses for greater profit.
Olayinka Ezema,
Press Officer, BIT.
MEDICAL EXPERT ATTRIBUTES LOW LIFE EXPECTANCY TO UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE
A medical expert has attributed the low life expectancy of 43-44 in Nigeria in the last decade to the failure on the part of individuals to check their health status at intervals and engagement in some unwholesome lifestyle practices.
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The Consultant/Family Physician, State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta Dr. Adefikayo Otunaiya, revealed this at the 2023 Public Service Day Celebration, tagged, "Know Your Health Status", held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Dr. Otunaiya said normal life expectancy in Nigeria now is between 60 years of age compared to the Western world expected to be 88 years, adding that the average number of years that a person is expected to live is based on various demographic factors such as age, gender, and health, adding that it is an important indicator of the overall health and well-being of the population.
She explained that life expectancy has been increasing steadily over the past few decades due to improved healthcare nutrition, and living standards, in many countries.
She emphasised the need for people, particularly the workers, to embrace the State Health Insurance Scheme, as a means to prevent out-of-pocket spending in accessing health care services.
Dr. Otunaiya reminded the workers to check their blood pressure, engage in exercise, and ensure intake of an adequate balanced diet, urging the public servants to stay away from smoking, alcohol consumption, and much intake of salt and sugar.
In their separate remarks, participants at the event, Mrs. Dorcas Agosuna and Mr. Bashiru Sakirudeen commended the State government’s effort to build a healthy workforce, saying the lecture and medical checkup would avail them the strength to discharge their duties efficiently.
Margaret Ayayi & Afolakemi Odusanwo,
OGIS.
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Editor, OGIS,
Ministry of Information & Strategy, Ogun State.
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