OGUN NEWS TODAY

POLICE RECRUITMENT: OGSG HOLDS TALK ON INDIGENES’ ENROLMENT

Ogun State government has called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that qualified candidates are shortlisted for recruitment into the force.

Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, stated this while receiving the report of the ongoing Police recruitment exercise from the delegation from the Force headquarters, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ayotunde Omodeinde, as it affects the state.


Talabi decried the low enrolment of indigenes of the state in the exercise, saying, "Our administration is committed to giving our teeming youths more opportunity to better their lots and in turn, that of the state. This is one of the ways to engage them meaningfully for them to play their roles in nation-building. We urge you to formally carry us along in this process so that we will no longer be short-changed".

Speaking earlier, DCP Omodeinde said he has led the team comprising members of the Police Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission and the Nigerian Police Force, to submit the report on the just concluded recruitment exercise.

Omodeinde said enrolment by Ogun indigenes, compared to other states, was not encouraging, with Ijebu East having the lowest figure, disclosing that, "the total number of applicants from Ogun state is 3,200 whereas, a state like Kaduna has 35,000. Apart from that, out of the number, 2,150 applicants participated in the exercise and from the figure, some local governments have very limited enrolment”.

DCP Omodeinde pointed out that about 75 applicants, who claimed to be indigenes were disqualified during the process, saying that criteria for the recruitment include, as well as obtaining introduction letters from the local and community chiefs, before being issued a certificate of Local Government of Origin, to checkmate impersonation.

He stated that the measures became imperative, as the new policy in the Police had mandated successful applicants to be posted to their various localities for effective policing, calling on community chiefs and stakeholders to desist from recommending unqualified candidates without considering other conditions like, height which is 1.67m for male, 1.64 feet for female; five credits in O'level, including English and Mathematics among others.

Some officials at the meeting included, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi of the Police Force Headquarters and representative of the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Femi Ogunseye, among others.

 

Odunayo Ogunleye,

Press Officer, Office of the SSG

 

VANDALISM ‘LL HAMPER SPORTS DEVELOPMENT - ISIAKA

Vandalism and other criminal activities in and around the four major stadia in Ogun State will reduce community involvement, increase insecurity and hamper sports development.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, who stated this at the Yewa Traditional Council Meeting, at Ilaro, decried the high rate of vandalism at the Gateway International Stadium, noting that the facility that should serve as a hub for sporting events, cultural activities and community gatherings, had been desecrated by criminal activities of few individuals, saying it would negatively affect the Senatorial District.

"The impact of these criminal activities goes beyond the physical damage to the stadium. It infringes on the aspirations and dreams of our youth, who are deprived of a safe and suitable environment to engage in sports and recreational activities. It also hampers our efforts to attract investment, promote tourism, and foster unity and pride within our community", he said.

Speaking on the National Youth Sports Festival, being hosted by the state, Hon. Isiaka explained the cultural and economic gains derivable, saying it would be of immense benefits to the younger generation and move the sports sector to the next level.

He revealed that plans were underway to provide sports facilities, so as to lay a solid foundation for grassroots sports development, calling on corporate organisations and individuals to partner government in securing facilities in the area.

While welcoming the Commissioner and his team to the meeting, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, on behalf of the traditional rulers in Yewaland, appreciated the state government for its support, pledging his commitment to fostering unity and stability in his domain.

The paramount ruler advised that vandalism in the stadium could be curbed through construction of hostel and chalets within the stadium, as well as the provision of a base for security agencies, just as the resuscitation of the Oba's Cup and other local sporting events would help reduce criminal activities in the stadium.

"When we make the stadium a base for our local security agents like Amotekun, NSCDC and the Police, we will witness reduction in these criminal activities. The NYSC can also have buildings there", he said.

 

Ayobami Disu & Magret Odeniyi,

Press Officers, Ministry of Sports Development

 

OGSG TASKS CDAs ON SELF-HELP PROJECTS

In a bid to promote the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State, Community Development Associations (CDAs) have been charged not to relent in the execution of self-help projects, particularly those that would have direct impact on their members, in order to make life more bearable for them.

Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Balogun Ademola, gave the charge at the commissioning and handing-over of Ifesowapo (Irewon) Community Health Centre, at Irewon, Ijebu-Ode in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of the state.

 Alhaji Balogun, who affirmed the contributions and support of CDAs to the growth and development of the state, pointed out that the present administration would continue to encourage their efforts through disbursement of grants-in-aid and subventions to deserving associations.

He lauded the self-help initiative of the Ifesowapo Irewon CDA, to complement government infrastructural efforts, promising the community of more developmental projects.

In his remarks, Director, Community Development, Mr. Nurudeen Fayoyin, commended the community members for the synergy among them, saying the facility would enable the people have access to quality health services, urging other CDAs to emulate the strides of the Association.

Speaking, Chairman, Ijebu North-East Local Government, Hon. Bolu Badejo, commended the state government for giving adequate recognition to CDAs, calling on the associations to always inform Department of Community Development in the local government of their activities and programmes, promising that the council would provide the needed resources to make the facility function effectively.    

In his address, the Chairman Ifesowapo Irewon Area Community Development Committee, (ACDC), Alhaji Isaac Oseni, appreciated the present administration for all the projects embarked upon in the area, pledging more support.

Earlier, the host CDA Chairman, Chief Tajudeen Oladunjoye, reeled out the achievements of the Association, including, purchase of a 200kva transformer, installation of the second 500kva sub-station, refurbishing of a 500kva transformer, among others, to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

Contributing, the Bejeroku of Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, gave kudos to Governor Dapo Abiodun for the infrastructural developments across the state, lauding the Association for the cooperation in making the project a reality.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of awards to sons and daughters of the community for their positive contributions towards the completion of the project.

 

Lawal Taoheed & Ayobami Malomo,

Press Officers, Ministry of Community Devt. & Coops.

 

OGUN EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ADMONISHES YOUTH ON EFFECTIVE UNIONISM

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu has admonished youths to be effective in their unionism, resilience, eschew harassment and self-centeredness, in order to bequeath an enduring legacy to future generations.

Prof. Arigbabu, who gave the admonition during the 10th Year Memorial Lecture of the former Chairman of Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and a unionist, Late Akogun Olusegun Okeowo, at Ewusi Palace Hall, Sagamu, described the educationist as a man of honour, substance and icon of unionism, worthy of emulation.

He enjoined youths, especially student unions in tertiary institutions to be focused, determined and have more interest in the welfare of their members, adding that the current administration in the state was committed to alleviating their plights and providing qualitative, accessible and affordable education.

While delivering his lecture titled, "Maximizing The Potentials of Students' Unionism For National Development", Arigbabu described the role of students' unionism in promoting civic education and participation as crucial, saying it serves as a platform for students to engage in various activities that could foster civic responsibility, awareness and active participation in democratic process.

The Commissioner further advised that student unions should “shun harassment and other vices but rather, promote civic education participation by providing educational resources, organising events, fostering leadership development and encouraging students to actively engage in their communities and the broader political landscape".

Speaking, the Chairman, TESCOM, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, charged student unions to follow in the footsteps of Okeowo by advocating for their right, saying they should avoid violence, be resilient and firm for a desirable and brighter future.

In his contribution, Ewusi of Makun, Sagamu, Oba Timothy Akinsanya, stated that the late Okeowo, popularly referred to as, 'ALIMUNGO', fought for justice and equity, thereby leaving an indelible landmark in the community, adding that nobody had been able to fill the vacuum since his demise.

Earlier, the daughter of the late icon, who is the Principal of Methodist Comprehensive High School Sagamu, Dr. Olubunmi Womiloju, described her father as a mentor, who had positively influenced the lives of all his children and everyone he came across, noting that he was a democrat, philosopher and educationist per excellence.

 

Samuel Ogungbesan,

Press Officer, MOES&T

 

OGSG COMPENSATES VICTIMS OF FIRE DISASTER

Ogun State government has given financial compensation to traders who lost items worth millions of naira to the fire disaster which occurred last year December at Agbado-Aro market in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. (Mrs.) Oluwafunmilayo Efuape, while presenting cash to the victims at Agbado-Aro market, assured the people that the present administration would not relent in the efforts to give succour to the people.

Represented by the Director, Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Wale Shonde, Hon. Efuape stated that the initiative was meant to improve the lives of the victims and compensate them for their losses, restating government's commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of the citizens, while delivering on its electioneering promises.      

The Commissioner urged the traders to make good use of the money given to them, educating them to always handle electrical appliances with care, especially when going home at night.

In their separate remarks, Mr. Elias Junaid and Mrs. Shade Oladejo, congratulated the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court, while appreciating him for ensuring the dividends of democracy spread across the state.

 

Segunmaru Adebayo,

Press Officer, SEMA

 

OGUN, EGBA HERITAGE TO COLLABORATE ON IJEMO ROCK DEVELOPMENT

Ogun State government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has expressed readiness to collaborate with Egba Heritage Foundation (EHF), to develop and create awareness for Ijemo Rock.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, made this disclosure during an assessment tour, in company of the executives of Egba Heritage Foundation (EHF), to Ijemo Rock in Ijemo-Agbadu area of Abeokuta.

"The essence of this visit is to collaborate with the Foundation on how to develop, create awareness as well as harness the tourist potentials of this newly discovered rock to tourists visiting the state", he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman Board of Trustees of EHF, the Legal Adviser, Board of Trustees of the group, Barr. Adebayo Ayodele, informed that the foundation aimed at promoting history, culture and tradition of Egba people, appreciating the Ministry’s eagerness to partner with the foundation, towards reviving the untapped site.

He applauded the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for initiating the Public Private Partnership in tourism and other sector of the economy in the state.

According to historical records, between 1820 AD and early 20th century, the people of Abeokuta witnessed political unrest, caused by external assault from Dahomey, Ibadan and invading colonial masters’ direct rule, as a system of government.

It was recorded that Egba indigenes took refuge under the Olumo and Ijemo rocks.

 

Kofoworola Idowu,

Press Officer, Ministry of Culture and Tourism

 

OGUN PERM. SECs. GET ENLIGHTENED ON BPP PROCUREMENT LAW

Permanent Secretaries in the Ogun State Civil Service have been described as the chairmen of Procurement Committee that would see to the smooth running of procurement activities in their various agencies.

The Director-General, Ogun State Public Procurement Agency, Dr. Adesina Olanloye, stated this during a sensitisation and interactive session with Permanent Secretaries, at the Head of Service Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, underscoring the need for them as the accounting officers of their Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), to be abreast of the practicability of the procurement process.

Dr. Olanloye called on them to have full knowledge of Ogun State Public Procurement Law (Amendment), 2021, which would prevent them from running foul of the law, stating that 60 percent of MDAs have complied with the provisions of the law.

"After the budget, this is the right time for Procurement planning in all the agencies. As an accounting officer, you are the Chairman of the Procurement Committees. The law laid a lot of responsibility on you and you must ensure that you drive the process and achieve the set target by the government", he said.

On his part, the Procurement Reform Specialist, Engr. Bashir Olayiwola, explained that the law was enacted in 1999 during Olusegun Obasanjo's regime, saying the World Bank emphasised on the importance of Procurement to reduce corruption in Nigeria.

In their contributions, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olu Ola Aikulola and his counterpart from Ministry of Justice, Barr. Olusegun Olaotan, commended the management team of the Bureau, for a job well done on sensitisation on the Procurement process across the state.

Remarking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, advised the Bureau on the need to sensitise Administrative Officers in MDAs on Procurement Law, in order to follow due process in their various agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the body of Permanent Secretaries, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Dr. Qudus Yusuf, appreciated the management team of the Bureau for the enlightenment which had broadened their knowledge and would assist in implementing the law in the state.

 

Remilekun Adeshina

Press Officer, BPP

 

FORMER PRESIDENT OBASANJO LAUDS OPIC

The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has lauded Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) for its achievements in the housing sector.

Chief Obasanjo gave the commendation at the Year 2024 Thanksgiving Service of OPIC in Abeokuta, said, "I love what you are doing with OPIC. You have given it a new life and made something out of it. We all need to thank you for a job well done”.

Recounting his experiences in life, the former president, who urged the management and staffers to remain thankful to God despite the challenges facing the country, encouraged them to be steadfast and hopeful, saying, “No matter the situation one might be facing in life, it would change one day”.

          Remarking, the Special Adviser and Managing Director, OPIC, Arc. Abiodun Fari-Arole, said the Service was initiated in order to appreciate God for the new year, commended the management team and staffers for their cooperation and support to record the huge success in the previous year

Fari-Arole expressed confidence that the new year's achievements would supersede last year’s, promising that ongoing projects would be completed before the end of year 2024.

In his words of admonition, a Muslim cleric from Ibara Housing Estate Mosque, Imam AbdulKareem Muhammed, urged people to imbibe good morals, faithfulness and thanksgiving and shun all forms of immorality.

 Also speaking, lead Pastor from Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta, Revd. Timothy Olatubosun, admonished Christians to always cultivate the spirit of gratitude, noting that thanksgiving enables God to do more in our lives.

Contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on OPIC, Prince Farouq Adelugba, gave kudos to the OPIC boss for the platform created to appreciate God for success recorded in the previous years, assuring that 2024 would be a better year.

On his part, the Director, Marketing and Business Development, OPIC, Mr. Dehinde Boye, promised that the Corporation’s staff would continue to be diligent in the discharge of their duties, to achieve greater feats.

Also, Head of Personnel Department in the Agency, Mrs. Abidemi Adeyemi, appreciated the Corporation for giving the staff a sense of belonging, saying it would spur them to be more proactive.

 

Olabisi Adegbite,

Press Officer, OPIC

 

 

LG INSPECTS PROPERTY DAMAGED BY RAINSTORM IN AYETORO

The Chairman, Yewa North Local Government, Hon. Gabriel Ogunyomi and his cabinet have inspected no fewer than 50 areas and public facilities worth millions of naira, destroyed by heavy downpour in Ayetoro and environs, with a view to providing relief to the affected persons.

Some of the affected places inspected included, OGD/ASUJE Town Hall, Ayetoro, Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro Markets, Business premises, among other residential houses that were randomly selected.

Hon. Ogunyemi, while assessing the level of damage, called on both the federal and state governments to be quick in responding to the plight of the displaced, assuring the victims of practical steps towards averting future occurrence and roll out relief materials among other financial supports to them, promising prompt and judicious disbursement without prejudice.

 Some of the victims at Ilupeju quarters, Ayetoro, Mr. Sulaimon Jenfa and Alh. Toyin Ajibode, appealed to government to expedite action towards alleviating their plight.

On her part, the Iyaloja of Ayetoro, Mrs. Sekinat Fatogun said the rainstorm had hampered their businesses, urging the council and National Emergency Management Agency, to rehabilitate the affected areas.

 

Lateef Akintunde,

ZIO, YNLG

 


Mosunmola Feyisetan,
Editor, OGIS.
Ministry of Information & Strategy, Ogun State.
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