OGSG MULLS COLLABORATION WITH MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS, OTHERS FOR SEEMLESS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Ogun State Government is keen on collaborating with the National Council on Transportation, neighbouring states, development partners like the UK-Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility and multilateral institutions like the World Bank, to actualise the vision for seamless multimodal transportation in Ogun State.
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The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the Executive Session of the 18th Edition of the National Council on Transportation, with the theme, “Embracing Innovations and Technologies For Sustainable Transportation: Tackling the Energy Challenges", organised by the state in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun, who emphasised the significance of strategic collaboration in the states project development and implementation drive, noted that the transportation sector plays a pivotal role in sustainable growth and development of any state and the nation, stating that it was in recognition of this, his administration created a fully professionalised Ministry of Transportation.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, explained that the state's strategic and geographically advantageous position, coupled with its current swift industrialization and viable business opportunities, a proposed rail development plan would leverage and connect to infrastructure and services provided by the Nigeria Railway Corporation and neighbouring, Lagos State.
He noted that the move would create a sustainable socio-economic revolution, deliberately embarked upon to improve the ease of doing business, attract more investors, create employment opportunities and boost the revenue potential of the state stating that was the essence of his administration’s ISEYA agenda.
Governor Abiodun disclosed further that plans were underway to establish and operationalise a Dry Port city at Kajola/Papalanto in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, along the Nigeria Railway Corporation’s Standard Gauge Rail corridor, adding that the city would feature complementary mixed residential, commercial, and industrial developments like its Aerotropolis.
While appreciating the organisers for the choice of Ogun State for the programme, the state’s helmsman said the event would foster collaboration and cross-fertilise innovative ideas towards driving transformative changes within the country's transportation sector.
Speaking, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, noted that the transportation sector was a major cause of environmental pollution due to over dependence on fossil fuel and non-availability of alternative energy which had raised environmental and socio-economic issues such as, environmental pollution, fuel price volatility and economic sabotage.
“For Nigeria to be at the forefront, there is need to adopt a multifaceted approach to accelerate the adoption of a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions such as, modernising the country’s transportation systems by pioneering the frontier of green manufacturing and industrialisation, with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel alongside other renewable energy sources”, he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Micheal Oloruntola, said the purpose of the technical session was to chart a new course that would assist in embracing new innovations and technologies for a sustainable transportation, with a view to developing the transportation sector in the country.
Idongesit Jonah & Temitayo Taylor
Press Officers, Office of the Deputy Gov.
ABIODUN LAUDS FG ON RESUSCITATION OF IBADAN-ABUJA NARROW GAUGE
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says the resuscitation of the narrow gauge from Ibadan to Abuja when completed, will give investors, traders and the people of the country the opportunity to wheel cargo from Lagos to Kano state, hence, improving trade and commerce.
Prince Abiodun made this known at the Executive Chambers of the Governor's Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the Minister of Transportation; Senator Saidu Alkali and some state Commissioners of Transportation in the country, who came for the 18th edition of the National Council on Transportation.
He commended the Minister for the bold steps taken to reposition the transportation sector in the country, saying the plan by the Federal Ministry of Transportation to resuscitate the Kaduna to Kano line would further open up the country for economic development.
Abiodun urged the Minister to ensure that industrial zones in the country were connected to reduce vehicular transportation.
"I am very glad about the laudable achievements under your watch. The initiatives that you are championing; the intervention you have sought from the Chinese to resuscitate the Kaduna to Kano line so that you will now have the connection, all the way from Lagos, Ogun, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano”, he said.
Earlier, Senator Alkali noted that the National Council on Transportation would address the National Transportation Policy which does not exist at the moment, adding that the Ministry had also submitted a draft recommendation for stakeholders to make their input for onward presentation and deliberation by the Federal Executive Council.
He disclosed that the Federal Government would soon commence the railway project from Ibadan to Abuja and Kaduna to Kano, stating that daily evacuation of about 90 containers had commenced at the Apapa Port Management Terminal (APMT) in Ibadan.
The Minister added that the Ministry would start freighting of goods by the end of the present quarter from the APMT to Kano State, saying it had entered into discussions with foreign investors to improve the transportation sector.
Oluwafunso Obasan,
Press Officer, Office of the Governor
OGSG ASSURES MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OF CONTINUED SUPPORT
Towards ensuring that the medical professionals have a pride of place that will enable them contribute meaningfully to the health sector, Ogun State government has promised to sustain support for the execution of viable projects and implementation of programmes for the wellness of the people.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Tomi Coker made this known at the ground breaking ceremony of the state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at Laderin Estate, Abeokuta.
Dr. Coker, who affirmed the contributions of the Association to the achievements recorded by the present administration in strengthening the health system, said government would ensure that similar project occurs in all the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Ashmi, who appreciated the state government's commitment to the welfare of healthcare professionals, applauded efforts in creating an enabling environment for medical practitioners to thrive, soliciting for good road network and transformer to the estate for rapid development in the area.
The symbolic laying foundation was earlier done by the trio of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Dr. Coker and Dr. Ashmi.
Adeyinka Elujoba,
Press Officer, Ministry of Health
YOUTHS TASKED TO LEVERAGE ON CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENTS
Youths have been tasked to leverage on technological innovations, constructive and meaningful engagements for nation building rather than resorting to violence.
Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, gave the charge during a courtesy visit of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the student body needed to be proactive in shaping the path of honest and effective leadership.
Mr. Okubadejo described the youths as crucial to shaping the future of the country, as they play integral role in national development, assuring the delegation of government's commitment to continue to provide social infrastructure, adding that efforts would be sustained to ensure citizens feel the effects of the state's development drive.
"Recognizing the higher stake the youths have is the success of our country. You need to use your voice responsibly with the potential impact of constructive engagement", he said.
Speaking earlier, the NANS Senate President, Segun Ekundina, lauded the state government for its educational initiatives and incentives towards the student body, citing the robust consideration given to them during the recent approval of a N5bn palliative.
He said the student body was proud to associate with the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun, noting that the governor was student-friendly in prioritising students’ welfare.
Bolaji Abiodun & Doyinsola Ajisebutu,
Press Officers, Min. of Finance
OGMPWB SEEKS NIS SUPPORT ON PROMPT ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT
Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has sought the continued support of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, on timely issuance of passports to pilgrims, for a successful 2024 Hajj exercise.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Dauda Salau, who said this during a visit to the Command at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, intimating the Command on the new Saudi Arabia policy on visa issuance, which would commence from Friday, March 1 to Monday, April 29, 2024, which would necessitate the Command to fast-track intending pilgrims’ passports in order to meet the deadline.
While appreciating NIS for its yearly support for the Board, the Executive Secretary pointed out that the agency remains a key stakeholder in Hajj operations, saying other arrangements had been made to ensure a successful exercise.
Responding, the state Comptroller, NIS, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Bosede, said the agency understands the essence of collaboration with the Board, assuring that necessary effort would be made to forestall any hitch in the issuance of passports to intending pilgrims.
She implored prospective pilgrims to start processing their passports early to enable the Command accelerate the issuance.
Lateefah Ayoola,
Press Officer, MPWB
Mosunmola Feyisetan,
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