OGUN DEPUTY GOV. ADVOCATES MODALITIES FOR IMPROVED BOUNDARY RELATIONS
It is imperative to work out proper modalities for demarcation of boundaries, as well as other socio-economic issues, including trans-border trade, cross-border integration and adequate security of Nigerians living in these border areas, towards improving their livelihoods.
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Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who doubles as the Chairman Ogun State Boundary Committee, stated this during a day workshop, organised by the National Boundary Commission in conjunction with the Oyo State Government, themed, "Creation of Platform for Local Border Authorities Along Nigeria-Benin International Boundary", at Ibadan, Oyo State.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele, who charged stakeholders vested with border management in Nigeria, to make boundary matters front burner issues within the states concerned and the country, noted that though there were government policies that could be beneficial to the country which might be punitive to people in the border communities, adding that resolving the issues must be identified and adopted for the general good.
While appreciating men and officers of the Nigerian Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service for their efforts at safeguarding the border areas, the Deputy Governor tasked them to consider the homogeneous nature of border communities in the implementation of government policies.
She pointed out that the workshop would provide platform for participants to share ideas, in a bid to find a lasting solution to the problem plaguing the border communities within the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary.
Speaking, Oyo State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Oyo State Boundary Committee, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Lawal, noted that it was time to strengthen security, enhance the bilateral relationship, promote collaboration and have a good business relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic, advocating for a paradigm shift from demarcation between Republic of Benin and Nigeria, focusing on integrating border communities and addressing challenges such as infrastructures and other basic amenities.
In their separate remarks, representatives of Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Mr Olufemi Ajayi; his counterparts in Kwara, Mr. Kayode Alabi, represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Bata; Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, represented by Surv. Idris Aliyu and Kebbi State, Sen. Umar Abubakar, represented by Surv. Sadiq Marafa, noted that the workshop would enhance the relationship between affected countries and impact people living in border towns, to foster greater impetus through investment and business relations.
They added that it would ensure smooth and successful operation of securities in border towns and foster bilateral relationship, among others, leading to more integrated border relations and enhanced regional development, commending the National Boundary Commission for efforts in creating platforms for local border authorities along Nigeria Benin International Boundary.
Earlier, the Director General, National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji, said the workshop was designed to promote trans-border, development and economic relations between local and international borders, as well as ensure effective border management, disclosing that such an event had been initiated between Nigeria and Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad, to promote peace and tranquillity among border communities.
Remarking, Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency, Captain Junaid Abdullahi, represented by Alhaji Sodiq Musa, commended the National Boundary Commission for creating a platform for local border authorities, saying the development of border areas were key components to national development, hence the need to address the issue of insecurity, as well as promote bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Contributing, the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, CGI Caroline Adepoju, represented by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Vitus Onyeka and his counterpart in Nigerian Custom Service, CGC Bashir Adeniyi, also represented by ACG Hammi Swomen, called for more synergy between security agencies and people living in border communities, appealing to traditional rulers to caution their subjects against smuggling and other nefarious activities in border towns.
Also speaking, the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite Alabi and the Emir of Okuta, Kwara State, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, bemoaned that people living in border areas in the country were neglected, as they lack good roads, electricity, among others, urging the government to ameliorate their sufferings through provision of infrastructural amenities.
The highlight of the programme was the appointment of the State Deputy Governor to chair the Forum of States Bordering Nigeria and Republic of Benin.
Idongesit Jonah & Temitayo Taylor,
Press Officers, Office of the Deputy Governor
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS ADVISED TO GET APPROVAL
Prospective manufacturers of agricultural products in Ogun State have been told to obtain approvals from relevant regulatory agencies before taking their products to the markets.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this at a meeting with an agricultural investor from Poland and Advisor to the Group Management Fasting S A Conglomerate, Barr. Miroslaw Jerzy, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying it was imperative to provide the basis for high-quality products and limit the dangers of counterfeit items.
Hon. Owotomo pointed out that the Ministry was working towards increasing the capacity of cassava farmers, to cater for the needs of agro-allied industries springing up in the state.
Earlier, Barr. Jerzy explained that the company was in the state to introduce a new organic soil improver known as, Florahumus, for more sustainable way of farming and soil management, adding that the product was an effective plant growth stimulant, obtained from the deposits of the Sieniawa Brown coal mine in Poland.
On his part, the facilitator of the meeting and Director of PICPAH Company Limited, Engr. Isaac Agbamu, stated that the product was environmentally safe and capable of turning around the fortunes of farmers, assuring that it could improve the functioning of arable soil and contribute to better land growth and yield.
Meanwhile, all farmers in the state have been assured of government's support to boost their activities.
The Commissioner gave the assurance in Abeokuta, at a meeting with executives of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Alhaja Ganiyat Adeoye-Kusimo.
In her remark, Alhaja Adeoye-Kusimo commended the state government for several incentives given to farmers for improved productivity.
Gbenga Moronfolu & Morolayo Fadairo,
Press Officers, Min. of Agric. & Food Security
OGSG TO BEGIN DISBURSEMENT OF LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO TRADERS
Plans are underway for the disbursement of loans at a single digit interest rate to traders and artisans in Ogun State, to cushion the effects of economic meltdown.
The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, gave the assurance during the maiden edition of 'Ogun Alaga Day', organised by the Association of Professional Traditional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APTWECON), with the theme, “How To Curb Conflict In Marriages”, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Represented by the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, Governor Abiodun restated his administration's commitment to make life better for the citizenry, especially artisans, who contribute to the socio-economic development of the state., assuring that his administration was committed to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, especially those owned by women in the state.
"When women thrive in trade, it would bring stability at the home front, which would positively reflect in the community, as each family will be able to contribute their quota to self-help projects within respective communities", he said.
He applauded the resilience and steadfastness of the Association in building marriage institutions, as well as developing family units through their trade.
Reacting, the Governor of the Association, Ogun State Chapter, Deaconess Muibat Odusole, appreciated Gov. Abiodun for heeding women's call, saying the organisation and women in the state were delighted with the efforts to uplift the welfare and wellbeing of the populace, particularly the women folk.
"Your Excellency will no doubt agree that women are builders of home, family and by extension, the nation. We therefore appeal to you, sir, to extend your magnanimity to our members. We humbly solicit for empowerment, a befitting secretariat for the association, one 18-seater bus that will make monitoring and attending meetings across the country easy and pleasurable", she said.
Highlights of the event include, decoration of the governor as the Mayegun of APTWECON, Ogun State Chapter, award of scholarship to university level to a nine- year old budding artist, Master Morenikeji Joshua, that drew the portrait of a veteran actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as, 'Ogogo’, who was among dignitaries at the event.
Ayobami Malomo,
Press Officer, Min. of Community Devt. & Coops.
OGUN SOLICITS NDLEA'S SUPPORT ON 2024 HAJJ EXERCISE
Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB) has solicited the support of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Ogun State Command, on 2024 Hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Board Alh. Dauda Salau, stated this during a courtesy visit to National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, saying the Agency, as one of the major stakeholders of Hajj, plays a key role in achieving hitch-free operations.
Alhaji Salau explained that the visit was to intimate the organisation of the commencement of year 2024 Hajj and seek assistance in the areas of enlightenment programmes on prohibited foods, drugs and profiling of pilgrims before embarking on the holy pilgrimage.
The MPWB boss, appreciated the Command for its unflinching support, toward ensuring successful Hajj operations
"With the kind of lectures NDLEA has given to Ogun pilgrims on yearly basis and strict adherence to the laid down rules and regulations, the state hardly has clearance issues at departure", he said.
Responding, the State Commander, (NDLEA), CN Ibiba Odili, who appreciated the Board for the visit, promised to give necessary support to the pilgrims.
CN Ibiba said the NDLEA would not fail in its responsibility to ensure pilgrims receive the necessary lectures to make them good ambassadors of the state during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lateefhat Ayoola,
Press Officer, OGMPWB
OGSG REQUESTS ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL ON 2024 TRAINING SERVICE PROGRAMME
Ogun State Skills Fund, an agency under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has enjoined interested and eligible public and private Training Service Providers (TSPs) to submit their proposals for participation in its 2024 skill acquisition programme.
A release signed by Commissioner in the Ministry, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, indicated that areas of participation include, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, training for remote, local jobs and ICT start-ups.
Others were, Skill Development for Employment and Self-employment, Entrepreneurship training, including digital and finance literacy, as well as Foundational Skill Training in Basic Infrastructural Digital Literacy.
The release further stated that interested applicants should visit: www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng to fill and submit proposals on or before Sunday, March 17, 2024, while the pre-bidding conference would be on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Applicants were advised to visit the Office of the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF), Rooms 213 to 216, Ogun State Tech Hub, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, or e-mail, info@osf.ogunstate.gov.ng, for more enquiries.
Ayoola Obadimu,
Press Officer, MOES&T
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