OGUN TO BEGIN SALES OF RICE AT 50 PERCENT DISCOUNT
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says the sale of rice to members of the public at 50 percent of the market price will soon begin across the state.
Governor Abiodun disclosed this during the Special Iftar (Breaking of Fast), organised for League of Imams and Alfas across the state, at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, noting that public servants across the board would also benefit from the gesture to enhance their purchasing power.
The state’s helmsman stated that a committee had been set up to oversee the sale of the commodity, adding that the development would enable government to continue to sell more commodities to the people at a discount rate.
" For those we know cannot afford to buy; those we call the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable, we will be giving them the rice free of charge", he said.
Prince Abiodun assured that construction of the proposed secretariat for the League of Imams and Alfas would be done, in fulfilment of his promise, calling on Muslim Faithful to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, be kind to one another, and extend love to their neighbours.
Earlier, Secretary of the League, Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, commended the Governor for extending hands of fellowship to the Muslim community, particularly the youths, praying that God would continue to guide him in running affairs of the state.
Highlight of the event was the special prayer offered for the state and the country as a whole.
Oluwafunso Obasan,
Press Officer, Office of the Governor
GOVT. COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN IJEBU EAST LG
As part of efforts to improve socio-economic development at the grassroots, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned 10 lock-up shops at Imowo Ram Market, 15 open stalls at Ilese Market (Oja Ale), an industrial and motorised borehole at Ilese community, as well as a block of two classrooms with an office and store at Community Primary School, Imewero, Atan in Ijebu North East Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun said commissioning of the projects was part his determination to deliver dividends of democracy to the people, promising to ensure the well-being of the citizenry.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, urged the Chairman of the council, Hon. Folusho Badejo, to continue with the laudable achievements, stressing that the success of any government was usually hinged on the responsiveness to the yearnings of the people.
Speaking, Hon. Badejo expressed gratitude to the Governor for supporting Local Government administration in the state, saying efforts were geared towards cascading the ‘ISEYA’ mantra by providing basic infrastructural amenities to the grassroots.
While revealing that there were other legacy projects in the pipeline to be commissioned soonest, the council Chairman noted that the new lockup shops and stalls would enhance economic sustainability, thereby increasing the internally generated revenue of the area, urging beneficiaries to complement government strides by utilising the facilities judiciously.
Remarking, the Elese of Ilese, Oba Oluremi Obayomi, appreciated the Governor for the provision of infrastructural development across the state, as well as the unwavering support to local government chairmen, saying the projects would positively impact the communities.
Dignitaries at the commissioning include, Commissioner for Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi; Director of Local Government Affairs, Mr. Olusegun Ibirinde, among others.
Abiodun Okuboyejo,
Press Officer, Min. LG&CA
MINISTRY TRAINS OFFICERS ON EFFECTIVE MEMO DELIVERY
Education Officers in Ogun State have been trained to develop acceptable and effective memo writing, towards enhancing contributions in drafting national policies in the sector.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, while speaking during the training session themed, “Maiden Edition of State Pre-Joint Consultative Council on Education Meeting on Policy Memo Writing”, in Abeokuta, said the initiative was to refine the skills of officers for better academic productivity.
Prof. Arigbabu observed that involvement of relevant stakeholders in memo generation and presentation process had been lacking in recent years, hence the need to organise the training towards elevating the quantity, quality, process and evaluation of policy memoranda from the state.
"Today, our objective is clear; we want to enhance our collective proficiency in drafting policy memoranda. We are reminded of our statutory obligations to formulate, defend and present memoranda to Federal Ministry of Education, a process vital for moulding Nigeria Educational Landscape", he said.
Contributing, the Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Mikhail Lawal, appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving and supporting the programme, noting that the training would enhance good policy-making through memo writing.
In his presentation, the Resource Person and a retired Director of Education in the Ministry, Mr. Samuel Adedotun, emphasised that the programme would strengthen participants’ capacity for quality memo policy making, mobilise and engender stronger and sustainable commitment to the process of policy formulation in Nigeria, while giving a solid foundation for achieving Education 2023 Agenda.
In their separate remarks, the Directors of Education, Department of Secondary and Higher, as well as Planning, Research and Statistics Mr. Oluwole Majekodunmi and Mrs. Abosede Edun, respectively described the event as another landmark in the education sector, enthusing that the initiative would improve the horizon of officers, thereby writing better and acceptable memos.
Two of the participants, Mrs. Oluwaseun Olayinka and Mr. Semiu Adeniran appreciated the Ministry for the training, saying it would equip them with required skills for memoranda process and development.
OGSG SHUTS COMPANY FOR ENVIRONMENT INFRACTIONS
In its continued efforts at shielding its residents from harmful effects of environmental infractions, Ogun State government has shut down Food Agro and Allied Industries Limited, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako, Sango-Ota, for violating environmental infractions and disobeying government’s order.
Speaking during an inspection at Sango-Ota, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, who doubles as Chairman of the state Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Alhaji Farook Akintunde, said the company was found guilty of bye-passing its Effluent Treatment Plants, thereby releasing untreated waste-water to the immediate environment, especially the newly rehabilitated Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, which tantamount to wilfully destroying public infrastructures, as well as exposing residents of the area to health hazards.
Alhaji Akintunde added that the company was equally culpable of degrading the environment through oil spillage, which was not only harmful, but would have a negative impact on the groundwater of immediate communities.
"To worsen issues, the company refused all previous entreaties to make corrections on the noted infractions and flagrantly disobeyed a stop-work order from the state government.
"The government therefore had no other alternative than to close down the company to restore environmental sanity in the company and stop it from further degrading its immediate communities", he said.
The Governor’s aide stressed that the company would remain shut until all identified infractions were corrected and certified by the state government, noting that the Ministry would continue to enforce needed environmental compliance.
While commending industries that operate in line with government regulations, he counselled environmental violators to desist, as the state was working towards ensuring proper environmental governance within the state.
Rotimi Oduniyi,
Press Officer, Ministry of Environment
OGUN GOVT. ISSUED CONTRACT ON RURAL ROADS
Towards ensuring that rural dwellers in Ogun State enjoy quality road network, the Ministry of Rural Development through its agency Ogun State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project RAAMP, has issued Contract Award letters to successful bidders for Backlog Maintenance of Rural Roads in the state.
Issuing the letters at the Conference Room of the agency in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Commissioner for Rural Development, Mrs. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, said the projects, when completed, would have positive impact on the lives of the people and make food abundant in the state, as a result of good road network.
“As the major pillar of the present administration's ISEYA mantra, infrastructural development plays a pivotal role, which will ensure that rural roads get the necessary maintenance and attention it deserves”, she said.
The Commissioner, who congratulated the successful bidders, urged them to approach the projects with a sense of responsibility, professionalism and accountability they deserve, appreciating OGRAAMP for its unwavering support in driving rural community development agenda.
Lending his voice, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Sakirudeen Salaam, noted that construction of more rural roads would enhance economic prosperity at the grassroots, charging the contractors not to engage in sharp practices, to elicit more contracts from government.
Remarking, the Acting Project Coordinator, Engr. Waheed Adejumo, said the bidding process was transparent, affirming that the completion of the roads would address post-harvest loss.
Speaking on behalf of other successful bidders, Managing Director, Lopek Construction Firm, Mr. Lere Farounbi, appreciated the state government for giving them the opportunity to serve, pledging to deliver in record time.
It would be recalled that the OGRAAMP organised open bid for some roads, including, Idofin Bode Ase, Agosasa-Idolorisa, Sigo Baido, Tapona, Ibu Junction, Ipakinmore, Itebu, Ago-Isobo, Mamu-AbaPanu Roads, which cut across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
Taiwo Soremekun,
Press Officer, Min. of Rural Devt.
GOVT., NGOs MARK TB DAY WITH AWARENESS WALK
As part of series of activities to commemorate the 2024 World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Ogun State Government, in collaboration with development partners, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders, organised a walk to raise public awareness and step up efforts to end TB epidemic.
Speaking during the sensitisation walk in Abeokuta, Director, Public Health Department, Ministry of Health, Dr. Festus Soyinka, said the walk was to sensitise people about the disease, how to recognise it and what to do if they noticed any of the symptoms of the disease.
Dr. Soyinka disclosed that government was committed to educate the public on the disease through various public enlightenment programmes on the electronic media, outreaches, sensitisation walk, community engagement and other activities.
While urging residents to avoid overcrowded places as much as possible, he emphasised that the best way to curtail the spread of the disease was for anyone who might have coughed for more than two weeks to go for testing, assuring that TB treatment in government health facilities is free of charge.
On her part, Programme Officer, State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (STLBCP), Mrs. Taiwo Olusola, assured residents that TB is curable, calling on other stakeholders to join hands with government, to checkmate the disease.
Also speaking, a representative of one of the development partners, Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN), Mrs. Florinda Olawusi, observed that the disease was being underdiagnosed in Nigeria, clamouring for continued collaboration to scale up awareness of TB among the populace.
Goke Gbadamosi,
Press Officer, Ministry of Health
YEWA SOUTH LG RESTATES COMMITMENT TO WORKERS’ WELFARE, OTHERS
The authority of Yewa South Local Government (LG) of Ogun State has restated its commitment to improve workers’ welfare and implement policies that would make life more meaningful for the people.
Chairman of the local government, Hon. Lateef Salami, gave the assurance in Ilaro, during a get-together in honour of the retired Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mr. Bankole Omitogun, after 35 years of meritorious service.
While appreciating the outgoing HOLGA for his dedication to duty,
Hon. Salami, described Mr. Omitogun as a hardworking administrator who was committed to the growth and success of the council, praying that God would grant him sound health and longevity to enjoy his retirement.
The Chairman, who charged members of staff to emulate the good qualities of the retired HOLGA, sought their cooperation for continued support to the Prince Dapo Abiodun–led administration, noting that the state government was determined to enhance the well-being of workers, through provision of conducive working environment, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as access to quality health care services, among others.
Responding, Pastor Omitogun appreciated the state and local governments for the opportunity to serve, promising that he would not relent in contributing to the growth and development of the state, even in retirement.
He also thanked the management and staff of the council area for the cooperation and support while in office, urging them to continue to give their best in the course of discharging their duties.
Abiola Rufai,
ZIO, Yewa South
SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY, CATALYST FOR PEACE – OGUN HoS
The Ogun State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, has described sustainability of water supply as a catalyst for peace.
Mr. Fagbohun stated this during the celebration of 2024 World Water Day, with the theme, “Leveraging Water for Peace” organised by the Ministry of Environment, in conjunction with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (RBDA) and Nestle Plc, at Obas’ Complex, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Fagbohun said irregularities in the distribution of water resources and risk of shortage, were some of the factors that used to cause tension and conflicts between tribes, communities, states and nations, while lack of potable water could spell doom to human existence.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, the HoS, noted that water is life, adding that the United Nations declared its annual celebration, to reflect on how collective existence and human survival, including other living things could access clean water.
Speaking, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, noted that the importance of water could not be over-emphasised.
“Water can create peace or spark chaos or crisis; when water is scarce or polluted or when people have unequal or no access to water, tension arises.
“Population grows and as climate change impact increases, there is an urgent need within and between countries to unite by protecting and conserving the most precious resource, water”, he said.
The Commissioner charged relevant agencies, industries, commercial facilities, academia, investors, drillers and individuals at all levels, to act on the ripple effects of water scarcity, in order to foster harmony, posterity and resilience.
Presenting a paper on the theme of the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ogun-Oshun RBDA, Otunba Eng. Olufemi Odumosu, informed that in the last seven years, the organisation had been able to drill 743 boreholes in different locations across Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo States, calling on all sectors to accelerate progress in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sam Oyeleye, who said water was crucial to life, urged stakeholders to brainstorm on how to resolve the challenges of quality, accessible water through effective water governance.
In their separate remarks, representatives of Nestle Plc, Sustainability Manager, Chinwe Obi; Meslo Molesh Company, Mr. Bharat Bucchand, appreciated the state government for providing potable water for its citizens and encouraging commercialisation of water production through hygienic processes.
Modupe Salabiu,
Press Officer, Ministry of Environment
OGUN INAUGURATES HEALTH DATA GOVERNANCE COUNCIL
Ogun State government has inaugurated a Health Data Governance Council (HDGC), to strengthen the health system information and facilitate effective use of quality data for healthcare development.
The council, chaired by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, comprised her counterpart in the Ministry for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Health and Hospitals Management Board (HMB), the State Statistician General, the Executive Secretaries of agencies in the health sector, representatives of the National Population Commission (NPC), as well as World Health Organisation (WHO), among others.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Council, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Dr. Coker said HDGC at the state level would help navigate effective allocation of resources for healthcare delivery, which had been a challenge over the years, saying this would fast-track Governor Dapo Abiodun's mission to strengthen the state health systems and make qualitative healthcare accessible to residents in rural and urban areas.
Dr. Coker described the availability of quality data as essential to effective formulation of healthcare policies, stressing activities of the Council would position the state for more effective routine healthcare service delivery and response to health emergencies.
"The significance of this inauguration is underscored by the fact that we need to create more efficient data management at the strategic level. Of course, we have data but I must say that it is not quality enough which impacts our ability to formulate policies and allocate resources effectively", she said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, said the government was prepared to upscale health data management and governance, calling on members of the council to deploy their experience to the tasks at hand.
Reacting, the State Coordinator, World WHO, Dr. Akinola Fatiregun, appreciated the state government for constituting the Council, saying the body should always emphasise capturing quality data.
Goke Gbadamosi,
Press Officer, Ministry of Health
OGSG ASSURES RESIDENTS OF IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY
Towards commitment to improved water supply to every home in the state, Ogun State government is assiduously working to ensure that moribund water schemes and equipment of the state Water Corporation are revamped, to ensure adequate potable water.
The state Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Olufunmilayo Efuwape, disclosed this in Abeokuta, during a facility tour to some water schemes, in celebration of International World Water Day, with the theme, "Leveraging Water for Peace", saying government was investing strategically, to improve efficiency and ensure safe drinking water across the state.
“These investments therefore called for a thorough review of the operational procedures to ensure sustainability.
“This will ensure that our reach is expanded to under-served areas within our community and thereby allowing residents to have improved access to reliable water supply”, she said.
Hon. Efuwape noted that the theme was apt, as it aimed towards raising awareness about the significance of water and advocating for sustainable management of freshwater resources.
She solicited for people’s cooperation through prompt payment of bills, refrain from damaging water pipes, meter and cards, promising that the Corporation would not relent in providing better service.
Underscoring the importance of water, the Acting General Manager of the Corporation, Mrs. Muinat Jaji, explained that the objective of Sustainable Development Goal 6 was to achieve water for all by 2030, adding that action must be geared towards ensuring that people have access to potable water.
“Provision of potable water is essential for homes, communities, industries and agricultural areas, in terms of irrigation, which calls for all stakeholders coming together to preach peace; if water is flowing for all, peace will be guaranteed”.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, appreciated the state government for empowering the Corporation, towards ensuring provision of adequate water supply to the health facility.
Oluwakemi Ogungbade & Segun Owotomo,
Press Officers, 0GSWC & Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs
HEALTH COMMISSIONER EMPHASISES EARLY DETECTION OF TB
Early detection of Tuberculosis (TB) is treatable and can be cured using a combination of modern medicine.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, stated this in Abeokuta, while fielding questions with journalists, to mark 2024 World TB Day, with the theme, “YES! We Can End TB", saying state government with support from Federal Ministry of Health and partners, had been providing free treatment for TB patients in all 20 Local Government Areas through the network of 623 government health centres, selected private and missionary facilities.
Dr. Coker expressed concern over the rise in the number of TB cases, assuring that government was committed to urgent action to address the situation through increased awareness and education, as well as access to quality healthcare services for all residents, especially those in rural areas.
"If you or anyone you know have cough lasting two weeks or more with or without sputum, associated weight loss, profuse night sweating, difficulty in breathing or blood-stained sputum, go to the nearest government health facility for check, as this could be Tuberculosis", she said.
Also in a separate interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, who urged residents to be vigilant and proactive in seeking medical help, if they notice any TB symptoms, emphasised the need for good hygiene and other infection control measures, to prevent the spread of the disease, stating that with collective efforts, the disease could be eradicated.
Adeyinka Elujoba,
Press Officer, Ministry of Health
HAJJ 2024: NAHCON ANNOUNCES INCREMENT IN FARE
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has announced increment in 2024 Hajj fare.
This was contained in a release signed by the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB), Alhaji. Dauda Salau, stating that intending pilgrims, who had paid N4,899,000.00, should add N1,918,032.91, while new applicants were to pay N8,454,464.74, on or before Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
It indicated that intending pilgrims, who had made their deposits and new applicants should ensure that respective payments were made before the deadline into designated Board's accounts or visit the Board’s Office at New Secretariat, Block B, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, for further enquiry.
The release urged intending pilgrims, who wish to withdraw or defer their deposits till 2025 Hajj to formally write OGMPWB for prompt refund.
Lateefhat Ayoola,
Press Officer, OGMPWB
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