OGUN ASSEMBLY PASSES RESOLUTION ON PROCUREMENT OF TRACKING EQUIPMENT FOR SECURITY AGENCIES
Concerned by the incessant cases of kidnapping, murder and ritual killings in some parts of Ogun State, the state House of Assembly has passed a resolution, calling on government, to as a matter of urgency, provide every necessary instrument and apparatus that would enhance security across the state.
Opening debate on the motion leading to the passage of the resolution, Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju explained that there was a need for government to bring together stakeholders in security management including, Security Trust Fund and the private sector in procuring, 'Autel Drone Robotics Evo Max 4T', meant for tracking criminals, so as to nip the menace in the bud.
Corroborating Adeyanju's position, Hons. BabatundeTella and Adebisi Oyedele, equally raised the issue of insecurity under matter of urgent public importance, during the Plenary, presided over by Speaker Oludaisi Elemide, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
They explained that the issues of kidnapping and ritual killings needed to be tackled headlong, decrying the recent gruesome murder of a jamb candidate, who was the Speaker’s niece, in her parents' house at Olodo in Odeda Local Government Area of the State.
The lawmakers noted that such cases had become rampant in all parts of the state, hence the need for government to support security agencies by purchasing security gadgets to track criminals, just as solar cameras could also be installed in some parts of the state.
The debate later led to the motion for the resolution, moved by the Majority Leader Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by Hon. Lukmon Atobatele and supported by the Whole House through a unanimous voice vote.
Also, the Speaker led other lawmakers to rejoice with the Olu of Itoriland, Oba Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo, on the celebration of his 20th coronation anniversary, as reported by Hon. Yusuf Amosun, representing Ewekoro State Constituency.
The Speaker equally announced a Valedictory Plenary, in honour of the retiring Clerk/Head of Legislative Service, Mr. Adedeji Adeyemo on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
Jamiu Lawal,
Head of Unit, OGHA
OGUN’S GROWING ECONOMY ANCHORS ON STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTAL PLAN - FINANCE COMMISSIONER
Towards enhancing Ogun State's economic position in Nigeria, government has unveiled a Strategic Developmental Plan to revitalise the state's economy, through infrastructure enhancements for sustainable growth and prosperity of its citizens.
Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Okubadejo, revealed this during a monthly guest forum, organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Chapter at Iwe-Iroyin, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, highlighting the state's significant digital transformation that simplifies transactions for residents and businesses.
Okubadejo said the key initiatives include, digitalisation of business premises permits and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), as well as holistic reforms in land processes, to promote transparency and streamlining transactions, thereby attracting investments into the state.
"Ogun state has witnessed remarkable financial growth with our Internally Generated Revenue, soaring from 50 billion in 2020 to over 130 billion in 2023. Also, the establishment of six additional economic development clusters positions the state as an industrial capital. With the highest number of free trade zones in Nigeria and numerous industrial estates, Ogun State is poised to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement", he said.
The Commissioner added that government had initiated the Economic Development Clusters, partnered with the private sector to develop essential infrastructure, with the aim of reducing production costs and providing companies with comprehensive support in providing power water and security, while ensuring a conducive environment for sustainable growth.
Earlier, the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, said the purpose of the Forum was to provide a platform for interaction between government and the governed, saying Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration had recorded many achievements that placed the state ahead of others, making ISEYA mantra an envy of others.
Bolaji Abiodun & Oladoyin Ajisebutu,
Press Officers, Ministry of Finance
3,000 FISH FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM GOVT. INTERVENTION GRANT
About 3,000 fish farmers are to benefit from Ogun State government intervention grant under its Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), to effectively improve and develop the sub-sector.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this at a meeting with members of Ogun State Fisheries and Aquaculture Farmers Association (OGSFAFA) in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta
Owotomo explained that under the intervention, farmers were expected to bear 30 percent of the input, while government through OGSTEP, would pay the remaining 70 percent
He admonished them to reciprocate government’s gesture by registering and promptly paying their taxes and annual dues among others, for sustainable development.
"To whom much is given, much is expected. Government does not function in isolation, they function through levies, taxes and more", he said.
The Commissioner urged them to be proactive, in order to add value to their produce before offering them for sale.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the association, Hon. Adebayo Adeogun, pointed out that the visit was to strengthen collaboration between government and the organisation for the advancement and prosperity of the fish sector.
He said the association which comprises of a robust community of fish farmers spread across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state, recognises the pivotal roles of government in fostering an enabling environment for agricultural development, pledging its collaboration to achieve shared goals and address common challenges.
Morolayo Fadairo,
Press Officer, Min. of Agriculture
PROVIDERS OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD ALIGN WITH MASTERPLAN - COMMISSIONER
Providers of public infrastructure and utilities should approach appropriate government regulatory Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to ensure that their services align with development plans of the state.
Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPl. Olatunji Odunlami, stated this in a meeting with members of the Health, Safety and Environment Department of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), in his office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The IBEDC team had approached the Ministry for collaboration and support in enforcing the right-of-way and other regulations that prohibit trading and living under High Tension Lines (HTL), across the state, as the Lines could break at any time and lead to electrocution of people under them.
TPl. Odunlami, who noted that clearing illegal structures erected under the power lines required strategic approach as such shops, containers and buildings were often owned by petty traders, who could not afford to rent expensive shops in safer locations, adding that government would not condone the criminal and hazardous acts, as it prioritises the safety of lives and property of residents of the state.
"Facility providers such as yours are mandated under the planning law and regulation of the state, to obtain planning permits before commencing installations, to enable us guide you on the appropriate place to put them.
"It will be best if you present the Ministry with your plans and proposed routes so that we can advise according to the existing Masterplan of the state. This will curtail the challenge of encroachment presently being faced because we cannot protect what we do not know about”, he said.
In his remark, the Business Manager, IBEDC, Gbenga Bamisile, requested for government’s assistance in promoting safety of lives and property, saying a joint enforcement team would be a welcome development.
“We have had series of sensitisation, awareness and stakeholder engagements in locations where the encroachment is prevalent, but it appears not to be yielding any positive change”, he said.
Ajibola Taiwo,
Press Officer, MPP&UD
USE OF COMBINED TECHNIQUES IN PEST CONTROL ADVOCATED
The use of biological control, cultural practice and judicious pesticides should be adopted to effectively manage pest population, just as minimising their impact on the environment has been advocated.
Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, made the call in Abeokuta, during a day workshop with the theme, “Modern Pest Management Practice in Environmental Health” and inauguration of Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), saying innovations had played clinical role in pest management with the use of drones for monitoring pest control, population and precision agriculture techniques.
Mr. Oresanya revealed that the Ministry would synergise with PECAN and industrial stakeholders, especially the pest controls operators, to combat pest-related challenges and maintain a healthy environment.
He urged manufacturers to leverage on modern technologies to enhance the ability to detect, monitor and control pests, in a more effective way.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Sam Oyeleye, explained that the training aimed at reducing quackery, sharpen skills, develop manpower across frontiers and help determine dynamic approach to solving challenges in the sector.
He urged participants to cooperate with the state government by using modern methods in pest control, saying harnessing resources to drive the modern methods would reduce pests in our communities.
Speaking, the Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Yakubu Mohammed, represented by the Zonal Director, South West Office, Mrs. Adeola Daramola, said modern pest management practices offer a comprehensive approach to pest management that minimises risks to human health and environment.
Contributing, the National President, PECAN, PCO Olakunle Williams, commended the state government for the workshop, saying it would go a long way in safeguarding public and environmental health.
He noted that the collaboration would promote environmental sustainability and public health by leveraging collective expertise and resources, to address the challenges of pest management, while emphasising that the joint session would foster more awareness, cooperation and coordination in the effort of combating pest infestations and mitigate their impact on the society.
In his presentation on People and Environment, Dr. Olusegun Ogunyanwo noted that regular collaboration between the regulatory bodies, the pesto industry and the public, would help in ensuring continuous improvement and effectiveness of pest control regulations.
Sakirat Kehinde-Ajala,
Press Officer, OGEPA
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OGUN AG OFFICE CONDUCTS MEDICAL CHECKS FOR PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
In a proactive move to continually address the issue of infrequent health check-ups among employees, the Office of the Accountant General (AG) has conducted the second edition of its Health Talk/Medical Check, aimed at instilling a strong sense of health consciousness among the workforce.
Speaking during the exercise at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State Accountant General/Permanent Secretary State Treasury, Mr. Tunde Aregbesola, pointed out that many Civil Servants were unaware of their health challenge until it progressed to the point of being incurable.
"The journey to a healthier workforce begins with a continuous awareness of our health status. Regular health check-ups are our shield against unforeseen challenges, allowing us to act promptly, as they said health is wealth", he said.
Delivering a health talk on diabetes and stroke, a Consultant at the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Yomibo Sofolahan, informed that diabetes is a chronic, non-communicable, lifelong disease and leading cause of death and illnesses, characterised by carbohydrate breakdown and metabolic disorder.
She added that stroke was a rapidly developing disease, caused by disruptions in brain function and a leading cause of death, advising effective control of the disease through lifestyle management, while prescribed medications, taking care of the feet, good diet and weight loss among others, were means of managing it.
Dr. Sofolahan, who emphasised preventive measures for those without the disease, said monitoring sugar levels, blood pressure and adopting a healthy lifestyle were key components of preventive healthcare, advocating regular health talks, check-ups and screening to raise awareness and foster a health-conscious mind set.
Contributing, Director of Health Insurance, Dr. Sarat Adebayo, charged government employees to embrace health insurance to avoid out-of-pocket payments for health services, especially during emergency cases, assuring that they would enjoy preventive and curative care, surgeries, as well as other forms of healthcare services in government health facilities and selected private hospitals across the state.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinoso, commended the initiative, pledging to prioritise regular health checks for optimal job performance and overall well-being.
Bolaji Abiodun & Oladoyin Ajisebutu,
Press Officers, Ministry of Finance
2024 HAJJ: OGUN TO COMMENCE MEDICAL TESTS, OTHERS FOR INTENDING PILGRIMS
Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will commence medical tests for intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj, from Tuesday, March 5, 2024 to Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Board's Office, New Secretariat Block 'B' Governor's Office Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
A release signed by the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Salau Dauda, stated that intending pilgrims should make themselves available for the exercise.
It indicated that the medical tests would ascertain the health status of each pilgrim, towards providing necessary medical advice(s) before embarking on the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
According to the release, it is mandatory for all intending pilgrims to attend the sensitisation and enlightenment programmes scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9:30 am, at the Board's premises.
The release further stated that participation of eligible pilgrims in these essential and compulsory parts of the Hajj exercise is sacrosanct, to ensure a successful pilgrimage.
Lateefhat Ayoola,
Press Officer, OGMPW
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