OGUN COMMUNITY LEADERS LAUDS GOV. ABIODUN FOR REDEEMING DECADES OLD PROMISES
The Executive Committee of Isiwo and Area Development Association (ISADA), in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for redeeming the promises of his predecessors by constructing the collapsed Aloro Bridge which had been abandoned for decades.
This was expressed through the presentation of a letter by proxy during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPl. Olatunji Odunlami in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking, leader of the delegation, Otunba Ibidapo Adebajo, reminded the governor of the promise to construct Odolewu-Ipesi-Isiwo road, which would improve access to the agrarian communities, thereby enhancing the socio-economic development of the area.
Responding, the Commissioner thanked the community leaders for the initiative, saying the governor was intentional in ensuring delivery of dividends of democracy to communities across the state.
"One of the clusters is the Ijebu Economic Development Cluster, which is made up of four 1,000-hectare parks, named Ogun State Mixed Industrial Park; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) Park; Academic Park and the Technology Park. All of these are designed to drive development in the district for the future benefit of the people", he said.
According to TPl. Odunlami, some of government's intervention in the area included, the repair and upgrade of the 14.2km Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda Road, as well as a flyover bridge along the axis for easy linkage, which is one of the longest roads done by the present administration.
He added that the Isiwo-Yemoji-Odo Agboju Road which had long been neglected, would soon feel the impact of government, calling on the community to embrace and guard the infrastructure, desist from selling land indiscriminately to speculators and continue to support government, as it strives to spread development across the state.
Ajibola Taiwo,
Press Officer, MPPUD
GOV. ABIODUN APPLAUDS GATEWAY MORTGAGE BANK FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the management of Gateway Mortgage Bank for the transformation of the Bank into a financially stable entity through its professionalism and ethics of the banking industry.
Governor Abiodun gave the commendation during the 7th Annual General Meeting of the Bank, at Mitros Residence, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, emphasising the importance of efficiency in financial institutions, particularly in optimising deposits and resources to maximise profits.
The governor said the Bank had played a pivotal role in housing development across the state, through the provision of accessible mortgage solutions that enable people to enjoy affordable housing, thereby contributing to the state’s economic growth and improved standard of living of residents.
Represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, Abiodun underscored his administration’s proactive approach to implementing policies that address the housing needs of the people, while creating business opportunities for financial institutions like Gateway Mortgage Bank.
He highlighted the present government's initiatives on housing development to include, provision of various housing units across the state and enhanced administrative processes, such as the unbundling of Ogun State Land Administration and Revenue Management System (OLARMS), to fast-track the acquisition of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), saying the move was to redesign and attract the private sector developers, to complement government’s efforts in ensuring affordable housing and creating wealth.
"We are resolute in our determination to ensure that housing, which is a very important aspect of social well-being for our people is continuously supported through our policies and initiatives. We have seen significant growth in the activities of our Gateway Mortgage Bank, not just compared to last year, but since 2019, when we took over”, he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank, Evang. Samuel Durojaiye, expressed gratitude to the current administration, as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government for their support, which had turnaround the bank for the better.
Durojaiye revealed that the Bank had disbursed over one billion naira as loans to 466 clients, including Public and Civil Servants and private individuals, as well as facilitated mortgage financing for properties at Kobape and Prince Court Estates.
He further highlighted the Bank’s partnerships with other financial institutions, such as the Nigerian Mortgage Financing Company and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, which had bolstered its capacity to support a larger number of people interested in mortgage financing, assuring its higher financial performance in subsequent years, as well as disbursement of maiden dividends to shareholders by the end of the current financial year.
Bolaji Abiodun & Doyin Ajisebutu,
Press Officer, Min. of Finance
OGSG SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS’ SUPPORT ON MEASLES CAMPAIGN
Ogun State government has sought the support of relevant stakeholders for the successful mobilisation and implementation of the upcoming Integrated Measles Campaign in the state on September 21 to 25, 2024, to significantly checkmate the disease.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, made the call in Abeokuta, during the State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (S-SOMTEC) meeting, organised by his Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Adesina stated that the campaign was part of the state government’s efforts in partnering with donor agencies, to safeguard children’s health through vaccine-preventable diseases, saying the well-being of mothers and survival of their children were important for securing the future of society.
"Our goal as a government is to ensure that no mother or child, regardless of their socio-economic status, is left behind in our maternal and infant health interventions. This commitment aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals", he said.
In his presentation, UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change Consultant in the state, Dr. Pita Obam, said the target population for the 2024 Measles Campaign were children of nine months to five years, assuring that the vaccine was safe and effective for preventing measles.
He explained that measles is an acute viral respiratory illness that is highly contagious, which spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, with symptoms such as, skin rash, fever, runny nose and cough, adding that the disease could cause brain damage, blindness and death.
‘’The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one dose of the vaccine is approximately 93 percent effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97percent effective. This is why we are striving for extensive coverage during the integrated campaign’’, he said
Speaking earlier, Director of Information, Production Services in the Ministry, who doubles as the Programme Director, UINCEF-Assisted Programme, Mrs. Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, said S-SOMTEC platform, established through the collaborative efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry, had been instrumental in advancing improved health status of mother and child.
Responding, two of the participants, Alhaji Akolawole Shoremi and Ms. Kikelomo Seun, appreciated the organiser for the brainstorming meeting, promising to contribute their quota for the success of the campaign in the state.
Goke Gbadamosi,
Press Officer, Ministry of Health
OGSG CALLS FOR MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG STAKEHOLDERS IN FOREST RESERVES
Ogun State government has called for peace and mutual understanding among investors, farmers and other stakeholders within its forest reserves.
Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, who made the call at a peace meeting with stakeholders from Ilaro, at the Ministry's Conference Room, said investors were partners in progress, assuring that government was determined to protect their interests and investments.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji, the Commissioner frowned at the influx of herdsmen within Ilaro Forest Reserve, warning that such unwholesome act should henceforth stop, while calling on the leaders of the herdsmen to be more proactive at ensuring their members keep off the forest reserves.
"Government would no longer fold its arms and watch herdsmen threaten law-abiding citizens with dangerous weapons and AK-47 rifles in and around the Forest", he said.
"In the olden days, it was only spears and long sticks that herdsmen are known to carry, unlike nowadays when they handle dangerous weapons when they are not going to war front", he said.
Contributing, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Alhaji Hadi Sani, assured the investors that the state government would put all machinery in action, to protect its investments.
On his part, a representative of the investors, Prince Bayo Kuyeri of Domedayo Farms, appreciated government for securing their investments, calling on farmers to cooperate with them to ensure peace and progress within the forest reserves.
Also speaking, Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ipokia and Yewa Local Governments, Alhaji Musa Adams, promised to call his members to order.
Kayode Oduyebo & Luke Adebesin
Press Officers Ministry of Forestry.
AIM FOR GREATER HEIGHTS, AG TELLS NEWLY EMPLOYED
50 newly employed Auditors in the Ogun State Civil Service, have been urged to aim for greater heights, demonstrate positive actions towards work, as well as acquire higher professional qualifications for efficient service delivery.
The state Auditor-General, Mr. Lateef Balogun, made the call while declaring open a five-day orientation and training programme for the newly employed staff, at the Auditors-General Office Conference Hall, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the aim of the workshop was to introduce them to the organisational structure and operations, as well as the code of ethics in the Civil Service.
Mr. Balogun added that the platform would acquaint and prepare the officers for the daunting tasks ahead of their careers, congratulating them for scaling through the selection process.
The Auditor-General expressed appreciation of the agency to the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for granting the approval to employ the officers enjoining the new members to devote their all, as they would be taken through the rudiments of their career development and work ethics, which were needed to navigate the Civil Service and their professional career.
Speaking, the Director of Revenue and Stores, Mr. Ahmed Adetona, explained the training was organised to capture all the statutory duties of the various departments in the Auditor-General's Office, charging the new officers to buckle down as professionals, as part of criteria for promotion to Grade Level 13 entails obtaining professional certificates in relevant courses.
On his part, the Director of Schools Account, Mr. Akeem Towolawi, tasked the newly employed Auditors to be accountable, punctual, responsible, respectful and diligent at their duty posts.
In a paper titled, "Code of Conduct", the Deputy Director, Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Adebukunola Osilana, noted that severe sanctions await any employee who breaches the code of conduct or indulge in practices that could bring the service to disrepute, advising the Auditors to shun such acts.
Contributing, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Jimoh Ayobami, in a paper on, "Examination on Pensions File", highlighted the rudiments of treating Pension files, enjoining the officers to be painstaking while preparing them.
Responding on behalf of the newly employed Auditors, Mr. Olukayode Onabanjo, expressed gratitude to God and the state government for being employed into the state Civil Service, pledging to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties to ensure accountability.
Sururat Odusanya,
Office of the Auditor General (State)
OGSG DISPELS RUMOUR OVER MPOX CASES
The Ogun State Ministry of Health has confirmed that no cases of Mpox have been reported in the state to date, despite 151 suspected cases being recorded as of August 18, 2024.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a statement, disclosed that the suspected cases were part of the state’s ongoing surveillance efforts, which have been heightened since the global Mpox outbreak in 2022, adding that out of the suspected cases, 53 tested positive for Chickenpox, but none have been confirmed as Mpox.
Dr. Coker said the last confirmed case of Mpox in the state was recorded in May 2023, while the state had remained free of the disease since then, assuring the public not to be alarmed, as government had ensured all necessary preventive measures.
She emphasised the state’s commitment to preventing the spread of Mpox and other infectious diseases and ensuring that the health and safety of Ogun State residents remain a top priority, adding that public sensitisation campaigns on Mpox, Chickenpox and other priority diseases were being conducted, to ensure that residents were well-informed and take appropriate precautions.
"Mpox, known as Monkeypox, is caused by the Monkeypox virus and can lead to serious health complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The disease is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person’s rash or body fluids, respiratory droplets, contaminated objects or infected animals.
"People normally ask, “Is there a treatment for Mpox?” Of course, medical care is available to treat symptoms at healthcare facilities. If you feel ill, have pox marks or rash, do not self-treat. Please go to the nearest healthcare facility, where you can get quality professional treatment", she said.
The Commissioner advised the public to maintain hygiene practices, avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox and seek medical attention if they suspect they have contracted the disease.
Goke Gbadamosi,
Press Officer, Ministry of Health
OGUN SPORTS FESTIVAL TO SERVE AS TALENT POOL FOR MAJOR TOURNAMENTS
The recently concluded State sports festival, was a strategic move by the Ogun State Government to revitalise sports at grassroots level, thereby serving as a talent pool for national and international competitions.
This was the submission of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, while featuring on a television programme in Abeokuta on the recently concluded state sports festival and preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival.
Hon. Isiaka disclosed that subsequent editions of the State Sports Festival would commence from February 3, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to commemorate the creation of the state, saying the event would feature a sporting fiesta, cultural display and several others to foster unity and teamwork among communities.
He highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of the youth and channelling their energy into productive ventures for their personal success and the socio-economic gains of the state, reiterating government’s commitment to organising a world-class National Sports Festival for a successful hosting.
The Commissioner informed that there would be an open camp for athletes to compete against one another to prove their mettle, where a strong team of athletes would be selected to represent the state at the games.
“The new talents discovered will join the core of our athletes that have already been established, as this will accord the state the opportunity of having a pool of athletes that could be groomed and nurtured for national and international competitions. With our rich sporting talents and world-class infrastructure, we are optimistic of making significant impact at the National Sports Festival”, he said.
Ayobami Disu,
Press Officer, Ministry of Sports Development
OGSIEC BOSS EULOGISES LATE INEC COMMISSIONER
Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, has described the late Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Niyi Ijalaye, as a distinguished scholar, an accomplished leader and a legal luminary of great repute, whose career was marked by unwavering diligence, commitment and integrity.
Mr. Osibodu stated this during a condolence visit to the Independent Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office in Abeokuta, saying the late Barr. Ijalaye discharged his duties diligently since his posting to Ogun State in March, 2022.
Represented by one of the Commissioners at OGSIEC, Mr. Olatunji Akoni, Osibodu said the deceased played a significant role in strengthening the cooperation and collaboration between INEC and OGSIEC.
“His contributions were instrumental in fostering seamless coordination and advancing our shared objectives. On behalf of the entire management and staff of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission. I extend our deepest sympathies to the INEC staff and Ijalaye family, while we pray that the Almighty God grants you the strength to bear this irreparable loss”, he said.
Responding, Head of Department, Account and Finance, INEC, Alhaja Rabbiat Akinola, appreciated the management of the Commission for the visit, pledging continued support to the state electoral body.
The visit has the Permanent Secretary, OGSIEC, Engr. Olabode Ojetola and other management staff in attendance.
Damilola Akindele,
Press Officer, OGSIEC
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