GOV. ABIODUN SAYS OGUN WON'T BE SECOND IN IMPLEMENTING NEW MINIMUM WAGE
Ogun State workers will soon smile as the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated that his administration is working towards ensuring the state does not take second place in implementing the new minimum wage.
Governor Abiodun, who made this statement during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour, at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, said the meeting was part of efforts to engage stakeholders in finding solutions to the current situation caused by the fuel subsidy removal, noting that workers had been instrumental to the rapid economic growth of the state.
"I have told my team that we should roll up our sleeves; we should work as hard as we can without putting undue pressure on our people. We should be creative, more efficient, block loopholes and increase our revenue, so that we can afford to pay the new minimum wage comfortably, and by the grace of God, we will not be second in terms of implementation", he said.
He solicited continued partnership with labour unions in the state, emphasising that their cooperation had led to economic prosperity with budgetary increment from less than N400 billion at the inception of the administration to the current N703 billion and performance at 80 percent, just as the state was projecting a trillion naira budget for next year's appropriation.
He added that as a responsible government, his administration had put several measures in place to cushion the effects on the people, such as conversion of the mass transit buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and launching of electric motorcycles and tricycles.
"The federal government is making rice available for us to sell at very subsidised prices to everybody. The federal government is also providing us with 500 CNG kits that we will use to convert 509 commercial vehicles so that we can lower the cost of transportation", he said.
The governor said the federal government would send 20 CNG buses in the first instance to the state, while the state government would provide 100 CNG buses to transport unions in the state, assuring that transportation costs were expected to be reduced by 50-80 percent, as more people embrace electric motorcycles and CNG vehicles.
Abiodun revealed that farmers' markets would be set up in the three zones across the state, to enable people to buy foodstuffs at affordable prices, while a task force, comprising transport union executives and law enforcement agencies had been established to monitor arbitrary hikes in transport fares.
Also speaking, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, appreciated the governor for allaying workers' fears and demonstrating the capacity and strong will to deal with issues concerning workers' welfare and well-being.
On his part, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hameed Benco, while appreciating the governor for always making organised labour part of his decision-making process, stressed the need to enforce price regulation, traders had taken undue advantage to exploit the people owing to the current economic situation.
He also called for a special arrangement to convey workers and students in primary and secondary schools to their offices and schools in mitigating the hardship.
Contributing, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, advocated that workers should work from their homes until the situation improves, while the Joint Negotiation Committee Chairman, Comrade Isa Olude, called for measures that would provide relief to workers and pensioners.
Elijah Udofia,
Press Officer, Office of the Governor
BOUNDARY CONFLICTS: OGUN, OYO ASSEMBLIES BEGIN PEACE PARLEY
In its commitment towards resolving the lingering crisis arising from the boundary dispute between Ogun, Oyo and Osun States, Ogun State House of Assembly played host to its Oyo State counterpart, led by the Deputy Speaker and member representing Ona-Ara State Constituency, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, jointly chaired by the Deputy Speakers of Ogun and Oyo States, Honourables Lateefat Ajayi and Fadeyi, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said the boundary issues were family matters that could be resolved amicably, commending the Oyo Assembly for the visit.
Rt. Hon. Elemide, who explained that the unity, peaceful co-existence and development of the South-West remained sacrosanct, stressed the need for officials of the National Boundary Commission to be present at the next meeting, pointing out that the team would have to undertake a joint physical verification to the sites to address all issues raised by the representatives of the affected boundary communities.
He called on the residents of the boundary communities to remain calm and allow peace to reign, assuring that the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, would be duly notified on the progress made by the two Houses of Assembly.
In his remarks, the Oyo State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Hon. Fadeyi, explained that their mission was to team up with their counterparts in Ogun State to find a lasting solution to the issue of boundary conflicts between Oyo and Ogun State, involving communities and villages, including those along Ibarapa East and Ibarapa Central- Elere, Ayegbede, Opeji, Ilugun, Atakan and Aya villages, as well as Iddo/Bakatari, Obete, Apojola. among others.
He said the issue was raised under matter of urgent public importance on the floor of Oyo State House of Assembly, hence the need to solicit the support of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the representatives of the affected villagers to come together with their Oyo counterparts, to find a legislative means of addressing the perennial conflicts.
Contributing, a member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency, Hon. Samsideen Lawal, the representative of the state Ministry of Justice, who doubles as the Director of Legislative Drafting in the Ministry of Justice, Barr. James Mafe and the State Surveyor General, Mr. Oladele Ewulo, recalled the efforts and progress made by the state in resolving the issues in the past, expressing hope that the issues would be amicably resolved with the involvement of the officials from the National Boundary Commission.
Others who made presentations at the parley included, representatives of the state Ministry of Agriculture, Baales, representatives and residents of the affected communities, among others.
Jamiu Lawal.
Head, Information Unit, OGHA
OGUN TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY SEEKS SECURITY AGENCIES’ SUPPORT ON GIA OPERATIONS
To ensure that the Gateway International Airport (GIA) commences optimal full-scale operations devoid of avoidable hitches, Ogun State Ministry of Transportation has sought the support and cooperation of security agencies to guarantee safety and security of the Airport environment.
Commissioner in the Ministry, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, who spoke in Abeokuta, during a meeting with the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, as well as the Department of State Security (DSS), said the state was determined to ensure best global practices in Airport management.
Engr. Dairo said it was important for the security agencies to familiarise themselves with the peculiarity of the aviation industry which had been established in the state, to ensure full patrol and coverage of the environment and by extension, the state at large.
He revealed that the Airport remains the only one in the country that has a 12 kilometre-perimeter fencing, saying government would provide necessary logistics needed by each of the security and safety agencies.
Delivering his keynote address, Consultant to the Governor on the GIA, Engr. Mohammed Odunowo, explained that the meeting was germane in order to address areas of jurisdiction and operations of the security agencies, canvassing for more stringent measures at checkmating banditry and other security threats.
He added that the aviation industry was a sensitive and complex domain, that deals with bureaucratic procedures, urging the participants to synergise in the discharge of their individual and corporate duties.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd.), promised that the state government would look into logistical needs of the agencies and make necessary provisions.
Contributing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Adesoji Adewuyi, enjoined the security agencies to ensure a harmonious working relationship with the Ministry.
In their separate responses, the Comptroller of Immigration Service, CIS Grace Adeoye; representatives of the Nigeria Police, DCP Bolanle Muritala; NSCDC, DCC Adefila Aderinola and Nigeria Customs Service, DCC Gbenga Otunla, appreciated the state government for the insightful meeting, where the rules of engagement were spelt out.
Other stakeholders at the meeting were Engr. Benedict Adeyileka, an Avaition regulator and Chief Executive Officer, GIA, Captain Dapo Olumide.
Babajide Jokotagba,
Press Officer, Ministry of Transportation
OGSG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FREE EDUCATION
The free education policy, promised during the inauguration of the present administration, remains sacrosanct towards curbing out- of - school and ensuring access to qualitative education in the state.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu stated this during the First Term Pre-Resumption Stakeholders' Meeting for 2024/2025 Academic Session with Principals, Headteachers and Parent Clubs in public primary and secondary schools, as well as Government Technical Colleges, at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, emphasising that the free education policy of the government was non-negotiable
Prof. Arigbabu warned that government would not tolerate any reported case of learners being sent home for not paying school fees or levies, saying government have made adequate provisions for facilities, such as furniture and other teaching and learning materials for smooth running of the education process.
The Commissioner hinted that the state would soon make a policy, whereby each school must have space for farming, as well as woodwork and carpentry workshops, to ensure food sustainability and inculcate maintenance culture, adding that school activities resumes immediately for efficient academic activities.
"Being a Principal comes with a responsibility and as Principals, you must maintain decorum and avoid running foul of government policies", he said.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, who described teachers as future moulders, urged Principals to maintain standards in their schools, monitor lessons and impart safety tips, admonished parents to invest in their children by buying them books, school uniform, bags and sandals for desired development.
Highlighting the importance of the programme, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, stated that the meeting aims at brainstorming on the modalities of resumption, such as ensuring security tips around the school, improve teaching and learning, urging the stakeholders to join hands with the government for positive and desired standards.
In their goodwill messages, the Principal General, Remo Block, Mrs. Olubunmi Womiloju; the State President of All Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, (ANCOPSS) Mr. Adeniyi Adekoya and the Chairman, Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria, (AOPSHON), Mrs. Folake Onabajo, appreciated the Ministry for creating such a platform where stakeholders could rub minds on how to move the education forward, pledging their dedication towards providing quality teaching for learners and ensure policies of government were entrenched.
Rolling out security tips for safety in and around school premises, the Assistant Commissioner for Police, Operations, who doubles as the State Coordinator, Safe School Protection Squad, ACP Manger Fergus, as well as the Commandant, National School Crime Prevention Corps, Folayinka Ige and State Coordinator, Safe School Project of National Security and Civil Defense Corps, Superintendent Rachel Orishawo, suggested cordial relationship with security agents, perimeter fencing, security cameras and hiring of security guards, as major steps to ensure security in schools.
Ayoola Obadimu,
Press Officer, MOES&T
OGSG ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL DAY-OFF FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS
Following the upward review of the pump price of petrol and attendant impact on transportation costs and general standard of living, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved a two-day off-duty per week for officers on Grade Levels 01 - 14, while officers on 15 - 17 are to maintain the one day off-duty.
A release signed by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, stated that the gesture was to ameliorate the impact on transportation costs and the burden on public servants, who were experiencing more significant challenges commuting to work, towards enhancing service delivery through a more motivated and energised workforce.
OGIS
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