WE'LL MAKE OLUMO ROCK TOURISM DESTINATION OF CHOICE-ABIODUN
Ogun state will soon shift its focus to tourism, as a deliberate policy to benefit from the potentials inherent in that sector of the economy.
Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this while he inspected the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta, saying a plan would be developed to ensure that the Tourist site receives the befitting presentation it deserves.
According to him, this represents the deep culture, history, and tradition of Egbaland and the state as a whole, with over 20,000 visitors in 2024.
"Now, the tables have finally turned to tourism, and we are going to be very deliberate about pushing the frontier in our tourist development.
"Tourism with the potential it offers, is not only a source of income or revenue for any state or nation. We've seen nations whose only source of income is tourism. We've seen nations that have transitioned from being dependent on oil, and now 70 percent of their revenue comes from tourism," he said.
The Governor noted that Olumo Rock is the foremost tourist attraction site in the state, promising that it would receive the uplift it deserves to make it the best destination for visitors both within and outside the country.
He stated that if the government is not intentional and deliberate about restoring, maintaining, and protecting its tourist centers, the facilities would gradually begin to depreciate and erode.
"I must commend those who have continued to look after this place. I believe that this site can receive better attention, and it will get the best attention from now on.
"I have taken note of a few things and changes that we are going to be making. This administration has pushed for improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, women's empowerment, social development, and agriculture.
On the inspection tour with the Governor was the Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, and members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Yusuff Quudus, Chairman, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola amongst others.
Oluwafunso Obasan & Funmilola Akinpelu,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the GOV & Min. C&T
HoS LAUDS GOV. ABIODUN FOR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
The unwavering commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to enhancing public service delivery, has again been lauded, as this cannot be over emphasised in the scheme of things.
Ogun State Head of Service stated this while monitoring, the December 2024 Edition of the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Tests and Compulsory Examinations for Officers in the Junior, Sub-Professional and Professional cadres in the Civil/Public Service at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and training, Mrs Lydia Fajounbo and the Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Arch. Koyejo Jolaoso, he described the process as a seamless one due to the enabling environment created, and thanked the Governor for the express approval given to the process as it remains one of the ways through which the career progression of workers can be assured.
"I want let you know that this process is in line with extant rules as it forms part of the requirements for the confirmation of appointments of newly recruited officers in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Boards, Parastatals and other Agencies of government. The process is very seamless and one used to test the knowledge of officers on Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations and other reference books. It is very important if we must continue to deepen the service, as officers must be conversant with the rules and all reference materials.
"It is also an eligibility for inter-cadre transfer, without which officers cannot move. So, it is about efficient service delivery, productivity and deepening the service", the HoS said.
He charged the officers to continue to show dedication to duty, put service first in all things, make efficient service delivery their watchword, as it is the way to go in advancing the course of the Service.
Adding her voice, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo said a total number of 463 candidates were registered for the exams, cutting across the junior, sub-professional and professional cadres, with only the junior officers writing the Paper Based Test while others are Computer Based (CBT).
She said the exams are written twice a year, June and December, and appreciated the State Governor for regular approvals given to conduct the exams as there is no edition that has been missed since the inception of this administration, except that of the COVID year.
Earlier, the Rector, Arch. Dr. Jolaoso, attributed the conducive atmosphere in the school to the cooperation and commitment of all members of staff and students as well as the Governing Council, with particular appreciation to the moderator of the school, Prince Dapo Abiodun for quality support and contributions to the advancement of the institution.
Omolara Osindele,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the HoS
SARC STAFFERS CHARGED ON EFFICIENCY, COOPERATION
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole has harped on the need for efficiency and cooperation among staffers at the state Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the State, especially while attending to survivors of Gender Based Violence.
Mrs. Adewole stated this during an inspection visit to Centres at Ilaro, Sagamu and Ijebu ode areas of the state, stating that the essence of the centres was to give respite to survivors and as such, they must put in professionalism for effective service delivery.
She added that the centres, built in collaboration with the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a world bank project was to have a safe haven for survivors of GBV while ensuring that they get necessary attention ranging from health, counseling and training, to enable them forge ahead in life.
While re-affirming the State Government's commitment to zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Mrs. Adewole revealed that upcoming launch of additional toll-free lines would operate 24 hours to enable the public report GBV cases easily and conveniently so as to ensure prompt response and attention from the Ministry while enhancing access to justice for survivors.
The Permanent Secretary said the staffers as social workers must work with passion, empathy and dedication in the discharge of their duties, saying that as pioneer staff of the centre, they should endeavour to work as a team to achieve the set target of the State Government in reducing the menace of GBV in the State.
Pledging their optimum dedication and selfless service, the SARC Managers Ilaro, Sagamu and Ijebu Ode Centres, Mrs. Funmi Oyetayo, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oresanya and Mrs. Lateefat Abdul-Rahman, said they would discharge their duties as expected and efficiently.
Folake Ogunboyejo and Tayo Olusanya,
Information and Public Relations Officers, Min. of Women Affairs & Social Development
PRAY FOR NIGERIA’S PEACE, PROGRESS - LG BOSS
Yewa North Local Government Chairman, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, has called on Muslims not to relent in praying for peace and progress of the State to ensure all round development.
Dr. Akinbode, made the call during the Year 2025 Annual Ramadan Lecture, organised by the Council's Muslim Community, pointing out that prayers by religious leaders and their followers was one of the factors that has kept the country together, enjoining Muslims to use the opportunity of the Holy month of Ramadan to move closer to God and pray for continued unity of the nation.
Delivering a lecture on the topic: ‘Importance Of Last Ten Days of Ramadan’ ,the Head of Department (HOD), Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Fadeelat Sheik Maroofudeen Balogun urged Muslims to continue to live together in peace, while calling on them to continue praying for the peace and progress of the State and the Country at large, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan, describing Dr. Akinbode as a humble leader, whose character could be likened to that of Holy Prophet Mohammed.
In his remark, the Chief Imam of the Local Government Secretariat, Alhaji Ismail Adeyemo, described the Chairman as a good leader, who approaches issues with an open mind and does not discriminate, irrespective of religious affiliation, adding that his short time in office has brought immense development to the Council.
Lateef Akintunde,
ZIO, YNLG
OGUN VISITS NIGERIA'S BUSIEST AVIATION CARGO HANDLER
The Gateway International Airport (GIA) Warehouse Design Team led by Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, has visited the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) as part of preparations for the construction of the cargo handling facility at the GIA Iperu, Ogun State. Engr. Dairo while addressing the media, disclosed that the visit was a follow up to a meeting held earlier in the month between the Customs Comptroller and GIA.
"We are here on an observational visit to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company with the aim of enhancing and exposing the GIA Team to the contemporary understanding of the handling of cargo operations which is crucial to the upcoming construction project in the Gateway International Airport. The visit was recommended in our last meeting with the Area Customs Comptroller M.T Awe early this month and now we are here already equipped with a comprehensive overview of cargo operations" he said.
The Commissioner emphasised the opportunities that surrounds cargo handling in Ogun State while underscoring the importance of maximising partnership with government.
Responding, the Group Managing Director/CEO NAHCO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun welcomed the GIA Team with a pledge to visit GIA for further discussions on Cargo Handling.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Housing and Property Investment, Arch. Faruq Adenugba proposed that a representative be deployed to NAHCO for more required details of cargo facility handling.
Other team members from the GIA were Consultant to the Governor on Airport Management, Captain Dapo Olumide, Consultant to the Governor on Security, CP Edward Ajogun (Rtd), GIA Operations staff, Mr Oguntoyinbo Rotimi.
Bukola Abdulsalam,
Press Officer OGMoT
DAMAGE TO PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE: OGUN ASSEMBLY RE-INVITES CNBM MINING COMPANY
Through its Committee on Environment, the Ogun State House of Assembly has re- invited the Management of CNBM Mining Investment Company, Atan-Odolu Road, Ekinrugbudu, in Ijebu-North East to appear before it on Wednesday, 26th of March, 2025 following the failure of the management team of the company to honour the meeting stated for 18th March, 2025 on the need to discuss the petition against it by the Concerned Ijebu North- East indigenes.
The Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Samsideen Lawal issued the invitation with a stern warning to the company to honour the next meeting, to respond to allegations raised against it on the damage to public infrastructure and lack of corporate social responsibility to host communities.
According to the Chairman, the allegations against the company, especially the damage caused to the Atan- Eruwon road, constructed by the State Government by the heavy-duty vehicles conveying quarry products from the company, weakening of building structure housing the General Hospital, Atan as a result of mining activities, including lack of clear cut Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to the host communities raised by the petitioners, needed to be addressed by the company.
Hon. Lawal in company of other Committee members, including Honourables Dickson Awolaja, Babatunde Tella and Seun Adesanya, however warned that failure to appear before the Committee on the next scheduled date would result in the Assembly invoking section 129 of the nation's constitution to call for a warrant to compel the Management of the company to comply.
The lawmakers however stressed the need for all companies, especially Mining industries in the State to abide by the laws guiding their operations and accord priority to the welfare of their host communities through lawful business operations as well as ensure adherence to their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Jamiu Lawal,
Head of Information Department, OGHA
OGHA MOVES TO RESOLVE DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN ADO-ODO, IGBESA
Ogun State House of Assembly has intervened in the brewing communal disagreement on the jurisdiction of prescribing authorities between the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, Oba AbdulAzeez Akinde and Olofin of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Lamidi Osolo, in Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Area, directing that both parties should maintain status quo, with no further installation of any Baales, and the duo should avoid any form of prescribing authority whatsoever on the conflicting jurisdictions.
The House of Assembly, through its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, chaired by Hon. Jemili Akingbade, issued the directive, while considering a petition at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noting that the Monarchs being the custodian of the culture and tradition should always strive towards ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people within their respective domains, by shunning any act that could truncate the existing peace and tranquility in the areas.
Akingbade, in company of other lawmakers said that it was imperative for the 2 monarchs to consult with other stakeholders in their respective domains to deploy alternative dispute resolution technique, thereby fashioning out ways to resolve all boundary related and traditional prescribing authority issues to prevent it from degenerating into communal crises.
The Committee informed the Monarchs that the lawmakers would engage the office of the Survey-General, Attorney General and the National Boundary Commission, with a view to ensuring the rightful delineation of all land boundaries within the conflicting areas, to forestall any impending communal clash and address all claims by the 2 Monarchs in the areas.
In their respective remarks, the Monarchs assured the Committee of their commitment to pursuing peace and tranquility in the best interest of their people.
Jamiu Lawal,
Head of Information Department, OGHA
LG CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR CLEANLINESS IN MARKETS
Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Council, Hon. Dare Alebiosu has charged market men and women in the Council Area to embrace the culture of cleanliness as this is next to Godliness.
Hon. Alebiosu stated this during his visit to Oke-Aje market, adding that good health can only be achieved if market environments are clean by making sure that the weekly environmental sanitation observed every Thursday is taken seriously.
The Council boss warned against roadside trading. In his words, " I want to urge our traders to desist from displaying your goods by the road side, so as not to affect the free flow of Traffic and also maintain a clean and hygienic environment as it will be beneficial to all and sundry’’.
Hon. Alebiosu pledged his administration’s committment at creating a safe and clean environment for everyone. He then urged them to cooperate with the Local Government Authority to achieve a cleaner and safer environment.
Damilare majekodunmi & Lukan Ibrahim.
ZIO, Ijebu Ode LG
GOV. ABIODUN CALLS ON MONARCHS TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST LAND GRABBING
Towards eradicating the dastardly acts of land grabbing and wanton allocation of lands in the state, the Ogun State Government has called on Monarchs in the 3 Senatorial districts to join the anti-land grabbing campaign of the present administration.
The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made the call at the Installation and Presentation of the Staff of Office to the new Olohunbe of Ohunbe-Yewa, Oba Oje Oladokun, in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor stated that the responsibility was a joint one, and as such, the Monarchs should ensure that measures and machineries were put in place to curb such dastardly acts and other criminalities in the community.
Represented by the Commissioner, for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Governor emphasised the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law in Ogun State, which prohibits land grabbing and wanton allocation of lands for personal gains without due recourse to the appropriate authority, advising the Monarch to desist from any involvement in such unworthy acts.
"I must say that the Ogun State Government does not only frown at land grabbing activities, but also detests the involvement of any kabiyesi in such dastard acts", he said.
On his part, the Member representing Yewa North II, Hon. Wahab Egungbohun, lauded His Excellency's support towards the success of the installation, noting that the Monarch's position was not just a privilege, but also a great responsibility, which calls for collaboration with State government, sons and daughters of the land to drive more development and progress of the community.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukumon Kuoye, congratulated the Monarch and encouraged him as well as the people of Ohunbe to embrace peace and tranquility so as to attract economic growth and prosperity in the community.
The Chairman, Yewa North Local Government, Hon. Ogunyomi Oluwole, represented by his Vice, Hon. Ilori Joseph, advised the people in the community to give the required support to the new Monarch for the desired growth in the community, praying that his reign would witness peace and prosperity.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Oje Oladokun expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for the privilege to serve his community, promising to work tirelessly for the welfare and prosperity of the community.
Abiodun Okuboyejo,
Information and Public Relations Officer, MLG&CA
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