Author: Abiodun Lawal

Gov. Dapo Abiodun in the middle with members of the Ogun House of Assembly 

Food Security: Abiodun allocates farmlands to Ogun lawmakers

Food
By Abiodun Lawal
Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has allocated farmlands to the 26 members of the state House of Assembly as part of efforts at ensuring food security in the state.

Abiodun presented letters of allocation on Thursday to the lawmakers in his office in Abeokuta to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly.

The governor said that the gesture was to make them contribute towards making the state the food basket of the country.

“I recall that I had promised to allocate agricultural land to all the Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

” I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 25 members of the House of Assembly.

” I hope that you would take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that you begin to grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

” This will be your way of ensuring the fulfilment of our desire to make Ogun state the food basket of the nation,” he said.

Abiodun lauded the assembly members for their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance and the welfare of the citizens.

He observed that their dedication to legislative excellence had been instrumental in driving the progress and development of the state.

The governor emphasised that the lawmaker had in the last one year passed numerous bills and resolutions aimed at improving the lives of the people.

Abiodun noted that their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit with the executive had made the state one of the best in the country.

Earlier, the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, described the last one year as turbulent and filled with tension but maintained that the desire to give the people a purposeful representation saw them through the turbulence period.

Elemide lauded the governor for embarking on the complete renovation and restoration of the assembly complex.

The speaker assured the governor of the assembly’s cooperation in making laws that would fast track the socio-economic development of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Ogun assembly passes 24 motions, 7 bills in 1 year

Anniversary

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda) , the Speaker, Ogun Assembly, on Thursday said that the 10th assembly had passed 24 motions into resolutions and seven bills into law since its inception  on June 20, 2023.

Elemide disclosed this during a special plenary at the assembly complex in Abeokuta to commemorate its first year since inauguration.

The speaker explained that seven other bills were at various stages of legislative process.

He noted that each of the bills passed touched on the day-to-day running of government in the state, including the yearly appropriation bill.

Elemide said that various issues that required urgent public importance and immediate attention of government to enhance socio-economic and political development of the state were given immediate attention through House Resolutions.

” Today is not just an anniversary for merry making, rather it is a day to rejoice that the sanctity of the legislative arm in the State is being restored to deliver on its core duties and responsibilities,” he said.

The speaker appreciated Gov. Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in turning around the fortunes of the state for better.

He implored his colleagues to continue to work collectively for the overall success of the current administration in the state.

In their various remarks, the lawmakers commended the governor for non- interference in their legislative oversights.

The lawmakers equally extolled the leadership style of the speaker, which had helped in repositioning the assembly to record laudable achievements within a short time.

The special plenary had in attendance former speakers of the assembly including Muyiwa Oladipo, Titi Sodunke- Gomez, Tunji Egbetokun and Suraju Adekunbi .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Two die in Eid-el Kabir day accident

Accident

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Two people died while three sustained injuries in an Eid-el Kabir day accident in Ososa, on Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, on Sunday.

Mrs Florence Okpe, the Spokesperson, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.

Okpe said that the accident, which occured at 11:28a.m., involved an ash colour Howo Truck with no registration number and a blue Toyota Camry Car with registration number APP 478 FS.

She stated that the accident was caused by excessive speed which led to loss of control and subsequent collision of the two vehicles.

The FRSC spokesperson said that five people — a man and four women — were involved in the accident.

” A total of two people were killed, which comprised one man and a woman, while three women got injured,” she said.

Okpe said that the injured were taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode for medical treatment while the deceased was deposited at the morgue of same hospital.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Eid-el-Kabir: Gov. Abiodun urges Muslims to embrace virtues of Prophet Ibrahim

Eid-El-Kabir

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Saturday in Abeokuta urged the Muslim faithful in Nigeria to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim.

In his goodwill message, through his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun said they should strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience and dedication.

He emphasised the importance of submitting to the Almighty God and prioritising spiritual well-being over worldly desires.

The governor highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of faith and the betterment of humanity.

“This special season serves as an important reminder to all adherents for total submission to the Almighty God and the need to prioritise spiritual well-being over worldly desires.

“It is also a period of sober reflection on the importance of selflessness, compassion and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith and the betterment of humanity,” he said.

Gov. Abiodun added that Sallah presented an opportunity for Muslims to gather with their families, strengthen their bonds, and share in the blessings of the festive period.

“It is a celebration of virtues and a time to express our appreciation to God ,for His countless favours and to seek His forgiveness and guidance.

“May this Eid bring us closer to our Creator, foster unity and harmony within our communities and inspire us to be beacons of compassion, generosity and righteousness.

“May God accept our prayers, our acts of worship and our sacrifices during this blessed time,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/OLAL

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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sallah

By Abiodun Lawal

Sallah

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun has deployed 1,597 personnel, 32 patrol vehicles, and 14 motorbikes to ensure the free flow of traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Mr Anthony Uga, the State Sector Commander of the FRSC, disclosed this during a news conference on Friday in Abeokuta.

He explained that the personnel deployed comprised 820 officers and 777 special marshals, with the special operation aiming to ensure an accident-free Eid-el-Kabir.

The operation will run from June 14 to June 21.

According to Uga, excessive speeding is a serious offence, while the FRSC has equipment to track speeding vehicles.

He also mentioned that the command had engaged drivers of articulated vehicles on the importance of installing speed limit devices on their vehicles, as most crashes in the state were caused by these drivers.

“This is why you see them falling over, and most of them don’t carry out early morning checks on their vehicles.

“Before you move your vehicle in the morning, carry out what is called an early morning parade: check the water, check your tyres, check the sound of the engine, check the lighting system.
Most of them don’t do it,” he said.

Uga said that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Sheu Muhammed, was particularly focused on ensuring a smooth and accident-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

He called on the motoring public to drive safely and always obey traffic rules and regulations.

Representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Park Management, and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) attended the news conference. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

LKA/OIF/AWA
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Olawunmi Ashafa

Smuggling

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC)
said it has seized 26,950 litres of petroleum products worth N19 million being smuggled out of the country into Republic of Benin.

The National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind of the NSC, Mr Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference held at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.

He said that the petroleum products which consisted of 978 kegs of 25 litres totaling 26,950 litres was impounded in Zone A of the NCS consisting of Lagos and Ogun.

Ejibunu said the special squad was set up few weeks ago by the Controller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, to complement efforts aimed at cracking down on criminals smuggling petroleum products outside the country.

The customs officer added that the activities of the smugglers usually aid the artificial scarcity of petroleum products in the country forcing the prices to go up for as much as N900 per litre.

He said: “In just about two weeks of operation, Operation Whirlwind team, Zone A axis, intercepted 26,950 litres of premium motor spirit worth N19 million.

“121 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 3,025 litres was intercepted at Oyinkansola Global Concept along Badagry/Seme road in Lagos State on May 31.

“77 drums of PMS (616 kegs of 25 litres) equivalent to 15, 400 litres was seized on June 7 at Seayab Petroleum along Imeko/Obada road in Ogun state.

“The means of conveyance is a truck with the registration number 95D4244D,” he said.

Ejibunu stated further that another 100 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 2,500 litres was impounded on June 8 along Owode/Atan road in Ogun.

“While an equivalent of 6,025 litres consisting of 141 kegs of 25 litres was seized at Julankoly Oil and Gas along Owode-Ilaro Road,’’ he said.

Ejibunu said that the petrol stations involved in the criminal activities had been sealed while their owners would be prosecuted.

 He said the menace posed by the unpatriotic act of smugglers on the Nigerian economy could not be overemphasised, hence the need for synergy with other relevant agencies to win the fight against the saboteurs.

He warned all those who were into criminal acts of sabotaging the country’s economy to either have a change of heart or get dealt with according to the laws.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/DE/FAA

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Folasade Adeniran

Inmates

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 12, 2024 (NAN) As part of activities to celebrate Democracy Day, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has directed the release of 41 convicts currently imprisoned across different correctional facilities in the state.

Abiodun announced this on Wednesday in Abeokuta during the commemoration of the country’s 25th democratic governance.

The governor explained that he had also signed warrants converting the death sentences of 45 inmates to prison sentences.

Abiodun stated that the gesture signals a break from past grievances and a move towards a more inclusive and compassionate society where merciful second chances are granted to deserving offenders.

He added that all convicts who had received the gesture had shown remorse for their crimes, acquired skills and certifications in prison, with several of them receiving university degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“They have also demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment,” he said.

Abiodun explained that the democratic ideals of the late M.K.O. Abiola should be guarded jealously towards attaining a just and progressive nation.

“Unfortunately, his life was cut short in prison a few months before the benevolent government of the day released political prisoners like him.

“The circumstances surrounding M.K.O. Abiola’s death emphasised the need for a timely intervention through pardons and amnesty, ensuring that individuals were not unjustly deprived of their liberty.

“The government has a duty to uphold democratic values by consistently applying principles of mercy, justice, and the rule of law,” he said.

The governor urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying that he had promised to walk his talk to the benefits of Nigerians.

He added that the state government remained resolute in its resolve to move the state forward in the face of the economic reality of the country.

In his keynote address, Mr Richard Akinnola, a public analyst, noted that June 12 would continue to resonate as a continuous reminder about the imperative of improving Nigeria’s democracy.

Akinnola spoke on the theme: “June 12: Defining Moment in the Democratic Development of Nigeria”.

He said that June 12 was now more than a date on the calendar, saying it had become a symbol of resistance, resilience and unyielding spirit of democracy.

He urged Nigerians never to call for military incursion to terminate the nation’s democracy in spite of many challenges confronting the country.

“Moreover, the symbolism of June 12 extends beyond mere commemoration, it serves as a reminder of the values and principles that underpin democracy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LKA/OIF/KAY

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kayode Olaitan

Ogun’ll continue to uphold MKO Abiola’s vision – Abiodun

June 12

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun says the state government will continue to uphold the vision and desires of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

Abiodun said this on Wednesday, during a special memorial prayer held at the Abiolas’ family house, in Oja Agbo, Gbagura, Abeokuta, in honour of the late politician and business mogul.

Abiola was the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, annulled by the then military government.

The election, despite its annulment, has been described as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.

Abiola, unhappy with the annulment, later declared himself president, which led to his arrest and subsequent detention by the then military government.

He died in detention on July 7, 1998.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2018, decided to change the celebration of Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in recognition of the 1993 election, adjudged freest and fairest in the nation’s history.

He also conferred on Abiola, posthumously, the highest national award.

Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at Wednesday’s prayer session, said that the late MKO wanted the best for everybody, when he was alive, regardless of ethnicity or religion .

“We are here to honour late MKO and pray for his soul and also celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy in the country,” he said.

Abiodun explained that democracy had continued to thrive in Nigeria, as it had accorded the people the best leadership.

“We will continue to uphold what MKO believed in; democracy has continue to thrive.

“Democracy is what will give our people the best leadership,” he said.

The governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu for what he had done to better the lots of Nigerians, urging citizens to pray for the progress of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Abiola family, one of his sons, Ameen Abiola, appreciated the state and the federal government for always celebrating his father, after his death.

He appreciated Ogun government for preserving the heritage of Abiola’s family.

In his sermon at the memorial prayer, Alhaji Daud Toriola, Mufasir Egba Agura, described the late MKO Abiola as one of the greatest philanthropists the nation had ever produced.

Toriola prayed for the late business mogul, the state and Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

LKA/FON/SOA

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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle