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Author: Yetunde Fatungase

  • Cattle menace: Ogun Assemby seeks implementation of anti-open grazing law, others

    Law
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, on Wednesday urged necessary government agencies to ensure a holistic implementation of the state’s Anti-open Grazing Law.
    Elemide who said this during plenary added that it would be with a view to controlling the movement of herds across the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker was commenting on the report received on Tuesday that some herders were moving cattle on major roads in the state.
    “The full implementation of the law will bring about sanity and enhance safety of the motoring public. The attitude of herders is against the existing law,” Elemide said.
    He also spoke on the menace of land-grabbers terrorising some residents of the state, as reported by a member representing Ewekoro State Constituency, Yusuf Amosun.
    Elemide urged the people to approach the court of competent jurisdiction on matters relating to land-grabbing and forceful invasion of landed property for redress.
    He noted that it was high time everyone saddled with the responsibility of enforcing the Anti-Land Grabbing Law braced up and ensured sanity in land administration.
    ”This will help to avoid unlawful exploitation of the people and possible breakdown of laws and order,” the Speaker said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OIF/OLAL
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    (Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Olawale Alabi)

  • OGD laments low enlistment in military service by those from South-West

    Enlistment
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Gbenga Daniel, a former Governor of Ogun, Tuesday in Abeokuta bemoaned the low rate of enlistment of people from the South-West of Nigeria into the military and paramilitary services.
    Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, raised his concern during the “Dialogue with Journalists”, an event organised by the Ogun Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
    He said the South-West was seriously lagging behind in number in the military.
    “The South-West is lagging behind in enlistment into the military and paramilitary, especially the Navy and Police.”
    Daniel, who is popularly referred to as OGD and is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, urged parents to stop discouraging their wards from joining the military and the Police.
    “The military service, which was labelled as a job suitable only for the ‘miscreants’ by parents in the 1960s and 1970s, has produced leaders in both politics and economy in the country.
    “As the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Navy and a member of Senate Committee on Police Affairs, it is painful to see few candidates from the South-West expressing interest in enlisting into the Navy and the Police.”
    He said parents must endeavour to encourage and motivate their children to pursue careers in the military.
    Daniel pointed out that individuals who were brave enough to join the military before and after Nigeria’s independence in 1960 were the ones directly and indirectly controlling the country’s affairs now.
    “We were discouraged from enlisting in the military by our parents and grandparents, tagging it as a job for the miscreants in the society.
    “As the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Navy, I have seen at first-hand our people’s lackadaisical approach to the enlistment into this noble service.
    “A lot of positive things are happening in the Nigerian Navy on a daily basis, and I want to urge parents to stop discouraging their wards from joining the military and paramilitary services,” the former governor said.
    On his stewardship in the last one year in the Senate, Daniel said he had presented no fewer than 11 bills, and disclosed that he is a member of 14 other Senate Committees.
    He listing some of the bills he presented to include those on the College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Terminal Illness Trust Fund and Media Practitioners Registration Council.
    Others are those on the Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/FON/OLAL
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    (Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Olawale Alabi)

  • Ogun APC congratulates Abiodun on emergence as Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman

    Felicitation
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 25, 2025 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun chapter, has congratulated Gov. Dapo Abiodun on his emergence as Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum.
    This is contained in a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Tunde Oladunjoye, on Tuesday in Abeokuta.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum, comprising 17 governors from the southern part of Nigeria, had, on Monday, unanimously elected Abiodun as the chairman and his Anambra counterpart, Prof. Charles Soludo, as vice-chairman.
    Congratulating Abiodun on the development, the APC chairman in the state, Yemi Sanusi, described the governor as “an asset to the nation”.
    Sanusi said that his election was a demonstration of the belief in his capacity and integrity by his fellow governors.
    “On behalf of the state executives, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state, I congratulate our dear governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on your election as the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum.
    “Your unanimous election by your colleagues is a demonstration of their trust, confidence and recognition in your leadership capacity and integrity.
    “It is also a clear endorsement of what we already know of you, that you are an invaluable asset to the nation,” he said.
    The chairman pledged the party’s continuous support, loyalty and solidarity to the governor, even in this higher call to serve, and wished him a successful tenure of office. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Abiodun emerges chairman Southern Governors’ Forum

     

    * Members of the Southern Governors’ Forum,
    after their meeting on Monday in Abeokuta.
    Governors
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Monday became the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, emerging by consensus among the 16 governors present at their meeting in Abeokuta.
    Announcing the resolution of the governors after the meeting, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said the forum’s decision was unanimous.
    “It is in line with our conviction on the leadership acumen of Gov. Abiodun to successfully lead the forum,” he said.
    In his reaction, Abiodun expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to take the mantle of leadership of the forum.
    He promised to lead with inclusiveness and efficiency, adding that he would work with commitment alongside his deputy, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, to proactively address fundamental issues of regional interests.
    “This is indeed a significant honour bestowed on me by my esteemed  colleagues, and I deeply appreciate their confidence in my leadership.
    “Together, we will strive to ensure quality governance across our states and collectively engender exceptional regional development throughout Southern Nigeria.
    “I also extend my congratulations to my colleague, Prof. Charles Soludo, who has been elected as the Vice-Chairman,” Gov. Abiodun said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State led the forum until his demise in 2023.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Cholera: Ogun records 1 death, confirms 9 new cases

    Cholera: Ogun records 1 death, confirms 9 new cases

    Cholera

    By Yetunde Fatungase

    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun government has confirmed one person dead from the recent Cholera outbreak while nine new cases have been recorded in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, made this known, while addressing journalists on Monday in Abeokuta.

    She said that there were 25 suspected cases in seven Local Government Areas of the state.

    Coker said that the Federal Government had provided technical support to contain the outbreak but warned that cholera vaccines were no longer available in the state.

    She advised residents to adhere strictly to precautionary measures in order to contain the disease.

    She emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, proper handling of food items and clean water consumption to prevent the spread.

    “The government has distributed cholera test kits and treatment consumables to all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and designated treatment centres.

    “High-risk areas have been identified and public toilets are being constructed across the state to prevent open defecation,” she said.

    Coker urged the citizens to report any suspected case to the designated phone numbers, and assured them that cholera treatment was free in all the government facilities across the state.

    Coker said it was no longer news that Cholera had spread to 30 or more states, including the neighboring states.

    She said that Ogun was prepared to protect the lives of residents and to minimise the impact of the cholera outbreak compared to many other states in Nigeria.

    “As of today June 24, 2024, Ogun state has recorded 25 suspected cases of Cholera in seven local government areas namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda and Sagamu.

    “Others are Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode with nine (9) confirmed cases and unfortunately, one (1) death,” she said.

    According to her, to support the state response, the state Epidemiology unit is on high alert, while all LGA disease surveillance and notification officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 LGAs.

    “Our expectation from the public is proper personal hygiene, particularly hand hygiene, washing food/fruits/vegetables properly before eating and drink only clean water (boil if the source is not trusted).

    “Also discourage open defecation, cook food thoroughly, go to the nearest health facility if you pass watery stool more than twice within 8 hours and report any suspected case in your locality,”Coker said.

    She also disclosed that cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

    The commissioner listed some of high risk local government areas and hotspots to include Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Adoodo Ota.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, said the Ministry had mandated all eateries, banks, malls, and fuelling stations, to make their toilets available for public use to prevent open defecation.

    Oresanya, who warned them to cooperate with the state government, disclosed that the state had begun construction of 100 public toilets across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YAF/BEN/

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    Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

  • Ogun bars traditional rulers from signing MoUs on land

    Orders
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has issued three Executive Orders, an official said on Saturday in Abeokuta.
    Two of the three orders are establishing two new agencies, while the third restrains traditional rulers from signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land in the state.
    Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, listed the agencies as the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency.
    “In addition to the establishment of these two agencies, the third executive order restrains traditional rulers from entering into any form of agreement or MoU concerning mining activities or any other land matters in their domain,” he said.
    Akinmade said the Mineral Resources Development Agency would establish a working relationship with host communities in order to conduct geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposit within their domain.
    “The second agency is responsible for sustaining the achievement of the Ministry of Environment in the area of environmental regeneration and restoration and through the provision of parks, gardens and recreational centres state-wide to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem of the environment,” he added.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s aide said the three executive orders take an immediate effect.
    “Executive Order One is based on Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution which vests in the governor the exercise of executive powers of the state for the purpose of effective governance.
    “The agency shall, directly or through qualified third parties, conduct and establish working relationship with host communities and local governments for the conduct of geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposits within their domain.
    “It will conduct geo-technical survey of solid mineral deposits in the state and maintain relevant data in the sector, (and) organise the solid minerals sector to the best interest of the state.
    “To realise its objectives, the agency shall be funded through fees generated from regulatory agency, budgetary allocation, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aid and other legitimate contributions,” he explained.
    Akinmade said Executive Order Two was on the basis of the Ministry of Environment starting a massive and aggressive tree-planting campaign to complement the beautification and landscaping programmes.
    ”This is to ensure environmentally sustainable, healthier and beautiful society, and the agency shall administer, maintain and manage all designated parks and recreation centres in the state.
    “For the purpose of realising its objectives, it shall be funded through budgetary allocation or monies received for services rendered, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aids and other legitimate contributions.”
    He added that Executive Order Three bars traditional rulers in the state from entering into any form of MoU with reference to mining or any other land matters.
    “The State has observes the current trend in which miners and investors circumvent regulations and government oversight by encouraging traditional institutions to interfere with land management by entering into MoUs and other irregular legal arrangements.
    “Therefore, all forms of traditional institutions existing within the state are hereby with immediate effect barred from entering into any form of MoU or agreement with any individual, companies or organisations seeking land within any part of the entire state for purposes of mining or industry.
    ”They are to forthwith refrain from issuing any form of consent letters for mining across the state.
    “Any traditional institution or stakeholder in the institution who flouts this order shall be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Kings and Chiefs’ Law and other relevant criminal statutes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Ogun doctors threaten strike over poor working conditions

    Strike

     

    By Yetunde Fatungase

     

    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun chapter, says it will go on strike over poor working conditions at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

    The association’s chairman, Dr Kunle Ashimi, said at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday that the ultimatum, issued on June 7, would expire on Thursday.

    According to Ashimi, members will have no choice but to embark on strike unless the government addresses their concerns.

    He mentioned the non-payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale and failure to recruit new doctors as some of the issues requiring government attention.

    He noted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there had only been verbal assurances without official commitments.

    He, therefore, urged the citizens of Ogun to call on the government to take necessary steps to prevent the looming strike, which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.

    “The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27.

    “This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.

    “Ongoing conversations with relevant government officers only came with verbal assurances but no official commitment yet.

    “Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state in order to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones.

    “We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun state to impress upon the Ogun government to do the needful to avert any industrial action,” Ashimi said.

    The NMA chief said Babcock University Teaching Hospital witnessed a monthly electricity bill surge between N80 million and N100 million to N300 million.

    He called for concessions to be given to health institutions to prevent increased costs from being passed onto patients, potentially making healthcare inaccessible for many.

    “While we appreciate the zeal of the government to develop the energy sector, we appeal strongly that concessions be given to health institutions.

    “These humongous tariffs will eventually be passed on to our poor patients, thereby driving them further away from access to appropriate healthcare services,” he said

    On the Cholera outbreak, Ashimi said there were ongoing sensitisation programmes by the association in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various media organisations.

    He stressed the importance of preventive measures and provided contact numbers as released by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, to report suspected cholera cases.

    He said the cases would be treated free of charge at designated facilities.

    “We use this opportunity to appeal to our people to imbibe preventive measures for the prevention of the spread of Cholera.

    “This includes avoiding open defecation, avoiding indiscriminate refuse dumping, washing hands regularly, washing fruits and vegetables well before consuming and treating water before consuming it, either by boiling or treating it with chemical purifying agents.

    “We advocate that where there is no wherewithal to do this, two drops of plain household bleach in a litre of water can be a good alternative.

    “We also implore schools to monitor food, fruit and snack vendors around the schools to ensure that they practice proper hygiene.

    “As well, schools should reintroduce handwashing stations like it was done during the COVID-19 period,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

    YAF/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

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  • Abiodun mourns Towulade of Akinale, Oba Ogunleye

    Abiodun mourns Towulade of Akinale, Oba Ogunleye
    Death
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024(NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the late Towulade of Akinale, Oba Femi Ogunleye, as a great leader who lived an eventful life and put his community on the world map during his reign.
    Oba Ogunleye, one of Nigeria’s topmost journalists, died in the UK on Wednesday at the age of 79.
    Abiodun, in a condolence message to the Ogun Council of Obas and Akinale community, said the late traditional ruler contributed his own quota to the development of the state after an illustrious career as a journalist.
    “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Oba Femi Ogunleye, a revered journalist and traditional ruler who passed away in London on Wednesday at the age of 79.
    “Oba Ogunleye was a titan in the media industry, known for his unwavering commitment to journalism and his quest for truth and accountability.
    “As the Towulade of Akinale, he was a respected man who worked tirelessly to uplift his people and foster development in Ogun state.
    “His distinguished career and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ogun council of Obas, his family, friends, and the entire Akinale community,” he said.
    The governor prayed for the repose of his soul  while hoping that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Obasanjo mourns Ogunleye, Ogun traditional ruler

    Obasanjo mourns Ogunleye, Ogun traditional ruler
    Demise
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the death of Oba Olufemi Ogunleye Towulade I, as a great loss to the Owu chiefdom and Ogun, in general.
    Ogunleye, the traditional ruler of Akinale Town in Owu chiefdom of Ogun, died on Wednesday, June 19,  in the United Kingdom after a brief illness at the age of 79.

    Obasanjo, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the death of the Oba was shocking, having informed him about his travelling some weeks back in high spirits.

    Meanwhile, the Owu Traditional Council formally announced the demise of the Oba on Thursday.
    Obasanjo, who is in South Africa for the second term inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa, said Nigeria, as a whole, would miss Ogunleye for his resourcefulness and promotion of the cultural heritage of his homestead. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/KTO/SOA
    ==================
    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Ogun Governor’s wife calls for collaborative efforts to support sickle cell patients

    Support
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the governor of Ogun, on Wednesday said the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, governments and international organisations remain essential in supporting sickle cell patients.
    Mrs Abiodun, who stated this during the commemoration of 2024 World Sickle Cell Day in Abeokuta, said this also applied to the delivery of equitable healthcare to them.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”.
    The governor’s wife noted that the theme of the event was apt, as it emphasised the importance and effectiveness of speaking with one voice to advance sickle cell care.
    She added that it was a call to unite the sickle cell community, to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage those affected by the disorder.
    “Sickle cell disease affects millions worldwide, transcending race and ethnicity, with a significant proportion of affected individuals in Africa.
    “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounts for about 33 per cent of the 300,000 children diagnosed every year with the disease.
    “We can expect that a good number of such children will be born in Ogun, as our own Ministry of Health has said that 25 per cent of the country’s total population are carriers of genes that give rise to the genetic disorder.
    “The recent approval of gene therapies in America marks a significant milestone in sickle cell disease treatment, offering hope for a cure.
    “However, for us in Africa, we must work even harder to improve accessibility and affordability of these treatments for all patients,” Mrs Abiodun said.
    According to her, the disease does not only negatively impact the patient, but also the entire family.
    The governor’s wife explained that parents often bore the emotional and financial toll of caring for a sick child and watching a loved one in severe pain and other complications.
    She pointed out that the Day serves as a reminder of the daily challenges faced by sickle cell patients.
    ”I therefore call for urgent action in the area of education, sensitisation and enlightenment to checkmate the genetic disorder in the state and the world at large,” Mrs Abiodun said..
    In her remarks, the Founder, Aglow Sickle Cell Club, Dr Funke Oyeneye, commended the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration for improving access to quality healthcare in the state.
    She disclosed that Ogun was the first state in the federation to have health insurance scheme for sickle cell patients and pregnant women.
    “I urge individuals and corporate bodies to continue to amplify the voices of patients and families affected by the disease.
    ”I also appeal for support from patient advocacy groups in creating awareness and reducing stigma,” Oyeneye said.
    NAN reports that the event was organised by Mrs Abiodun’s pet project, the Ajose Foundation, and the Aglow Sickle Cell Club to sensitise people to the menace of sickle cell.
    It had in attendance children and adults living with the sickle cell anaemia across the state, with side attractions such as sickle cell diary, drama, poem, talent-hunt and quiz competition.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)