MUSLIMS CHARGED TO UPHOLD SPIRITUAL, MORAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF RAMADAN

   Ramadan which is the Ninth month of Islamic calendar is not merely abstaining from food and drinks but a period of spiritual growth and self reflection . The Guest Lecturer at the first annual Ramadan lecture, orgarnised by the Office of the Auditor General for State Muslim Community at the Conferences hall, Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta, Imaam Aqeeb Idris.

Speaking on the theme, "Ramadan Fast: Maximizing the spiritual, Moral and Social Benefits", Imam Aqeeb said the period prevents Muslims from lying, backbiting, insult and oppression, adding that when they fast from dawn to sunset, it allow them to focus on prayers, charity, spiritual improvement and strengthening of faith. 

"It is the season of worship and competing in good deeds. Ramadan brings a triple win , the greatest objective of fasting is Taqwa (fear the Majestic (Allah) and prepare for the Day of departure.) Placing a protective shield between oneself and Allah's punishment through obedience and avoidance of sins", he said .

                               

The lecturer further explained the moral benefit of guarding the Tongue and Lips, saying, " Whoever provides food for another person to break his fast have a reward. it strengthens family and community bond, encourages generosity and promotes unity and compassion".

               

He admonished the gathering to set clear goals by reading Quran, giving charity, reduce unnecessary distractions, observe Tarawih and Tahajud( Night prayer), observe I'tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan .   

Imam concluded by saying that Ramadan is a true opportunity for transformation, quoting Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said " May his nose be rubbed in dust--the one who reaches Ramadan and then it passes without him being forgiven".      

   In his welcome address, the Auditor General (State) who was the Chief Host, Mr. AbdulLateef Balogun noted that Ramadan is a divine mercy month and period of total worship, urging the congregation to be transparent and be mindful of their actions because everyone would be accountable for his actions before Allah.            

  Delivering his address as the Chairman of the occasion, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun represented by the Director, Community Development Mr. Olanrewaju Fayoyin appreciated the organisers of the programme and encouraged Muslims to allow the spirit of the holy month to guide their daily lives.      

  In his Goodwill messages,the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Information and Strategy Mr. Waheed Adeshina advised Muslims to be good model, positively influence their communities and inspire others with their actions.                        

He advised Muslims to embody values of kindness, compassion and integrity as preached by Islam.

 Other important personalities present at the occasion were Permanent Secretaries, Finance, Mr. Muftau Towolawi and his counterpart in the bureau of Cabinet and special services, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, and Director of Information Technology, Office of the Account General Mr AbdulFattah Odusanya. Sururat Odusanya. Office of the Auditor General ( State).

OGUN GOVT BEGINS ONLINE VERIFICATION FOR RETIREES ON ITS PAYROLL

The Ogun State Government through the Bureau of State Pensions, Office of the Head of Service begins online verification exercise for all retirees on Ogun State Government pension payroll known as "I AM ALIVE".

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, who doubles as the Chairman, Pension Fund Management Committee, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo indicated that the exercise will start on Monday, March 9, 2026 and end on Friday, May 8, 2026.

According to Mrs. Adetayo, the exercise is to ascertain the status of the State retirees towards making life more better for them in retirement.

The Permanent Secretary revealed that for the retirees to be verified, they should on their android or IOS mobile phones, download OGUN STATE PENSIONERS APP from Play store or Apple store; and proceed to Set Up, enter Personal Enrollment Number (PEN), registered phone number and Submit. 

She added that they should thereafter follow the instructions which includes snapping of photograph to complete the verification exercise.

Mrs. Adetayo advised all concerned retirees to take advantage of the window of opportunity opened to them by the government to verify that they are still alive.

Sururat Odusanya

Bureau of State Pensions

OGUN FINANCE STAKEHOLDERS MENTOR FUTURE PROFESSIONALS ON PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT

In a strategic effort to bridge theory with practice, Ogun State Ministry of Finance has immersed students in the practical workings of public finance administration.

This practical knowledge was imparted during an educational tour to the Ogun State Ministry of Finance, by students of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, at the Ministry of Justice conference room, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.

In a keynote address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Adesina Towolawi, described the engagement as a vital exposure that would strengthen the academic foundation of the students and prepare them for professional responsibilities in both public and private sectors. He charged the students to listen with rapt attention and maximise the rare opportunity to learn directly from experienced public finance administrators.

Delivering goodwill messages at the event, were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mr. Ahmed Adetona; the Auditor-General of the State, Mr. Lateef Balogun; and the Permanent Secretary/Accountant-General (State Treasury), Mr. Olalekan Taiwo, collectively emphasised the importance of transparency, fiscal discipline, accountability and strategic planning in managing public resources, noting that sound financial management remained the backbone of sustainable governance.

Facilitators during the practical sessions guided the students through the processes involved in public sector budgeting, from preparation and legislative approval to implementation and monitoring; detailed explanations on government revenue generation, taxation frameworks and the role of fiscal policy in economic stability and development as well as expenditure control mechanisms and treasury management procedures designed to ensure efficiency and safeguard public funds.

In his remark, the Head of Department, Public Administration in the school, Mr. Adeoye Adebayo, stated that the tour was organised to enable students experience real-life applications of concepts previously taught in the classroom before graduation. He expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and the Ministry of Finance for opening their doors to the students and enriching their learning experience.

Representing the students, Lizzy Nganji and Timileyin Olanrewaju, expressed their gratitude to the Ministry for the knowledge imparted and described the exposure as enlightening and priceless to their academic and professional growth.

                                 

Bolaji Abiodun & Doyinsola Ajisebutu,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Min. of Finance

NUJ Ramadan Lecture: Your Headlines Can Either Build or Break the Community, Apelogun Calls for Professionalism

Journalists in Ogun State and beyond have been charged on the need to uphold the ethics of objective and factual journalism, as unadulterated information dissemination was necessary for a peaceful society.

The Asiwaju Adeeni of Ogun State, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun who also doubles as the Patron, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel made this call at the Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the NUJ, Ogun State Information Chapel with the theme: ‘Jihad: The Path to Peace, not a Call to Chaos’ which took place at the Arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Apelogun who also doubles as the Chairman of the occasion disclosed that "as members of the journalism profession, more responsibility is on expected because words shape perceptions, headlines influences understanding and narratives build or break communities".

Speaking on the theme which he described as apt, the NUJ Patron said, the greatest form of Jihad is not warfare but the struggle against one's ego, desires and wrongdoing. 

In his lecture, the Chief Missioner, NASFAT Worldwide, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, drawing his lessons from Quran Chapter 22 V 78, stated that Jihad is not a "Holy War" as generally misconceived, but a strive in the path of Allah for a good course. The Imam added that the media must take up the challenge to educate the public.

"The media has to play the role of changing the narrative by disseminating facts at all times. Jihad is not violence as misconceived by people. It is a simple act of kindness to the needy to redeem them,’’ he said.

In his goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, noted that the Union had been consistent with the Ramadan Lecture, adding that the chosen theme equally affects the practice of journalism, as well as the general public.

Lending their voices, the Father of the Day who is the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, in the State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, and the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, said that Ramadan fast offers a time to do soul searching, enjoining the gathering to see the month as a model for other months.

Earlier, Chairman, NUJ, Information Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan said that the Union would not relent in its drive to continually see to the welfare of members and uphold professionalism.

Other dignitaries at the event were; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, his counterparts from the Cabinet and Special Service and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, Alhaja Moriamo Oloko as well as the Chief Imam, Governor's Office, Central Mosque, Imam Abdul- Fattah Inakoju.

RAMADAN LECTURE: JOURNALISTS CHARGED ON OBJECTIVITY, FACTUAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Journalists in Ogun State and beyond have been charged on the need to uphold the ethics of objective and factual journalism, as unadulterated information dissemination was necessary for a peaceful society.

This charge was given at the Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, themed: ‘Jihad: The Path to Peace, not a Call to Chaos’ which took place at the Arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Guest lecturer and Chief Missioner, NASFAT Worldwide, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, drawing his lessons from Quran Chapter 22 V 78, stated that Jihad is not a "Holy War" as generally misconceived, but a strive in the path of Allah for a good course. The Imam added that the media must take up the challenge to educate the public.

"The media has to play the role of changing the narrative by disseminating facts at all times. Jihad is not violence as misconceived by people. It is a simple act of kindness to the needy to redeem them,’’ he said.

In his goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, noted that the Union had been consistent with the Ramadan Lecture, adding that the chosen theme equally affects the practice of journalism, as well as the general public.

Lending their voices, Asiwaju Adeeni of Ogun State who doubled as the Chairman of the Occasion, Prince Samsudeen Apelogun and Father of the Day who is the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, in the State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said that Ramadan fast offers a time to do soul searching, enjoining the gathering to see the month as a model for other months.

In his address, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, said that the Union would not relent in its drive to continually see to the welfare of members and uphold professionalism.

Earlier, Chairman, NUJ, Information Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan, who appreciated the gathering noted that the Union in its tradition had put together the event to educate the public with correct information, foster peace and develop members spiritually.

Other dignitaries at the event were; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, his counterparts from the Cabinet and Special Service and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, Alhaja Moriamo Oloko as well as the Chief Imam, Governor's Office, Central Mosque, Imam Abdul- Fattah Inakoju.

 

Rasak Sekoni,

Ramadan Committee

RAAMP: OGUN GOVT. ISSUES STERN WARNING TO ERRING CONTRACTORS

The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to contractors handling various components of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), cautioning that any firm found lagging behind the agreed timelines or failing to meet required standards would face decisive sanctions.

Issuing the warning was the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Commissioner for finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, during a strategic meeting with contractors to review the progress of ongoing RAAMP projects across the State.

Okubadejo, stressed that the present administration would not tolerate delays or substandard execution of projects that were critical to the economic wellbeing of the people.

Describing RAAMP as a grassroots-focused intervention, the Commissioner noted that the project had directly impacted the heart of Nigeria’s economy by supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmers and rural communities, stating that the initiative represented tangible democracy dividends, as it was designed to reduce the cost of production and transportation for farmers, ultimately lowering food prices for citizens.

“When the cost of transporting farm produce from rural communities to markets is reduced, the overall cost of food items will naturally decline. This intervention is deliberate, from farm to market. We are intervening at the farm level, along the access roads and within the market system to ensure seamless movement of goods,” he stated.

Mr. Okubadejo emphasied that the State Government was determined to secure value for money, noting that RAAMP was a loan-funded project and must translate into measurable economic transformation. According to him, projects of this nature were essential to lifting citizens out of poverty by creating an enabling environment for enterprise and productivity.

He stressed that the government was focused on results, noting that contractors must strictly adhere to agreed standards and timelines or risk being blacklisted from participating in future projects, emphasising that the ultimate objective was economic development, job creation and sustainable growth.

Okubadejo added that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration would not pay lip service to development, citing ongoing infrastructure expansion across the State, including extensive road construction, rehabilitation and equipping of technical colleges and other strategic interventions aimed at empowering young people, stimulating economic growth, and extending development to rural hinterlands and farming communities.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Engr. Waheed Adejumo, explained that the meeting was convened to critically assess performance levels across project sites, noting that some contractors were progressing satisfactorily, while others required closer scrutiny to identify and address performance gaps.

He noted that RAAMP was primarily aimed at connecting rural communities to markets through improved access roads, thereby reducing post-harvest losses, increasing farmers’ incomes and improving living standards.“ With improved rural access, farmers can transport their produce more efficiently to processing centres and markets. This will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, boost earnings, and enhance the overall quality of life for rural dwellers,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the contractors, a representative of Ticktos Nig. Limited Engr. Shobola Moses and another from Motef Engineering Limited, Mr. Olaogun Monday, expressed appreciation to the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for the trust reposed in them to execute the road projects, commending the Government’s commitment to infrastructure and rural development.

They assured the State Government of their resolve to strictly comply with approved standards and timelines, pledging to intensify efforts to ensure prompt and seamless delivery of all projects in line with contractual specifications.

ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFITS: SUCCOR FOR RETIREES - PERM SEC

The Ogun State Government under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, has brought succor to the lives of pensioners, who retired from the Civil Service from July 2nd 2025, when the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) became fully operational, by introducing Additional Pension Benefits to alleviate the fear of the retirees.

Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo, disclosed this at A-day Public Enlightenment Programme, organised for the Pensioners on the Operation of the Contributory Pensions Scheme at Oba's Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The State Pensions Boss explained that Additional Pension Benefits (APD) was a pay-off payment that seeks to bridge the gap and cushion the effects identified between the Contributing Pension Scheme (CPS) and the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

 "It is a sustainable method designed to prevent pension crises and strengthen confidence in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), this benefit will be calculated using a graded percentage of a retirees Final Annual Emolument (TAE) based on years of service.

Also, retirees will receive between 116 percent and 280 percent of their final annual emoluments as an additional benefit, depending on the length of service and the payment will be made directly to retirees account at the point of exit,’’ she said.

Also speaking, a resource person, Professor of Aging and Retirement, Prof. Tope Omotayo, from Tai Solarin University of Education, enlightened participants that necessary documents must be properly kept for the process of the retirement benefits, advising them to live within their means and make use of the Additional Pension Benefits judiciously.

In his address, a former Permanent Secretary in the State, Mr. Adekunle Adegbite, appreciated the State Government for introducing the Additional Pension Benefits to the retirees to relieve the fear of retirement, saying Ogun State would be the first to do this in Nigeria.

Similarly, a representative of Pension Funds Administration (PFAs), Mr. Ismael Salau, said CPS was a secured programme, adding that there were two options for the retirees to get their monthly pensions, which includes; the Annuity and Programme withdrawal.

While explaining the options, he said Annuity refers to a situation where Insurance Company would be paying them monthly pensions while Programme Withdrawal is where the Pension Funds Administration would be paying them monthly pensions.

Contributing, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, said Ogun State was the first to introduce the APB, urging those that were present at the programme to enlighten those that were absent.

Some of the participants, Mr. Sorinmade Alani and Mr. Awoyemi Owolabi, appreciated the Government for the efforts being made to make life more meaningful for the senior citizens, promising to enlighten those that were not present at the programme.

 

Sururat Odusanya,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of State Pension