PERM.SEC RETIRES, COMMENDED FOR TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, has described the recently retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Adesina Mufutau Towolawi, FCA, as a man of high integrity, transparency and unwavering commitment to duty.

The Head of Service gave the commendation at the send-forth ceremony organised by the Ministry of Finance in honour of the retired Permanent Secretary at Mitros Hall, GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta, describing him as an upright, dependable and straight forward Civil Servant who remained committed to the interest of government throughout his career.

He noted that Towolawi, had maintained an unblemished record in service, stressing that he never compromised his integrity or defrauded the government, adding that his professionalism and principled approach to duty had earned him the respect of colleagues and associates.

"Mr. Towolawi’s legacy in the Ogun State Public Service would live for a long time, because he is a thoroughbred and dependable professional I enjoyed working with," Saka said.

Also speaking, The Chairman of the occasion, a former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kehinde Ogunfowodu, commended the retired Permanent Secretary for his professionalism, dedication and contributions to the public service.

Mr. Ogunfowodu, described him as an experienced administrator whose career reflected discipline, competence and commitment to excellence. He congratulated him on his retirement and wished him good health, fulfilment, peace and prosperity in the years ahead.

In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of Gateway Mortgage Bank, Mrs. Ronke Akinleye, described the retired Permanent Secretary as a man of innovation, ideas and excellence, noting that he had been a great influence to the bank.

Mrs. Akinleye commended his valuable contributions and professional guidance, stressing that his innovative approach and commitment to excellence had made a positive impact on the institution.

In his response, Mr. Adeshina Towolawi, expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, the Commissioner for Finance, Management and Staff of the Ministry for providing an enabling environment throughout his career, noting that the journey had only been possible by the grace of God.

He admonished Civil Servants to remain committed, diligent and professional in the discharge of their duties, stressing that every position in the Civil Service is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, urged them to uphold integrity, humility and excellence as these are the true measures of a Civil Servant’s positive legacy.

OGSG COMMENCES ROAD SAFETY SURVEY TO TACKLE TRAFFIC, ACCIDENT RISKS

The Ogun State Government has commenced a training for field personnel of Ogun State Road Safety Survey, aimed at generating reliable data that will be useful in tackling rising cases of traffic congestion, accidents and poor road infrastructure across the State.

The training anchored by the State Bureau of Statistics, at the Training Hall, Federal Secretariat building, Oke Mosan had in attendance staffers of the Bureau and personnel of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE.

Speaking at the event, the Statistician General, Mrs. Omolara Adebayo, stated that the State's proximity to Lagos, coupled with rapid industrialization, expanded urban centres and increasing population had led to a significant rise in vehicular movement and road usage, a situation that sometimes lead to vehicular accidents

"While those developments present enormous economic opportunities, they also place considerable pressure on our road infrastructure and transportation systems. Issues relating to traffic congestion, road conditions, road-user behavior, inadequate road safety facilities and traffic management require continuous attention," she said.

The Statistician General, stressed that effective solutions could not be based on assumptions or anecdotal evidence, adding that reliable data were essential for understanding the situation and developing appropriate interventions.

Adebayo, noted that findings from the survey would guide efforts to reduce road crashes, improve traffic flow and ensure safer movement of people and goods across the State, noting that the Bureau had started training of field personnel who would be deployed across the 20 Local Government Areas to collect data for the exercise.

In his goodwill message, the State Director, National Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Akinbogun Olumide, emphasised that part of the data for the survey would focus on road structure and conditions including potholes, which would help government to plan and put measures in place to prevent accidents and other mishaps on the roads. He urged field personnel to report all findings objectively and to conduct themselves with utmost professionalism at all times.

On his part, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), TRACE, Commander Ojuoro Olusola, revealed that the essence of the survey was for planning and policy making, while imploring the personnel not to compromise standards.

Earlier in his address, Director, PRS, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Sulaimon Kolawole, stated that monitoring and evaluation were key to the survey process highlighting the responsibility of field officers in collecting accurate road data through collaboration with relevant agencies, including TRACE and the Police and ensure the information reported was reliable.

 

Funmilayo Alero,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of Statistics

OGUN NUJ INAUGURATES NEW INFORMATION CHAPEL EXECUTIVES, CHARGES THEM ON PROFESSIONALISM

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has inaugurated the newly elected executive of the Ministry of Information and Strategy Chapel, tasking the new leadership to uphold the core values of journalism.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place during the August State Congress held at the NUJ Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin in Abeokuta, marked the official commencement of a new tenure for the chapel executives while members of the council and stakeholders across the state witnessed the swearing-in of the new officials.

Speaking at the event, the State Council Chairman, Com. Akinwale Olanrewaju charged the new executive to prioritise professionalism, unity, discipline and strict adherence to the ethics of journalism in the discharge of their duties, emphasising that the chapel plays a critical role in information dissemination and image management of government activities, hence the need for members to maintain the highest standards.

Com. Olanrewaju further urged the new executive to work collectively for the welfare and professional development of members, expressing confidence that with unity of purpose and commitment, the new leadership would reposition the chapel and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the NUJ in Ogun State.

In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Com. Bolaji Abiodun appreciated the State Council for its guidance and pledged the commitment of the new executive to the growth, unity and welfare of members.

OGUN NUJ UNVEILS OSIPITAN, OSHOMOJI AS NEW EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS TO CONGRESS

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has presented two new Ex-Officio members to the Congress during its August meeting held at the NUJ Secretariat in Abeokuta.

Femi Osipitan, immediate past Chairman of the Ministry of Information and Strategy Chapel, was named Ex-Officio 1, while Adebola Oshomoji of the Ogun State Television, OGTV will serve as Ex-Officio 2. Their appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and experience to the Council’s deliberations.

Presenting them to the Congress, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, charged the new Ex-Officio members to uphold the ethics of journalism at all times, noting that the role demands loyalty, objectivity and commitment to the ideals of the Union.

Comrade Olanrewaju further urged Osipitan and Oshomoji to work in the interest of all members and support the Council in promoting unity and professionalism across chapels in the state, stressing that collective effort remains key to advancing the welfare of journalists.

The Chairman expressed confidence in their wealth of experience and dedication, saying their contributions would strengthen the activities of the Council, adding that their presence on the executive would further advance the welfare of journalists and enhance the growth and development of the Union in Ogun State.

In their separate reaction, the new ex- officio duo of Femi Osiptan and Adebola Oshomoji appreciated the leadership of the Council for the confidence it had in appointing them, assuring that they would not relent in efforts to improve the affairs of the Union across the State.

FGN/OGSG/SAPZ/IFAD TRAIN 279 LANDLESS YOUTHS, WOMEN ON SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN OGUN

As part of efforts to improve and optimise the productivity of farmers in Ogun State, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, has trained over 279 landless youths and women on sustainable land management practices across Obafemi Owode, Odogbolu and Yewa North Local Government Areas of the State.

The State Programme Coordinator, SAPZ, Mr. Ibrahim Busi, disclosed this during the training held in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, noting that the capacity-building programme was designed to equip landless youths and women with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage agricultural land, improve productivity and create sustainable income opportunities.

Busi, who was represented by the Rural Institutions Development Officer (RIDO), Mr. Anthony Salaka, explained that participants would receive practical and hands-on training on good agronomic practices, including appropriate crop spacing and other techniques aimed at achieving optimum yields.

He added that beneficiaries would also be linked with off-takers who would purchase their farm produce, thereby reducing dependence on middlemen and minimising post-harvest losses.

Speaking during the training, an Agricultural Expert, Dr. Alegbiledoye Oladimeji, sensitised the youths and women on the importance of adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. He advised farmers to desist from bush burning and encouraged them to maintain appropriate crop spacing of one metre by one metre, noting that the practice could accommodate approximately 1,000 stands on a hectare of land.

Dr. Oladimeji also encouraged the participants to embrace peer-to-peer learning as a means of sharing knowledge, experiences and innovative farming practices.

Earlier, the Agricultural Productivity Officer, Mr. Odunaya Adewale, reteirated that the training was conducted for beneficiaries of landless youth and women to be able to sustainably manage the land cleared for them.

 to cultivate cassava and rice as part of efforts to improve agricultural productivity and increase household incomes.

He urged the youths to recognise the opportunities available in agriculture and take advantage of the various interventions provided under the SAPZ Programme. He further disclosed that the beneficiaries would be trained in mechanised farming and the use of farm implements to improve efficiency and reduce the drudgery associated with farming.

According to him, the FarmerChat digital application would also support the beneficiaries by providing timely information and guidance on farming activities, including when to plant, apply fertilisers and insecticides, as well as providing real-time answers to farmers’ questions.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Moyosore Fadipe appreciated the Ogun State Government and IFAD for the initiative, describing the training as impactful and beneficial. She expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired would enable the beneficiaries to improve their farming practices, increase their yields and enhance their income.

The training forms part of the SAPZ Programme’s broader efforts to empower landless youths and women, promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen livelihoods through improved access to productive resources, knowledge and market opportunities.

OGIJO LEAD REMEDIATION: OGUN CONTINUES ONGOING CLEAN-UP EXERCISE

The Ogun State Government, through the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), has continued its efforts to rid Ogijo, in Sagamu Local Government Area, of lead contamination through the evacuation of illegally dumped slags from affected communities.

The remediation exercise which happened to be an ongoing engagement, commenced earlier in the week, as part of the State Government’s concerted efforts to address environmental concerns associated with lead contamination and other hazardous materials within the industrial town.

The evacuation of the illegally dumped slags was aimed at removing potential sources of lead contamination from the environment and reducing the risks they might pose to residents, workers and other stakeholders in the affected communities.

The exercise, known to be a major component of the State Government’s commitment to restoring the environmental integrity of Ogijo and ensuring that communities affected by industrial activities enjoy a safer and healthier environment.

Speaking on the remediation exercise, the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, reassured residents of Ogijo of the determination of the State Government to achieve a comprehensive clean-up of the affected areas.

Bello, stated that OGEPA would continue to deploy appropriate environmental management measures to address identified sources of contamination, noting that the evacuation of the illegally dumped slags remained an important component of the ongoing remediation process.

He therefore urged residents and other stakeholders to support the exercise by cooperating with OGEPA officials and avoid activities capable of further contaminating the environment, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste and slags.

The General Manager reiterated the commitment of the Ogun State Government to sustaining the remediation exercise until the affected areas were adequately cleaned up, assuring residents that the ultimate goal was to restore Ogijo to a safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable industrial community.

Luke Adebesin,

Information and Public Relations Officer, OGEPA

OGUN COMMENDED FOR IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

The National Economic Council Implementation Monitoring Committee (NEC-IMC), has applauded Ogun State for the expansive project implementation performance in various sectors that include; Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture, Education and Youth Empowerment across the State.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Ondo State, who is also the focal person for the South West States of the (NEC-IMC), Mr. Olaoluwa Akindolire, declared after the project verification and assessment tour, that implementation of different projects across the State were in accordance with the July 2025-2026 NEC Resolution.

Akindolire, said the verification and assessment exercises were necessary in determining the level of compliance in implementation to allow further intervention from the Federal Government towards promoting socio-economic goals in the State and the Country at large.

Part of the health projects assessed, included the 1,600 square meters spaced Ogun State Drug and Health Management Agency, Abeokuta, which was one of the largest out of six drug management agencies in the country.

The 250-Bed State-Of -The-Art Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence with over 3,000 medical investigations and Ogun State Public Health Laboratory were noted as Prince Dapo Abiodun’s commendable effort keyed into ‘A Renewed Hope Initiative’ of the NEC Resolution.

The 4-Megawatt Power Generation Plant powered by CNG at Oke-Mosan, the 7.4 MVA Transformer which powered over ten transformers and serving over 4,900 different households in Batolu area under the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area was highly commended too for its successful implementations under the present administration.

Other thematic development areas also assessed were the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) - Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), all in collaboration with the State, a situation whereby Farmers’ Associations would benefit from many farm produce processing equipment, including tricycles for easy movement of produce across the State.

The (IMC-NEC) team further assessed the newly constructed local Market Storage Facility with an equipped solar powered water and toilets at Siun Market and also a Mini- Weather Stations with coverage capacities for guiding farmers on phones within six nearer local government communities on best periods to plant according to weather conditions due to current ecological challenges were assessed in Odogbolu Local Government and Yewa North Local Government.

In the area of youth development, the MKO Sports Arena and Alake Sports Centre were commended for the facelifts and for hosting different sporting facilities, while the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport was lauded for its specialised Agro-cargo and passenger operations, saying, previous NEC assessments had identified the State as a true Gateway State that utilised its proximity to Lagos State.

 

Adesoji Solarin,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Budget & Planning