OGUN SEEKS TO BOOST FORESTRY REVENUE WITH EUCALYPTUS PLANTATION INITIATIVE

The Ogun State Government has commenced moves to harness the economic potential of eucalyptus trees as part of efforts to boost internally generated revenue (IGR), create investment opportunities and promote sustainable forest management across the State.

The initiative, would be undertaken in collaboration with stakeholders in the forestry sector and Huafa Forest Resources Development of Nigeria Co. Ltd., with plans to introduce and cultivate eucalyptus seedlings across the state's forest reserves.

Speaking during a stakeholders' engagement at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Forestry, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, urged charcoal dealers, timber contractors, farmers and other stakeholders in the forestry sector to embrace the initiative and take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by eucalyptus cultivation.

Oludotun, said the initiative would not only provide an additional source of income for participants in the forestry value chain but also contribute significantly to the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

According to him, eucalyptus has a relatively short maturity period of between four and five years, making it an attractive investment compared with some other economic tree species that would require more than 10 years to mature.

The Commissioner also disclosed that oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves had been touted widely used in the production of mosquito repellents, creating additional economic value from the plant.

He explained that the Ministry adopted eucalyptus cultivation as part of its strategy to promote sustainable forest development, expressing optimism that, demand for the tree would continue to increase because of its diverse industrial and commercial applications.

He noted that eucalyptus wood could be used for furniture production, paper manufacturing, roofing materials and several other purposes, thereby providing a ready market for farmers and investors.

Also speaking, the Marketing Manager of Huafa Forest Resources Development of Nigeria Co. Ltd., Mr. John Yi, said the company had secured a good numbers of hectares of land across the country, with the capacity to cultivate and produce more than eight million seedlings annually.

Yi, explained that the eucalyptus tree was characterised by rapid growth, strong wood and a survival rate of about 90 per cent, making it highly suitable for commercial plantation development.

He said the company believed the investment offered the potential for high returns with relatively low production risks, adding that farmers could harvest the trees within four to five years due to their fast growth rate and strong market demand.

According to him, about 1,650 eucalyptus seedlings could be planted on one hectare of land using a spacing of two metres by two metres.

Yi, further announced a price reduction for stakeholders purchasing the seedlings in large quantities, stating that the cost would be subsidised from ₦600 to ₦360 per seedling.

He added that a mature eucalyptus tree could fetch about ₦12,000 or more, depending on prevailing economic conditions and market prices at the time of harvest.

A stakeholder and Professor of Forestry and Conservation at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Segun Oladoye, described eucalyptus as a tree species with significant economic potential.

Oladoye, said its high survival rate and relatively fast growth had made it attractive to investors and farmers, adding that Ogun State would derive substantial economic benefits from the initiative in the coming years.

He noted that the investment would particularly benefit stakeholders involved in commercial tree planting, as it had the potential to generate attractive returns over time.

The professor also highlighted the adaptability of eucalyptus to agroforestry, explaining that the seedlings could be cultivated alongside crops such as pepper, tomato and maize under appropriate farming practices.

He encouraged farmers and other stakeholders to explore the opportunities presented by eucalyptus cultivation while adhering to proper forestry and agroforestry management practices.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of eucalyptus seedlings to stakeholders and the State Forester, with the beneficiaries pledging to invest in the cultivation of the tree and support the state's efforts towards sustainable forestry development.

HEALTHY NUTRITION, MEDICAL CHECK-UPS KEY TO PRODUCTIVITY – OGUN ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL

The Ogun State Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary (Treasury), Mr. Olalekan Taiwo, has stated that healthy nutrition and regular medical check-ups are essential pillars of healthy living and improved productivity among workers.

Speaking during the Office of the Accountant-General's Quarterly Health talk and routine medical check-up organised for members of staff at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Mr. Taiwo, described the exercise as an opportunity for workers to assess their health status, detect potential health challenges early and take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy living.

He noted that good health and medical fitness were critical to enhancing productivity and ensuring efficient service delivery.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘Nutrition’: Impact on Human Health and Self-Esteem, a Consultant with the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Yomibo Shofolahan, said healthy nutrition played a vital role in promoting physical wellbeing, mental confidence and overall quality of life.

Dr. Shofolahan, explained that the food people consume served as fuel for the body, stressing that eating the right food at the right time was a demonstration of self-care and respect for one's health.

She described the mouth as the gateway to the body, urging participants to be mindful of their food choices and cultivate healthy eating habits.

The consultant advised participants to maintain a balanced diet by eating a variety of nutritious foods, drinking adequate water and consuming only the quantity of food the body required, urging them to make conscious efforts towards healthy eating and regard food as medicine.

She further recommended that breakfast should be the most important meal of the day, saying it should be eaten "like a king," lunch "like a prince" and dinner "like a pauper," while advising participants to reduce their intake of fried, salty and overly spicy foods, choose natural foods whenever possible and adopt healthy lifestyles that promote long-term wellbeing.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mr. Sanyaolu Akinjide, expressed appreciation to the Accountant-General for sustaining the health initiative and commended the resource person for the lecture.

He urged members of staff to put the knowledge gained into practice by embracing healthy lifestyles and making regular medical check-ups a priority.

 

Bolaji Abiodun,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Min. of Finance

Oni Electronics CEO Installed Moraje of Owu Kingdom

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Oni Electronics, Chief Mrs. Florence Oni-Quadri, has been installed as the Moraje of Owu Kingdom during activities marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola.

The colourful ceremony, held at the Olowu's Palace, attracted traditional rulers, high chiefs, business leaders, associates, family members and well-wishers who witnessed the conferment of the prestigious traditional title.

The highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of office and allegiance, formally investing Oni-Quadri with the chieftaincy title amid displays of Owu cultural heritage, pageantry and royal splendour.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Olowu described the honour as well deserved, praising the new chief for her philanthropy, entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the economic development of Egbaland.

A reception followed the installation, with guests treated to entertainment by Islamic and Juju musicians, while the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, joined other dignitaries to celebrate the new Moraje.

Dignitaries at the event described Oni-Quadri as a woman of distinction, industry and selfless service, saying the honour reflected her commitment to community development and economic empowerment.

In her remarks, an emotional Oni-Quadri thanked God, the traditional institutions and all who found her worthy of the honours, pledging to remain committed to the economic growth, social development and prosperity of Egbaland.

Oni-Quadri is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oni Electronics, a leading distributor of electronic appliances and household equipment across Nigeria.

OGUN MARKS 2026 WORLD POPULATION DAY, PLEDGES TO INVEST IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

 Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to priotising youth affairs at the centre of its development planning as it joined the global community to mark the 2026 World Population Day.

The event, which took place at the hall of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA building, Ijeun Lukosi, Abeokuta was in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Planning, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ogun State Bureau of Statistics (OGSBS) and National Population Commission.

Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, said that the 2026 edition’s theme, "Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People Today and for the Future," spoke directly to the heart of sustainable development and that of the State.

Olabimtan, highlighted that the World Population Day was a reminder that population was not just about numbers but about people's rights, choices, opportunities, well-being and dignity.

He called for collective action from government, private sectors and communities to ensure that the hopes of the youths were realised today and for the future.

In her opening remarks, the Statistician General, Ogun State Bureau of Statistics, Mrs. Omolara Adebayo, explained that the symposium was designed to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue between policy makers, development partners, professionals and young people.

She added that the symposium was aimed at broadening participants' understanding of population dynamics, emphasising the importance of evidence-based planning, encouraging responsible life choices and inspiring youths to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.

She advised the students who were present at the symposium to listen attentively, ask questions, participate actively in the discussions and make the most of the opportunities the programme presented.

‘’ The knowledge and inspiration you gain today may shape the decisions you make tomorrow and influence the future you aspire to build," she stated.

In his submission, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Babatunde Delu, represented by Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Akolawole Soremi, described the theme as both timely and thought-provoking.

He stated that Ogun State regarded its youthful population as one of its greatest assets, adding that when young people were included in policymaking and given access to quality education, the sky would surely become their starting point.

In his goodwill message, State Officer, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr. Olumide Akingbogun, emphasised that the NBS was committed to providing timely, reliable and disaggregated data that would support planning at all levels of government and aid partners like UNFPA to answer critical questions.

 "We must prioritise inclusivity by leaving no one behind especially women, youths, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups," he urged.

A participant from National Youth Council of Nigeria, Oladipupo Ademola and a student from DS Adegbenro Polytechnic, Itori, Azeez Zainab, appreciated the State Government for carrying the youth along in their policy making, adding that the training had opened their minds to lots of opportunities. 

Funmilayo Abisola,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of Statistics

Arigbabu Emerges NUJ Commissioner of The Year

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has been honoured with the Commissioner of the Year Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and remarkable contributions to the transformation of the education sector in the State.

Presenting the award during the July Monthly Congress of the Chapel held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comrade Oluwafemi Osipitan, said the honour was in recognition of Prof. Arigbabu's exceptional performance, particularly his introduction of innovative policies and developmental initiatives that have repositioned education in Ogun State.

He noted that under Prof. Arigbabu's leadership, the education sector has witnessed significant reforms, including the restoration of discipline and quality assurance in public schools, improved teacher capacity development, the implementation of technology-driven learning initiatives, the promotion of technical and vocational education, and the strengthening of partnerships with financial institutions and development partners to support educational advancement.

Comr. Osipitan acknowledged the state's consistent commitment to improving school infrastructure, enhancing teaching and learning, promoting excellence through various educational programmes, and creating an enabling environment that has restored public confidence in the state's education system.

Describing the Commissioner as "a round peg in a round hole," he commended his dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to raising educational standards, noting that Ogun State has become a reference point for education reforms across the country.

Responding, Prof. Arigbabu expressed appreciation to the NUJ Information Chapel for the recognition, describing the award as both humbling and inspiring. He dedicated the honour to Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose visionary leadership and unwavering support, he said, have made the successful implementation of the administration's educational reforms possible.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that would further improve access to quality education, strengthen learning outcomes, and equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to compete globally.