GIVE TO GAIN: BLS CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

          The Bureau of Lands and Survey (BLS) has celebrated International Women’s Day with a call for greater recognition of women’s contributions to land administration, surveying and public service.

          Speaking at the event, at the Bureau, Director-General and Special Adviser, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, commended female staffers for their dedication, professionalism and leadership in a field that demanded precision and commitment.

    He noted that women in the Bureau had continue to play vital roles both on the field operations and policy development.

           Arch.Fowora, represented by the Consultant to the Governor on Land Matters, ESV Fatai Adegboyejo, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” reflected the essence of womanhood and the spirit of selfless service, women bring to their families, workplaces and the society.

          The Director-General/Special Adviser stressed that the roles of women in community development and institutional growth could not be wished away, while also appreciating female staffers of the Bureau for their contributions to the advancement of the organisation and the development of the State.

          Also speaking, Surveyor-General of the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Surveyor Oladele Ewulo, described International Women’s Day as an important opportunity to celebrate the resilience, brilliance and achievements of women across the world.

          According to him, the Bureau would continue to create pathways for progress and provide opportunities that would enable women to thrive professionally.

          In her welcome address, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Olamide Sokoya, appreciated the Director-General for his support and immense contributions at ensuring the success of the celebration, noting that empowering women across different sectors was essential to building stronger institutions and more sustainable communities.

          The Director of Land Services, ESV. Adewale Adedeji, also highlighted the significant roles women play in the societies, noting that their impact extended beyond professional responsibilities to the home and wider communities.

           Introducing the theme for the year, the Director of Land Management, ESV Adedoyin Okulalu noted that the significance of women in shaping societies and nurturing future generations could not be underestimated, as women carry out multidimensional roles with grace as well as remaining pillars of support at the home front, adding that if women were celebrated every single day, it would still not measure up the depth of their contributions and countless sacrifices they make for their families, communities and humanity as a whole.

          Delivering a lecture titled “Strength of a Woman,” Surveyor Mrs. Halimat Yusuf explained that the concept of ‘Give to Gain’ was rooted in cultural values that encourage generosity, cooperation, inclusivity love and collective progress, noting that the world would to celebrate the courage and achievements of women who had made impacts in their communities, countries and the world at large.

The event featured cutting of the Anniversary cake and exchange of gifts among staffers as part of activities marking the celebration and reinforcing the theme “Give to Gain.”

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