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.

OGEPA GM MAKES UNSCHEDULED VISIT TO A FACTORY IN OGIJO

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello has conducted an unscheduled visit to Metal Recycling Industries Limited, located in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, as part of the Agency's commitment to ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations across the State.

The surprise inspection was aimed at assessing the company's level of compliance with environmental laws and standards, particularly in the areas of pollution control, waste management and adherence to conditions contained in its environmental approvals.

During the inspection, the General Manager alongside the enforcement unit of the agency made a comprehensive tour of the facility, examined the company's production processes, waste disposal methods, air emission control measures and overall environmental management practices, to ascertain compliance with existing environmental standards.

Hon. Bello reiterated that OGEPA remained committed to protecting the environment and public health through regular monitoring and enforcement activities, noting that routine and unscheduled inspections had become an integral part of the Agency's strategy to promote environmental responsibility among industries operating in Ogun State.

He emphasised that industries must comply with all environmental regulations, obtain necessary environmental permits and implement effective pollution prevention measures to minimize the impact of their operations on surrounding communities.

The GM thereafter encouraged the management of Metal Recycling Industries Limited to sustain environmental best practices, promptly address any identified areas requiring improvement and continue to cooperate with OGEPA in promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

The visit underscored OGEPA's unwavering resolve to ensure that industries across Ogun State operate in accordance with environmental laws, while fostering sustainable industrial development that would safeguard the well-being of residents and the environment.

WORLD PR DAY: OGUN NIPR HONOURS FMC MD, HAILS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE

As Public Relations professionals across the globe commemorate the 2026 World Public Relations Day, the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has spotlighted the critical role of strategic communication in healthcare management by honouring the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Dr. Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi, for her exemplary leadership and unwavering support for the profession.

Leading the delegation on a courtesy visit to the medical facility, the Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, described Public Relations as an indispensable management function that has become central to effective governance, institutional reputation, stakeholder engagement and public trust, particularly within the healthcare sector.

Mrs. Boye said the visit formed part of activities marking this year's World Public Relations Day, with the theme, "The Golden Age of Strategic PR", saying it was a global celebration dedicated to promoting ethical communication, transparency, accountability and trust-building between organisations and their stakeholders.

She noted that the choice of Dr. Ibiyemi for special recognition was informed not only by her emergence as the first female Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, but also by her demonstrated belief in the strategic value of professional Public Relations.

"Your appointment is a landmark achievement that speaks to excellence, resilience and visionary leadership. Beyond making history as the first woman to occupy this office, you have continued to demonstrate that effective leadership is strengthened by strategic communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement," Mrs. Boye stated.

The Ogun NIPR Chairman praised Dr. Ibiyemi for elevating the status of Public Relations practitioners within the Federal Medical Centre through the appointment of a certified member of the Institute as the Head of its Public Relations Department, noting that the appointment, which she described as a practical demonstration of the value placed on the profession, she informed that it alligned with global best practices in strategic institutional management. 

According to her, healthcare institutions are increasingly evaluated not only by the quality of clinical services they provide but also by how effectively they communicate with patients, employees, government agencies, development partners and the public at large, explaining that ethical communication has become one of the strongest drivers of institutional credibility, especially in sensitive sectors as healthcare, where public confidence can directly influence service delivery and organisational reputation.

"Public confidence is built on trust, and trust is built through communication. In today's healthcare environment, quality medical services must be complemented by credible, timely and professional communication. This is why Public Relations has become an essential management function in every progressive institution," she said.

Mrs. Boye added that World Public Relations Day provides an opportunity to remind leaders in both the public and private sectors that sustainable institutions are built on transparency, accountability and consistent stakeholder engagement.

Responding, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi thanked the delegation for the honour and pledged her continued support for initiatives that promote professionalism, ethical communication and institutional excellence, acknowledging that she understands the importance of effective Public Relations in strengthening public confidence in healthcare institutions and commended the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR for advancing professional standards through advocacy, capacity building and stakeholder engagement.

While listing some of the achievements of the Hospital, which she said was the First medical center in Nigeria to include Zero maternal mortality and improved Pharmaceutical services, Dr Ibiyemi called on the Institute and its members to partner with the institution in ensuring adequate service delivery and improved public perception, emphasizing that it would go a long way in playing a remedial role of boosting public trust in its services. 

In Commemoration of the year 2026 World Public Relations Day, the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on its part remains committed to advancing ethical communication, strengthening institutions through strategic stakeholder engagement and promoting Public Relations as a vital tool for good governance, sustainable development and national progress.

Jayne Jonah. mnipr 

NIGERIA CANNOT BE DEFINED BY CORRUPTION - RT. HON. ADEKUNBI

The Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekunbi, has said corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria but a human temptation that requires strong institutional code that will guide against it in both government establishment and in the private sector

Adekunbi, made the submission while delivering a paper titled "Preventing Fraud and Corrupt Practices within Government Agencies and Private Sector" at an event organised by the Fight Against Corruption Organisation, FACO, in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He stated that government must prioritise building resilient systems that could not be compromised and also entrench ethical leadership, noting that it would be the foundation for eradicating corruption at all levels and fostering a healthy society.

He further made it known that Ogun State is unique, hence, it should be positioned to be the first State in Nigeria with zero tolerance for corruption.

He recommended implementing full digitisation, radical transparency, job rotation, regular auditing and strong whistle-blower protection system as key measures to curb corruption, stressing that civic values should be embedded in the school curriculum at every level of education.

Busayo Faleti,

Information and Public Relations Officer, HASC.

SAPZ/OGSG/IFAD FLAG OFF DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS TO CASSAVA FARMRERS

In a significant step towards advancing agricultural transformation and strengthening food security, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs to 2,740 cassava farmers under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, reaffirming its commitment to building a technology-driven, climate-smart and commercially viable agricultural sector that attracts investment, strengthens agricultural value chains and improves farmers' incomes.

Flagging off the distribution at Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Bolu Owotomo, described the intervention as a strategic investment in the future of agriculture in Ogun State. He said the initiative reflected the unwavering commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to empowering farmers, increasing food production and driving sustainable economic growth.

The Commissioner noted that agriculture remained the cornerstone of the administration's 'Building Our Future Together' agenda, adding that beyond the distribution of agricultural inputs, the SAPZ Programme had delivered critical infrastructure that would create an enabling environment for agribusinesses to thrive and stimulate rural development.

He disclosed that the State Government, through the programme, had distributed over 11,400 agricultural input packages to 2,480 rice farmers and 8,628 cassava farmers across the State, while 12,000 farmers had benefitted from capacity-building and extension services, aimed at improving productivity, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and enhancing livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, the acting State Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Buṣi, explained that the distribution formed part of the collaborative efforts of the Ogun State Government, the Special Agro-industrial processing Zones Programmes, IFAD and other development partners to provide farmers with the resources needed to improve productivity and expand agricultural enterprises.

According to him, the intervention would create employment opportunities, strengthen food security, improve household incomes and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of farming communities across the State.

Also speaking, the Agricultural Productivity Officer, Mr. Olawale Odunaya, revealed that each agricultural input package, comprising NPK fertiliser, improved cassava stems and agrochemicals, was valued at ₦126,000. He explained that under the programme's matching grant arrangement, male beneficiaries contributed only ₦37,200, while female beneficiaries paid ₦26,500, with the balance subsidised through the SAPZ Programme.

Mr. Odunaya, further announced that the intervention would soon be extended to additional participating local government areas, including Odeda, Ikenne, Yewa South, Ijebu North East and Ijebu East, to enable more farmers benefit from the initiative.

The beneficiaries who were drawn from the participating local government include Obafemi Owode, Odogbolu, Yewa North and Ijebu North Local Government Areas, received one bag of NPK fertiliser, four litres of agrochemicals and improved cassava cuttings to enhance productivity and increase cassava output.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Oluwaseun John and Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Ewejẹ, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Ogun State Government, IFAD and the SAPZ Programme for the timely intervention, describing the support as a major boost that would improve their farming activities, increase yields and enhance their livelihoods.

The flag-off ceremony further underscored the Ogun State Government's resolve to leverage strategic partnerships and targeted investments to modernise agriculture, empower smallholder farmers, promote agro-industrial development and accelerate the state's drive towards sustainable food security, economic diversification and inclusive prosperity.

 

 Akindele Damilola,

Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, SAPZ

OGEPA MEDIATE DISPUTE BETWEEN MONARCH STEEL MILL, OGIJO COMMUNITY

Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has intervened in a dispute between Monarch Steel Mill Limited and Olorunsogo Ipetoro Community Development Association (CDA), Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, following a petition submitted by the community.

The petition, signed by the Chairman of the community, Mr. Michael Bilesanmi, was presented to OGEPA, drawing the Agency's attention to concerns surrounding the expansion plan of Monarch Steel Mill Limited.

The community also sought an investigation into the company's acquisition of properties within the community, expressing concerns over the manner in which the exercise was being carried out as part of efforts to expand its activities

In response to the petition, General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, convened a stakeholders' meeting involving representatives of the community and Monarch Steel Mill Limited to resolve the issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Bello, stressed the importance of proper industrial planning, noting that industries should be located within designated industrial zones, adding that environmental sustainability and the welfare of host communities must remain a priority in industrial development.

Bello, said the expansion was a process of establishing a proposed buffer zone, aimed at ensuring the company's operation do not adversely affect residents and other developed areas within the community.

The General Manager emphasised that, while industries have the right to expand their operations, such expansion must be carried out in accordance with environmental regulations and with due respect for the rights of residents and property owners within the affected communities.

At the end of the deliberations, all parties agreed that Monarch Steel Mill Limited should not compel any resident to sell his or her property and it was resolved that only property owners who were willing to sell should be considered in the company's acquisition process.

The resolutions reached at the meeting were unanimously accepted by representatives of the community and the company, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the agreements would promote peaceful coexistence, protect residents' interests and ensure that industrial activities were carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

Also, the community electricity transformer should be relocated within the company's premises, while an access gate should be provided to enable both the community and the company have unhindered access to the facility with the directive that the company should undertake the repair of the transformer.

Luke Adebesin,

Information and Public Relations Officer, OGEPA