OGEPA BEGINS ENFORCEMENT AT MINING SITES IN OGUN EAST

The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), has commenced an enforcement and assessment exercise at mining sites across the Ogun East Senatorial District as part of efforts to identify and address environmental and health risks associated with gaseous emissions, other pollutants from mining and industrial activities and to access their environmental documents.

According to the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, the exercise was aimed at assessing the possible impact of emissions from mining operations on the environment, as well as the health and well-being of workers and residents living in communities hosting the activities.

        Bello, explained that prolonged exposure to dust, smoke and other pollutants generated from mining, quarry activities and blasting posed significant risks to respiratory health and would have had adverse effects on the surrounding environment.

He noted that the enforcement exercise would enable the agency to gather relevant data on air quality within mining communities and use the findings to determine appropriate regulatory measures where environmental violations or cases of non-compliance were established.

The OGEPA Boss stressed that the exercise was part of the Agency’s broader mandate to protect the environment, safeguard public health and promote responsible and sustainable industrial practices across Ogun State.

He added that the agency would continue to monitor mining and other industrial activities to ensure that operators comply with applicable environmental standards and regulations, particularly those relating to air pollution and safe operational practices.

Bello, urged mining operators to ensure that their activities do not endanger the health and safety of residents, emphasising the need for greater environmental responsibility in mining communities. He added that compliance with environmental regulations remained essential to achieving sustainable industrial development in the State.

Also speaking, the Head of the OGEPA Task Force Unit, Mr. Olusesi Opaleye, said the exercise involved the monitoring and examination of operational practices that could contribute to air pollution and other environmental hazards.

Opaleye, said the exercise also provided an opportunity for the Agency to sensitise mining operators on the importance of complying with environmental regulations, urging operators to obtain the necessary environmental approvals before commencing operations and adopt safer operational practices that would minimise risks that could harm workers and the surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, residents of communities hosting mining and blasting activities had been encouraged to report suspected environmental violations to the appropriate authorities as the Agency helmsman reiterated the commitment to sustained monitoring, enforcement and public sensitisation to ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for the people of Ogun State.

Luke Adebesin,

Information and Public Relations Officer, OGEPA

Ogun NUJ Information Chapel Swears In New Executives as Abiodun Emerges Chairman

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel has inaugurated a new set of Executive Council members following the elections held during the August Congress of the chapel. 

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Comrade Bolaji Abiodun thanked members for the trust placed in the new leadership, pledging to steer the chapel with transparency, fairness, and dedication, while also assuring to prioritize members’ welfare and professional growth. 

Comrade Abiodun said the success of the administration would rest on unity and the cooperation of all members, urging journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession and practice responsible journalism that serves the public and protects the image of the union.

The Chairman assured that the new executives would run an open-door policy, encourage constructive engagement, and introduce programs to build professional capacity, improve members’ welfare, and promote harmony within the chapel, adding that leadership is about service and not personal gain.

"Leadership is not about position, but about service, representation and making a positive difference in the lives of those we lead. I seek your cooperation, ideas and support, because this is not my administration alone, it is our administration. Together, I believe we can build a stronger, more united and more responsive Chapel", she said.

She further reaffirmed the new administration’s commitment to building a vibrant and progressive Information Chapel that upholds the core values of the NUJ and contributes meaningfully to the development of journalism.

Earlier in his charge, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju represented by the Council Vice Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Lawal enjoined the new leadership to carry on the legacy of progress that is synonymous with Information chapel while encouraging them to abide by and be guided by the Union's Constitution. 

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adeshina while congratulating the new executives charged them not to drop the ball praying that their tenure will be eventful. 

Lending his voice, the immediate past Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan enjoined all members to give the new executives adequate support adding that this is the only way the new leadership can succeed. 

Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates of return to the Comrade Bolaji Abiodun as Chairman, Comrade Funso Obasan as Vice Chairman, Comeade Yemisi Fashola as Secretary, Comrade Wasiu Ramoni as Assistant Secretary. Others include, Comrade Segun Owotomo as Treasurer, Comrade Taiwo Soremekun as Financial Secretary and Comrade Mosunmola Shobo as Auditor. 

*Information Chapel Media Team

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.