OGUN MOVES TO STRENGTHEN CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME, APPROVES ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFIT FOR RETIREES

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) designed to enhance retirement security and significantly close the existing gaps in the scheme.

This was made known during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following a series of strategic engagements between the State Government, representatives of labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the CPS and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders. 

In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law was not only mandatory but also beneficial to both employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Pension Scheme (DPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were fundamentally different, adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to bridging any identified gaps in order to protect workers’ interests.

He disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) in line with extant laws. According to him, the APB was specifically designed to close the gap between the CPS and the old Defined Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to gratuity, which was not provided for under the CPS.

Mr. Okubadejo further explained that lump sum withdrawals which often resulted in reduced monthly pension payments, informed the Government decision to develop a more sustainable structure, saying that with the introduction of the APB, Government intended to seek necessary approvals from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure that pension contributions held by PFAs were preserved primarily for enhanced monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off payment upon retirement.

“Unlike gratuity under the DPS, the APB would not be a fixed percentage. Instead, it will be computed based on specific criteria, including years of service and gross emoluments, to ensure fairness and equity among retirees. The benefit is scheduled to take effect from July 2026,” he said.

The Commissioner charged the Ministries involved in pension, PFAs, Labour unions to improve service delivery, intensify public enlightenment campaigns, and organize regular pre-retirement training sessions for workers at least six months before retirement to enhance their understanding of the pension scheme. 

In their opening remarks, Permanent Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Offices, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, explained that the engagements were convened to deepen relationships, resolve emerging challenges and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.

They described the CPS as a tripod, resting on three critical stakeholders, the employer, the employee and the Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that effective synergy among them was essential for the success of the scheme. 

 Noting further, the Permanent Secretaries said that government had consistently demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring that retirees do not face uncertainty or financial hardship after years of service.

Responding on behalf of the Labour Unions, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, Mr. Ademola Benco and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Akeem Lasisi, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as a bold, thoughtful and worker-friendly initiative.

They noted that labour’s longstanding concern had been the sustainability and adequacy of monthly pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), but expressed satisfaction that the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) had effectively addressed those fears.

Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders affirmed their full support for the reform and the proposed structure for retirement benefits, adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of workers in the State.

OGUN STATISTICIAN GENERAL UNVEILS PLAN TO BOOST DATA-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE

The Statistician General of Ogun State, Mrs. Omolara Adebayo has revealed plans to focus on harnessing data to drive decision-making for the betterment of the people.

Mrs. Adebayo made this known during an interview session in Abeokuta, where she stated the imminent goal of the Agency was to make data collection effective in the State, saying the Bureau of Statistics would become a place where government, partners and citizens could confidently approach for research materials, data gathering for effective planning, thus, fostering the betterment of the people.

"I want us to move from what we have always known and get strengthened into the Integrated System of Administrative Statistics, ISAS, expand onboarding of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs and ensure that the progress becomes permanent, ‘’ she said.

The SG added that reliable data collation was imperative for the State to effectively meet with the needs of the people, saying it would also serve as a guide for the Bureau to work with, disclosing further that the Bureau would introduce community engagement programmes that would include town hall data conversations, school outreaches and public-friendly dashboards (facts and figures).

Adebayo stated that the Bureau had equipped twenty one Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Areas (LGAs) with technological advancements in data collection through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, OGSTEP, adding that IT equipment and internet connectivity were deployed to enable seamless online submission of administrative data and make data collection a routine part of service delivery.

 

 

Funmilayo Abisola,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of Statistics.

DIGITAL ECONOMY: OGUN ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON POLICY FRAMEWORK

 Towards achieving a world-class Technology Transformation in Ogun State, stakeholders have been engaged to brainstorm on actionable policy framework that would strengthen Digital Economy.

The two-day workshop, which took place at the Ogun TechHub, was organised by the UK International Development, a Non-Governmental Organisation ; Tech4Dev, in conjunction with the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT).

Country Lead, Digital Access Program; UK International Development, Mr. Idongesit Udoh, said the scope of the workshop was to strengthen digital ecosystem, not limiting digital transformation to the cities alone but spread across remote areas of the State, breaking business barriers, unlocking Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities, through various recommendations gathered from the participants towards achieving policy-driven digital economy.

 He said Ogun state had achieved milestone in digital transformation, but a lot of gaps needed to be bridged through public and private stakeholders that would enhance e-governance .

 "Two major reasons we are gathered here is to think global policy that will strengthen digital economy and ensure local implementation at all levels across the state,’’ he noted.

 Earlier, Special Adviser on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mr. Dayo Abiodun, stated that it was expedient for Ogun State government to engage key players in public and private sectors to identify the gaps and business environment barriers, as well as presenting actionable recommendations to the government in order to ensure policy-driven digital economy in line with National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

 Dayo Abiodun, who was represented by the Director, Standard Regulations, Planning and Research, Mrs. Olatundun Adekunte, explained that bringing together public sector, which are majorly civil servants handling inflow and outflow of government transactions and the private sectors who were at the receiving end of its policies, was to brainstorm on how to improve on existing digital transformation, laws and best practices, as well as making recommendations that would enable government to formulate policy framework that would harmonise with the Federal Government action plan to taking digital economy in Nigeria to a world-class standard.

Also speaking, a Research and Policy Lead, Tech4Dev, Mr. Timothy Oliomogbe, stated that Tech4Dev is an NGO partnering Ogun State just like other states, to ensure that youths, women and People Living with Disability (PWDs) participate in digital transformation initiatives for self-reliance, Ease of Doing Business (EODB), in order to enhance local reality and international best practices.

 He emphasised that all the recommendations made at the end of the two-day workshop would be collated in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and presented to Ogun State government without any alteration.

 

Olayinka Ezema,

Information and Public Relations Officer, (BIT)

Ogun Christian Pilgrims Charged On Conduct, Spiritual Focus in Israel

 

The Ogun state government has charged Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel from the State to remain spiritually focused, disciplined and law-abiding throughout the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.

 Governor Dapo Abiodun, gave the charge on Saturday, during a farewell service for the intending pilgrims at the Obas' Complex, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun, represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo stressed that pilgrimage to the Holy Land is not a leisure trip but a sacred period for spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God, urging the pilgrims to conduct themselves with integrity and decorum, as they represent the State and Nigeria at large.

The governor emphasised that unity, cooperation and strict adherence to laid-down rules were critical to the success of the pilgrimage.“Pilgrims must see themselves as ambassadors of the state and the country. Your conduct abroad reflects on all of us, and unity among pilgrims is key to achieving the spiritual purpose of this journey.

Also speaking, the Board Secretary, Mr. Ibiyemi Oduyemi , described the pilgrimage as a strictly spiritual exercise and cautioned pilgrims against distractions that could undermine its essence, advising pilgrims to dress modestly, eat moderately, remain with their assigned groups, obey the laws of the land and follow the instructions of tour guides throughout the journey.

He added that prayer should remain the central focus of the pilgrimage. and commended Governor Abiodun for his continued support for pilgrimage programme, describing the state government’s efforts as instrumental to a well-structured and seamless process.

A total of 172 pilgrims from the state, are expected to undertake the holy pilgrimage this year to Israel for 10 days

OGUN NUJ CELEBRATES FORMER GOVERNOR, SEN. AMOSUN AT 68

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, extends its warmest felicitations to the former Governor of Ogun State and a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, FCA, on the auspicious occasion of his 68th birthday.

As a Union, we recognize Senator Amosun not just as a political titan, but as a visionary leader whose tenure as Governor redefined the architectural and economic landscape of the Gateway State. His "Mission to Rebuild" agenda remains a reference point for infrastructural revolution and urban renewal in the annals of our state’s history.

Senator Amosun’s relationship with the fourth estate of the realm has always been characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the development of Ogun State. 

Throughout his years in public service, he has consistently demonstrated a deep appreciation for the role of the media in sustaining democracy and ensuring administrative accountability.

We recall with admiration his administrative prowess in elevating the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a feat that moved Ogun State from a struggling economy to a self-sustaining industrial hub. This bold economic shift created a legacy of financial independence that continues to benefit the state today.

Beyond the brick and mortar of governance, the "Akonni" of Owu Kingdom has proven himself to be a compassionate leader. His various philanthropic gestures and his dedication to the welfare of the masses, even after leaving the corridors of executive power, speak volumes of his character and love for humanity.

In the hallowed chambers of the Senate, his legislative contributions were marked by a focus on national security, economic stability, and the empowerment of his constituents. He remains a bridge-builder who navigates the complex Nigerian political terrain with courage, charisma, and a relentless spirit of excellence.

The Ogun NUJ celebrates his resilience and his unwavering faith in the Nigerian project. To us, he is more than a statesman; he is a partner in progress who has always opened his doors to the media, fostering a culture of transparency and robust engagement even in the face of challenging political climates.

As he marks this milestone of 68 years, we acknowledge the grace of God upon his life. It is our prayer that the Almighty continues to grant him the strength of a youth and the wisdom of the elders as he remains a vital voice in the quest for a better and more prosperous Nigeria.

We urge the younger generation of leaders to draw inspiration from Senator Amosun’s work ethic and his "Ogun Standard" philosophy, which emphasizes quality, durability, and a sense of pride in our collective identity as a people.

On behalf of all journalists in Ogun State, we wish our dear former Governor a magnificent birthday celebration filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of family. May his future years be even more impactful than the glorious past we celebrate today.

E-Signed:

Comrade Wale Olanrewaju

Chairman, Ogun NUJ

Comrade Bunmi Adigun

Secretary, Ogun NUJ

OGSG BEGINS ENFORCEMENT OF 5-METER SETBACK AT KARA MARKET

The Ogun State Government has launched a renewed enforcement drive at Kara market, insisting on compliance of traders and operators with the mandatory five meter setback along the length of the market corridor.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Tolu Poviwhede, who also doubles as the new Chairman of the Taskforce on Environment made this known, while leading a team of Taskforce on enforcement tour of Kara market, saying the initiative was aimed at improving environmental safety, as well as reducing congestion particularly during this festive season.

According to the SA, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, had earlier in a meeting between the management of the Ministry and Kara market, gave the directive that coordinated interventions, involving Environmental Officials and management of Kara market should work together for effectiveness, adding that the setback enforcement was essential for public safety.

He noted that the 5 meter setback was not optional. It was designed to reduce traffic congestion particularly during the festive season, to create safe walkway for the market users.

The Special Assistant noted that while carrying out the exercise, some make shifts structure built too close to the access roads were marked for removal, just as traders were advised to reorganize their stalls in line with the approved spatial layout or risk sanctions.

The representative of the Seriki of Kara market, Alhaji Hamsat Saidu, while responding, acknowledged the government’s directive, saying the market authority had earlier held a meeting with the Hon. Commissioner for Environment and they were always ready to comply with the directive given by Government to ensure a safe and healthy market environment.

 

Kemi Peters,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Environment