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

Gov. Abiodun Sustains Efforts of Founding Fathers, Positions Ogun for Greater Development - Onasanya

The continued progress and development being experienced by the Gateway State over 50 years of its creation has been credited to the deliberate efforts made by its forebears, strength of its people, the commitment of its public service rooted in integrity, discipline and professionalism, as well as the sustained developmental agenda of successive governments. 

A former Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya who made this known at the 2026 Ogun State @50 London Summit and Jubilee Awards organized by the Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in United Kingdom at the Woolwich Common Community Centre, London disclosed that "the civil service became the engine room of governance, providing continuity, stability, and institutional guidance while laying the foundation for the excellence that has become synonymous with Ogun State".

Speaking on the topic, "Public Service Institutional Memories and Ogun @ 50", Mr. Onasanya revealed that the Service is the backbone of governance, affirming that without a strong and effective public service, even the most brilliant policies will fail. 

He added that Institutional Memories serves as the repository of knowledge, experience, and lessons learned over time which prevents workers from repeating mistakes and enables those coming behind to build on past successes.

Speaking about the remarkable transformation in Ogun over the past five decades, the former Head of Service revealed that the State has evolved in both structure, function and infrastructural development to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, following the policies and programs of successive administrations with the most recent being the ISEYA Agenda of Prince Dapo Abiodun. 

Onasanya noted that the State under the present leadership has witnessed remarkable progress across multiple sectors to include infrastructural development, economic diversification, and institutional strengthening. 

Highlighting some significant milestones that have placed the State on global map, Onasanya said the construction of the Gateway International Airport, the development of a deep seaport and a dry inland port, several road infrastructures, housing development, and urban renewal among others have improved connectivity, enhanced quality of lives, stimulated economic activities, and enhanced the State’s competitiveness in attracting both local and international investors. 

Following the present trajectory, the former Head of Service assured that the future of the State is very bright with the massive influx of investors into the State due to the ease of doing business policy of the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government with the recent development plan of Pure Dairy Herds, led by Mr. Farouk Gumel, to establish one of the largest dairy farms in Nigeria in the Ogun West Senatorial District with an initial investment of $250 million. 

According to him, the company has already acquired land for the project and is partnering with international experts to develop a world-class dairy facility that will strengthen local milk production, support food security, create employment, and deepen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain

On his part, the Nigeria's High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Alhaji Aminu Dalhatu commended the Association for putting the event together, adding that it would enable Ogun indigenes in diaspora to contribute their quota to the development of the State. 

Speaking earlier, the President of the Association, Chief Mrs Jumoke Ariyo said the event was put together to appreciate the founding fathers of the State at 50 and to further cross fertilize ideas on the potential and opportunities that can move the State forward.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards to indigenes from diverse professional background where the immediate past Head of Service of the State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya was honored with Public Service Excellence Award.

Femi Osipitan

OGEPA SEALS INDUSTRY OVER ALLEGED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE

The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has sealed Bonny Pie Industry, located at Akinbo Township, Ewekoro Local Government Area, over allegations of environmental pollution arising from the discharge of wastewater into a community river.

The action was carried out on the directive of the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, through the Agency's Enforcement Unit following a petition submitted by the Olu of Akinbo, Oba Rasheed Olamilekan.

According to the petition, the traditional ruler raised concerns that the company had been discharging untreated wastewater into a river serving the Akinbo community, thereby posing potential environmental and public health risks to residents.

Upon receiving the complaint, OGEPA's Enforcement Unit promptly visited the facility to assess the situation and verify the allegations contained in the petition.

Following a preliminary inspection, the Agency sealed the industry to prevent further environmental degradation, while a comprehensive investigation into the matter would continue.

The General Manager of the Agency, Hon. Kehinde Bello used the medium to reiterate the State Government's commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that industries operating within the State comply with established environmental regulations and standards.

He assured residents of Akinbo community that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, noting that appropriate actions would be taken based on the outcome of the findings.

Luke Adebesin,

Information and Public Relations Officer, OGEPA

Eid-el-Kabir: OGEPA GM, Kehinde Bello Urges Muslims to Embrace Sacrifice, Environmental Responsibility

 As Muslims across Ogun State and the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, has called on the faithful to reflect on the virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and compassion while also taking responsibility for environmental cleanliness.

In his Eid message released on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Hon. Bello congratulated the Muslim community on the occasion, noting that the festival commemorates the unwavering faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim.

“This blessed festival reminds us of the profound virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the Almighty. As we commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion, let us internalize the spirit of selflessness and extend compassion to our neighbours, especially the less privileged,” the OGEPA boss stated.

However, the General Manager used the opportunity to stress the need for environmentally conscious celebrations, warning against practices that could harm public health and degrade the ecosystem.

He urged residents to uphold the “Ogun Standard” of environmental consciousness by properly disposing of animal waste after slaughtering.

“After the sacrifice, please bag and dispose of remains at designated collection points. Do not dump them in drains, roadsides, or water channels,” Hon. Bello advised.

He also warned against the indiscriminate burning of refuse and stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene during cooking and merrymaking to prevent disease outbreaks.

The OGEPA General Manager assured that the agency would be on active monitoring duty across the state to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

“Let us not turn our festive joy into an environmental hazard,” he cautioned.

Hon. Kehinde Bello concluded his message with prayers for peace, prosperity, and good health for all residents, and wished Muslims a happy Eid Mubarak.

“May the blessings of this season bring peace, prosperity, and good health to you and your families. May Allah accept our acts of sacrifice and devotion,” he added.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Ogun green and clean, even in the midst of festive celebrations.

DS Adegbenro ICT Poly Chairman, Okanlawon, Hails Gov. Abiodun at 66

Chairman, Governing Council of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori-Ewekoro, 

Ambassador Toye Okanlawon has extended warm congratulations to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his 66th birthday and 7th anniversary in office.

In a press statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, Amb. Okanlawon described Governor Abiodun as a visionary leader and a champion of human capital development who has successfully positioned Ogun State as a thriving industrial and innovation hub.

Lauding the Governor’s commitment to education, technology, and youth empowerment, Okanlawon said "since assuming office with the promise to 'Build Our Future Together' through the ISEYA developmental agenda, the impact of your leadership has been visibly written across the landscape of our dear Gateway State".

The Council Chairman prayed for continued divine strength and wisdom for the Governor, expressing optimism that the final lap of his administration will usher in unprecedented prosperity for the people of Ogun State.