OGUN ORGANISES PENSION CLINIC FOR CIVIL/ PUBLIC SERVANTS

A window of opportunity tagged "Pensions Clinic" has been organised for Civil/ Public Servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), who have issues relating to their Retirement Savings Account (RSA's).

Speaking at the programme held at Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, the Permanent Secretary , Bureau of State Pensions, Mrs Arinola Adetayo noted that the platform was meant to get issues resolved within the confines of the office environment, saying the Pension Fund Administrators would attend to all issues connected to Retirement Savings Account within the 3 days. 

The exercise according to her was important for Civil/ Public Servants, in order to get their benefits after retirement.                        

                

Also speaking, the acting Chairman, Ogun State Pension Administrators Forum, representing Nigeria Life and Pension Consultant, Mr Salau Ismael said Pension Fund Administrators are responsible for life and management of retirement savings under Nigeria's Contributory Pension Scheme, to ensure safe keep and growth of contributors until they are due for retirement.

                              

Salau, emphasised that the exercise would assist in solving problems relating to Retirement Savings Account (RSAs) like Invalid pin,no pin, multiple pins, and contributors that were not receiving regular messages. 

Pension Fund Administrators in attendance at the exercise which would run till Thursday April 23,2026 were NLPC , Leadway Pension, Oak, Crusader, Trustfund, Access ARM, PAL, FCMB, Stanbic IBTC, Ventes, Premium and Tangerene APT Pension.     

                       Participants including Mr Saheed Owolabi and Tayo Olusanya, appreciated the organisers for a smooth and stress free exercise.      

  Sururat Odusanya. IPRO , Bureau of State Pensions .

OGUN HoS HARPS ON KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION, LEADERSHIP, CAPACITY BUILDING

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya has emphasised the importance of continuous thirst for knowledge to avoid stagnation and decline in professional standards.

Mr. Onasanya made this known during a Leadership and Union Training, organised by members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, Ogun State Council, at the Pharmacy House, Leme Abeokuta.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, the HoS encouraged the Union to keep sending its members for training so as not to become obsolete, but updated with new trends and ideas.

Affirming the aptness of the theme, the Head of Service noted that, "Leadership is not what we can toil with. You can only lead well when you are well equipped with adequate training", adding that there was always room for improvement.

While delivering the lecture titled, "Ethics and Excellence: Building a Culture of Accountability in Trade Unionism", the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour, Mr. Andy Egboh, disclosed that without ethics and excellence, there would be chaos, charging participants to act with integrity especially when under pressure, reiterating that ethics would build trust and credibility, noting that excellence is not a destination, but a journey embarked upon daily, to become better.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, Ogun State Council, Pharm. Adesina Abiodun, charged union members to have the sense of oneness and unity of purpose, emphasising that in unity, lies the strength of the Union.

 

Femi Osipitan,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Hoapitals Manavement Board

OGEPA TO HOST ANNUAL CHEMICAL USERS, HANDLERS WORKSHOP ON E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) is set to host the 4th edition of its Annual Chemical Users and Handlers Workshop, an event that brings together stakeholders, environmental experts and industry players to address the growing challenge of electronic waste management with the theme: ‘Transforming E-waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solution for Ogun State’.

This was disclosed by the General Manager, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, who noted that the workshop was designed to educate chemical users, waste handlers and environmental practitioners on responsible practices, while exploring innovative solutions for managing electronic waste.

‘’Electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, has become a major environmental concern due to the rapid increase in discarded electronic devices such as computers, phones and household appliances. When improperly handled, these materials can release hazardous substances that pose risks to human health and the environment,” he said.

The General Manager said the upcoming workshop would provide a platform for experts and participants to examine how the circular economy approach could transform the e-waste challenge into economic and environmental opportunities

Also speaking, Director, Hazardous Materials Management and Environmental Safety Department, Mr. Saburi Lawal, said participants expected at the event include; government officials, environmental regulators, manufacturers, waste management professionals, academic researchers, representatives from private sector organisations among others.

 

Luke Adebesin,

Information & Public Relations Officer OGEPA

SAPZ/IFAD STRENGTHENS FARMERS CAPACITY THROUGH AGRICULTURAL MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEM IN OGUN STATE

In a bid to continually improve the capacity of smallholder farmers, the Special Agro-Indusrial Processing Zones Programme(SAPZ) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has trained its farmers on the use of agricultural Market Information System (AGMIS).

The initiative is aimed at improving access to real-time information and market data to enhance agricultural productivity.

The training, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, brought together multi-stakeholder agribusiness forum (MAF) chairmen, smallholder farmers, cooperative leaders, and agribusiness stakeholders from across the SAPZ clusters.

The programme focused on equipping farmers with practical knowledge on how to access, interpret, and apply market information such as commodity prices, demand trends, weather forecasts, and supply chain updates.

Speaking at the event, the State Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, reiterated the significance of the training to farmers’ daily operations. She urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, noting that significant resources had been committed to improving their productivity and adding value to their activities.

Also speaking, the National Rural Institution Expert, Mr. Abel Ameh, highlighted the importance of the training, describing the AGMIS as a platform developed by SAPZ with the support of IFAD to link smallholder farmers to larger markets. According to him, the platform enables farmers to upload their commodities for immediate purchase by buyers across different locations, thereby reducing post-harvest losses. He added that the system enhances farmers’ visibility, ensuring their produce reaches a wider audience.

Ameh further noted that limited access to accurate and timely market data has long been a major challenge for farmers, often resulting in poor pricing decisions and significant losses. He explained that the introduction of the AGMIS platform is expected to bridge this gap by providing farmers with critical insights for informed decision-making.

Co-facilitators of the programme, Mr. Michael Oredola and Mr. Gbenga Agbeja of Dolarmicheck, took participants through hands-on sessions on navigating the platform, analyzing market trends, and connecting with potential buyers. They emphasized that the system is user-friendly and accessible via mobile devices, making it suitable for farmers in remote areas.

A key highlight of the training was the emphasis on transitioning farmers from subsistence farming to a more market-oriented approach, thereby increasing their visibility and income potential. By leveraging the AGMIS, farmers can identify high-demand crops, optimize planting schedules, and negotiate better prices for their produce.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Olufemi Oluwaseyi from Ijebu-East and Mr. Timothy Aina from the Obafemi Owode cluster expressed appreciation to the government and IFAD for the initiative. They noted that access to reliable market information would reduce exploitation by middlemen and significantly improve their bargaining power. They added that the training had opened their eyes to better planning and smarter selling strategies.

The Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Mrs. Damilola Akindele, reiterated SAPZ’s commitment to continuous capacity building and the integration of technology in agriculture. She noted that the AGMIS training forms part of broader efforts to modernize agriculture, increase value addition, and strengthen food security.

The SAPZ programme is a Federal Government initiative implemented in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the State Governments. It is designed to transform rural economies by establishing efficient agro-processing hubs linked to farmers, creating employment opportunities, enhancing food security, and reducing rural poverty.

With the integration of digital tools like the Market Information System, stakeholders remain optimistic that the initiative will improve farmers’ livelihoods and drive sustainable agricultural growth. Participants are also expected to cascade the knowledge gained to others within their communities, ensuring wider adoption and long-term impact across the agricultural value chain.

SHSOMAN North American Alumni Renovates Antenatal Clinic, Donates Equipment

ABEOKUTA –

In a strategic move to bolster medical infrastructure and maternal healthcare in Ogun State, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, has received a significant boost following the official handover of its newly renovated and equipped antenatal clinic.

The project, spearheaded by the North American Chapter of the Sacred Heart School of Nursing and Midwifery Alumni (SHSOMAN), was designed to enhance the patient experience by creating a dignified, patient-centered environment.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Global Alumni President, Nurse Taiwo Akinboboye, described the initiative as a symbol of compassion and a firm commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health. She noted that the project represents hope for families and future generations.

The President of the North American Chapter, Nurse Oyinlola Talabi, emphasized that the upgrade aims to restore trust and respect in local healthcare delivery.

According to Talabi, the facility was overhauled to promote safer pregnancies and strengthen the hospital’s overall capacity.

> “One thing we care deeply about is investing in the healthcare industry and patient care. We want patients to be active participants in their healthcare team, not just objects of care. This facility is designed to impact their lives positively,” Talabi explained.

Also speaking, former President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Nurse AbdulRafiu Adeniji, called for increased collaborative funding to support similar healthcare projects.

In their respective goodwill messages, Ambassador of the SHSOMAN Alumni, Nurse Remi Olusesi, , and Nurse Folakemi Enilolobo emphasized that quality antenatal care remains the most critical factor in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the region.

Responding on behalf of the hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Gregory Arifalo lauded the intervention as "timely," noting that it directly addresses the aging infrastructural deficits of the facility. He noted that the 130-year-old institution remains a pivotal healthcare provider for Ogun State and neighboring regions.

“We truly appreciate this laudable gesture from the North American alumni. On our part, we shall continue to strive to ensure we provide effective service to the people at all times,” Dr. Gregory stated.

The renovation, valued at millions of Naira, included both structural upgrades and the donation of essential medical and administrative tools:

 * Technology: Laptops for data management.

 * Comfort: Ceiling fans and new office desks.

 * Diagnostic Tools: Blood pressure apparatus, glucose monitors, stethoscopes, infrared thermometers, and pulse oximeters.

Organizers noted that this handover marks the beginning of a larger commitment to community health development, with further interventions expected to enhance maternal care and overall wellbeing in the future.

OGSERC BEGINS OPERATIONS TO DRIVE STABLE ELECTRICITY AND FAIR PRICING

In a decisive move to end the era of energy uncertainty, the Ogun State Government has officially operationalised the Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OGSERC), marking a transition from mere legislation to active legislation, aimed at driving robust transformation of the State’s power sector.

Inaugurating the newly constituted 15-man administrative team, led by a legal expert, Miss. Oluwatoyin Sonoiki in Abeokuta, Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said that the commission was now legally empowered to regulate all electricity providers within the State, saying that the specifically designed State Electrification Fund would bring light to underserved and rural communities that had long been left in the dark.

Onasanya said further that, the mission was to build a modern, reliable and independent electricity market that would benefit the citizens across the State, noting that the operation of OGSERC was not only about bureaucracy, but to create a system that would protect consumers, with a firm mission of overseeing fair tariffs, consumer protection and market growth.

"The Commission is not here to be a 'cog in the wheel' of progress, but to collaborate with operators to ensure our people get real value for their money," Onasanya stated.

Also making his remark, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Dipo Ogunfowora, emphasised that the regulatory framework would remain the backbone of the State’s economic ambition.

"We are building a power sector that is efficient and capable of supporting our journey toward becoming a true industrial megacity," he noted.

In her response, the Executive Secretary, Miss. Oluwatoyin Sonoiki, expressed deep gratitude for the Governor's vision that had gradually materialised into reality.

She assured residents that the Commission would operate with "loyalty, accountability and dedication," working hand in hand with operators to meet the high expectations of every Ogun household and business.

With OGSERC now fully active, Ogun State would no longer be waiting for power, rather, ownership of energy distribution had begun.

Temitope Adewunmi,

Communication & Public Affairs Officer OGSERC

PENSIONERS GET ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFIT CHEQUE, LAUD GOVT. COMMITMENT

In fulfilment of its promise to ensure a peaceful life for workers after retirement, the Ogun State Government has presented Additional Pension Benefit cheques to eligible retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme

 The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, at the official presentation of the cheques to the retirees, at Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, reaffirmed that the one- off lump sum was to give the retirees soft landing with the sole aim of beginning a new life.  

 Governor Abiodun noted that the government would continue to put smiles on the faces of pensioners who had sacrificed and contributed to the development of the State, assuring them that their monthly benefits still remained with the Pension Funds Administrators ( PFA),who were expected to be sorting them monthly

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described the Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as a ‘Game Changer’, aimed to  bridge the gap and disparities between the Defined Pension Scheme (DBS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), saying it would strengthen confidence of retirees and prevent pension crisis.           

 In his contributions, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said annual pension payment increased from about N9 Billion in 2019 to over N20 Billion as at December 2025, saying the new arrangement had provided more favorable outcomes for retirees.       

  In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo, said the presentation of cheques to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme CPS was a clear demonstration that the Government was determined to support the senior citizens, noting that the retirees would be receiving between 116 percent and 280 percent of their Total Annual Emolument as Additional Pension Benefits (APB) and this payment would be made directly to their accounts. She revealed that Ogun State was the first to introduce the APB aimed at improving the welfare of the Senior Citizens, that all issues connected to it had been settled.

          Also speaking, Labour Leaders including; Ahmed Benco of the Nigeria Labour Congress and his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress, Akeem Lasisi, appreciated the government for being the first to do this in Nigeria, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mr. Waheed Oloyede, advocated that the programme must ensure transparency and sustainability, in order not to lose the purpose of its introduction.   

On their Part, representative of the Pensions Funds Administrators, Mr. Wale Adeniran and Mrs. Olubukola Orenuga, described the Contributory Pension Scheme as the best in order to ensure sustainability and transparency.    

 Some of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olaifa Idowu and Mrs. Osikoya Ekundayo, appreciated the Governor for his endless support towards the senior citizens by making life better especially with the current economic situation in the country.   

 

Sururat Odusanya,   

 Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of State Pensions