MLG&CA TRAINS OFFICERS ON FISCAL DISCIPLINE

The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with HIBAD Strategic Solutions Limited, has trained Local Government officials in the State on effective performance and strict compliance in achieving government development policies and programmes.

Speaking during a 2-day training at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, themed: ‘Fiscal Administrative Due Process and Enhanced Internal Revenue Generation for Ogun State Local Government Councils’, Commissioner, in the Ministry, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat said the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ administrative and financial management capacity, while also sensitising them for due process for optimal service delivery.

He noted that a well-structured organisation is defined by the judicious and procedural utilisation of resources, which safeguards it against legal and administrative lapses and enhances institutional efficiency.

Hamzat stressed that promoting due diligence in public service was a collective responsibility, urging participants to actively engage in all sessions of the workshop to improve their performance and minimize avoidable risks in the discharge of their duties.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, urged participants to remain open to learning and relearning in order to achieve excellence in governance, adding that the knowledge gained would enhance effective service delivery at the local government level.

Earlier, a representative of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC ) Alhaji Idris Bakori, said the workshop was aimed to familiarise local government officials with financial regulations as well as to guide their operations.

He added that the collaboration would foster knowledge sharing and promote effective administrative practices.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Ogun State, Hon. Afolashade Adeyemo, described the workshop as timely, noting that modern governance is increasingly driven by transparency, accountability, adding that adherence to fiscal due process was fundamental to prudent financial management and building public trust.

Adeyemo further underscored the need for local governments to strengthen their internally generated revenue to adapt to current economic realities, urging councils to become more innovative and less dependent on statutory allocations.

Responding on behalf of participants, Chairman, Imeko Afon Local Government, Ambassador Theophilus Olorode, commended the organisers of the workshop, noting that improved revenue generation would enhance project delivery and improve the standard of living of the people.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired would translate into better service delivery, stronger institutions and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

 

Abiodun Okuboyejo,

Information and Public Relations Officer, MLG&CA

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