OGUN LG CHAIRMEN-ELECT GET CERTIFICATES OF RETURN

Following their victory at the poll in the just concluded 2021 Local Government elections in Ogun State, all the 20 Chairmen-Elect have been issued Certificates of Return with a call to see their victory as triumph for the people.

Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, while issuing the Certificates in Abeokuta, charged them to be magnanimous and implement people-oriented projects and programmes.

Osibodu urged them to be diligent, listen to the people and work to protect their interest, saying, “even though you have won the contest and have been congratulated, the ideal time for such should be at the end of your tenure when the people will decide whether you merit the congratulations or not”.

“I enjoin you to implement people–oriented projects and programmes, the people have put you there to work and serve them, not to lord it over them. Be gracious to your constituents and those who contested against you. It is not because you are better than them that you have succeeded, it is the grace of God, don’t allow success get to your head, remember, it is only a three-year tenure, before you subject yourselves to the people’s verdict”, Osibodu said.

Speaking, Chairman-Elect, Sagamu Local Government, Hon. Olashile Odulate promised to deliver good governance, saying his administration would focus on security, agriculture and infrastructure, as well as complement the on-going projects of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Odulate appreciated the Governor for supporting the call by the President, Mohammadu Buhari for autonomy of Local Government, as it would go a long way in helping them fully execute their blueprint and develop the community more, charging the youth to be resolute in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.

Responding, the Chairman-Elect, Remo North Local Government, Adedapo Odunsi, appreciated OGSIEC and the people for the peaceful conduct of the poll, promising not to let them down.

OGSIEC TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF RETURN TO CHAIRMEN, VICE CHAIRMEN ELECT

Following the successful conduct of the Local Government Elections held on Saturday, 24th July, 2021, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) will tomorrow, Monday, 26th July present Certificates of Return to all elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen.

Venue of the presentation is the Commission’s Headquarters, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, by 10am prompt.

All Chairmen and Vice Chairmen- Elect from the 20 Local Government areas in the state are expected to be seated by 9am prompt.

All Covid- 19 protocols to be strictly observed.

OGSIEC RELEASES RESULT FOR SAGAMU, FOUR OTHER LGs

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has released the results of the 2021 Local Government elections for the Chairmanship position for Sagamu and four other Local Government Areas in the State, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), winning all.

The results for the five Local Government so far announced by the Commission's Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu at its headquarters in Abeokuta, indicated that Odulate Olashile of the All Progressives Congress emerged winner for Sagamu Local Government after garnering 20, 935 valid votes, while Ajayi Olaoye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and David Sunday of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) secured 930 and 359 votes respectively.

Other results announced by Osibodu showed that, for Ijebu- East, Mr. Adewale Saliu Adedayo, also of APC, defeated his closest rival, Sanusi Sulaimon of PDP,  who secured 3,044 votes, with a total valid vote of 9,960, while Johnson Omolara of  NNPP scored zero vote and  Zacheus Adewale of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), also had zero vote.

For Ijebu North,  APC’s Odusanya Omobolaji came top with 25, 701 valid vote cast, defeating Afosi Morenikeji of NNPP and Sobowale Onabanjo, who amassed 594 and 1927 votes respectively.

Similarly, APC candidate in  Ijebu North East, Folusho Badejo, clinched 8,368 total vote cast to defeat PDP’s Odusanya Olukeke, who had 573 total vote cast, just as Odunsi Adedapo of the APC garnered 9,475 total vote cast to defeat the PDP’s candidate,  Obatunde Hakeem, who scored 604 votes.

The OGSIEC Boss promised to announce other results as they come in.

Eid-el-Fitri: Greater sacrifice needed to attain a better society - Akinlade

Nigerians especially leaders and elites have been urged to increase their level of sacrifice and commitment to nation building.

This call was made by the Federal Character Commissioner representing Ogun State at the Federal Character Commission, Abuja, Honorable Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade in his Eid-l-Kabir message to Muslim faithful and all Nigerians.

This is as he thanked Allah who made it possible for everyone to witness another joyful season again after a pandemic disrupted celebration last year.

Akinlade, who is the Baba Adinni of Yewa land, noted that “the society needs those in position of authority and responsibilities to make more sacrifices to enable the society witness even and equal life for all.”

The three-term House of Representatives who represented Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency prayed that,” The spirit of this season enlarge our capacity to treasure our relationship with Allah and secure for us a safe and more secured society founded on love through sacrifice for others.”

He urged everyone to learn from Prophets Ibraheem and Ismaeek (ASW) endurance and obedience to their covenants to God and man which in turn placed both prophets an enduring legacies and good posterities.

MEDIA ROLE IN ENGENDRING FREE, FAIR, CREDIBLE ELECTION EMPHASIZED

With exactly one week to the much anticipated 2021 Local Government elections in Ogun State, the media has been described as a very crucial stakeholder in engendering free, fair and credible elections as its role cannot be overestimated.

To this end, the Ogun State independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) recently put together a media parley, to appreciate the media, evaluate and further brainstorm on its preparation for the exercise.

Speaking during the parley, held in Abeokuta, Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, noted that it was necessary to recognize the immense contribution of the media in sensitizing the people, saying, without the media, the people will not be aware of the activities of the Commission.

“I want you to know that we owe you in high esteem, we recognize you as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, your role in elections cannot be overemphasized. Without the Media, the people will not know that election is holding on 24th of July, let alone be aware of our preparations and the need to know what is expected of the people on the day of the elections. With your support and ardent backing for us as a Commission, we know the people of Ogun State will further hear us loud and clear, we are rest assured that the people trust you to give them the news as it is.”, Osibodu said.

While responding to questions and suggestions during the Parley, the OGSIEC boss stated that the Commission was intensifying efforts to ensure that voter education is extended to the hinterland and to the people at the grassroots, making use of posters and  jingles in English, Yoruba as well as Egun Languages, adding that Paramount Rulers and other Traditional Rulers had been visited to help propagate the gospel of free, fair and credible elections.

In their separate remarks, the General Manager, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Mrs. Toyin Sogbesan, Secretary, State Media Analysis Team, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka as well as Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalist, NUJ, Ogun State Council, Mr. Soji Amosun, appreciated the Commission for its robust media engagements, calling for security of journalists during the elections, sustenance of the momentum by intensifying voter education.

The event was attended by Commissioners and top management of OGSIEC, media personalities from the electronic and print media, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) as well as bloggers

OGSIEC BOSS ASSURES OF CREDIBLE LG POLLS AS AKARIGBO DRUMS SUPPORT

As the 2021 Local Government elections in Ogun State draws nearer, the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), has again assured of a free, fair, credible and violence free exercise.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, maintained that the Commission was poised to deliver peaceful elections, hence, the need to solicit support of the royal fathers in achieving the task.

"We are here to formally notify you that we will be electing 20 Chairmen and 236 Councilors on Saturday, July 24, 2021. We know you are aware, but we deem it fit to come and inform you. We are also here to solicit your support to inform the generality of Remoland about the election. On our part, we have been sensitising the people, but our voice is not as powerful as the voice of our royal fathers.

"We also seek your royal blessings and prayers to deliver a peaceful, fair and transparent elections to the people of Ogun State", he said.

While advising that winners should be magnanimous in victory and losers to be gallant in defeat, Osibodu stated that the election should not be a do or die affair, warning those who want to cause trouble to steer clear of the election premises.

The Akarigbo in his remarks promised his Council's support, urging the Commission to maintain ‘Remo Standard’ in the conduct of the election.

"The same way we have Ogun Standard, we also have Remo Standard, I have no doubt that the election will be credible. I believe in your ability to deliver, we will continue to sensitise our people", the Monarch pledged.

500 Certified Artisans, Technicians, Craftsmen storm Ogun Industries...2000 more to be trained before December

The Ogun State Government through its Technical and Vocational Education Board has released 500 certified and well trained artisans, technicians and craftsmen into the society to reduce the shortage of skilled man power with a promise to train 2000 more before the year runs out.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Education, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa who made this known at the Grand Finale of the week long skills acquisition program organized to celebrate the year 2021 World Youth Skills Day held at the Ogun TechHUB, Kobape road, Abeokuta revealed that the beneficiaries have been given intensive training on both Technical and Vocational skills.

The Special Adviser said the  Board had earlier consulted the industries in the State to ask for their specific needs before training the participants in line with the industry's requirements assuring that these beneficiaries would be easily absorbed by the industries.

In a statement released by the Board's Media Officer, Mrs. Busayo Malaolu, the Special Adviser was quoted to have disclosed that, "We trained the participants in 8 different Technical and Vocational skills according to their choice and these beneficiaries cut across the entire State".

In his address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Dr. Damilare Kehinde congratulated the beneficiaries for the opportunity urging them to put to use all that they had been trained on. 

The number one youth in the State who enjoined all participants to embrace the shift from educational certification to hands-on technical know-how said any skill acquired is a life changing opportunity added that the more you practice the skill, the better you become as no skill learnt can ever be too much.

His counterpart from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olu-Ola Aikulola assured that her Ministry will continue to collaborate with Vocational and Technical Board to engender and create robust partnership which would increase skill acquisition and build self confidence calling on youths across the State to position themselves for opportunities as the State is the industrial capital of the country with enormous advantage to harness.

Speaking, the Chairman, Ogun State Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Abdul-Jabal Ayelaagbe said the way to go for us as a nation is skill acquisition imploring youths to put the same zeal they put in academics into choice skill for the greatness and development of the nation.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Messrs Saliu Ayodele of Solar Energy department, Balogun Joseph of Electrical Electronics department and Mrs. Funmilola Akindele of Catering department appreciated the Government for the training program affirming that they have benefitted immensely from the training.

The beneficiaries unanimously call on government to sustain trainings of this nature as it would continue to sharpen their skills for better productivity and make them useful to themselves and the society at large with a plea to government for empowerment in the area of working tools needed.

Highlight of the event was the distribution of certificates to the participants and the practical demonstration of the skills learnt.

500 YOUTHS BENEFIT FROM SKILL ACQUISITION TRAINING IN OGUN

No fewer than 500 youths have been trained by the Ogun State Technical Education Board at various Government Science and Technical Colleges on trades such as air-conditioner installation, phone repair, electrical/solar and catering services, among others.

 The Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Education, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa during an assessment tour to the training centers, said the development would make the youth employable and self-sustaining, to further reduce unemployment and insecurity in the country.

Odemuyiwa pointed out that the skill acquisition programme was organised to commemorate the 2021 World Youth Skills Day, adding that participants would be certified based on competence.

He said the present administration is determined to empower youths through vocational skills in order for them to be relevant and self-reliant in the society, urging the participants to make good use of the training.

In their separate reactions, Miss Bola Ige and Mr. Abdulazeez Shoaga who were trained on spray painting and electrical/solar, appreciated the State Government for the opportunity to acquire the skills which they opined would better their lives.

 

OGSIEC TRAIN RETURNING OFFICERS, CHARGE THEM ON GOOD CONDUCT

Returning Officers (ROs) participating in the forthcoming 2021 Local Government elections in Ogun State, have been trained by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), on Election Process, with a charge on them to uphold good conduct.

Speaking during monitoring of the exercise held simultaneously across different locations in the three Senatorial Districts, OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, said the training was aimed among other things, getting acquainted with the Returning Officers, charging them to avoid acts capable of putting the Commission in bad light,as they were all carefully selected.

According to Osibodu,  "I have no doubt about you all but all the same, I have to come and get to know you all better, so that you will know that we mean business. Everybody here today has been carefully selected for this assignment, we didn’t just pick you out from somewhere, we have seen your credentials and we know that you can do the job. I have come here to encourage you and to let you know that you are ambassadors of the Commission, and we expect you to behave well”.

He further advised them to restrain themselves from places and friends  that may stir suspicion, as they  must be seen to be neutral, adding that, integrity, honesty, probity, upright standing should be their watchword henceforth.

“We want your watchword to be integrity, probity, accountability. We want you to be people of good standings because whatever you do,  reflects upon us. We know you will not let us down and I want to assure you also that we will not let you down; what is due to you, we will make sure that you get. We must not let down the citizens of Ogun State. We must ensure that the will of the people prevailed. God will help us all as we do this”, the OGSIEC boss added.

He charged them to put all they were taught into good use, as they will need the skills, not just for the Local Government elections but for other National assignments, appreciating Electoral Officers (Eos) for showing good examples.

The trainings were held at the following centres across the state; Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta, St. Michael's Primary School, Ota, Yewa College Ilaro, Ijebu Mushin College, Ijebu-Ode, as well as Remo Secondary School, Sagamu.