Make Your Mark Anywhere You Find Yourself: Ogun HoS Urges

Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro has urged young medical practitioners across the State to always learn from their mentors and make a difference anywhere they find themselves in order to be positive change agents in the society.

Dr. Aigoro who stated this as the Special Guest of Honour during an Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference, organised by the Nigerian Orthopaedic Association, Zone 1, held at the NMA House, Lukosi, Abeokuta, said that success without a successor was a failure, charging young Orthopaedic Surgeons to be dedicated and up to the tasks ahead.

" I am humbled for this honour and outpouring of goodwill messages. Everybody has his or her destiny cut out. In April 1997, only three of us passed the examination we sat for, while the two are now Professors in the Teaching Hospitals, my own part has been cut for me in the civil service and I thank God for taking me this far. For those coming behind, there are so many areas you can venture into and still make your mark" he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Elkanah Orimolade, said that Dr. Aigoro has been doing well in the association, and with the help of God, he is the first Orthopaedic Surgeon to attain the height as the Head of Service, calling on younger generations to show more dedication and patriotism to take the association to greater heights.

In her lecture, the keynote speaker, Mrs. Monique Gershon who spoke on "Addressing the Scourge of Brain Drain through Mentorship" said that mentees should be pushed out of their comfort zones and be made to try something new, which they have never done before, noting that, next generation should be empowered to rebuild the values in the health sector through mentoring.

In their goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Transformation Office (PSTO), Mr. Jola Oyeneye, a Consultant/Opthalmologist who is also the CMD, State Hospital, Ijaye and PS-designate, Dr. Moshood Oladeinde, and the CMD, State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Adetola, among others described Dr. Aigoro as an astute  administrator, a good leader, supporter and mentor, whom so many people have learnt a lot of positive things from and appreciated him for laying a solid foundation that they were all building on and following judiciously.

Ogun SWAN/Opulent Media Cup: State Information Team, 7 others proceed to Q/Finals

The ongoing SWAN/Opulent Media Cup has reached the quarter-finals stage.

The 5-Aside knockout football competition had 16 media organizations participated in the maiden edition.

The Ogun State Television (OGTV) knocked out Super FM, Ijebu-Ode 4-nil, while Nigeria Television Authority, (NTA) Abeokuta edged out Roots FM on 5-2 scoreline.

Radio Nigeria defeated Sweet FM 7-3, while the media derby between Rock City FM and Family FM ended 3-2 in favour of Family FM.

In other matches played, Consolidated Chapel, qualified to the quarter-final in 11goals thriller, beating Splash FM 6-5, Federated Chapel of Ogun NUJ also qualified to the last eight of the competition following the withdrawal of their opponent, OGBC.

Smash FM booked their place in the quarter-final through Walk Over, while Information Officers from the Ogun State Ministry of information and Strategy managed to beat the star-studded Microphone Mavericks of Ogun FIBAN 1-nil.

In the quarter-final fixtures, Radio Nigeria will clash with Federated chapel, while OGTV will battle for the Semi-final ticket with Consolidated chapel.

Other quarter-final matches include Family FM taking on Smash FM, State Ministry of Information will tackle NTA, Abeokuta.

The quarter-finals and semi-finals matches will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, while the final and closing ceremony comes up on Thursday, 31st March, 2022.

Members of the public are enjoined to grace the match venue at the Fun Turf of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Agura of Gbagura Honours Ogun HoS

The Agura of Gbagura, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Babajide Bakre has honoured the Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro with a royal award, as one of the three illustrious sons of Gbagura who distinguished themselves in the area of their callings.

Oba Bakre who personally presented the award to Dr. Aigoro during the royal reception organised by the Gbagura Development Council, held at the Millennium Hall, Abeokuta Club, described him as an easy going, humble and dedicated Gbagura man who always brought happiness to him and anyone he came across.

"There is nothing that I need that he will not provide. Even, if that thing is hard to come by, Dr. Aigoro will make it possible and by so doing, has touched so many lives positively. Indeed, he is a true son of Gbagura" the Royal Father said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Honourable Justice Ademola Bakre said that Gbagura people were not stupid but calm, calculated and always took wise decisions, describing Dr. Aigoro as a gentleman, very supportive and wonderful character with a humble background.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Gbagura Development Council, who doubles as the host, Chief Mukaila Atanda said the three sons of Gbagura,  Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, the Ogun State Head of Service and Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), have all made the Gbagura nation proud in their different fields of endeavours and worthy of the honours bestowed on them.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Aigoro thanked the organisers and HRM, Oba (Dr.) Babajide Bakre, for finding him worthy of the royal award, and promised to put in more efforts to affect lives, not only in the Civil Service, but among Gbagura people and Ogun State in general.

Dignitaries who graced the event included a retired HoS, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former GM, OGTV, Bashorun Festus Kehinde, a veteran film producer, Tunde Kilani, family members, friends and the wife of the HoS, Alhaja Nuratu Aigoro.

HOLD COMPULSORY EXAMS IN HIGH ESTEEM, HoS CHARGES WORKERS

Civil and Public Servants in Ogun State have again been told to embrace compulsory confirmation/promotion examinations and excel in it for upward movement.

The Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Nafiu Aigoro stated this today in Abeokuta during an assessment of the December 2021 edition of the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Tests and Compulsory Examinations for officers in the professional, sub-professional and junior cadres in the Civil/Public Service of the State.

Aigoro said the examinations must be undertaken by the newly recruited officers or existing ones who are seeking for advancement and inter cadre transfer in their professional careers.

The Head of Service who noted that some officers are not aware that they should sit for the examinations called on heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to inform their officers on the need to write the examination, as it may negatively affect them if not done as at when scheduled.

"The examination, which is an open book is meant to expose workers to how to go about their duties, in order to enhance their performance as they optimally discharge their statutory duties to the State", Dr. Aigoro said.

Appreciating the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for approving the conduct of the examinations, the Head of Service also acknowledged the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo and her team for the good conduct, as well as the management of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and called on all Civil Servants to continue to be up and doing in the discharge of their duties.

In separate interviews, Ifeoluwa Adeyemo from the Ministry of Justice and Akintayo Soyooye from the Ogun State Television (OGTV) commended the State government and the organisers for the conduct of the examinations, adding that it has exposed them afresh to their schedules and has put them on their toes to achieve more.

Ogun, World Bank collaborate on Economic Transformation Project to Better Citizens Lives

...train 120 professionals to mitigate against resultant effects

The Ogun State Government in partnership with the World Bank has embarked on an Economic Transformation Project in the State to holistically transform people's lives economically and socially while taking into consideration the negative resultant effects that may come with it.

The Acting Project Co-ordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi made this known during a five-day continuous stakeholders' training for 120 professional officers in the State's Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Understanding Gender-Based Violence that may result from the implementation of World Bank Projects and how to mitigate against such at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Owo-Odusi explained that the project is a multi-sectoral one that is well thought out by government to bring meaningful transformation in various sectors of the State so as to see positive changes in the lives of the people and inturn bring economic viability to the State.

She disclosed that the project focuses on four broad sectors which include; Public Sector Management, Agriculture, Business Enabling Environment, and the Skill sector adding that these sectors cover Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Bureau of Land and Survey, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun Invest, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, and Public Service Transformation Office amongst others.

According to her, the Public Sector Management seeks to institutionalize and develop many systems and reforms where there is none and to strengthen the existing systems where it is not working effectively through monitoring and evaluation, statistics, procurement, and public sector transformation for proper management and coordination of projects.

Speaking on the Agriculture, the Acting Project Co-ordinator noted that the project focuses on how 40,000 farmers who have not enjoyed any government intervention in the sector, especially women can benefit from the project's marching grants for the agricultural value chain adding that this would bring economic returns to them and government in terms of payment of taxes.

In the area of Business Enabling Environment which is the bedrock on which others rest, Owo-Odusi said the whole essence is to see how private investors can come into the State adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost and ease of doing business is modified so as to attract more businesses.

On the Skills Sector, the Acting Project Co-ordinator who said, "in all that the State is planning, if we do not improve the manpower capacity of the people, nothing will work", disclosed that one of the greatest challenges encountered by the people is inability to access fund to upgrade themselves disclosing that there is "Ogun Skills fund" that has been set aside through the transformation project for artisans and the training providers. 

In her presentation, the training facilitator, Mrs. EwaJesu Fasina, said the project's appraisal document approves that a minimum of 40% of the beneficiaries of the economic transformation project must be women and youths, hence the need to engage gender based specialists to help mitigate against the high risks of sexual abuse and exploitation that comes with the influx of contractors and industrialists into a community.

Fasina added that the project prioritizes the empowerment of stakeholders and professional officers that implement government decisions on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, Grievance Redressing Mechanism that can address cases of violence, Psycho-Social Counselling to help survivals, and the Silent Rise in the Male-Child Abuse due to neglect. 

The facilitator reiterated that while the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government is determined to improve the living conditions of the people, it is also committed to safeguarding their social lives because there is no economic transformation benefit, when the social welfare and lives of the citizens have been damaged.

Highlighting some of the strategies to be adopted in tackling gender based violence, Fasina disclosed that the project through a non governmental organization will develop audio-visual documentaries to sensitize the communities about mitigation so that the younger generation will not be victims adding that the project has also designed a secured reporting structure to effectively respond to any case of sexual abuse which would eliminate the issue of stigmatisation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke appreciated the World Bank and the Ogun State Government for the great project initiative aimed at improving the living standard of the people in all ramifications.

Ogun, World Bank Partner on Economic Transformation Project to Improve Living Conditions

...train 120 professionals to mitigate against resultant effects

The Ogun State Government in partnership with the World Bank has embarked on an Economic Transformation Project in the State to holistically transform people's lives economically and socially while taking into consideration the negative resultant effects that may come with it.

The Acting Project Co-ordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi made this known during a five-day continuous stakeholders' training for 120 professional officers in the State's Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Understanding Gender-Based Violence that may result from the implementation of World Bank Projects and how to mitigate against such at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Owo-Odusi explained that the project is a multi-sectoral one that is well thought out by government to bring meaningful transformation in various sectors of the State so as to see positive changes in the lives of the people and inturn bring economic viability to the State.

She disclosed that the project focuses on four broad sectors which include; Public Sector Management, Agriculture, Business Enabling Environment, and the Skill sector adding that these sectors cover Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Bureau of Land and Survey, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun Invest, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, and Public Service Transformation Office amongst others.

According to her, the Public Sector Management seeks to institutionalize and develop many systems and reforms where there is none and to strengthen the existing systems where it is not working effectively through monitoring and evaluation, statistics, procurement, and public sector transformation for proper management and coordination of projects.

Speaking on the Agriculture, the Acting Project Co-ordinator noted that the project focuses on how 40,000 farmers who have not enjoyed any government intervention in the sector, especially women can benefit from the project's marching grants for the agricultural value chain adding that this would bring economic returns to them and government in terms of payment of taxes.

In the area of Business Enabling Environment which is the bedrock on which others rest, Owo-Odusi said the whole essence is to see how private investors can come into the State adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost and ease of doing business is modified so as to attract more businesses.

On the Skills Sector, the Acting Project Co-ordinator who said, "in all that the State is planning, if we do not improve the manpower capacity of the people, nothing will work", disclosed that one of the greatest challenges encountered by the people is inability to access fund to upgrade themselves disclosing that there is "Ogun Skills fund" that has been set aside through the transformation project for artisans and the training providers. 

In her presentation, the training facilitator, Mrs. EwaJesu Fasina, said the project's appraisal document approves that a minimum of 40% of the beneficiaries of the economic transformation project must be women and youths, hence the need to engage gender based specialists to help mitigate against the high risks of sexual abuse and exploitation that comes with the influx of contractors and industrialists into a community.

Fasina added that the project prioritizes the empowerment of stakeholders and professional officers that implement government decisions on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, Grievance Redressing Mechanism that can address cases of violence, Psycho-Social Counselling to help survivals, and the Silent Rise in the Male-Child Abuse due to neglect. 

The facilitator reiterated that while the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government is determined to improve the living conditions of the people, it is also committed to safeguarding their social lives because there is no economic transformation benefit, when the social welfare and lives of the citizens have been damaged.

Highlighting some of the strategies to be adopted in tackling gender based violence, Fasina disclosed that the project through a non governmental organization will develop audio-visual documentaries to sensitize the communities about mitigation so that the younger generation will not be victims adding that the project has also designed a secured reporting structure to effectively respond to any case of sexual abuse which would eliminate the issue of stigmatisation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke appreciated the World Bank and the Ogun State Government for the great project initiative aimed at improving the living standard of the people in all ramifications.

OGUN, LAGOS SYNERGISE TO FREE BADAGRY/AGBARA EXPRESSWAY OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES

Ogun State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) has set machinery in motion to get rid of illegal shanties and structures along Badagry/Agbara expressway.

Leading a team of Environmental Health Officials and Marshals from Ogun State, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Farouk Akintunde said the move became necessary to free the road which is a boundary between both States of incessant gridlock being experienced by motorists and the people.

Akintunde who stated that the agencies were determined to avoid any situation that could lead to loss of lives and property, implored traders to obey the directives and abatement notices which had earlier been served by government officials.

 The Governor’s Aide said it essential to stop all trading activities, particularly under the power line, saying “we should also realise that this axis is an international route and a major highway that connects Nigeria to the Republic of Benin. So, you should desist from unwholesome acts that negate environmental laws”.

On his part, the 2iC and Deputy Commandant, Intelligent and Supervision LAGESC/KAI, Mr. Ganiyu Salami said the teams were concerned about the environmental infractions in the area, pointing out that the illegal shanties and structures had become a hiding spot for miscreants and robbers.

Salami stated that the situation was worrisome as traders have turned the Agbara roundabout in Ogun State which used to be a garden into a marketplace, noting that the display of wares along the roadside had led to the traffic gridlock in the axis.

He sought the understanding of stakeholders in the area and assured that the teams would sustain its enforcement exercise.

OGSG, World Bank Partner on Economic Transformation Project to Improve Living Conditions ...train 120 professionals to mitigate against resultant effects

By Femi Osipitan

The Ogun State Government in partnership with the World Bank has embarked on an Economic Transformation Project in the State to holistically transform people's lives economically and socially while taking into consideration the negative resultant effects that may come with it.

The Acting Project Co-ordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi made this known during a five-day continuous stakeholders' training for 120 professional officers in the State's Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Understanding Gender-Based Violence that may result from the implementation of World Bank Projects and how to mitigate against such at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Owo-Odusi explained that the project is a multi-sectoral one that is well thought out by government to bring meaningful transformation in various sectors of the State so as to see positive changes in the lives of the people and inturn bring economic viability to the State.

She disclosed that the project focuses on four broad sectors which include; Public Sector Management, Agriculture, Business Enabling Environment, and the Skill sector adding that these sectors cover Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Bureau of Land and Survey, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun Invest, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, and Public Service Transformation Office amongst others.

According to her, the Public Sector Management seeks to institutionalize and develop many systems and reforms where there is none and to strengthen the existing systems where it is not working effectively through monitoring and evaluation, statistics, procurement, and public sector transformation for proper management and coordination of projects.

Speaking on the Agriculture, the Acting Project Co-ordinator noted that the project focuses on how 40,000 farmers who have not enjoyed any government intervention in the sector, especially women can benefit from the project's marching grants for the agricultural value chain adding that this would bring economic returns to them and government in terms of payment of taxes.

In the area of Business Enabling Environment which is the bedrock on which others rest, Owo-Odusi said the whole essence is to see how private investors can come into the State adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost and ease of doing business is modified so as to attract more businesses.

On the Skills Sector, the Acting Project Co-ordinator who said, "in all that the State is planning, if we do not improve the manpower capacity of the people, nothing will work", disclosed that one of the greatest challenges encountered by the people is inability to access fund to upgrade themselves disclosing that there is "Ogun Skills fund" that has been set aside through the transformation project for artisans and the training providers. 

In her presentation, the training facilitator, Mrs. EwaJesu Fasina, said the project's appraisal document approves that a minimum of 40% of the beneficiaries of the economic transformation project must be women and youths, hence the need to engage gender based specialists to help mitigate against the high risks of sexual abuse and exploitation that comes with the influx of contractors and industrialists into a community.

Fasina added that the project prioritizes the empowerment of stakeholders and professional officers that implement government decisions on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, Grievance Redressing Mechanism that can address cases of violence, Psycho-Social Counselling to help survivals, and the Silent Rise in the Male-Child Abuse due to neglect. 

The facilitator reiterated that while the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government is determined to improve the living conditions of the people, it is also committed to safeguarding their social lives because there is no economic transformation benefit, when the social welfare and lives of the citizens have been damaged.

Highlighting some of the strategies to be adopted in tackling gender based violence, Fasina disclosed that the project through a non governmental organization will develop audio-visual documentaries to sensitize the communities about mitigation so that the younger generation will not be victims adding that the project has also designed a secured reporting structure to effectively respond to any case of sexual abuse which would eliminate the issue of stigmatisation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke appreciated the World Bank and the Ogun State Government for the great project initiative aimed at improving the living standard of the people in all ramifications.

OGUN PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR WOMEN, GIRL-CHILD IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION

In its resolve to encourage the female folks to be skillful and self-reliant, the Ogun State Government has pledged its continued support for women in technical education and employment, as well as the development of the girl-child in technical education.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa who made the disclosure while playing host to Women in Technical and Vocational Education (WITED), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) chapter, noted that the present administration placed premium in empowering women and the girl-child, to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the States.

Prof. Odemuyiwa posited that technical education remains the best form of education that is capable of sustaining an individual, the society, and transforming the economy of the nation, urging people to take advantage of it to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

“In Ogun State, we place a lot of importance on developing the girl-child in technical education. In the last two years, there has been a great improvement in the enrolment of female students in our technical colleges, as we have female students even in Mechanical Engineering craft practice. We also have a lot of them in Electrical Installation Technology and other fields which were seen as men dominated. So, there are lots of opportunities for women in technical education”, he said.

He disclosed that the government is working to ensure that technical education is incorporated into all levels of education in the State to develop basic technology and make it more appealing for the learners to see it as necessary, and it is implementing the aspect of choosing at least a trade subject for every school leaver.

Prof. Odemuyiwa revealed that for the State to maintain its position as the industrial hub of Nigeria, there is need to develop technical education as its importance cannot be over-emphasised, assuring the Association of the government's collaboration and support with the view to exploring other areas towards projecting technical education for the women, just as he charged them to bequeath good and lasting legacies for those coming behind them.

Speaking earlier, Vice-Chairperson of the Association, Dr. (Mrs.) Abidemi Taiwo, noted that the visit was to seek support in its  sensitisation drive for greater integration of women in technical programmes, encourage women to engage in all fields of leadership without gender discrimination, cooperate with other agencies to increase women's participation in development and technical areas at all levels, as well as develop programmes in enhancing women’s role in technical education and employment, among others.

On her part, the Director, Linkage and Continuing Education, MAPOLY, Dr. (Mrs.) Adebambo Akinyosoye, encouraged more girl-child to venture into the male-dominating fields, expressing hope that they would carve a niche for themselves with encouragement from parents.