FIRST BATCH OF OGUN PILGRIMS RETURN FROM SAUDI ARABIA

The first batch of pilgrims from Ogun State to Saudi Arabia have returned to Nigeria after the completion of hajj rites.

The pilgrims totaling 400 comprised of 167 males and 233 females arrived Muritala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos at exactly 10:16pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, with AZMAN Airline QZ2345.

Speaking with newsmen on the arrival, one of the Ad-hoc Committee members, Sheikh Isqeel Lawal, thanked God for his mercy and protection of the pilgrims throughout the spiritual exercise, stating that there was no case of death being recorded.

Sheikh Lawal, who doubles as the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, commended Prince Dapo Abiodun for putting necessary machinery in place for a hitch-free operation, appreciating the pilgrims for their patience and perseverance, and urged them to continue to pray for the State and the country at large.

He advised them not to deviate from what they have learnt during the pilgrimage, enjoining them to take the other four pillars of Islam seriously, as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda, who confirmed the arrival of the first batch, noted that the flight that would convey the remaining pilgrims had been scheduled without any further delay.

In their responses, Alhaji Rasak Mutiu and Alhaja Sanni Kehinde who were among the newly arrived pilgrims lauded the government for the welfare package put in place both in Nigeria and in Saudi  Arabia, saying the effort of the Board had made the pilgrimage seamless.

OGSIEC PRESENTS CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO COUNCILLOR-ELECT

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has presented Certificate of Return to the Councillor-elect of the Joga/Ibooro Ward 5 in Yewa North Local Government Area of the State, Hon. Saheed Alli, who emerged winner of the just concluded Bye-election, with a majority of 1,749 votes.

Presenting the certificate to the new Councillor, OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, represented by one of the Commissioners in the Commission, Mrs. Gbemi Onasanya, congratulated him on his victory, enjoining the Councillor to use his good office to better the lots of his people.

He charged Hon. Alli to discharge his duties diligently and not disappoint the people who voted him, urging him to sensitise the people of his community towards the forthcoming general elections.

Another Commissioner at OGSIEC , Mr. Tajudeen Omolaja admonished the Councillor to see his new office as a stepping stone to greater achievements and strive to bring further development to his area.

In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary, OGSIEC, Mr. Oluwaseyi Sokoya, said the presentation of certificate symbolises the completion of the bye-election process, praying that the Councillor would live long to enjoy the new position he occupies.

Responding, Hon. Alli lauded the Commission for a well-coordinated process and appreciated every member of his community for their support during the election, promising not to let them down.

HoS ASSURES OF GOVT. COMMITMENT TO EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro has said that the government remains unwavering in its determination towards ensuring effective traffic and road management.

Aigoro stated this during an official opening of a day training for the newly promoted Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) officers, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noting that the initiative of the agency would enable it to record a hitch-free succession plan across all strata of its operatives.

The Head of Service said there is no gainsaying that effective traffic management requires skilled, disciplined, and well-trained personnel to take up higher responsibility, commending the officers for their efficient service delivery in the State’s road corridors.  

 Earlier in his keynote address, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga  Dairo enjoined the Corps to step up efforts towards expanding its operation to other means of transportation such as Rail, Air, and Water, which are embedded in the State’s Transport Master plan.

He said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s resolve for TRACE is to make it a model alongside other similar institutions in developed countries, affirming that the agency has been playing an active role in the smooth running of the Pilot Bus Mass Transit launched recently, which could be seen as an example of the expanding role of TRACE.

Dairo, who doubles as the Chief Host and one of the resource persons, said officers should manage and control accidents, crashes, emergencies, and fire outbreaks, as well as ensure the safety of road users, emphasised the need for officers to have basic traffic management knowledge and skills for effective feedback, whilst having expertise at traffic control.

In his welcome address, the TRACE Corps Commander, Seni Ogunyemi stated that the agency had been rejuvenated to work 24-hour daily to maintain a free flow of traffic on the State's major roads.

Ogunyemi said the training aimed at encouraging the officers and enhancing their capacity and capability for effective service delivery, as they advance in rank and structure to carry out their tasks professionally, noting that the move would help to improve the agencies' public image status.

He lauded the effort of Prince Dapo Abiodun, for facilitating the 2018, 2019, and 2020 promotion exercises, which had inspired the workforce to be more productive, charging the officers to reciprocate the government’s gesture.

In his remark, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina said information dissemination is germane in any government agency, promising that the  Ministry would continue to publicise activities of the government, particularly on traffic management, while his counterpart in the Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, emphasised the need for MDAs to include training in their annual budget.

Speaking on the theme of the training "Bridging the Contemporary Skill and Knowledge Gap in Traffic Management", the guest lecturer and Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Adedayo  Somoye said Civil Servants should explore different means to acquire knowledge that would help them in their jobs, enjoining officers to leverage on the  Information and Communication Technology advantage.   

One of the participants, Commander Olabode Abdul, said the training would equip them for higher responsibilities, appreciating the agency for the worthwhile package.

OGUN GOVT COMMENDS SKYE/GIZ OVER FOREIGN TOUR, OTHER TVET INTERVENTIONS

Ogun State Government has commended the German Agency for International Development, GIZ/SKYE for sponsoring foreign training tour for 8 principals, 11 technical instructors nominated by the government to Germany for further training in technical and vocational education sector.  

Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational education and training, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa, who gave the commendation while playing host to GIZ/SKYE Team  in his office in Abeokuta, affirmed that, apart from the recent sponsoring of principals and instructors from the state to Germany on capacity building, the organisation has had enormous contribution to the development of technical education.

“What GIZ/SKYE has been doing for us in Ogun State in the last two years is quite commendable. Our collaboration has translated to many positive changes and revamping of our technical and vocational education with beneficiaries cutting across board, from instructors to students. We greatly appreciate you for  confidence and belief in us. We assure you that we will not renege in our quest to change the phase of technical and vocational education but strive to sustain the results it has been yielding”, Odemuyiwa stated.

He revealed that the State was Nigeria’s industrial hub, hosting many multinational companies and ranks high in the ease of doing business hence, remains the safest in terms of security assuring that, it would continue to make room for partnership and collaboration to thrive seamlessly.

The Governor’s aide further asserted that the State is peaceful, assuring that the security of its personnel are guaranteed as it would continue to play its part for the Agency to achieve its goals and objectives across cities and villages of the State.

Speaking, Team Led, SKY/GIZ for Edo State, Rachel Schipper, extoled the Prince-Dapo Abiodun-led administration for turning around technical and vocational education, saying Ogun has made giant strides in the sector, necessitating more interest of the Agency to the State.

Schipper opined that the Agency was rounding-off the first phase of its Rural Youth Empowerment programme in conjunction with the Swizz Government, assuring that the second phase of the programme would include Ogun State, believing it would further engage the youths for meaningful endeavours.

Also speaking, Ogun State Cordinator, SKY/GIZ, Mr. Ibrahim Aliyu, appreciated the Team for its various interventions in technical and vocational education and for considering the State for its next phase of Rural Youths Empowerment, corroborating that the programme would be given the needed support.

OGSIEC CONDUCTS COUNCILORSHIP BYE-ELECTION AT JOGA/IBOORO WARD 5

In line with the Ogun State Electoral Law, the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), has conducted a Bye-Election into Joga/Ibooro Ward 5 in Yewa North Local Government Area, to elect another Councilor to complete the tenure of the former Councilor.

The process, which became imperative due to the demise of the former Councilor, Hon. Sunday Ogundele, witnessed massive turn out of voters across the eight polling units under the Ward, with Hon. Saheed  Ali declared as winner, having 1,749 majority votes.

Monitoring the process, Political party chieftains in the area, Including the State Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, APC Chairman, Mr. Adekunle Adeosun, the Council boss, Mr. Oluwole Ogunyomi amongst others, all commended OGSIEC for a well organised exercise, saying the orderliness at various polling units showed the Commission's level of preparedness towards a hitch free election.

Omoniyi, while noting that the exercise was peaceful and fair, appreciated the people in the area for trooping out to vote, assuring that, "efforts are in top gear to mobilizing people to get their permanent voters card for the 2023 general elections, as the window of opportunity is still open for people to register and those who have changed locations should transfer their registration  to their new locations".

Also speaking, the Awujako of Ijako , Oba ( Revd) Matthew Ewedairo assured that the newly elected Councillor will perform well,  saying, " Ali is loved by the people and the most preferred candidate. I want to commend OGSIEC for the wisdom deployed in conducting a free and fair election. Voting materials were sufficient and  voters turnout is highly encouraging".

The newly elected Councilor, Hon. Ali appreciated the people for the confidence reposed in him, promising to do his best to ensure development in the area

BYE ELECTION INTO JOGA/IBOORO WARD 5 HOLDS THURSDAY

PRESS RELEASE

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) will on Thursday, July 14, 2022, conduct a Bye-Election to replace the deceased Councilor, Hon. Isiaka Ogundele of Joga/Ibooro ward 5 in Yewa North Local Government Area of the State.

Voting will commence at 9.00am and end by 3.00pm at the following polling units; Near Dispensary Ibooro I (001) and II (002), Near Anglican Church, Ibooro 003, ST. John Primary School, Ijako (004), ST. Peter’s Primary School, Joga (005), Obalaju hall, Joga (006), Market Square, Joga I (007) and Joga II (008). 

All eligible voters are enjoined to adhere strictly to rules and regulations guiding the election process.

 

 

E-Signed:

Babatunde Osibodu,

Chairman, OGSIEC

 11th July, 2022

 

OGSIEC TAKES VOTER EDUCATION TO YEWA NORTH LG

As part of its sole responsibilities in electioneering process, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has taken voter education to three communities; Joga, Ibooro and Ijako in Yewa North Local Government (LG) Area of the state, to sensitise the people on the forthcoming bye election. 

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Monarchs in the communities, the Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu said the sensitization became necessary to prepare the people on the rudiments and procedures for casting their votes on the ballot papers, as well as ensure a peaceful and fair bye election on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

Osibodu noted that, despite efforts and measures put in place to get other political parties on board for the election, only All Progressives Congress (APC) showed interest for the election by picking up a nomination form, as such, only APC will be seen on the Ballot Paper.

“This is a different kind of election because only one party came out to express interest, so the Ballot Paper is meant for affirmation, Yes or No. it is important to explain this to the people before the election day”, the Chairman stated.

He maintained that, since only one party emerged, 50 percent of votes must be cast before the candidate can be declared winner of the bye election, which he said is in accordance to Ogun State electoral rules and regulations.

Osibodu reiterated that the electoral process became mandatory following the demise of the former Councilor, Hon. Sunday Isiaka and it is binding on the Commission by the law that a bye election must be conducted to elect another Councilor after a period of time.

In their separate remarks, the Monarchs, Abepa of Joga Orile, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, the Aboro of Ibooro land, Oba Daniel Salako and the Awujako of Ijako land, Oba (Revd) Matthew Ewedairo, commended the Commission for its efforts, promising to mobilise their people for a successful bye election.