POVERTY ERADICATION: OGSG LAUNCHES LITERACY THROUGH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT STRATEGY

Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in conjunction with the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, has launched the Literacy Through Economic Empowerment Strategy to eradicate poverty among the citizens.

Speaking in Abeokuta during the flag-off of the programme, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu hinted that the programme would provide opportunities for the adults who faced barriers to education with tools they need for self and harnesses skills for economic empowerment.

Prof. Arigbabu noted that literacy for all is an integral part of education for all, and both were critical for achieving sustainable development, adding that it was the road to human progress and the means through which every man can realise their full potential.

He said, "One of the greatest things that could be done to help others is not just to share and give what you have, but to help them discover what they have within themselves to help themselves”.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye stated that the present administration recognised the immense importance of literacy and uneducated individuals constitute a drawback in its quest for the implementation of the change agenda, hence the need to engage in Mass Literacy for desired development.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman and Executive Secretary, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi and Dr. Mickail Lawal respectively, emphasised that "Nigeria is going more digital, more literacy" hence the need to replicate that in Ogun State, in order to take the educational system to a greater height.

Earlier in her remarks, the Director of Education, Agency for Mass Education, Mrs. Olubunmi Oso explained that the Programme was aimed at eradicating illiteracy among Nigerians, adding that it would also offer graduates, from both basic and post literacy programmes to be provided with relevant kits and starter packs.

Underscoring the purpose of the event, the Acting Director, Department of Vocational Skills and Continuing Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Nnenna Ejieji noted that the empowerment strategy was to drive people out of poverty, saying people would be empowered with tools on garment making, beauty, cosmetology and catering

 

Samuel Ogungbesan,

Press Officer, MOES&T.

OGFIMS GEARS TOWARD PROVIDING AID AND MANAGING FARMERS DATA

          Aimed at elevating and aiding the transformation of the Agricultural sector ,the recently launched Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) is geared towards providing aid and managing data of farmers, thereby serving as the catalyst for economy development and elevation of the sector in the State.

          The Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, stated this when he played host to the lead project consultant, OGFIMS and GermPlasm Health Unit of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Lava Kumar in his office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

  While inspecting the control room of OGFIMS at Oke-Mosan, Hon. Owootomo, said it was imperative for the Agricultural sector of the State to be elevated to aid its transformation through digitalization, stressing that a data-driven approach would empower farmers and ultimately improve their productivity.

          The Commissioner, highlighted his four strategic focus areas to include, increased agricultural productivity, improved value chain, job creation for the youth and attracting investment into the State agricultural sector.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Samuel Adeogun, maintained that OGFIMS was meant to serve as a database to manage farmers' information, stressing that the innovation would encourage young people to see agriculture as an important sector, knowing it has been digitalised.

Speaking, the Lead Facilitator, Dr. Lava Kumar explained that OGFIMS was a one-stop resource for information, coordination of farmers, e-marketing and other applications to improve agriculture and agricultural business sector in the State.

 

Morolayo Fadairo,

Press officer, Ministry of Agriculture

OGUN’LL CONTINUE TO EXECUTE INVESTMENT- FRIENDLY POLICES-COMMISSIONER

          The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, has assured of the government’s readiness to provide a conducive environment by executing investment-friendly policies for businesses to thrive in the state.  

          He stated this when he played host to the representatives of the British Deputy High Commission, Messer. Wale Adebajo and Shawn Anwoju, in his office at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the government was doing everything possible to ensure the state remain attractive for investors.

 "Ogun State has a vantage position in terms of location because of its closeness to Lagos and also share a border with another country, we have the highest number of industries," he said.

Owotomo emphasized that the government has put in place necessary infrastructure such as accessible road network, and gas plants, among others, to ensure the ease of doing business, explaining that the state government was ready to partner with institutions or individuals who would key into its policies, especially in the area of mechanized farming or agro-based industries.

The Commissioner encouraged intending investors to set up factories for processing of farm produce rather than exporting raw materials, in order to boost foreign exchange earnings and youth employment, pointing out that the state has very low political temperature and tension that guarantees security and safety of investors.

 Reacting, the representatives of British Deputy High Commission, Mr Adebajo, Shawn Anwoju said their visit was to familiarize themselves with the key players in the state economy and look at areas of possible collaboration, stressing that it was essential to know how politically stable the state is as well.

 

Morolayo Fadairo

Press officer, Ministry of Agriculture

COUNCILLORSHIP BYE-ELECTION: OGSIEC DECLARES APC CANDIDATE WINNER

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has declared Hon. Abosede Adeyemi as the winner of the just concluded Councillorship bye-election in Ilado Ward 10, Odogbolu Local Government Area of the State, having won with total votes of 939.

The bye-election was conducted to fill a Councillorship position which had been declared vacant after the demise of the former Councillor, Hon. Olufemi Taiwo.

The exercise took place in seven polling units including: in front of Ilado Social Club, Sibadewa Ilado; St Luke Primary School, Imodi Ijasi; Odosenlu Market, Odosenlu; Open Space at Aba Tiwa Aba Soobo; Open Space Akio; St John Anglican Primary School, Ilado and Town Hall, Imodi Ijasi all in Ward 10 of the Council Area.

Speaking after the declaration of the winner, Chairman, OGSIEC, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu expressed satisfaction at the success recorded by the electoral umpire, attributing it to adequate planning and due process by the Commission ahead of the bye-election.

Represented by one of the commissioners in the Commission, Mrs. Gbemi Onasanya, the Chairman, congratulated the newly elected Councillor, Hon. Abosede Adeyemi, for emerging victorious in the bye-election.

In his contribution, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Odogbolu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ijebu North-East, Local Government Area, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo, Commended OGSIEC for a job well done, saying the election process was seamless, adding that voters came out en-masse to exercise their franchise.

He equally congratulated the Councillor Elect, urging her to see her victory as a call to serve and not for personal interest.

Speaking after the exercise, Chairman Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Shuaib Ladejobi noted that "the election was highly commendable, the process was hitch-free and voters turned out in their numbers to vote". 

In his remark, the APC party Chairman in the Local government, Hon. Muyiwa Idowu, congratulated all party Chieftains for winning the bye-election in Ilado Ward 10 and appreciated OGSIEC for conducting a free and fair election.

WOMEN GROUP COALITION COMMENDS ABIODUN ON CHOICE OF COMMISSIONER

A coalition of women based NGOs, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center ( WARDC) and other women groups have applauded Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for appointing Hon. Adijat Adeleye as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state, describing the development as a round peg in a round hole.

Speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, the Director WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode said Hon Adeleye's exposure as a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and two-term member of the State Assembly, had enabled her to interface with women groups and advocating for the rights of Nigerian women.

'We believe that she will live up to expectations, and make groundbreaking changes in the lives of Ogun state women. As a body, WARDC and other women groups are committed to supporting her and continuing with our work for the protection in the state. I can boldly say her previous exposures qualified her for the new role' Akiyode- Afolabi enthused.

She called on the Governor to allow more women representation in subsequent appointments to his cabinet, urging the National Assembly to reconsider the gender bills which secure a minimum of 35% affirmative action for women in both elective and appointed positions.

Responding, Adeleye appreciated the women group for trusting her ability to move the ministry's activities to engender positive results, assuring them of her unflinching support towards making an indelible impacts in the lives of womenfolk in general.

"Let me assure you as well as womenfolk in the state of the present administration's readiness to improve the lots of women and we will not relent in our efforts at making the state a better place for all". She said

BYE-ELECTION INTO ILADO WARD 1O HOLDS THURSDAY

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) will on Thursday, October 26, 2023, conduct a Bye-Election to replace the deceased Councilor, Hon. Olufemi Taiwo of Ilado ward 10 in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the State.

This was made known in a release signed by the Chairman, OGSIEC, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, stating that voting will commence at 8.00 a.m. and end by 2 p.m. He gave the following; front of Ilado Social Club, Sibadewa,St Luke Primary School,Imodi Ijasi,Odosenlu Market,Open Space at Aba Tiwa,Soobo,Open Space,Akio,St.John Anglican Primary School,Ilado and Town hall,Imodi Ijasi as polling units where voting will be held.

Mr.Osibodu, however advised all eligible voters to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the electoral process.

 

Akindele Damilola,

Press Officer, OGSIEC.

HoS COMMENDS ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED HoS AND PERM SECS FOR PROVIDING QUALITY LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP

Members of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Ogun State have been commended for the many ways they are providing mentorship, leadership, guidance and support to continually move forward the Civil Service and the State at large.

The Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, gave the commendation while attending in company of some Permanent Secretaries, the Quarterly Meeting of the Association held at the Obas' Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Regarding his presence in the midst of those who mentored and moulded him to be what he is today as a rare privilege, the Head of Service appreciated the Association for positively touching the Civil Service in terms of pieces of advice to reform the service and impactfully moving the State forward.

Laying credence to the fact that since they know the weaknesses and strengths of the service, the Head of Service assured them that those coming behind would continually tap into the reservoir of knowledge and look unto them for guidance and support.

"I want to appreciate the Association for allowing its members to train workers in the Civil Service in order to raise the falling standard. I also want to thank them for serving in various committees such as Review Committee on Public Service Rules, Review Committee on Financial Regulations and Committee to Develop Induction and Orientation Manual, amongst others, as well as playing advisory roles, and providing guidance and support at all times", Mr. Fagbohun said.

The Head of Service equally pleaded with the senior citizens to exercise patience with the government and continue to support it, as all their demands will be given adequate attention in due course, as the state is prided with a passionate governor who is committed to the welfare of its citizenry.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Engr. Adeniyi Abiola, while appreciating the Head of Service, elderstatemen and members of the Association for their presence and unflinching support at moving the Association, Civil Service and State forward, solicited for more support as a lot of grounds still needs to be covered for more progress.

In attendance with the Head of Service were Permanent Secretaries from the Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mrs. Bukola Adeniregun, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Hameed Ojo, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde and his counterparts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Samuel Adeogun and Mr. Timothy Olatunji.

Omolara Osindele and Tunde Olayiwola

Office of the Head of Service

GOV. ABIODUN APPROVES UPGRADE OF OVER 230 OGUN WORKERS

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the release of letters to over 230 successful serving officers who sat for the 2021 and 2022 Upgrading examinations and were successful in extended interviews into higher cadres from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the service.

          The Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Engr.Tokunbo Odebunmi disclosed this in a release issued in Abeokuta, saying the successful candidates were officers who had obtained higher academic qualifications through self- development and sailed through the entire process of Upgrading.

          Engr. Odebunmi further revealed that those candidates who passed the three stages of the upgrading process and categorised into both professional and sub-professional cadres based on their certification, would have the opportunity of utilising their potentials in improving the civil service.

           The Commission's Chairman emphasized that the purpose was aimed at gearing up workers in the service to develop themselves in their relevant fields for effective service delivery, adding that this would go a long way at ensuring progress in their chosen careers.

          He therefore urged concerned officers to reciprocate the Governor's kind gesture through more dedication to duty and improvement in productivity, saying the present administration will leave no stone unturned to improve workers’ productivity and development in critical areas of needs.

 

Funmi Onafowope,

Press Officer, CSC.

I WILL OPERATE AN OPEN DOOR POLICY- ADELEYE

 The newly sworn-in Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has said that she would operate an open-door policy and welcome ideas, initiatives, and innovations that would move the ministry and the State to an enviable height.

Hon. Adeleye made this known while speaking with newsmen during the first day of her resumption in office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noting that the present administration would continue to prioritize the social welfare and development of the state.

The Commissioner called on members of staff to synergize with the management in order to achieve the set objectives to cater for women, girl-child, and people living with disabilities, saying their cooperation would go a long way in putting the ministry on a high pedestal.

           In her remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi, promised a cordial working relationship with the new Commissioner to achieve the set objectives of the ministry, saying the State government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that welfare and wellbeing of women folks are prioritised.

 

Tayo Olusanya,

Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Motivate Your Workforce For Optimal Performance, Ogun HoS Urges HMB Management

 Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, has enjoined the leadership of the State Hospitals Management Board to prioritize its staffers welfare and concerns through effective management, saying this is crucial for attracting, developing and retaining talents which would foster a positive workplace culture.

 Mr. Fagbohun stated this at a 3-day Strategic Retreat organised by the leadership of Ogun State Hospitals Management Board for its Management Team, Heads of Zones, Heads of Hospitals and top officers, in the State Health Sector, in Ijebu Ode.

The Head of Service while delivering a paper titled, "Impact of Human Resources Management in the Achievement of Organizational Goals and Objectives", described humans as the most valuable asset of any organization that must be well encouraged, motivated and compensated for optimal performance, effective service delivery and satisfaction.

He identified training and development opportunities, performance management, compensation and benefit plans, good employer/employee relations among others, as factors that will help run a system that cares for Staff and ultimately help to meet organizational goals.

 Delivering a lecture on "Clinical Governance", the Commissioner Designate, Ministry of Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, emphasized the importance of Electronic Medical Records, Independent Power Source and the Central Drug Management Agency, saying these innovations would help to reduce the time of attending to patient's need.

She said the present administration in the State has invested so much in these innovations in the Health Sector, charging the Heads of Hospitals to embrace the innovations, take lessons learnt from the strategic retreat back to the different facilities, adapt them to suit the patient's need to ensure quality care experience and safety for the patients and staff satisfaction.

The Commissioner designate challenged the participants to move beyond being just a manager to a leader, who motivates, innovates, develops and challenges the status quo, saying when a highly effective team is built, everyone achieves more.

Speaking on the purpose of the retreat, the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, revealed that the retreat was to adequately and clearly share the vision of the State government for the Health Sector with all the Heads of Health Zones, Hospitals and Facilities across the State so that every citizen of the State can enjoy an affordable and accessible health care service.       

Contributing, the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adesina Olanloye, who took the participants through an Overview of Ogun State Public Sector Procurement System, enjoined all to ensure compliance with the provisions of the law, adding that the Accounting Officers of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies oversee the procurement process.

While reeling out the procurement offences to be avoided, the Director General, disclosed that there are administrative and criminal sanctions for public officers emphasising that all should be well-guided within the confines of the law.

Appreciating the management of the Board for the retreat on behalf of other participants, the Heads of Ijebu and Abeokuta Health Zones, Dr. (Mrs) Bukunola Akinlesi and Dr. Adewunmi Alayaki said their memories have been refreshed adding that going back to their hospital facilities, there would be more positive changes.

 

Femi Osipitan,

Press Officer, Hospitals Management Board

OGSG FLAG-OFF NIPDS VACCINATION FOR CHILDREN OF AGES 0-5YRS

In its bid to rid Poliomyelitis infection and secure a bright future for children, the Ogun State Government in collaboration with development partners flagged off the National Immunisation Plus Days NIPDs for children aged between 0-5 years.

 Flagging off the ceremony at Idofoyi Health Center, Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, represented by the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola stressed the importance of the NIPDs in the fight against polio, reiterating that the intention of immunization is to promote the growth of children and urged mothers to take their children to the nearest primary healthcare centres for vaccination and advocated that schools and markets across the State should be sensitized.

 He noted that the present administration is committed to the health needs of its citizenry especially the children, adding that the administration since inception has recorded no outbreak of poliomyelitis as it has put necessary measures in place to avert child mortality and deformity.

 In his welcome address, Yewa North Local Government Area, Hon. Gabriel Ogunyomi, represented by the Vice chairman, Hon. Bukola Omoyayi, thanked the state government for considering the council for the flag-off of the National Immunization Plus Days campaign, assuring full implementation of the vaccination exercise in the local government.

In their goodwill messages, state Coordinators, World Health Organization WHO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA, United Nations for Children Fund UNICEF, representatives of traditional rulers and community leaders lauded the efforts of the state government for supporting all healthcare initiatives by the Federal government and development partners.