CONTINUALLY ENGAGE THE FAMILY, GOV. ABIODUN TELLS THE CHURCH

The church, as a custodian of divinity and morality has been called upon to continually, through constant spiritual guidance have periodic engagements with families on how best to be responsible and alive to their responsibilities in order to curb the societal challenge being faced in the society today.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made the call while declaring open, as the Guest of Honour, the 3rd Session of the Sixteenth Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Egba Diocese, held at the Silver Jubilee Multipurpose Hall, Bishop's Court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Governor said the failure of families in any nation spells doom for the entire population, threatens its continuity as well as survival and makes Godly parenting an essential social norm of political stability and egalitarian society.

He said the theme of the Synod, "Godly Parenting: The Panacea for Rescuing a Degenerated Society from Gloom and Doom”, is apt as every home needs spiritual guidance to succeed, therefore, all hands must be on deck to redeem the society through the church in aspiration of building a better society where peace and justice reign.

"Analysis of political sociologists indicates that the family is the smallest political unit in any setting, and concluded that political mobilisation starts with the family as the determinant of peace and stability in any nation. Unfortunately, our society is facing this serious challenge regarding the management of poor parenting as a result of a lackadaisical disposition and the absence of divine guidance on the part of parents in the course of building a home.

"All hands must be on deck to redeem the society through the church in aspiration of building a better society where peace and justice reign", the Governor said.

While reeling out interventions targeted at keeping families intact and reducing threatening challenges at the home to include the empowerment of women across the State through Okoowo Dapo to make their businesses grow in order to fulfill responsibilities.

"Our vision for the State is clear and well thought out in the strict directive by God, we considered deliberate policies with human faces a critical and pragmatic solution to some social challenges we are facing across the country, especially by our women folk, who are the bedrock of our homes.

"Our government, therefore, rolled out initiatives to empower our women across the state through what is called OKOOWO DAPO, considering the effect of poverty on keeping homes and fulfilling responsibilities as parents", the gov said.

He also revealed that intervention to cushion the effects of certain policies of the Federal Government at repositioning our battered economy, most especially the removal of fuel subsidy is in place where billions of naira has been earmarked, N10,000 given to indigent students in all secondary and primary schools, and N50,000 given to each of our students who need financial assistance in all tertiary institutions nationwide.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, advised parents to train their children in Godly ways, give them good education as well as vocational skills, while the children, especially youths should obey the instructions of their parents, embrace good mentorship and shun all forms of social vices for the betterment of the society, as he is a product of Godly parenting.

Giving his Royal blessings, the Alake of Egba and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Gbadebo, said the theme is loaded as parents must make concerted efforts to train their children properly in order not to be put to shame as exemplified in the Holy Bible by Prophet Eli, whose children brought shame and dishonour to.

In his charge, the Diocesan Bishop of Egba and President of the Synod, Rt. Revd. Emmanuel Oludaisi Adekunle, appreciated the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for being a governor with high acumen, who has stood tall to tackle the hardship being faced by the people through provision of  palliative especially at this time of economic recession and other support extended to the body of Christ.

Earlier in her address, the Diocesan Mother, Chief Mrs. Abosede Osunkeye, advised parents to treasure their children, who are gifts from God and submitted that any child built on Godly foundation can never sway when life's challenges arise.

In the government's entourage was the Special Adviser on Information and Communication, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, and some Permanent Secretaries.

Omolara Osindele & Tunde Olayiwola.

Information Officers, Office of the Head of Service

OGUN REMAINS COMMITTED TO WORKERS' WELFARE, FLAGS OFF RICE SALES AT DISCOUNTED PRICES

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has once again demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and wellness of the workers in the State by making good his promise to sell rice for Civil Servants at a discounted price, with Grade Levels 1 to 7 starting the process.

The Governor in his resolve to provide affordable food as a clear demonstration of the commitment of government at prioritising the well being and welfare of its workforce flagged off the sale of the discounted rice at the 'Oja Irorun' Civil Servants farmers' market at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Dapo Abiodun who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya said the occasion portrayed a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the State Government at improving the living standards of the workers of Ogun State and reiterated that his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare and well being of its workforce.

"Ogun State Civil Servants' dedication and hard work form the bedrock of the progress and prosperity of our dear State. Recognising this invaluable essence of workers to the actualisation of the policies and programmes of the State Government, the administration has graciously approved the sale of high quality bags of rice at discounted prices exclusively to the workforce", the Governor said.

It is noteworthy that the government has been aggressively devoting concerted efforts towards ensuring that the workforce and the entire people of the Gateway State are shielded as much as possible from the attendant effects of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government through various interventions which include provision of monthly cash palliative, payment of peculiar allowance to deserving workers, provision of additional CNG bus to aid the transportation of workers as well as the unprecedented payment of a robust end of year bonus to all Civil/Public Servants of the State last December, amongst others.

Gov. Abiodun urged all the workers across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take full advantage of the opportunity and embrace the good gesture by the State Government, as the decision to offer the commodity at a discounted rate is a testament to the belief that a well nourished workforce is a more robust and productive one.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo appreciated the government for the initiative as it is one of the many initiatives of government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal for the State workforce.

The Head of Service however urged the workers to reciprocate the good gesture of government by remaining dedicated to duties and collectively work for the progress of the State.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Isa Olude and his counterpart from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Ahmed-Benco, appreciated the State Government for the initiative as it would restore the purchasing power of rhe people and promote the welfare of the workers, moreso, it is a promise made, promise kept by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

They submitted that the gesture is a testament that the State has a caring and listening governor whom they are proud of at the helms of affairs and charged the workers to reciprocate the gesture by effectively and efficiently discharging their statutory duties.

Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Temitope Akintayo from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as Mr. Olabanji Sanni from the Ministry of Environment, thanked the State Government for putting the process into motion and promised to keep working assiduously towards effective service delivery.

The bags of rice were handed over to the beneficiaries by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya on behalf of the government while buses were also provided at no cost to convey the workers from the venue of the programme to a reasonable distance.

Omolara Osindele & Tunde Olayiwola

Information Officers, Office of the Head of Service

OGUN NEW HoS PROMISES JUSTICE, FAIRNESS

The newly sworn-in Ogun State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, has promised to be just, fair and treat all Civil Servants in the State equally.

Mr. Onasanya made the promise while receiving the General Overseer of the Victory Life Bible Church, Abeokuta, Apostle Lawrence Achudume in his office at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, saying his appointment was a divine arrangement through the mercy and benevolence of God.

"My appointment is a divine arrangement. Prince Dapo Abiodun is an apostle of justice, fair play and equity and that is why I ascribed the appointment as God's divine plan", he said.

The Number One Civil Servant promised to work in tandem with the five pillars of the present administration, adding that all Permanent Secretaries and workers would be carried along in the implementation of government’s policies and programmes, just as he coveted the prayers of the cleric for the success of the present administration.

While praying for good health and success of Mr. Onasanya, Apostle Achudume eulogised the resilience of the new Head of Service and described him as a credible leader, whom God would use to continually sanitise the Civil Service and use the new office to add value to governance as well as prioritise the welfare of the Civil Servants.

Tunde Olayiwola & Omolara Osindele

Office of the Head of Service

Gov. Abiodun Appoints Mrs. Arinola Adetayo as Permanent Secretary

...recognizes decades of dedication and leadership

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed Mrs. Arinola Nusirat Adetayo as a Permanent Secretary, recognizing her decades of dedication and exemplary leadership within the civil service.

Mrs. Arinola Nusirat Adetayo, was born in Isara Remo, Remo North Local Government, Ogun State to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kehinde Oyekangun of Jagun Quarter. She has consistently showcased her commitment to public service since she commenced her civil service career on March 22, 2004 where she started as a Principal Accountant, she swiftly moved through various cadres, displaying proficiency and dedication at every step.

Her journey in the civil service has been marked by notable achievements and contributions. From her early assignments in the Reconciliation Unit and the Directorate of Monitoring and Evaluation (UNDP), to her tenure as the Company’s Accountant at Gateway City Development Company Ltd., She has demonstrated resilience and competence.

One of her significant accomplishments was her role in establishing the Debt Management Department at the Office of the Accountant-General. Her efforts led to the development of state debt policies and the passage of the Ogun State Debt Management Office Law in 2012.

In April 2019, Mrs. Adetayo was appointed as the Director of Treasury, where she effectively managed the state's financial operations, ensuring adherence to regulations and optimal cash flow management. Additionally, her leadership as the State Focal Person for the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program played a pivotal role in securing approximately USD 33 million in grants for the state from the World Bank.

Mrs. Adetayo's academic credentials, including a Higher National Diploma in Marketing, a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, and a Master of Finance Degree, underscore her commitment to professional excellence. Her membership in professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria further attests to her dedication and expertise.

Governor Abiodun's appointment of Mrs. Arinola Nusirat Adetayo as Permanent Secretary reflects his administration's commitment to meritocracy and excellence in governance. With her wealth of experience and proven leadership, Mrs. Adetayo is poised to make significant contributions to the development and progress of Ogun State.

Gov. Abiodun Appoints Kehinde Onasanya As New Head Of Service

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya as the new Head of the Service. 

According to a statement by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Onasanya takes over from Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, who has retired after a meritorious service. 

Until his appointment, Mr. Onasanya was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration. 

He joined the civil service as an Information Officer, GL. 08 on 2 December 1993 and rose through the ranks to a director on GL. 17. He was appointed Permanent Secretary on 2 October 2020. 

Mr. Onasanya is a thoroughbred professional, media manager of great repute, and an astute administrator. 

He is a member of many professional bodies, including Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. 

Since his appointment as permanent secretary, he has worked in many agencies, including the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration. 

He is a recipient of the prestigious Ogun State Award in May 2006 and first runner-up the following year. 

He was also the best reporter of the (House of Assembly Catergory), 1999, courtesy of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council. 

He is happily married with children.

SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE IN ALL YOU DO – APOSTLE ACHUDUME

Nigerians have been urged to always seek God’s guidance in all their endeavours, just as they do not have to leave the country to succeed.

The Lead Pastor, Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume gave this advice while declaring open VLBC 2024 Holy Convocation at the church auditorium, Victory City, Ajebo Road, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking on the Theme, ‘This Same Jesus, Apostle Achudume reassured Nigerians of a brighter future, enjoining everyone to always pray to God, ‘’ as only God has the power to bless and restore’’.

‘’This same Jesus, yesterday, today and forever still has same power, He has never changed. This same power of Jesus that healed the sick, raised the dead still exist, all we have to do is seek His face. The wise men in the bible saw the stars and came looking for Jesus, so also, your blessings will locate you wherever you are. You don’t have to Japa to succeed’’, he emphasised.

In his sermon, a guest minister from Grace International Church, Houston, Texas, Pastor Ayo Ajim, encouraged the congregant to always obey God’s commandments and make giving a lifestyle, saying ‘’giving is a proof that you have conquered greed and to reap bountifully, you must sow bountifully’’. 

According to him, life shines the brightest in the midst of darkness and perilous time didn’t just began, God allow difficult time like this, so that as children of God, we can be insightful and use it to prosper. Isaac in the book of Genesis 26: 12-17, sowed in the land during famine and reaped in hundredfold. Tough time is the opportunity a child of God has to sow in the land.

Activities for the convention continues till Sunday 14th April, 2024, with ministers’ seminars, business symposium and youth blast at 8am, 12noon and 4pm daily, to be wrapped up with the 60th birthday thanksgiving of the founder, Apostle Lawrence Achudume on Monday, 15th April at the Church Auditorium by 9am prompt.

 

WORLD RECORDS: OGSG, PROF. SOLARIN ENGAGE OVER 5000 LEARNERS ON ABACUS SKILLS

No fewer than 5043 secondary school learners in Ogun State Students have been trained on how to use the abacus counting machine skills to solve addition and subtraction Mathematical problems and thereby enable them to break the world record. 

In her address, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun during the programme organised by International Academy For The Gifted (IAGIFTED), in collaboration with Ogun State Government, held at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode said encouraging learners to adopt usage of abacus skills for mathematical calculations, would not only enable them compete favourably with their mates in other Nation of the world but also take our educational system to a higher pedestal. 

Mrs Bamidele noted that Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) education is only essential tool for personal and professional development for driving innovation and economic goals, hence the reason for Prince Dapo Abiodun government's commitment towards ensuring that every child have access to effective STEAM teaching.

The First Lady of Ogun State described education as the key to unlocking the potentials of the youths and empowering them to become agent of change in the society.

Mrs Abiodun said "I extend my heartfelt thanks organiser of this very special programme, Prof. Adewale Solarin to commemorate his 70th Birthday Celebration for the vision in championing STEAM education and for putting Ogun State on the world field. I am pledging my full support to this great vision of yours" 

In his speech, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu submitted that Prof. Solarin due to his academic prowess and expertise, can be referred to as Grand Father in academics, because he has nurtured and produce Professors, who have also mentor other Professors and PhD holder's, appreciating him for his greatness, unrelenting efforts and a shared vision.

 

Speaking, The Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluwole Banjo affirmed that the feat Prof. Solarin have recorded in his chosen field, and his contribution to National Development will forever remain indelible, praying God to continue to shower his blessings on him and grant him the grace to enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health and sound mind.

Responding, the visioneer of the programme and Chairman IAGIFTED, Professor Adewale Solarin explained that the selected over 5000 learners were gathered to have Largest Mathematics Lesson Class, as well as teaching them on the simultaneous usage of Asian Abacus with both hands, in order to develop both sides of their brain in solving Mathematical problems, saying the event was organised to mark his 70th birthday and retirement from active academic service. 

The highlight of the programme includes competition on usage of abacus, where Master Isaac Rilwan and Miss Damaris Oyediran won the male and female categories respectively and were presented with trophies as King and Queen of STEAM. 

Samuel Ogungbesan

Head of Media Unit

GIFTED NIGERIAN STUDENTS SET TO BREAK WORLD'S RECORDS

In a bid to set a new World Record as the Largest Mathematics Lesson involving 5000 Nigerian Students, the International Academy for the Gifted (IAGIFTED) in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and State tertiary institutions has Organised camping system for selected students in Secondary Schools across the State. 

Underscoring the importance of the programme, the Coordinator, Prof. Adewale Solarin explained that the project which would be coming up at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode on Friday, April 5, 2024 by 10am, was aimed at identifying Gifted Nigerian Students in both Junior and Senior Secondary Schools who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects and build them up to become world-class geniuses and leaders.

Prof. Solarin explained that it is an initiative towards improving their quality of participation in STEAM Education and make them achieve their highest potentials, for them to be able to compete favourably with gifted youths of the world in achievements, through an enduring partnership network amongst academics in Nigerian Universities, Nigerian Academics in Diaspora and Leadership Development Agencies. 

He said "The immediate interests are on enhancing mentorship programmes for all gifted youths identified through annual Nation-Wide Talent Search Competition for Secondary Schools Learners, using various instruments designed by IAGIFTED, like intelligent tests, puzzles and Rubik’s cube solutions".

Prof. Solarin highlighted the format of the event to include; Nation-wide online STEAM competition for about 1,000,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) students to be conducted in three stages: such as, Aptitude Test, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics Physics and art subjects for stage one, with top 1000 to be invited to participate in the Guinness World Record Event.

Stage 2 will have top 10 percentage of participants in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics and Art Subjects, while

Stage 3 will cover Gifted STEAM Camp with top 20 boys and girls to be invited to a 2-week STEAM and Leadership Training Camp to produce winners in areas like; Gifted STEAM King and Queen, Gifted Biology King and Queen, Gifted Chemistry King and Queen, Gifted Computer Science King and Queen, Gifted Mathematics King and Queen and Gifted Physics King and Queen.

Solarin assured that adequate and maximum security measures have been put in place to ensure safety of lives and properties, adding that all hand were on desk to ascertain the success of the project. 

Samuel Ogungbesan,

Head of Media Unit.

OGUN CELEBRATES WORLD ORAL DAY, HARPS ON IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE

In a bid to live and maintain a healthy life style, people have been urged to give proper attention to their oral health by visiting government approved dental centres at least twice a year for regular dental check-up.

The Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, while speaking during a sensitisation seminar, organised to mark the 2024 World Oral Day with the theme, "A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Body", at the Dental Centre, Nawar-U-Deen Road, Oke-Ijeun, Abeokuta, saying, “the mouth is the door and the mirror to the body, hence the need to give it proper care for healthy living”.

Represented by the Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Festus Soyinka, the Permanent Secretary advised the public to care for their teeth by brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, to avoid tooth decay and Halitosis.

 On his part, the Director, Dental Services, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Dr. David Ogunba, emphasised the importance of dental health, pointing out that the good condition of the oral cavity would promote confidence and good health, among others, imploring the people to go the extra mile to put their oral health status in better shape.

Contributing, Chief Dental Officer, Dental Center, Nawarudeen, Abeokuta, Dr. Oluwatosin Olarinde, said the celebration was to enlighten people on the importance of the mouth to the body and educate them on how to take proper care of it.

Also speaking, the representative of Pharmadeko General Manager, Mr. Ishola Kayode, who noted that the role of oral health in human health was germane, informed that the company was committed to manufacturing products that protect the teeth and mouth,

An enlightenment rally had earlier been held in schools, major markets and motor parks across Abeokuta, on proper ways to take care of the mouth, while free dental services were rendered to the people.

 

Femi Osipitan,

Press Officer, HMB