LG POLLS: OGSIEC Commences Screening of Candidates Monday

Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission has announced to all political parties participating in the forthcoming Local Government Elections in the State to present their candidates for Chairmanship and Councillorship  Positions

for Screening exercise  between Monday, September 30 and Friday, October 10, 2024.

A release signed by the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, stated that all candidates should contact their party secretariats to confirm their scheduled appearance at the Commission.

The exercise, according to the release  will be holding at the Commission's headquarters, beside the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Oke -Ilewo, Abeokuta, at 10.00 am each day.

The release added that Candidates must bring their original credentials and other statutory documents for screening and verification.

LG POLLS: OGSIEC TO ENGAGE OVER 15,000 ADHOC STAFF

Over 15,000 adhoc staff will be engaged by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, (OGSIEC), for the forthcoming 2024 Local Government (LG) Elections, scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

This was made known by the Chairman, OGSIEC, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, at the Commission's Headquarters, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, informing that the temporary personnel to be recruited "have crucial roles at ensuring voters are verified on time, ballot boxes well positioned and distributed, as well as result collation after the voting exercise”.

Mr. Osibodu said arrangements were in top gear for the recruitment exercise, revealing that there are over 5,000 polling units across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state, with at least, three staff to be deployed to each polling unit.

The Chairman, while maintaining that the recruitment process would be transparent and merit-based, emphasised that, "applicants must meet specific criteria for each job role".

He underscored OGSIEC’s commitment to the success of 2024 LG elections in the state, assuring that the adhoc staff would be trained on their job functions, to ensure a smooth electoral process.

In an interview with some of the applicants who came to submit applications, Mrs. Yemisi Lawrence and Mr. Olamilekan Kareem from Abeokuta South, as well as Imeko Afon Local Governments, respectively, lauded OGSIEC for making the recruitment exercise public, expressing optimism of being shortlisted with a promise to work diligently to achieve a credible election.

Roles advertised by the Commission include, Electoral Officers for applicants on Grade Level 14; Assistant Electoral Officers, not below Grade Level 13; Returning Officers, not below Grade Level 12, who must be Nigerians in a Public or Civil Service or tertiary institutions in the state.

Other roles are Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks, as well as Poll Orderlies, with either a university degree (B.A/B.SC); Higher National Diploma (HND) or National Certificate of Education (NCE) and must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

2024 LG ELECTIONS: OGSIEC ANNOUNCES RECRUITMENT OF ADHOC OFFICERS, COLLECTION, SUBMISSION OF PERSONAL DATA FORMS TO END SEPT 27

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), has announced the recruitment of ADHOC STAFF for the conduct of the forthcoming 2024 Local Government Elections, scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

 Mr. Osibodu stated that the commission is determined to recruit Electoral Officers not below grade level 14, Assistant Electoral Officers not below Grade Level 13 and Returning officers not below Grade Level 12 .

     The release stated that others include, Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks and Poll Orderliness must possess BSC, HND or NCE and must have completed the NYSC programme. 

     It indicated that Electoral Officers on GL 14, Assistant Electoral Officer on GL13, and Returning Officers on GL 12 must be a responsible Nigerian, a Civil or Public Servant in a recognised Public Establishment or tertiary institution in Ogun State. while Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks and Poll Orderliness must possess a BSC, HND, and NCE or completed the NYSC program.

It added that individuals seeking to apply for the positions must not be a card- carrying member of any political parties, evidence of previous experience in electoral duties, as well as computer literacy will be an added advantage.

The release enjoined all interested applicants are to submit application letter and a copy of their Curriculum Vitae with two passport photograph, addressed to the Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Behind Bureau of Lands, lBB Boulevard, Oke -Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, not later than Friday, September 27, 2024.

     Meanwhile, the Commission also stated that its obligatory for all political Parties to collect personal data forms (CF001 and CF 002) for their candidate after the conclusion of party primaries, in line with electoral guidelines released by OGSEIEC.

The release further stated that the forms can be collected at the Commission' s Head Office during working hours.

     It added that all forms, duly completed, must be returned to the Electoral Office not later than Friday, September 27, 2024, 

    OGSIEC, therefore enjoined political parties to adhere strictly to time and guidelines set for the conduct of the elections.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY FORCES EXTENSION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRIMARIES- OGSIEC

Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission has said the declaration of public holiday on Monday, 16th of September 2024, has prompted the electoral body(OGSIEC) to extend the timeline for the party primaries ahead of the Local Government elections .

A press release signed by the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, indicated that the extension was as a result of political parties expressing concerns that the holiday would disrupt their ability to organize primaries effectively, leading to calls for a slight adjustment of election timetable.

The release stated that in response, OGSIEC has announced that party primaries be extended to Thursday, 19th September 2024, to allowing more time for preparation by political parties in the state.

According to the release, the Commission has also extended the collection period for Personal Data Forms CF001 and CF002 to Monday, September 23, 2024, towards ensuring all parties have sufficient time to complete the necessary processes.

The release added that in respect to the guidelines, OGSIEC has addressed concerns about administrative fees, where Chairmanship fee to be paid by political parties has been reduced from N250,000 to N200,000, while male councilorship candidates will now pay N100,000, and female councilorship candidate will pay N50,000 only. 

The release further stated that despite the changes, all other aspects of the election timetable remain unchanged, with the election scheduled for 16th November, 2024.

It added that these adjustment are expected to ease pressure on political parties and encourage broader participation in the upcoming elections.

The Quest for Food Security in the Nation: OGSTEP's Transformative Impact on Ogun State's Agricultural Sector

In a nation where food security remains a critical issue, the drive to boost agricultural production has never been more urgent. With the growing need for sustainable and innovative farming practices, the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), supported by the World Bank, has emerged as a beacon of hope. OGSTEP is tackling food insecurity head-on, offering transformative solutions that not only enhance production but also empower farmers, boost economic growth, and improve livelihoods across Ogun State.

OGSTEP’s Vision: Empowering Farmers and Boosting Agriculture

At the heart of OGSTEP’s mission is its Project Development Objective (PDO), aimed at enhancing private sector participation in Ogun’s economy. A major pillar of this is strengthening the agri-food value chains through comprehensive interventions. These targeted efforts have played a vital role in empowering smallholder farmers, driving agricultural productivity, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

A Structured Approach for Success

OGSTEP Agric’s strategy is built around a three-pronged plan:

Framework for Intensive Responsible Land Administration (FRILIA) – Ensuring responsible and efficient land use.

Value Chain Development – Supporting farmers with inputs and services while establishing strong market links.

Critical Infrastructure and Market Access – Facilitating essential infrastructure to ensure farmers can access markets efficiently.

This structured approach has created thousands of jobs, fueled agricultural growth, and empowered smallholder farmers with modern techniques. OGSTEP’s Matching Grant Support System, a key component of this approach, provides subsidies to farmers, covering costs related to land preparation, crop inputs, and animal feed. For example:

Land Preparation: 65% of costs are covered for operations such as ploughing and harrowing.

Farm Inputs: 50% subsidies on crop seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilizers.

The Power of Collaboration: Five Key Actors

OGSTEP’s success lies in the collaboration of five critical actors:

State Government: Co-finances grants for farmer groups.

Farmer Groups: The primary beneficiaries, organized into Economic Interest Groups.

Value Chain Development Firms (VCDFs): Act as intermediaries, linking farmers to inputs, services, and markets.

Service Providers (SPs): Firms contracted to supply high-quality inputs like seeds, fertilizers, Agrochemicals, Cassava feeds and veterinary services.

Off-takers: To purchase produce, ensuring a steady market for farmers.

This ecosystem ensures farmers have access to essential resources and reliable markets, enhancing both productivity and income.

Empowering Farmers for Sustainable Growth

Since its inception, OGSTEP has organized over 34,000 farmers into groups and clusters, with more than 10,000 receiving direct support. The project’s comprehensive assistance spans crop farming, aquaculture, and poultry, positioning farmers to significantly improve yields and income. In crop production alone, OGSTEP has supported mechanized services like ploughing, harrowing, planting, and harvesting across 4,000 hectares of farmland.

The impact is evident in numbers:

Over 66,500 bundles of cassava stems and 3,915 kg of seeds have been distributed.

30,000 liters of agrochemicals and 3,800 bags of fertilizers (both inorganic and organic) have been provided, enhancing crop productivity.

Aquaculture and Poultry: A Breeding Success

OGSTEP’s intervention in aquaculture has led to a more viable fish farming sector, providing smallholder farmers with high-quality fish feed. Similarly, in poultry, nutritious feed has been distributed, along with veterinary services like vaccines and environmentally safe biochemicals, safeguarding the health of animals and boosting productivity.

Impact in Numbers: A Testament to Success

The Project, through the VCDFs have aggregated farmers in their farms into groups and clusters. The commodities supported in the farm clusters across the State are highlighted in the table below 

Reducing Post-Harvest Losses Through Off-taker Arrangements

One of OGSTEP’s standout innovations is its off-taker arrangement. By securing reliable markets for farmers’ produce, this system minimizes the uncertainty of sales, reduces waste, and mitigates post-harvest losses.

Additionally, the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) platform (ogunfarminfo.org) connects farmers and off-takers, facilitating seamless trade and improving market opportunities. The platform is a game-changer for boosting market access and encouraging private-sector partnerships in agriculture.

A Bright Future for Ogun State’s Agriculture

OGSTEP’s far-reaching impact is undeniable. By empowering smallholder farmers, promoting value chain development, and advancing mechanized farming techniques, the project is driving sustainable growth in Ogun State’s agricultural sector. As food security remains a national priority, OGSTEP is leading the charge, ensuring a more prosperous and resilient future for Ogun State’s farmers.

OGSTEP Communications Desk

ogstep2020@gmail.com 

X ogstep

https://www.youtube.com/@OGSTEP

SCREENING EXAMINATION (TEST) INTO SEVEN GOVT. SCIENCE/TECHNICAL COLLEGES, ONE GOVT. TECHNICAL/ VOCATIONAL COLLEGE HOLDS TOMORROW

Screening examination into seven Government Science and Technical Colleges, as well as one Government Technical and Vocational College for a 3-Year programme to obtain the award of National Technical Certificate/National Business Certificate (NTC/NBC) for 2024/2025 academic session, will hold tomorrow Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Government Technical College, Idi-Aba, at 8:00 am.

A release signed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, indicated that the exercise is for prospective candidates, who have completed their registration for the Screening Exercise through the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA).

It added that candidates must possess Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examination Council Senior School Certificate Examination or Senior School Certificate Examination (NECOSSCE).

The release enjoined candidates to come along with the print outs of their registration forms, photocopy of their credentials and writing materials to ensure smooth conduct, assuring that adequate arrangements had been made for the successful conduct of the exercise.

According to the release, candidates were advised to comport themselves during the examination, wishing them a successful exercise.

SCREENING EXAMINATION (TEST) INTO SEVEN GOVT. SCIENCE/TECHNICAL COLLEGES, ONE GOVT. TECHNICAL/ VOCATIONAL COLLEGE HOLDS TOMORROW

Screening examination into seven Government Science and Technical Colleges, as well as one Government Technical and Vocational College for a 3-Year programme to obtain the award of National Technical Certificate/National Business Certificate (NTC/NBC) for 2024/2025 academic session, will hold tomorrow Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Government Technical College, Idi-Aba, at 8:00 am.

A release signed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, indicated that the exercise is for prospective candidates, who have completed their registration for the Screening Exercise through the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA).

It added that candidates must possess Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examination Council Senior School Certificate Examination or Senior School Certificate Examination (NECOSSCE).

The release enjoined candidates to come along with the print outs of their registration forms, photocopy of their credentials and writing materials to ensure smooth conduct, assuring that adequate arrangements had been made for the successful conduct of the exercise.

According to the release, candidates were advised to comport themselves during the examination, wishing them a successful exercise.

LG ELECTIONS: OGSIEC BOSS ASSURES POLITICAL PARTIES OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prelude to the Local Government Elections, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), has assured political parties of equal opportunities during the polls.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, made this known during a media engagement in Abeokuta, stating that the Commission would be engaging more with political parties through constructive dialogue and feedback, as well as observation of party primaries, to ensure seamless elections.

Osibodu reiterated the Commission’s pledge towards conducting credible polls, saying, "if the process is seen to be fair, if the process is seen to be credible, if the process is seen to be transparent, then I have done my job. The results do not depend on the Commission but on the voters".

The state’s umpire noted that arrangement for logistics were in place, to ensure voting materials arrive early at the venue of each polling unit, maintaining that there was need for high calibre of people with proven track records to join hands in the administration of local governments, to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.

He stated that the Commission was working closely with the House of Assembly, Civil Society Organisations, women groups, youths and security agencies across the state to prevent security breach.

Osibodu warned those planning to disrupt the peaceful process to desist or face the wrath of the law.

LG ELECTIONS: OGSIEC REDUCES AGE LIMIT TO 25, TO HOLD STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING ON MONDAY

Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), has amended the age qualification for candidates in the forthcoming Local Government (LG) Elections, reducing the age limit from 30 to 25 years.

A release signed by the Chairman of the Commission, Mr Babatunde Osibodu, indicated that the amendment follows "a review of laws governing the conduct of LG elections, in line with the guidelines of section 7(4) and 106 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which stipulates that a candidate is qualified for election if he or she has attained the age of 25years".

The release stated that following the adjustment, OGSIEC has extended the deadline for party primaries by one week, the primaries which was initially set to end by Monday, September 9, would now run till Monday, September 16, 2024.

According to the release, collection of personal data forms (CF001 and CF 002) by each political party, has also been extended to Friday, September 20, 2024.

The release further enjoined political parties that have conducted their primaries to collect necessary forms for each of their candidates, starting from Tuesday, September 10, 2024 and submit between Monday, September 16 and Friday, September 2024.

The release added that a meeting with all political parties would hold on Monday, September 9, 2024, by 12noon at the Commission's headquarters at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, enjoining political parties intending to participate in the forthcoming elections to send not more than two representatives for the meeting for further discussions.

          It further stated that other schedules in the published election timetable remain unchanged, including the Chairmanship and Councillorship elections to be held on November 16, 2024.