Ogun leads in turning 'Waste to Wealth' initiative

...recycles over 1500 tons of plastics daily

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya has disclosed that the gateway state is the leading state in the waste to wealth initiative adding that the state recycles over 1500 tons of plastic daily. 

Dr. Oresanya made this known while addressing Journalists at the monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information chapel held at Olusegun Osoba Press Center, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner said turning waste to wealth was beneficial to individuals, the society and government, explaining that many lack the knowledge about investment in recycling business thereby posing a challenge.

He encouraged all to consider the idea of converting waste to wealth, saying the Extended Producer Regulation (EPR) made provisions for consumers to gather plastic wastes of used products and present them in exchange for benefits from the production company.

Dr. Oresanya added that, the Ministry of Environment would soon organise a skill acquisition programme where citizens would be trained on how to produce gas using waste from the septic tanks of various homes. 

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan appreciated the support of members for consistently demonstrating commitment to responsible journalism and environmental reporting, urging all to continue to work together, sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to promote sustainable development in the State.

The Chapel Chairman commended Dr. Oresanya and the Ministry of Environment for their tireless efforts in promoting environmental stewardship, promising that as journalists, "we will continue to amplify these efforts, promote awareness and encourage investment in the recycling sector.

OGSG Pledges Revitalization of the Water Sector

As part of ongoing efforts to revamp the water sector across Ogun State, the Ogun State Water Corporation team has embarked on another significant infrastructural assessment tour. This recent inspection covered Remo, Odogbolu, and surrounding areas, focusing on addressing critical water management challenges, replacing outdated infrastructure, and overcoming funding and logistical constraints.

The inspection team was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, who reaffirmed that revitalizing the water infrastructure remains a top priority for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration. She expressed optimism that the government’s renewed focus on the sector would help resolve longstanding issues and improve water supply across the state.

 “Many of our water infrastructure facilities are not functioning optimally, and there are concerns regarding the inadequate utilization of available funding. This is a major challenge, and there is a lot of work to be done. We must act swiftly to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure to provide clean and potable water to the people of Ogun State.

 “We urge His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, to support us in expanding water supply to more communities, as access to clean water is a fundamental necessity that requires urgent attention.

 “I am confident that this administration, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that residents have regular access to clean and potable water,” she stated.

Hon. Otubanjo further assured the public that, with a team of experts working alongside her, the state should expect significant improvements in the water sector. She emphasized that her team remains committed to identifying and resolving challenges within the sector.

 “This facility tour is part of our strategy to tackle the growing complexities of water management. We are confident in our ability to rehabilitate infrastructure, implement lasting solutions, enhance operations, and meet the water supply needs of Ogun State residents.”

Also speaking, Alhaja Muinat Jaji, the Consultant to the Governor on Water, reassured residents that they can expect an improved and more efficient water supply. She highlighted that the facility assessment also focuses on aging equipment, which the state government has pledged to rehabilitate.

 “We have observed that some equipment in various water schemes require urgent rehabilitation and upgrades. Additionally, pipeline networks need to be improved to enhance operations and extend services to underserved communities. The state government remains committed to ensuring the availability of clean and safe water for all residents,” she stated.

She said Ogun State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalizing the water sector and ensuring that residents have access to reliable and sustainable water supply.

Water Schemes Inspected include,

 • Ogere Water Surface Scheme- servicing Ogere, Iperu, Ilisan, Irolu, Ipara, Iperu Borstal Institution, Akaka Mini Scheme – covering Akaka and Ilara, Ilisan Borehole Scheme, Ikene Borehole Scheme,Odogbolu Reservoir, Ayepe-Ijebu Reservoir and Sagamu Scheme.

OGUN BOOSTS ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH PROJECTS

In a bid to enhance economic growth and development, Ogun State has initiated a project focused on land use, land cover, mapping, and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), towards providing accurate and robust geographical information systems for the State.

The Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, made this known at a meeting in preparation to kick-off the project at the Conference Room, Ministry of Finance, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning TPL. Tunji Odunlami, the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) team, and Sivans Design, the consultancy team engaged by the World Bank.

The D.G emphasised that, the development of land use, land cover, mapping, and SDI was a crucial component for the project, saying that SDI would enable the aggregation of varied geo spatial information about property in the State, creating interoperability between organisations and stakeholders to facilitate the creation of land ownership records, leading to more efficient land administration in the State.

In his presentation, the Chief Consulting Officer, Sivan Design, Mr. Shalam Sivan, analysed the scope, objectives, and duration of the project, explaining the importance of the kick-off meeting, in orienting stakeholders on the project's goals, within the time frame of the project and to expedite action on the project delivery,

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Odunsi noted that the consultancy services would aid in identifying key areas for mapping in the State, adding that the Ogun State Land Administration System (OLARMS) is been upgraded and enhanced through OGSTEP to support the project's objectives.

OGSG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REFORM TECHNICAL COLLEGES

In line with the ISEYA mantra of the State Government which represents the core values and principles of Prince Dapo Abiodun’s Led-Administration, the Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming 8 Government Technical Colleges (GTC) spread across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

 Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, TPL. Tunji Odunlami, made this known during a facility inspection with the Special Adviser/Director General Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, who doubles as a Member of the Executive Board Council, at the ongoing rehabilitation of Government Technical College, llara, Remo North Local Government Area, saying that the project is being undertaken by Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in collaboration with the World Bank.

He said the project cuts across the 3 Senatorial Districts including, Government Technical and Vocational College, Isabo, Technical College Idi Aba, Igbesa, Ijebu Igbo, Ayetoro and Ewekoro, among others.

TPL. Odunlami, commended the level and quality of work done, saying that the project would be delivered within the set timeline for academic activities.

          He emphasised the importance of vocational education, noting that the Government would continue to upgrade and give the colleges a facelift to attract students from all walks of life.

The Commissioner pointed out that, education represents one of the core pillars of ISEYA mantra, as Government would fashion out ways of making the colleges more functional in line with global best practices.

The Commissioner, while addressing the students of GTC Ilara Remo, charged them to remain focused and avoid all forms of distractions, assuring them that the State Government had invested significantly at ensuring they have a conducive learning environment.

Earlier, the Special Adviser/Director-General, Bureau of Lands and Survey commended the level and quality of work done, noting that similar initiatives were ongoing in other Local Government Areas of the State, assuring that once the projects were completed, the colleges would be equipped with laboratories, workshop and necessary equipment that would aid their learning process.   

The D.G appreciated the Governor for his unflinching support and commitment towards the education sector which was crucial for driving economic growth and development.

The Project Manager Skill and Development, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, highlighted efforts of the government towards creating an enabling environment for learning skills and development, promising that the project would be delivered within the stipulated time.

In her remarks, Vice Principal, Administration, Mrs. Aderemi Abidemi, appreciated the State Government’s timely intervention for rehabilitating Government Technical Colleges across the state.

UPHOLD EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE DELIVERY – ARC. FOWORA CHARGES STAFFERS

In a bid to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, the Director - General, Bureau of Lands and Survey Arc. Segun Fowora, has charged staffers in the Bureau to demonstrate greater commitment and dedication while performing their duties.

The Director General made the call during a prayer session at his office in Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta, appreciating the staffers for their immense contributions in the previous year. He emphasised the significance of team work in achieving the set goals.

Arc. Fowora noted that the Bureau of Lands and Survey plays a vital role in ensuring social and economic development, urging staffers to uphold excellence in service delivery.

"The cup is not half empty but half full, let us continue to put in the work and build on our achievements, while sustaining momentum towards a wonderful year ahead,” DG said.

He reassured staffers of improved welfare packages to motivate them as well as spur them to achieve more in the new year.

In her remark, Special Adviser to the Governor on Land Matters, Mrs. Oyinda Oyelese, admonished officers to intensify efforts towards optimal service delivery, while embracing change and excellence that would take them to greater heights.

Earlier, Acting Surveyor-General, Surv. Oladele Ewulo, implored workers for continued support, cooperation and collaboration, stating that they are instrumental in achieving set objectives.

In their separate sermons, the zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Hope Chapel, Pastor Ade Osilalu and the Imam of Ogun State Secretariat Muslim Community, Oke-Mosan, Imam Abdulazeez Adebayo, charged officers to imbibe good work ethics, integrity and right attitude to work, creating room for personal development and improvements as well as pursuing additional degrees for human growth.

Director of Administration and supplies, in her vote of thanks, Mrs. Olamide Shokoya, appreciated God for his mercies and gift of life, assuring that the new year would surpass the previous years.

 

Damilola Akindele & Passover Adeshina,

Information/Public Relations Officers, Bureau of Lands and Survey.

OGUN CSC SETS TO COMMENCE 2023/2024 PROMOTION EXERCISE

The Ogun State Civil Service Commission is set to conduct year 2023 and 2024 promotion Oral Interview exercise to eligible officers in the service.

The Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Roseline Jacobs, indicated this in a release signed, saying the promotion exercise would start from Wednesday, January 22 through February 7, 2025 which would cut across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.

The statement further stated that all eligible officers are to obtain their gazette and Public Service Commission Rules (PSCR) of last promotion at block A, Room A261 Civil Service Commission as these shall be verified at the venue of the interview.

Jacobs noted that the Commission have to maintain the status quo of the service as all officers on Grade level 07 to GL12 are to attend the oral interview in their respective Agencies, while the Management Level officers (Officers and Professionals) on GL 13 and above are to appear at the office of the Head of Service.

Also, all officers on GL 6 and 12 are to appear before Commission on Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28, 2025 respectively while the Centrally Deployed Cadres (except those on GL 06 and GL 12) are to attend their interviews at the Bureau of Establishments and Training.

Funmi Onafowope,

Information/Public Relations Officer, CSC

MEDIA IS KEY IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY - COMMISSIONER

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye said the role of Information managers in promoting Gender Equality cannot be over emphasized as a change agent who must live above the stereotyped ways of disseminating information to the public.

Hon. Adeleye stated this, during the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel, January Congress, at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, themed, "The Role of Information Officers/ Public Relations Officers in Promoting Gender Equality", said that in order to achieve an inclusive society, information officers were to create and promote gender equality in their reportage.

She said the pen professionals should see themselves as change agents and use their position to promote and disseminate policies and programmes of government in the positive light.

"I want all men of the pen profession to see their pen as an instrument of change which must be used in promoting and disseminating gender equality programmes so that men would not see their women counterpart as competitors but to complement each other so as to achieve inclusion in our society", she said.  

Hon. Adeleye, appreciated the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration in closing the gap on gender equality with the recent upgrade of 3 female Senior Special Assistant to the position of Special Adviser in their fields and the opportunity given to one thousand girls to benefit from technology Skill training to enable them match up with their male counterpart.      

 She commended the leadership of the Chapel for being innovative and adding value to their members, while advising them to move beyond the conventional journalism and key into the new trend of social media to publicise government activities as the state was doing much and people need to know.

The Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan, commended the Commissioner for her dedication towards promoting the wellbeing of womenfolk among others in the state.

 

Folake Ogunboyejo,

Information /Public Relations Officer, Min. of Women Affairs & Social Dev.

OUR FINANCIAL POLICIES ARE HINGED ON TRANSPARENCY, SUSTAINABILITY - OKUBADEJO

In its efforts to foster continued economic development and empower citizens, the Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to driving innovative, transparent and sustainable initiatives in policy formation and processes.

          This was made known by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, during a revenue meeting with Payment Service Providers, at the Ministry of Finance conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

          Okubadejo noted that various financial reforms have been implemented to attract investors, block leakages and fast-track business processes in the State, such as the Billing and Payment Management System (BPMS), digitisation of land acquisition, automated payment processes, Treasury Single Account (TSA), among others.

He added that the pilot agencies where these initiatives were activated, namely the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Internal Revenue Service and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, have recorded immense success in different perspectives.

Okubadejo stated that to further promote transparency and seamless services, more Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would be onboarded to these platforms, including the Ministries of Environment, Industry, Trade & Investment, Health, Transportation, and Agriculture.

He said to achieve this feat, rests heavily on ensuring that civil servants played an integral part of the initiatives, as they were the ones who would ensure its sustainability.

          Responding on behalf of the other Payment Service Providers, the CEO of ICMA, Mr. Lukman Buari, applauded the government for creating a level playing field for service providers and acknowledged the contributions of workers to the successes achieved in implementing the initiatives thus far, pledging the continued optimal delivery of their targets.

BE DEDICATED TO DUTY - PS CHARGED

 The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo has charged members of staff to be more dedicated to their duties, in order to achieve the main objective of the Bureau.

 Mrs. Adetayo, who gave the charge at the'2025 New Year Thanksgiving Service' at the Bureau, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, appreciated members of staff for their cooperation and support in the past year, stating that their responsibility was humanitarian in nature, advising them to give rapt attention to pension matters at every point in time and improve themselves academically.

The new year messages were delivered by Mr. Francis Oyefusi and Mr. Qadri Usman, advised them to be faithful, diligent and God fearing, noting that all would give account of their deeds.

 

Sururat Odusanya,

Press Officer, Bureau of State Pensions

AG ADMONISHES WORKERS ON HARDWORK TO ACHIEVE SET GOALS

Ogun State Auditor General, Mr. Akorede Balogun, has admonished staffers in the agency to put in their best and commit themselves to hard work to achieve the set goals in the new year.

 Mr. Balogun made this known during a Thanksgiving Service for the New Year at the agency’s Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying that attitude to work for this year should be, "Utmost Service to your Employer and Humanity with the fear of God".

  He encouraged officers to put in their best in the workplace, adding that they should not align with the school of thoughts which says ‘Do your best and leave the rest’, instead it should be, ‘Do your best and do the rest’.

  The Auditor General appreciated God for His mercies in the outgone year, seeking more guidance in the new year, as he encouraged them to be punctual and regular at their duty post.

  In their separate New Year remarks, Mrs. Stella Samuel and Mr. Ahmed Adetona, charged the members of staff to continue to discharge their duties diligently, in order to move the Agency to greater heights, while the Director of Government Account, Mr. Mofeoluwa Adeliyi tasked the staffers to reciprocate by working more-harder.