OGUN TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES, PLANS UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLY OF SAFE WATER

Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring sustainable water management and conservation of natural resources as part of efforts to provide safe and potable water supply to residents.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made this known while declaring open the year 2025, Ogun World Water Day celebration, tagged: “Glacier Preservation: Synergies for Resilient Water Future,” at Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The Governor, represented by the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, the Governor highlighted the critical role of water sustainability amid growing concerns on climate change, noting that the government had realised the importance of water as an essential element for human survival, saying its commitment to revolutionising the infrastructural materials and institutional reforms of policies would ensure efficient water delivery across the State.

The Governor stressed the growing impact of climate change, particularly the melting of glaciers, which serves as natural water reserves globally, emphasising the need for strategic partnerships, international collaborations and policy reforms to ensure sustainable water management. 

The State helmsman hinted that, his administration was implementing a comprehensive transformation agenda aimed at enhancing water infrastructure across the State, enumerating infrastructures such as water reservoir, Pipeline network optimisation, replacement of faulty valves and pipes, deployment of smart metering and digital monitoring systems, upgrading water treatment plants and laboratories as well as rehabilitation of vandalised pipelines as steps government had taken in making this a reality.

“Water security is no longer a choice, it is imperative, therefore, we urge the good people of Ogun State to join hands with the government by embracing responsible water usage and hygiene practices,” Abiodun said.

In his address, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Ola Oresanya, explained that the government remains committed to making water accessible to people, while emphasising the importance of collective action in conserving water resources for future generations.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Mrs. Olufemi Ilori Oduntan, urged stakeholders and concerned parties to intensify effort in the effective management of water, saying the evolving threat of water shortage calls for concerted determination to put in place policies for proper water resource management.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape, applauded the commitment and cooperation of the staffers in making the “Ogun Water Dream” a reality, adding that their diligence and effectiveness has contributed in no small measure to the success recorded so far in the corporation.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, in her presentation, tagged: "Ogun Water of our Dreams", said the Mission and Vision of the Agency was to be the foremost provider of safe, sustainable and accessible water service in Ogun State as well as leveraging on advanced technology to enhance efficiency, reliability and community well-being while driving public health, economic growth and environmental stewardship.

She said Water Corporation operates an open-door policy, enjoining stakeholders to make use of the available toll-free lines or contact their offices for information about water.

OGSG/IMPACT TRAIN OFFICERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL SAFEGUARD POLICIES

In a bid to demonstrate its commitment at providing high-quality healthcare services, while protecting the environment and promoting social well-being of the citizens, Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project, has organised a two-day State level training programme for Environmental Officers and Nurses on Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies in Abeokuta.

Speaking, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, said the training aimed towards equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement environmental and social safeguard policies in the State.

Dr. Ogunsola said the training was expected to enhance the ability of Environmental Officers, as well as Nurses, in order to identify and manage environmental and social risks associated with healthcare activities, ensure a safer and healthier environment for patients, staffers, as well as communities, saying that the healthcare waste management plan for the IMPACT project was meant to comply with the State, National and International environmental regulations’ best practices.

In her opening remarks, IMPACT State Project Manager, Dr. Kofoworola Olajide, said the Project was launched in Nigeria to reduce the under-five mortality rate and improve health services nationwide, noting that it would enhance access to quality healthcare for children and women in selected States by promoting the uptake of malaria prevention and treatment services, strengthening case management skills, as well as sensitising households on malaria prevention.

Contributing, the IMPACT project's Environmental and Safeguard Specialist, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Obileye, highlighted the importance of environmental and social safeguard policies in promoting sustainable healthcare wastes management practices, pointing out that the policy's primary objective was to protect healthcare workers, waste handlers and communities from the harmful impacts of infectious or hazardous healthcare wastes associated with IMPACT projects in the State.

Mrs. Obileye added that the policy would develop procedures that would minimise environmental and social risks by identifying potential risks and impacts, assessing mitigation measures, as well as ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards, noting that effective implementation of the policy would have impact positively on the healthcare system, promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

 

Segun Owotomo & Alatishe Fatimah,

Information and Public Relations Officers, OGPHCDB

NUJ Information Chapel Celebrates Patron, Apelogun on His Birthday

The Nigeria Union of Journalist, Ogun State Information Chapel join the rest of humanity to celebrate a worthy Patron of the Chapel, Alhaji Samsudeen Adebayo Apelogun on the occasion of his birthday. 

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan, the 'birthday boy' is described as a beacon of hope and inspiration full of wisdom, integrity, and tireless service to Ogun State. 

"As the Asiwaju Adeen of Ogun State, Baba Adeen of Remoland, and President of All Rounder Groups, you have exemplified true leadership, selflessness, and dedication to the welfare of the people and we are so proud to have you as our worthy Patron", the statement reads. 

"As you celebrate your birthday today, May Allah continue to grant you strength, prosperity, and long life in good health and many more years of impactful service", Osipitan added.

Apelogun Pledges Continued Support for NUJ Information Chapel

The National President of Acomoran who also doubles as the Asiwaju Adeen of Ogun State, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun, has reassured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Information Chapel of his continued support and partnership.

Apelogun gave the assurance while playing host to the Executives of the Chapel at his country home in Sagamu during a thank you visit, where he emphasized the importance of a collaborative relationship between himself and the Chapel as the Patron of the Union.

The Patron who lauded the Comrade 'Femi Osipitan led executives for the various achievements recorded in less than two years in office promised to maintain open lines of communication and provide necessary support to the Chapel's activities.

The Acomoran National President commended the Chapel members for their professionalism and dedication at disseminating accurate government information and keeping the public abreast of the strides of Prince Dapo Abiodun in the state. 

Earlier, the Chapel Chairman, Comrade 'Femi Osipitan while presenting the Union's Appreciation Letter and other gifts, thanked the Patron for the unwavering support often received from him most especially the recent support for the 2025 Ramadan Lecture.

Comrade Osipitan assured of the Chapel's continued support while pledging to place the patron's picture in the Hall of fame and name a street after him at the First ever Journalists Estate in Ogun State. 

EXPOSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERPETRATORS-OGUN DEP. GOV. TASK JOURNALISTS

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has tasked members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Information Chapel to help use their profession to expose, name and shame domestic violence perpetrators in the society without compromise in their reportage, describing it as a blight that must be collectively nip in the bud.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele made this known at the Year 2025 ramadan lecture titled: ‘Domestic violence, growing global concern, Islamic panacea to the rescue' organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Information Chapel, at the mini Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the issue of domestic violence touches everybody, either as a witness, a victim or as a perpetrator of domestic violence.

          “Allah forbade domestic violence and He has said that if we abhor something, we can change it with our hands, mouth and minds, where we are in domestic violence should be beyond changing with our minds but working against it.

 As a professional, you should help highlight this challenge and also help to make it something that people will be ashamed of, Lets blacklist all perpetrators and ensure that we name and shame them. Anybody who does it should not be speared at all but exposed,” she said.

While commending NUJ Information chapel for their efforts in organising Ramadam lecture every year and the support of chapel members towards ensuring that the programme was a success, she thanked the guest lecturer for preaching the word of Allah and sharing the gift Allah has given him, praying that God would reward him, increase his knowledge and protect him in all his endeavours.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and the National President, ACCOMORAN, Alhaji Samsideen Apelogun, appreciated Almighty Allah for witnessing yet another Ramadam, saying the topic of this year Ramadan lecture was apt as domestic violence had caused a lot of damage to many homes, women and the children. While saying the cases of violence in Nigeria was alarming, adding that all hands must be on deck to nip it in the mud.

In his lecture, the Chief Imam, Lagos State House of Assembly. Dr. Abdul Hakeem, Abdul Lateef, said those who engage in domestic violence feel they know it all or have all it takes but lack everything, highlighting the types of violence as physical, psychological, sexual, self-induced violence among others. 

He attributed the causes of domestic violence to failure of making perpetrators to suffer for his or her crime, effect of childhood trauma, victims of broken home, peer groups, families, anger issues, false marriages (matchmaking), mental illness and religious differences.

          Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan, said the chapel was not only concerned about the welfare of its members but also take their spiritual wellbeing very seriously, urging them to show love to one another, be philanthropic in nature, peace and follow the deeds of Allah wholeheartedly during and after Ramadan.