BUREAU COLLABORATES WITH NOA TO CURB ILLEGAL LAND ACQUISITION

In a strategic move to curb the growing menace of illegal land acquisition in Ogun State, the Bureau of Lands and Survey has revealed plans to collaborate with the State chapter of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in sensitising the public about the proper procedures for land acquisition, as well as the dangers of engaging with unverified land agents or speculators.

 Special Adviser and Director General of the Bureau, Arch. Segun Fowora, disclosed this during a courtesy visit led by the Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Oyebisi Andrew, to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

 Arch. Fowora emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration to address issues such as land fraud, encroachment and unauthorised developments across the State.

He stated that the Bureau, through the partnership, intends to intensify its efforts in stemming the tide due to lack of awareness. “We are glad to welcome the National Orientation Agency as a strategic partner in this crucial fight, many of the problems we encounter is that People fall into the trap of fraudsters because they do not understand the legal process involved in land acquisition. This collaboration will help bridge that gap, he said.”

 Speaking, the Consultant to the State Government on Land Matters, Mr. Fatai Adegboyega, described the initiative as a welcome development, pledging the Bureau’s support to the Agency in terms of logistics and provision of relevant information when and where necessary. He added that the Ogun State Government had already set up a task force to curb illegal land activities.

Also, Director of Land Services, ESV. Adedeji Adewale, commended the NOA’s proactive engagement, noting that the Agency’s structure would enable messages to penetrate both rural and urban communities effectively.

In her remarks, the NOA State Director, Mrs. Oyebisi Andrew, said the Agency plans to involve community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders in the public awareness campaign towards ensuring that the messages reaches every corner of the State.

In her vote of thanks, NOA, Director of Community Outreach, Mrs. Toyin Oluwa, appreciated the Director General for embracing the partnership, stating that the Agency looks forward for more collaborative efforts in the future.

A key highlight of the courtesy visit was the presentation of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to support the public sensitisation campaign.

 

Akindele Damilola,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Bureau of Lands and Survey

Our Administration Will Ensure Conducive Working Conditions -Ex OGHA Speaker

A former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Chairman, House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Prince Suraj Ishola Adekumbi has assured workers of the Commission of an enabling and conducive working environment which he said would help staffers to deliver optimally. 

Adekumbi who gave the assurance during a familiarization meeting with staffers of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission in Abeokuta promised a robust welfare that will encourage officers to give their best in service delivery. 

The Ex Speaker admonished the staff to note that current administration of the Assembly Commission under his leadership would not condone indiscipline, emphasising that discipline, appointment and promotion are the core functions of the Commission. 

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Mr.Taiwo Opaleye enjoined members of staff to ensure professionalism while discharging their duties and be punctual at work at all time.

Opaleye noted that staffers should work hard to justify their salaries while contributing to the growth of the State. 

In their separate reactions, Mrs.Olubunmi Ogunsoto and Miss.Toyosi Alayaki applauded the Chairman and the Commission members for their words of encouragement, promising that members of staff would not relent in contributing their quotas in achieving the goals of the State through Assembly Commission.

FLASH FLOOD: OGUN ENJOINS RESIDENTS NOT TO PANIC

Ogun State Government has enjoined residents of the State not to panic due to the ongoing flash-flood in the State which is a natural prediction but instead stay calm and obey all the advises to mitigate it. 

According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, the assurance became necessary to stop them from all panicky measures as well as remind them of the advises they must heed which are aimed at safeguarding lives and property during this raining season when predictable flash - flood are prevalent. 

According to Oresanya, residents are reminded of the need to stay indoors when it is raining or stay in a safe place when on transit, adding that, "motorists and commuters are advised to avoid the temptation to cross flood paths until the flood recedes which are usually within one or two hours. 

The Commissioner added that, "households and community leaders are equally advised to ensure that all constrictions along drainage channels and canals are removed".

While warning residents of the state to expect more torrential rain in the next three weeks which is first peak of the raining season, Dr. Oresanya used the opportunity to inform the citizens of the need to contact the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Flood Emergency Management response teams at the nearest local government to them in case of any emergency.

The Community Development Associations (CDAs), he added have also been mobilised as first responders for flood emergency management within their communities.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO DEEPENING THE SERVICE THROUGH INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY - GOV. ABIODUN ASSURES

...AS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY CELEBRATION WINDS DOWN

The Ogun State government has highlighted the urgent need for fundamental transformation of the Public Service to one that is driven by innovation, sustained through adaptability and powered by technology, as it resonates deeply with the present administration's commitment.

The Governor made this known in his remarks at the grand finale of the year 2025 Public Service Day celebration with the theme: "Managing the Public Service for Excellence and Service Delivery in the 21st Century: The role of Innovation, Adaptation and Technology", held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Prince Abiodun said the apt theme of the celebration is more than just a subject of discourse but a clarion call for action, as all hands must be on deck to achieve this.

While saluting the invaluable contributions of the workers to serve the community with integrity and a focus on results, Gov. Abiodun said his administration remains committed to reforms that promote efficiency, transparency, creativity and professionalism in the Civil Service, as efforts to digitise all its operations are ongoing.

He pledged that his administration will continue to expand Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, strengthen infrastructure and provide the tools necessary to increase service delivery, as the goal remains a public service that is modern, responsive and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the citizens.

"I join others in saluting every Public Servant in Ogun State and indeed across Nigeria on the celebration of this year's Public Service Day. This annual event not only affords us the invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate our workforce, it also presents a great moment to reflect on the critical role of Public Servants in shaping the socio-economic development of our dear State and the nation at large.

"I am confident that together, we have continued to record significant achievements in the delivery of quality service to the people of Ogun State", the gov. said.

In his welcome address, the Chief Celebrator, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the Public Service Day was set aside by the United Nations as a dedicated moment every year to celebrate the values and virtues of the public service to the community, highlight their contributions in the development process and recognize the laudable works of the Public Servants.

He said it was an avenue to celebrate and appreciate the selfless sacrifices and contributions of the workers as the 'engine room of government' and added that this year's edition has upheld the legacy with vibrancy and purpose and called on the workers to remain focused and committed to improving service delivery, while they remain undeterred in the steadfast efforts towards the continued successful implementation of the 'Building Our Future Together' agenda of the present administration.

Mr. Onasanya appreciated the worker-friendly governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for graciously approving the celebration, as well as his consistent prioritisation of the welfare of workers through laudable policies, projects and initiatives that keep lifting and dignifying the Civil/Public Service of Ogun State.

"As we round off this year's celebration, I heartily congratulate all Civil/Public Servants across the State and reiterate that your roles in driving the engine of governance are deeply appreciated", the HoS said.

In his presentation, the Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, while speaking on the theme of the celebration said the workers must upgrade themselves technologically in cyber security and Artificial Intelligence, as well as deploy a learning management system where they can login and take courses relevant to their jobs and also learn at their own pace.

The Senator, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber security also recommended that a service innovation unit that will look into what each Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) is embarking on and make them improve on such is instituted, with a view to rewarding such Agency at events such as the Public Service Day celebration, which will in turn encourage others to brace up and the workers be encouraged to be innovative, amongst other recommendations.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide noted the level of professionalism in the State Civil Service, and acknowledged their proactive and supportive roles which he said, has been instrumental to the successes recorded by the administration.  

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, House Committee on Establishments and Public Service, Hon. (Prince) Tunde Tella, a former Head of Service in the State, Elder Sola Adeyemi and the Chairman, Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Engr. Adeniyi Abiola appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for consistently building the capacities of the workforce through various training programmes for all categories as well as the subsidization of the Health Insurance Scheme, release of funds to organise the 2025 Public Service Day, amongst others.

They acknowledged the Governor's commitment to the wellbeing and welfare of the public servants and the retirees in the State, which they said would further spur the workers to retain their best position in the Civil Service among the comity of States.

They added that the workers should count themselves lucky for having this kind of programme because innovation, adaptation and technology play vital roles in managing the Public Service for excellence and service delivery as it helps in transforming how government operates and delivers to the citizens.

They urged the Public Servants as custodians of public trust to embrace technology and move away from the bureaucratic system that slows down government operations.

Appreciating all dignitaries and the workforce for the support at making the week-long event a huge success, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, urged the workers to return to their duty posts rejuvenated and imbibe all the lessons gained from the celebration.

The Public Service Day Lecture drew dignitaries to include top government officials, both serving and retired, political office holders, labour leaders and Civil Servants in their large numbers.

Omolara Osindele and Tunde Olayiwola 

Office of the Head of Service

WORKERS COMMEMORATE SSG’S BIRTHDAY WITH PHILANTHROPIC GESTURE, SETTLE MEDICAL BILLS

As part of activities to mark the 63rd birthday of the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Olatokunbo Talabi, members of staff in his Office have extended a philanthropic gesture by offsetting medical bills of some patients at the State Hospital, Sokenu, Abeokuta.

Leading the delegation, Director of Administration and Supplies, office of the SSG, Mr. Toyin Lapite, said the Team considered it more meaningful to celebrate the birthday of the celebrant by identifying with the sick and needy who were unable to pay their hospital bills, noting that the initiative was a way of reflecting God's faithfulness in the life of the celebrant and reinforcing the values of compassion and community service which he exemplifies.

“This is the second time the staff of the SSG’s office is reaching out in this manner. We believe that putting smiles on the faces of those in distress is a better way of honouring Mr. Talabi, whose life of service and humility continue to inspire us,” Lapite revealed.

Receiving the team, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Bababunmi Osinaike, commended the thoughtful intervention, noting that it would go a long way in relieving the burdens of several patients.

He disclosed that the hospital’s social welfare department had already identified those in urgent need to benefit from the kind gesture.

Seventeen patients across different departments of the hospital benefitted from the donation.

Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Folashade Olayiwola, and Mr. Wasiu Quyum, appreciated the kind gesture and prayed for divine blessings on the celebrant and his members of staff.

OGUN PARTNERS CHAI TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH WORKFORCE

The Ogun State Government has partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) towards enhancing the health of its citizens and improving the Primary Healthcare Services to communities across the State.

 Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola made this known during a 2-day Stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta, saying the partnership between Ogun State and CHAI was a timely intervention that aligns with the State's commitment to improving the health and well-being of its residents.

Dr. Ogunsola highlighted some of the efforts towards strengthening the healthcare system to include, investments in infrastructure and personnel, saying that, partnership with CHAI was a demonstration of the government's dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare services to its citizens. He added that the initiative would identify state-specific gaps and strengths, guide strategic planning, and ensure the sustainability of the Community-Based Health workforce programme.

He revealed that the partnership between Ogun State and CHAI was expected to have a significant impact on the State's healthcare system, by strengthening the community health workforce, the State would improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and under served areas, saying it would not only enhance the health and well-being of residents but also contribute to the State's economic development by reducing the burden of healthcare costs on families and communities.

In her address, the Consultant, Health Access Initiative Independent (CHAI), Mrs. Simi Martins noted that, her organisation's goal was to improve community health readiness and maturity level in Nigeria, with the aim of enhancing sustainable financing for community health and improve the operational capacity for its implementation.

Mrs. Martins pointed out that CHAI's vision was a world where everyone could live a healthy and fulfilling life, noting that the organisation operates at the nexus of the Governments, business and health towards strengthening and sustaining quality health systems in low-and middle-income countries.

 In Ogun State, CHAI's technical assistance would help identify state-specific gaps and strengths, guide strategic planning, and ensure the sustainability of the Community-Based Health workforce programme by improving community health readiness and maturity level. The State could enhance access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and under served areas which would contribute to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for the state's residents.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, the Health Secretary, Abeokuta South Local government, Dr. Atinuke Duse, expressed gratitude to the State Government and CHAI for the initiative, which was loaded with significant benefits to include, improved healthcare delivery, enhanced community health workforce, and better health outcomes for its residents.

 

Olusegun Owotomo & Fatimah Alatishe

Information and Public Relations Officers, OGPHECADEB

OGUN PARTNERS CHAI TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH WORKFORCE

The Ogun State Government has partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) towards enhancing the health of its citizens and improving the Primary Healthcare Services to communities across the State.

 Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola made this known during a 2-day Stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta, saying the partnership between Ogun State and CHAI was a timely intervention that aligns with the State's commitment to improving the health and well-being of its residents.

Dr. Ogunsola highlighted some of the efforts towards strengthening the healthcare system to include, investments in infrastructure and personnel, saying that, partnership with CHAI was a demonstration of the government's dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare services to its citizens. He added that the initiative would identify state-specific gaps and strengths, guide strategic planning, and ensure the sustainability of the Community-Based Health workforce programme.

He revealed that the partnership between Ogun State and CHAI was expected to have a significant impact on the State's healthcare system, by strengthening the community health workforce, the State would improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and under served areas, saying it would not only enhance the health and well-being of residents but also contribute to the State's economic development by reducing the burden of healthcare costs on families and communities.

In her address, the Consultant, Health Access Initiative Independent (CHAI), Mrs. Simi Martins noted that, her organisation's goal was to improve community health readiness and maturity level in Nigeria, with the aim of enhancing sustainable financing for community health and improve the operational capacity for its implementation.

Mrs. Martins pointed out that CHAI's vision was a world where everyone could live a healthy and fulfilling life, noting that the organisation operates at the nexus of the Governments, business and health towards strengthening and sustaining quality health systems in low-and middle-income countries.

 In Ogun State, CHAI's technical assistance would help identify state-specific gaps and strengths, guide strategic planning, and ensure the sustainability of the Community-Based Health workforce programme by improving community health readiness and maturity level. The State could enhance access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and under served areas which would contribute to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for the state's residents.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, the Health Secretary, Abeokuta South Local government, Dr. Atinuke Duse, expressed gratitude to the State Government and CHAI for the initiative, which was loaded with significant benefits to include, improved healthcare delivery, enhanced community health workforce, and better health outcomes for its residents.

 

Olusegun Owotomo & Fatimah Alatishe

Information and Public Relations Officers, OGPHECADEB

OGUN NUJ INFORMATION CHAPEL SETS TO MARK SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN GRAND STYLE

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Information Chapel is set to celebrate the second year anniversary of the present administration with a lineup of exciting activities aimed at showcasing the chapel’s growth and fostering greater unity among members.  

The announcement was made by the Chairman, Comrade Femi Osipitan, during the June edition of the monthly congress held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.  

According to Comrade Osipitan, the celebration is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, featuring a variety of activities, including novelty football matches between the male members and their female counterparts, relay races, table tennis, swimming, ludo, draft, chess, medical check-ups, and a cinema outing to round off the event.  

He noted that since the current executive assumed office in August 2023, it has successfully implemented several initiatives, including local training programs, enhanced welfare packages, renovations of the chapel secretariat, and land allocations under the chapel’s estate scheme. 

The chairman further revealed that efforts are underway to organize national and international training retreats, with a committee already inaugurated to handle the planning of an out-of-state retreat.  

The chairman also reminded members that the tenure of the present state NUJ executive under the leadership of Comrade Wale Olanrewaju will expire on December 22, 2025, and outlined criteria for those interested in contesting for any position at the Council to include; a minimum of seven years as a practicing journalist, 50% attendance at monthly state congresses, and financial membership status.  

Responding on behalf of other members, Comrade Ajibola Taiwo commended the executive for its commitment and performance over the past two years noting that their efforts have significantly elevated the chapel’s image, and the lineup of anniversary activities reflects their dedication to both professional development and member welfare.