WE'LL CONTINUE TO STRIFE TO ENGAGE INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS SAYS AMOSUN

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said his government will continue to strife to engage Indigenous contractors to execute infrastructural projects in the state.

Governor Amosun made this known on Thursday while hosting the Nigerian Society of Engineers who came to pay a coutesy call on the Governor in his Oke Mosan, Abeokuta office.

Governor Amosun disclosed that the state is starting the construction of the semi-urban roads in all the Local Government Areas of the state, saying local contractors would be massively engaged in executing the projects.

The Governor who expressed concerned with the increase in number of incidences of collapse structures,  admonished stakeholders to find a way of addressing the Infrastructural deficit in Nigeria.

While describing the Society of Engineers as hardworking, skilled and sound with great intellectual abilities, Governor Amosun noted that lack of modern tools and equipment remains the challenge of the Association enjoining them to embrace modern technologies.

Senator Amosun who enjoined the Body to always put the government on their toes when not doing enough, charged them to always come up with professional advice to help the government.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Otis Anyaeji said Ogun State is the model to follow especially in the infrastructural development if the diversification drive of the economy by the nation is anything to go by.

Engineer Anyaeji who commended the state government for the great transformation in the state assured that the society would find a lasting solution to the quark engineers practising in the nation.

Osinbajo, over 10 Governors attend Aregbesola mum's fidau prayer

The Acting President ofNigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with over 10 Governors both serving and former attends Aregbesola mum's fidau prayer at Ilesha in Osun state on Tuesday.

Amosun celebrates Deacon Poju Adeyemi @ 80

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has described Deacon Poju Adeyemi, an elder statesman as a selfless and well respected leader who has served his people diligently.

Governor Amosun gave the description at the church service organized on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration in his residence at Ibara Housing area of Abeokuta.

Governor Amosun who noted that the celebrant had served the state in the capacity as two times secretary to the state government said he has paid his dues to the larger community praying that he would live longer in perfect health.

In his message to the celebrant, Rev. Timothy Olatunbosun of Ibara Baptist church admonished him to always remember the goodness and benevolence of God and worship him for the rest of his life.

Rev. Olatunbosun added that it was high time the birthday boy examined his walk with God and make peace with all men charging him to continually release words of prayer into the next generations.

In their separate remarks, friends and families testified that the "birthday boy" is very humble, a man of worth who is reliable and trustworthy and a quintessential offspring of the church and state.

In his words, the celebrant, Deacon Poju Adeyemi thanked God for preserving his life to see the day saying it is not by his power nor by might but by the grace, mercies and glory of God that he was not consumed.

Appreciating the leadership of the current administration in the state, the celebrant said Governor Amosun and his cabinet members have played a very remarkable role in his life especially during his trying times.

Also present at the event among other dignitaries are the wife of the state Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Olufunso Amosun, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, Secretary to the state Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Chief of Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi.

Ogun Clears Air on $350m World Bank Facility, Says it is Concessionary

The Ogun State government has explained that the budget support facility from the World Bank is concessionary.

It debunked reports in a segment of the media, suggesting that the House of Representatives rejected the request of the state government, for the concessionary facility from the Word Bank, when it  met  the officials of states seeking foreign loan approvals at the National Assembly in Abuja, last Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta yesterday, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ms. Denrele Adesina, said the meeting with the House of Representatives Committee was preliminary.

According to her, "contrary to speculations in the media, the approval process for the budget support facility is ongoing, as the state government officials only had a preliminary meeting with the House Committee on Loans, Aids and Debt Management."

She explained that the budget support facility was at a rock bottom interest of two percent with a five-year moratorium and redeemable for 25 years.

"The World Bank Budget support is for states that have demonstrated ability for proven results. The leap of Ogun State from 35th position in 2010 to one of the best five in 2014 in terms of Ease of Doing Business, transparency, growth in IGR, among others, has impressed the global institution, and is ever willing to partner with our government.

"The World Bank is concerned about the welfare of the people of Ogun State. It is interested in capacity building, through education, development of agriculture, improved health care delivery.

"The Amosun administration has met the benchmarks on these. The World Bank looks forward to partnering with such states to achieve its global objectives of development," she submitted.

Senator Daisy Danjuma clocks 65, celebrates in grand style

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso, on Sunday, joined dignitaries from across the world to celebrate with Senator Daisy Danjuma when she celebrated her 65th birthday at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos on Sunday

See who made the "Face of the week"

Miss Tolulope Osipitan has made the Femi Osipitan Blog’s “Face of the Week”. Beautiful Tolulope was born on the 6th of August in the 80s. She hails from Ogun State, Nigeria. She made the Femi Osipitan blog’s “Face of the Week” and to contact her or to put in for the “Face of the Week”, contact the administrator of  www.femiosipitan.blogspot.com through E-mail: princefemi001@yahoo.co.uk or call:+2348134742489.

Ogun 2017 Hajj Pilgrims and Governor Amosun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State bidding farewell to the first set of 129 Pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina for Hajj on Saturday at the Arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

PROPER HOME TRAINING REMEDY FOR CRIMINAL TENDENCIES- OGUN CJ

The Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olumide Ayeni has suggested proper up-bringing as well as home training as panacea for curbing criminality and juvenile delinquencies towards having a peaceful nation. Ayeni gave this charge while fielding questions from newsmen on lifting of moratorium on death penalty and capital punishment at his office, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta with the advice that Parents should guide their children aright especially on good behavioural conducts in order to avoid facing severe laws of the land He added that youths should also be advised on the need to shun all acts capable of truncating the peace, security and economic advancement, emphasizing that the present administration would not hesitate to wield the big steak against any erring citizen irrespective of the personality involved. “The present administration holds the security of lives and property in the state paramount and would not tolerate activities or behaviours capable of destroying the peace and orderliness in the State, as the state is investors’ destination of choice”. According to Ayeni, ‘’without adequate security in place no investor would want to invest in an insecure State. This is the more reason for lifting the ban on moratorium on death penalty/capital punishment. The onus falls on individuals and parents to discipline their children as Government would not hesitate to implement this in accordance with due process’’. The Commissioner disclosed further that the present administration had pardon many especially awaiting trial inmates since its inception as no execution had been carried out in the last decade. The Attorney General said Governor Ibikunle Amosun took an oath of office to act in accordance with the law of the land without fear and favour, the Governor would not hesitate to implement the sentence after due process had been followed.

BE GOOD AMBASSADORS OF OGUN, AMOSUN CHARGES 2017 HAJJ PILGRIMS*

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has charged Pilgrims going for the 2017 Hajj exercise from the state to be good Ambassadors of the state at the Holy Land.

Governor Amosun gave the charge while bidding farewell to the first set of Pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina this Saturday at the Arcade ground in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta

The Governor reminded the Pilgrims to be of Ogun Standard, noting that they have to set the template for others  to follow while urging them to go there and propagate the good name of the state.                          
Governor Amosun who prayed for journey mercies for the Pilgrims enjoined them to remember the entire state in their prayers.

On his part, the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Board Chairman, Alhaji Isiaq Yussuf who spoke with the state house correspondents stated that 420 Pilgrims would be going from the state disclosing that 129 Pilgrims are the first batch leaving the country this Saturday.

PROPER HOME TRAINING REMEDY FOR CRIMINAL TENDENCIES- OGUN CJ

The Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olumide Ayeni has suggested proper up-bringing as well as home training as panacea for curbing criminality and juvenile delinquencies towards having a peaceful nation. Ayeni gave this charge while fielding questions from newsmen on lifting of moratorium on death penalty and capital punishment at his office, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta with the advice that Parents should guide their children aright especially on good behavioural conducts in order to avoid facing severe laws of the land He added that youths should also be advised on the need to shun all acts capable of truncating the peace, security and economic advancement, emphasizing that the present administration would not hesitate to wield the big steak against any erring citizen irrespective of the personality involved. “The present administration holds the security of lives and property in the state paramount and would not tolerate activities or behaviours capable of destroying the peace and orderliness in the State, as the state is investors’ destination of choice”. According to Ayeni, ‘’without adequate security in place no investor would want to invest in an insecure State. This is the more reason for lifting the ban on moratorium on death penalty/capital punishment. The onus falls on individuals and parents to discipline their children as Government would not hesitate to implement this in accordance with due process’’. The Commissioner disclosed further that the present administration had pardon many especially awaiting trial inmates since its inception as no execution had been carried out in the last decade. The Attorney General said Governor Ibikunle Amosun took an oath of office to act in accordance with the law of the land without fear and favour, the Governor would not hesitate to implement the sentence after due process had been followed.

WE VALUE STANDARD IN PROJECT EXECUTION- AMOSUN

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has reiterated that quality and standard would continue to be the watchword of his administration in the execution of all infrastructural projects taking place across the State. Governor Amosun stated this at the opening of a 2-Day National Workshop, Ogun 2017, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quality Surveyors, with the theme ‘’Procurement of Infrastructural Facilities , Professional Perspectives” held at the IBD international Hotel, Abeokuta. Represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, Amosun revealed that his administration had ensured due diligence before awarding contracts in order to uphold ‘’Ogun standard’’. The Governor while congratulating the organizers and all those who have contributed to the success of the workshop, maintained that ‘’hosting the workshop at this time could not have been more apt especially now that new development approach were being considered in the construction of critical socio-economic infrastructure. Governor Amosun revealed that in the last six years of his administration, deployment of quality building materials have not been compromised in the reconstruction of existing infrastructure and construction of new ones, maintaining that the development explained the prominence government has placed on the ‘’Ogun standard’’ signature. He added that the quest by his administration to ensure that projects executed by it outlived generations, prompted the deployment of qualified professionals including Engineers, Surveyors, Architects among others, for ongoing construction works in the State, urging members of the institute to tap into the wealth of experience of the revered members present at the workshop. Earlier, the President of the Institute, Mrs Mercy Torkwase Iyortyer commended Amosun’s administration for the implementation of unprecedented projects and its infrastructural drive which according to her has begun to yield positive results, just as the Chairman, Ogun State Chapter of the Institute, Mr Jacob Awolesi, appreciated Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his supports to professional bodies and for creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

OGSG THROWS SOLID SUPPORT BEHIND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

The Ogun State Government has assured practitioners in the creative and entertainment industry of its support adding that it would tap into the potentials in the various sectors of the economy in line with the diversification drive.

The State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun gave the assurance this Friday while hosting a delegation of the "Best of Nollywood Award", an arm of Entertainment Industry who paid him a courtesy visit at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta.

Governor Amosun who made it known that part of the problems of the nation was as a result of too much focus and dependency on the monolithic economy, posited that it was high time the nation promoted the creative industry because of its huge potentials in the socio-economic development of the nation.

Governor Amosun while noting that the state is the cradle of entertainment as giants like Albert Ogunde, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Olu Jacobs, Wole Soyinka and many others originates from here, made it known that his government will continue to  provide an enabling environment for all the economic sectors including the creative industry to survive.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation from the Best of Bollywood Awards, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi said the team came to present the hosting right of the award in Ogun State to the Governor.

Mr. Oloketuyi who applauded the state government for creating an enabling atmosphere for the entertainment stakeholders and the industry to thrive said the infrastructural development in Ogun State has created beautiful scenery for movie practitioners to do their arts.

OGSG CAUTIONS FOREST USERS AGAINST ILLEGAL OPERATIONS

OGSG CAUTIONS FOREST USERS AGAINST ILLEGAL OPERATIONS

            Ogun State Government has again warned all forest users against illegal operation and the need to strictly abide by the rules of engagement while carrying out their businesses in the nine government forest reserves across the State.

            The Commissioner for forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, gave the warning while addressing a delegate of Association of Timber Contractors, Ijebu branch at the Ministry’s Conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

             Lawal said the primary responsibility of the Ministry was to ensure rapid cultivation and conservation of forest resources for the socio-economic development and for environmental sustainability of the State, adding that government would not fold its arms and watch the forest reserves being destroyed.

            He stated that the Ministry would resist all forms of illegalities in the forest reserves, adding that ban on ‘flitches’, unauthorized logging and establishment of new settlement within the forest reserves subsists.

            Chief Lawal warned further that any village Chief culpable for allocating land without government permission would be decisively dealt in accordance with existing forestry law.

            The Commissioner disclosed that the obsolete forestry laws had been reviewed and currently awaiting necessary legislation by the State House of Assembly, stressing that when passed into law, it would prescribe the necessary punishment for perpetrators of illegal activities in forest reserves in the State.

            He said though the State government was not against legitimate businesses in the forest reserves, yet it expected that contractors to operate in tandem with the existing forestry law.

            Responding, the Chairman Timber Contractor Association, Ijebu branch, Alh. Mukaila Adekoya, said the association appreciated the efforts of the Ministry in curbing illegalities and pledged its support to further wage war against all forms of illegal operations in the reserves.

WHY WE ORGANIZED SUMMER CAMP- OGUN EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

WHY WE ORGANIZED SUMMER CAMP- OGUN EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

The need for children to socialize with their peers, have fun and relax under a conducive environment necessitated the organization of summer camp by the Ogun State government.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota who stated this while featuring on a Television Programme in Abeokuta, said for students who had studied and worked hard throughout the year, ‘’having two weeks of  fun and learning all those things that they were not taught in classrooms setting was not too much’’.

“We should not belabour our children with too much of academics, as the adage says ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ may come to bear on them if this opportunity is not accorded them”. Mrs Mujota said.

While emphasising on what prospective participants stand to gain at the two weeks exercise, she listed the benefits to include; exposure to creative arts, sports, academics, skill acquisition, souvenirs and meeting with celebrities in all fields of human endeavours.

The Commissioner said the Children would be opportune to visit important places like, Government House, State House of Assembly, Industries as well as some historical places in the State.

She submitted that the camp with more than 250 participants would kick off from Sunday 13^th August – Sunday 27^th August, 2017 at the State Model College, Akinale in Ewekoro Local Government Area.

HOMEOWNERS’ CHARTER: PROCESS HAS IMPROVED TREMENDOUSLY – AMOSUN

HOMEOWNERS’ CHARTER: PROCESS HAS IMPROVED TREMENDOUSLY – AMOSUN

            The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun says the Homeowners’ Charter Programme has been improved tremendously by making the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy and other land title documents more seamless towards ensuring that all qualified applicants get their documents before the end of the present administration.

            The Governor who stated this during the presentation of land title documents to another batch of 500 beneficiaries at Oba’s Complex Auditorium, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said thousands of successful applicants have consecutively benefitted from the programme in the last three months.

            Amosun represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Abiola Kufile -Okonji, said the scheme was waxing stronger and better as applicants could now heave a sigh of relief with increase in monthly distribution.

            ‘’ I believe this program has surprised some doubting minds who thought it will not go far after it commenced in 2013, but we are moving forward, waxing stronger and better. Other successful applicants will soon get their C of O and building plan approval,’’ He said.

            In his remarks, the Special Adviser/ Director- General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Biyi Ismail said properties of participants  under the scheme have  now enhanced as ‘’they now have authentic title documents which confirm their ownership of such landed properties as well as making them marketable’’ .

            The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning, Mrs. Yetunde Dina, congratulated applicants for embracing the program, asking those who failed to apply for the scheme initially to go through the normal process.

            Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olaleye Alli Omotosho said the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration had done well with the Ogun Homeowners’ Charter Programme, enjoining government to come up with more people-oriented policies that would better the lots of the citizenry.

OGUN GOVT ADVISES PILGRIMS ON FINANCIAL PRUDENCE AT HAJJ

OGUN GOVT ADVISES PILGRIMS ON FINANCIAL PRUDENCE AT HAJJ

          The Ogun State Government has enjoined intending pilgrims embarking on this year’s holy pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah to avoid wasteful spending to forestall financial embarrassment in the holy land.

          Chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Dr Izhaq Yusuf gave this advice at a workshop organised for the Pilgrims in Abeokuta.

          Dr. Yusuf emphasized that wasteful spending could make them stranded  in the holy land as their stay could be up to 40 days, noting that financial capability was a requisite for a successful Hajj.

          ‘’According to Islamic injunction, before a pilgrim can be eligible for Hajj, he or she must be a practising Muslim, be mentally fit and also be financially buoyant’’, he stated.

          In a lecture titled “Transportation Arrangement’’, a Board member, Sheik AbdulRasheed Moyaleeke, urged the participants to be orderly especially during their visits to historical sites in the holy land, as  proper measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage.

          Another Board member, Alhaja Sururat AbdulMajeed in her presentation tagged ‘’ Clothings”, charged the Pilgrims specifically female to be modest in their dressing, advising them to always put on simple free, long non-transparent clothing, hijab, native dresses and underwear when moving around the holy land.

          Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Waliat Liafeez, warned the pilgrims against conveying prohibited drugs which included colanuts to the holy land just as the Head of Medical Team for the Hajj operation, Dr Nasir Bello, advised them to take along only drugs prescribed by the team.

OGUN STRENGTHENS TIES WITH FOREIGN AGENCIES FOR IMPROVED DEVELOPMENT

OGUN STRENGTHENS TIES WITH FOREIGN AGENCIES FOR IMPROVED DEVELOPMENT

          The Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru has expressed government readiness to strengthen partnership with international Development organizations to improve socio-economic development of the State.

          Ashiru stated this at a meeting with representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) led by Engr. Issac Olugbenga Adegun in Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.

          According to him, the intervention of the agency in trade and investment with focus on Agriculture was in tandem with the State Government’s Rebuilding Mission.

          Speaking on the agency’s effort at reducing time and cost of transportation of goods along Lagos, Kano and Jibiya trade corridors, the Commissioner emphasised the need for haulage operations to ensure that their drivers were properly trained before engaging them, saying it would also help in reducing the rate of accident on the roads.

          Ashiru said the State government had been encouraging industrial clusters among  firms operating in the State to enable them have easy access to raw materials and to reduce cost for a mutual beneficial relationship between them and the State.

          Earlier, Engr. Adegun explained that the project of the agency which commenced in October 2012 as an intervention plan was expected to end in 2016, pointing out that it would be extended for another one year in order to consolidate on its impact and to cover more grounds.

          He said the project, a trade and investment facilitation intervention was aimed at diversifying the economic base of the nation with focus on Agriculture and its value chain.

          ‘’We want to see how we can facilitate private sector’s participation in these trade corridors in a bid to reduce time and cost of transmitting goods and services across these corridors’’, Adegun said.

OSINBAJO, AMOSUN CELEBRATE LIFE AND TIMES OF LATE FLORENCE BANWO

The Acting President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun have joined other dignitaries to celebrate the life and time of late (Mrs) Florence Oyeyinka Banwo, mother of a former Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Ogun State, Mrs Oluwande Muoyo.

Professor Osinbajo during the farewell service organized in her honour at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Ikorodu described Mama Banwo as an exemplar of an era of hard work, contentment, proper behaviour and Godliness.

The Acting President who enjoined the children, families and friends to celebrate and be proud of Mama's life said we have not lost her because of the legacies she left behind.

Professor Osinbajo added that late (Mrs) Florence Oyeyinka Banwo lived to see her great virtues in all her children praying that her passing into Glory will be the beginning of good things for the children.

On his part, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who noted that the loss of one's parent, irrespective of age is always painful, urged Mrs. Muoyo and her siblings to take solace in the understanding that their mother lived a fulfilled life and left behind enviable legacies.

Governor Amosun added that her remarkable contributions and great impact in the society have been greatly manifested and enriched through the generation of pupils that passed through her tutelage and mentorship during her teaching career.

Other dignitaries at the event described the deceased who was 85 years before her death as a devout Christian, caring and generous woman who was willing and ever ready to help others.

Caption for picture:

The Acting President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (middle) flanked to his left by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and to his right by one of the children of the deceased, a former Commissioner For Budget and Planning in Ogun State, Mrs Oluwande Muoyo at the farewell service organized for late (Mrs) Florence Oyeyinka Banwo at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ireshe, Ikorodu.

N.T.A BOSS SCORES AMOSUN 85% IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

N.T.A BOSS SCORES AMOSUN 85% IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Mr. Yakubu Ibn Mohammed on Wednesday has scored the Governor Ibikunle Amosun led administration in Ogun State 85% in its infrastructural developmental strides.

Mr. Mohammed gave the pass mark in while speaking with the State House correspondents in Abeokuta shortly after he went on an inspection tour of some laudable projects in the state capital with Governor Amosun and other members of his team from Abuja.

The Director General said "even though I have not been able to visit other senatorial districts of the state, but with what i saw here in the Ogun Central, I can score the Governor 85% because he has been able to deliver on his electioneering campaign promises to the people."

Mr. Mohammed who said the Abeokuta he knew few years back is not the Abeokuta he is seeing now said the city has developed with secured and serene environment, flyovers and standard road constructions with all its modern facilities dotting everywhere.

Appreciating the present government in the state for its clear vision and mission, the N.T.A Boss said "during the inspection, I can see the connection between the people and the Governor and this goes a long way to affirm that Governor Amosun is not just a politician but an elder statesman.

WE'LL DEVELOP A 25-YEAR MASTER PLAN ON SECURITY, FOOD SECURITY - SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS

*WE'LL DEVELOP A 25-YEAR MASTER PLAN ON SECURITY, FOOD SECURITY - SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS*

The South West Governors' Forum under the aegis of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) have unanimously agreed to develop a 25-year Western Nigeria Development Master plan to address security challenges, food security among others sectors.

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who read the 11 point communiqué after the meeting of the South West Governors held in Abeokuta, Ogun State revealed that the forum have agreed to have a joint task force to guarantee the safety of lives, property and prosperity of the people of the the region thereby declaring a zero tolerance zone to crime in the region.

The Governor noted that the artificial boundaries of states, religions and political affiliations will not act as barrier to the regional development adding that all the states have been encouraged to improve the bilateral cooperation and foster development.

Speaking on food security in the region, the it was disclosed that the region would soon convene a regional agricultural summit to be held in Ibadan which would improve food security in the region.

Governor Amosun revealed that the forum would set up a committee to codify the values and ethos of the Yoruba race to strengthen the identity and unity of the people of the region.

The host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun added that the forum would henceforth be known as the Western Nigeria Governors' Forum.

In attendance at the meeting were the Governors of Ekiti, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Ondo, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Oyo, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

OGSG APPROVES LIFTING OF MORATORIUM ON CASES RELATING TO CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

OGSG APPROVES LIFTING OF MORATORIUM ON CASES RELATING TO CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved the lifting of a moratorium on cases relating to capital Punishment as part of measures to fast track dispensation of Justice in the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olumide Ayeni and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Dayo Adeneye briefed newsmen after the 31st weekly Executive council meeting presided over by the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the exco chambers, Governor's office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta this Monday.

According to the Attorney General, the pronouncement of a moratorium was in accordance with the directive of the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo at the council of States meeting in relation to death penalty.

Dr. Ayeni who said the moratorium was with immediate effect, explained that the step would be applicable to serving cases where lives had been lost as results of committing heinous crime.

While explaining the reason for the measure taken, the Commissioner for Justice noted that it is part of the efforts of the state government to see to the reduction of incidences of kidnapping, cultism and other societal ills which he said was on the increase.

Dr. Ayeni posited that the step would go a long way to ensure that the rule of law prevails in the society.

Also corroborating the Commissioner for Justice, his counterpart from the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Chief Dayo Adeneye said the initiative was to avoid spillover of crimes and other violence acts from gaining entrance into the state.

AMOSUN CHARGES N.I.Q.S TO EMBRACE MODERN TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER DELIVERY

AMOSUN CHARGES N.I.Q.S TO EMBRACE MODERN TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER DELIVERY

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has charged the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyor to embrace the use of modern Technologies for better service delivery.

Governor Amosun gave the charge this Wednesday at the Governor's office in Abeokuta while receiving the leadership of the institute led by the National President, Mrs Mercy Iyortyer who came to pay him a courtesy visit.

The Governor who acknowledged the strategic importance of the professionals in Quantity Survey in the successful project development in the society, charged them to adopt new technologies of doing things for them to meet up with world standard.

Commending the institute for their role in governance, the Governor said "there can be no development without the professionalism of your industry" assuring that his administration would continue to support and collaborate with professional bodies to engender world best practices in project procurement and implementation.

Earlier in her remarks, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyor, Mrs Mercy Iyortyer noted that the provision of infrastructural facilities is very key to the development of any nation.

Mrs. Iyortyer who used the medium to commend Governor Ibikunle Amosun led government for giving infrastructural facilities priority  in the state said the provided infrastructures has brought investors into the state while assuring the Governor of her institutes support for the administration.

OGUN CoS CHARGES TEACHERS TO MAINTAIN EDUCATION STANDARD IN THE STATE

The Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Chief Tolu Odebiyi has called on teachers across the state to work and think collectively to improve the standard of Education in the State

Chief Odebiyi made the call while receiving on behalf of the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun the members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools(ASUSS), Ogun State Chapter who came on a courtesy visit to his office this Thursday.

The Chief of Staff explained that the Governor Ibikunle Amosun led administration's love for the Education sector made it give the largest share of the state budget on yearly basis to the sector adding that resources and facilities are put in place to maintain the standard of the sector.

Chief Odebiyi who charged teachers to maintain the education standard in the state enjoined them to always be mindful of the impacts and effects their actions would have on students whenever they have issues to resolve.

He therefore revealed that government would soon organise Education summit where issues relating to the welfare of all the stakeholders in the sector would be addressed.

Earlier, the leader of the team and Chairman of ASUS, Comrade Akeem Lasisi while commending the Governor for allocating over 20% of the state budget to education, appreciated the Governor for the laudable projects embarked upon by his administration.

Comrade Lasisi who explained that the team came on a familiarization visit, noted that they have keyed into the mission to rebuild agenda of Governor Ibikunle Amosun led government.

He also appreciated the Governor for reinstating the suspended teachers who participated in the 2016 Teachers day celebration and also for approving teachers as members of the Teaching service Commission Board.

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OGUN MOVES TO ESTABLISH CHIEFTAINCY TRIBUNAL

Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko has re-emphasized the importance of establishing Chieftaincy Tribunal as a way of checkmating and resolving chieftaincy related disputes affecting traditional institutions in the State.
Chief Ojuko made this known during the visit of the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as part of their oversight functions to the Ministry in Oke-Mosan.
The Commissioner  said the present administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun would not rest on its oars at repositioning the State Traditional Council for better performance and grassroots developments as it plays a key role in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the State.
He pointed out that the intention of the Government was to ensure accelerated hearing of chieftaincy cases so that meaningful development could spread across various communities in the State, disclosing  that due to many years of court proceedings, many towns and communities were yet to install either chief or baale.
"As a result of court proceedings which lasted for years, many communities lose out in the scheme of development, but with the establishment of Chieftaincy Tribunals, matters affecting traditional institutions would not only receive accelerated hearing but will also be gazetted " Ojuko said.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, it’s Chairman, Hon. Olusola Sonuga commended the efforts of the Ministry for living up to its statutory responsibilities at ensuring adequate supervision and monitoring of the activities of the 20 local government areas in the State.
He also  urged the Ministry to step up its human capacity development drives by organizing seminars and workshops for the staffers of the Local Government Councils so as to meet up with the various challenges in the sector.
He however promised to speed up the hearing of the Chieftaincy Tribunal bill when it is presented to the House of Assembly for approval.

OVER 5000 TEACHERS SET FOR PROMOTION IN OGUN

          Over 5000 eligible primary school teachers have sat for the 2015 Promotion Examination organised by the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) which took place in three centres across the State.
          Speaking at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta, one of the centres, the Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Olatunde Okewole said that the board was irrevocably committed to teachers’ welfare which includes their regular promotion among others.
          He expressed satisfaction with the co-ordination of the exercise and also appreciated the teachers for conducting themselves in an orderly manner in the course of the examination.
          While urging them to be diligent, the SUBEB boss advised them to avail themselves of opportunities to learn, so as to sharpen their teaching skills to become more competent in the discharge of their duties.

OGUN DONATES EDITING EQUIPMENT TO NTA, ABEOKUTA.

          In a bid to assist media organisations in the State to achieve hitch free information dissemination, the Ogun State Government has donated full Linear Editing machine, two HVD cameras, laptop and other media tools to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abeokuta.
          Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye, who presented the equipment on behalf of the State Government, said the gesture was a way of giving back to the station for its unflinching support in projecting Government programmes and activities.
          He described the station as partner in progress in the rebuilding mission of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration, noting that the gesture was intended to boost the productivity of the station.
          “Despite economic challenges, which is a national phenomenon, Government has been able to keep its promise, hoping that the gesture would assist NTA reporters in gathering, processing and sending reports on the spot”, Adeneye stated.
           The media tools include, full Linear Editing facilities, with two HDV cameras, a laptop and two reporter microphones, among others.
          While commending the management of NTA, Abeokuta, the Commissioner however restated Government’s commitment to ensuring proper information management and dissemination in bringing governance closer to the people.
          The General Manager, NTA, Abeokuta, Mr. Segun Folarin on behalf of the management and staff of the station, appreciated the State Government for the gesture, saying it would really boost their production.
          “This is a promise fulfilled by Ogun State Government and it will help us to do more. I am assuring Government that we are going to double our efforts at showcasing activities of Government’’, Folarin remarked.

OGSG MOVES SALARY ACCOUNT OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES TO GATEWAY MORTGAGE BANK

          The Ogun State Government has directed that salary accounts of all political appointees in the State as well as accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies be moved to Gateway Mortgage Bank.
          Governor Ibikunle Amosun gave this directive during a meeting with the State Executives at the State Exco Chamber in Abeokuta, saying the essence was to reposition the bank for effective banking operations.
          “All political appointees must patronize Gateway Mortgage Bank, all our salaries must be paid there and other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies should maintain an account and patronize the bank”, Amosun said.
          The governor disclosed that his administration would approach the Central Bank of Nigeria to secure approval to establish at least one branch in every Local Government Area of the State to address its challenge of limited branches for customers to have easy access to funds and other banking operations.
          The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Mortgage Bank, Mr. Olawale Osisanya appreciated the Ogun Government for its unflinching support towards repositioning the bank, revealing that the bank now has better packages and incentives for its customers.
          “Our bank has now made available customer friendly loans to customers and issuance of debit card otherwise known as ATM for easier withdrawal of cash”, Osisanya added.

AMOSUN ASSURES NIGERIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICE OF GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has assured men of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Ogun State Command of his administration’s unflinching support to the activities and operations of the command in the State.

Governor Amosun gave this assurance at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta while playing host to a delegation of the Immigration Service saying their presence in the state had been beneficial while promising to make the state more conducive for all and sundry.

“There are several areas where we’ll collaborate with your agency especially in the area of creating more centres across the state where our people can have easier access to obtaining travel documents without stress or delay’ Amosun revealed.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and Comptroller of Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, CIS Yussuf Ganiyu Mumeen appreciated the State Government for creating the enabling environment in the state which has aided their operations in the past years.

CIS Mumeen revealed that the command has strategically positioned patrol teams across all the forty-eight roads that had been identified to be the route of illegal immigrants to monitor and curb their activities and manage the inflow of immigrants, as well as to investigate and enforce appropriate sanctions.

“We’ll intensify our efforts on monitoring, intelligence and enforcement operations against illegal and irregular immigrants as well as fish them out in the state” Mummen assured.

He appreciated the giant strides taking by the state government towards the infrastructural development across the state and the successful hosting of the first ever African Drums Festival which he said would boost the socio-economic lives and cultural values of the citizens.

WE NEED CLUES FROM OGUN SUCCESS STORY, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC AMBASSADOR

The Ambassador of Central African Republic to Nigeria, Mr. Tochil Mwaneri has made known the intention of his home country to take clues from Ogun State success story which has made it one of the fastest growing economies in West African region towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Ambassador Mwaneri disclosed this while leading a team of delegation on courtesy call to Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in his office in Abeokuta where he commended the infrastructural development stride that has dotted every nooks and crannies of the State adding that Central African Republic is ready to partner with Ogun State Government especially in the areas of Solid Minerals and Agriculture.

“We are ready to learn from Nigeria as a big brother in the continent and especially from the wealth of experience of Ogun State hoping that you can assist us”, Mwaneri said

Governor Amosun in his speech assured the delegation that his government will do all within its power to establish a cordial relationship with Central African Republic saying Ogun government is ever interested in genuine partnership.

“The Ogun State government is interested in genuine partnership and for me, I will prefer the Solid Minerals and Agricultural sector amongst others”, Governor Amosun revealed.

He enjoined them to create conducive environment for business to thrive saying this in no time will bring about the desired socio-economic development while promising to set up a team from Ogun State government that will interface with that of Central African Republic to strengthen the relationship.

Governor Amosun thereafter harps on the challenge of African unity which has brought about setbacks for African countries saying it is high time we began to see ourselves as our brother’s keeper and work together to bring about sustainable development in the continent as no single tree can make a forest.

Femi Osipitan

Press Officer, Office of the Governor

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I still wash my husband’s underwear - Africa's Richest Woman (Folorunsho Alakija)

Second richest African woman, Folorunsho Alakija, has revealed she still washes her husband’s undies until recently.

The executive vice chairman of Famfa Oil and group managing director of The Rose of Sharon Group revealed recently how she still dotes on her husband like a teenager who just found love. The Africa’s richest self-made woman, with a net worth estimated at $1 billion said:“My husband is my best friend, biggest adviser and supporter. We’ve known each other for 40 years and have been married for 37 years now and with four boys. Even though we work in the same office, I always ensure that we kiss twice in a day, morning and night.

I still wash his undies until six years ago that he insisted I should stop. I also prepare his special vegetable dish and do his manicure and pedicure regularly. “I go to the airport to pick him whenever he’s returning from foreign trips. It gives me joy whenever his friends praise my vegetable dish based on what my husband tells them.”

WISDOM NEEDED TO WINNING ELECTION IN 2019...A MUST READ

If you are a smart politician with the intention of winning at the polls come 2019 in your Local Government, State or even Country, then you should invest heavily in Digital Media ahead of 2019 polls. This is the Wisdom that will surely work.

Just place hundreds of bloggers in your state on salary, the way they will be ditching out Information, Manifestos and your area of strength from their blogs to the social media (Twitter, Facebook Groups, Watsapp, etc), the opposition won't even have rest of mind.

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