#ENDSARS: OGSG ASSURES RESIDENTS OF JUSTICE

Ogun State Government has assured residents of the State that the Judicial Panel of Investigation set up to receive and investigate complaints of victims on police brutality, abuse of human rights and extra judicial killings will ensure that justice is delivered with appropriate compensation where necessary.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile who restated this in Abeokuta, said the present administration was already taking steps to curb excesses of security agents.

Odusile noted that "this protest has given us an opportunity as a nation to have a holistic view on how to tackle various challenges and illegal operations of some security operatives in the society’’.

He urged victims of brutality to send their petitions to the panel sitting at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta, with evidence for proper investigation, adding that petitions could also be sent online to endsarsjudicialpanel@ogunstate.gov.ng or call 07080601223, 07080601224 or 07080601225 for enquiries.

 Odusile, while pointing out the roles of journalists and information managers, said they were not to pronounce their views and opinions, but to know how to reflect government to the people, as well as get the views of the people back to the government.

"We have a lot of work to do as journalists, especially at this time, to unite the nation with our reports. We are called Nigerian Journalists because the nation Nigeria exist’’, the Commissioner said.

SPEAK UP OGUN RESIDENTS: JUDICIAL PANEL OF INVESTIGATION CALLS FOR COMPLAINTS

The newly inaugurated Judicial Panel of Investigation by the Ogun State Government has called on residents of the State who are victims of police brutality, human rights violations, and extra judicial killings in Ogun State from security agents to channel their complaints to the panel for proper investigation and justice delivery.

The complaints which would take the form of petitions can be submitted directly at the Magistrate Court 1, opposite Customary Court of Appeal, Isabo, Abeokuta not later than the 18th day of November, 2020 between 9am and 3pm on working days or through an online e-mail address, endsarsjudicialpanel@ogunstate.gov.ng which would be opened Twenty-Four (24) hours.

The Chairman, Judicial Panel of Investigation, Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd) who made this call in Abeokuta on Thursday in a Press Release assured that the panel will evaluate evidence presented and circumstantial details towards drawing conclusions as to the validity of the complaints while recommending compensation and other remedies where appropriate.

Justice Olugbemi added that the panel would identify all officers responsible in any way for the abuse of victims and recommend appropriate prosecution assuring that recommendations on how to ensure that security personnel no longer abuse the rights of citizens would also be made available to the State Government. 

Affirming that the State Government under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun has zero tolerance for police brutality, the Chairman assured that government is committed to ensuring that rights of all persons within the State are respected and protected by security agents. 

ODUSILE CALLS FOR INFORMATION STAKEHOLDERS’ SUPPORT

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile has revealed that his job is to professionally handle the information management of government hence the need for all Information Stakeholders in the State to work together as a team.

Odusile who made this known during an inaugural meeting with the management staff of the Ministry said, "if we all see ourselves as a chain that must not be broken, then we would succeed easily together and we would all share the glory" while calling for the support of all stakeholders in information management.

The Commissioner said, to properly manage information, "you should get to the newsroom first with accurate reports, don't sit on or delay information unnecessarily because mischief makers are willing to hit the press to create wrong impression".

He added that as information managers of government, ‘’we are the mirror that reflect the government to the people and the people to government’’, calling on officers to be very diligent in the discharge of their duties, pledging to do his best on staffers welfare.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abiodun Awere said there is no doubt, the information agencies of government are in for a better time having Mr. Odusile at the helms of affairs.

Awere added that the wealth of experience of the Commissioner as the immediate past President of the NUJ would speak volume and make information dissemination of government better managed and coordinated having led the Union for years.

"We are structured to disseminate information of government to the general public as well as get feedbacks from the people to government", the Permanent Secretary revealed.

Don't hoard Information from Journalists - Odusile

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy designate in Ogun State, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile has called on Nigerians especially those at the helms of affairs never to hoard information from journalists as this may open up room for rumours and insinuations.

Odusile who made this known in Abeokuta on Monday while fielding questions from the Honourable members of the Ogun State House of Assembly during his screening said, "if you hide information from journalists, he/she will believe there is skeleton in your cupboard and may decide to go to any length to bring out issues".

Alhaji Odusile who was the immediate past President of Nigeria Union of Journalists said, "don't look down on any journalist or underrate any reporter. Give him the right information and he would do his job professionally".

Speaking on his intended efforts to improve the fortunes of the State owned Radio and Television stations, the Commissioner designate assured that he would do all in his capacity to address the constraints and challenges facing the stations while affirming that the management and staffers of the stations are thorough bred professionals who must be hugely supported.

Describing news as a perishable good whose lifespan is just 24 hours, the Commissioner Nominee said, "we must dish out right information at the right time and get to the news room first to avoid rumours that would naturally fill the space".

The journalism guru who emphasized the importance of feedback and constructive criticism said the information gamut of government would strengthen the existing system to ensure that facts and truths are always presented to the Governor.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo who appreciated the Governor for putting round peg in the round hole thanked him for revealing the ministries of the nominees ahead for effective questioning and screening.

Oluomo who said, "you have proven that you are really on top of your game", pleaded with him to justify and convince the people of the State for his appointment.

NAWOJ National Conference: Ogun Chapter seeks government's support

The leadership of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter is set to attend the National delegate conference scheduled to hold in Minna, Niger State in the month of November, 2020.

The State Chapter's Chairperson of the Association, Mrs. Dupe Sobukonla made this known on Tuesday in Abeokuta while paying a courtesy call on the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Remmy Hazzan.

Sobukonla who revealed that fifty women Journalists from the State would be attending the National Conference to elect new National Executives of the Association used the avenue to call on the government for support.

Congratulating the new leadership of Ogun NAWOJ, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Remmy Hazzan,  said "leadership is a call to service", calling on them to make their member's welfare a priority.

Hazzan who noted that though government may not be able to sponsor the whole delegates assured that the present administration in the State would do the needful while promising his widow's mite.

NUJ, PCRC relationship, effective union for national security - PCRC National Vice Chairman

The National Vice Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) South West region, Alhaji Ibraheem Olaniyan has described the relationship between the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and that of the Nigerian Police as one that is capable of engendering national security and be of great benefits for the people and the nation at large.

The PCRC Boss made this known on Friday in Abeokuta while receiving the Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel who recently appointed and confirmed him as an Adviser of the Chapel in his office.

According to him, "the role of Journalists in nation building cannot be over emphasized" hence the need for the force to join hands and partner the media towards a peaceful and secured nation.

Alhaji Olaniyan who noted that Police and Press are best of friends that must work together for the protection of citizens revealed that PCRC, South West zone is set to establish a unit of Police Community Relations Committee in the Secretariat of the Chapel to solidify the relationship and partnership between the two body.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, Comrade 'Wale Olanrewaju who assured the leadership of Police Community Relations Committee of adequate support from the media appreciated the committee for the service it has been rendering to the nation.

The Chairman said the chapel's leadership having monitored closely the impeccable characters and ascertained the personality of Alhaji Olaniyan as a man of proven integrity, have decided to appoint him as an Adviser of the Chapel.

CITIZENS URGED TO RESPECT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

          Nigerians have been urged to respect the office of the Governor, as only the helmsman may have access to some vital information that an average person might not be privileged to.

          The Senior Pastor, Victory life Bible Church (VLBC) International, Abeokuta, Apostle Lawrence Achudume stated this while fielding questions from journalists, during a visit by the Ogun State Police Command and Taskforce on Covid-19 safety measures adherence to the church.

          Achudume lauded the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his leadership style and chosen this time for reopening of worship centres, saying, ‘’government acted based on information available and in the best interest of the people’’.

          While praying that ‘’Covid-19 would soon be a thing of the past in the world’’, he called on everyone "to live in love, do good at all times, be at peace with all men, particularly, at this period, so that the nation would be what God purposed it to be’’, noting that "keeping social distance, wearing of face mask, washing of hands, as many times as possible and adherence to other safety protocols would continue to keep us safe from the virus".

          Leader of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police, Toyin Afolaogun, said his team had gone round several churches to see their level of compliance, commending the leadership of VLBC on what they met on ground at the premises and for providing necessary materials to ensure safety of members.

                Some worshippers while reacting to the church reopening expressed delight to be back in church, ‘’to pray at the altar after five months of lockdown’’.

              According to Mrs. Oluwakemi Adebisi, ‘’coming to church is giving life to the people, as we can sing and dance in appreciation of God’s faithfulness’’.

             A resident around the church, Elder Olusola Joseph, appreciated Apostle Achudume for providing them with palliatives to ease the lockdown difficulties, saying the church had been providing for their needs and recently donated a transformer to supply electricity to six communities around the church.

Abiodun Media Aide advocates reconciliation amongst Ogun Community Publishers

The Special Adviser to the Ogun Governor on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Remmy Hazzan has called for reconciliation moves among members of the Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ogun State.

Hazzan who made the call on Monday while receiving the executive members of the Federated Chapel in his Oke Mosan, Abeokuta office advised the chapel's leadership to go and make peace with other factions in the Chapel for progress.

While charging the executives of the Union to do all in their capacity to bring everybody together, the Special Adviser enjoined them to be magnanimous in victory and extend hands of fellowship to other faction.

"It is in your interest that you settle all grievances, mend fences and all should come together as one indivisible body", the Special Adviser said.

Hon. Hazzan added that Community Newspaper publishers are an integral part of the State Government in the propagation of government's programs and policies assuring of government's support for the Chapel.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State under the leadership of Mr. Abusatar Hamed Idowu, the publisher of StarTrend Magazine appreciated the media team of the Governor for their support for the Chapel requesting for more recognition of their members in welfare packages.

Wale Olanrewaju emerge Chairman, as NUJ Information Chapel elect new executives

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State, Information Chapel has elected a set of new executives to steer the affairs of the union for the next three years.

The elections which was conducted at the chapel's premises on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 had members come out enmasse to exercise their franchise and vote the candidate of their choice.

Comrade Wale Olanrewaju emerged Chairman unopposed while Comrade Damilola Jacob emerged as the Chapel’s Vice Chairman after defeating Comrade Passover Adeshina by 82 votes to 65.

Comrade Femi Osipitan was elected as the Chapel's Secretary having polled 95 votes against Comrade Ademola Orunbon who polled 56 votes. In the same vein, Comrade Modupe Salabiu defeated Comrade Olayinka Kujore by 98 votes to 51, to become the Treasurer of the Union.

Others who were returned unoppossed as Assistant Secretary, Auditor and Financial Secretary are Comrades Junaid Dolapo, Oyeledun Adeyinka and Ewaade Abiodun

respectively.

In his speech, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Remmy Hazzan commended the Information Chapel for the maturity displayed especially throughout the electioneering process while lauding the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Abiodun Awere for his fatherly role. 

He assured that the Governor Abiodun led administration would continue to support the Ministry in ensuring that the potentials of Information Officers are optimally harnessed calling on them to continue to support the present administration in achieving its mandate.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Abiodun Awere charged the new executives to be magnanimous in victory and immediately close ranks by extending hands of fellowship to those who competed with them calling on the competitors to also offer useful suggestions that would help the Union move forward.

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Ogun State NUJ Council, Comrade Omolola Adeyinka described the election as peaceful, free and fair and appreciated the members for conducting themselves in line with the electoral guidelines. 

She called on the new executives to continue with the various capacity building programs of the past administrations and also enhance the welfare of the members of the Chapel.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju appreciated the members of the Chapel for their conduct during the election assuring that his administration would do all in its power to place the Chapel in its rightful place among other chapels.

He extended his hand of fellowship to all members of the Chapel calling on them to support his administration to work together as a single and indivisible Chapel.

Detected 104 Covid-19 cases, we're happy we embarked on factory workers testing - Remmy Hazzan

The Ogun State Government has said that its suspicion and decision to go after and test all essential workers of factories and companies who were exempted to work during the lockdown is a good step in the right direction. 

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Remmy Hazzan who made this known while fielding questions from newsmen in Abeokuta said, "if this proactive measures had not been taken, so many would have been infected without knowing which could be dangerous to the State at large". 

Hazzan noted that out of the 108 positive cases that was recorded on Tuesday, 104 were discovered from a single factory with an assurance that, "there is no cause for alarm or panic as the cases are asymptomatic and government is on top of it."

The Special Adviser further disclosed that the medical team of the State government are on contact tracing of the infected persons who are most likely to also be asymptomatic adding that a good number of the workers who tested positive reside in the factory's facility.

According to the Governor's media aide, "we are not loosing the battle with the Covid-19 pandemic. Our decision to go and test the staff of those factories who were exempted to work during the lockdown actually paid off. The State did the right thing by testing the workers of these companies."

Speaking on the State's preparedness in case of any surge, the Special Adviser said, "though we are not praying for a surge in the number of positive cases but if it happens, the State presently has the infrastructural capacity to handle it. It is better to have it ready and not need it than to need it and not have it".

Hazzan added that the State government had distributed a million nose masks to all local government areas of the State, faith-based organizations, student union bodies, market places, as well as workers adding that there is an enforcement task team who have been saddled with the responsibility of enforcing compliance of safety measures.

EXCITEMENT AS 2,750 FIRST TRANCHE STIMULUS RELIEF MATERIALS GET TO YEWA NORTH

          Rural Dwellers in Yewa North Local Government Area were excited as Ogun State Government began the distribution of relief materials across communities in the Council Area, in continuation of its resolve to ensure that the relief materials gets to the targeted members of the public

          The State Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, while flagging off the distribution of relief materials, maintained that the packages were for the aged and the underprivileged, to alleviate the hardship that could be generated by the lockdown order to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the State, imploring the palliative distribution committee not to discriminate during the sharing of the food packages.

          Omoniyi noted that the 2,750 stimulus packages were delivered for the Local Government, as the first tranche, with a view to distribute 250 packages per ward in the area, advising the people to continue to observe all the precautionary measures and directives laid down by the government while praying for the quick eradication of the pandemic.

          In his remark, the Transition Chairman in the Council area, who is also the Chairman Palliative Distribution Committee, Hon. David Bankole, thanked the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for providing the food packages to the people of the State, assuring that that the items would be distributed without preference to anybody.

          Contributing, the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Finance, Mr. Hassan Adekunle, while lauding the gesture to support the less privilege at this period of lockdown, implored the people against passing wrong information as regard the distribution on the social media, saying they should rather, appreciate government’s efforts.

          In his reaction at his palace in Ayetoro, the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba AbdulAzees Adelakun, commended the efforts of Governor Abiodun at ensuring wellbeing of the people in the State and prayed for his success in office.

          On her part, the Iyaloja of Yewa land, Alhaja Anifat Abass, appreciated Governor Abiodun for the idea of the stimulus package, which she noted would serve as relief to many households.

EXCITEMENT AS 2,750 FIRST TRANCHE STIMULUS RELIEF MATERIALS GET TO YEWA NORTH

          Rural Dwellers in Yewa North Local Government Area were excited as Ogun State Government began the distribution of relief materials across communities in the Council Area, in continuation of its resolve to ensure that the relief materials gets to the targeted members of the public

          The State Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, while flagging off the distribution of relief materials, maintained that the packages were for the aged and the underprivileged, to alleviate the hardship that could be generated by the lockdown order to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the State, imploring the palliative distribution committee not to discriminate during the sharing of the food packages.

          Omoniyi noted that the 2,750 stimulus packages were delivered for the Local Government, as the first tranche, with a view to distribute 250 packages per ward in the area, advising the people to continue to observe all the precautionary measures and directives laid down by the government while praying for the quick eradication of the pandemic.

          In his remark, the Transition Chairman in the Council area, who is also the Chairman Palliative Distribution Committee, Hon. David Bankole, thanked the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for providing the food packages to the people of the State, assuring that that the items would be distributed without preference to anybody.

          Contributing, the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Finance, Mr. Hassan Adekunle, while lauding the gesture to support the less privilege at this period of lockdown, implored the people against passing wrong information as regard the distribution on the social media, saying they should rather, appreciate government’s efforts.

          In his reaction at his palace in Ayetoro, the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba AbdulAzees Adelakun, commended the efforts of Governor Abiodun at ensuring wellbeing of the people in the State and prayed for his success in office.

          On her part, the Iyaloja of Yewa land, Alhaja Anifat Abass, appreciated Governor Abiodun for the idea of the stimulus package, which she noted would serve as relief to many households.

Second Case of Covid-19, our proactive measures yielding result - Ogun Govt.

The Ogun State Government has said its proactive measures being put in place to contain and prevent the spread of Covid-19 outbreak popularly known as Coronavirus in the State is yielding positive results.

The Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker who made this known while speaking with news men in her Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta on the second confirmed case of the virus said, "the case was confirmed from one of the 40 people who had contact with the first Italian index and had earlier been quarantined after testing their blood samples".

According to her, "if we had not been proactive to have tracked down those who had had contact with the first Italian index, he would have been spreading it everywhere but for our measures being put in place".

The Health Commissioner noted that even the person identified, up until now has not developed any symptoms disclosing that she is optimistic that the remaining 39 people who have spent 13 days as at Tuesday, out of 14 days meant for the quarantine period would soon be declared free of the virus.

Dr. Coker called on all residents of the State to be calm and not panic assuring that the Ogun State Government is not leaving any stone unturned towards containing the virus.

She used the avenue to enjoin all to continue to maintain simple personal hygiene by engaging in regular hand washing with soap and flowing water as well as maintain proper respiratory hygiene by sneezing or coughing into the elbow or make use of tissue papers which must be properly disposed after use.

The Commissioner added that if any case is suspected, people should endeavor to put a call through to the following emergency numbers, 08188978392 or 08188978393 for immediate response.

JUBILATION AS ABIODUN PAYS 9 MONTH SALARY TO WORKERS EMPLOYED BY AMOSUN

Workers recruited by the immediate past administration in Ogun State through the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) have begun to smile to their respective banks having received a lump sum of nine months salary arrears paid by the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration.

It would be recalled that at the twilight of the last administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, over 1000 workers were employed into the State's Civil Service and ever since then, they have not received any salary as the present government needed to critically look into the process of their employment. 

Governor Abiodun while swearing-in Permanent Secretaries on January 9, 2020 at the Obas complex, Oke Mosan had in his magnanimity declared that his government would absorb the workers irrespective of some irregularities discovered through the Appointment and Employment Review Committee that was set up. 

In an interview with the Press Officer, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Femi Osipitan, some of the beneficiaries who cannot hide their joy, including; Mr. Ifeoluwa Olugbebi of Ogun State Agricultural Development Program (OGADEP), Mr. Femi Odukalu of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), and Mrs. Oluwatosin Owotomo of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology thanked the Governor for his magnanimity and love for humanity. 

On their parts, Mr. Ope Oladimeji of Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Mrs. Olabisi Adekoya from the office of the Accountant - General and Miss. Taiwo Oduntan of Ministry of Information and Strategy said "we are happy because coming to work for nine months without receiving salary was not easy at all. Indeed he has really won our hearts for doing this", praying that smiles of joy will not depart from the Governor's face. 

The officers who revealed that they have been coming to work with mixed feelings, hoping for the best assured the State government of their full commitment to the "Building Our Future Together" mantra of the Governor Dapo Abiodun led administration. 

Expressing her delight, the State Head of Service, TPL Amope Chokor on behalf of the ASCON employees appreciated the Governor for his kind gesture towards the workers saying this further affirms that worker's welfare is a priority and of utmost importance to the Governor. 

Congratulating the officers, TPL Chokor enjoined them to spend the money judiciously, reciprocate the gesture with hard work, as well as uphold the ethics of the service. 

OGSG pledges support for effective awareness on Family Planning

The Ogun State Government has signified its readiness to create more awareness on the benefits of family planning/childbirth spacing through the media in its effort to reduce maternal mortality rate in the State.  

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Remmy Hazzan state  this while receiving a team from Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO),a Non-Governmental advocacy working group at his Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Affirming the importance of family planning, the Special Adviser said effective information dissemination and enlightenment on health matters would promote healthy living and well-being of the people, noting that a well planned family would reflect positively on the economic growth of the nation and the society at large.     

He assured to engage means of communication within his reach to propagate the message of family planning, adding that he would not hesitate to involve crucial offices and agencies of government for the desired results.             

''Kindly count on my office on the dissemination of information of family planning messages through appropriate channel of communication, as I also wish to involve office of the Wife of the  Governor, Commissioner for Health and other relevant ones to achieve desired results'', Hazzan emphasised. 

He called on all stakeholders to join hands with the FAHIO in its advocacy drive to enhance the health system of the State in line with the present administration's mantra of ''Building Our Future Together''.

Hazzan who noted that the    organisation should deployed strategies of reaching more to the grassroots through Community Development Associations (CDAs), opinion and religious leaders, believed that once the leaders buy in, they would in turn pass it to their members.

"To get the real people that need the message the most, you will also need to get to the grassroots through relevant agencies of government such as the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives among others", the Special Adviser said.

Hon. Hazzan was of the opinion that the State would work towards achieving zero level on maternal  mortality rate saying, "there is nothing wrong in having something close to zero maternal mortality rate", while advising that people should desist from patronising quack, but always visit public health facilities which have qualified health personnel.

"As a State, before a year in office, our administration would have covered at least 50 percent of health care needs at primary health care centres, with befitting primary health facilities in all our wards and this will greatly enhance efficient health care service delivery as well as preventing deaths of women and children caused as a result of pregnancy related complications", he said.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Family Health Initiative Ogun, Mrs. Kemi Balogun represented by a member of the organisation, Mr Adesina Adesegun said the target of the advocacy group was to reduce maternal mortality to the lowest rate through the provision of effective family planning services.

Balogun pleaded with government and policy makers to intensify efforts on the promotion and support of family planning programmes for increased contraceptive uptake and access to quality services. 

She stated that engagement of media in informing, educating and enlightening the public through  production, publishing and reportage would widen people's knowledge on issues relating to family planning/childbirth spacing.

OGSG REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The Ogun State Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi has reaffirmed that provision of affordable houses to the citizenry remained a legacy that the present government  desire to bequeath generations.

Jagunmolu dropped this hint while briefing stakeholders on modalities for construction of housing projects in the State at a meeting held at the conference room of the ministry in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He noted that the mission of the government was to develop massive affordable houses for the citizenry especially civil servants with reasonable payment options that would not affect their take home.

The Commissioner urged the stakeholders to forward their proposals with clearly  stated specifications,  saying this would guide everyone concerned towards  minimizing errors in the building process to achieve better finishing on the structures.

"His Excellency cherished the integrity of his team, so I want to assure you of our consideration, once the standard is set, you must abide by the rules and ensure perfection in the job", he submitted.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Orekoya noted that the meeting was to rub mind with identified  registered contractors of the ministry and reel out the modus operandi of the proposed projects.

Responding on behalf of the contractors,  Mrs Olayinka Adetutu pledged their readiness to complement government's effort at providing affordable housing without compromising quality, praying for God's continued guidance on the management of the ministry, Ogun State Government and Nigeria.

Ogun denies Lagos Okada riders ...says 'we only look for genuine investors'

The Ogun State government has said that its doors are not opened to accommodate Okada riders, whose operations were recently restricted by the Lagos State government.

The Chairman Caretaker Committee on Transportation in the State, Barrister Femi Adeniyi, was on Monday wrongly reported in the media to have assured the motorcyclists who have been relocating to the State following the ban placed on them of adequate accommodation.

But, the state government, in a statement issued yesterday by Rt. Hon Remmy Hazzan, the Special Adviser on Public Communications to Governor Dapo Abiodun, said it has been confirmed that Adeniyi was quoted out of context even as he has  not been authorised to speak on the issue on government’s behalf. 

Hazzan noted that Okada operation is fraught with many challenges, including that of security, which is the reason why their operations have either been totally banned or restricted in many parts of the country.

He said that Ogun State does not have the capacity to cope with the menace and security challenges the influx of the Okada operators from Lagos and any other neighbouring state would pose.

He said that deploying motorcycles for commercial operation is not in the schedule of the National Transportation policy, adding that the Ogun State government is already looking into the issue with a view to coming out with a clear policy direction.

The special adviser noted that although, its doors are open, it is only for genuine businessmen and foreign investors to take advantage of the proximity of the Gateway State to the nation's commecial and biggest market.

The statement noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun, since his assumption of office on May 29. 2019, has put in place, measures to create a conducive emvironment for businesses.

"As the state with the largest industrial base, Ogun State will continue to welcome more investors. The present administration, in its determination to further enhance the status of the state as the most industrialised, has put in place policies that would attract more businesses home and abroad.”

"Governor Dapo Abiodun has been meeting with potential investors in the country and even travelled abroad in his efforts to attract more investors into the state."

The statement further stated that the present administration is desirous of providing gainful employment for her teeming citizens, but with emphasis on agriculture.

It appealed to the people to go about their normal businesses as efforts have been made to prevent security breeches in the state.

GOV. ABIODUN SWEARS-IN 18 COMMISSIONERS, 11 SPECIAL ADVISERS

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has 

 sworn-in 18 Commissioners out of the 19 scre ened and confirmed by the Ogun State House of Assembly, as well as 11 Special Advisers out of the 16 appointed into the State's Executive Council, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Prince Abiodun who noted that the appointments came at the right time, as best hands had to be engaged in order to deliver dividends of democracy to the people, charged them to see their positions as a call to service, work harder to justify their selection and contribute their quota to the development of the State,

He prayed that the good Lord would give them strength and wisdom to provide quality leadership to the Ministries and Agencies they have been designated.

The Governor assigned Mr. Afolabi Afuape to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Tunji Akinosi, Forestry; Dr. Adeola Odedina, Agriculture; Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Budget and Planning; Barr. Gbolahan Adeniran, Justice; while Tpl. Tunji Odunlami is to man Urban and Physical Planning; Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, Environment; Dr. Tomi Coker, Health and Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo as Commissioner for Special Duties.

Others were; Mrs. Kikelomo Longe as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, Finance; Mr. Oludotun Taiwo, Rural Development; Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, Community Development and Cooperatives; Mrs. Funmi Efuwape would oversee Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Kehinde Oluwadare would be in charge of the Ministry for Youth and Sports; Mr. Jamiu Omoniyi, Housing; Mr. Toyin Taiwo, Culture and Tourism and Mr. Ade Akinsanya as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.

The Special Advisers comprised, Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, Hon. Adijat Oladapo, Mr. Aina Salami, Engr. Babatunde Adeshina, Hon. Babatunde Olaotan, Dr. Joseph Odemuyiwa, Engr. Kunle Otun, Mr. Ola Oresanya, AIG Olushola Subair (Rtd), Mrs. Ronke Soyombo and Hon. Tajudeen Egunjobi.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioners and Special Advisers, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Afolabi Afuwape, appreciated the Governor for the privilege to serve, assuring the people of their dedication to the State

HOUSING MINISTRY URGED TO BUILD ACCORDING TO DEMAND

Ogun State Ministry of Housing has been urged to work on modalities that would fast-track the sales of housing projects inherited across the State to generate more revenues to government coffers.

          The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako- Oyedele gave this charge at the Treasury Board meeting on year 2020 Budget, held at the Obas’ complex, Oke- Mosan,Abeokuta, advising the Ministry to build according to demand of the masses.

          In his presentation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi disclosed that ninety blocks of classrooms in public schools have been renovated since the inception of this administration, saying same gesture would be replicated in government hospitals across the State.

          Omoniyi informed of government’s decision to build one thousand, five hundred affordable houses at Idi-Aba area of Abeokuta, as a pilot project through the Ministry, noting that Ijebu- Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro and Ota areas would also have their share of the project within the proposed sum of N5, 150 Billion for year 2020.

          The Chief Economic Adviser to Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo advised the Ministry to intensify efforts in the area of revenue generation.

MUPP SET TO REINVIGORATE ICT DATA CENTRE

Ogun State Government is set to reinvigorate its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Data Centre in the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning (MUPP), to enable easy access to the status of their building plan applications.

          Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban and Physical Planning, Tpl Olatunji Odunlami, disclosed this at the Treasury Board meeting on the 2020 Budget, held at Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the development  became necessary to curb the bottlenecks and needless waste of time associated with accessing or submitting applications for approval processes.       

          He added that the Centre would be 21st Century compliant to enable effective and efficient processes and timely delivery of services to people in the State and diasporas, who were willing to develop their landed properties, expressing optimism that the move would prevent erection of illegal structures in the State.

          The Special Adviser also urged the government to speed up the work on provision of master plan to enable the State have proper planning for physical development, rather than relying only on regional plan that was designed for the period of 2005-2025, saying the document, when in place, would provide layout guide to the future growth and development of specific regions in the State based on peculiarities.

          According to him, "Urban and Physical planning is the bedrock of development in any state, having a master plan would guide future action of a community, I believe the present administration can make it work" he said.

   Earlier in his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Nafiu Adebiyi appealed to the  government to assist the Ministry overcome its challenges by providing more befitting Zonal office accommodations and vehicles in the state  to make their work easier and faster in order to meet up with the demands for its services and improve on revenue generation.