NAFEST 2019: OGUN EMERGES 1ST IN DRAMA, 2ND OVERALL IN NIGERIA

Ogun State, out of over 27 States that participated at the weeklong National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Benin City, Edo State from Saturday, 19th to Saturday, 26th October 2019, has won the first position in drama. 

Announcing the result at the official closing ceremony of the event, held at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Benin City, our correspondent at the festival, Bimbola Ojo gathered that the gateway state came 2nd overall position at the festival. 

The Chairman House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Hon. Yussuf Adejojo, while speaking with journalists after the award presentations, thanked Edo State Government for hosting the festival of unity. 

Adejojo thereafter commended the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his kind gestures to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, saying his support made the State stand out among its contemporary while assuring the ministry of the continued support of the Governor. 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Alhaja Selimot Ottun, expressed her profound gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his moral and financial supports towards the festival while appreciating all the state’s contingents who had in one way or the other contributed immensely to the success, saying this has brought fame to Ogun State. 

The Director of Culture in the Ministry, Mr. Oluwaseye Adeyemo, on his part urged the staffers in the ministry to continue with the spirit of oneness, which he said, is the secret behind the State’s successes, noting that “united we stand, divided we fall”. 

In his closing remark, the Host Governor, Godwin Obaseki said the festival is a huge success, which had broaden the knowledge of all participants about the diverse cultures in the State and had also created an avenue to display culture in the last seven days. 

Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Governor urged everyone to take back to their various States, the knowledge acquired, improve on it, to promote sustainable peace and unity, provide employment opportunities and improve the Nigerian economy.

MATERNAL, INFANT MORTALITY RATE: OGUN INTENSIFIES EFFORT ON HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

          Towards reducing maternal and infant mortality rate to the barest minimum, the Ogun State Government has intensified efforts on its affordable health care services for the people of the State.

          The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Mrs. Modele Sarafa - Yusuf made this known in Ijebu-Ode, at a one-day advocacy organised by Ministry of Information, in collaboration with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Programmes of selected radio stations in the state.

          While reeling out steps to achieving the goal, Mrs. Sarafa Yusuf said government had started the renovations and equipping of Primary Health Centres (PHC) across the State, assuring that at least one PHC would be renovated in each ward.

          The Special Adviser disclosed that the State hospitals in Ilaro, Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode had witnessed government's touch, adding that the Governor had put machinery in place to revive the past glory of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH).

          She called on media organizations to join hands with the state government and UNICEF in publicising healthcare related messages to the people at the grassroots.

          In their separate messages, UNICEF Consultants, Dr. Goke Rauf and Dr. Omolayo Jegede, appreciated the State Government and the media stations for their continued support, assuring that, UNICEF’s efforts had begun to yield positively, especially in the areas of breastfeeding, nutrition and hygiene.

          Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abiodun Awere, affirmed the Ministry's commitment to promoting programmes that would guarantee the survival, development and protection of the citizenry through adequate publicity.

          Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, the Head of Programmes, Paramount FM, Mrs. Remi Femi-Omololu and the General Manager of Family FM, Mr. Kilasho Opeoluwa, assured of their stations’ support in enlightening the populace

2020 BUDGET: ABIODUN ASSURES ON DEEPENING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

          The government of Ogun State says it is irrevocably committed to deepening its investment potentials towards retaining its status, as the largest industrial hub in the Sub-Saharan Africa through urgent and massive construction and rehabilitation of interstate and critical intrastate roads. The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun gave the assurance at the Ogun West Senatorial District’s Town Hall meeting, on 2020 budget and Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2020-2022 in Ilaro.

          Governor Abiodun highlighted some of the roads to include, Lagos-Abeokuta, Epe-Lagos and Ogijo- Ikorodu roads among others, saying it was important to embark on road infrastructure to attract more investment to the State.

          He noted that Ogun West Senatorial District has great potential of becoming another world-class Industrial hub of the State, due to the proximity of two Local Governments in the District, namely Ipokia and Imeko-Afon to Lagos State and international markets, assuring that the roads would be included in the budget. 

          The Governor revealed that more model school buildings would be converted to technical and vocational training centres, saying, "unfortunately, the model school in Ilaro has been recommended for demolition because it has been adjudged by professionals to be structurally defective".

          In his remark, a former governorship aspirant in the State, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, appealed to Governor Abiodun to declare state of emergency on all roads in Ogun West Senatorial District, urging indigenes to support government through prompt payments of taxes and levies to aid rapid development. 

          The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, pledged allegiance of his people to governor Abiodun led administration. 

          Speaking with newsmen at the meeting, the Chairman, Yewa Awori Traders Association, Prince Matthew Ajibawo, appealed to the Governor to caution Customs and other security personnel from disturbing traders in the area.

          Also, a Woman leader in Yewa South, Alhaja Afolake Akinyemi called on government to incorporate women empowerment in the budget. 

Ogun: Abiodun equips NTA 12, Information Ministry

Governor Dapo Abiodun led government in Ogun State has pledged its continued commitment towards improving the working conditions of media outfits in the state for effective dissemination of information to the citizenry.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Mrs. Modele Sarafa - Yusuf made this known on Wednesday while delivering one of the video cameras with its accessories purchased by the government to the management of Nigerian Television Authority, Channel 12, Abeokuta.

Mrs. Sarafa - Yusuf said a well informed citizen would be easily governed hence the need for government to support the media stations and the state's Ministry of Information with modern equipment for effective service delivery.

Speaking with newsmen after handing over the equipment, Mrs. Sarafa - Yusuf disclosed that the gesture was to appreciate the work the media establishments had been doing in disseminating the activities and policies of government to the people and to encourage them to do more.

Appreciating the media outfits for carrying the people along, Mrs. Sarafa - Yusuf noted that government will continue to do more while asking for the continued cooperation of the station. 

She thereafter enjoined the media outfits to intensify efforts on their content which according to her will drive viewership and eventually drive revenue of the outfits and the state.

In her reaction, the General Manager of Nigeria Television Authority, Channel 12 Abeokuta, Mrs. Funmi Wakama appreciated the government for the support while assuring that the station will continue to support the present administration with all that it has. 

The Chief Technical Officer of the station, Mr. Kolawole Yekeen, who spoke with journalists after operating the equipment said, "this is one of the latest digital camera in town, the visual and audio output is very clear and it is going to be a perfect working tool for NTA Abeokuta".

GOOD MUSIC CAPABLE OF CORRECTING SOCIETAL ILLS - MALAOLU

ABEOKUTA - Nigerian youths have been advised to embrace only good musical contents and shun songs  which do not promote moral and ethical principles.

These words of caution were handed down by the Chief Executive Officer of Boot Communications Limited (Operator of Rockcity 101.9FM Abeokuta), Dr. 'Niran Malaolu while playing host to a team of media professionals and entrepreneurs at the Radio House, Asero Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State ahead of Integrity Campaign 2.0.

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Oluwafemi Osipitan while briefing the CEO on the activities lined up towards encouraging the young ones to embrace good moral standards informed that the campaign was the second edition in the series meant for undergraduates in all tertiary institutions in Ogun State. He added that each institution has been assigned themes on integrity, touching key aspects of the Nation.

He added that the public presentation of the packaged videos would feature a lecture by the CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina alongside other activities on Sunday 29th September, 2019 at the Auditorium, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

On his part, a team member, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde informed the Rockcity FM CEO that the whole idea was to challenge Nigerians, especially the youth population towards embracing the right attitude in all areas.

The courtesy visit according to Alhaji Akintunde was to seek the support of the foremost radio station in the areas of publicity and coverage.

In his response, Dr. Malaolu said moral decadence has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society Nigerians, commending the team for their efforts to salvage the situation.

He added that youths of today want to get rich by all means thereby imbibing unethical practices. He also frowned at the type of music youths listen to nowadays most of which he said carry fowl languages and inciting comments capable of causing disunity.
  
Dr. Malaolu enjoined the youths to embrace only good music in order to right the wrongs in the country.

“What you hear influences what you do, the system must change and this can be done through music as it can help to change lot of things in the present day Nigeria because bribery and corruption go beyond integrity; it has a whole lot to do with discipline”, Malaolu added.

He then assured the team of his organisation’s support and partnership towards the successful hosting of  undergraduates and other stakeholders at the event.

ITOKU ADIRE MALL: GOVT. WADES IN FOR PROPER ALLOCATION TO TRADERS

Ogun State Government has assured of giving necessary support to traders in the State, to enhance their businesses and boost economic activities.

          The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi gave the assurance on Friday during a peace keeping tour to Itoku Adire market in Abeokuta, in response to petitions written by the traders to the State government on wrong allocation of shops.

         Mr. Omoniyi said, "I am here on Governor’s mandate, we would look into the matter of wrong allocation, we see this as injustice, all stakeholders would be called to round table, to proffer lasting solution to the issue".

      He assured the traders that government will not be biased or partial affirming that the allocation will be done on merit while he noted that terms and conditions would be spell out and everybody will be happy.

       The Special Adviser added that traders, whose shops were affected during the demolition for the road construction in the area by the last administration, would be adequately accommodated in the allocation of the new Adire Mall.

          Speaking on behalf of the agitated traders, Hon. Bosun Oyalowo and Mrs. Folake Omibide, thanked the Prince Dapo - led government for the timely intervention, while calling for quick and proper allocation to rightful owners to enable them continue their business activities

FOOD SUFFICIENCY: FG TASKS STATE GOVTs ON COMPLIANCE

           The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has called on State Governments to join hands with the Federal government to contribute to agricultural development, in order to achieve self sufficiency in food production.

          Prof. Osinbajo made this call at the 4th National discourse, with the theme "Food security: Unleashing Nigeria's Natural Potentials for Self Sufficiency’’, organised by The Companion,  an association of Muslim Men in Business and the Professionals held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

          He said President Muhammadu Buhari has set a clear direction on self sufficiency and food production, when he said, ‘’Nigerians must produce what they eat and consume what they produce’’, which informed the decision of the federal government to set a substantial budgetary allocation to agriculture.

          "The Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Federal Government has given credit totalling N120.6Billion to small scale farmers, where most of them had cultivated 12 different commodities such as rice, wheat, soya beans, poultry and others across the 36 States.

          "The programme is now digitized and all farmlands involved are GPRS mapped, so we know where the farms are. Biometric data of the farmers were captured, electronic cards have been issued to every one of them and all the specific tools delivered were recorded, this has enhanced the traceability and enhanced productivity, so the farmers could be tracked", he explained.

          The Vice President added that government had launched the fertilizer programme to improve local blending capacity, in collaboration with the government of Morocco, noting that today, Nigeria has 11 fertilizer blending plants, with a total capacity of about 2.1m metric tonnes, this he said had reduced cost of 50kg bag of fertilizer from N13,000 to N6,000.

          In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, who was a former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the only way to address poverty was to encourage the youths to go into farming, as insecurity could be traced to hunger, which in turn breeds frustration and aggression, adding that it was easy to mobilise hungry people for rebellion and any form of criminal activities.

          Aregbesola noted that the nation needed enhanced farming techniques, as well as creating an enabling environment for farmers to have access to loan.

          In his presentation, the President of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering and Guest speaker at the occasion, Prof. Fola Lasisi, revealed that Nigeria had always considered herself as the giant of Africa, yet the people are hungry, poor and malnourished, saying food insecurity was a major issue of concern.

          He said government must go back and use technology to create happiness for the people, calling on stakeholders to join hands with the government to empower the young ones to fight hunger ravaging in the land.

          In her closing remarks, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the hosting of the event was a symbolic representation of the fact that professionals with the same religious beliefs could live up to the responsibility of spiritual upliftment of their members, while at the same time awaken them to their roles in nation building.

          She added that Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration understood the importance of collective responsibility to nation building, hence the adoption of the mantra, “Building our Future Together”.

"Our administration is committed to the Agricultural sector. We appreciate the capacity of Agriculture as an avenue for massive employment generation and plans have reached advanced stage for a scheme in partnership with the Federal Government called the Out-Grower Scheme. Under the scheme, 10,000 of our youths will be provided with land, inputs, farming equipment and guaranteed buy back’’, she stated.

Massive affordable housing underway, OGSG assures civil servants, residents

Civil servants in Ogun State have been assured of affordable housing that would not affect their take home by the present administration under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
This assertion was made by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mr. Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi while speaking with the media officer of the Ministry of Housing, Adeola Adebajo shortly after his familiarisation visit to the Ministry.
Mr. Omoniyi stated that governor Abiodun had identified housing as an essential element in human's need, noting that the administration is proposing to lay a massive ground breaking ceremony that would cut across the three senatorial districts during the marking of first 100days in office.
"His Excellency Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun has plans for massive housing projects for the benefit of citizens, and we are planning to develop the housing projects within the three senatorial districts of the State," the Special Adviser assured.
Mr. Omoniyi disclosed that government would partner with Private Developers to invest in housing sector, revealing that the present administration intends to collaborate with stakeholders such as Federal Mortgage Bank and National Housing Fund to deliver affordable housing to the citizenry.
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Olayiwola Abiodun lauded the Governor for putting a round peg in a round hole with the appointment of Mr. Omoniyi as the Special Adviser on housing.
The Permanent Secretary who assured that the ministry would not relent in its efforts at supporting the set goals of the present administration charged the management staff to brace up and discharge their duties accordingly.

WE'LL STRENGTHEN INFORMATION AGENCIES FOR EFFECTIVE DISSEMINATION - OGSG

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to the delivery of quality, transparent and focussed leadership to the people of the State, hence the role of the Ministry of Information and Strategy and its sister agencies cannot be over emphasized, for effective dissemination of information. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Mrs. Modele Sarafa – Yusuf, made this known at a meeting with the Management of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, the Ogun State Television (OGTV) and Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), at the Ministry's Headquarters in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Mrs. Sarafa Yusuf assured that the Governor, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, was committed to effective and efficient dissemination of information, especially to the grassroots, affirming government's resolve to do the needful to strengthen information sector. According to her, "this administration wants to hear what the people are saying, we want to hear their concerns first hand and that is why the Feedback Department is very important to us". The Special Adviser, who spoke with journalists after inspecting the facilities in the Ministry, submitted that she was impressed by the quality of the leadership she described as professionals, who know their roles in government, promising that the present administration would provide adequate facilities and equipment for them to carry out their duties effectively. Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Abiodun Awere, noted that the Ministry, being the engine room of government, is in charge of information management and dissemination of government activities to the public, through print and broadcast programmes which are being produced by the agency. The Permanent Secretary, who appreciated the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for putting the Information sector in the front burner, enjoined government to provide better equipment for the Ministry and other sister media agencies, in order to further project the State's programmes and agenda. The meeting had in attendance, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Emmanuel Ojo, Directors and Deputy Directors in the Ministry as well as General Managers of OGTV and OGBC.

Ogun Govt. Says we did not appoint Iyeru as NURTW Chairman

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee for the Road Transport Union in Ogun State, Barrister Sunday Olufemi Adeniyi has disclosed that the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state has not gotten either an Acting or a substantive Chairman.

Barrister Adeniyi in a phone conversation with our reporter on Thursday cleared the air, contrary to a report making a section of the social media that the Union now has an acting Chairman.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman appointed by the state Governor, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun said “nobody had been appointed, we did not appoint anyone as Chairman”, assuring that the caretaker committee is fully in charge of the union’s activities until they have their elections.

According to him, “the National President came to Ogun State, met with us and preached peace, which we wanted anyway. He met his people and addressed them to speak with one voice and restore peace in the union”.

Barr. Adeniyi revealed that the union is not dissolved but their activities have been suspended disclosing that as a committee, we would ensure that the Unions are well organized and all their activities are in tandem with the law.

“We can say you and you should come together to work as Agent for a week while another set will work for the following week. That doesn’t mean the person has been appointed as Chairman”, Barr. Adeniyi revealed.

Ogun "Mitros Hotel" operates transparent operations says Management

Contrary to the news making a section of the media that the Ogun State owned hotel, "Mitros Residences", former Gateway Annex is running from hands-to-mouth without remitting money to government coffers, the management of the hotel have disclosed that the full operations of the hotel is transparent without any shady deals. The General Manager of the Hotel, located in Ibara Housing area of Abeokuta, the state capital, Mr. Banjo Adeyemi gave this clarification on Sunday in a press release revealing that there is no iota of truth in the allegations. According to the manager, the hotel had not been controlled by the General Manager of Ogun State Property Investment Corporations, Mr. Jide Odusolu but rather had been run by "Neuvation Consulting Limited", which specializes in hotel operations and management. The release has it that one of the many things done by the Neuvation Consulting Limited, was the installation of a standard PMS (Property Management System) for the hotel, which allowed the hotel to efficiently manage all its processes from checking in of hotel guest, recording of income and expenditures, inventories and reconciling of its accounting records in a very professional, detailed and transparent manner.  Mr. Adeyemi revealed that, "till date, the software is still being used in the hotel, and all the transactions from its inception can be accessed by the relevant authorities", adding that Mitros Residences Hotel prides itself in rendering quality services that is second to none in the state to its esteemed customers in a professional manner. The general manager further disclosed that, "on no occasion has any company, government official or individual used the hotel for free except for some state functions which attracts a discounted rate being a state-owned asset". While noting that novice would want attention and recognition, the management of the hotel affirmed the cordial relationship that exists between the general manager of the Ogun State Property Investment Corporations (OPIC), Mr. Jide Odusolu and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo. It would be pertinent to put on record that the former manager of the hotel due to his inefficiency and lack of competency declined the offer to work with Neuvation Consulting Limited and at will opted to leave the hotel.

May Day: Amosun Clears Workers Deductions, April Salary With N20.2bn

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has approved the payment of N20.2bn, to offset outstanding deductions and April salary of workers in the state. He disclosed this while speaking at the 2019 May Day celebration and rally, held at the MKO Abiola International Staduim, Kuto, Abeokuta, yesterday. The governor said this is in fulfillment of his promise not to owe any worker by the end of his tenure on May 29. According to him, he has approved the release of N10.8bn to clear all salary deductions and that workers will start receiving bank alerts by today (May 2), adding that "in addition to the release of the salary deductions, we would also pay full April salaries with a sum of N9.4bn, to make it a total of N20.2bn." He also announced that outstanding leave bonus will be paid as from next week, just as gratuities of retirees till May 2017 would also be cleared by his government. On the Contributory Pension Scheme, he described it as a beautiful programme that was wrongly implemented, because according to him, "there ought to be a sinking fund for it to be successful, which was never on ground". Amosun announced the recruitment of 1000 staff who sat for the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) examination as well as the promotion of 5000 workers. He urged the leadership of labour unions and workers in the state to keep the flag flying, reiterating his administration's commitment not to abandon any project. "Though we are not where we should be, but clearly, we are not where we used to be. I am happy that we are leaving Ogun State better than we met it", he said. The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Ogun State, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole, while reacting to the gesture of the governor, in an interview with newsmen, said, "this is a welcome development and when paid, it will have great effect on the economy of the state as workers would engage in buying and selling." On his part, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in the state, Comrade Bunmi Fajobi said, "we are very happy receiving the news, the governor did not disappoint us". Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Osinowo, answering questions from newsmen on the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage by the state government, said, "the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission will still come out with a circular to all states on staff emoluments and immediately we have it from them, we would work on it."

Amosun tasks new monarch on rapid development

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has tasked the newly installed Olowo of Owo, Oba Adesegun Rufai Alao of the Alao Bankole ruling house to utilize his position to influence and draw credible ideas and prospects to his community in order to bring about development strides in the town and beyond.

Amosun made this known at the official installation and presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment to the monarch at Methodist Primary School, Owo in Yewa South Local Government Area of the State over the weekend.

The governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko congratulated the  new Olowo having  scaled all hurdles noted that his appointment followed due process as stipulated in the Chiefs  law of Ogun State and charged him to be an instrument of socio- economic economic growth in the community.

"Kabiyesi by your appointment, you have become a member of Yewa Traditional Council, you are therefore expected to perform the role of a father, not just to the people of Owo town, but by extension, the entire Yewaland and indeed the entire Ogun State in order to justify the mandate and trust reposed in you by the good people of Yewaland and the Ogun State Government", Amosun charged

Gov. Amosun welcomes first grandchild, named her Adiat

The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who just welcomed his first grandchild to the world a week ago has named the beautiful girl, Adiat. It would be recalled that the first daughter of the Governor, Ayomide Amosun who got married to Mr. Oladipo, the son of Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave birth to a baby girl last week Tuesday in United Kingdom. The latest grandfather in town with his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Olufunso Amosun are presently in the United Kingdom to attend the naming ceremony and felicitate with the parents of the newborn. Families and friends of the Governor who were not able to make the naming ceremony in United Kingdom were gathered at the family house of the Governor at Akin Olugbade in Abeokuta to offer prayers for the new born baby and the family at large.

Over 300 Ogun Youths get N50,000 each, Decoration Kits to start business

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has underscored the importance of skill acquisition which he identified as a major driver of the economy. The Governor disclosed this on Saturday in Abeokuta while addressing over 300 youths who had just undergone decoration training under the Uplift Foundation program of the wife of the Governor, Dr. Olufunso Amosun. Amosun while congratulating the entire team of both the trainers and the trainees for the skills they have acquired promised to support them beyond the skills. The Governor who presented a cheque of N50,000 each, certificates of participation and training kits for all the graduands promised to set up not less than 10 trainees who can distinguish themselves in decoration business with at least N500,000 each. In her remarks, the wife of the Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Olufunso Amosun who is also the President of the Uplift Foundation enjoined the graduands to put to use all that they have learnt so that they can be self sufficient.  In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Mr. Afolabi Afuape and his counterpart in Education, Science and Technology Ministry, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, encouraged the youths to take their destinies in their hands. The Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Leke Adewolu and the member representing Ipokia Federal constituency, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade lauded the empowerment initiative of the wife of the Governor assuring that the program would be sustained. While appreciating the wife of the Governor, some of the trainees, Morakinyo Rebecca, Omosaye kolawole, Adetoun Adegoroye, Adejumo Ibrahim, Joakim Babatunde and Okeowo Bolatito on behalf of others said what they have learnt has opened their eyes to business. They commended the initiator of the programme Dr Olufunso Amosun for impacting the knowledge on them saying "this is a challenge for them and a way of encouragement."

FG Plans Two Additional Satellites to Boost NIGCOMSAT

The Federal Government is to establish two extra satellites to support the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).
Minister for Communication, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, who disclosed this yesterday, at the 6th regular meeting of the National Council on Communication Technology (NCCT), holding in Abeokuta, said this is towards boosting the Telecommunications industry.
According to him, the Federal Government is committed to using Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) as a means of economic diversification.
This, he added, will help in the nation's economic recovery and massive employment generation for the teeming youths.
Shittu revealed that the country's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased from $32 billion in 2015 to $40 billion in 2018.
The minister commended Governor Ibikunle Amosun for using ICT as a veritable tool for development in the state. 
Declaring open the meeting, the governor stated that the state is committed to sustaining an ICT driven environment, adding that it will always play significant role in his administration. 
He said his government would continue to work to channel the energy of youths into technology, calling on participants to delebrate on initiatives that will make ICT serve as weapon of mass development rather than weapon of mass destruction.
The governor urged the council to come up with a control mechanism to checkmate and curb illegal usage of social media platforms.
This, he said, willl help the nation, especially now that the it is approaching the electioneering year.
In his goodwill message, Post Master General of the Federation, Barr. Bisi Adegbuyi, stressed the need for leveraging on technology and embracing its importance to solve human challenges.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mr. Bunmi Adebayo, in his welcome address, commended the participants for their contributions, since the beginning of the conference.

KARA MARKET TO BE RELOCATED SOON – OGSG

            Relevant stakeholders have met to fine tune the arrangement for relocation of the old Oluwanisola Kara Market, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, to the new location at Ogere, in Ikenne Local Government area of Ogun State.           Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa made this known while addressing pressmen after a meeting with the Kara market relocation Committee and other stakeholders, held at the Governor's office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.           Adeoluwa said the meeting was as a result of efforts and engagements of government with the market stakeholders, which spans about three and half years, disclosing that an agreement has been reached for the immediate relocation of the market to Ogere.           Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo, said the relocation of the market will be a big game changer, as all farmers involved in food trade and government will benefit greatly from the market.           She explained that the market, built with state of the art facilities and occupied about 350 hectares of land, was the most developed modern market in Nigeria.           Some of the leaders of the market, the Seriki Kara, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola and Alhaji Hamzart Seidu appreciated the State Government for building such an Ultra Modern market, which they confirmed was far bigger than the old space at Isheri.            While pledging to mobilise and ensure other traders at Isheri prepare for the movement to Ogere, the leaders noted that the place will be easier to operate, with the provision of basic amenities, especially, the availability of security and banks

Education takes lion's share as Amount presents N402 billion for 2019 Budget

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has on Wednesday presented a sum of  N402.63 billion to the honorable members of the State House of Assembly at the hallowed chamber for the year 2019 appropriation bill which represents an increase of 17% compared to the 2018 budget.
The budget which was christened "budget of enduring legacies" has a sum of N254.055 billion allocated for capital expenditures representing 63.1% while the remaining N148.578 billion representing 36.9% is for recurrent expenditure.
Speaking during the presentation, Governor Amosun said the great emphasis laid on capital projects is due to the fact that his administration is still very much hungry for development with an assurance of working till the very last day in office to better the lives of the citizenry. 
The man steering the affairs of the state noted that the budget is to be allocated to the five cardinal programmes which are; Affordable Qualitative Education to take N88.579 billion (22%), Efficient Healthcare Delivery to take N22.547 billion (5.60%), Agricultural Production that will lead to massive Industrialisation to gulp N20.131 billion (5%).
Others include; Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal taking N53.147 billion (13.2%), Rural and Infrastructural Development and Employment Generation to take N82.539 billion (20.5%) with other sectors budgeted to gulp the remaining N135.687 (33.7%).
Speaking on the government's plan at financing the budget, the Governor said N161.24 billion will be from Internally Generated Revenue, N42 billion from the Federal allocation purse, N101.388 billion from capital receipt and N80 billion from other receipt.
While reviewing the 2018 budget performance, the Governor disclosed that his government has attracted almost 700 companies, developed the state in the areas of security, infrastructure, and ease of doing business amongst others.
According to the Governor, his administration has began to intensify efforts towards the completion of all ongoing projects in the state despite the six months remaining for the expiration of his government highlighting some of the projects to include the new Ogere International market, 250 bedded Modern Hospital, Digital Ogun State Television Studio, Ultramodern Judicial Complex, Central Business District known as City Centre, amongst other flyovers and road constructions spread across the state. 
In his words, "we'll construct 150km rural roads, we'll strengthen the support already given to the security agencies, we'll provide mini power grid for communities that have shown interest, we'll continue to extend necessary support to our local government areas for their successes, and we'll be showcasing all our cultural and human giants in the state ".
Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekunmbi said the Assembly has been able to conduct it's legislative business till date without rancour or disharmony amongst members despite the heterogeneous nature of political party representation adding that the assembly in the outgoing year has been able to pass 21 bills.
The Speaker while thanking the Governor for his unprecedented moral and financial support to the legislature used the avenue to appeal to the Governor to consider the implementation of the autonomy Act for the legislative and judiciary arms of government to further strengthen democracy assuring that the House will work on the quick passage of the appropriation bill. 
In attendance at the presentation include the Secretary to the state government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, Minister for Communication, Alhaji Shittu Adebayo, the Accountancy Doyen, Pa. Akintola Williams, member representing Ipokia Federal constituency, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, retired Heads of Service, elder statesmen, royal fathers and Commissioners.
Others include formal Military administrators of the state; captain Raji Rasaki, Rtd. Major Gen. Seidu Balogun, Rtd. Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin, Rtd. Rear Admiral Oladele Joseph, Rtd. Colonel Daniel Akintonde, and Oladayo Popoola.

Past Administrators in Ogun thumbs up Amosun's visionary leadership

Former military administrators in Ogun State have lauded the present Governor,  Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his visionary leadership and sincerity of purpose in governance.
The state leaders who were at a special reception organised for them shortly after the presentation of the 2019 appropriation bill at the government house Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta on Wednesday gave thumbs up to the Governor and his team for the great development.
In their remarks, Retired Major General Seidu Balogun, Commodore Kayode Olofimoyin and Colonel Rasheed Raji noted with high tendency that all projects will be completed looking at the 2019 budget, committment, hardwork and determination shown in the Governor's performance.
They also emphasised the power of the masses at demanding continuity of projects from any new government saying the people have the right to call the leaders to order if he or she decides to abandon any project. 
Also in their contributions, Navy Captain Raji Rasaki, Group Captain Oladayo Popoola and Retired Colonel Daniel Akintonde expressed dismay with the way his government is getting the work done inspite of paucity of funds adding that the result of the project is an evidence of the Governor's doggedness.
They were of the hope that the government that will succeed this present administration will build on the achievements of the Governor.
In his response, the Governor commended those who have served as administrators in the state saying they have been an inspiration and support that has aided his government's performance.
He thanked them for their kind words, admonitions and advice saying the development witnessed in the state was because of the foundation laid by the founding fathers.
The Governor had earlier taken the former administrators, Royal fathers and other special guests on projects inspection tour shortly after the budget presentation.

Presidential Reconciliation Committee meets Aggrieved APC candidates in Ogun

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a reconciliation committee to Ogun State to meet with the 26 aggrieved All Progressive Congress (APC) State Assembly candidates to settle the crisis that emanated from the party primaries in the state. 
The Presidential Reconciliation Committee led by Hon. Princess Sandra while addressing the aggrieved candidates said we are here for peace assuring that whatever happens, all parties would be reconciled. 
Addressing the press after a closed door meeting which lasted for an hour, Engr. Adewale Adenaike who spoke on behalf of the committee said "we've taking the grieviances of all and we have agreed for consideration and resolution."
Engr. Adenaike added that the APC remains as one big family  irrespective of the differences and discords assuring that they have agreed to work together as a party.
He further assured that all the differences would be settled before December 1st, 2018 assuring that all grieviances would be settled. 
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of APC Ogun Central Senatorial district, Engr. Yomi Ademefun who represented the state Party Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi presented the position of the state APC to the committee members where the party demands that the mandates of Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade and other aggrieved candidates for the State House of Assembly be restored. 
The Committee members consists Hon. Princess Sandra Oladele as the Chairman, Miss Kobla Oluwabukonla as Secretary and Engr. Adewale Adenaike as the state coordinator.