HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES: OGUN JUDICIAL PANEL ENJOINS RESIDENTS TO SEEK LEGAL REDRESS

Residents of Ogun State have been enjoined to always take full advantage of all the legal means available for justice delivery whenever they feel cheated or believe that their human rights have been abused or violated.

The Chairman, Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation, Justice Solomon Olugbemi gave the advise on Wednesday at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta while responding to a petitioner, Mr. Odupitan Daniel who brought a complaint against police officers at Adigbe division for allegedly charging him to Court without proper investigation.

According to the Chairman, "as a Panel, we are here to investigate complaints of victims on Police Brutality. We cannot say that police should not do their official duties, neither can we go against the law that empowered them to charge suspects to Court".

Justice Olugbemi used the avenue to reaffirm that the purpose for setting up the Panel was to receive and investigate complaints of victims on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Extra Judicial killings by security operatives within the State adding that appropriate recommendations would be made to government at the end of the sittings.

Drama at Ogun Judicial Panel as Police Sergeant threatens Panel member

A mild drama ensued at the Ogun State Judicial Panel of Investigation sitting at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta, when a police officer, Sergeant Adeleke Olalekan who accompanied CSP Gbenga Megbope, a respondent in a case, was allegedly caught committing contempt against Panel members right from his seat, while the Panel cross examines his supposed boss during the sitting.

The sergeant who was allegedly seen to be pointing finger and speaking disrespectfully in a manner suggestive of threat at panel members and could not explain why, was called up and booked for appropriate punishment as stipulated under the Commission of Inquiry law.

Reeling out the law against the offender, the Panel Chairman, Justice Solomon Olugbemi, said "any act of disrespect, insult or threat to the Commissioners or any Panel members while sitting in Commission or any act of disrespect, insult or threat to a Commissioner or Panel members at any other time or place on account of his proceedings in his capacity as a Commissioner or Panel member shall be deemed to be an act of contempt within the meaning of this law under Section 16 of the same law".

Reading further, the Chairman revealed that, "any person who commits an act of contempt, whether the act is or is not committed in the presence of the Commissioners sitting in Commission, such person or persons shall be liable to summary conviction before a court of competent jurisdiction to be convicted and punished according to the tenet stipulated in the law”.

Justice Olugbemi noted that the Police Sergeant ought to be recommended for trial at the Magistrate court, however, the Panel member who was disrespected, pleaded that the alleged offender be pardoned, having apologized, prostrated and pleaded for mercy and showing remorse, the Panel have therefore refrained from recommending him for trial.

The Panel boss used the avenue to warn, saying, “the panel would no longer tolerate any act of disrespect to it or any of its members as the law would be allowed to take its course in any such further act”.

Speaking with journalists after the sitting, a former Commissioner of Police and the present Commandant of Amotekun Security Outfit in Ogun State, Mr. David Ajibola Akinremi who witnessed the proceedings commended the Panel for doing thorough job at investigating petitions brought before it.

The Amotekun boss added that, "the setting up of the Judicial Panel was a welcome development as the wrongs of the past can be seen and solution proffered towards ensuring a better working relationship between the police and the members of the public for a better policing and a safer society".

FACT FINDING: Ogun Panel visits crime scene, SARS office

Towards ensuring that fairness and justice is served to all parties, the Ogun State Judicial Panel of Investigation set up by Governor Dapo Abiodun to ascertain complaints of victims on Police Brutality, Human Rights violations and Extra Judicial Killings by Security Operatives has visited some of the scenes mentioned by petitioners and respondents before it.

It would be recalled that there were series of allegations by petitioners against the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in the way and manner its officers tortured, harassed, molested and victimized citizens, hence the need for on site assessment of the facility for proper investigation, to unravel truths and get facts on various petitions currently being treated by the Panel.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman, Justice Solomon Olugbemi who led other panel members said the need for on site assessment of the facility for proper investigation became imperative so as to ascertain and determine the veracity of claims of both petitioners and respondents.           

"During the course of giving evidence, several witnesses that came before the Panel mentioned the former office of the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad, Magbon now in use by the new outfit SWAT and Oba Correctional Centre, Abeokuta amongst others" the panel chairman stated.

According to him, "the panel visited the Locus in quo somewhere in Alagada area of Oba in relation to an alleged extra judicial killing by a Mobile Police Officer, Sergeant Tunji Ademuyegun attached to the New Abeokuta Correctional Service, Oba facility sometimes in 2019 to inspect the security outposts of the Army, Mobile Police and Correctional Guards to gather useful information on how the run away police sergeant could have successfully escaped.

During the visit, two eye witnesses Alhaji Sulaimon Salisu and Mr. Oluwafemiwa Kehinde Owosa at the scene where Sergeant Ademuyegun was alleged to have shot late Biola Adeyanju spoke with the Panel saying the officer shot sporadically after being drunk and the bullet eventually hit the deceased.

The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the panel to holistic fact findings and thorough investigation into all petitions before the panel to deliver justice to all without fear or favor and to make appropriate recommendations to government.

LAGOS-SAGAMU EXPRESSWAY CLOSURE: OGUN CHARGES MOTORISTS ON COMPLIANCE

The Ogun State Government has charged motorists and general public to observe and adhere strictly to the diversion guidelines on Lagos-Sagamu Expressway as specified by the Federal Ministry of Works and Power.

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Engineer Gbenga Dairo gave this charge today while reacting to the announced 72 hours closure and a temporary diversion of traffic on the road from outbound and inward Lagos by the Federal Ministry of Works and Power. 

The closure exercises which is contained in a notification letter signed by the Lagos Federal Controller of Woks, Engineer J.O Popoola and communicated to the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engineer Gbenga Dairo indicated that the temporary closure is connected to the installation of a flyover cross beam at Mountain Top University, commencing from Monday, 28th December, 2020 to Wednesday, 30th December, 2020 with effect from the hours of 5.00pm and 6.00am daily.

The notice revealed that the traffic management plan indicated that diversion of the carriage way starts from 200metres before CH 16 + 540 and terminates after CH 16 + 540 every day.

Engineer Dairo therefore enjoined motorists and general public to cooperate with construction workers and follow simple traffic rules and regulations, stressing that safety and security services like the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Authority (TRACE), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police would be deployed to ensure compliance and enforcement of traffic guidelines as specified. 

While urging all road users to be careful and observant of the temporary traffic arrangements especially at this yuletide period, Engineer Dairo regrets any  inconvenience that the rescheduled traffic arrangements may cause.

Ogun CSC Conducts Entrance Exam For State Counsels, Others

   No fewer than 200 candidates comprising of applicants seeking employment into the Ogun State Civil Service, have sat for the first phase of the year 2020 public service examination conducted by the Public Service Competitive Entrance Examination Board of the Civil Service Commission.

   Speaking during the exercise, at the Staff Development Center, Abeokuta, the Chairman  of the Commission, Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi said that the exercise was basically for those seeking employment for the post of State Counsel and regularisation of the employees that came into the Service through  jobs portal, saying the process would be based on merit.

   Odebunmi stated that the Commission is putting necessary measures in place in sustaining the process by establishing an examination body, that would conduct entrance examination in the State. 

   He appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for his steadfastness in ensuring that the welfare of the civil servants is well catered for, despite the economic hardship, noting that more graduates would be employed whenever vacancies are available.

Responding on behalf of the applicants, Barr. Tolu Onabolu appreciated the State government for the opportunity given to them, saying that it is a platform for them to practice their profession and deliver whatever assignment given to them. 

Also speaking on behalf of candidates employed through jobs portal, Miss Joy Ogbodo and Olalekan Olayode expressed gratitude for the advantage to serve the State, promising to        contribute their best  for the development of the Service. 

NUJ partners ADRON HOMES, set to deliver Media Estate to Members

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel has secured a working synergy with the management of ADRON Homes and Properties to deliver housing units to members of the Union.

The arrangement which was sealed on Wednesday, during a meeting held at the head office of the company in Lagos had in attendance the leadership of the Union and that of the company.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju said, "Our members are willing and longing to have homes of their own and we know that government cannot do it all alone hence the need to join forces with a company like yours in making the members landlords".

While thanking the homes and property company for buying into the vision, the Chairman assured that the repayment arrangement for the housing units is solid because members' salaries are constant from government adding that other sister Unions and associations have also shown interest to key into the vision.

Responding, the Group Managing Director of ADRON Homes and Properties, who doubles as the Life Patron of the Union, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said, "any focused and vision driven organization cannot survive, expand and make tremendous progress without the collaboration of journalists".

The GMD who revealed that the importance of media cannot be overemphasized said, "Nigeria Union of Journalists is not new to us, the Union is an household name assuring that the relationship between the duo would be mutual and beneficial".

While regarding the synergy as germane and very important, Aare Emmanuel King added that, "we have been having this discussion in bits before now, but now, we are set to concretize the plan and we would do it".

#EndSARS: I lost my leg to amputation after being shot by Police - Ogun Petitioner

...sold my uncompleted building for hospital bills

A petitioner, Apostle Anthony Olaoluwa Kusimo who appeared before the Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation set up to receive and investigate complaints of victims on Police Brutality, Human Rights Abuses and Extra Judicial Killings by security operatives within the State has narrated how he lost his right leg to amputation after being shot by Police Officer identified as officer Moshood.

Apostle Kusimo, a 62 year old man while narrating his ordeal to the Panel at Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta said, "on the 9th of February, 2012, two police officers accosted me around Iporo Ake area of Abeokuta in the afternoon and one of them shot me and they both ran away". 

According to the petitioner, "I was rushed to the General Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta by neighbors. After I have received some treatment, I was asked to go for X-Ray the second day, to my surprise, I got arrested at the hospital's gate by some officers of the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad from Magbon, Abeokuta and was put behind counter for 37 days, tortured with hot iron and asked to confess that I was an armed robber which I refused".

Apostle Kusimo revealed that due to neglect and lack of proper care for the leg, it started producing maggots and smelling pus which later degenerated to the level of amputation in April 2012 adding that it was at the stage, when the smell was unbearable again that he was freed to go back to hospital.

"At this point, we had no money again to purchase drugs and pay hospital bills. I had to sell my uncompleted building which was ready for roofing for just N500,000 to take care of the medical bills", Apostle Anthony said requesting for government's support in terms of compensation for the money spent on his treatment and to take care of his family.

Another petition brought before the Panel was that of Mr. Gbenga Kehinde who was arrested on 7th October, 2017 along with his three friends at Emuren, Ijebu Ode and were taking to Magbon in Abeokuta where they were accused of stealing fish worth 63million naira from a farm in Ijebu Ode.

According to the petitioner, he and his friends spent almost three months in police custody with several daily torture from Inspector Adam Abubakar for an offence they did not commit.

The cases had been adjourned to 28th January and 1st February, 2021 respectively for further hearing and to get the accused police officers for their responses.

NUJ Awards: We'll continue to celebrate Excellence - Gov. Abiodun

.... as Osipitan, Odemakin bag Most Outstanding Information Officer's Award

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured that his administration would continue to support, appreciate and celebrate hard work, talents and excellence as this would spur, encourage and motivate others and bring about healthy competition.

Governor Abiodun who made this known at the Dinner and Awards night of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel said this was to appreciate the officers who have distinguished themselves in their contribution to the Ministry, Government and State at large.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu at the Dinner and Awards night held at the O.K Events Centre, Ibara Housing, Abeokuta as part of activities lined up for the 2020 Press Week, Governor Abiodun thumbs up information officers for their role in positively projecting the image of the government charging them not to relent.

At the event, Mr. Femi Osipitan, attached to Ministry of Information & Strategy and Alhaja Waliat Odemakin, the sub-editor, Ogun State Information Service were awarded as Outstanding Information Officers, Male and Female categories respectively for the year 2020.

 

Presenting the Awards, the Chief of Staff to the Governor personally gave each awardees N50,000 cash backings  charging them not to relent in the discharge of their duties to the State while imploring them to do more by propagating the agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun which he said is anchored on the five cardinal points code named I.S.E.Y.A.

Speaking on the Award categories and the modalities for picking the most outstanding officers, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju said, "we made available nomination forms for all our members to fill who they believe deserve the awards, and those with the highest votes were compiled, scrutinized and adjured as truly deserving the awards".

In an interview with one of the recipients, Mr. Femi Osipitan, revealed that receiving Awards is a call to more work, promising never to relent in whatever value or virtues that were seen in him that earned him the victory as Outstanding Information Officer of the year while appreciating other information officers for the honour and privilege to be so awarded.

Other award recipients are Mr. Tunde Odunewu (Outstanding Photojournalist), and Mrs. Modupe Salabiu (Most Selfless Officer) while group awards such as Outstanding Unit (Print) and Outstanding Unit (Electronics) goes to Ogun State Information Service (OGIS) and Giant Stride respectively.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina and his counterpart from Ministry of Special Duties, Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo were awarded the Commissioner of the Year and Media Friendly Personality respectively while Chief Oluyinka Kufile, Balogun Abidemi Rufai and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abiodun Awere bagged Media Friendly, Philanthropic and Outstanding Performance Awards respectively.

#EndSARS: LAWYERS REPOSE CONFIDENCE IN OGUN JUDICIAL PANEL OF INVESTIGATION

          A legal practitioner, Barrister Kayode Akinsola, has expressed faith in the integrity of Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation set up to receive and investigate complaints of victims on police brutality, human rights violations and extra judicial killings.

          Barrister Akinsola who was also the Lead Counsel for the petitioner concerning the gruesome murder of Mr. Abiola Adeyanju said, "I feel very confident about the integrity of the Judicial Panel of Investigation sitting in Ogun State and I believe that by the time their recommendations would be out, it would be something worthwhile".  

          The lawyer who made this known at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta, while speaking with newsmen after the Panel's sitting said, "what I have seen today really reposed confidence in me that the Panel would ensure justice".

          Akinsola disclosed that the deceased was shot by a drunk police officer, Sgt. Tunji Ademuyegun at a party in Alagada area of Oba, on the 19th December, 2019 after which he ran away and till today had not been found.

          The petitioners, Messrs. Sadiq Jabar and Ahmed Omokayode who wrote on behalf of the family, called on the panel for justice, demanding prosecution of the officer, pleading for adequate compensation for the family, because the deceased had an aged mother and a five-year-old daughter.

          Other legal practitioners who expressed same reactions include Barrister Akinyemi Adetunji and Barrister Kayode Akinyemi, after appearing for their respective clients at the Panel's sitting.

OGUN LIFTS BAN ON BMT, UNDERSCORES SAFETY AS ITS PARAMOUNT OBJECTIVE

Ogun State Ministry of Transportation has lifted the suspension order placed on commercial Bus Mass Transit shuttling between Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode in the State following the adherence of the operators to the necessary operational prerequisites laid down by government before plying the roads.

The Commissioner for Transportation in the State, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, who made this known while speaking with newsmen at the government's Computerised Vehicles Inspection Centre in Abeokuta, said the operators have complied with the laid down regulations by government following a comprehensive tests conducted on their buses.

Speaking through the Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, Engineer Adewale Ademehin, the Commissioner underscored the State government's stance on safety as its paramount objective, maintaining that such can only be achieved when commercial vehicles are in good condition and operation done with sanity on the road.

He said "the scale of damage and destruction caused by poor condition of vehicles plying the roads is a major concern of this administration and the State Government has immediately empowered the VIS and other sister agencies like Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Authority (TRACE) to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of basic vehicle care, road worthiness and safety actions that would mitigate the safety risks linked to incessant carnage orchestrated by vehicles' poor condition".

Dairo maintained that the safety of citizens of the State is paramount to the present government, assuring that Governor Dapo Abiodun will leave no  stone unturned towards providing adequate safety on and off the road for the people of the State.

The General Manager of Priceberg Limited, operators of the BMT, Mr Adewale Odusanya, commended the State government for taking safety in the transport sector as a major concern, urging government to extend the comprehensive check on vehicles to all private and commercial vehicles in the State.

Ogun Judicial Panel: 40 petitions in, victims recount loses from defunct SARS

 

A petitioner, Mr. Musbau Semiu  Ademola who was stopped by the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives on May 13, 2020 while coming from Obasanjo hatchery farm where he went to buy 650 day old chickens and turkeys was delayed for over two hours.

Mr. Ademola made this known during the maiden edition of the sitting of Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation set up to investigate complaints of victims on police brutality, human rights violations and extra judicial killings by security operatives within the State revealing that the delay led to the death of 335 birds costing N448,500 which has made him to be living from hand to mouth ever since then due to the great loss.

After the respondent, Inspector Fatai Rabiu had given evidence and answered questions from the petitioner and the Panel, the matter was adjourned till 11th November 2020 for further hearing.

Another petitioner, Mr. Tunji Adeoso, from Abeokuta said his brother in-law, Sunday Olorunnisola was arrested and detained by a SARS officer, Corporal Omosolape Ahmed popularly known as Oosa at their Magbon station in Abeokuta and while trying to plead for his release, he got a serious slap from corporal Ahmed who later collected a sum of N150,000 from the family before releasing the detained boy.

The Panel Chairman, Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd) said the petitioner and the respondent would be invited when the panel finishes its investigation and evaluation on the matter.

Addressing journalists after the sitting, Justice Olugbemi who revealed that the Panel had already received 40 petitions called on those who still have theirs not to hesitate to, enjoining petitioners not to be afraid because nobody would harass them.

The Chairman assured that the investigation process cannot dampen the morale of security operatives because it would ensure justice for all adding that the panel sitting days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

On his part, the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gbolahan Adeniran noted that justice is crucial in the fabrics of the society revealing that Governor Dapo Abiodun is interested in the activities of the Panel while assuring that adding that this government would ensure justice for all.

Ogun: Gov. Abiodun pays New Minimum Wage to Workers

Contrary to doubts, insinuations and agitations from different quarters, workers in Ogun State have started rejoicing, upon the alerts of October salary received from their respective banks, with the new minimum wage increase.

It would be recalled that the State Government had an agreement with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) to effect the new mimimum wage and this has been fulfilled.

Some workers who spoke with our correspondents, Adebimpe Olaitan and Femi Osipitan expressed their happiness for the payment of the minimum wage, saying this was a welcome development.

Expressing his delight, Commander Oluwafemi Odukalu of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said, "to be honest I was expecting something close to that increment but when I saw the actual amount added, I was overwhelmed because i didn't expect that much" thanking the Governor for fulfilling the promise.

On her part, Mrs. Oluwatosin Owotomo of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology appreciated the Governor for keeping the promise made and for not paying lip service to the welfare of workers.

In an interview with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile, he said, "it is a good thing, the Governor has promised the labour that he would pay and this is another promise made and promise kept".

According to the Commissioner, "the Government of Prince Dapo Abiodun will always take the welfare of workers seriously,  just as it is committed to the welfare of all residents and indigenes of the State".

Odusile thereafter enjoined workers to be up and doing and dedicated to their work so that "we can have the Ogun State of our dreams".

Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation receives 20 petitions in 2 weeks

No fewer than 20 petitions have been received by the Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation set up to investigate complaints and petitions of victims of police brutality and abuse of human rights by security operatives in Ogun State within two weeks of its inauguration.

The Chairman of the Panel, Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (Rtd) who made this known after a meeting with the Panel members said, "we have received 20 petitions already and sitting starts immediately. The sittings would be transparent and open. Media stations are invited to witness and cover the sittings", 

Justice Olugbemi revealed that the maiden sitting of the Panel would hold on Thursday, 5th November, 2020 adding that the panel sitting days would be Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting by 10am at the Magistrate Court 1, Isabo, Abeokuta.

The Chairman called on members of the public who have complaints to send in their petitions to the Secretary of the Panel or send online to endsarsjudicialpanel@ogunstate.gov.ng assuring that justice would be delivered.

#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.