OGSIEC TO CONDUCT BYE ELECTION INTO JOGA/IBOORO WARD 5

Towards ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process in the State, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) will on  Saturday, July 9, 2022 conduct a Bye-Election into Joga/Ibooro ward 5, Yewa North Local Government Area.

A release signed by the Chairman, OGSIEC, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu stated that the bye election became necessary due to the death of the former elected Councilor, Late Hon. Isiaka Ogundele.

The release stated that, as part of the electoral process, a stakeholders' meeting will hold on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Yewa North Local Government Secretariat, Aiyetoro, at 1:00pm prompt, where the election timetable and guidelines for the Bye election would be unveiled.

It enjoined all duly registered political parties, wishing to participate in the Bye-Election and other relevant stakeholders to attend the meeting.

Win up to N1.4m in JustRite Lodestar Business Support Competition for Entrepreneurs

In honour of Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale (MFR Chairman, JustRite Nigeria)  JustRite Superstores calls for application from young entrepreneurs to apply for JustRite Lodestar Business Support Competition, and have a chance to win up to N1.5 million naira.

WORTH

Winner: N1.4 million

1st runner up: N1 million

2nd runner up: N750,000

A chance to get trained on business strategy and management, branding, and the use of technology for scale.

ELIGIBILITY

Competition is open to young entrepreneurs:

Between the ages of 20-35 years.

With existing registered business, operated for at least 1 year.

with up-to-date business management documentation

whose businesses have the potential to scale up/expand and create new jobs

DEADLINE: June 4 2022

To apply visit here

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6UNquxObQ9Hr--PlPl2LB0N-obSjtT_huGNXgO-vCJPRj2Q/viewform?usp=send_form

VOTERS’ APATHY, BANE OF LG ELECTIONS - OGSIEC BOSS

          The Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu has said voter's apathy poses a great challenge to Local Government elections.

          Osibodu who stated this in Abeokuta, during an interactive session with participants of the Senior Executive Course 44 of the National Institute for policy and strategic studies, kuru, Jos, was however of the opinion that ‘’citizens would only come out to exercise their franchise when they begin to feel the direct impact of the functions and activities of their Local Government chairmen in their areas’’.

          Speaking on the theme, "Strengthening Local Government in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities, the Chairman noted that out of 1.6million voter's that registered in the State, only about 372,000, representing about 22.88 percent voted during the 2021 LG Elections.

          He said Ogun was among the few States with the highest number of voters as against 15 percent recorded in so many States of the federation, noting that voter's apathy still remained a threat across the federation, as voters needed to be sensitised more on elections and electioneering process.

          Osibodu added that there is a need to embrace digital voting system during elections, as it would help avert rigging, reduce waiting time in counting election results, reduce voter's errors and alterations of transmitting results, admonishing the youth to shun electoral thuggery and avoid been used by the politicians to snatch ballot boxes.

          "Electronic Voting is the way to go, as it will definitely minimise electoral malpractices and it is fast. We believe in it, but it is very expensive and it is a long-time process that requires well experienced ICT personnel and Cyber Security. Only one State, Kaduna, has adopted it so far", Osibodu said.

          Speaking on behalf of other participants, Dr. Deborah Halima and Mr. Ibrahim Tabuwa implored the Electoral Commission to address challenges of voters' apathy, perception of voters, access of local and international observers to election results, among others, while Captain Umaru Saidu, said role of election in any democratic process is critical and more efforts should be put in place to strengthen the process.

OGUN MULLS ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

Determined to expand the frontiers of technical and vocational education across the State, Ogun State Government has revealed that it is looking into the request of the Ogun West Senatorial for the establishment of more Technical and Vocational Colleges in the area, this is as it took delivery of a renovated block of four classrooms.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology,

Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu who made this known while commissioning the project donated by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle at the Government Science and Technical College, Ayetoro in Yewa North Local Government, noted that the move would avail youths in the axis the opportunity of accessing technical education and enhance their employability skills.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Prof. Joseph Odumuyiwa, the Commissioner appreciated the Monarch for the humanitarian gesture, calling on other well-meaning individuals and philanthropists to emulate him.

Arigbabu said the donation would further promote technical education, as it is what the society needs now because education has changed from literacy and numeracy to acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitude.

The Commissioner highlighted that apart from enhancing employability, technical education serves as a viable breeding ground for engineering and other notable fields.

"I wish to commend our Royal Father for this kindness. This government recognises the importance of technical education, this is why we are planning to consider the request for the extension of technical schools in other areas in the Ogun West Senatorial District.

“This project is very apt in that it would complement government's effort and it is coming at a time we have set in necessary machinery with the view to revamping technical education in Ogun State in collaboration with our partners. We are not limiting development to Ayetoro, we are also requesting collaboration from philanthropists to key into this vision", he stated.

In his remarks, the donor, Oba Olugbenle, appealed to indigenes of the State, particularly those from Yewa not to abandon their homes, but contribute their quota by supporting the government to develop the State, adding that his love for his people spurred him to embark on the renovation, as he was particularly impressed with the fabrication of the doors and windows done by the students.

Also speaking, the Alaye of Ayetoro, Alh. Abdulazeez Adelakun, represented by the Amona of Ayetoro, Chief Kunle Amosun, lauded the intervention, describing the Oba as a rare gift to Yewa Land whose ascension to the throne ten years ago, has brought about immense development of his domain.

Earlier, the Chairman, Governing Council of the School, Dr. Idris Allyson, appreciated the Monarch for responding positively to their plea, urging the students and teachers to ensure good maintenance of the facility.

The event was attended by the Former Head of Service (HoS), elder Sola Adeyemi, former students of the school as well as Royal Fathers from Yewa Land.

OGUN HOS CHARGES OFFICERS ON TRAINING AND RETRAINING

Newly promoted middle level officers in the Ogun State Civil/Public Service have been called upon to make training and re-retraining a must in their career progression, without necessarily waiting for their employers else, they will not improve in their chosen fields.

The Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro made the call today while declaring open a 2-day capacity building workshop for newly promoted middle level officers, with the theme "Entrenching Job Ethics and Productivity Competencies in Public Officers", put together by the Bureau of Establishments and Training in collaboration with the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Consultancy Service held at the Staff Development Centre, Oke-ilewo, Abeokuta.

According to him, officers must expose themselves to continuous training and re-retraining to make them get better at what they do, else, they will keep working the same way and keep getting the same results without any improvement.

While congratulating the participants for being the first set to be selected for the training after the 3-year combined promotion exercises, the Head of Service urged them to justify their MDAs' confidence by taking full advantage of the training for greater improvement and productivity, which will in turn move the Civil Service to higher heights.

"You need to train and retrain to move the Civil Service forward. If you're not trained, you will just be doing the same things the same way but trends have changed now. Don't wait for your employer to train you, do it yourselves; train yourselves and don't wait for your employer to develop you", the HoS emphasised.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Adedayo Shomoye, enjoined the participants to brace up for future challenges in their various workplaces, be good participants, and make government see improvements in their performances for the betterment of the Service.

Mr. Shomoye said it was imperative to train the newly promoted officers in order to acquaint them with new trends of the civil service guiding their new cadres.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Transformation Office (PSTO), Mr. Jola Oyeneye, encouraged the participants to contribute their quotas to the growth and development of the civil service and the State in general.

He urged them to have a new mindset to deliver optimally, as their thinking will go a long way in affecting their output, while they must always put in their best in all they do to make service delivery an easy task.

On his part, the lead facilitator, who is the Coordinator, OOU Consultancy Service, Prof. Adebiyi Abosede, congratulated Ogun State for being first in Human Capital Development and added that the state has displayed high level of proactiveness in this area, as not being proactive breeds mediocrity in the system.

He charged the participants to be involved in the decision making process of their various MDAs as this makes decision making by top government echelons to be fast and easy, moreso, it is a collective responsibility of all the workers.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo said every promotion comes with new challenges and for such to be carefully surmounted, new skills, knowledge and change of mindset are needed to move on.

She said the theme of the training was chosen to equip the participants with the requisite skills to excel in their new levels, while attitudinal change as they assume higher responsibilities must be instilled in them for efficiency and effectiveness.

CONTINUE TO BE ETHICAL, OGUN HoS CHARGES FIRE FIGHTERS

Men and officers of the Fire and Safety Services in Ogun State have been called upon to continue to be ethical in all their doings and be fully prepared for emergencies at all times.

The Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, made the call when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi led some members of the Fire and Safety Services Department of the Ministry, on a courtesy visit to the Office of the HoS as part of activities marking the 2022 International Firefighters' Day.

While congratulating the officers on the commemoration of the year 2022 International Firefighters' Day, the HoS charged them to always live above board by maintaining the ethics of the profession, be prepared at all times for emergencies as this is the core characteristic of their calling, while training and re-retraining must be done regularly to put them on top of their games.

The Head of Service also charged them to intensify efforts at educating the various publics on how to handle emergencies before the professionals are called in, as this will help in saving untoward situations.

"Be ethical in all your doings and be fully ready anytime you're called upon, as this is not an everyday call. Live above board and always keep to the ethics of your profession" Dr. Aigoro admonished.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Akinlesi said the purpose of the visit was to raise awareness for the celebration of this year's International Firefighters' Day which is slated for every May 4, to celebrate the risks encountered by the officers during the discharge  of their duties and especially those who have died during active service.

Dr. Akinlesi, while appreciating the government for giving the firefighters the enabling environment to function by constructing new fire office, recruitment of new officers, prompt repairs of vehicles destroyed by miscreants while on duties among other things requested for more welfare packages to continue to boost the morale of the officers for more efficiency and productivity.

The Permanent Secretary also revealed that the campaign team of the department would soon move into government MDAs to enlighten them on how to prevent fire or handle its outbreak, while toll free 112 must be called in case of an emergency.

Highlight of the visit was the decoration of the HoS, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro and the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Dahunsi Ogunleye with the firefighters' emblems.

OGUN CSC WARNS PUBLIC TO DISREGARD RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENTS

Ogun State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced to the general public to disregard the recruitment advertisement of officers/personnel into the State Civil Service as being advertised on the website, recruit.org.ng, and currently being circulated on various social media platforms.

          A release signed by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Adedayo Somoye indicated that the State government is not currently recruiting officers and when the opportunity arises, such advertisement will be made through the regular Civil Service Channels, as well as the State job portal.

          It advised the public to beware of false advertisements and take appropriate caution, as the State Civil Service will not be responsible for any loss or losses incurred based on false advertisements.

ABEOKUTA WILL NOT REMAIN THE SAME - MRS. ABIODUN

Wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has congratulated the Lead Pastor, Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume on the 30th anniversary and annual Holy Convocation of the church.

Speaking at the church auditorium in Ajebo road, Abeokuta, Mrs. Abiodun said it was an honour to be part of the joyous occasion, noting that  with this year's convention theme 'In the Day of His Power', the city of Abeokuta will not remain the same after the programme.

She commended Apostle Achudume and his wife, Reverend Fola Achudume for doing a great job in liberating the people, saying, "I feel so blessed to join you at this holy convocation. I know that by coming today, God wanted to make a great change in my life.

"There is power of God in this church and I know that with this year's theme, this city, Abeokuta will not remain the same".

Welcoming the First Lady, the lead Pastor appreciated her for creating time to attend the programme, lauding her numerous projects, particularly her philanthropic gestures towards the people of the state, noting that her coming was indeed a great privilege to the church.

OGUN ASSEMBLY COMMISSION TRAINS STAFFERS ON HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

In its bid to boost human capacity development and enhance efficient service delivery at work places, the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission has organized a two day training for the staffers of the commission.

Speaking at the Induction and Training program tagged, "Understanding the Professional Ethics and Skills for Efficient Service Delivery" held in Abeokuta, the Clerk, Ogun Assembly, Mr. Deji Adeyemo, said the training was important to enable the newly employed  and absorbed officers become productive, effective and efficient members of staff while discharging their duties.

"The training was targeted to make the new officers get acquainted quickly with the legislative practice, procedures and civil service rules as well as the legal framework of the House of Assembly and its commission", Adeyemo said while encouraging the officers to develop a positive attitude to work in order to achieve high level productivity.

On his part, the Chairman, House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Waliyu Taiwo enjoined the officers to contribute their quota to the progress and development of the Commission through effective and qualitative service delivery.

One of the resource persons and the Director, Committee, Mr. Temitope Okon in his presentation titled, "Overview of the Civil Service with Emphasis on the Ogun State House of Assembly", said everything in House of Assembly is guided by constitutions and laws, admonishing officers to always respect the laws.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Taiwo Opaleye, noted that officers should follow the rules and regulations of the Commission to guide them on service delivery.

In their separate reactions, Mr. Ayotunde Ojediran, an Administrative officer and Miss. Oluwafunmilayo Taiwo, a higher Executive officer commended the leadership of the Commission for the Induction and Training program, saying they have gained a new experience, while promising their readiness to deliver.

OGUN HoS CHARGES COMMITTEE TO ENSURE ERROR FREE PUBLICATION

Members of the newly inaugurated committee on Update of Staff List have been charged to be diligent and ensure no error in the review of staff list for the betterment of the Civil Service.

The Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, gave the charge while inaugurating a 5-member committee saddled with the responsibility of updating/reviewing the data of all workers in the government service.

According to him, the members of the committee have been carefully selected to carry out the task, with a promise that the needed support to deliver the assignment within the stipulated three months would be given to them for optimum performance.

"Having an updated staff list is paramount, as this will go a long way in improving the service. It will also help to know the number of workers we have, where they are per time among other things and it would henceforth be reviewed maximum five years for efficiency as the last review was done in 2015", Dr. Aigoro said.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo said the review of the staff list was important as it serves as a vital data bank for the service reflecting where each public servant is at any given time.

Members of the committee are: Mr. Dolamu Idowu-Agida from the Ministry of Budget and Planning, who will serve as the Chairman, Mr. Abubakar Adeduntan from the Bureau of Service Matters, Mrs. Idowu Kehinde from the Teaching Service Commission and Mrs. Yinka Lawal from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as members, while Mr. Olusegun Akinfaiye from the Bureau of Establishments and Training would serve as the secretary of the committee.

The inauguration also had in attendance the Permanent Secretaries from the Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Dahunsi Ogunleye and Mr. Jola Oyeneye from the Bureau of Public Service Transformation Office.

OGSG TO EMPOWER TRAINED, CERTIFIED ARTISANS

Ogun State Government through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education and Training has disclosed that it will support trained and certified artisans and technicians, to practice their trades by leveraging the Ministry of Trade and Investment’s 'Business Clinics initiative’ to enable them procure equipment needed to enhance their trade.

 Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa, who revealed the move while speaking with newsmen in his office in Abeokuta, said  many trained and certified technicians and artisans are engaged in other trades due to  lack of capital and basic tools, affirming that the government intends to fight unemployment by linking them with financial institutions for various empowerment opportunities in collaboration with other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

He added that apart from finance, there was need for continuous training of artisans and technicians, as well as linking them with modern tools, in order to make them relevant and meet increasing industrial demand, adding that the office in collaboration with development partners, would continue to train technicians and expose them to modern techniques of their different trades.

“The Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration has been focused as regards technical and vocational education and training.  We have made great strides in empowering the people, most especially youths with skills, and have engaged them in various training in collaboration with our international partners and are well certified. However, we observed that many trained technicians are becoming ‘Okada’ riders because they do not have the necessary equipment to work with.

"Some trained in technical colleges, while some trained informally and non-formally, at the end of the day, they find themselves as motorcycle riders, taxi drivers, among others. We are trying to embark on an empowerment programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, so that when you are trained and certified, you can be linked up with financial institutions to assist you with the necessary equipment to help you establish yourself”, he said.

The Special Adviser stated that the Board would be working and using the  Business Clinic Programme of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment with the view to enlightening and educating the people on how they can access financial assistance in form of loans, through the business clinic, as well as the technical hub in our Technical Colleges across the State, so that the trained and certified technicians and artisans who could not afford equipment could go and make use of the equipment in the hub to make money.

Odemuyiwa said the government’s resolve at human capital development with the German Agency for International Development (GIZ) in recent times, accounted for the series of training for Instructors, School Managers, and youths within the State, Abuja and Lagos, pointing out that his office had organised over 10 different training programmes and they came up with the training on solar power installation, being the most recent which has made many self-employed.

Make Your Mark Anywhere You Find Yourself: Ogun HoS Urges

Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro has urged young medical practitioners across the State to always learn from their mentors and make a difference anywhere they find themselves in order to be positive change agents in the society.

Dr. Aigoro who stated this as the Special Guest of Honour during an Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference, organised by the Nigerian Orthopaedic Association, Zone 1, held at the NMA House, Lukosi, Abeokuta, said that success without a successor was a failure, charging young Orthopaedic Surgeons to be dedicated and up to the tasks ahead.

" I am humbled for this honour and outpouring of goodwill messages. Everybody has his or her destiny cut out. In April 1997, only three of us passed the examination we sat for, while the two are now Professors in the Teaching Hospitals, my own part has been cut for me in the civil service and I thank God for taking me this far. For those coming behind, there are so many areas you can venture into and still make your mark" he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Elkanah Orimolade, said that Dr. Aigoro has been doing well in the association, and with the help of God, he is the first Orthopaedic Surgeon to attain the height as the Head of Service, calling on younger generations to show more dedication and patriotism to take the association to greater heights.

In her lecture, the keynote speaker, Mrs. Monique Gershon who spoke on "Addressing the Scourge of Brain Drain through Mentorship" said that mentees should be pushed out of their comfort zones and be made to try something new, which they have never done before, noting that, next generation should be empowered to rebuild the values in the health sector through mentoring.

In their goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Transformation Office (PSTO), Mr. Jola Oyeneye, a Consultant/Opthalmologist who is also the CMD, State Hospital, Ijaye and PS-designate, Dr. Moshood Oladeinde, and the CMD, State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Adetola, among others described Dr. Aigoro as an astute  administrator, a good leader, supporter and mentor, whom so many people have learnt a lot of positive things from and appreciated him for laying a solid foundation that they were all building on and following judiciously.

Ogun SWAN/Opulent Media Cup: State Information Team, 7 others proceed to Q/Finals

The ongoing SWAN/Opulent Media Cup has reached the quarter-finals stage.

The 5-Aside knockout football competition had 16 media organizations participated in the maiden edition.

The Ogun State Television (OGTV) knocked out Super FM, Ijebu-Ode 4-nil, while Nigeria Television Authority, (NTA) Abeokuta edged out Roots FM on 5-2 scoreline.

Radio Nigeria defeated Sweet FM 7-3, while the media derby between Rock City FM and Family FM ended 3-2 in favour of Family FM.

In other matches played, Consolidated Chapel, qualified to the quarter-final in 11goals thriller, beating Splash FM 6-5, Federated Chapel of Ogun NUJ also qualified to the last eight of the competition following the withdrawal of their opponent, OGBC.

Smash FM booked their place in the quarter-final through Walk Over, while Information Officers from the Ogun State Ministry of information and Strategy managed to beat the star-studded Microphone Mavericks of Ogun FIBAN 1-nil.

In the quarter-final fixtures, Radio Nigeria will clash with Federated chapel, while OGTV will battle for the Semi-final ticket with Consolidated chapel.

Other quarter-final matches include Family FM taking on Smash FM, State Ministry of Information will tackle NTA, Abeokuta.

The quarter-finals and semi-finals matches will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, while the final and closing ceremony comes up on Thursday, 31st March, 2022.

Members of the public are enjoined to grace the match venue at the Fun Turf of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Agura of Gbagura Honours Ogun HoS

The Agura of Gbagura, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Babajide Bakre has honoured the Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro with a royal award, as one of the three illustrious sons of Gbagura who distinguished themselves in the area of their callings.

Oba Bakre who personally presented the award to Dr. Aigoro during the royal reception organised by the Gbagura Development Council, held at the Millennium Hall, Abeokuta Club, described him as an easy going, humble and dedicated Gbagura man who always brought happiness to him and anyone he came across.

"There is nothing that I need that he will not provide. Even, if that thing is hard to come by, Dr. Aigoro will make it possible and by so doing, has touched so many lives positively. Indeed, he is a true son of Gbagura" the Royal Father said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Honourable Justice Ademola Bakre said that Gbagura people were not stupid but calm, calculated and always took wise decisions, describing Dr. Aigoro as a gentleman, very supportive and wonderful character with a humble background.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Gbagura Development Council, who doubles as the host, Chief Mukaila Atanda said the three sons of Gbagura,  Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, the Ogun State Head of Service and Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), have all made the Gbagura nation proud in their different fields of endeavours and worthy of the honours bestowed on them.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Aigoro thanked the organisers and HRM, Oba (Dr.) Babajide Bakre, for finding him worthy of the royal award, and promised to put in more efforts to affect lives, not only in the Civil Service, but among Gbagura people and Ogun State in general.

Dignitaries who graced the event included a retired HoS, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former GM, OGTV, Bashorun Festus Kehinde, a veteran film producer, Tunde Kilani, family members, friends and the wife of the HoS, Alhaja Nuratu Aigoro.

HOLD COMPULSORY EXAMS IN HIGH ESTEEM, HoS CHARGES WORKERS

Civil and Public Servants in Ogun State have again been told to embrace compulsory confirmation/promotion examinations and excel in it for upward movement.

The Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Nafiu Aigoro stated this today in Abeokuta during an assessment of the December 2021 edition of the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Tests and Compulsory Examinations for officers in the professional, sub-professional and junior cadres in the Civil/Public Service of the State.

Aigoro said the examinations must be undertaken by the newly recruited officers or existing ones who are seeking for advancement and inter cadre transfer in their professional careers.

The Head of Service who noted that some officers are not aware that they should sit for the examinations called on heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to inform their officers on the need to write the examination, as it may negatively affect them if not done as at when scheduled.

"The examination, which is an open book is meant to expose workers to how to go about their duties, in order to enhance their performance as they optimally discharge their statutory duties to the State", Dr. Aigoro said.

Appreciating the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for approving the conduct of the examinations, the Head of Service also acknowledged the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo and her team for the good conduct, as well as the management of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and called on all Civil Servants to continue to be up and doing in the discharge of their duties.

In separate interviews, Ifeoluwa Adeyemo from the Ministry of Justice and Akintayo Soyooye from the Ogun State Television (OGTV) commended the State government and the organisers for the conduct of the examinations, adding that it has exposed them afresh to their schedules and has put them on their toes to achieve more.

Ogun, World Bank collaborate on Economic Transformation Project to Better Citizens Lives

...train 120 professionals to mitigate against resultant effects

The Ogun State Government in partnership with the World Bank has embarked on an Economic Transformation Project in the State to holistically transform people's lives economically and socially while taking into consideration the negative resultant effects that may come with it.

The Acting Project Co-ordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi made this known during a five-day continuous stakeholders' training for 120 professional officers in the State's Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Understanding Gender-Based Violence that may result from the implementation of World Bank Projects and how to mitigate against such at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Owo-Odusi explained that the project is a multi-sectoral one that is well thought out by government to bring meaningful transformation in various sectors of the State so as to see positive changes in the lives of the people and inturn bring economic viability to the State.

She disclosed that the project focuses on four broad sectors which include; Public Sector Management, Agriculture, Business Enabling Environment, and the Skill sector adding that these sectors cover Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Bureau of Land and Survey, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun Invest, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, and Public Service Transformation Office amongst others.

According to her, the Public Sector Management seeks to institutionalize and develop many systems and reforms where there is none and to strengthen the existing systems where it is not working effectively through monitoring and evaluation, statistics, procurement, and public sector transformation for proper management and coordination of projects.

Speaking on the Agriculture, the Acting Project Co-ordinator noted that the project focuses on how 40,000 farmers who have not enjoyed any government intervention in the sector, especially women can benefit from the project's marching grants for the agricultural value chain adding that this would bring economic returns to them and government in terms of payment of taxes.

In the area of Business Enabling Environment which is the bedrock on which others rest, Owo-Odusi said the whole essence is to see how private investors can come into the State adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost and ease of doing business is modified so as to attract more businesses.

On the Skills Sector, the Acting Project Co-ordinator who said, "in all that the State is planning, if we do not improve the manpower capacity of the people, nothing will work", disclosed that one of the greatest challenges encountered by the people is inability to access fund to upgrade themselves disclosing that there is "Ogun Skills fund" that has been set aside through the transformation project for artisans and the training providers. 

In her presentation, the training facilitator, Mrs. EwaJesu Fasina, said the project's appraisal document approves that a minimum of 40% of the beneficiaries of the economic transformation project must be women and youths, hence the need to engage gender based specialists to help mitigate against the high risks of sexual abuse and exploitation that comes with the influx of contractors and industrialists into a community.

Fasina added that the project prioritizes the empowerment of stakeholders and professional officers that implement government decisions on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, Grievance Redressing Mechanism that can address cases of violence, Psycho-Social Counselling to help survivals, and the Silent Rise in the Male-Child Abuse due to neglect. 

The facilitator reiterated that while the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government is determined to improve the living conditions of the people, it is also committed to safeguarding their social lives because there is no economic transformation benefit, when the social welfare and lives of the citizens have been damaged.

Highlighting some of the strategies to be adopted in tackling gender based violence, Fasina disclosed that the project through a non governmental organization will develop audio-visual documentaries to sensitize the communities about mitigation so that the younger generation will not be victims adding that the project has also designed a secured reporting structure to effectively respond to any case of sexual abuse which would eliminate the issue of stigmatisation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke appreciated the World Bank and the Ogun State Government for the great project initiative aimed at improving the living standard of the people in all ramifications.

Ogun, World Bank Partner on Economic Transformation Project to Improve Living Conditions

...train 120 professionals to mitigate against resultant effects

The Ogun State Government in partnership with the World Bank has embarked on an Economic Transformation Project in the State to holistically transform people's lives economically and socially while taking into consideration the negative resultant effects that may come with it.

The Acting Project Co-ordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi made this known during a five-day continuous stakeholders' training for 120 professional officers in the State's Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Understanding Gender-Based Violence that may result from the implementation of World Bank Projects and how to mitigate against such at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Owo-Odusi explained that the project is a multi-sectoral one that is well thought out by government to bring meaningful transformation in various sectors of the State so as to see positive changes in the lives of the people and inturn bring economic viability to the State.

She disclosed that the project focuses on four broad sectors which include; Public Sector Management, Agriculture, Business Enabling Environment, and the Skill sector adding that these sectors cover Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Bureau of Land and Survey, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun Invest, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, and Public Service Transformation Office amongst others.

According to her, the Public Sector Management seeks to institutionalize and develop many systems and reforms where there is none and to strengthen the existing systems where it is not working effectively through monitoring and evaluation, statistics, procurement, and public sector transformation for proper management and coordination of projects.

Speaking on the Agriculture, the Acting Project Co-ordinator noted that the project focuses on how 40,000 farmers who have not enjoyed any government intervention in the sector, especially women can benefit from the project's marching grants for the agricultural value chain adding that this would bring economic returns to them and government in terms of payment of taxes.

In the area of Business Enabling Environment which is the bedrock on which others rest, Owo-Odusi said the whole essence is to see how private investors can come into the State adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost and ease of doing business is modified so as to attract more businesses.

On the Skills Sector, the Acting Project Co-ordinator who said, "in all that the State is planning, if we do not improve the manpower capacity of the people, nothing will work", disclosed that one of the greatest challenges encountered by the people is inability to access fund to upgrade themselves disclosing that there is "Ogun Skills fund" that has been set aside through the transformation project for artisans and the training providers. 

In her presentation, the training facilitator, Mrs. EwaJesu Fasina, said the project's appraisal document approves that a minimum of 40% of the beneficiaries of the economic transformation project must be women and youths, hence the need to engage gender based specialists to help mitigate against the high risks of sexual abuse and exploitation that comes with the influx of contractors and industrialists into a community.

Fasina added that the project prioritizes the empowerment of stakeholders and professional officers that implement government decisions on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, Grievance Redressing Mechanism that can address cases of violence, Psycho-Social Counselling to help survivals, and the Silent Rise in the Male-Child Abuse due to neglect. 

The facilitator reiterated that while the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government is determined to improve the living conditions of the people, it is also committed to safeguarding their social lives because there is no economic transformation benefit, when the social welfare and lives of the citizens have been damaged.

Highlighting some of the strategies to be adopted in tackling gender based violence, Fasina disclosed that the project through a non governmental organization will develop audio-visual documentaries to sensitize the communities about mitigation so that the younger generation will not be victims adding that the project has also designed a secured reporting structure to effectively respond to any case of sexual abuse which would eliminate the issue of stigmatisation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke appreciated the World Bank and the Ogun State Government for the great project initiative aimed at improving the living standard of the people in all ramifications.

OGUN, LAGOS SYNERGISE TO FREE BADAGRY/AGBARA EXPRESSWAY OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES

Ogun State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) has set machinery in motion to get rid of illegal shanties and structures along Badagry/Agbara expressway.

Leading a team of Environmental Health Officials and Marshals from Ogun State, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Farouk Akintunde said the move became necessary to free the road which is a boundary between both States of incessant gridlock being experienced by motorists and the people.

Akintunde who stated that the agencies were determined to avoid any situation that could lead to loss of lives and property, implored traders to obey the directives and abatement notices which had earlier been served by government officials.

 The Governor’s Aide said it essential to stop all trading activities, particularly under the power line, saying “we should also realise that this axis is an international route and a major highway that connects Nigeria to the Republic of Benin. So, you should desist from unwholesome acts that negate environmental laws”.

On his part, the 2iC and Deputy Commandant, Intelligent and Supervision LAGESC/KAI, Mr. Ganiyu Salami said the teams were concerned about the environmental infractions in the area, pointing out that the illegal shanties and structures had become a hiding spot for miscreants and robbers.

Salami stated that the situation was worrisome as traders have turned the Agbara roundabout in Ogun State which used to be a garden into a marketplace, noting that the display of wares along the roadside had led to the traffic gridlock in the axis.

He sought the understanding of stakeholders in the area and assured that the teams would sustain its enforcement exercise.

OGSG, World Bank Partner on Economic Transformation Project to Improve Living Conditions ...train 120 professionals to mitigate against resultant effects

By Femi Osipitan

The Ogun State Government in partnership with the World Bank has embarked on an Economic Transformation Project in the State to holistically transform people's lives economically and socially while taking into consideration the negative resultant effects that may come with it.

The Acting Project Co-ordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi made this known during a five-day continuous stakeholders' training for 120 professional officers in the State's Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Understanding Gender-Based Violence that may result from the implementation of World Bank Projects and how to mitigate against such at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Owo-Odusi explained that the project is a multi-sectoral one that is well thought out by government to bring meaningful transformation in various sectors of the State so as to see positive changes in the lives of the people and inturn bring economic viability to the State.

She disclosed that the project focuses on four broad sectors which include; Public Sector Management, Agriculture, Business Enabling Environment, and the Skill sector adding that these sectors cover Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Bureau of Land and Survey, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun Invest, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture, and Public Service Transformation Office amongst others.

According to her, the Public Sector Management seeks to institutionalize and develop many systems and reforms where there is none and to strengthen the existing systems where it is not working effectively through monitoring and evaluation, statistics, procurement, and public sector transformation for proper management and coordination of projects.

Speaking on the Agriculture, the Acting Project Co-ordinator noted that the project focuses on how 40,000 farmers who have not enjoyed any government intervention in the sector, especially women can benefit from the project's marching grants for the agricultural value chain adding that this would bring economic returns to them and government in terms of payment of taxes.

In the area of Business Enabling Environment which is the bedrock on which others rest, Owo-Odusi said the whole essence is to see how private investors can come into the State adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost and ease of doing business is modified so as to attract more businesses.

On the Skills Sector, the Acting Project Co-ordinator who said, "in all that the State is planning, if we do not improve the manpower capacity of the people, nothing will work", disclosed that one of the greatest challenges encountered by the people is inability to access fund to upgrade themselves disclosing that there is "Ogun Skills fund" that has been set aside through the transformation project for artisans and the training providers. 

In her presentation, the training facilitator, Mrs. EwaJesu Fasina, said the project's appraisal document approves that a minimum of 40% of the beneficiaries of the economic transformation project must be women and youths, hence the need to engage gender based specialists to help mitigate against the high risks of sexual abuse and exploitation that comes with the influx of contractors and industrialists into a community.

Fasina added that the project prioritizes the empowerment of stakeholders and professional officers that implement government decisions on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, Grievance Redressing Mechanism that can address cases of violence, Psycho-Social Counselling to help survivals, and the Silent Rise in the Male-Child Abuse due to neglect. 

The facilitator reiterated that while the Governor Dapo Abiodun led government is determined to improve the living conditions of the people, it is also committed to safeguarding their social lives because there is no economic transformation benefit, when the social welfare and lives of the citizens have been damaged.

Highlighting some of the strategies to be adopted in tackling gender based violence, Fasina disclosed that the project through a non governmental organization will develop audio-visual documentaries to sensitize the communities about mitigation so that the younger generation will not be victims adding that the project has also designed a secured reporting structure to effectively respond to any case of sexual abuse which would eliminate the issue of stigmatisation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke appreciated the World Bank and the Ogun State Government for the great project initiative aimed at improving the living standard of the people in all ramifications.

OGUN PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR WOMEN, GIRL-CHILD IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION

In its resolve to encourage the female folks to be skillful and self-reliant, the Ogun State Government has pledged its continued support for women in technical education and employment, as well as the development of the girl-child in technical education.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa who made the disclosure while playing host to Women in Technical and Vocational Education (WITED), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) chapter, noted that the present administration placed premium in empowering women and the girl-child, to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the States.

Prof. Odemuyiwa posited that technical education remains the best form of education that is capable of sustaining an individual, the society, and transforming the economy of the nation, urging people to take advantage of it to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

“In Ogun State, we place a lot of importance on developing the girl-child in technical education. In the last two years, there has been a great improvement in the enrolment of female students in our technical colleges, as we have female students even in Mechanical Engineering craft practice. We also have a lot of them in Electrical Installation Technology and other fields which were seen as men dominated. So, there are lots of opportunities for women in technical education”, he said.

He disclosed that the government is working to ensure that technical education is incorporated into all levels of education in the State to develop basic technology and make it more appealing for the learners to see it as necessary, and it is implementing the aspect of choosing at least a trade subject for every school leaver.

Prof. Odemuyiwa revealed that for the State to maintain its position as the industrial hub of Nigeria, there is need to develop technical education as its importance cannot be over-emphasised, assuring the Association of the government's collaboration and support with the view to exploring other areas towards projecting technical education for the women, just as he charged them to bequeath good and lasting legacies for those coming behind them.

Speaking earlier, Vice-Chairperson of the Association, Dr. (Mrs.) Abidemi Taiwo, noted that the visit was to seek support in its  sensitisation drive for greater integration of women in technical programmes, encourage women to engage in all fields of leadership without gender discrimination, cooperate with other agencies to increase women's participation in development and technical areas at all levels, as well as develop programmes in enhancing women’s role in technical education and employment, among others.

On her part, the Director, Linkage and Continuing Education, MAPOLY, Dr. (Mrs.) Adebambo Akinyosoye, encouraged more girl-child to venture into the male-dominating fields, expressing hope that they would carve a niche for themselves with encouragement from parents.