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OGUN EAST SENATORIAL PDP VOWS TO RECALL ITS LAWMAKERS

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun East Senatorial District has resolved to recall its representatives in the Ogun State House Of Assembly for betraying the confidence reposed in them by the people who voted them into office. 

 Prominent Party leaders from the district who spoke one after the other during a solidarity visit to the state Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, at his private residence in Sagamu also threatened to curse the lawmakers for allowing themselves to be used by desperate politicians  jostling for the2011  gubernatorial race to disrupt the peace of the party”

At the solidarity rally which drawn thousands of PDP members from the Nine Local Governments in the district, the Senatorial Chairman, Alhaji Agboola Alausa , described the actions of the lawmakers as rebellious, pointing out that “the party and the people sent them to the house to legislate in other to move the state forward but what we are now witnessing is bowing to external forces for material gains”

Chief Alausa who is also the father of one of the lawmakers, Wale Alausa, representing Ijebu Ode Constituency said “we would not fold our arms and allow our lawmakers to be used to destroy all the positive developments that the Daniel administration has done in the state in the last five years”

     Also speaking, a party chieftain and former member of the House Of Assembly in the Second Republic, Chief Felix Adenaike called for the immediate resignation of the lawmakers for pursuing an agenda different from their legislative duties, pointing out that “we were in serious business in the House during our own time and the welfare of the people were uppermost in our minds”

On his part, another Party Chieftain, Elder Yemi Akinhanmi lambasted  some party leaders whom he referred to as self acclaimed political leaders for  confusing the lawmakers as well as fueling crisis within the party, maintaining that Otunba Gbenga Daniel, is the political leader in the state.

         According to the former  State PDP Party Secretary “I continue to laugh when some people claim to own the structure of this party . In 1999, PDP could not find its feet in the state; it only won 3 seats in the House Of Assembly. It was Otunba Gbenga Daniel who through dint of hard work, solid background and political engineering  shot the party into reckoning during the 2003 elections clinching all the elective positions, a feat which was repeated during the 2007 elections. These so called leaders should explain what happened in 1999and they are now claiming to be Godfathers, he said”

          All other party leaders who spoke at the rally included party secretary, Chief Pegba Otemolu, Alhaji Bashiru Adebayo, Chief Fatai Sowemimo, Alhaja Mujidat Adenaike.   

     Chief Ade Alatishe and Chief Taye Okusanya all whom agreed that the lawmakers should be made answerable for their recent actions and behaviors.

They stated emphatically that it was the turn of Ogun West Senatorial District to produce the next governor.

         Meanwhile Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has expressed the belief that only prayers could deliver the lawmakers from their present travails.

       The Governor, according to a statement signed by his Press Officer, Mr Kehinde Onasanya stated this while addressing the members of the party from Ogun East Senatorial District during a solidarity visit to him in  Sagamu said “our lawmakers are ignorant, otherwise they wouldn’t have behaved in such a manner, they are blindfolded and needs prayers to come back to their senses”

      He pleaded with the party leaders not to invoke any curse on them but to give them ample opportunity to repent and retrace their steps as members of the same family.

         According to the Governor “One of them called me and I asked him, who is behind all these? And he replied, Dear Governor, devil is reigning in the house and I asked him, have your own eyes open? And he said yes”

          Otunba Daniel, who said he has done everything possible to meet the needs of the lawmakers, cautioned them against unnecessary blackmail that would lead them nowhere.

          Said the Governor “Those master minding the crisis are members of our party, they are those we helped and labored to put in office who are collaborating with certain forces within and outside the State to influence the lawmakers for political ambitions as well as to disrupt the prevailing peace in the state”

           The Governor however maintained that he would not allow anything to disturb the progress of work in the state.

kehinde Onasanya

Press Officer to the Governor

8th july, 2008

PHILOSOPHY BEHIND PROPOSED BILL BOARDS’ LAW ADVANCED
          The proposed law on signage, bill boards and outdoor advertisement is not design to drive away practitioners from carrying out their professional activities in the Ogun State.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Billboards, Mr. Siji Oyesile  made the declaration  at a meeting of stakeholders and members of the State House of Assembly
He stated that the philosophy behind the law was to re-brand Ogun State and sanitize the Industry in the placement of bill boards across the length and breadth of the State.
He allayed the fears of the members of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) on double taxation by governments at all levels, stressing that the proposed law had taken care of such fear.
In his position paper, the Vice-President of OAAN, Mr. Yinka Adepoju, expressed optimism that the proposed law would go a long way in sanitizing the industry.
Mr. Adepoju further remarked that the era of double taxation was over, expressing gratitude to the Ogun State government for coming up with the bill.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Information and Orientation, Hon. Oluseyi Abiodun noted that the meeting was convened to guide members in enacting an unambiguous law to regulate the industry.
         

OGSG HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABANDONED ROAD PROJECTS – ADEKOYA
          The Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Prince Segun Adekoya has given an assurance that the State Government will not abandon any of the roads currently being constructed across the State.
          The Commissioner, who made the declaration while receiving the Elerunwon of Erunwon, Oba (Cardinal) A. Awofeso and Oligun of Ilugun, Oba (Engr.) Bamidele Otukoya, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, also said the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel has zero tolerance for abandoned road projects.
          Prince Adekoya stated that unlike past governments in the State, the present administration placed very high premium on the maintenance, expansion and upgrading of road networks across the State.
          He promised the royal fathers that roads being constructed in their areas would stand the test of time and be ready on schedule.
          Speaking earlier, Oligun of Ilugun, Oba (Engr.) Bamidele Otukoya, enjoined the State Government to ensure quick completion of projects embarked upon in their areas as the  people are eager to start using the facilities.

STEADFASTNESS AND COMMITMENT  CONTRIBUTE TO MY AWARD-ODULATE
          The Ogun State Head of Service, Chief Oladipo Odulate had stressed that his emergence as the Public Administrator of the year was due to his steadfastness, commitment and loyalty to the job and his bosses.
          Chief Odulate stated this while speaking with newsmen on his recent award, expressing appreciation to the entire people of the State for voting right and the government for giving him the enabling environment to practise.
          According to him, winning the award make him fulfilled and highly elated, noting that this would spur him to perform morewith determination.
          He advised public servants to be supportive and committed to their duties, saying someone is surely watching.
          His words: “money is not everything, reward could come unexpectedly or even in a form that is more than expected”.
          The Head of Service admonished public servants to reciprocate government’s contribution to the service by giving the best to the service, remain committed and loyal even in the face of disappointment.
         
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DIABETES TAKEN TO EWEKORO LOCAL GOVT
In continuation of efforts to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, the Ogun State Government has taken its awareness campaign programme on the two diseases to Ewekoro Local Government Area.
Speaking at the seventh awareness campaign programme, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Abiodun Oduwole, stated that prevention of diseases, promotion of health and improvement in the quality of life of individuals, groups and communities were the reasons why the State Government decided to enlighten the citizens about the two diseases.
The Commissioner added that the programme included screening  of the citizenry in order to detect the conditions early and prevent fatal consequences like sudden death.
Dr. Oduwole defined hypertension as a silent killer, while a hypertensive person may have no symptoms at all and the first manifestation of the disease may be its complications like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and epileptic-like fit in pregnant women among others.
She described diabetes mellitus as dangerous, noting that it was increasing with alarming rate worldwide as 240m people were estimated to be diabetic globally in the year 2007.
The Commissioner disclosed that the State Council on Health which was last held in year 2005 has been slated to hold between 16 and 17, 2008.
In his own address, the Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Alh. Isikilu Makinde, stated that in order to make the programme successful, all health facilities in the Local Government had been provided with all necessary equipment and materials needed for the exercise.
Highlights of the awareness campaign programme included screening for diabetes and hypertension, blood pressure check-up, free drug, height and weight measurement and referrals.
 
LOCAL GOVT SERVICE COMMISSION UPGRADES STAFFERS
          The Ogun State Local Government Service Commission has converted and upgraded almost all the officers that are due for conversion and upgrading in the last few years.
          This was disclosed by the Chairman Local Government Service Commission Chief Kola Olumide while addressing Local Government staffers during a working tour of the commission to Ijebu-Ode Local Government Council.
          He said the commission has normalized appointments, promoted and converted officers to their normal grade level.
          Chief Olumide stressed that Local Government staffers enjoy this kind gesture due to the benevolence of the State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
          The Local Government boss disclosed that it was important for officers seeking for upgrading, conversion or promotion to undergo written and oval interviews to ensure that the officers can ably perform in the new post.
          He added that officers from GL.01 – GL.06 who are due for promotion or seeking for conversion to obtain form from the commission for proper record.
          Chief Olumide advised all Local Government staffers to be efficient and rededicate themselves of their official duties.

AGRIC. DEVT CORPORATION BOOSTS PROTEIN INTAKE
About 15,000 birds are at present being bred by the Ogun State Agricultural Development Corporation as part of measures to increase the protein intake of the citizenry of the State.
          General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Adelani Somoye, made the disclosure when journalists paid an inspection visit  to Balekan Poultry Project at Balekan, in Odeda Local Government Area.
          Mr. Somoye explained that over 200 crates of eggs are produced daily for distribution to various markets in the State with a capacity for improved production when the growers in the poultry numbering 3,000 attain maturity.
          Also speaking, the Estate Manager of the Poultry Project, Mr. Doyin Osipitan explained that the desire of the management was  to further increase egg production  and sustain the campaign for the consumption of one egg a day for a healthy living.
He added that it was the desire of the corporation to include fish farming and cassava cultivation in its programme as means of increasing the corporation’s internally generated revenue.

HELP PROTECT OUR FOREST RESERVES, TRADITIONAL RULERS URGED
An appeal has gone to traditional rulers in Ogun East senatorial distict of Ogun State to help the State Government preserve the forest reserves in their locality.
          The State Commissioner for Forestry, Alhaji Alli Ajibode, made the call at a meeting with the royal fathers at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
          Alhaji Ajibode explained that Omo West Area of Omo Forest Reserve, an International Bird Area (ABI) may be in danger of encroachment if adequate steps are not taken to forestall illegal activities.
          He disclosed that about 252 species of non-migratory birds identified within the area were at a risk of extinction if quick steps were not taken to prevent further encroachment by illegal operators.
          He explained that the Ministry intended to set Omo West aside for conservation purposes, stressing that there would be no farming, logging hunting or planting of exotic trees within the area.
          He expressed the hope that setting the area aside for conservation would promote ecotourism in the State and increase the internally generated revenue of the Ministry.
          He pleaded that all illegal activities within the reserves be promptly reported to the Ministry for appropriate actions.
          In their responses, the monarchs assured the Commissioner of their unwavering support, describing steps taken by the Ministry to restore sanity to the reserves as laudable.

OGUN PEOPLE GET  QUICK DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE
          The dispensation of justice in Ogun State has been very smooth, quick and fair to concerned parties in the last five years.
          The Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Osunfunyi Osunfisan, made this submission while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta.
          According to him, there are so many parts involved in the dispensation of justice, explaining that Citizens Rights Department was established to cater for people who cannot hire their own lawyer.
          He noted that training and retraining of staffers, a facelift for the judicial, and the creation of more judicial division had also contributed to the improvement.
          Mr. Osunfisan noted that there has been cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, noting that the legal drafting department  of his Ministry draft  laws  for the executive which is then passed to the House of Assembly for deliberation.
           
           Mr. Osunfisan said government had subsidized the cost of the State  revised law which was in six volumes, while arrangements are on to publish  laws passed by the legislative and make  them available to interested  members of the public.
         
          YEWA SOUTH GENERATES N56.5M
The Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State has generated the sum of N56.5M in May, 2008.
This was contained in the monthly progress report of the council.
The report stated that the internally generated revenue for the month  was N1.5m while Federal allocation was N55m.
According to the report, the council generated most of its revenue from rates as N702, 575.00 was raised in while only N49, 500.00 was generated from miscellaneous during the period.  No revenue was generated from taxes, interest payment and dividends and grants.
The council monthly expenditure showed that the total amount of N62m was expended during the month with the sum of N35m expended on overhead cost while only N9.3m was expended on capital projects.
          The council embarked on the inspection of regulated premises while food handlers were educated and advised on various measures on how  to ensure hygienic preparation of food meant for public consumption.
          However, routine immunization was given to eligible children at the public health institutions as well as privately-owned health facilities.
          Meanwhile the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Dr. Adekunle Adewunmi has advised children to be law-abiding and shun social vices that may prevent them from reaching the peak of their career.

OGUN PLEDGES TO EXECUTE MORE DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS
          Ogun State Government has pledged to execute more developmental projects that will help in uplifting the socio-economic activities of the State.
          The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Kola Sorinola made the pledge while briefing members of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Parastatals, held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.,
          Chief Sorinola listed some of the projects executed by his Ministry to include the State Judicial Headquarters in Abeokuta, construction of semi-detached bungalow for Magistrates at Ota, construction of private ward at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu and the construction of Omu-Ajose Comprehensive High School, Omu.
          While stating that some of the projects had been completed and others at various stages of completion, the Commissioner said electrical and lighting works have been carried out at the School of Nursing, Ilaro, while the design and billing for the construction of new quarters for the members of the State House of Assembly had been completed.
          On why no Magistrate or High Court was constructed at Ifo, Chief Sorinola said the decision to determine where courts are sited was that of the chief Judge of the State, adding that other courts in the State that needing rehabilitation would be attended to.
          Speaking, the chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bankole Tolu Oyebode, explained that the committee was not a panel, but a committee set up by the House to assess the budget performance of the Ministry as well as look at the challenges facing it and proffer solution on how to solve them.
          Members of the Committee, Hon. Olusola Pelumi and Hon. Johnson Fatoki, in their separate speeches commended the Ministry for its performance within a short period of time and called on the Ministry to include Assembly Quarters in its construction projects and ensure that money collected was used in executing the specific projects to avoid abundant projects.

OGUN HEAD OF SERVICE WINS PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
          The Ogun State Head of Service, Chief Oladipo Odulate has emerged winner of the Nigerian Public Administrator of the Year Award.
          According to a release by the Nigerian Institute of Policy Development and Political Studies, chief Odulate won the award out of  three nominees, including the Director General, National Sports Commission, Dr Amos Adamu  and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Civil Service Commission, Mr Japh Nwosu.
          Chief Odulate, who polled 1,240 votes, was recognized for his proven integrity, remarkable personal achievements and outstanding contributions to the development of the public service.
          In the State category, the Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Bureau of Electrical Services (OGSEP) Engineer Olufolaranmi Onayemi was adjudged the best public administrator of the year, while his counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs. Yetunde Kujore came second.
          The award was conceptualized as a credible platform of rewarding excellence, identify and project genuine role models and silent achievers in the Nigerian Public sector.

FACTORS NEEDED FOR INFANT MORTALITY CONTROL IDENTIFIED
        A well- coordinated immunization programme and improved childhood nutrition will help control infant mortality at the grassroots.
        This was the submission of the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Jokotade Odunuga during an advocacy meeting with stakeholders at the Odeda Local Government Secretariat, Odeda.
        According to her, 40,000 children die world-wide from malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases, while leaving millions of children with physical and mental disabilities that could be avoided.
        She said the meeting was aimed at finding effective way of promoting the rights of children in relation to raising the current immunization coverage, particularly in the rural and hard to reach areas.
        “If children are well nourished and cared for in their earliest years, they are more likely to survive, grow up healthy, have greater resistance to illness and fully develop cognitive skills and emotional security,” she submitted.
        Hon. Odunuga said efforts have been made to end the tragic and avoidable loss of life and human potential by ensuring that all children have the best start.
        She stated that the focus of her ministry was to effectively achieve in the third and fourth Millennium Development Goal of promoting the survival right of children.
        The Commissioner called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders and journalists in the State in addressing the issue by massively sensitizing the public on the need to immunize their wards, noting that machineries were in place to observe the National Immunization Days as at when due.
        The Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Hon. Kayode Akintunde, remarked that there had been an increase of immunization exercise in the area, pledging that women would be enlightened on the importance of vaccination whenever there was any outbreak of any disease.
        He expressed appreciation to the State Government and the Ministry for organizing the meeting with his people, assuring that children at the hard-to –reach area in the local government would be immunized to reduce infant mortality rate.

FORESTRY MINISTRY RAISES OVER 200,000 TREE SEEDLINGS
          The Ogun State Ministry of Forestry has raised 200,000 three seedlings during the month of June this year, bringing the total figure of tree seedling raised so far to 1, 601,460.
          According to the ministry’s monthly report, 1,828,000 a total number polythene pots were filled with soil, is continuation of the activities towards the 2008 establishment of new plantations.
          On the issuance/renewal of sawmill licence and property Hammer, a cumulative figure of 188 licenses were renewed, three new ones were installed while property Hammers were renewed with new ones issued to timber contractors.

OSAMCA CHAIRMAN PLEDGES MORE GOODIES FOR MASSES
          The new Chairman of the Board of Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), Chief Adepegba Otemolu has promised that the agency will strive to meet the expectations of the people.
          Chief Otemolu, who gave the assurance at the inaugural meeting of the new board today in Abeokuta said that adequate attention would be given to those who actually need loan while the agency would try to expand its capital base by seeking for more fund.
          He urged the new members to live up to expectation by working for the welfare of the masses and shun personal interest in the discharge of their duties.
          He encouraged beneficiaries of OSAMCA loans to use the money wisely so that the aims and objectives of the State Government would not be defeated.
          The Chairman commended the efforts of the former board members, pledging that they would try to improve on their achievements.

TOURISM CORPORATION POISES TO DEVELOP LOCAL LANDMARKS
As part of efforts to develop community tourism in Ogun State the Gateway Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is initiating an interactive programme tagged “Talk to Me”.
          According to a statement by the Managing Director of the Corporation, Mrs. Doyin Ogunbiyi, providence has made available in various communities at least one vital landmark that can be developed to become a tourist attraction and invariably a veritable income earner for such community.
          She said towards this end, the corporation would have an interactive chat with members of the State House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government and Local Government Service Commission members.
          The session would hold on Friday, July 11, 2008 at Adesba Hotel, Panseke, Abeokuta, with the State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as the Special guest of honour.
Mrs. Ogunbiyi stated that having realized the above named interest groups as stakeholders at the grassroots who know the location of the endowment, the heritage trademarks and products.
          She said the concept would be a gathering where stakeholders would rub minds together on how to encourage the development and promotion of tourism potentials in different localities with the aim of generating interest and creating an environment for partnership between local communities and the private sector.
          Mrs. Ogunbiyi disclosed further that other areas to deliberate include importance of tourism as a source of revenue, collaboration in marketing and promotion of community tourism, incorporation of tourism in budgetary allocation of local governments and creation of tourism calendar of various events and festivals.
          The event is powered by Wema Bank PLC.

VEETEE OFADA RICE COMMENCES PRODUCTION IN SEPTEMBER
          The first phase of the Ofada Veetee rice plant in Itori in the  Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State  will commence production by September this year.
          The rice factory which will produce 75,000 tonnes of rice annually will also make use of 30,000 farmers and 500 local workers.
          The Managing Director of the company Dr. Devender Meham, made this known during a visit of the State delegation to the factory, led by the Economic Adviser to the State Governor, Ms Yosola Akinbi.
          According to the Managing Director, all the needed machines for the take-off of the plant are already on ground, adding that the factory was also providing technical advice to local farmers.
          Responding, the Economic Adviser commended the State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, for providing an enabling environment for the factory, commending the factory for enhancing good community relations in the area.
         
OGUN PROMISES PORTABLE WATER SUPPLY
          The people of Ogun State have been assured of the provision of regular potable drinking water supply very soon.
          The assurance was given by the General Manager of the State Water Corporation, Eng. Mrs. C. B. Olajide, at the bid opening ceremony of the Apoje and Ogere Water Works slated for rehabilitation, held at the corporation’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
          Eng. Olajide disclosed that 21 biding documents had been tendered from which two would eventually be approved to commence the rehabilitation of the water works and ensure that they are restored to full capacity to boost provision of potable water to the Ijebu-Ode and its environs.
          The Apoje and Ogere water works are the last of the  six water schemes earmarked for total turn around by the State government, adding that government had earlier approved four major water works in different parts of the State with the aid of multilateral funds from the World Bank.
          The General Manager further stressed that the need to get diligent contractors for the rehabilitation of the schemes necessitated the bid tender process for proper scrutiny, adding that it was also part of World Bank’s procedure that must be strictly adhered to.
         
OGUN, OCEANIC BANK SIGN MoU ON N5BN HOUSING SCHEME
          The Ogun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Oceanic Bank Plc on N5bn Housing Scheme as part of efforts to ensure a steady take-off of the Urban Renewal Programme of the present administration in the State.
          Signing the document in behalf of the State Government, the Ogun State Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Isiaq ‘Kunle Salako, said that the signing of the MoU was important and necessary to float the special purpose vehicle which would drive the partnership between the State Government and the bank.
          While noting  that though this was just one of the numerous joint venture projects that would  be undertaken between the State and Oceanic bank, he expressed confidence on the ability of the bank to successfully partner with the State on housing development.
          In his own remarks, the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle, said that Oceanic Bank had demonstrated before now that it was a  worthy partner in the Public-Private Partnership, pointing out that housing development would not only provide shelter but stimulate a lot of economic activities.
          Responding on behalf of the bank, the Executive Director, Lagos and West, Mr. Kola Ayeye stated that banks have significant roles to play in development process, expressing his bank’s readiness and willingness to cooperate with Ogun State.
          He equally pointed out that their involvement would not only help in housing development but also accelerate the achievements of Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

REMOVE YOUR VEHICLES FROM ROADSIDE, CAR DEALERS WARNED
          Motor dealers displaying vehicles on road setbacks in Ogun State have been advised to remove them immediately.
          The advice was given by the Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Urban and Physical Planning, Alhaji Kehinde Ogunfowodu in an interview in Abeokuta.
          He said that the act was posing a lot of danger to pedestrians and hindering smooth traffic flow on the roads.
          Alhaji Ogunfowodu stated that the Bureau was working in collaboration with TRACE to ensure compliance with the directive.
          He further explained that government was making efforts to relocate the motor dealers to an area delineated for them.
          Alhaji Ogunfowodu said that letters of warning had been issued to those affected, adding that their leaders had been fully informed  about the development.

JOURNALISTS CHARGE TO CELEBRATE THEMSELVES
          Journalists have been charged to always appreciate and celebrate themselves to further strengthen the profession.
          The charge was given by the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs. Yetunde Kujore at a get together to mark the 50th birthday anniversary of Mr. Kayode Bello, the Editor, Ogun State Information Services dally bulletin (OGIS), held at the Governor’s Office Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
          The Permanent Secretary stated that it was very important for Journalists to always support themselves in other to promote the good image of the profession as the mirror of the society.
          She stressed that the profession called for good human relation, being factual and consistent, noting that the Editor of OGIS has displayed all these qualities in the course of practising the profession and this made him one of the versatile journalists in the State.
           Speaking, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Segun Sowunmi described Mr. Kayode Bello as a unique, competent and hardworking Editor who has contributed a lot to the State Media world especially to the success recorded in the State Ministry of Information and Orientation.
          He assured that Ogun State Government would continue to appreciate and support Journalists, emphasizing that they are partners in progress.
          The State Director of Information (Production Services) Mr. Ayo Oluyemi and the Director (Orientation) Mr. Jide Oyegunle also congratulated Mr. Kayode Bello on his 50th anniversary, charging all other Information Officers to emulate him
          While appreciating the management of the Ministry of Information and the officers who had thought fit   to organize the get-together, Mr. Kayode Bello commended them for their unalloyed support, promising that he would continue to put in the best into his job.

ANIBABA ASSURES ON BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE AT NEW CITY
          The Managing Director of Gateway City Development Company Limited, Architect Kayode Anibaba has assured prospective investors  that  basic infrastructure would be provided within the New city Development Plan along the Isheri-Arepo-Sagamu Expressway axis.
          Architect Anibaba disclosed that the gesture was in line with the vision of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel led-administration at ensuring an orderly and robust infrastructural development of the axis.
          He pointed out that his goal for the company was to get it listed into the Nigerian Stock Exchange, noting that the company was at present restructuring into an organized private-sector entity, devoid of government bureaucracy.
          The Managing Director said the problem of inadequate infrastructure and flash flooding affecting the axis would be vigorously tackled, reiterating that the Ogun State government was constructing culverts and drainages, while a service lane was also under construction to alleviate the traffic menace within the axis.
          Architect Anibaba noted that the company, a Real-estate property development outfit, had been given the mandate to monitor the structural transformation of the area into a congenial environment that would accommodate the rising influx of people from the Lagos metropolis.
         
COMMERCE MINISTRY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO NASSI
          As part of measures to extend good governance to the grassroots and encourage entrepreneurship, the Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Omooba Gbenga Osinowo has allocated a cubicle at the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) to the National Association of Small Scale Industry (NASSI) Ogun State.
          The Commissioner announced this during his visit to the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Onijanganjangan, Abeokuta and the Veetee Rice factory, Itori.
          According to the Commissioner, TIC was a public/private sector project established by the Ogun State Government in collaboration with Economic Revival Initiative Group  and the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
          He maintained that TIC was an approach to nurturing the start up of small and medium entrepreneurship which involved providing selected entrepreneurs with all the services they needed to develop their ideas and research findings from conception through commercialization.
          Omooba Osinowo who was highly impressed with the operation of the Incubation center said that it would go a long way in encouraging private individual participation and strengthen the communication between the State the grass roots.
          The Commissioner inspected the on-going construction at The Veetee rice factory at Itori, saying that the interest of the government on the project was to ensure rapid industrialization and economic growth of the State.
          Speaking further, Omooba Osinowo stated that government has put in place incentives and technological back- up to facilitate its production and help the nation  to avoid food shortage.

OGUN RECEIVES COMMENDATION ON ICT
          The Ogun State Government has received another commendation for its giant stride in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
          The commendation came from Mr. Boasan Onafaye, an independent producer of a Television show.
          He said he was impressed when he visited the Ogun State Website recently, saying it was very modern, accurate and rich.
          Mr. Omofaye expressed delight that the website was also being updated regularly with the entire information one could need about Ogun State.
          The State website powered by Gateway Information and Communication Technology Limited (GICT) could be accessed by interested members of the public on www.ogunstate.gov.ng.

OGSG IS COMMITTED TO INFRASTRUCTURAL DEV.
          In line with its commitment to ensuring an orderly and robust infrastructural development of the New Gateway City axis, the Ogun State Government has issued a revocation notice on an undeveloped parcel of land at Isheri Olofin in the Ifo Local Government area of the State.
          According to a notice signed the State  Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the landed area covers about 2.15 hectares plots 1 and 2 in scheme 1, Residential Area 1, Block e of Ogun state Property and Investment Corporation layout.
          The General Public and any interested person(s) on the said parcel of land is hereby directed to contact the Gateway City Development Company Limited, Isheri for purpose of compensation and/or possible replacement.
          The boundaries of the subject land are as follows:
Pillar PBA    60875          89”04’         90.07metres           PBA 60884

          PBA  60884          89”08’         90.00metres           PBA  60885

          PBA  60885          179”53’       115.98metres         PBA 60033

          PBA  60033          226”33’       8.08metres             PBA  60034

          PBA  60034          268’50’       83,77metres           PBA  60886

          PBA  60886          268”50’       83.81metres           PBA  60035

          PBA  60035          313”37’       7.05metres             PBA  60036

          PBA  60036          359”07’       115.29metres         PBA  60875

          The landed area is revoked for the purpose of overriding public interest.

MASSIVE RICE PRODUCTION TO BEGIN IN OGUN

Massive production of rice, one of the country’s staple foods, will soon begin in Ogun State courtesy of an initiative   between the state Government and Ofada VeeTee Rice Limited.

While conducting a government delegation led by Yosola Akinbi, Economic Adviser to the Governor, round the rice parboiling and milling plant in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government, the Managing Director of VeeTee rice Dr. Devender Mehan said finishing touches were being put to the completion of the phase one of the project which will by the last quarter of this year begin the production of 75,000 tons of rice or 3000 bags in a day. He said installation of all the machinery needed for the plant such as prefabricated bricks for the boiler unit, de-husking and de-stoning machine, parboiling unit, massive cooker, seven soaking tanks and automatic bagging machine have reached advanced stages.

Mehan said the cooker ,which is the main production unit of the parboiling plant was imported from Thailand to ensure that the rice produced in Itori ranks among the best in the world. He said because of the technical expertise already invested in the project, the colour and quality of the rice will be comparable to any one produced in other parts of the world. He told the government delegation that by October quality rice produced in Ogun State bearing the imprimatur of VeeTee rice should become a common feature of households around the country

The paddy rice that will feed the mill will be sourced from local farmers in and around the company’s site especially from farmers in Ewekoro and Obafemi Owode Local Governments, renowned for the cultivation of the famous Ofada rice. He said between 25,000and 30,000 farming families will form the core of the farmers that will produce the paddy rice that will feed the industry. Dr Mehan said his company will support the farmers through the provision of seeds and extension services to ensure that they produce enough paddy rice to feed the plant .Mehan said apart from the 50kg bag, VeeTee will produce 1kg and 5kg bags for the benefits of the people in order to make quality rice more accessible to the masses at affordable prices.

After the inspection, Akinbi obviously impressed with the progress so far recorded on the project restated the commitment of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration to the economic development of the State. She said the government would continue to support private entrepreneurs who are working for the good of Ogun State and Nigeria. The Economic Adviser described the VeeTee rice initiative as major contribution to the current battle against hunger and the global food crisis. She said the VeeTee initiative is in sync with the Otunba Daniel’s administration concern with employment generation as 100 Nigerians have already being  employed at  the construction  stage of the project while close to 500 will be employed when the actual  production starts with thousands orders benefiting  from the spin of industries like transportation, marketing and other commercial activities.

Rasaki Salami from the Ministry of agriculture said farmers from low lying areas of Ewekoro, Sagamu, Ifo, and Obafemi-Owode local Governments, which have expanse of water logged land suitable for rice production, are already being organized to ensure that they take maximum advantage of the emerging huge demand for paddy rice.

Mehan said his firm is also encouraging local farmers to cultivate paddy rice as the factory installed capacity when full operation commences is  9000, bags of rice per day. He said the success achieved so far in the project was due largely to the support from the Ogun State Government.

Adegbenro Adebanjo

Senior Special Assistant

Special Economic projects and New Investments   

OGUN SIGNS M.O.U  ON BRANDING PROJECT

Ogun State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (M.o.u ) with an indigenous image and branding Consultancy, MOE Identity Associates as part of efforts to add value and reposition it economically.
The Press Officer to the Governor, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya in a statement in Abeokuta said the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Kayode Samuel signed on behalf of Ogun State Government while the lead Consultant MOE Identity Associatesa signed on behalf of the company.

The Ogun State brand project according to the Information commissioner was aimed at projecting the values, culture and the rich human resources along the great economic potentials of the State to facilitate business activities, pointing out that the project shall be globally visible and bring together indigenes of the State across the globe.

According to him, ‘the M.O.U will mark the beginning of a project that will redefine the identity of the State many years to come, channel the minds of the people towards the positive growths and diffuse the issue of Nigeria factor which has greatly affected our country’s image in the international circle’.

Mr. Samuel explained that the Consultant could be subjected to studying the State master plan with a view to tailor the branding along the long term plans of the Daniel administration which is leaving an enduring legacy on the sand of time.

Said the Commissioner, ‘Ogun State is the investment destination of choice, a State of happy people and we are poised to further ensure that the economic scope is expanded so that our citizens can benefit maximally from the various opportunities’.

In her remarks, the leading Consultant of MOE Identity Associates, Mosun Ogunbanjo described the project as ‘a journey of several years and the follow up to the dynamic presentation which Otunba Daniel delivered to the State indigenes in England some years ago’.

According to her, ‘With what the Governor presented and with the various transformations that has taken place in the State four years after, there is no doubt that this is a brand new State and the world is coming to Ogun State’.

Kehinde Onasanya
Press Officer to the Ogun State Governor
July 1, 2008

OGUN TO BOOST COTTON PRODUCTION
          The Ogun State Government will continue to create an enabling environment for cotton farmers to boost their production.
          The State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru gave the assurance while receiving executive members of the  National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) South West Zone, led by its chairman, Oba Joel Ajayi,  who paid her a courtesy call in her office .
          She said Government would not relent in supporting cotton farmers to boost their production, pointing out that the cotton being planted in the South West was of international standard.
          Alhaja Badru, who was also the State Chairman Cotton Implementation Committee, assured that other States in the Southwest would be mobilized to and encouraged to increase their production.
          In his remarks, Oba Ajayi said it was high time that all the State Governors in the Southwest give full support to cotton production like their counterparts in the northern part of the country.
          He commended the State government for providing necessary assistance to cotton farmers 

OGIS 809
DANIEL ORDERS IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF SEVERANCE ALLOWANCE FOR POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS
        The Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has directed the immediate payment of all outstanding severance allowance and gratuity of past political office holders in the State.
          He gave the directive during the inauguration of Local Government Liaison Officers, members of the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation Board, Housing Corporation, Ogun State Agricultural and Multi-purpose Agency (OSAMCA), Parks and Garages and Women in Politics (WIP).
          Otunba Daniel stressed that the total sum of N720m outstanding gratuity and pension arrears should be disbursed by Local Government Chairmen to pay pensioners and past politicians in their respective Local Governments.
          The Governor maintained that the new Liaison Officers are partners in progress with Local Government Chairmen as well as ambassadors of their localities. 
          His words: “As the Governor Liaison Officers, you are to complement the efforts of Local Government Chairmen and not to compete with them”.
          The Governor also charged the new members of Women in Politics to continue to support the party to achieve its goals, pointing out that they are the mothers of the party.
          Speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Jokotade Odunuga, enjoined the new members to work hard in order to attain enviable position in government and to encourage other women to join politics.
          “The era of clapping and singing at government functions has gone, we must join hands together to be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of our great State,” she submitted.

OGIS 810
INFORMATION OFFICERS CHALLENGED TO
UPDATE KNOWLEDGE
        Information Officers in Ogun State have been enjoined to be repository of knowledge of government programmes and activities for them to be in a position to accurately inform the public.
          The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Adegbemi Onakoya, gave the charge at a meeting  of the Information Management team and Information Officers, held at the Press Centre, Governor’s Office, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
          Mr. Onakoya, who described the Information Ministry as the nucleus of government activities and programmes where all information about Ministries and agencies of government must be available, stressed that Information Officers must be well grounded and versatile in order to perform their multi-tasking roles in information dissemination and management.
          The SSG challenged the officers to move with the information technology and regularly explore the internet to source and disseminate information to the public, saying that  half-baked and mediocre had no place in the State Information management team.
          The State scribe seized the opportunity to commend the Information Officers for their alertness to issues and prompt reportage of events in all government ministries and agencies.
          Mr. Onakoya. in company of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Yetunde Kujore and Special Adviser. Media Analysis, Mr. Segun Sowunmi later presented the Best Information Officer Award for the Month of June 2008 to Miss Oluwaseun Oyelade, a graduate of Mass Communication of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta.
          She is the Information Officer attached to the Ministry of Health and was adjudged the best in the area of Media Coverage for her beat.

OGIS 811
UNDER-UTILIZATION OF AJILETE/OWODE MARKET CONDEMNED
        The General Manager of Ogun State Market Development Board, Prince Ade Odukoya has expressed disappointment over the under utilization of Gateway International Market, Ajilete/Owode.
          Prince Odukoya, who expressed this while briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, said in spite of the efforts of the board towards ensuring full patronage of the market, people of Owode and Ajilete where the market was situated still prefer to trade in a dirty environment and hawk on the streets.
          According to him, Gateway International Market was built by the present administration in the State to enhance conducive and hygiene market facilities that would aid commercial activities and enable traders and their customers transact business in a conducive environment.
          He explained that the board has decided to move street and road side hawkers within the market environment into the ultra- modern market which has unique and unequalled facilities, modeled after notable shopping malls in developed countries.
          Prince Odukoya requested for the State Government’s assistance in moving some of the local markets whose environment was not hygienically conducive as well as the street hawkers within the market vicinity.
       

 OGIS 812
OGUN COMPLIES WITH MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
            The Otunba Gbenga Daniel -led administration in Ogun State’s Agenda for a Secured Future is in tandem with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and the State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS).
          The Director of Planning, Bureau of Budget and Management Mr. Muyiwa Adenopo, explained in his presentation at a one-day workshop on sensitisation policy makers on linkages between the objectives of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS) organized by the UNFPA, held at the Gateway Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta.
          According to him, the set objective of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo with about 179 countries of the world in attendance agreed that population and development are inextricably linked.
          In her remarks, the UNFPA Programme Adviser, Mrs. Bola Lana noted that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs,) as enunciated by the International Conference Population Development (ICPD) could only be achieved in Nigeria by the year 2015 if the primary Health Care Programme could be adequately addressed by the Local Government Councils in the country.

OGIS 813
OGUN CONSTRUCTS 990KM RURAL ROAD
            Ogun State Government has in the last five years rehabilitated a total of 989.8km of rural roads across the State.
          The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo who stated this while briefing newsmen also noted  that  at the inception of the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel five years ago, majority of road net-work was deplorable prompting government to embark on a massive rehabilitation and construction of roads in the rural areas of the State.
          He noted that the goals of the State government was to improve all the rural road network in the State, adding that various bridges were rehabilitated and new ones constructed to allow for easy movement of people and farm produce.

OGIS 814
NEW OSAMCA BOARD INAUGURATED
            The Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has inaugurated a new board for the State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA) with a charge to ensure efficient credit delivery to beneficiaries.
          Members of the Board of OSAMCA sworn in were Chief Pegba Otemolu, chairman of the Board, Mr. Wole Adeyanju, Mrs. Ranti Ogunmuyiwa, Mr. Razaq Arowolo, Mr. A. A. Akinola, Mrs. Bola Ganiyu, Apostle Dele Ogundina, Alhaja Taiwo, Alhaji Muktar Alani, Alhaji Sina Awobodu and Mr. Oke.
          Other members are the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Employment Generation, Prince Niyi Olatidoye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Mrs. Iyabo Odulate and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Rev. Remi Onajole.

OUR CHALLENGE AS A NATION IS BEYOND PARTY COLOURATION

                                                                      _____________ GOV DANIEL

    Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has said that the challenges facing the country is  beyond political party colour or name but about what the instrument of the party is able to do to better the lots of the people.

            The Governor according to a statement signed by his Press officer, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya was speaking at a grand reception organized for him by his friends and Associates tagged “Grand Reception Celebrating A Visionary and a Gentleman” at the Eko Le’Meridean Hotel Lagos.

            The Chairman of the occasion, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka had extolled the virtues of the governor describing him as a performer in office but described “the PDP Party which he contested as a wrong platform”.

            According to Daniel “Within the Context of Nigeria, it is not really about the name of the party, it is about what the party and the instrument of the party is able to do”.

            He said the PDP in Ogun State has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that it was the party to beat adding that 90% of the so-called progressive in the other parties  have been accommodated within the party.

            He said “the solution to our problem is not about deciding which party you belong, we must begin to recognize that in South Africa , the ANC model is working and there is no excuse for non-performance”.

            Otunba Daniel said, rather, the challenge was to continue to press for a true federation where the federating units are defined and giving autonomy to correct the various lopsidedness in the allocation formula.

            The Governor affirmed that “there is no alternative to PDP in the South West as the party is consistent in qualitative service delivery and ideals rather than the “so called AD, ACD,or AC progressives that continue to metamorphosed from identity to another”.

            Professor Wole Soyinka in his speech has described Daniel as a genuine individual whom we know and whom we cherished, urging him to continue the good works, but insisted that the Governor would have contested on a fresh political Platform rather than PDP.

            Among the speakers at the get together included the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu, a former Military Administrator of Ogun State, (Rtd) Rear Admiral  Oladeinde joseph, former M.D Daily Times, Prince Tola Adeniji, Professor Tunde Makanju and Mrs. Lola Abiola Edewor who eulogized the Governor describing him as hardworking, focused, visionary and a result oriented person both in the private sector and in government.

            According to the Deputy Senate President, “with OGD’s  Pedigree in the Private Sector, I have no doubt that he would succeed as a Governor and we are all seeing the good results”.

Kehinde Onasanya

Press Officer to the Governor

30th June, 2008.

DANIEL, JAMB REGISTRAR BAGS FELLOW OF NIGERIA COMPUTER SOCIETY

 Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has bagged an honourary fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society.
Also awarded with the fellow of the society at a special dinner to mark the 22nd National Conference and 30th Anniversary of the group in Abeokuta was the registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Adedibu Oderinde.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Press Officer, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Provost of the College of Fellows of the Computer Society, Dr Abimbola Salako lauded the Governor’s contribution to the promotion of Computer Education which made Ogun State a major key player in information technology.

According to the Provost “Our society has noted with delight your deep committment to the promotion of ICT. The establishment of the SouthWest Resource Center, establishment of four ICT based polytechnics, creation of computer assembly plant and the entrenchment of ICT in your government’s scheme of things cannot be over-emphasised”.
Dr Salako who also commended the JAMB Registrar, Professor Adedibu Oderinde for putting ICT to bear in the administration of the board, said the society would continue to recognise and award individuals and institutions that accorded commitment to broadening access to the knowledge and use of Information Technology.