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Tag: ABIODUN

  • Olunloyo completed his Higher School Certificate in three months – Abiodun

    Olunloyo completed his Higher School Certificate in three months – Abiodun

    Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and Ogun governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun on Sunday expressed sadness over the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.

    In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Abiodun described the death of  Olunloyo as a great loss to Nigeria and intellectuals around the world.

    The governor described Olunloyo as a titan with many legacies  every Nigerian should be proud of.

    Abiodun said the late politician ,who served as governor of Oyo State between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 1983, was a highly accomplished scholar and a genius.

    He said that the life Olunloyo, the Balogun of Oyo , Otun Bobasewa of Ife and  first Rector of The Polytechnic , Ibadan, was a study in excellence.

    Abiodun also acknowledged Olunloyo’s unique achievements as a prodigious scholar with reputable papers and an octogenarian with a sharp memory.

    ”Like many giants before him, Dr Omololu Olunloyo has gone to rest.

    Although a scientist, Baba loved reciting poetry, particularly those by William Shakespeare, and ,remarkably, did not read with glasses, even in his old age.

    “He was always on hand to offer wise counsel to the present generation of leaders, regardless of party affiliation.

    ”Olunloyo did his Higher School Certificate in three months, came first in all of the old Ibadan Province, and got admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the oldest Scottish university, the University of St Andrews.

    “Because of his exceptional brilliance, he succeeded in persuading the university to let him begin his studies in 200 level and graduated with First Class honours at age 26, going on to become a state commissioner at just 27.

    “On behalf of the Southern Governors Forum, I commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, and the government and people of Oyo State on this great loss”,he said.

    The governor prayed God to grant the deceased  eternal rest and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news of Olunloyo’s demise was confirmed by his family on Sunday in Ibadan(

  • Abiodun warns against illegal attempts to establish Sharia Court in Ogun

    Abiodun warns against illegal attempts to establish Sharia Court in Ogun

    The Ogun Government has warned against illegal attempts to establish a Sharia Court in the state.

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, said Sharia Courts could not be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing.

    According to him, the government was reacting to a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state.

    Abiodun explained that the government only recognised courts established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution.

    He adds that a Sharia Court does not form part of the legal framework operating in the state.

    “The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State.

    “No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State.

    “The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws.

    “These are: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

    “No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society,” he said.

    Abiodun, however, said the government would uphold and protect the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion.

    According to him, the government recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.

    “The Ogun State Government hereby directs that all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorised court must immediately cease all related activities and disband the illegal entity and all its apparatus.

    “The government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court.

    “The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” he said.

  • Abiodun swears in 20 new LG chairmen in Ogun

    Abiodun swears in 20 new LG chairmen in Ogun

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Monday in Abeokuta swore in 20 newly-elected local government chairmen following their victory during Saturday’s election.

    Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Abiodun urged the new council chairmen to be accountable and ensure dividends of democracy cut across all parts of their local government areas (LGAs).

    The governor assured them of good governance at the state government level, saying his administration would continue to give maximum support to the overall development of the local government areas.

    He urged the new leaders at the council level to ensure a translation of state government policies to various constituencies at the local government level.

    “Your emergence at the polls signifies the continued support people have given to our administration. We have performed well in the last five years.

    “This success is timely and a way of demonstrating the good work of President Bola Tinubu.

    “Work closely with the state government and other stakeholders. We will give you the needed support to achieve the goals before you.

    “Embrace innovations in generating revenue without overburdening the residents you serve,” Abiodun said.

    The governor appealed to stakeholders to support the newly-sworn in chairmen by making reasonable demands.

    Speaking on behalf of the new chairmen, the Chairman of Sagamu local government, Mr Olasile Odulate, promised that the chairmen would not disappoint the state and the people.

    NAN reports that APC won all the chairmanship seats in all the 20 LGAS in the state.

  • Dangote’s fuel supply will aid economic revival – Gov Abiodun

    Dangote’s fuel supply will aid economic revival – Gov Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has said production by the Dangote refinery will strengthen the nation’s economy by eliminating constant shortages and conserving foreign exchange.

    This is contained in a statement in Abeokuta  by  Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran.

    The governor said:”with the refinery coming on stream, one of the most significant challenges faced by Nigeria for more than three decades—reliance on fuel importation would be solved.

    ”Petrol produced from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery is expected to hit filling stations in the next 48 hours as modalities with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have been formalised,” he said.

    The governor noted that  with the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries also being prepared to begin production, Nigerians would heave a sigh of relief from constant fuel shortages, while the economy would also receive a boost.

    Abiodun praised Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his determination in seeing through the multi-billion dollar projects against all odds.

    The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in ensuring that the refinery comes on stream during his administration.

    He praised the president’s commitment to the revitalisation of other refineries in the country, which, he said, would drastically reduce fuel prices when all of them started production.

    ”This significant achievement marks a transformative milestone not only for you as an entrepreneur but also for Nigeria and the broader African continent.

    “The establishment of this refinery represents a pivotal shift in the energy landscape of the region, showcasing the power of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to economic development.

    “The Dangote refinery is poised to be a game-changer in the production of petrol, addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by Nigeria: reliance on imported fuel.

    ” This dependency has not only strained our foreign exchange reserves but has also hindered our potential for self-sufficiency.

    “By producing petrol locally, the refinery will drastically reduce the outflow of foreign currency, thereby strengthening our economy.

    “This move aligns perfectly with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s efforts to achieve economic diversification and reduce reliance on oil exports alone.

    “Moreover, the economic impact of the refinery extends beyond just fuel production.

    ”  It is expected to generate thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, thus contributing to the reduction of unemployment rates.

    NAN reports that businessman, Aliko Dangote, revealed that petrol produced from his 650,000 barrels per day refining facility will hit filling stations in the next 48 hours as modalities with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had been formalised.Dangote said this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen announcing the formal production of petrol at the refinery.

    “Our PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) can be in filling stations within the next 48 hours depending on NNPCL,” he said.

    Asked to speak on the pricing of the product from his refinery, Dangote said, “It is an arrangement which is designed and approved by the Federal Executive Council led by President Tinubu.

    ”As soon as it is finalised, which he (Tinubu) is pushing, once we finish with NNPC, it can be today, it can be tomorrow, we are ready to roll into the market.”

    In December 2023, Dangote,  began operations at his 20billion-dollar facility sited in Lagos with 350,000 barrels a day.

    The refinery, which was initially troubled by regulatory battles, hopes to achieve its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by the end of the year.

    The refinery has begun the supply of diesel and aviation fuel to marketers in the country and now petrol.

    Dangote also added that the introduction of naira for crude will reduce the demand for foreign exchange by 40 per cent.

    “I want to thank President Tinubu for creating this idea of Naira for crude and Naira for the product. Doing that will give a lot of stability to the Naira and remove 40 per cent of the demand for dollars. That’s not just it, there is a lot of round tripping,” he stated.

    He added that it would become possible to track loaded trucks, hence making it easier to compute the national consumption.

  • Abiodun gives timeline for reconstruction of Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota highway

    Abiodun gives timeline for reconstruction of Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota highway

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Friday, assured that the ongoing reconstruction of Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota highway would be completed in 18 months.

    Abiodun stated this at the turning of sod/official flag off of the highway in Itori, Ewekoro area of the highway.

    The governor said that the importance of the road prompted his administration to seek for Federal Government’s approval for total rehabilitation.

    He explained that the road being the second busiest highway in the country, on completion, would not only boost the economic well being of the people of the state but the entire country.

    The governor said the road which was first awarded for construction in 2003, was not completed due to insufficient funds.

    He added that his administration’s commitment towards inclusive governance to the people, made the state government to apply for transfer of responsibility from the Federal Government to ameliorate the sufferings of motorists plying the highway.

    Abiodun said the reconstruction would cover a length of about 70km and would be divided into five team gangs of Ota, Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro and Abeokuta.

    “This road is of great significance not only to Ogun and Lagos States, but to Nigeria and the neighbouring West African country, Benin Republic.

    “Our people have suffered too much on this road, but, today, our hope is renewed. To expedite the completion of this project, there are five team gangs put in place.

    “Each gang will cover about 15 kilometres and will be completed in 18 months,” the governor said.

    Abiodun appreciated President Bola Tinubu for handing over the project to the state government.

    Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, appreciated the governor for taken over the reconstruction of the road.

    Olugbenle pleaded with the contractor handling the project to ensure that a quality job was done.

    The traditional ruler called for the construction of a flyover at Papalanto junction in Ewekoro Local Government area of the state to reduce accidents and enhancing free flow of traffic.

    Mr Yemi Sanusi, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that the reconstruction of the highway was a major dividend of democracy in the state and the nation.

    Present at the event were House of Representatives members, traditional rulers, some members of the State Executive Council, members of the transport unions and students among others.

  • Abiodun directs refund of recruitment fees to applicants in Ogun

    Abiodun directs refund of recruitment fees to applicants in Ogun

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has directed the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to refund all administrative fees currently being charged in relation to the ongoing recruitment exercise into the state’s civil service.

    Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta.

    The governor directed the civil service commission is to refund all administrative fees, notwithstanding the fact that these are standard and historical fees that have been in place for decades.

    “These fees are charged by the civil service commission on behalf of third-party independent examiners who administer and supervise the Computer Based Test (CBT) ,” the government said.

    The government said it acknowledges the current economic situation in the country had also taken into consideration the ultimate aim of the recruitment exercise.

    “The aim is to alleviate the suffering of the citizens and create employment in the state.  This necessitates the directives to immediately refund fees paid along with a waiver for any new applications,” the government said.

  • Tinubu@72: Nigeria in good hands, says Abiodun

    Tinubu@72: Nigeria in good hands, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has described President Bola Tinubu as a democrat and visionary leader who remained passionately committed to the emergence of Nigeria as an economic power house.

    Abiodun said this in a congratulatory message to the President on his 72nd birthday, on Friday.

    He said Tinubu remained the right man to lead the country at the period of economic crisis among other issues that were facing the nation.

    The governor noted that since his assumption of office on May 29, the president had demonstrated astuteness, resilience and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people.

    He said the president was worth celebrating because of his commitment to nation-building, adding that he had devoted his whole life to serving humanity.

    “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.

    ” This milestone is not only a celebration of a remarkable life well-lived but also an opportunity to acknowledge the president’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of our great nation, Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu has undeniably proven himself as a formidable politician, a visionary leader and a champion of democracy.

    ” His unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and good governance has left an indelible mark on our nation’s political landscape,” he said.

    Abiodun explained that Tinubu’s leadership style had been instrumental in raising the hopes of Nigerians for a better future.

    “As we commemorate this special day, we recognise your unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society, your relentless pursuit of justice and your passion for empowering the people.

    “On this auspicious occasion, I join millions of Nigerians in wishing our President good health, happiness and continued success in his quest to bequeath to Nigerians a country of our dreams,” the governor said.

  • Abiodun approves immediate payment of gratuity to next of kin of slain finance director

    Abiodun approves immediate payment of gratuity to next of kin of slain finance director

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has approved the immediate payment of the gratuity of the slain Director of Finance and Administration in his office, Mr Taiwo Oyekanmi, to his Next of Kin.

    Suspected armed robbers shot Oyekanmi dead on Nov. 29 as he was returning to his office from a bank in Abeokuta where he had cashed government funds and carted the money away.

    The governor said in Abeokuta on Wednesday at a memorial service in honour of the deceased that the payment of the gratuity would cushion the effects of the death of Oyekanmi on the bereaved family.

    He also announced full scholarships for the children of the deceased.

    He said he had also instructed the Ministry of Housing to provide the widow and children of late Oyekanmi with one of the affordable homes built by his administration.

    “I also promised when I went to see the widow that we would not leave her and the children in the cold. We shall stand by the family and support it.

    “We cannot replace Oyekanmi, but we will do everything to cushion the effect of his departure.

    “I have since signed up on some of that support immediately. So this is not a promise that you have to come to us to request that we fulfill,’’ Abiodun said.

    He enjoined the family of the deceased to support the widow and the children he left behind, adding that all the support to be given to her are exclusively hers.

    “I plead with the family members. I know how our tradition works. Please, bear with this woman.

    “Oyekanmi was your brother, nephew and cousin, but he was the woman’s husband; she has lost her husband; the children have lost their father.

    “All these support that are due to be given to her are for her exclusively,’’ Abiodun stressed.

    The governor reiterated his promise that his administration would do all within its power to bring the perpetrators of the crime to book.

  • Ogun gov, Abiodun warns traditional rulers against selling govt. land

    Ogun gov, Abiodun warns traditional rulers against selling govt. land

    O gun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has cautioned some traditional rulers in the state against the sale of lands belonging to the State Government.

    The caution is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, and made available to newsmen on Monday.

    The statement further indicated that the warning was issued at a meeting the governor had with the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

    He warned that his administration would take disciplinary action against any person found selling land in its forest reserves and plantation across the state.

    He described as unpatriotic, the actions of the perpetrators, including some Obas.

    According to the statement, the governor said: “We will continue to seek your support in the area of lands.

    “Sadly, cases have been reported to us here in Abeokuta about some of our traditional rulers who have taken upon themselves to allocate government land, government forest reserve, and plantations to others.

    “They have been allocating and selling government lands. I have found this very difficult to believe.

    “Our traditional rulers are colluding with people from outside Ogun and giving our land to them in our plantations and they are coming there, deforesting them.

    “They are destroying the plantation.

    “They are planting cannabis sativa there.

    “I was completely heartbroken when I heard this news and when we actually checked, we found it was true.”

    The governor further said that as a responsible government, “we will not have any choice but to take disciplinary action against any person found culpable of such an act, be it traditional rulers”.

    He told the royal fathers that his administration was making effort to bring more investors to invest in the state.

    He expressed gratitude to the Obas for their support during and after the governorship election.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, was reported to have acknowledged the cordial relationship between the State Government and traditional institution.

    Hamzat pointed out that the partnership had brought about peace at the grassroots.

    He, therefore, urged the traditional rulers to continue to support government’s efforts in bringing development to every part of the state.

    The Chairman of the council and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded the government for its developmental strides in all parts of the state.

    Ajayi appreciated the governor for his magnanimity to the traditional institution.

  • Abiodun seeks joint Ogun/Osun cultural festival, as Adeleke visits

    Abiodun seeks joint Ogun/Osun cultural festival, as Adeleke visits

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has called for a joint cultural festival between Ogun and Osun as part of measures to revive culture and tourism in the two states.

    Abiodun spoke when he received his Osun counterpart, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Friday night.

    The Chief Press Secretary to Abiodun, Lekan Adeniran, made the information known in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday.

    Abiodun said that both states share many things in common, hence the need to explore their rich cultural affinity for the benefit of their people.

    The governor noted that such a festival, if planned together would help in deepening the relationship between both states.

    “I am happy that you suggested that we should collaborate in the area of culture and tourism.

    ” We may have an adire festival in your state this year and then come back to Ogun the following year and I am sure this will deepen our culture.

    “As a matter of fact, we are planning a Cultural Festival in collaboration with people from the Caribbean and Brazil and I think this is something we can do together.

    ” We can put together a culture and tourism team to work together so that we have an Ogun/Osun Cultural Revival. This can attract foreign tourists to both states,” Abiodun said.

    Abiodun commended Adeleke for his good work in his state and for being a focused and diligent person, even as he recalled the long-existing relationship between them.

    He noted that being in different political parties does not matter, saying politics is just a platform meant to achieve objectives.

    Abiodun said his administration is in talks with the Federal Ministry of Works about some roads that are of importance to both states.

    ” One of which is a road that allows people to travel to Osun State without passing through Ibadan.

    “The decision to add the road to the list of roads that are of importance to this administration is in continuation of our administration’s plan to make connectivity with border states easy.

    “I also want us to look at other areas that we can cooperate and collaborate for the benefit of our people,” Abiodun said.

    Speaking earlier, Adeleke expressed delight with the cordial relations between indigenes of both states, stressing the need to explore and exploit the cultural affinity for the good of the people.

    He emphasised the need to promote unity at all times, saying the people of both states remain one, hence politics of bitterness should not be used as a means of separation.

    The governor stated that his administration is ready to work with the Ogun government in the area of cultural reawakening and promotion.