Tag: Ogun State

Ogun State

  • Labour demands suspension of pension scheme in Ogun

    Labour demands suspension of pension scheme in Ogun

    The organised labour in Ogun has called for the suspension of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) over N82 billion unremitted pension deductions in the state.

    Speaking on behalf on their behalf at a news conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Nigeria Labour Congress, Ogun Chairman, Ademola Hameed-Benco, announced the position.

    He said labour rejected the full implementation of the scheme until all necessary administrative and financial structures are established and functional.

    NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) jointly agreed to demand a suspension of CPS implementation for civil servants.

    According to Hameed-Benco, the state government scheduled the full implementation of the scheme to begin on July 1.

    He said, “After meetings with affiliates and organs of Organised Labour, we find it necessary to publicly reject the scheme’s full implementation.

    “The Ogun Organised Labour supports postponing the CPS until all relevant preparations—financial and administrative—are completed.

    “Clearly, the Ogun State Government is unprepared to meet the expectations of the CPS.”

    He noted that CPS inconsistencies include the failure to remit over N82 billion deducted from workers in 17 years to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

    “Other issues include the absence of a State Bureau of Contributory Pensions and a comprehensive CPS data register,” he added.

    He called for immediate dialogue with the state government to address the outstanding concerns.

  • Thunderstorm kills 32 cows in Ogun – Police

    Thunderstorm kills 32 cows in Ogun – Police

    The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of 32 cows caused by thunderstorm on Saturday during a downpour.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, Mrs Omolola Odutola, made the confirmation in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Abeokuta.

    According to Odutola, the incident occurred at Osara community in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun.

    She said that on June 21 at about 4:40p.m. two herders from the Osara community reported to the police divisional headquarters at Aregbe, that 32 of their cows were found dead in a nearby forest after a heavy rainstorm.

    “The herders, who were jointly responsible for the livestock, suspected that the deaths may have resulted from thunderstorm with intense lightning.

    “At the time of the report, the total monetary value of the livestock could not be ascertained.

    “A prompt on-the-spot assessment was conducted by the divisional police officer, whose initial observations revealed that no visible injuries were on the cows.

    “The cattle were found lying lifeless in various positions in the forest and the owners confirmed they do not suspect any individual or group, nor made any allegations or accusations,” she said.

    In response to the incident, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Ogunlowo, urged the community to remain calm and treat the incident as a natural phenomenon.

  • We will scale Ojude Oba festival – Gov Abiodun vows

    We will scale Ojude Oba festival – Gov Abiodun vows

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described cultural festivals like Ojude Oba as vital tools for stimulating the local economy and enhancing global recognition.

    Governor Abiodun, therefore, said the State will take bold steps to scale the festival up.

    Speaking on Sunday at the 2025 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage—not just for the Ijebu people but for the benefit of humanity at large.

    “This celebration aligns seamlessly with our administration’s development philosophy, the Building Our Future Together agenda,” Abiodun said.

    “Festivals like Ojude Oba are critical to our vision of promoting the local economy, attracting global visibility, and fortifying our cultural capital. Our cultural heritage is a powerful tool for national development.”

    He described Ojude Oba as a symbol of communal harmony, where religion, tradition, and modernity coexisted under a shared identity.

    According to the governor, the festival has evolved from a regional celebration into a living heritage that strengthens cultural roots and offers direction in a world marked by increasing social fragmentation.

    “Ojude Oba is now a vibrant fulcrum of our culture—our pride, our values, and our continuity,” he said.

    “This year’s theme, Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future, captures the very essence of this gathering.”

    He noted the growing popularity of the festival among youth both at home and abroad, calling for deliberate efforts to accommodate its expanding influence.

    “This festival has outgrown its current scope. We must take bold steps to scale it up,” Abiodun added.

    The governor, who highlighted the festival’s broader role, said Ojude Oba had become a dynamic platform for tourism, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship, and pledged his administration’s commitment to expanding its reach and socio-economic impact.

    In a goodwill message, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Mr Olayide Adelani, praised the festival for advancing tourism and local enterprise.

    He described culture as “a dynamic vehicle that drives economic growth,” saying “Ojude Oba creates jobs, promotes peace, and attracts foreign investment.”

    Also speaking, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Hannatu Musawa, highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, which she said had endured through generations and gained international appreciation.

    She disclosed that the Federal Government was working closely with state governments to harness the cultural uniqueness of each region for national development.

    “Ogun holds a significant place in Nigeria’s history through its contributions from illustrious sons and daughters,” she said.

    “It is time we fully explored what culture can offer our country.”

    The minister expressed hope that Ojude Oba would continue to grow, eventually becoming a major attraction for foreign tourists.

  • FG inaugurates NCC digital innovation park in Ogun

    FG inaugurates NCC digital innovation park in Ogun

    The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Innovation Park in Ogun State.

    Speaking during the inauguration, on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, noted that the innovation park mattered so deeply for economic growth.

    Tijani said the park was a vital part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, which placed digital innovation, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth at the heart of Nigeria’s journey to a one trillion dollar economy.

    He stated that the ministry had set out to make Nigeria a global leader in digital infrastructure, talent development and innovation.

    According to the minister, the park would serve as a platform for youth empowerment and a place where skills meet opportunity.

    “A launchpad for innovation where ideas become ventures and ventures become industries. A catalyst for community transformation, especially for the adjoining neighborhoods.

    “This can now evolve into one of Africa’s next great tech clusters. Abeokuta has everything it needs to compete, not just with Lagos, but with Kigali, Accra and Nairobi.

    “What we need now, is to unlock and connect the dots,” he said.

    Tijani explained that the nation was building the foundation fiber optics, AI frameworks, tech talent pipelines and smart regulation, not just for Lagos or Abuja, but for every part of the country.

    He, however, described Abeokuta as a city rich in history, culture and resilience with a growing network of academic institutions and eager minds waiting to be nurtured.

    The minister commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for investing wisely in roads, tourism, infrastructure and digital future.

    “When we invest strategically; when we collaborate across tiers and when we center innovation as a tool for inclusion, we do more than build structures; we build nations,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, noted that the project marked progress in the delivery of a tangible achievement of President Tinubu’s administration

    He said that the park would serve as a vital component of the broader agenda to accelerate Information Communication Technology (ICT) innovation, strengthen research capabilities and drive the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

    “Technology today is one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation. For an emerging economy like ours, it remains one of our greatest hopes for leapfrogging development.

    “This is why we must create the right environment for it to thrive.

    “The concept behind the Digital Industrial Park is rooted in our vision to promote innovation and digital entrepreneurship in the ICT sector, and to support research and development .

    “In addition to what we have here in Abeokuta, the commission is currently implementing three other Digital Industrial Parks (DIP) in Kano, Borno and Enugu states.

    “These parks are equipped with computer labs, smart networking systems, collaborative workspaces and multipurpose halls.

    “They have been designed to include hands-on practice laboratories for training and skills development,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Abiodun said the event marked another significant milestone in the journey of the state toward becoming a leading hub for technology, innovation and digital transformation in Nigeria.

    “This digital innovation park means progress; a catalyst for economic growth and a testament to the state government’s commitment to harnessing technology for the collective good of the people,” he said.

  • Ogun govt opens up on explosion at venue of NSF

    Ogun govt opens up on explosion at venue of NSF

    The Ogun Government has assured athletes participating in the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) of their safety following Tuesday’s explosion of a diesel tanker at Alake Sports Complex, Abeokuta.

    Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, said the incident had been perfectly handled.

    “The fire was immediately put out to prevent any damage, as the complex involved is one of the venues for the sports festival,” Akinmade said.

    He commended the promptness and proactiveness of the state fire service and the vigilance of officials at the complex.

    “The fire incident that involved a diesel tanker close to one of our facilities for the National Sports Festival this afternoon was very unfortunate.

    “We thank God that the fire was immediately put out to avert casualties. To this end, we want to assure all our athletes and the people of the state of safety and that there is no cause for alarm as the situation is under absolute control,” he said.

  • Tears, sadness as 4 popular Nigerian gospel singers perish in fatal motor accident (photos)

    Tears, sadness as 4 popular Nigerian gospel singers perish in fatal motor accident (photos)

    Four popular Nigerian gospel singers whose names are Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin and Opeyemi Adesina have tragically lost their lives following a fatal car accident that happened along the Ikorodu/Sagamu road in Ogun State.

    Florence Okupe, the Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a statement on Sunday, April 5 explained that the accident occurred after a vehicle crashed into two vehicles that collided.

    She mentioned that the gospel singers who were from the same family, were in one of  the two vehicles that collided and they died instantly on the spot.

    Offering her condolences to the families of the bereaved, Okupeurged drivers to avoid overspeeding.

    Their deaths have created sadness in the Nigerian gospel music industry as their lives were cut short at their prime.

  • Ogun State Police enhances security at Sagamu interchange, assures citizens of safety

    Ogun State Police enhances security at Sagamu interchange, assures citizens of safety

    The Ogun State Police Command has intensified security measures at the four intersections of the Sagamu Interchange to ensure the safety of residents and commuters.

    This follows recent concerns over security in the area, including reports circulating on social media about an alleged incident on March 31, 2025. While no such incident was formally reported at any police station, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has proactively led efforts to reinforce security at the interchange.

    As part of these measures, personnel from the Quick Intervention Squad, OP Mesa, and Mobile Police Squadrons 71 and 16 have been strategically stationed at key locations, including under the bridge, at the roundabouts, and along the inward and outward routes of the four intersections.

    During a two-hour drone surveillance exercise conducted by the Commissioner of Police, several illegal shanties and temporary structures were discovered, along with unauthorized revenue collection activities by illegal touts.

    CP Ogunlowo has ordered the immediate disbandment of these illegal activities and has issued a stern directive for the removal of unauthorized structures starting April 3, 2025.

    Additionally, all commercial activities under the bridge must cease immediately.

    To further enhance security architecture, the Commissioner of Police has engaged with transport union members to redirect commercial traffic towards well-lit and secure areas.

    While Ogun State remains relatively peaceful, the police command urges citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security measures to avoid falling victim to criminal activities.

    As a precautionary measure, commuters are advised to plan their travels within reasonable daylight hours or early evenings to minimize security risks.

    With the heightened security presence and collaborative efforts of sister security agencies, in partnership with the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command remains resolute, firm, and committed to eliminating any form of insecurity. The command assures the public that all necessary actions will be taken to maintain peace and order in the state.

  • Elderly man rescued after being left to die by wife, children over his retirement benefits

    Elderly man rescued after being left to die by wife, children over his retirement benefits

    A husband was rescued by residents of Oko-Filling, a neighborhood in Araromi, Ijoko, Sango Ota, after he was bound, gagged and left for de@d by his wife and children following a dispute over his retirement benefits.

    The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, at the family’s residence.

    The husband had reportedly received his retirement payout and used a portion to open two shops for his wife in Abule after giving her N3 million.

    He also bought a N12 million car for himself while the family already owned a home in the area.

    However, his wife and four sons, who are all university graduates, were not happy that he did not hand over the entire funds to them to use as they deemed fit so they attempted to pressure him for more money.

    Shortly after acquiring the new vehicle for himself, he sold it, raising suspicions among neighbors.

    A local landlord, who spoke to The Nation, revealed that the man was later discovered in his home with his mouth, hands, and feet bound.

    He was tied like an animal to be sl@ughtered. They (his wife and kids) got some Aboki men, about six of them to tie him up. It was the strange noise from their packing that alerted residents who gathered in front of the house to know what was happening. 

    “Landlords in the area who could not endure the noise at that hour, decided to go out and find out what was wrong. When they got to his compound, they saw a Korope (small bus) outside packing properties. 

    “His wife and sons were the ones packing and so, the residents asked after the man. When the response given was not satisfactory, they forced themselves inside the house and saw the man completely bound with the Aboki people still inside the house, as though they were waiting to k!ll him. 

    “The man was untied and rushed to the hospital. He’s still at the hospital receiving treatment. The suspects were all taken to the police station. One of the Aboki men confessed it was the man’s wife that contracted them to tie him up. They were all taken to the police station that morning,” the landlord said.

    An audio message recorded by the chairman of the Anjomo Community Development Association (CDA), Emmanuel Omola, corroborated the information from the landlord.

    According to Omola, the woman had gone to the police station to report that her husband wanted to k!ll her.

    He said: “The evening of 12th March, the wife went to the police station to report that her husband wanted to k!ll her. The police told her to go and get a bus to convey the policemen to her house to arrest her husband. She left the station and didn’t return.  

    “By the time she got to the neighbourhood, she went inside the house with some Aboki to tie the man and when they started packing the belongings, that was when the neighbours heard noise and that was what made them all gather there.  

    “By the time they got there, they saw that the children had come with a small bus (Korope) and they had packed loads there and were leaving. 

    “The residents entered the house and they met Aboki there and saw the man tied. The Aboki and the owner of the tricycle that conveyed them there confessed that it was the wife that called them.” 

    Omola advised people to always ask questions whenever they hear unusual noise in their surroundings.

    “We shouldn’t be nonchalant about it, let us respond quickly. If not that the landlords responded fast, I believe the Abokis that were brought into that house wanted to kill that man, that’s what they have been told to do.  

    “So, if we hear noises in our neighbour’s house, we shouldn’t say it doesn’t concern us, just a swift response can save lives. If not that the landlords in the neighborhood went out, the man would have died.  

    “Now, the man is in the hospital, they said his penis is swollen. His wife, children and the Aboki are in the police station. 

    “Those of you who receive pension, know how you tell your family. I think the pension the man received is what almost led to his de@th.”

  • BREAKING: Former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe is dead

    BREAKING: Former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe is dead

    Former Presidential Spokesperson, Dr Doyin Okupe has reportedly passed away.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Okupe died at the age of 72, after a long struggle with cancer.

    He was senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and, recently,  the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.

    Born on 22 March 1952 in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Goodluck Jonathan.

    He attended St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta, Lagos; Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos and the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Okupe went on to co-found Royal Cross Medical Centre, and was National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

    It would be recalled that in October 2023 Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.

    However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as he and his family expected.

    Okupe had a history of prostate cancer, first diagnosed 16 years ago, and a later bout with sarcoma in his right shoulder.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Accident: Police hunt for driver in Ogun

    Accident: Police hunt for driver in Ogun

    The police command in Ogun says it is hunting for a driver involved in a lone accident in which one died, two injured at Odo Awele, along Lisa Road in Ogun.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, said, in a statement on Wednesday in Ota, Ogun that the driver, one Dapi Ajala, had not been found since the accident occurred on Monday.

    Odutola said that the accident occurred when the truck loaded with sand and three loaders on top of the sand, crashed about 11.45 p.m.

    She said the truck was going to Itoki from Lisa.

    Odutola said that the driver was descending a hill when he lost control, thus tumble and fell on the loaders.

    Odutola said that the three loaders who worked at Itoki Tipper garage were residents of the same address.

    “The  victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Faith Hospital, Ijoko, for treatment.

    “One of victims was later confirmed dead, and his remains have been released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites,” she said.

    Odutola said that the other two victims were still receiving treatment at the hospital.

    She said that efforts were on to apprehend the driver, who was currently at large.

    She urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on hilly terrain, and ensure their vehicles were in good working condition to prevent such unfortunate accidents.