Ogun Update Feb by Ogun State Goverment

N S TA T

GERIA

FEBRUARY 2012

VOL 5 NO. 2

...REBUILDING THE GATEWAY THROUGH GOOD GOVERNANCE

Why We Rationalised Our Tertiary Schools- Odubela T By Lanre Ogunyinka & Mosun Feyisetan

he State Government has said that the recent policy taken on Tai Solarin University of Education and four ICT Polytechnics in the State was aimed at arresting the loss of focus, direction, inadequate funding, control and ineffective management of the tertiary institutions as well as finally restore their sanity and effectiveness. The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Segun Odubela disclosed this during an interview with Ogun Update. Odubela said that TASUED had derailed from its original mandate of being the preferred University of Education which would excel in preparing educa-

tors as leaders in all disciplines while striving to enhance the quality and learning. He explained that TASUED runs

only about 40% of education related courses. He stated that Government's position was designed to

reconcile resources with the practices. need to ensure standard, According to him, the qualitative and affordable decision was predicated on the education in line with best Contd. On Page 6

TASUED Students Will Complete Their Studies By Kayode Bello

tudents of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode who are currently pursuing academic programmes in the School have nothing to fear over the proposed Main Entrance to Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode. INSET: Barr.Segun Odubela, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology making a point merger of the Institution with the during the interview by Ogun Update crew Olabisi Onabanjo University as they will be allowed to complete their courses before the merger takes off. According to the State

Ogun, Lagos Jointly Fight Polio P By Waliat Odemakin

Contd. On Page 6

Govt. Set to Convene Investors' Forum By Olatunde Tijani

gun State Government will from March 27 to 28, 2012, hold the inaugural edition of Ogun State Investors' Forum, with the theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ogun State: Open for Businessâ&#x20AC;? at DLK Event Centre, Abeokuta. Contd. On Page 3

o l i o my e l i t i s w h i ch i s popularly called Polio is a highly infectious viral disease caused by infection with the poliovirus which invades the nervous system and cause total paralysis in adults but is much common in children, especially among the under-five years age. The virus manifests with initial symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, vomitting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs.

The disease (polio) has no cure but can only be prevented through the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) which can protect a child for life. With the

help of Vaccines discovered in the 1950s, Polio infections have decreased by over 99 percent globally by 1988, from an estimated

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Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State flanked by Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (right) and Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, Commr. for Health, Ogun State demonstrating the Kick-Out Polio Sign

350,000 cases then. A statistical report by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that, in 2010 only four Countries in the world remained polio endemic. They are Nigeria, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. And for Nigeria to opt out among the group of polio endemic Countries, the Federal Government in the past years has championed aggressive campaigns to eradicate the disease through an increased budget allocation to procure polio vaccines and effective awareness campaign. The State Governors' Forum took a step further in July, 2011, with the decision to have National polio Advocacy Day, meeting with Local Government chairmen, traditional, Contd. On Page 6

Unified Examinations Commence in Ogun - Pg 6

2 | ACROSS THE STATE

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Across The State Foiled Robbery Attempt: Gov. Amosun Reassures Citizens Of Adequate Security By Wole Sokunbi

s an attempt by some robbers to carry out their devilish act at the Ogun

State Government Secretariat O ke - M o s a n wa s f o i l e d , government has reassured residents that it would leave

nothing to chance to ensure the T h e S t a t e G ove r n o r, safety of their lives and property Senator Ibikunle Amosun, gave at all times. the assurance while addressing the people shortly after the foiled robbery attack. Senator Amosun noted that cases of hoodlums and criminal activities are some of the He pledged that the State problems inherited from the Government will not shirk in past government, promising to its responsibilities in providing tools necessary for them to get rid of the criminals very soon. perform effectively. Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr Kayode Wojuade, highlighted factors militating against efficient delivery of their service. According to him, these include shortage of staff, funding and lack of equipment, he however pledged that the officers are prepared to give the State government necessary support towards achieving a Senator Ibikunle Amosun clean environment. Governor, Ogun State

Environmental Health Officers Tasked On Cleanliness

fforts of the present administration towards ensuring a clean environment will not yield expected dividends if relevant stakeholders fail to discharge their duties as expected. The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Adebayo Fari made this assertion in Abeokuta during a meeting with Environmental Health Officers from the 20 Local Government's Areas of the State. He described the Officers as core stakeholders in the drive towards maintaining a clean environment as they work with

By Soji Bisuga

the grassroots, urging them to do their utmost best and collaborate with government in the campaign against filth and work towards restoring the lost glory of Environmental Health Officers. “In the past, the mentioning of “wole wole” makes our people sit up to clean up their environment, sadly this is not the case again, you must do your best to bring this back and help government to achieve the clean environment dream”, Fari charged.

He said that every street would be totally secured and that all areas in the State would be adequately policed for safety of the people. T he Gover nor, who described the incident as embarrassing and alarming, commended security operatives who foiled the attempt for their timely intervention and reiterated the preparedness of government to assist security agencies in the State to discharge their responsibilities of curbing crime rate. The robbers came in a Nissan Quest car with registration number BR944RSH to steal a Toyota Camry car with registration number AK19146AA, but ran out of luck as combat ready security operatives in the governor's office pursued them, killing one of them in the process.

Civil Service Commission Set To Improve Service Delivery By Tomi Soremi

he Ogun State Civil Service Commission would continue to facilitate 2 programmes that would improve efficiency of the State workforce. The Commissioner I in the Commission, Alhaji Soji Olusesi, made this assertion while addressing carrier officers who sat for year 2011 promotion examination, held at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta. According to him, the present administration in the State was committed to reward hardwork and dedication through promotion based on merit and professionalism. He assured the candidates that

fairness and justice would be the guiding principles during the marking and compilation of results of the examination. Alhaji Olusesi lauded the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic for providing support, facilities and logistics which made the exercise hitch-free. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Commission Mr. Sola Adeyemi, noted that the examination was very peaceful, urging civil servants to cultivate the habit of reading in order to broaden their knowledge. In his remarks, the DirectorGeneral, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON)

Mr. Ajibade Peters, represented by the College's Director of Studies, Mr. Adebayo Afolayan, commended those who sat for the examination for their maturity. He said practical questions were set to test their knowledge about government policies and the rules guiding the civil service. Speaking in an interview shortly after the exercise, a staff of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Isaac Oseni, expressed satisfaction that the exercise was hitch free, adding that the questions asked were relevant to individuals' cadres. Over 1,800 qualified Civil Cross section of public servants writing the promotion examination at MAPOLY Servants which cut across three Ogun Appoints Another Batch Of Principals, Vice Principals cadres sat for the examination.

Govt. Justifies Boundary Verification Exercise By Elijah Udofia

he current boundary verification exercise embarked upon by the Governments of Ogun and Lagos State was not meant to divide the people of both States but necessary for administrative purposes.

Prince Segun Adesegun Deputy Governor, Ogun State

T he Ogun State De puty Governor, Olusegun Adesegun, made the assertion at the inaugural ceremony for the casing of section C of the Ogun/ Lagos boundary held at Ode-omi in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. Prince Adesegun said the exercise carried out by officials of both States and the Federal government to validate the existing demarcation done in 1913 was not meant to disrupt the cordial relationship existing between the peoples of the states, but to let them know where they actually belong. While acknowledging that there had been problems associated with boundaries across the country, the Deputy Governor affirmed that there has been no contention on land between the State and its neighbours especially Lagos State, saying that proper demarcation of the State's boundaries would enable government provide necessary basic amenities for

the people at the border towns Also speaking, the representative of the Lagos State Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademore Kuye, reaffirmed that the exercise was not to change the existing boundary, but to let the people know their particular State of residence. Speaking on behalf of the Director General, National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adigi, said the demarcation exercise was divided into phases for easy reference, disclosing that similar flag off was held on December 2008 at Badagry, Lagos to kickstart work on sectors A and B which he noted was successful. The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Adenuga Okuniyi, pledged the support of his people to the exercise and promised that they would continue to live in peace with their neighbours.

By Isaac Oseni

he Ogun State Government has appointed another set of 18 Principals and 38 VicePrincipals into public secondary schools in the State. It will be recalled that the Teaching Service Commission had on January 4, 2012 appointed 34 Principals and 66 Vice Principals. This brings the number of Principals and Vice-Principals appointed this year to 52and 97 respectively. Speaking at the induction of the new Principals and Vice Principals held at the Commission's Conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the C h a i r m a n , Te a c h i n g S e r v i c e Commission Barr. Olubunkola Onabanjo, described visionary and effective leadership and loyalty as germane and critical requirements for organizational success. She underscored the need for the new Principals and Vice Principals to make the identified factors their watchword, saying that as school administrators, they are expected to coordinate both the teaching and non-

teaching staff for optimal performance and productivity. Barr. Onabanjo thanked the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for the upward review of rural allowance for teachers and the provision of materials for affordable and qualitative education in the State. She reaffirmed that government will continue to reward excellent performance and promote competence among the teachers, saying that the Commission had concluded arrangements for the promotion examinations for 5,062 teachers. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Commission, Dr. Oluyemisi Ajibawo urged the newly appointed Principals and Vice Principals to see their promotion as a call to duty, noting that they are expected to lead by example and discharge their duties diligently. Dr. Ajibawo added that the Commission ensured that fairness and equity was given priority during the screening and short listing of the new principals in accordance with laid down guidelines.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

ACROSS THE STATE | 3

Across The State OGSG Pays N700m Backlog Of Gratuity S By Modupe Idowu

tate Government has released about Seven Hundred Million Naira for the payment of gratuities for the months of March and April 2009 and other outstanding arrears. The Accountant-General of the State, Pastor Seye Senfuye who made this known in Abeokuta today, said the amount would also cover the payment of February 2011 deductions which the immediate past administration in the State failed to pay as well as January 2012 pensions. Pastor Senfuye re-affirmed the Senator Amosun ledadministration's readiness to offset all the backlog of debts incurred by the past administration as soon as the revenue of the State improves. Meanwhile, the State Government has taken delivery of Information

Communication Technology (ICT) equipment worth millions of naira for the monitoring of revenue services across the State. The Per manent Secretar y, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Ajibola Chokor, while inspecting the equipment at the Internal Revenue Service's office said Government decided to procure them to facilitate quick response to customers and prevent embezzlement of funds. She said the equipment which will soon be installed in all zonal revenues offices across the State would enhance productivity, adding that the equipment which include savers, monitors for savers, desktop, laptops, inverters, generating sets among others would enable government to easily detect fraud and enhance revenue collection. Mrs. Chokor called on those handling the equipment to imbibe maintenance culture in order to prolong their life span and save government from unnecessary

spending. In his contribution, the Executive Director of Integrated Consultancy Management Accounting (ICMA),

Mr. Lukman Buari said the equipment would boost the State's IGR and facilitate early detection of fraud. It would be recalled that at his

inception, Governor Amosun pledged to take necessary steps to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

Govt. Set to Convene Investors' Forum Contd. from Page 1 The Forum is aimed at bringing together captains of industry from around the globe to hobnob with Ogun State Government in order to tap into the abundant business opportunities in the State. According to the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Rotimi Adewunmi, the forum would feature key world leaders who have accepted to develop a cogent and actionable plan to accelerate economic development of the State. Delegates are expected from the public and private sectors as well as the academia. Participants would undergo a tour of investment opportunities that exist in the State in view of its position as the Gateway State and close proximity to the nation's economic capital, Lagos.

Adewunmi further stated that discussions would centre around topics such as Agriculture/Agro Allied

Mr. Rotimi Adewunmi Economic Adviser

Business, Infrastr ucture, Roads, Housing, Energy and Transport, Logistics/Distribution/Retail Trade, Manufacturing - The Ogun State Experience, Funding Opportunities/Financing and Ogun State Modus Operandi. Justifying the reason for the forum, he quoted the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as saying “Ogun State Investors’ Forum is a great window for investors to learn more about the economic potentials of the State and an opportunity to get great tips on how to access those opportunities. An economic intervention which will bring together leaders in both public and private sectors from within and outside the country to harness business opportunities in the Gateway State under the right ambience".

Ogun To Enhance Inter-Company Relationships

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Commissioner for Finance

gun State Government has assured that it would continue to foster linkages between large and small companies so as to maximize the economic potentials of the State. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, gave the assurance in Abeokuta while playing host to the Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Organics Nutrient Systems Ltd., Dr. Kenny Uzoma Acholonu. According to him, strong linkages between companies in the State would also create a market place for finished

We'll Ensure Even Pricing System In Land Allocation - Amosun By Tolu Kowo

he State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has r e i t e r a t e d h i s administration's commitment to even pricing system in the allocation of land in the State. T he Gover nor g ave the assurance in Abeokuta at a town hall meeting with allotees of lands at the Hillcrest Estate, Abeokuta and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway 2km Acquisition. At the meeting organised by the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Senator Amosun announced that a master plan would be put in place to ensure that allottees follow due process in land title process, adding that planning would be of priority in order to ensure even distribution of infrastructural facilities across government Estates. “Indiscriminate waiver and inconsistencies in land pricing and double allocations constitute an eyesore, which were very rampant in the last dispensation. This, we will not encourage”, Amosun maintained. The Governor identified some of the schemes' challenges to include, lack of basic infrastructure

and the proposed development levy for the provision of infrastr ucture to augment government expenses. He added that the recommendations of the Commission of Enquiry into Land Matters would be implemented in order to ensure equity and fairness. Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser and Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, noted that the meeting was an essential part of the efforts of the Senator Amosun-led administration to ensure fairness, equity and entrench a sustainable land policy. She disclosed that government was putting in place proper plan, layout design, cadastral mapping and zoning for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which would forestall indiscriminate development along the expressway. Mrs. Sokefun also revealed that government would insist that allotees and developers have the requisite building permit and have completed land titling process, urging them to cooperate with government at all times.

By Gbenga Moronfolu products and increased employment, saying that government was determined to create conducive business environment for genuine investors. Otunba Ashiru re-emphasized Government's readiness to make the State a one-stop-shop for prospective investors

by reducing all bureaucratic bottlenecks and enjoined industrialists to improve on their Corporate Social Responsibilities to engender positive relationship with their immediate communities and the general public. Speaking earlier, Dr. Acholonu, said the visit was to solicit the State Government's support in ensuring that users of

finished products patronize the company. He highlighted the need for government to come up with a strong industrial policy to discourage importation of raw materials available locally and encourage the patronage of locally produced semi-raw materials expected to feed existing industries in the State and the country at large.

Be Socially Responsible, Miners Told By Gbemisola Ogolo

iners within Ogun State ter ritor y have been reminded that it is not enough for them to just excavate mineral resources without making efforts to compensate the communities within which they carry out their mining activities. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Taiwo Fagbemi, gave this reminder in his office during a meeting he held with representatives of the State Chapter of United Association of Gravel and Sand Dealers. Mr. Fagbemi noted that activities of the miners sometimes have negative impact on the environment, pointing out that provision of amenities and materials for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of such communities

Mr Taiwo Fagbemi Special Adviser on Energy

would be a welcome development. He also urged them to undertake the refilling of the pits where these materials are being dug so as not to expose the environment to disasters such as earthquake and erosion. Speaking on measure to ensure that members of the association comply with laid down rules and regulations, the Special Adviser

revealed that the department will soon create task force to supervise their activities, particularly their effect on the Environment. In his response, the Association's Secretary, Prince Seye Adeboye, reiterated the readiness of members to collaborate with the State Government in its mission to re-build Ogun State.

Housing Comm. Tasks Artisans On Honesty By Adeyinka Richards

embers of the Association of Building Artisans of Nigeria have been enjoined to be transparent in their dealings and make honesty their watchword so as to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts. The Ogun State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Daniel Adejobi, who gave this advice during a courtesy visit of the Association to the Ministry, stressed the need for local artisans to be dedicated to their work and ensure quality service delivery to enable them win back the confidence of Nigerians who now prefer to engage the services of foreigners. He commended them for their initiatives for attending higher institutions to acquire more knowledge, assuring them of government's readiness to support and encourage them if they do things properly. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Niyi Kuforiji, underscored the need for the revitalization of Technical Colleges so

that artisans who are major stakeholders in the building industry could attend and improve on their technical skills. Earlier in his remark, the National Coordinator of the Association, Mr Segun Olutade, lauded the State Government's effort in the area of industrialization, noting that industries are springing up on a daily basis with over 20,000 job opportunities created for youths. He urged Government in all tiers to always engage the services of qualified artisans in their various construction works, rather than giving same to expatriates who in some cases have been discovered not to be as knowledgeable as some local artisans. Mr. Olutade said his association was ready to collaborate with the Government in building low cost Housing Estates for the masses, disclosing that six members are to undergo training in Kaduna on a new innovation of using plastic and sand to build cheaper houses.

4 | EDITORIAL

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Editorial Towards An Efficient Transportation System

ransportation has remained a vital necessity since the creation of man. For one thing, the need for man to move from one location to another, in search of food and for other purposes has prompted him to evolve various means of transporting himself. Beginning from migration on foot, to the use of animals which historians, anthropologists and others referred to as beast of burden, and which apart from carrying man and his luggage also helped to draw wagons, to the time when man began to invent boats and ships, it is clear that man has always worked hard to enhance his ability to move from one place to another. It is common knowledge that transportation plays an important role in societal development. It greatly influences the cost of goods and services, and determines how effectively men and materials can move from one location to the other. The Ogun State Government over the years has evolved various transportation strategies to suit the needs of the people. The first major development was the Gateway Transit. This was followed more recently with the Metro taxis. During the recent fuel crisis, the State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun made a pledge to provide 120 vehicles in a bid to ease the transportation challenges faced by the people of the state.

One specific feature of Ogun State which cannot be ignored is the reality that everyone seems to be agreed upon; namely, that the State is a Civil Service State. By implication, the Public Service provides the larger percentage of employment for the working class citizenry. Like all employers of labour, the Government of the State overtime, has worked hard at providing means of transportation to ameliorate the sufferings of the work force. At the peak of that scheme, quite a large number of buses were available to pick public officers from different locations. For example, Civil servants were picked fr om Sapon, IyanaMortuary, Oke-Ilewo round-about, Olomore and Kuto, which were the initial traditional take-off point. Apart from the relative ease that this template provided, it was cheap and convenient for civil servants, since they could be picked up in the morning and dropped in the afternoon after work, for a paltry sum of N20, regardless of location or distance. However, recent observations appear to show that the fleet of vehicles has been greatly depleted! Perhaps as a result of poor maintenance or other sundry reasons; such that hardly does one see more than two or three buses working at any given time. Given the determination of the present administration to ensure

the entrenchment of a disciplined, committed and punctual workforce, workers would not be asking for too much, if they expect the government to take a look at the f leet of buses, look at the challenges and problems and implement policies that would pave way for a holistic and comprehensive transportation fleet, that will ease the stress experienced by workers to and from work; more so, when the present administration has in its magnanimity thought it fit to provide employment opportunity for thousands of unemployed citizens of the State. The appointment of Gbenga Opesanwo to oversee transportation issues is a step in the right direction. It is easily recognizable as an attempt by Government to structure and strategise constructively, issues that pertain to transportation, hopefully, with the intention of reducing, if not eliminating the

P O E M Life Is A Lesson Life…many a time leaves us with questions Questions too hard to answer Life…many a time comes with strange events Events too strange to believe Life…many a time opens us up to new things …things too great to unravel Hardly can one stand to prove to know all about it All about life? We live to learn Each day indeed is full of its peculiarities Each day has its challenges Whatever it is, it is relevant to life itself Only through courage and patience can the lessons of life do us good With time, we tend to see things better as we give heed to life Worry and pride only make us victims of life Just learn each day you live

transportation challenges that are natural to societies witnessing the kind of development occasioned by the deliberate and determined actions of the present administration as led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Expectedly, such strategies should take cognizance of the other aspects of labour that make up society, such as the marketwomen, artisans and technicians, doctors, lawyers, engineers, bankers and other professionals who find themselves working in different strands of the private sector, which has recently begun to thrive in the State. Students should not also be left out in whatever ideas will be conceptualized, as affordable transport will go a long way towards ensuring a good life for all.

VOL 5 NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2012 PUBLISHER Yusuph Olaniyonu EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Abdul-Fatai Opebiyi GENERAL MANAGER Ayo Oluyemi EDITOR Kayode Bello PRODUCTION CREW Mosun Feyisetan Lateef Ositelu Gbemisola Ogolo Rotimi Oduniyi Sakirudeen Bashiru Femi Onasanya Tayo Dosunmu Olatunde Tijani Dorcas Johnson Oluyemisi Adebajo Lawon Solanke

-Femi Onasanya

W O R D S O N M A R B LE

“It is better for us to have one of the highest quality and standard university than two with poor facilities. - Barr. Segun Odubela Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology

CORRESPONDENTS Information Officers PHOTOGRAPHERS Tunji Onabanjo Tunde Odunewu Bolaji Ogundeji Tope Abiodun Tosin Dipeolu OIaseni Kassim OGUN STATE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND STRATEGY, OKE-MOSAN, ABEOKUTA

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

OPINION | 5

Opinion Respite For Physically Challenged In Ogun By Lanre Ogunyinka

ick Vijicici is a young Australian man of about 23 years old. He was born without limbs. What an unfortunate beginning of life? Or how does Vijicici take his predicament? Hear him! ''I knew I am different on the outside, but on the inside, I am just like everyone else”, a bold testimony indeed. But come to think of it, this cannot be without some pains and challenges in spite of his courage. However, the good story about Vijicici is that he remains a world class inspirational pastor and preacher, doing spiritual and counseling works across the globe to encourage and inspire people on the pertinent need to live up to their fullest potentials and not allowing anything thwart their accomplishments, desires, hopes and dreams in life. As a matter of fact, Vijicici, in spite of his disability, holds a bachelor's degree in Financial Planning and Accounting. People with disabilities could be persons with physical, sensory or mental impairments that can inhibit or make performing everyday tasks difficult. The Wikipedia encyclopedia project report for July 2007 estimated world population at 6 Billion, out of which over 650 Million are disabled which could literarily translate that out of most homes or family, one member has one form of disability or the other! However the fact remains that no one in the world is totally immune against the scourge of disabilities because mankind remains vulnerable to it. Nevertheless, the predicaments of this set of people is made more complex, especially in the African societies as most people, governments, various institutions and individuals tend to neglect or discriminate against them, sometimes forgetting that they are human beings like others. In most cases, the discrimination becomes so worrisome, reflecting in such critical areas of employment, housing, accommodation, education, transportation, voting, health services and access to other public services. No wonder most of our African streets are littered with categories of disabled beggars. While it is essential to adopt measures to prevent it in our societies, it becomes expedient too, to always crave for best ways to manage, treat and give succour to victims of this scourge that is fast threatening mankind. That is to say we should not merely be singing the slogan “there is ability in disability” but put in place a policy that would ameliorate their plight. Government and people should not pity, neglect or discriminate against those with disabilities bearing in mind that they are fellow human beings. Left to Mr. Suraju Popoola, a partially blind middle-aged civil servant in one of the South Western States, there was not even need for pitying them. His arguments are based on the fact that, since there is no special certificate for the disabled, people should not treat them specially, with pity because of their

Some of the artificial limbs (prosthesis) on display at the event condition but should rather give them the chance or leverage to prove their worth. Rather, we should imbibe the culture of improving the lives of these set of people in a way that they would be able to harness and achieve their potentials just as was recently recorded in Ogun State. The Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, out of his commitment to efficient Health Care Delivery Policy of re-building mission is taking it beyond ordinarily sick people and includes the disabled, particularly the physically-challenged. Rolling out the five cardinal programmes of his administration particularly how he intends to attend to the plight of this set of people in the State days after his inauguration, he had declared: “A blind man is a man, only his eyes are bad. He can do anything like every normal person if he gets the needed aids and facilities to enhance his sense of sight and sound which I think is sacrosanct to our policy and we will just do that no matter what it costs us”. The Governor's argument is that it is the civic responsibility of the entire society, particularly the Government, to give succour to the physicallychallenged by giving them equal opportunities to life on the basis that, what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander! ''The God that created the able person is the same that created the disabled. What is vital is that, we understand that these set of people are only victims of circumstances. We must first identify their needs and

Ogun UPDATE hereby calls for publishable OPINION ARTICLES from the public. Such news should be addressed to The Editor, Ogun UPDATE or sent by mail to oguninfo@yahoo.com or oguninfo@gmail.com

explore all means to allow them harness their maximum potentials since anyone could also be born blind, lame, deaf or dumb. Life is a game of chance''. Ordinarily, cynics or experiences of unfulfilled promises of successive Governments across the nation would have simply made anyone to conclude on Amosun's passionate promise as mere rhetoric as usual or in our usual terms “a political statement”. Surprisingly, it was none of these as events that followed the Governor's track of rebuilding mission in the State confirmed the man's words as his bond! Few weeks after the policy statement, the State government swung into action with a collaboration plan with relevant and notable NonGovernmental Organizations to immediately effect the policy. Amosun's Gover nment in partnership with Rotary Club International facilitated the arrival of world class senior Prosthesis and Orthothist Technologist, Mr. Max Acamun, a Ugandan to produce an array of artificial limbs locally and further trained the local health technologists in the skill. That was not all, the expert was strategically made to domicile in the State to get acquainted with the exact fashion, size and structure of the needs of the

physically-challenged in the State. He was able to produce large quantities of the various types of limbs needed and which would be distributed to those in need, free of charge! The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka when contacted about the project affirmed that Government considered the project as a social responsibility to the people who reposed confidence in the Governor. His words: “We cannot do less but ensure that our people, irrespective of their class or creed, enjoy dividends of democracy and good governance considering their level of confidence in us as reflected in the overwhelming vote given to the Governor”. Dr. Soyinka insisted that the health attention to every category of the people of the State was sacrosanct in Governor Amosun's rebuilding mission and vowed that no stone would be left unturned to ensure the success of the policy. Speaking on the stage of the project the Commissioner said efforts have been made to reach out to beneficiaries as the production centre of the artificial limbs is bombarded by categories of the physically challenged in the State. Dr. Soyinka disclosed that government has procured a sizeable number of needed materials that could cater for hundreds of people and that it would procure more when the need arises. Commenting on the stage of the project, the Chief Medical Officer,

Cross section of the beneficiaries of artificial limbs

State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta where the project was being executed, Dr. Aigoro analyzed that ordinarily, by his professional experience, it cost an amputee or any physically challenged person willing to fix artificial limbs between N150,000.00 to N300,000.00 depending on the kind of artificial limbs required. He further disclosed that the level of amputation covered by the project include Symes amputation, Ankle disarticulation, Knee disarticulation, Transfemorol amputation and Hip disarticulation. W h i l e G ove r n o r A m o s u n ' s Government has decided to distribute the limbs free of charge to those in need, it is more than assumption that he had assisted every beneficiary to save his/her hard earned money considering the level of poverty ravaging the Nigerian masses. Commenting on the project, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the policy as a way of uplifting the spirit of the beneficiaries and as an inherent passion of the Governor for the less privileged in the society. As a way of matching his words with actions, on Friday, 3rd February, 2012, the Government made good the realization of the project to the public as Governor Amosun, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, in collaboration with Rotary Club International, District 9110 gave 500 artificial limbs to those in need at Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Amosun reiterated the commitment of his administration to the service of the people at all times and to continuously harness the abundant potentials of the State to the peoples' benefit without fear or favour, just as it promised to always collaborate with any reliable Non-Governmental Organisations like the Rotary Club International. Some of the beneficiaries of the artificial limbs include a 12 year old primary school girl, Afuwape Abisoye who lost her right leg to motor accident three years ago. Others include a 36 years old journalist with PM News, Mr. Kayode Aponmade, Mr. Kunle Osipitan (36years) and 4 year old Sakirat Saliu. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Venerable Olaseni Ogunlolu said there was no better way to enjoy the dividends of democracy than the benevolence demonstrated by the Government in the distribution of the artificial limbs to the people. “For someone who has been confined to the wheel chair or crutches for several years, the artificial limbs will ease them off the burden of moving about and standing up. Such a person can actually walk with the limb without people knowing it is artificial”, Governor Amosun submitted. The Rotary Club International District 9110 Governor, Rotarian Kennedy Ejakpome urged the State Government to continue to make the artificial limbs available free of charge, saying that doing so would be soul-lifting and a worthy service to the people, promising his organisation's continued support. Lanre Ogunyinka is an Asst. Director in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ogun State.

6 | NEWS

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Why We Rationalised Our Tertiary Schools - Odubela Contd. from Page 1

reports and recommendations of the visitation panel which ascertained among others, the feasibility or otherwise of the institution in conformity with quality, set goals and available resources. The Commissioner who described the situation as worrisome asked rhetorically “How could a State that could not efficiently fund and effectively manage its first University afford to establish additional five tertiary institutions in one fell-swop?” Barrister Odubela stated that it would cost the State Government about N10 billion per annum to adequately cater for the salaries and allowances of the Teaching and Non Teaching Staff of the existing ten tertiary institutions owned by the State Government explaining that the financial resources of the State from Internally Generated Revenue and Federal allocations could not sustain this. He quipped “it is better to have one University that we can properly fund, effectively sustain, stand the test of time in our

educational policy and return us to the past glory of quality”. He said that “in spite of the reforms and merger, the State still has the highest number of State owned Tertiary Institutions in the whole of the South West”. He further explained that the fundamental reason for establishing the University was to feed the secondary schools in the State with quality professional teachers in order to enhance the education sector. The Commissioner however regretted that what he met on ground at the University was not encouraging in this aspect as most of the courses being offered in the University were at variance with the primary objectives of the University. “I want to say that the University has lost focus from the main objective why it was setup.” H e wo n d e r e d h ow a University of Education could be running courses that were totally unrelated to education saying that courses like PetroChemical Engineering, Catering and Hotel Services, Computer

Barrister Segun Odubela, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology fielding questions from Ogun Update crew

Science, Mass Communication, when these courses were already being offered in the

Ogun, Lagos Jointly Fight Polio Contd. from Page 1

yielded some positive results. The Governor confirmed that since the quarter of 2009, Ogun Sate has recorded zero case of Polio occurrence, emphasized the need for leaders in other States to get serious with measures outlined by the World Health Organization to combat the dreadful and highly contagious disease. It was against this backdrop that Ogun and Lagos States decided to unite and hold the joint polio sensitization day at the border town of Abule-Iroko in Ado-Odo/Ota on Ogun State Axis and AkindeOlogogoro in Ojokoro Local Government Area of Lagos State. Addressing the crowd which had in attendance the prominent leaders - royal fathers, community, religious and political leaders, mothers, market men and women cutting across both States, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun explained that the joint polio awareness day programme was about a border relationship between the two States, affirming that good and great times were back again in

the South-West. The Governor said that the Community and Religions Leaders event demonstrated that there was on the best way to polio eradication. no limit to what could be achieved To help sustain the commitwhen resources were combined for a ment of Nigeria Governors, Mr. Bill common purpose, stating that the Gates, of the Bill and Melinda Gates fight against polio was a collective Foundation (BM.GF) has instituted one which should not be left to an award for any Governor who Government alone. fulfils and achieves specific targets Governor Ibikunle Amosun for improving the health indicators expressed optimism on the collaboin their States. ration between the two States, saying Before now, Ogun State that Ogun and Lagos States had Government had steady concerted always been at the forefront of efforts which interrupted the polio welfarist programmes. virus case in the State in 2009. He said that the issue of Recently a statistical report by rejection of immunization vaccines the National Primary Health Care by some people can be drastically Development Agency on the reduced through the intervention of Leadership Award for Governor's the community leaders by virtue of on Polio Eradication indicated that their position in the border commuOgun had the highest number of nities. indicators among Ekiti, Osun, His Lagos State counterpart, Ondo, Lagos and Oyo States, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola emerging the best in the eradication submitted that the two States were of Polio among her peers in the committed and dedicated to kicking South-West. polio out of their States. According to Ogun State Mr. Fashola who lamented that Gover nor, Senator Ibikunle although the two States had achieved Amosun, the steps taken by the Sate polio-free status, the influx of towards Polio eradication have people into the States has compounded their efforts. G o v e r n o r Fa s h o l a w h o described the efforts as historic and unique said the South-West States had resolved to work together to fast track the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people. Both Governors said children from 0-5 years needed to be exposed to five dozes of immunization which would protect them for the rest of their lives against Poliomyelitis and other childhood killer diseases. They solicited for the cooperation and support of all and sundry, to help to disabuse against rumours and misconceptions on immunization vaccines, but confirming that the vaccines were safe and effective Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State about the Polio Vaccine after washing his hands at for consumption. the Oral Polio Vaccine Joint Advocacy Day at Abule Iroko in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government

conventional University like Olabisi Onabanjo University. The Education Ministry helmsman further explained that the present administration after much deliberations therefore decided that it was better to have one standard University than squander the State’s funds n mushroom ones. “It is better for us to have one of the highest quality and standard university than two with poor facilities that are mushroom. It is only when we have quality university that we can talk of quality teachers, research and good learning environment”, he said. Reacting to an opinion calling for OOU merger with TASUED rather than the later with the former, Hon. Odubela said that would amount to gross short change of the chances of diversified studies and courses

for the indigenes of the State especially those aspiring for a broad spectrum of professional courses such as Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Social Sciences and host of others which the Edict establishing OOU had taken care of and which TASUED's founding objectives and scope did not define nor accommodate. “There is no way OOU could be merged with TASUED. The fact is, OOU's founding edict allows for general applications and running of myriad courses it could at a time while TASUED can only be described as 'Mono' in that context and as a result, was more solidly founded to cater for many students so the idea of vice-versa in that respect is untenable and unrealistic”, he said.

TASUED Students Will Complete Their Studies Contd. from Page 1

Commissioner for Education, S c i e n c e a n d Te ch n o l o g y, Barrister Segun Odubela, the merger of TASUED with the OOU was a four year transition programme, maintaining that the current students would complete their studies at TASUED before the merger completely takes off. “I want to assure the students from 100 level to 400 level that they have nothing to fear about. They would complete their studies before the policy reaches its full course”, he declared. The Commissioner who gave this assurance in Abeokuta, added that a committee comprising various stakeholders would

be put together to work out the modalities for an effective and smooth transition period. On the fate of the teaching and non-teaching staff of TASUED, Barrister Odubela gave an assurance that they would continue to be in their duty posts throughout the four year transition period and beyond. The Commissioner said the decision to merge the two tertiary institutions was to ensure that the products of the University are of the highest quality that could hold their own anywhere in the world. “It is better to have one quality university than having two which are of doubtful quality”, the Commissioner asserted.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

PERSONALITY | 7

Personality We Are Here To Represent The Interests Of Our People- Speaker T

he 7th Legislature of the Ogun State House of Assembly has commenced in earnest with deliberations and Passage of Bills into Law. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Prince Suraj Adekunbi gave audience to Ogun UPDATE crew on germane issues bordering on legislation and other sundry matters affecting the State:

Can we meet you, Sir? Yes, I am Rt Hon. Prince Engr. Suraj Ishola Adekunbi (MNSE). I am a native of Ayetoro, Yewa North, Ogun State. I had my elementary education at St Paul's Anglican Primary School, Ayetoro and proceeded to Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro. Later, I had my National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Federal Polytechnic of Ilaro. I did my Higher National Diploma at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and later proceeded to Federal University of Technolog y; Akure (FUTA). I had my Post Graduate Degree in the same course and my Masters Degree in Project Development and Implementation from the University of Ibadan. I am a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers. I am happily married. Sir, knowing that your office as a Speaker is a very challenging and exalted position, how have you been able to cope? I want to start by saying that we are here to represent the interests of our people and being first among equals, I want to say that whatever it is, I've been coping and coping fine because of the fact that I have to contribute my own quota towards the development of Ogun State in collaboration with my colleagues.

How have you been able to manage the House without any crisis in spite of the presence of other political opponents? We are having three parties on board. How have you been able to cope? I want to say that the kind of house we are having at the moment is the resemblance of what we had between 1999 and 2003, where we had AD, ANPP and PDP. We had a very smooth legislation. I'm hoping that this time around, we are going to have a better legislature, if not the best. Any time, any Member is outside this complex, you can call yourself anything. The moment you step in, we are one indivisible entity representing the interest of Ogun State. The Speaker, OGHA, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi during the interview in his office

Executive arm of government in ensuring total implementation of 2012 Budget? Well, I have said it several times that the only focus we are having as a Government is just to do our best for the good people of Ogun State. The Executive arm of government cannot do it all alone, we have been cooperating well by ensuring speedy passage of Bills. In December, the Governor actually accented How many Bills have you passed into law to the 2012 Budget on the last since you came on board? working day of 2011. As at now, since we came on board, we've been able to pass 12 On the FOI Acts that the State intends Bills and we still have ongoing to domesticate, what is the situation so ones. That is, the State Emolument far, sir? Bill. We have done the second Well, for now, we have the reading. Hopefully, by our next intention of domesticating it Sitting, we should be able to here. In fact, I want to say that His conclude it. Excellency actually intimated us the next day the Bill was passed at Aside the State Emolument Bill, what the National Assembly. Very other Bills have you passed, Sir? soon, we are going to work on it. Actually, we have done a lot, like the 2011 Appropriation Bill, We understand that there is a 2012 Appropriation Bill and the Committee put in place on the issue of Joint Local Government Projects Fulani herdsmen/Farmers crisis. Funding Bill. Actually, we've done What steps are you taking to bring a lot. I can't remember all. about a lasting solution? You see, the nomadic issue What machinery have you put in place to has been a seasonal one and to ensure the proper implementation of the me, it is more of African issue. 2012 Budget? We have several Committees How do you mean? in place and the members of each I remember three days ago, I Committee are ever ready to carry was listening to the news and they out our oversight functions that were talking about the crisis that will ensure that the projects are actually erupted among these well executed to the letter for the nomads and farmers in some overall benefit of our people. parts of African countries. Let's come back to the issue of Yewa How do you intend to cooperate with the North Local Government. You

see, the issue of pastoralists and farmers has been an issue that has actually been on for some time. And I want to tell you that the Honourable Member representing that place has brought to fore the issue before the last incident. We have been looking for a way of tackling and finding a final solution to it before the issue eventually came up last December. You know as a government, a responsible government, one should be able to identify problems before it becomes an emergency and we have been doing this, such that there will not be any form of loss of lives and properties.

ency has its own challenges, so in a situation whereby we don't really have much fund on ground, there will be a kind of competition because everybody loves to have its own fair share and whatever you take back home is what your people would actually count on.

How have you been able to manage this? Well, we just have to manage it because I believe that as Honourable Members, I'm just first among equals and I have purpose for what we are doing. So, I don't see myself as their boss and I believe we are one. Whenever there is an issue, we So far, how have you been able to always express our various coordinate the smooth running of the opinions and arrive at an House without any crisis? amicable solution. Well, let me just put it across to you that we are here today for the development of the State and the interest of the good people of Ogun State. Their interest is paramount to us, it is uppermost to us, so whether you like it or not we believe we have been given a mandate to represent our people and to put in place effective and efficient Legislations that will improve their lot.

What advice do you have for Ogun State citizens and Nigerians? Well, my own advice to the people of Ogun State is that they should cooperate with the present administration, to support us such that at the end of the day, you will know that, yes, this government has come to better the lot of the people and by the special grace of God at the end of our tenure, I want to assure you that Ogun State is going to be better than the way we met it. What will you want to be remembered for as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly? Well, what I want people to remember me as the Speaker who gave them effective and efficient legislation that has actually transformed their socio-economic well-being.

How do you do that sir? By God's grace. What are the challenges facing the House at present? You see, it is a normal thing. We are natural agitators because of the fact that we are from different The Speaker responding to questions from Ogun Update Correspondents, Mosun Feyisetan constituencies and each constitu- and Sakirudeen Bashiru. Pix: Kassim Olaseni

8 | NEWS FROM LGAs

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

News From LGAs

Stories by Lateef Ositelu

Odogbolu Kicks Off Distribution Of Free Education Materials

dogbolu Local Government has commenced the distribution of free education materials to pupils across the Local Government Area of the State in a bid to encourage educational development of younger ones at the grassroots. The Chairman Transition Committee, Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Lawal Idris while kicking off the distribution exercise at the Local Government Secretariat to the pupils of both Primary and Secondary Schools said the educational materials which included notebooks, rulers, pens and eraser were distributed to assist the students in a bid to

motivate them and boost their academic excellence. Hon. Idris further explained that the exercise was aimed at complementing the efforts of the State Government led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun towards the provision of qualitative free education in Ogun State. Shedding more light on free education programme of the Council, he said that Odogbolu Local Government was first among the 20 Local Governments in the State to commence the distribution of education materials to both the Primary and Secondary School students in the State. He noted that the first phase of the programme started from the primary school before extending

to Secondary Schools in the Council area. The Local Government boss urged the students to be more committed to their studies, promising that government would not rest on its oars at creating more conducive learning environment for them. He charged them to

make use of the opportunity as a morale booster for them. In his speech, Hon. Remmy Hazzan, representing Odogbolu State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly encouraged the students to be of good behaviour and study hard to become better citizens that would

make the State proud in all strata. He pledged to provide computer sets to all the Secondary Schools in the Local Government area saying the gesture would be his own personal contribution to shore up development of education in the Council area.

Corps Member Donate N1.008M Toilet To Obafemi Owode LG

Youth Corps member, Miss Esther Titilayo Laleye an Ekiti State born Micro Biolog y g raduate ser ving in Obafemi/Owode Local Government, has donated a block of four room modern toilet worth of N1,008,800 to the Local Council to complement the existing lavatory in the area. The Chairman Transition Committee, Alhaji Jamiu Balogun, represented by His Personal Assistant, Mr. Malik Soneye while commissioning the modern toilet, said the gesture demonstrated the rare virtue of the donor which he said must be emulated by everyone. He noted that in spite of the harsh economic situation in the country she was able to accomplish such an edifice that has remained a motivat-

ing factor in the Council area. He pointed out that apart from the toilet facility provided by the corps member, she also visited the rehabilitation Centre at Mowe town where she donated some food items as well as toiletries to the people, while a zebra crossing was also constructed for the use of pupils of St. Peter Anglican Primar y School,Ogidan in Owode-Egba in a bid to prevent avoidable accidents on the highway. He prayed that God would continue to guide and protect the donor at accomplishing all her set objectives in life. Alhaji Balogun urged other Corps members serving in the State as well as people of the Community to emulate the good gesture as demonstrated by Miss Laleye saying that what ever a man sows shall he reap.

Hon. Lawal Idris, Chairman Transition Committee, Odogbolu Local Government presenting the educational materials to one of the benefitting students

He emphasized that she had contributed her quota to uplift the socio- economic development of Owode Community that would serve as a long lasting legacy for all. Earlier in her remarks, Miss. Laleye expressed gratitude to those who supported her vision to come into reality, saying that the

management of the Council should make use of the facility to optimal capacity. Dignitaries at the commissioning were Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, the Olu of Owode-Egba; Hon.

Yewa North Commences Immunization

A Block of four Toilets donated by a Corp Member serving in Obafemi Owode LG, Laleye Titilayo Esther (in pix)

Elizabeth Anifowose, member Ogun State House of Assembly; Mrs. Bimbo Lanre Balogun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and the State NYSC C o o r d i n a t o r, M r. A d e n i r a n Folayanka.

ewa North Local Government has commenced the routine immunization exercise across the council area. The immunization service was projected to further reach the people at the grassroots. Hon. Kunle Elegbede, the Chairman Transition Committee Yewa North Local Government, while addressing the people at the commencement of the immunization exercise at the Secretariat, said the exercise was meant to secure the lives of their babies against killer diseases in the communities. He urged the nursing mothers across the Council Area to come out enmasse with their babies and cooperate with the Health Officers to immunize their babies in order to make the exercise a success. He said the Council would soon commence the rehabilitation of some dilapidated and bat infested Health Clinics in order to accommodate more people to enjoy the healthcare delivery programme of the Council. Elegbede further explained that plan was on the way to procure project vehicles for supervisory

purposes and other PHC activities saying that Health Officials have increased their level of inspection in order to reduce diseases and maintain good hygiene among people. Commenting on the efforts of the Council to immunize the children of the area, Mrs. Alaba Rasheed, appreciated the Council for the campaign which had increased their level of awareness.

Hon. Kunle Elegbede Chairman, Transition Committee, Yewa North Local Government

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

NEWS FROM LGAs | 9

News From LGAs Abeokuta South LG Flags Off Immunization Awareness Campaign By Lateef Ositelu

beokuta South Local Government has flagged off its awareness campaign on the importance of immunization for children under 0-5years to combat childhood killer diseases across the Council area. Chairman, Transition Committee of Abeokuta South Local Government Council, Alhaji Duro Olawoyin at the flag off ceremony of this year 1st Round National Immunization Plus

days at the Jumat Service at Abeokuta Central Mosque, Ijaye, Abeokuta charged nursing mothers and parents in the Council area to bring their children for the immunization exercise to curb the infant mortality rate caused by some deadly virus and poliomyelitis among the children. He disclosed that Health Officials would be moving from house to house to innoculate children from 0-5years to combat (childhood killer disease). He

explained that the awareness campaign embarked upon by the Council across the area was crucial to the acceptance and success of the immunization exercise. He said that religious leaders among other relevant bodies are germane in the awareness efforts of Government to kick polio among other killer diseases out of the State. The council boss therefore said all religious leaders should sensitize their followers on the importance of the vaccination, calling on

Ijebu Ode NYC Embarks On Empowerment Training Scheme

n a bid to complement efforts of By Sola Olubodun Ogun State government on youth Chapter has embarked on vocational development, the National Youth Empowerment Training scheme for Council Ijebu-Ode Local Government the youths of Ijebu-Ode and its

IELG Promises To Empower Youths By Sola Olubodun

he Ijebu East Local Government has promised to empower the youth of the area on capacity building in order to make them more resourceful and contriute to the overall development of the Area T h e C h a i r m a n Tr a n s i t i o n Committee, Hon. (Mrs.) Iyabo Bakare said this during a courtesy visit by National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN Executive members in his office. Addressing the youth, she said the Council had presently taken the youth into consideration by involving them in the on-going developmental activities as stakeholders in a bid to contribute

their quota to socio-economic development of the area. She noted that youths are the future leaders that must be groomed in accordance with the custom of the Society Hon. Bakare pointed out that, parts of the capacity building was to expose them to the importance of skills acquisition that would make them more self reliant, noting that the request presented to the Council by the NYCN would be looked into. She urged the youth to bear with the Council as it was battling with some financial challenges which had hampered it from achieving some of its set objectives in transforming the Area as expected.

Information Dissemination: Developmental Tool For Democratic Governance - LG Boss By Adetoro Fabuyi

nformation is a developmental tool that is necessary for any democratic governance to thrive especially in era of political dispensation. T h e C h a i r m a n , Tr a n s i t i o n Committee, Yewa Nor th Local Government Area, Chief Kunle Elegbede speaking through his Supervisory Councilor for Information, Education, Sports and Community Development, Hon. Zachaeus Ajose said his administration cherishes information dissemination which enables development to thrive in any democratic governance. The Chairman said that his administration had procured information gadgets to aid information dissemination on government policies and developmental projects embarked upon for the people, adding that government would at all times accord the Council Information Unit's the rightful place it belongs. The Director of Information in the Council Area, Deacon Sola Hassan commended Chief Kunle Elegbede for his sterling leadership style and his composure towards the role of information. “This administration has equipped the Information Unit with necessary equipment to project the image of government particularly at the Local Government Area”, he affirmed. Deacon Hassan who pointed out

that the gadgets procured included Camcoder Video Camera, Still C a m e r a , S p e a ke r s, w i r e l e s s microphones among others however revealed that Government has in the pipeline plan to launch a soft sell magazine that would showcase people-oriented projects embarked upon by the government.

environs. According to the President, National Youth Council, Ijebu-Ode, Comrade Ridwan Oduneye, the scheme was aimed at developing jobless youths and make them useful to the society. Comrade Oduneye explained that the vocational training was to train interested youths on artistic work such as screen painting, tailoring, hairdressing and computer engineering. He said that interested youths are to obtain form from the Council Secretarial, adding that youths would be placed where they will learn the job. The council president further explained that after the training, the council would provide necessary tools for the job learnt. Comrade Oduneye revealed that apart from the vocational scheme the council has put in place a job searcher programme, whereby they would assist in securing jobs for unemployed youths in the local government area. He revealed further that about fifty-six job seekers had been employed through this programme. The council boss concluded that the council designed the programme to make youths develop their potentials and make them useful to the local government in particular, and the State as a whole.

Why We Are On Tour - L.G.S.C. Chairman

he Chairman, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Olatunde Okewole has asserted that the essence of the commission's tour to Local Governments in the State is to assess the situation that borders on administration, finance and general welfare of the staffers of the various councils. Alhaji Okewale made the assertion during his official tour to ObafemiOwode Local Gover nment. The Commission Chairman, who expressed satisfaction with the situation he met at the Local Government, was accompanied by other members in the Commission, the Permanent Secretary and Directors at the Commission. He however, called on the Management of the Council area to explore the possibility of opening an area office at Mowe/Ibafo axis of the Local Government. “Mowe/Ibafo area deserves Local Government patronage”, he noted. Alhaji Okewale advised the management to put more efforts to increase its Internally Generated Revenue, saying that the Local Government was big enough to generate substantial revenue. At a tripartite meeting which was first held with the Chairman of the Local

Government Alhaji Jamiu Balogun and Transition Committee members, the workers had the grace to bare their minds on matters that were not clear to them. Alhaji Okewale allayed their fears, saying that the Commission would ensure that their postings, transfers and discipline are carried out with fairness, without fear or favour.

mothers in the Local Government Area to co-operate with the Health Officials and endeavour to eschew insinuations capable of discouraging them from benefitting from the exercise. Dignitaries present at the event expressed their appreciation to the Council for sensitizing the people at the grassroots.

Hope Increases For Poultry Farmers By Lateef Ositelu

ope has risen for poultry far mers in Ogun Water Side Local Government Area of the State as the Council promised to rekindle the hope of poultry farmers in the Area. Council Chairman Transition Committee Ogun Water Side, Hon. Toyin Adebusuwa gave the hint at a meeting with the representatives of the Poultry Farmers Association in the Council Area. He said the conditions of

Hon. Toyin Adebusuwa Chairman, Transition Committee, Ogun Waterside LG

arents have been advised to always examine their children’s eyes at birth and report any defect to qualified opticians for early treatment. The Chairman, Transition Committee Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Alhaji Raimi Sarumi gave the advice during a-2 day free vision screening, treatment and surgery held at Itoro Hall, Ijebu-Ode. The Council helmsman said the free vision screening exercise was meant to eradicate all forms of eye defects in the society especially at the grassroots. He implored the residents to seize the

poultry farmers in the area are pathetic, promising to assist the farmers stem some of their challenges by training them on how to carry out good BioSecurity Measures on birds saying that this awareness would help them reduce wastages and loss of profit. C h a i r m a n , Tr a n s i t i o n Committee added further that, the council would soon approve the preparation for the Local Development Plan (LDP) for FADAMA Community Association (FCA) and FADAMA User Group (FUG) that would help boost agricultural development in the Council area. One of the representatives of the Association, Mr. Akim Olawunmi appreciated the Council boss for considering them for assistance. He noted that the Association would need more support from the Government in terms of soft loans to boost their poultry farming which they believe would further shore up the economic development of the council area and the State in general.

Yewa North Pledges More Dividends of Democracy By Adetoro Fabuyi

eople of Yewa community have been assured of regular delivery of democratic dividends through the implementation of the five-point agenda of the present administration in the State. Speaking in his office, the Chairman Transition Committee in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State,

Parents Urged to Examine Children At Birth By Sola Olubodun

The flag-off ceremony was attended by political functionaries in Abeokuta South Local Government including the Imam of Abeokuta South Local Government, Alhaji Musiliudeen Kuforiji, Chairman, Community Development Association, and Abeokuta South Local Government, Alhaji M.A Junaid, among others.

advantage of the exercise and those with eye problems should report to local government medical centre where treatment would be provided free of charge. In his own submission, Dr. Akinbajo, Director of Health Ijebu-Ode Local Government, identified eating good fruits, balanced diet and avoiding self medication as prerequisites for retaining good vision. He said that the residents should seize the advantage of the government’s kind gesture by turning out in large numbers for the free vision screening, treatment and surgery.

Chief Kunle Elegbede said his committee has embarked on various developmental projects that make democratic dividends beneficial to the people. The Chairman who spoke through his Supervisory Councilor for Information, Education, Sports and Community Development, Hon. Zachaeus Ajose informed that 3 new transformers have been procured, installed and energized with 2 in Oja-Odan and 1 in Aibo, Ayetoro. He stated that road grading was receiving government attention as rehabilitation work was almost completed on Igan-Okoto-Imasayi, Igbogila-IganOkoto, Joga-Orile-Igan-Okoto, SaalaAyetoro-Saala-Orile and Ayetoro township roads, adding that the popular road linking Olorunda and Ayetoro has been rehabilitated. The Chairman, who assured the people of continued implementation of developmental projects that would at all times bring succour to them, added that government has intensified actions to refurbish all the health centres with provision of necessary equipment and drugs for the health benefits of the people in the local government area. “The government is on course to execute people-oriented projects that would make life better for the populace through implementation of developmental projects in the area.”

10 | ACROSS THE STATE

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Across The State Ogun Maintains Leading Position In Cotton Production By Deborah Odulate

gun State has been declared as the highest producer of cotton in the Southwest. This was based on the increased production which places it far ahead of its peers. The State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Ayo Olubori, disclosed this in Abeokuta at the cotton stakeholders meeting on the implementation of cotton transformation value under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Deputy Governor pointed out that in 2007 alone, Ogun State harvested 42,000kg seed cotton, compared to Oyo's 3,200kg, Osun's 1,749kg, Ekiti's 761kg and Ondo's 60kg, noting that the rate had remained consistently high since then. Prince Adesegun stressed that the feat achieved by the State prompted the donation of a doubleroller ginnery machine by the Federal Government to the State to serve other cotton producing States in the South West. He stated that the Federal

Government had injected N100billion domiciled in Bank of Industry as loan to all stakeholders from production to marketing of cotton, including textile and ginning factories. The Deputy Governor also stressed that apart from providing an enabling environment for would-be investors, land had also been made available for cotton farming in some farm settlements in the State.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Ayo Koleade, stated that if the agricultural sector was developed, it would serve as a source of gainful employment to Nigerians, earn foreign exchange for the government and provide raw materials to industries, among others. He emphasized that the Senator Ibikunle Amosun's administration

remained committed to generating gainful employment and creating wealth through agriculture and cotton production in particular. The leader of the team, Chief Abiodun Akanji, declared that the aim of the team was to ensure the transformation of the agricultural sector, reduce food importation and generate more employment. He congratulated Ogun State

for being one of the best in cotton production, urging the State Government to inaugurate a committee on cotton production under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Agriculture. The Commissioner and the team later went to Ibara-Orile to inspect the double roller cotton ginnery plant for cotton producers in the southern part of Nigeria.

Abuja: Ogun Indigenes Pledge To Cooperate With New Administration

gun State indigenes in Abuja have been urged to work in synergy with the State Government in its efforts at rebuilding the State. The Ogun State Liaison Officer in Abuja, Mr. Yomi Bajela, who was also the Convener of the Ogun State Indigenes Forum, gave the charge at the maiden edition of the Forum at the State Liaison Office, Abuja. He pointed out that the Forum was initiated to serve as a rallying point and coordinating unit for all Ogun indigenes as well as Ogun

By Bose Avoseh

public servants in the Federal Capital Territory. While urging them to be of best behaviour by desisting from all acts that could tarnish the image of the State, Mr. Bajela called on them to imbibe the tenets of “esprit de corps” in order to assist government in its vision at rebuilding the State.

Alhaji Ade Solarin, Chairman of Ijebu Union, called for more enlightenment programmes about government activities to create awareness among members spread all over the Federal Capital adding that youth empower ment programmes should be embarked upon. Mr. Kazeem Oloyede, representing Ogun indigenes in the

National Assembly, said members should think of what they can do for the State and not what the State can do for them, Mr. Leke Adun, Chairman, Ogun Waterside union appreciated the Senator Ibikunle Amosun's government for supporting the coming together of Ogun State indigenes in Abuja under one umbrella.

New Lawyers Tasked On Professionalism By Yinka Kujore

egal practitioners in the employment of Ogun State Gover nment have been advised to develop analytical mind and be thorough bred professionals in the course of discharging their duties. The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), gave the advice in Abeokuta during the induction of newly recruited State Counsels and some corps members attached to the Ministry. Mr. Ogunde maintained that the induction was aimed at preparing the

fresh lawyers for the challenges ahead, adding that they should be bold and courageous. The Attorney-General said that the Ministry of Justice would soon establish “A Young Lawyer Empowering Forum” which would serve as a platform for lawyers to gather and express their views and opinion. Also speaking, the SolicitorGeneral and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Fuyi Osunfisan, implored the new counsels to be focused, trustworthy, loyal and be ready to stand up for others just as they should be eloquent and civil in their language and be punctual in court.

A cross section of members of the Ogun Indigenes Forum during the interactive session

Saw-Mill Owners Advised To Renew License By Kemi Faleti

TRACE Boss Reiterates Corps' Zero Tolerance For Corruption By Bolanle Ogunlami

he Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has reiterated its zero tolerance for bribery and corruption among personnel. The Corps Commander, Ayodele Sangofadeji, who made this known in an interview in Abeokuta, added that no Officer is expected to collect cash from any erring road user for whatever traffic offence committed. According to him, tickets are to be issued to such offender and payment is to be made at designated banks. “TRACE is a cashless agency, so no officer would ask anyone for money for whatever traffic offence. They are expected to give you a ticket to collect a teller to pay into the bank where you collect official receipt; it is

the receipt that you produce to retrieve whatever was seized from you” Sangofadeji stated. Reacting to allegations that officers at Ogere are always extorting money from motorists, the Corps Commander advised anybody with concrete evidence to come forward, saying that TRACE Officers have their names tags on their uniforms for proper identity. He promised that all allegations of misconduct would be thoroughly investigated and Officers found culpable would be sanctioned. The Corps Commander advised motorists and other road users to exercise caution on the roads and ensure compliance with traffic regulations, submitting that doing this would reduce the possibilities of extortion to the barest minimum.

The Commissioner for Forestry Alhaji. Falilu Sabitu, who gave the aw-Mill Owners in Ogun State warning in Abeokuta at a meeting have been advised to renew with the Divisional Forest Project their licence latest by the end of Officers (DFPO), pointed out that next month to prevent the sealing of some saw-millers have not renewed their saw mills. their licenses while some saw-mills are springing up without due process. He warned that any saw-mill owner who refused to renew his licence would be penalized, while owners of illegal saw-mills would be prosecuted announcing that a monitoring team would be out to check licences and other illegal activities of saw-millers. “All Divisional Forest Project Officers and Central Log Control unit should check saw-mill licences. Saw-millers have up till the end of March to pay for last year. We have given them the grace, anybody who fails to pay, seal off his saw-mill” the Commissioner ordered. The Commissioner explained that the present administration was committed to making live more Alhaji. Falilu Sabitu abundant for its citizens, saying that Commissioner for Forestry

revenue generated from the reserves would be used to provide social amenities. Meanwhile, Divisional Forest Project Officers (DFPO), have been challenged to devise new plans and strategies to generate revenue. Alhaji Sabitu warned that the Ministry would no longer condone inefficiency and ineptitude on the part of the Officers, charging them to support the Ministry in its bid to ensure better performance. He charged them to inform the Ministry of challenges militating against achieving results, warning that lack of fund would not be an excuse for poor performance. Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Akeem Akinsanya, hinged their low performance on revenue generation on the eight-day strike which he said grounded business activities all over the nation. He also added that the hike in the petrol pump price was a major challenge to their daily operations as this has increased their operational costs.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

ACROSS THE STATE| 11

Amosun Inaugurates 3 Statutory Commissions And Board By Ayokunle Ewuoso

gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has sworn-in Chairmen and Members of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and inaugurated the State Housing Corporation Board members, charging them to shun all acts of nepotism, favoritism, corruption and other vices that could bring disrepute in the course of their duties.

Senator Amosun further advised them to make fairness, fir mness, dedication and objectivity their watchword. He said: “we have carefully selected men and women of high integrity, and professionalism who are apolitical and unbiased from a pool of renowned managers of men and materials of which Ogun State is abundantly blessed. You must remember that the good people of the State await your total commitment in bringing about positive change in our electoral system”.

While assuring the people of the State that his administration would not relent in its mission to rebuild the State, Governor Amosun said the inauguration of the Commissions and Board was a pointer to the fact that his administration was set to rebuild the electoral system and values as well as strengthen the other arms of government. He pointed out that he was determined to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement in the State that would outlive his tenure, adding that the

process would ensure good leadership for an all-round development of the State.. Speaking on behalf of other chairmen and members, the Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, Alhaja Risikat Iyabo Ogunfemi, described their appointment as a call to service assuring that members would put in their best in the discharge of their duties. The Members of the Commissions inaugurated include Mrs. Risikat Iyabo Ogunfemi as Chairman of the State Independent Electoral

Commission, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, Chairman, House of Assembly Service Commission and Hon. Justice Olatokunbo Olapade State Chief Judge, serving as the Chairman of the State Judicial Service Commission, while Alhaji Basiru Fadairo serves as Chairman of the Ogun State Housing Corporation Board. Also sworn-in at the occasion was the Chairman Caretaker committee, Ijebu East Local Government, Mrs. Bakare Iyabo Olubukola.

Govt. Pledges Support For Genuine Investors

ts drive to attract investors notwithstanding, only those with genuine intention to make meaningful contributions to industrialisation of Ogun State will be given necessary support and encouragement to establish their businesses. T he Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, who stated this while answering questions from newsmen, said a situation where people are allocated large expanse of land utilising it as expected would no longer be tolerated. He explained that the recent trip by the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to Philippines, Malaysia and Dubai was necessitated by the need to ascertain the genuineness of investors from those countries who had earlier approached the State Government

By Gbenga Moronfolu

for land to establish businesses. He said experience of the past had shown that in some cases, some investors applied for land to establish their businesses, only for them not to do anything after being given land allocation.

ollation of credible data on HIV and AIDS and other related diseases have been identified as a veritable tool needed by Government in its fight to curb the spread of the diseases. The Director, Ogun State Action Committee on AIDS ( O G U N S AC A ) , D r R a n t i Oladeinde, stated this in Abeokuta at a meeting between officials of SACA, Enhancing Nigeria's Response (ENR) and Medical Officers of Health in the 20 Local Government Councils in the State. The SACA boss identified the myriads of problems being encountered by operatives at the local government to include lack of financial support by the Councils , noting that nonavailability of data also hinders adequate planning of interventions. She appealed to the Medical Officers in the various Local Governments Councils to assist the Local Government Aids Action (LACA) Managers in the

floated by the Ogun State Government and the Bank of Industries for small and medium enterprises, Mr. Ashiru maintained that it was not a national cake, but a well thought-out economy-revamping plan meant for only those who are willing to boost their businesses. He said so far, about 300

people have indicated interest in obtaining the loan, while more people are being encouraged to form cooperative societies to enable them access the loan. The Commissioner appealed to the people to come to the Ministry for more information on the criteria for accessing the loan.

…Tackles Menace Of Illegal Toll Collectors By Gbenga Moronfolu

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru Commissioner for Commerce & Industry

Importance Of Data Collation In Combating Diseases Highlighted By Yetunde Soaga

The Commissioner however assured that government would continue to create an enabling environment for g enuine investments to thrive so as to create more employment and fulfill its dream of industrializing the State. On the N1bn industrial development loan scheme jointly

arduous task of data collection at the grassroots where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS was high. Also speaking, the State Project Manager of Enhancing Nigeria's Response to HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, Mrs Foluke Omoworare, disclosed that her organization has a 6 year mandate which would end by year 2014. She called on relevant agencies of the State government to put necessary machinery in motion in order to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the role being played by ENR in the State. In their submissions, the Medical Officers in the Local Government appealed to the State government to prevail on Local Government Chairmen to provide the wherewithal to support them in combating HIV and AIDS so as to mitigate the spread of the disease at the grassroots.

he Ogun State Government will hencefor th take decisive action against illegal road tax collectors exploiting the people and milking the State of its revenue. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru gave the warning when he led the Ministry's haulage e n f o r c e m e n t t e a m t o Fe e Collection toll points at Papalanto, Ogere and Iperu. Otunba Ashiru condemned the activities of some unscrupulous

individuals who g o about collecting illegal tolls and issuing fake receipts to unsuspecting motorists in the name of government. “Only those with letters of authority and proper identification card can collect the road tax”, he stated. The Commissioner said the enforcement team confiscated fake receipts from culprits who took to their heels on sighting the team, pointing out that the exercise would be continuous and that anybody caught in the act

would be arrested and prosecuted. He directed the immediate withdrawal of the accredited haulage fee collecting agents that were not on duty as expected and implored those interested in working as haulage fee collecting agents to go through the proper channel. Some motorists who spoke in an interview commended the State Government for its effort at sanitizing the road tax collection system, noting that this would go a long way in relieving them of the burden of paying illegal tolls.

CDAs Charged To Partner Govt. On Devt.

embers of Community Development Associations in Ogun State have been urged to continue to complement the present Administration's efforts towards bringing development to all nooks and crannies of the State. The Commissioner for Community Development and Co-operatives, Chief Samuel Duro Aiyedogbon, gave the advice in Abeokuta during the first State Standing Committee meeting of the Ogun State Community Development Council. The Commissioner said that the rural and infrastructural development component of the five point agenda of the present administration can only be effectively implemented if CDAs complement efforts in this direction. The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Community Develop-

By Adeniyi Akinbobola

ment, Mr. Samuel Tanimowo, disclosed that a sum of N25m had been released as grant-in-aid to all Community Development Associations to embark on meaningful developmental projects across the State. In his contribution, the Chairman Caretaker Committee, Abeokuta North Local Government, Honourable K amil Akinola, said the meeting was convened because of the desire to improve on the socioeconomic well-being of residents, assuring that the council would continue to give financial support to the CDAs. In his welcome address, the Chairman Abeokuta North Zonal Community Development Council, Alhaji Olayiwola said the grant in-aid would be spent on developmental projects spread across the State, especially at the grassroots.

Also addressing the meeting, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Ajibola Odulate, underscored the importance of immunizing children between the ages of 0-59 months to guide against poliomyelitis and other childhood killer-diseases, urging mothers to take advantage of the February round of the immunization exercise.

Chief Samuel Duro Aiyedogbon Commr. for Comm. Development & Coops

12 | PHOTO PANORAMA

Hon. Commr for Information & Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu (Left) making a presentation to the Managing Director, Punch Newspapers, Mr. Ademola Osinubi during a courtesy visit to the Punch Place in Ogun State.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State in a handshake with Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, Speaker OGHA at the commissioning of Dangote Cement Factory, Ibese while Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun looks on

Hon. Olayiwola Abiodun Ojodu (1st left) inspecting blocked drainage at his constituency area in Abeokuta North Local Government. Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Daniel Adejobi inspecting construction work at the Media Village Ajebo, Abeokuta

Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Falilu Sabitu (1st left) leading his team on an inspection of a Sawmill at Ijebu-Igbo. With him is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Olufolaranmi Onayemi (2nd left) and SSA on Forestry, Barr. Olayinka Odufuwa (3rd left)

Members of the Keep Fit Club in a physical training session at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta during their 9th Anniversary

The Ogun State House of Assembly Football team led by the Speaker (5th right) in a group photograph at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta during a novelty match with the Executives

Mr. Ayo Oluyemi, Director of Information (Production Services) presenting a copy of Ogun Update Newspaper to Mr. Sesan Akinsanya, a veteran Journalist during a courtesy call to the Ministry of Information and Strategy while Mr. Jide Oyegunle, Director of Information looks on

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

SIA-IN-ACTION | 13

Catching SIA In Action Commissioning of Dangote Cement Factory, Ibese

Governor Ibikunle Amosun administering a dose of Polio Vaccine on a child during the Oral Polio Vaccine Joint Advocacy Day at Abule Iroko in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government

President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, waves to the crowd upon arrival at the venue

L-R: Gov. Amosun, President Jonathan and CEO, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote seated at the occasion

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun in a toast with a member of Female U-20 National Team during a Dinner organised for them after their qualifying match against Kenya at the Presidential Lodge, Kuto Abeokuta

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State (2nd left) accompanied by (from 3rd left to right) Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, reading out the communique at the end of the South West Governors meeting held at Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta.

HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Paramount Ruler &Alake of Egbaland receiving an Award plaque of Lisabi Elite Club, Abeokuta from Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State during the end of year party of the club while the President looks on.

Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi receiving her Letter of Appointment as the Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) after being sworn-in at the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Exco Chamber.

14 | SOCIAL

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Social

Miss Kafilat Olatunji of the Ministry of Budget & Planning and siblings in a group photograph during the 40-days Fidau prayer for their mother, Alhaja Alimotu Abake Olatunji in Abeokuta. Mr. Ayo Oluyemi (arrowed), Director of Information (Production Services) & wife, Mrs. Ibiyemi Oluyemi (arrowed) together with other family members at the final burial ceremony of Pa Taiwo Akinwumi, the father-in-law of Mr. Ayo Oluyemi held at Owode Housing Estate, Ibadan.

Mr. Adebakin Lawal of the Ministry of Information and Strategy with his lovely wedded wife, former Miss Oluwakemi Olakitan of NSCDC in a group photograph with some staffers of the Ministry of Information during their wedding ceremony at Akomoje, Abeokuta North LG

Mrs. Simbo Olayinka of the Ministry of Information and Strategy joined by husband (4th right), Editor, Ogun Information Service, Mt. Waheed Adesina (1st left) and some Press Officers to cut her birthday cake on 14th February.

Mr. & Mrs. A.O. Amosun of the Ministry of Health in a group photograph with well wishers during the christening of their twins recently

Mr. Tade Matthew, Personal Assistant to the Commissioner for Housing joined by some staffers in the Ministry to mark his Birthday Anniversary

Alhaja G.A. Bashiru presenting a send-off gift to Deaconess D.E.A. Oni (middle) of Ministry of Health and husband after 35 years of meritorious service. With them is Dr. M.A. Tijani, Director, Hospital Services and Dr. S.A. Oni, former PS, Ministry of Health.

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OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

FEATURE | 15

Feature

Mission To Rebuild Ogun State Roads By Bunmi Odumusi

ood governance is all about fulfilling promises to the electorate especially developmental projects which would have positive impact on the citizenry. Today the people of Ogun State can begin to testify to the good works of Senator Ibikunle Amosun on infrastructural development, especially roads. Without reservation or fear of contradiction, the Governor could aptly be called “Mr. Fix it.” The fixing of roads cut across rural, semi-urban and urban areas, including expressways which connect major cities that cut across some States of the Federation. The reason for fixing road in the State is not far fetched. Naturally, the Governor as father to all residents of the State will not discriminate between Federal or State roads since there are no Federal citizens. The yearning of Ogun State people concerning road construction is being met daily with the various road rehabilitation projects embarked upon by the present administration. Within a space of eight months of this administration, commuters and vehicle owners can begin to heave a sigh of relief as the nightmare hitherto experienced by them due to bad roads are gradually disappearing. Despite the fact that the administration came in during the rainy season, it left no one in doubt as to its ability to face the daunting challenges it met on ground. A drive round major cities revealed a high level of failed roads, which was a nightmare for commuters. No sooner the dry season set in t h a t t h e G ove r n m e n t through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure

Men of the Ministry of Works at Infrastructure tarring the internal roads of Sam Ewang Housing Estate

deployed men and materials to the affected roads. Most of the failed roads which cut across the three Senatorial districts of the State were rehabilitated, while new link roads were constructed, along with township roads in some major towns of the State, as well as border towns with Lagos State, in addition to the expansion of Owu-Totoro road which re presented a major intervention by the State Government, to mention but a few. The reason for according the sector such prominence, is not far fetched as most roads in the State had became impassable as a result of the rains of 2011 which affected them, making some practically impassable, coupled with the erosion that also cut off other roads. This regime in appreciation of the positive impact that the provision of motorable roads could have on the socio-economic development of any society, is determined to leave no stone unturned in its quest to meet the aspirations of the teeming masses of the State. Beyond this, Gov-

ernment also recognizes that if it will make any head way in food production and self sufficiency, good and durable access roads to evacuate farm produce are also essential. Moreover, the dream of the present administration for Ogun State is that it should compete favourably with other States in the Federation in terms of good road network coupled with aesthetic beautification of the roads with paved walk ways and flowers. During the campaign for the number one seat in Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun toured virtually all nooks and crannies of the State, listened to their demands and gave them his words that if voted in, he would meet those demands within the available resources at his disposal. One of such places he visited was EWANG ESTATE in Abeokuta. He must have seen the agony and the hardship being experienced by the residents of the Estate mostly public servants and had made up his mind to come to their aid. Ewang Estate was the first Ogun State Govern-

ment Low-Cost Housing Estate established in 1998 by the then Military Administrator, Group Captain Sam Ewang on owneroccupier basis for low and middle income earners. At the onset, the Estate could boast of all the trappings of modernity-stable electricity supply, good drainage, good earth road and water supply; until some years ago, when the issue of water supply became an anathema, coupled with the earth roads that had become almost impassable. Twelve years down the line, the trappings of modernity that was so alluring to the residents of the Estate was fast disappearing. No good roads, no potable water and a lack of all these essential utilities, made the residents send a Save- our-Soul message, to the Government. Appeals were made to successive Governments to come to their aid; but no success was recorded as it seemed the Estate had been forgotten. When the residents came to their wits end, they resorted to palliative measures to make the roads

within the Estate motorable. Contact was made with the Ministry of Works to help fill a portion of the ring road and to fix a damaged culvert. However, when they least expected, reprieve came their way. The man whose mission is to rebuild Ogun State, the silent revolutionary of our time, Governor Ibikunle Amosun deemed it fit to assuage the sufferings of the residents by giving them a worthy Christmas gift. Third week in December 2011, Government through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure mobilized First August to site; and within one month Ewang Estate wore a new look-a good asphalted road courtesy of the State Government. The once dusty and dingy road is now a toast of other Estates. A resident even remarked that if the Estate can have it so good at the initial stage of the administration, then the Estate is possibly on a fast track to better times ahead. A gubernatorial candidate during his electioneering campaign once said that he wanted to make Ewang Estate a “little London”. Although it came across as a political gimmick, God himself noted that comment and at His appointed time, used the Governor to actualize it. I strongly believe that the Ibikunle Amosun government would faithfully and effectively fulfil all its electoral promises and take the State to the next level. The citizens are expected to support the administration by carrying out their civic responsibilities, including payment of taxes and levies. Bunmi Odumusi is a Director of Information in the Ministry of Information and Strategy

16 | FEATURE

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Perm. Secs Attend Training Workshop T By Femi Onasanya

he State Government has organised a one-day training Orientation and Training Workshop for Permanent Secretaries in the Ogun State Civil Service titled: ''Towards Excellent State Civil Service Delivery”. The training workshop which was held at the State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, 25th January, 2012, drew a total of 38 Permanent Secretaries with the resolve to continue to make the civil service the toast of others in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Ibikunle Amosun stated that having realised that the Civil Service remains the engine room of a successful ser vice delivery his government embarked on reforms and training programme for public servants. Senator Amosun assured the Permanent Secretaries of his total commitment to enhancing the welfare of public servants, urging them to uphold the excellence the State was noted for. His words: “Let me assure you that the present administration is unreservedly committed to enhancing the welfare of the public service. We

will continue to do this with a sincere belief that public servants will also reciprocate this gesture with improved professionalism, loyalty and dedication in the discharge of their duties.” The Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle in a paper titled: “Transformational Leadership”, commended the Governor for the timely approval for the conduct of the workshop. She promised that it was a worthwhile investment which would soon bring bountiful harvest, forge understanding and team spirit in the day today interaction between the political class and the civil servants. She added that the workshop was to ginger the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries into the realities of the responsibilities now placed on their shoulders. The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training , Mrs. Yetunde Kujore in her welcome address, remarked that the task of rebuilding the State could only be successfully implemented if public servants key into the process of actualisating the vision of transforming the lives of the people. According to her, “let me reiterate that His Excellency is

Cross section of Permanent Secretaries at the Training Workshop

passionately committed towards ensuring an astronomical development of the public service to ensure that it can compete favourably with its peers in the Federation and more importantly his Excellency desires that the State Public Service should

Unified Examinations Commence in Ogun By Sakirudeen Bashiru & Lawon Solanke

experience with the serving Permanent Secretaries. They enjoined the Permanent Secretaries to make their marks on the sands of time. T he workshop featured presentation of other papers on vision and mission of the present administration in the State, disciplinary procedures and communication, among others.

CHANGE OF NAME

tudents in public secondary schools across Ogun State have sat for their unified first term examination. It was the first of its kind in the history of Ogun State, conducted basically to ensure that the lost standard is brought back to the educational sector as well as give rewards to teachers whose students excel in the examinations. The first term examinations, which should have been held at the end of previous term had to wait till the beginning of the second term due to logistics problems, was conceived to align students with the qualitative drive of the administration in the area of education. The successful conduct of the examinations marked the beginning of the process of improving educational standard in public secondary schools across the State. The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Segun Odubela in an interview with Ogun Update said the examination was initiated to inculcate in the students the habit of studying hard that could help them come out fine in subsequent examinations that would be conducted in the nearest future. Barrister Odubela who blamed mass failure in external exams, such as West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination and National Examination Council on the inability of most schools to cover the required syllabus had been placed on the practice of teaching the syllabus halfway which he said left students at a disadvantage when they sit for external exams. He was however optimistic that good passes in the unified exam could guarantee academic excellence and help Ogun State students compete favourably in global examinations. Unified examinations he said would not only serve as an encouragement for schools to complete the set scheme of work but jolt all the stakeholders to their individual responsibilities.

be at the top''. Present at the occasion were seasoned guest speakers, including the former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Mr. Israel Ogunseye, Retired Permanent Secretaries like Reverend S.A. Ogunfowora and Mr. T. Adewole as well as Otunba R.A Adedipe, who shared their wealth of

I formerly known as Miss Adenmosun Abimbola Ttilayo now wish to be addressed as MRS. SOYOOLA ABIMBOLA TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. Office of the Accountant-General and general public should please take note.

I formerly known as Miss Oyero Ayomide Hannah now wish to be known and addressed as MRS . OMIYOOLA AYOMIDE HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known as Miss Adekunle Victoria Oluwaremilekun now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINBOLA VICTORIA OLUWAREMILEKUN. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Commerce and Industry and general public should please take note.

I formerly known as Miss Ajibose KafilatOlubukola, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SALAKO KAFILATOLUBUKOLA Ministry of Justice and general public should please take note.

Students of St. John’s Anglican High School, Kuto Abeokuta writing the unified examination

The Commissioner said the results of the examinations would soon be released, adding that Government would reward teachers whose student perform creditably well, noting that the administration was poised to promote excellence. He observed that the problem of getting to the hinterland on time with the papers, not starting the papers on schedule, and non arrangement of question papers according to individual schools formed bulk of the hitches experienced during the exams. He assured that his ministry has put in place various corrective measures to checkmate future occurrence of such challenges. These corrective measures, he said, include arrangement to have the question papers compiled and sealed up according to the nominal roll for each subject per individual school. According to the Commissioner, nothing in the just concluded first term examinations was outside the school curriculum for the said term. Contrary to the widespread notion that the exams were solely set by the officials of his ministry, he disclosed that the subject teachers association for each subject actually set the questions based on the scheme of work of the schools. Barrister Odubela explained that after the appointed body of examiners

had submitted three options of question papers, subject experts in the ministry scrutinized, juggled the questions and picked out the set that was eventually printed and used in schools during the examination. He said the same method was being used in marking the scripts. “There was no direct swapping of scripts in terms of proximity of those schools to each other but rather the scripts were distributed for marking in such a way that no school could possibly track the markings”, he said. He also noted that the unified examinations would be a regular feature in public secondary schools across the State. Meanwhile private secondary schools have begun to show interest in the exams so as to catch up with the standard set by the Government. T his, the Commissioner said, would also be extended to the private school as soon as the government and private schools owners reached agreement. Barrister Odubela said parents and guardians should not see the gesture of government as an opportunity to abandon their responsibilities to their wards while students should show readiness to reciprocate government's gesture by reading hard to reposition the State as number one among its peers.

I formerly known as Miss Adeyemi Taiwo Olamide now wish to be known and addressed a s M R S . O N A T U N D E TA I W O OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. Bureau of State Pension and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji Mulero now wish to be known and addressed as MR. ISRAEL AYODEJI ABIODUNMULERO. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Mr. Lawal Muiz Idowu, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. MUHAMMED MUIZ IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Budget & Planning and general public should take note. I formerly known as Miss Sawe Oluwatosin Taiwo now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLANIYAN OLUWATOSIN TAIWO. SUBEB and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Adegbite Folashade Oluwatoyin now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AWOPETU FOLASHADE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. I formerly known as Miss Oloyede Abibat Oyebola, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. YUSUF ABIBAT OYEBOLA. All former documents remain valid office of the Accountant General and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Ajibola Taiwo Adebimpe now wish to known and addressed as MRS. OSHO TAIWO ADEBIMPE. TESCOM and general public should please take note.

I formerly known as Miss Fabuyi Olubukola Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAWAL OLUBUKOLA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. Bureau of Electrical Services and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Olakitan Oluwakemi Adenike now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAWAL OLUWAKEMI ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Oyewole Omobola Janet now wish to be addressed as MRS. OGUNMUYIWA OMOBOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Faleti Simbiat Atinuke now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MOBOLAJI SIBIAT ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Health and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Ogunrinde Oluwafunmilayo Morufat now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. KILANKO OLUWAFUNMILAYO MORUFAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Adesegun Abosede Janet now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINWUNMI ABOSEDE JANET. SUBEB and general public should please take note. I formerly known as Miss Awofolaji Sadiat Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SOREMEKUN CHRISTIANA FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Agriculture and general public should please take note.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

ACROSS THE STATE | 17

Across The State Olaniyonu Clears The Air On Purported Conflict Over Tax Remittance

ontrary to insinuations in some quarters, there is no conflict between Ogun and Lagos State Governments over the remittance of residency taxes. The Ogun State Commissioner for Information and S t r a t e g y, A l h a j i Yu s u p h Olaniyonu, who made this clarification while fielding questions during a courtesy visit to the Punch Newspapers, declared that rather than having a conflict, the two States are working out modalities towards ensuring proper remittance of taxes accruable to Ogun State under the residency tax law. Alhaji Olaniyonu said that the issues concerning the residency tax law had been sorted out with the Lagos State Government, adding that

By Kudus Kafidipe

special panels has also been set up to look into issues of boundary adjustments on OdeOmu and Ikorodu axis of the States. He noted that it was a

Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu Commissioner for Information and Strategy,

deliberate policy of the present administration in Ogun State to develop border towns through the provision of necessar y life-enhancing infrastructure, so that residents in the areas can have a sense of belonging and feel the need to pay their taxes promptly and appropriately too. “Anybody residing in Ogun State should pay his tax into the coffers of Ogun State Government, no matter where he works. Among other things, Government has been fixing roads in these areas, so the

By Folake Ade-Adeniji

he Executive Secretary, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Beatrice Tedy-Agba has commended the present leadership in Ogun State for the provision of affordable quality education at the primary and secondary levels and efficient health care delivery system. She gave the commendation in Abeokuta at the 9th meeting of the Joint Technical Committee on Trafficking between the Nigerian and Republic of Benin. According to her, the gesture of the Senator Amosun's administration on qualitative education and affordable health service would go a long way in reducing the vulnerability of children to trafficking. Mrs. Tedy-Agba noted that the forum presented an ample opportunity for the two countries to meet and interact in the fight against the menace of human trafficking, particularly as it concerned women and children along their common borders. The Executive Secretary noted that the Nigerian Government and its Beninoise counterpart in 2005 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to prevent, suppress and punish human trafficking, especially women and children because of their desire to stem the illegal trafficking of persons for labour exploitation. In his welcome address, the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said that the meeting was in line with its mission to rebuild the State, especially in the area of protection of children's right against

exploitation and trafficking. Governor Amosun, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Aderonke Adeyokunnu, stated that his administration had approved the establishment of Rehabilitation Homes and Transit Camps to address and reduce trafficking in persons across the State and nation in general.

Ministry of Budget and Planning has started a sensitization tour to all the 20 Local Governments of the State. Speaking during visits to Ifo and Ado Odo/Ota Local Governments, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo disclosed that the Ministry would also use the tour to interact with the people at the grassroots in preparation for

the 2013 fiscal year. Mrs. Muoyo said the State government remained committed to its rebuilding mission as it planned to spend more on capital projects. She recalled that out of N200.55bn ear marked for expenditure in the 2012 budget, 55% would be spent on capital projects such as potable water, electricity generation, construction of roads, schools and hospitals among others. According to her, this would create an environment that would make living abundant for residents capable of attracting genuine

Environment Ministry Commences n view of the heavy rainfall being expected this year, the Drainage De-Congestion

Ogun State Ministry of Environment has commenced massive decongestion and clearing of drainages and water-ways to forestall occurrence of flooding in the State. The State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Adebayo Faari, said the action became necessary because of the forecast

Alhaji Adebayo Faari Commissioner for Environment

Welcoming the Commissioner and his entourage earlier, the Managing Director/ Editor-In-Chief, Punch Newspapers, Mr. Ademola Osinubi, said that the organization commenced publication in 1971, but moved to its current location in 2009. He added that the establishment has been discharging its corporate social responsibility to the people and government but would not fail to call government to order when it feels this is necessary to ensure good governance.

Ministry Takes Step To Ensure Implementation Of 2012 Budget

s part of measures to NAPTIP Lauds Govt. For Providing ensure that the Year 2012 Budget of Ogun State is Qualitative Education faithfully implemented, the State By Kehinde Balogun

onus is on them to reciprocate this gesture so that government can have more money to provide for their needs” He stated. The Commissioner added that the State Governments' intervention on Federal roads in the State was borne out of its desire to create a conducive living and business environment for the people without prejudice, pointing out that an overhead bridge would be constructed at the Ibara roundabout to ease traffic gridlock.

By Soji Bisuga

by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Institute of Metrology (NIMET) of early heavy rain in the State this year. H i s wo r d s “ w e h a ve commenced clearing of all the d r a i n a g e s a n d wa t e r- way channels through the canals to the streams. We have also embarked on massive construction of drains within the major towns of the State to ease water flow during the rains”. He therefore urged all the residents of the State to complement g overnment's efforts by ensuring that their drains are cleared and free of objects that could constitute hindrances to free flow of water in the drainages. Alhaji Faari warned those dumping their wastes into drainages to desist from such act

as it had been identified as major cause of blockage of drainages. In a related development, Government has urged industries operating in the State to ensure compliance with International Environmental Impact Standard and guarantee safety of the people of their host communities. Alhaji Adebayo Faari, gave the advice during the State Environmental Protection Agency's (OGEPA) visit on Environmental Standard Compliance Assessment Tour to Sona System, ABML and DeUnited Industries in Sango-Ota. A l h a j i Fa a r i e n j o i n e d industries operating in the State to improve on the safety of their environment and reduce pollution, admonishing them to replicate the international standard achieved in their manufacturing premises in environmental impact standard.

investors, which would ultimately increase revenue accruing to the State. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Abayomi Sobande, urged Local G ove r n m e n t C h a i r m e n t o continue to be thorough, promote financial accountability and due process. Responding, the Chairman Transition Committee, AdoOdo/Ota Local Government, Alhaji Seriff Yusuf Abiodun, sought the State Government's intervention in curbing encroachment of land by the neighbouring State. He said the ignoble act had affected the revenue being generated by the council. To shore up the council's revenue, Alhaji Abiodun said the Local Government had contracted revenue generation out to players in the private sector who also effectively monitor officials of the Local Government. In his remark, the Chairman Transition Committee of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Adebayo Yussuf Ekun, pledged his commitment to creating more infrastructural facilities to have a conducive and congenial environment for the people.

Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo Commissioner for Budget and Planning

18 | WHEEL OF ACHIEVEMENTS

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Wheel of

By Oluwaseun Oyelade

ealth care delivery is not just an individual responsibility. It is an essential aspect of every society. Health is an important and indispensable value worth pursuing in any society. A healthy society is a sine qua non for a balanced society. When a society doesn't work it's because the individuals or the groups are out of balance. If the nation looks at the society only as a family, and neglects its health care system, the country will have difficulties being well and productively organized. This means that the responsibility of the people with regard to the provision of adequate, affordable and accessible healthcare rest on the shoulders of the Government of a particular country. In Ogun State, the present administration is doing all it could to pursue this responsibility as it has realised that a society without good health care delivery is as good as an empty bin. Recently, as a result of its immense polio advocacy activities, the State has been rated to be the best in polio eradication in South Western Nigeria. This points to the fact that childhood killer diseases are being eradicated, as a result of the unrelenting effort of the government to see the end of polio in the State. Worthy of note however is that people are now favourably disposed to immunization as opposed to what prevailed in the past. Our society is faced with different types of diseases rampaging children. Due to their vulnerability, they cannot overcome these diseases except parents and Government take steps to prevent and eradicate the killer diseases, including polio. The Amosun ledGovernment has embarked on varying degrees of Immunization activities, against childhood killer

Unending Worth of Ogun diseases. The primary health care development board saddled with the responsibility, engages in a quarterly polio advocacy activities. In addition to this, on 12th February, 2012, the State Government through its border health project collaborated with Lagos State on a joint Polio Advocacy Day in the programmed fight against the body wrecking disease. The State is equally not left out in participating in the National Immunization Plus Days observed annually in the country. In addition, there is also a rapid effort in the quest to roll back malaria in the State. This is being done in collaboration with SunMAP, roll back malaria partners. Special emphasis cannot but be placed on the Primary Health Care

Centres (PHCs) which the present administration has renovated within 100 days in office. This was to ensure that rural dwellers have access to basic healthcare. Nonetheless, government is not resting on its

oars by tending to children and primary health care alone, but also making sure that essential facilities and equipment are made available at undergoing Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH which is massive

Elega/Imala Primary Health Care Centre BEFORE renovation

Elega/Imala Primary Healthcare Centre AFTER renovation

renovation while its Radio Diagnostic Centre has been restored to a fullyfunctioning unit and the secondary health facilities are now provided with effective functioning medical equipment. Government has

WHEEL OF ACHIEVEMENTS | 19

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Achievements

Healthcare Delivery strengthened the State Accident and Emergency Services (OGSAS) while efforts are on towards resuscitation of ambulance services. Furthermore, a free eye surgical programme, in partnership with Indo eye

care foundation was also carried out to afford those with eye impairment the opportunity of restoring their sight. Record shows that a total of 300 persons benefited from the eye surgical expedition carried out in November, 2011.

As part of efforts to combat childhood killer diseases and make children grow healthier, learn better and be free from disease causing worms, deworming exercise is presently being carried out in public and private primary schools in

Presentation of Bus to the School of Nursing, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka

the 20 Local Government Areas of the State. On the fight to eliminate quackery, the State Ministry of Health organized a partners' forum with health organizations that are collaborating with the State Health sector. This has been described as the first of its kind in the State. Recently, amputees in the State had course to smile as they were given artificial limbs as a means of easing their mobility. In order to sustain the programme, a total of six technicians were trained in the art of manipulating and management and repair of artificial limbs. The State artificial limb service was inaugurated with the support of Rotary Internard tional on the 3 of February, 2012. According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, more programmes are still in the pipeline to boost and provide standard health care delivery system as it is an integral part of the fivepoint agenda of the Sena-

tor Amosun ledadministration. Some of these include ensuring that the refurbished primary health centres become fully functional and accessible t o t h e p e o p l e, f r e e healthcare for under- fives and pregnant women as well as aged people over 70 years. Furthermore, as part of efforts to deliver effective and qualitative health care in the State, a centrally digitalized medical store would be established while there would be total clampdown on unregistered medical practitioners and hospital premises as well as complete overhauling of all health institutions in the State. It will not be out of place to expect the best in terms of achievements that would have been attained at the expiration of the present Government's tenure since provision of effective healthcare is uppermost in its programmes of action.

Dr. Olaokun Soyinka with a child while monitoring the immunization proceedings in Odeda LG

Trainees of the artificial limbs donated by Rotary International in conjunction with the State government

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka with beneficiaries of artificial limbs donated by Rotary International in conjunction with the State government

20 | LEGISLATURE

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

From the Legislature

With Kayode Bello

Assembly To Review Local Government Law

gun House of Assembly has set up a committee to look into the modalities for a review of the local government law of the State. Moving the motion for a review of the law, Hon. Job Akintan (Yewa II State Constituency) said the law has not been amended in the last ten years and should be amended to make the local councils more vibrant and service-oriented. Hon. Wilfred AllenTaylor (Abeokuta South II State Constituency) supported the motion. Also speaking in support of the motion, Hon. Remmy Hassan (Odogbolu State Constituency) recalled that the last administration suspended some Local Government Chairmen without recourse to law. He said the Local Councils should be given some measures of autonomy. Hon. Taiwo Olakunle Oluomo (Ifo State Constituency) Hon. Abiodun Akovoyon (Idiroko/Ipokia State Constituency) also spoke on why the law should be amended. The Speaker, Rt. Hon.

Suraj Adekumbi later announced the members of the committee. They are Hon. Taiwo Oluomo Chairman, Hon Babatunde Egunjobi (Yewa South constituency), Hon. Victor Fasanya (Abeokuta South I State Constituency), Hon. Adeyinka Mafe (Sagamu I State Constituency), Hon. Job Akintan (Yewa II State Constituency), Hon. Tunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo (Mrs.) (Ifo II State Constituency) and Hon (Engr.) Joseph Adegbesan (Ijebu North II State Constituency). The Legislators have also confirmed the appointment of members of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission and the House of Assembly Service Commission. The Deputy Speaker Hon. Peter Banjo had presented the report of the Committee which screened the members of both Commissions. He said that the nominees are qualified for the positions. The Majority Leader Hon. Israel Jolaoso (Ewekoro State Constitu-

ency) moved the motion for the adoption of the report seconded by Hon. Olusola Sonug a (Ikenne State Constituency). Members of OGSIEC include Mrs. Risikat Ogunfemi, Chairman, Alhaji Korede Abdulgany Lawal, Alhaji Bisiriyu Adekanmbi, Barrister Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, Mr. Odubunmi Solarin and Dr. Oloyede Akindele. Members of the Assembly Commission are Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele - Chair man, Barrister Babatunde Oyeniyi, Mrs. Olufemi Agboola Ilori, Hon Wasiu Adewale Abass, Barrister Adebayo, Paul Adesegun while a seasoned Civil Servant would serve as Secretary. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekumbi informed members that the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun wrote a letter to the house requesting for another three months extension of tenure for Chairmen and members of Local Governments Transition Committees. Hon.

Ojodu Boosts Educational Prospects Of Youths

n a bid to encourage Yo u t h s t o b e w e l l equipped to take leadership position in the future, Hon Layiwola Ojodu (Abeokuta North State Constituency) has given out Unified Tertiary M a t r i c u l a t i o n E x a m i n ation(UTME) forms to some brilliant but indigent students in his constituency. Hon. Ojodu, the Chairman, House

of Assembly Committee on Information and Strategy said the gesture was to encourage the students to aim for higher attainment and equip them for the future. He announced that those who performed well in the UTME examination would be given Scholarship awards to higher institutions. Hon

Hon. Lai Ojodu presenting UTME application form to one of the beneficiaries

Ojodu enjoined political office holders to assist the less-privileged in the Society as a way of spreading dividends of democracy and deepening of the nation's democracy. In the same vein, Hon. Ojodu has put together computer course for youths as part of his empowerment programme. The beneficiaries are undergoing three and six months training in different computer courses. They include Computer Engineering, Desktop Publishing, and Computer Appreciation among others. Hon. Ojodu said the programme would be a continuous one, and that beneficiaries would at the end of the course be in a position to be on their own instead of looking for job.

Hon. Job Akintan Yewa II State Constituency

Israel Jolaoso thereafter moved a motion to grant the request and was seconded by Hon. Olusola Sonuga. The House now has a new mace, the symbol of authority. The new copper mace replaced the former wooden mace in use before. The Majority Leader Hon. Israel Jolaoso moved the motion for the replacement and was seconded by Hon. Olusola Sonuga (Ikenne State Constituency) Meanwhile, the Assembly has confirmed the

appointment of Mr. Mohammed Ogunleye as the Auditor General of Local Governments. The Confirmation was sequel to the adoption of the screening Committee's report headed by Hon. Adeyinka Mafe (Sagamu I State Constituency). The motion for the adoption of the report was moved by Hon. Israel Jolaoso and seconded by Hon. Adeyemi Harrison (Ogun Waterside State Constituency).

Akintan Appeals To Benefitting Communities Of Rural Electrification

on. Job Olufemi Akintan (Yewa Nor th11 State Constituency) has appealed to the Communities who are benefitting in the World Bank Assisted Rural Electrification Projects to cooperate with the contractors for timely completion. The Legislator stated that the Project was to further bring development to the communities and that conducive atmosphere

should be provided for the contractors to complete it within four months as scheduled while assuring that other communities would benefit in the next phase. Some of the benefitting Communities include Asa Ko r e d e, A g b o n - O j o d u , Ibeku, Iselu, Igboro, Ikotun Ologiri and Agberun. Others are Igbeme, Tolobo, Ibiyan, Ile-Ijeun, Ika-Eja, Aruku, Lasilo, Iyana Agbede and Ijale-Ketu.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

ACROSS THE STATE | 21

Know Your Legislators [3] The 7th Legislative Ogun State House of Assembly was inaugurated on June 6, 2011. Below are the profiles of some Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly:

everend Abiodun Matthew Adebayo, a teacher, is born to the family of Chief Abiodun Sarah Amos was born on the 22nd of April, 1961. He hails from Ipokia. Reverend Abiodun had his early primary education at St. John's Anglican Primary School, Ihunbo where he obtained his first school leaving certificate in 1972. He then proceeded to Ansar-uDeen Teachers College, Ota, where he obtained his Grade II Teachers Certificate. He proceeded to Federal

on. Asiwaju Mafe Adeyinka (Bar r.), is representing Sagamu I State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology in the Seventh Legislature of Ogun State House of Assembly. He attended the Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island and University of Benin, Edo State and has Masters in International Business-Law from Cambridge University. He was honoured with the first Student Union Merit Award for his unprecedented

rince Kunle Oluomo was born i n t o t h e Roy a l family of the immediate past Olu of Ifo on 11th

C o lleg e o f E duca tio n , Pankshin, where he obtained his B.Sc (Educ.) from the University of Nsukka. Reverend Abiodun a

role as the Chairman of the University of Benin Student Union Transport Commission in 1995/1996. Hon. Mafe joined the Local Government Council and he drafted almost all the bye-laws of the Council in 1998. He was honoured with various Chieftaincy titles from his Communities which include Asiwaju of Emuren-Remo, Sagamu, the Olu-Omo of Remoland by the Akarigbo of Remoland, has been awarding Scholaramong others. s He has contributed h i p s t o S t u d e n t s o f immensely to the develop- Remoland. ment of his Community and

October, 1963. He had his primary education at St. Michael Catholic Primary School, Mushin Olosa and later proceeded to Anglican Grammar School, Oke-Nla, Ifo. Hon. Kunle studied Jour nalism at Bayero University, Kano. He also holds Diploma in Public Affairs and Advanced Diploma in Corporate Administration and Registry Management from the University of Lagos, respectively.

o n . A i n a Nurudeen Akinpelu, representing Ado-Odo/Ota I State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, was born on 30th of April, 1971, at Ota in Ado/Odo Local Government of Ogun-State. He had his primary education at St. James Primary School, Ota between 1976 and1982. He was at Lagos Demonstration School, Surulere, Lagos between 1982 to1983 before proceeding to Ansar-uddeen Grammar School and Agosasa Community High School, Oke-Odan from

teacher has his working career at Ipokia Local Government, Education authority between 1986 and 1998. He held different positions such as being a class teacher and a Head teacher. He represents Idiroko/Ipokia Constituency, Ward Ihunbo/Ilase. Apart from being a seasoned teacher, he also eng ag es in community development activities. Reverend Abiodun Matthew is happily married to Mrs. Abiodun Sarah and the marriage is blessed with five children.

1988 to 1993. In pursuance of his academic career, he went to University of Ilorin, Kawara State from 1995-2003 where he obtained his LLB degree

He has been the Publisher of Ifo News since 1989 and a Human Rights Activist before going into politics. He was elected into the Ogun State House of Assembly for the first time in 2011 and he is the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Hon. Oluomo is a member of Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Amnesty International. and graduated from Nigerian Law School, Abuja in 2007. A man of many parts, Hon.Akinpelu was a Farm Consultant with Iporo Trado-Pharm, Lanlate and Pa Twins Fish Farm, AdoOdo/Ota between 1990 and 1992. He started his legal practice with Femi Odutola & Co, Lagos in 2007. He later joined Gbola Adeosun & Co, Ota, between 2008 and 2009, Principal Partner, Akin AinaAlakanse & Co, Ota from 2009 till his was elected into the State's House of Assembly in 2011.

on. Job Akintan th was born on 30 September, 1972 at Oja-Odan, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. He had his primary education at Yewa North Primary School 1, Oja-Odan

on. Remmy M. Adewale Hazzan th was born on the 26 of June, 1972 in Kaduna. He started his primary education at St. Michael Pry School Kaduna, St Paul's Primary School, Omu-Ijebu and Z. I. Primary School Omu-Ijebu. His love for education made him to continue his Secondary Education at OmuIjebu where he obtained his West African Examination Certificate. For his tertiary education, he went to Federal Polytechnic Nassarawa for his N.D. and YabaTech for H.N.D., both in Estate Management and Proceeded to University of Nigeria

and secondar y school education at Egbado College, Ilaro before proceeding to Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro where he obtained National D i p l o m a i n M e ch a n i c a l Engineering. He then proceeded to University of Lagos to bag Advanced Diploma Certificate in Human Resources Management. His quest for knowledge took him to University of AdoEkiti for his first degree programme in Public Administration. He is at present pursuing his Master's Degree also in Public Administration at Ladoke A k i n t o l a U n i v e r s i t y, Ogbomosho. He has several professional Certificates and Awards in recognition of his

Nsukka for his Post Graduate in Construction Management and later to the University of Ibadan for his M.SC in Housing. He worked as Principal Officer in the Ministry of Lands and Housing between 1998 and 2006 in Bayelsa. He held Political positions as Principal Liaison Officer (PLO) to the Governor on Lands Matters, Bayelsa State between 2000 and 2006 as well as Member, Ogun-State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011. He was re-elected into the House to represent Odogbolu State Constituency since 2011 till date. He is a member of many

on Olusola A k a n b i Bankole was born on the 4th of September, 1964 in Ado-Odo, Ota, Ogun state. He began his primary education at Local Government School, Ketu, Die-Owe, Ogun state. He had his secondary school at Saka Tinubu Memorial High School, Orile-Agogo, obtained his National Certificate in Federal College of EducaEducation (NCE) at the tion, Katsina, in 1989. He

on. Adeleke Sulaimon Akano was born on 4th October, 1962 at Ayetoro, ImekoAfon Local Government. For his academic career, he attended St Matthew Primary School, Idi-Emi for his elementary education from 1972 to 1978 and his West African School Certificate

performance and contributions to the growth of the Society. Hon. Akintan was the Managing Director (Operations), of Elak Petroleum Ltd and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Joakslink Ltd, a company that deals in petroleum marketing, importation and exportation, commodity supply and general trading. On coming into politics, he was elected Member, Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Yewa North II (Ketu) State Constituency in 2003 and was re-elected in 2007 and 2011 respectively, thereby making him the longest serving Legislator in Ogun State. He is the serving Minority Leader in Ogun State House of Assembly.

professional bodies, including Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Nigeria Institute of Environment and Chattered Institute of Arbitration.

proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka where he bagged his B.Sc (Edu) degree. He also attended Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. He has served as a class teacher, Monitoring Officer and Education Secretary between 20032010. He later ventured into politics and now represents Ado-Odo/Ota II Constituency of Ketu, Adie-Owe Ward.

(WASC) at Idi-Emi High School between 1980 and 1986. He later obtained his Diploma in Public Administration from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. He is presently representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency. Concluded

22 | FOR THE RECORDS

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

The Civil Service And Concept Of Work Ethics By A-F.A. Opebiyi At a lecture “Towards Effectiveness in the public service '' in the Ogun State Public Service Forum Series, our distinguished forerunner and benefactor, Mr. Augustus Adebayo (OFR), Head of Civil Service in the Former Western State observed inter alia that: “The reality of the opinion is that at the upper echelons of the Civil Service, we have officials who are highly educated, constantly over-worked and carrying heavy burden of responsibility most of the time. In the face of diminishing facilities and resources, they are daily struggling against odds to keep up with government programmes and keep the department afloat. They deserve nothing less than our appreciation and encouragement. But the same cannot be said of Civil Servants in the lower cadre of the service. This is where the problem lies because it is these grade of officials who are in daily contact with members of the public and from whom the public and the press form their image of the Civil Service. It is they who issue various forms and licenses to the public, who distribute seeds and fertilizers to farmers, who supply drugs and dressings to patients in hospitals.'' It is to them that telephone subscribers lodge repeated complaints about their telephones and wait endlessly for them to turn up to repair the telephones; electricity faults are reported to them and the customer hangs on in suspense. It is at these lower cadres of the civil service that innumerable services are provided to the public and it is from them that the public form their impression of the civil service. “At these lower cadre, I must be frank enough to admit what we all know of themleathergy, apathy, laziness, rudeness to members of the public, malingering; presenting false sick certificates in order to go and attend to private business and a host of other deplorable attitudes. This is the area in which the civil service is in need of immediate drastic attention. There should be frequent in-service training courses for the junior cadres. In addition, and more importantly, there should be severe punishment meted out to all those caught in these despicable lapses. I have found from many years of experience that the language these lower cadres of staff understand is that of fear of punishment. As often as they are caught they should be summarily sent out of the service''. Also, in the early 80's a few years after our entry into the Civil Service, it was a common opinion by our then seniors that the service had been corrupted. As our Ijebu colleagues would put it ''Service ti boje''. It is clear to us all, if service was corrupted then, then things are much worse these days. Without doubt and in spite of the legitimate claim that Ogun State possesses one of the most outstanding Civil Service in the federation, things have really deteriorated in the service so much so that the deterioration is threatening the effectiveness and efficiency of Civil Servants in carrying out their legitimate duties. The staging of this lecture is therefore very apposite and timely. Before going any further in this lecture, it is necessary to come to terms with the key words and phrases in the topic of the lecture, ''The concept of work ethics in the Civil Service of Ogun State''. These are concept, work, ethics or work ethics, civil service and Ogun State. “Concept'' is defined by Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary as an idea or a principle that is connected with something. Microsoft Encarta Premium Suit 2004 says, it is something thought about, principle affecting perception and behavior; a broad abstract idea or a guiding general principle such as one that determine how a person or culture behaves; how nature, reality or events are perceived. Synonymous of the word ''concept'' according to Thesaurus are idea, notion, thought, impression, perception, theory, model, hypothesis, views and belief. According to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary,'' concept'' is something conceived in the mind, thought, notion, an

abstract or generic idea from particular instances. “Work” as used in the noun phrase '' work ethics'' is adjective meaning '' used for work while '' ethics'' means the code of conduct or behaviour governing an individual. It also means a complex of ideas, beliefs or standard that characterize or pervade a group or community. Therefore work ethics can also be paraphrased as code of conduct or behavior governing an individual or a group at work. As for civil service, it is defined elaborately in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Civil Service Handbook as ''a body or organ which enjoys a continuity of existence'' unlike Hon. Member of the House of Assembly who are limited to a short term of office at the end of which they may not be re-elected. However, a civil servant, who relinquishes his office for whatever reason, is replaced by another person who equally enjoys security of employment. The last key phrase is ''Ogun State''

pride of their class and envy of others. If the worthy image created by those people that attracted many of us into service has been tarnished, we have no choice but to retrace our steps and correct our ways. The prescription that worked for them then is still available and will definitely work for us too. Some of the attributes and traits that will assist us in reenacting the worthy image will be discussed shortly. DISCIPLINE Discipline is one of the most vital in the civil service. With adequate discipline, we will abide by all the rules and regulations. We should hold the interest of the service as paramount. All acts of indiscipline must be shunned. Such acts as lateness, absenteeism, indolence and all forms of corruption must be avoided. One handicap which we used to have in this regard was the non-availability of relevant manuals such as General Orders (now Public Service Rules), Financial Regulations, etc. But all these have now been corrected by the State

Alhaji A-F.A. Opebiyi Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy which needs no definition as you are probably more conversant with its location, boundary, ethnic groups, population and character. Suffice it to state that, Ogun State, with a land mass of 14,409.25sq km is a State in the South West of Nigeria, bounded in the North by Oyo State, in the West by the Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey), in the East by Osun and Ekiti States and in the South by Lagos State. Most impor tantly, it has 20 Local Governments with Yoruba and Egun as major indigenous Languages. In essence, this is concerned with looking at the general principle of the code of conduct of carreer Government employees in the South West State located between Oyo and Lagos States, or put more simply, the code of ethics for civil servants in the State. As earlier pointed out, there has been a great decadence in the service such that it is difficult to distinguish civil servants from others. Civil servants of those days were known to be disciplined, loyal, honest, courteous, tactful and industrious. Other attributes of the then civil servants were dedication, tidiness, kindness, frugality, patriotism and efficiency. Then, those who worked as civil servants were accorded great respect and they held their heads high and were highly fulfilled in their chosen careers without any need to envy other professionals. That period ushered in the period of super-Permanent Secretaries, the

Gover nment. We should therefore familiarize ourselves with the manuals and adopt them for guidance in the discharge of our duties. HONESTY In consonance with the popular parlance, honesty is the best policy, Civil Servants should always be honest in their duties. We should remember that as Martin Luther King Jnr., a U.S Civil Rights Leader in his ''Strides Towards Freedom,” pointed out, “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it''. Honesty exalts a nation whereas dishonesty constitutes a set-back and an impediment to progress. Above all, we are paid for the job we are doing and should not demand or receive anything in money or material from anyone for the performance of our duties LOYALTY As Civil Servants, we should be loyal to any Government in power and not be involved in any act that will undermine the regime we are supposed to be serving. Our energy should be channeled in the direction of ensuring the success of the programmes of the party in power. After all, Dwight Whitney Morrow, a U.S Diplomat and politician in a letter to his son stated that,'' the world is divided into people who do things and people who get the credit. Try, if you can,

to belong to the first class”. There is far less competition. Any Civil Servant that finds it difficult should opt out of the service. COURAGE We live in a changing world and Civil Servants should display necessary courage in taking up assignments they are deployed to do. A situation where people lobby to remain on a schedule will only work to the detriment of the Officer concerned and the Service in general. Infact, challenges should be seen as necessary steps towards progress and elevation. We should therefore, accept new challenges with courage and deter mination to succeed. Where necessary, we should not mind acquiring necessary formal knowledge on full or parttime basis. In addition, a Civil Servant should have the courage to take up heavy schedule or uphold the ethics of the Service even in spite of preponderant opposition. We should also resist temptation from all quarters. If we are frank, we will accept that one of the traits which have rendered some agencies comatose is their rudeness to their customers. In those days, staff of such agencies would frequently leave their seats to visit the toilets, the bank or for whatever other flimsy excuse when customers dutifully lined up in front of them. However, when things changed and competitors emerged, they lost all those customers and now virtually beg people to come and do business with them. In this regard, all Civil Servants should be courteous and polite to all the people they come across in the course of their jobs. Who knows, apart from enhancing the image of the Service, such Officers may meet people who may be of benefit to them in future. Even when we have a heavy schedule which may tend to dehumanize us, we should act courteously. CO-OPERATION For success in any organization we must co-operate and work assiduously to realize the goals of the organization. The contribution of both the junior and senior officers must be harnessed for total success. We should remember that for the organizational goals to be attained, the overall boss, the messenger, the driver, the cleaner, the clerical officers, the secretary, the middle level and top officers must collaborate just like the members of a football team. INDUSTRY By industry, one is talking about useful hard work as opposed to work done with little or nothing achieved. This is akin to what we describe as ''eye service'', whereby people work to be noticed. To attain good result in the work one is doing, one needs to know the following: one's work, the various parts of one's schedule, and the order of approaching the various stages of the work. In addition, one should have a rough idea of when the work will finish as well as present his writing in clear and direct style, if the work involves writing. TIDINESS Apart from presenting a positive picture to outsiders who visit a tidy office, it is also easy to locate files and papers orderly kept than one in a heap. In fact, chances are that items kept in a heap can be taken for rough papers and mistakenly destroyed or torn. In the same manner, an officer's table must be kept tidy and clean for the same reason as stated earlier. DRESSING One other area in which serving officers have not lived up to the tradition of the founding fathers of civil service, is the way they dress, and their style of living. Officers must dress neatly, moderately and smartly to the office, wearing full national or European dress. While it may be difficult to expect junior male officers to wear coat or complete agbada to the office, such officers must dress neatly and smartly. In the same vein, flamboyant life style is not befitting of civil servants as this portrays them as unserious and corrupt. Such a picture is generally viewed as that of their offices and class. We should adopt modesty in all we do. In addition, Public Service Ethics frown at eating in the office, removal or

conversion of government property to personal use and engaging in other activities for financial rewards during office hours. ATTITUDE TO PUBLIC FUNDS In the civil service, various provisions are stipulated for the receipt and disbursement of public funds. All officers involved in the collection or disbursement of public funds must conduct themselves strictly in accordance with the extant rules, regulations and instructions. Wastages of public fund must be discouraged. In essence, one must exercise as much caution in disbursing public funds as he would disburse his own private funds. The same caution should be exercised with government resources generally. EXERCISING AUTHORITY All officers entrusted with authority over certain other officers or materials should realise that the officers in Government employment and materials acquired with Government funds are to be deployed for the attainment of public good and not for the personal gains of the officer in charge. Therefore, we must constantly ask ourselves each time we need to deploy Government resources whether such are being utilized for the public goal they are designed for or for the satisfaction of personal desires. INK Civil Service Ethics dictate that all officers excluding political functionaries should use blue, black or blue-black ink or biro on all official papers. Numbering of pages are done in red, numbering of attachments are done in blue. Green and purple are used by Audit and Legal Officers respectively. Green is also used by the Hon. Commissioners while red is reserved for the State Executive and President. Pencils are used for making notes or when there is likelihood that what has been written may be erased or changed later on. NEUTRALITY Civil Servants are to be neutral in the discharge of their duties. They should be apolitical by being loyal without being sycophantic. It should be recalled that the indiscretion of some officers has cost them a lot on the change of regime. For this reason, any civil servant who is interested in politics and wants to pitch his tent with any of the political parties, should resign and join full time politics. SECRET Some documents in the civil service are of confidential nature and must not be disclosed to unauthorized person. For this reason Officers are made to sign the Oath of Secrecy and should exercise discretion in the information they disclose to outsiders. In cases where Officers need to disclose the content of any file or letter to outsiders, such Officers must seek and obtain clearance from superior officers. A situation where Government secrets are seen on the pages of newspapers or freely circulated in the larger society, is unbecoming and contrary to the provision in Public Service Rules 04414 and 04415, pursuant to the Official Secret Act (Cap. 335). We should all therefore keep all Government documents secret. CONCLUSION The above list is inexhaustive and as it is generally known that ''ignorance is no excuse in law''. It is, therefore, advisable for all Civil Servants to familiarize themselves with extant circulars, regulations and manuals so that they don't run foul of the law. Without prejudice, I wish to appeal to junior officers to make up their mind about staying in the Civil Service or leaving. If they decide to stay, they must constantly improve themselves and more importantly, keep abreast of the rules and regulations which must be observed in totality. As for the senior officers, I invite them to see the following quotation by Betrand Russel, a British philosopher and mathematician who lived between 1872 and 1970 in his Skeptical Essays, Eastern and Western Ideas of Happiness: “ We have, in fact, two kinds of morality side by side, One which we preach but do not practice and another Which we practice, but seldom preach We should act what we preach and vice versa” Alhaji Abdul-Fatai A. Opebiyi is the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Information & Strategy.

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

SPORTS | 23

Sports

Gateway United Will Be A Model Club In Nigeria - Okegbenro

he State-owned soccer outfit, Gateway Football Club, a national Division One side is now under a new management led by the veteran sports journalist and sports administrator, Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro. When the Management took over, the club was indebted to its players, coaches and other backroom staff but Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led Government has since cleared all the arrears in salaries and wages. The club is now looking forward to greater challenges after structural changes and recruitment of new players to rejuvenate the squad. In this interview with our man, Rotimi Oduniyi, the General Manager, Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro spoke about the challenges and efforts at repositioning the club. Who is Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro? An ordinary Nigerian, a teacher and a journalist by training who veered into Sports Administration and Management. Tell us your antecedent in sports? I got into sports very early in life. I played hockey and table tennis as a school boy and moved to journalism side of sports in 1982 as a Youth Corper in Lagos. I started Sports Journalism after my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in 1983 as a Senior Sport writer, and I rose to the level of Deputy Editor before I left in 1987. I worked in several Newspapers and magazines, and edited sports in three major newspapers namely: The Mirror Group of Newspapers, the Concord Group of Newspaper and Daily Times Group of Newspapers. What are the challenges so far since your appointment? Well, we have been in the saddle for 3 months now and it's been exciting. I called it exciting because every day brings new challenges, tasks and you are challenged to draw into your reservoir of skills and knowledge to solve problems. You solve many problems, management problems, training problems and many others. We are aware that you have embarked on contract negotiations with your players for the new season. What is the situation now? We actually concluded registration and contract documentation 24 hours ago. This time around, we want to do things remarkably different from the previous regime. We want to ensure p r o b i t y, t h o r o u g h n e s s a n d professionalism in all we do. So we have designed a very rigorous documentation, registration and player- contract templates that must involve all the agents, management, lawyers or other representatives of each player and each technical official. This is to avoid some

of the experience we met on ground where the previous administration did not have proper records of players on transfers, players coming in and leaving the club on loans, players whose tenure of contracts were not clearly articulated and documented. Also, questions of financial obligations of the club to players have not been properly documented, informal negotiations and a lot of transactions that the players were claiming to have and holding on to. A lot of contracts that we did not find in the files. This time around, we want to start on a clean slate. As I speak with you, the club is indebted to the so called players transfer arrears of N29m or thereabout. Most of these things don't have proper documents backing them. And for us, as a forward looking regime these are things from the level of Commissioner, Hon. Gbenga Otenuga and the management under my leadership are determined to change all that. We want all players that wear the shirt of Gateway United Football Club from this season to be very relaxed and assured of very good condition of work, protective contracts with legal backings and documentation of all that has to do with their obligation to the club. Recently the League Board said some clubs will not participate in the new league season and Gateway United is involved. How do you intend to cope? At the time we came we had over seven cases standing before the players arbitration committee relating to all manners of claims by the players against the club. When we started our investigation, we found out that none of these things have proper record. None of the things was documented

Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro General Manager, Gateway Football Club

in the record of the club. Some of the money we are to pay now is money we really should not be paying if the previous administration has gone about it professionally. Relating to the pronouncing by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that we will not play or some club will not play, we have been holding meetings with them. The government and the Ministry with the assistance of the Hon. Commissioner are making every effort to ensure that we settle all encumbrances and register our players. I assure you that we have completed the aspect that relate to the players while the officials will soon complete theirs. All eyes are on you and your team to make sure that Gateway Football Club return go to the premier league. What support in specific terms do you want from the government and the people of Ogun State? Thank you, this is a very beautiful question. All over the world, we all know that football has gone beyond mere pastime or recreational sport to major business and like any other business; football starts with very massive investment. We are very desirous and ambitious of returning

'We Are Ready To Host International Matches' - Amosun By Rotimi Oduniyi

gun State Government is always ready to support various national football teams in hosting their continental and international matches in the State. According to the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, sports bring a lot of development to the host State, adding that anytime such opportunity presents itself, his government will be

more than ready to accept the challenge. On the possibility of camping the female under-17 side in Abeokuta in preparation for the under 17 world cup in Azerbaijan later in the year, Governor Amosun said the State will be more than willing to accept the offer as it will showcase the State to the outside world. On his Government's sports policy, the Governor said since sports

has become a big business and a veritable source of generating revenue, his administration will continue to invest in sports and encourage sports men and women to excel in their various games. Governor Amosun also used the opportunity to reiterate his Government's resolve to encourage the Stateowned soccer outfit, Gateway Football Club to gain promotion to the premier league next season.

Gateway to the premier division b e c a u s e we a r e representing an elite State in the Country. We are representing a class of the Nig erian people known all over the world to possess one of the best in terms of culture, education, exposure and knowledge. That means we are convinced that Gateway United FC is a club that should be playing at the highest level. For next season we are determined and we are doing everything to return the club to the premiership. We need a lot of investment in quality players, investment in quality coaching personnel. All of these we have endeavoured to do with the help and support of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Your advice for the organizers and Nigerian referees? My appeal to top officials of the Nigeria Referee Association who will be handling matches all over the country is that they should encourage young footballers, young professionals and help their career by being very honest in the way they handle matches, uphold to the very letter the ethics of world football which is fair play. For the league board, I want to assure them that we will give them all the support. We want to be the model club. We have adapted to modern ways of doing things and we are already getting a lot of results. We want to be the model club because all our dealings are IT driven, all our players will be captured on data based system and there is no â&#x20AC;&#x153;magomagoâ&#x20AC;? in all the things we do here. The league board should therefore be professional in the way it runs the league so that in the next two years, our clubs should be able to compete with the best in the world. This is possible in term of manpower and intellect. Nigeria football does not deserve its present dismal position. We must all join hands together, work very hard from various ends to take our football to where it rightly belongs.

Regular Exercise, Panacea For Healthy Living By Jamiu Lawal

he Ogun State Head of Ser vice, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, has advised the people of the State to cultivate the habit of exercising and not just being idle, eating and sleeping, as these are detrimental to good health. Mrs. Adekunle gave the advice at the 9th anniversary of the Gateway Keep Fit Club held at the MKO Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta. According to her, everybody irrespective of age, sex, class and home need to exercise regularly in order to keep the body and soul healthy and alive, calling on all and sundry to be involved in physical exercises. She enjoined people to be disciplined and continue exercising to ensure a healthy society, calling on the organizers to keep floating such events so that the people can partake therein. Speaking, the President of the Club and a former Head of Service, Surveyor Godwin Ogun, stated that the need to continue engaging in regular physical exercise of the body has been described as a panacea for living a healthy life. Surveyor Ogun noted that the club was established to encourage the promotion of healthy living,

saying that physical exercise helped achieve mental, social, physical and emotional well being of the people. He explained that the Gateway Keep Fit Exercise being carried out weekly has helped to fortify the people to meet the challenges of their daily activities at work. The former Head of Service said membership of the Club was drawn from amongst top government functionaries from the State such as Permanent Secretaries, Directors, General Managers of Corporation and parastatals, Assembly Members as well as private sector executives in the State. He lauded the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led-administration for its moral, physical and material support for the club in achieving its objective. Highlight of the event was the presentation of a plaque in recognition of the immense contribution of Mrs. Adekunle to the club as the treasurer and mobilizer of all civil servants to register with the club was presented to her by the Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun. Also presented with a plaque was the immediate past Head of Service, Princess Iyabo Odulate-Yusuff.

N S TA T

GERIA

OGUN UPDATE | February 2012

Sports

Stories by Rotimi Oduniyi

Zambia Joins A Elite Class

brand new name has been added to the list of past African Nations Cup Winners. It is the Southern African Country of Zambia Known as the Chipolopolo in their local dialect or Copper Bullets, the Zambians slained the Elephants of Cote d’lvoire in the final match played at the Stade De Lamite in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. In a tense but exciting finals witnessed by who is who in world football like FIFA president, Joseph Sepp Blatter, the European Football Governing Body President, Mitchell Platini, the boss of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, and not forgetting several

Heads of States, the Zambians held their own against the highly favoured Ivorian team led by Chelsea Striker, Didier Drogba. Although the full and extra time ended goalless, the capacity crowd at the stadium and millions of viewing audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves with the savvy and delicious displays of both teams.

...Wins 2012 Africa Nations Cup In fact, the encounter was a fitting climax for the competition cohosted by Gabon and Equatoria Guinea and an excellent commentary on the standard of African Football. After a breath-taking penalty

kicks which resulted into a sudden death, the Zambians prevailed 8 goals to 7 with the Zambians coached by Frenchman Herve Renard dedicating the victory to the memory of the 1993 Zambia team that died after their

plane crashed off the coast of Gabon. The next edition holds next year in South-Africa with the qualifying matches starting this month across the continent.

CAF 1st Eleven

Zambia: 2012 AFCON Champions

Meanwhile, the confederation of African Football (CAF), has named its first eleven for the competition

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Kennedy Mweene Jean-Jacques Gusso Stoppile Sunzu John Mensah Adama Tamboura Emmanuel Mayuka Yaya Toure Seydou Keita Gervinho Christopher Katongo Didier Drogba

- Zambia - Cote d’Ivoire - Zambia - Ghana - Mali - Zambia - Cote d’Ivoire - Mali - Cote d’Ivoire - Zambia - Cote d’Ivoire

NCF Partners Ogun Govt. By Jamiu Lawal

BITS & PIECES Henry

League Player Strikes Deal

Eguma Banned

Plateau United Striker, George Akpabio has penned a deal to play for South African PSL side, Ajax Cape Town. Akpabio was among the top scorers in the Nigeria league last term with 17 goals despite his team's poor run in Nigeria Premier League (NPL). He came through the youth ranks of Plateau United, who this season are campaigning in the Nigeria lower league after they were relegated last season.

Nigeria Olympic team coach Stanley Eguma has been banned for five years while Nigeria Premier League Champions, Dolphins of Port-Harcourt have also been fined N10 million for their roles in an alleged match-fixing scandal that rocked the NPL last session. Lobi Stars of Makurdi had alleged that title-chasing Sunshine Stars compromised the match Officials during their match in Bauchi, which ended in a draw. Dolphins eventually beat Sunshine to win their third league crown. According to the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee, Barrister Leye Adepoju, Eguma was sanctioned for attempted match- fixing.

King Osanga Joins Sochaux Club Former Nigeria Under-20 international, King Osanga has joined French club, Sochaux on a one and half year loan deal from Tunisian club, Etoile-du-Sahel. The 21year old has passed his medical tests and would be the third new signing of the club. Sochaux has been a favourite hunting ground for former Super Eagles star, Wilson Oruma as well as striker, Brown Ideye, who has since transferred to Ukranian club, Dynamo Kiev .

saw the Italian International sign a new deal until mid-2017 that will earn him £5.4m a year. Juventus goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon who was the previous highest paid Italian in Serie A is currently on an annual salary of £5 million. However AC Milan striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the highest-paid player in the Serie A with £7.5 million per year plus bonuses.

De-Rossi

Serie A Highest Paid Players Roma midfielder, Daniele De Rossi has become the Serie A highest paid Italian player. De Rossi's recent contract extension

Ibrahim

Roma’s Daniele De Rossi

igeria Cricket Federation (NCF) is set to partner with Ogun State Government in setting up an international turf for Cricket at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta to promote the game of Cricket in the State. The President, Nigeria Cricket Federation, Mr. Kwesi Sagoe, gave the assurance during a courtesy call on the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Olugbenga Otenuga in Abeokuta. Mr. Sagoe said the Federation was ready to collaborate with the Senator Ibikunle Amosun's administration to make the stadium serve as international venue that could host global competitions and serve as centre for cricket and camping in Nigeria. He also lauded the State Government's efforts at developing the game of cricket in the State, disclosing that the State indigenes dominated the cricket national team. Responding, the Commissioner hinted that the current administration in the State was committed to promoting grassroots sports, which would aid talent discovery and promote team building.

Mr. Otenuga noted that the redefinition of the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium would see to the upgrade of the Cricket pitch, so that the State would continue to play its leading role as champion in the game. He opined that in its bid to fast track development of Sports in the State, the Ministry has commenced inter-ministerial collaboration, while the private sector was also involved in the promotion of grassroots sports development especially in the Primary and Secondary Schools. The Commissioner affirmed that Senator Ibikunle Amosun ledadministration would continue to provide an enabling environment for stakeholders to aid sports development in the State, assuring the Federation of Government's support to the growth of cricket in the State. The State Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Adesola Faleti, who described cricket as one major sport that had won many laurels for the State in all national and international competitions said it deserved to be developed, commending the State Government for prompt release of fund for sporting activities in the State.

Published by: Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Tel: 08106505683 Letters and Contributions: The Editor, P.M.B. 2034, Abeokuta or E-mail: oguninfo@yahoo.com, oguninfo@gmail.com Editor: Kayode Bello