OGUN TO SANCTION ILLEGAL SCHOOL OPERATORS

Barr. Segun Odubela

All illegal and unregistered school operators in Ogun State have been advised to regularize their status by registering with the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on or before July 31^st 2012, failure to which they would have their premises sealed.

The Commissioner Barrister John Olusegun Odubela, who gave this advice in a statement, pointed out that recent survey had revealed that over 1000 illegal schools are operating in the State.

Barrister Odubela added that the registration of schools operating in the State became imperative to ensure easy identification of government-approved schools, prevent parents from innocently enrolling their children into illegal schools and stop the proliferation of substandard schools.

He stated that government did not intend to disrupt the education of any child, saying this is why the July 31^stdate was given as a period of grace during which affected schools were expected to regularize their status or be closed down.

“We are committed to ensuring that education is provided by suitably qualified and experienced education professionals. We will license fit and proper persons, operating in fit and proper premises. That is our responsibility to the young residents of Ogun State and it is taken very seriously”, he said.

The Commissioner said that the Ministry had established a task force, headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Tunji Abimbola to ensure that all schools operating illegally in Ogun State are closed and to assist parents to identify legally registered schools through the publication of the list of such schools in the State Government Website.

Barrister Odubela also pointed out that the Ministry maintained a list of legally registered schools who have met the required standards, and that any school that is not on the list is presumed to be illegal and would be closed down while the operators will be prosecuted.

He further explained that the Ministry recently held a meeting with the executive of the State chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, who welcomed the move to curtail the activity of illegal schools.



FLOODING: OGUN TO DREDGE MAJOR RIVERS

Gov.Ibikunle Amosun

In its determination to tackle perennial urban flooding in Ogun State, government says it would look into the possibility of dredging major rivers within urban centers to aid free flow of such rivers.

The State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who disclosed this at a forum in Abeokuta assured that his administration would continue to take proactive steps towards addressing the perennial urban flooding in the State.

Governor Amosun lamented that most of the disasters referred to as natural were indeed man- made as some unscrupulous elements engage in activities that distort waterways and as a result cause flooding.

The State’s helmsman submitted that if drainages were clean, structures removed from water ways and river courses, and residents observe the laid down rules and regulation on town planning particularly, the observance of the “set back “rules, the occurrence of flooding in the State would be reduced to its barest minimum.

The Governor noted that the State has been faced with the threat of flooding almost on yearly basis since 2007, adding that his administration on assumption of office took special interest in issues affecting the environment and had put in place measures that will put to check the annual menace.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Adebayo Fari noted that a bill to provide a back-up law for its statutory duties for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will soon be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for passage into law, while plans were on-going for the procurement of more state-of-the-art emergency rescue equipment and an ambulances for SEMA.

Mr. Fari noted that the workshop was put together to educate the public on the flooding that may occur this year as the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) had predicted heavy rainfall and to work out appropriate measures to be taken to prevent, mitigate and lessen its impact on lives and properties of the people.

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Iyiola Akande said the global warming phenomenon has led to an increase in disasters worldwide.

Governor Amosun Begins Townhall Meetings.



Alh. Yusuph Olaniyonu.

As part of activities marking the one year anniversary of his Administration, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and top officials of the Ogun State government started a series of town hall meetings, today Monday 21^st of May, with opinion leaders and commissioning of projects in the state's three Senatorial Districts.

The Senatorial Town hall meetings kicked off in Ogun west at the Empire Hall, Ilaro.

The Ogun Central Town hall meeting scheduled to hold on Tuesday at the Abeokuta Sports Club Complex, Oke Ilewo in Abeokuta will be preceded by the laying of the foundation stone of the Model Secondary School in Onijanganjangan as well as the commissioning of the access road constructed to link the Industrial Park in the same area and the Arinlese-Saje Road in Abeokuta.

On Wednesday May 23, the Town hall meeting will move to Ogun East Senatorial District and will hold at the Itoro Hall, Ijebu Ode.

In Ogun East, Governor Amosun and his team will commission the flood and erosion control project at Molipa Community and will turn the sod for the construction of the Model Secondary School at Yemoji in Ijebu Ode.

The programme planned for the Anniversary will continue with a Youth Interactive session with Commissioners to be held at the OGTV Hall on Thursday May 24 while the public presentation of 500 power transformers purchased by the state government for distribution to all local government areas will hold on Friday, May 25.

Also on Friday, a Jumat will hold at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta while a drama will be staged inside the Oba's Complex, Oke Mosan in the evening.

On Sunday May 27, church service planned as part of the anniversary will hold at St. Peter's Cathedral, Ake-Abeokuta while the Governor and senior officials of the administration will join children at the MKO Abiola Stadium to commemorate the 2012 Children's Day.

In the morning of Monday May 28, the Governor will host members of the National Assembly from Ogun State while the headline event for the day will be the commissioning of the 2.4 kilometer Ibara-Sokori-Totoro six-lane Road.

The road commissioning will be witnessed by dignitaries and members of the public.

On the Anniversary Day proper, democracy will be celebrated with the presentation of the Administration's scorecard by Governor Amosun at the newly refurbished June 12 Cultural Centre while a formal dinner will be held in the evening.

WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY FACILITATES N18.8M FOR CHILDREN UPKEEP

Mrs.Elizaberth Sonubi.

Some children and mothers from separated homes in Ogun State now have course to rejoice as the sum of N18.8m was collected from 2,115 fathers from such homes for the up keep of 3,608 children and wards from May 2011 till date.
            Disclosing this today at the on-going ministerial press briefing to mark the one year anniversary of administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi said the money facilitated by her ministry was the responsibility allowance from the fathers, adding that it would help remove unnecessary burdens on the mothers concerned.
            However, Mrs. Sounbi stated that a total of 173 couples were reconciled in the matrimonial reconciliation programme of her ministry in the last one year to reduce the rate of divorce and promote family unity in the State.
            Also, in the bid to ensure quality service delivery for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the State, the Ministry in collaboration with USAID/Hope World Wide Nigeria facilitated and monitored N10m conditional grants for the upkeep and maintenance of 3,000 orphan and vulnerable children, while four new orphanages were registered to further help in child development and protection.
Mrs. Sonubi added that her Ministry also inaugurated the State Women Advancement Forum (WAFO) with 300 women selected from the 236 wards in the State, while regular capacity building and training programmes were organised for them to strengthen their socio-economic status

OGUN PAYS N7.4B GRATUITY TO RETIRED WORKERS

 Mrs.Modupe Adekunle

The present administration in Ogun state since inception in May last year has paid a sum of N7.4B as gratuity and pensions.

The State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle made this known at the press briefing marking one year anniversary of the present Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

According to her, a sum of N3.02B has been paid as monthly salaries from May 2011 – April 2012.adding that a total of N1.5B has been released for the payment of gratuities to those who retired from May 2011 till date.

Mrs. Adekunle explained further that the present Administration has paid outstanding gratuity of N169m from October 2008 to October 2009 pointing out that government had also employed 4674 workers into the state civil service while the employment process is still on-going.

In the meantime, Mrs. Adekunle has commended the worker-friendly disposition of the present administration under Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Mrs. Adekunle, who gave the commendation at a press briefing to commemorate the one year in office of the present administration in the state, said there have remarkable improvements and tremendous achievements recorded in the public service since the advent of the present administration.

According to her, the workforce having enjoyed regular payment of Salaries and allowances, regular training and re-training and other benefits are now more than ready to effectively discharge their statutory responsibilities, revealing that more goodies are still in the offing for them to enjoy.

While calling on the civil servants to be diligent and loyal to the present administration the Head of Service urged them to join hands with relevant agencies of government at ensuring strict compliance to existing rules and regulations in the course of discharging their duties.

On industrial relations, she said the present administration has maintained a peaceful and cordial industrial atmosphere through regular meetings with labour union, assuring that the state was committed to its sustenance.

Forestry commissioner debunks claims on Bamboo seedling plantation site.

Hon. Falilu A. Sabitu

The present administration in Ogun State has said there is no iota of truth in the claim of the last administration that it established a bamboo plantation during its tenure.

The State Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Falilu A. Sabitu made this clarification while responding to questions from journalists during the on-going ministerial press briefing marking the first year anniversary of the present government in office.

The plantation which the last administration claimed contain some species which are edible and supposedly located at Olorunsogo in Ogun waterside Local Government Area of the State could not be located when the Commissioner and some investors visited the site.

“We were terribly disappointed with the experts that went with us when we got to the claimed bamboo plantation site and found the whole place empty, it was a total shame”, the Commissioner submitted.

Hon. Sabitu admitted that the plantation would have been a boost to the revenue generation drive of the Ministry if actually established, lamenting that with discovery, the State had been robbed of another great opportunity to ensure rapid development of its forest resources.

Speaking further, the Commissioner informed that in the last one year, his ministry had generated over N144 million, promising that it would be focusing more attention on how best to revive and conserve the over-exploited and depleted forest reserves in the State.

The Ogun state government is evolving friendly land use and allocation policies.

Mrs.Ronke Sokefun

The Ogun state government is evolving friendly land use and allocation policies in order to attract new investors.

One of such is the consensual rebates on land charges ranging from 40-80% to investors.

The director general bureau of land and survey Mrs. Ronke Sokefun stated this Wednesday while addressing journalists on achievement of the bureau in the last one year.

According to her, Senator Amosun on assumption of duty set up a judicial commission of inquiry into all land allocation, acquisition, sale and concession of government property and administration of land policies towards the realization of judicious, dynamic, efficient and effective land management policy framework to drive its five point agenda.

She said government through the agency and the judicial panel has been able to address and redress past abuses and maladministration of land which is a major resource for the state.

The special adviser informed that recommendations of the panel would serve as launch pad for the much needed land policy framework that would boost the economy, growth and wealth creation status of Ogun state.

Mrs. Sokefun also noted that government through the bureau effected compulsory acquisition of land in various parts of the state as necessary step towards its urban renewal and affordable housing agenda as well as an accelerated industrialization and rural development programme.

Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry has express govt's determination to reduce poverty.

Otunba. Bimbo Ashiru

Ogun state government has again assured the people that its policies on empowerment would reduce the level of poverty in the state.

Speaking on a special programme stock taking to mark one year in office of governor Ibikunle Amosun in office, the commissioner for commerce and industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru said over one billion naira had been disbursed to artisans, traders and women to empower them.

The commissioner also said that the security challenges facing Ogun state had been checked noting that the purchase of armed personnel carriers and various security measures had stemmed incessant cases of armed robbery.

He said many investors had indicated interest to establish both micro and large scale industries in the state noting that government would continue to partner with genuine investors.

Our Vision and Mission

O.G.B.C, FM STUDIO

VISION

Repositioning OGBC to an enviable position in the forefront of broadcasting; to serve as a credible, reliable and dependable medium of information dissemination within and outside Ogun State, as well as, on the international scene!

MISSION STATEMENT

To make OGBC a front liner in radio broadcasting in Nigeria in consonance with its appellations as “ The Nation’s Model Station” and “The Station of the Moment in touch with the future”!

To make OGBC an efficient vehicle of mass mobilization for social and economic development in a fledgling democracy, while serving as a two-channel of communication between the government and the governed.

To showcase Ogun State in the Global Village for both cultural and economic gains!

Ogun State Govt re-states commitment to rapid industrial growth.

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

The Ogun state government remains committed to the rapid industrial growth of the state through promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship.

In this regard, the government has been a pillar of support to micro, small and medium enterprises in terms of financial, technical and training assistance.

The state commissioner for commerce and industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru stated this Wednesday at the on-going ministerial briefing marking the first anniversary of Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s administration.

Such assistance included a one billion naira industrial development fund loan scheme for entrepreneurs in partnership with the bank of industry.

The commissioner explained that under the loan scheme 117 beneficiaries had received their cheques while others including about one thousand unemployed graduates will receive their in few weeks.

On infrastructural development of industrial estates, Otunba Ashiru said the reconstruction of the 700 meters access road to the industrial area at Onijanganjangan on Abeokuta/Lagos road had been completed at the cost of forty-five million naira.

Ogun State Head of Service speaks on the achievement of her office.

Government through the office of the head of service is committed to the sustenance of the current level of industrial peace in the state.

So says the head of service Mrs. Modupe Adekunle while briefing journalists in Abeokuta on the achievements of her office.

She said about 3,655 successful candidates were employed out of 53,000 applicants comprising junior and senior cadres.

 Mrs. Adekunle stated that additional 881 health workers in all cadres have been approved for recruitment in the health ministry adding that government through the civil service commission is in the process of releasing the second batch of the exercise.

The head of service who assured senior citizens that the administration will leave no stone unturned to ensure quality life for them added that government despite its meager financial resources has paid over seven billion naira to meet its commitment on gratuity and pension in the last one year.

House of Rep.Member speaks on the achievements of Gov.Amosun"s Administration.

Sen. Ibikunle Amosun

The Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in Ogun state has in less than a year at the helm of affairs in the state, demonstrated a resolute and unyielding devotion to turning around the fortune of the state for the better, as a way of making Ogun state answer to the name “gateway to all good things.”

This resolve has given the term “development” a fresh and indelible meaning, such that what comes to the mind of anyone who thinks about the body politic in the state is growth, in all ramifications.

The lawmaker representing Abeokuta South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Olusegun Williams made the submission when he came on as guest on O.G.B.C current affairs programme “Matters Arising” on Tuesday.                 

According to Honourable Williams, the state government has displayed a deep hunger to transform the state to an industrial grant, a crime free community and an entity in which citizens have the conducive ambience to harness their potential for more positive development.

He said the current administration has in its first year in office touched the heart of its citizens, cementing the bond between the governed and the government in the manner it has been tackling the challenges of infrastructural development.

He listed areas which the Midas touch of the government has touched to include massive road construction and rehabilitation, education, health, and agriculture.

The lawmaker did not leave out security, employment generation, which had seen the state government provide employment for not less than ten thousand unemployed citizens, coupled with various empowerment schemes.                  

Reeling out his own scorecard, honourable Williams said in line with his vision of bringing the dividends of democracy to his constituency, he has made numerous and crucial interventions in the areas of education, job creation and empowerment of artisans, as well as sponsorship of sporting activities to mention just a few.

Hon. Williams assured that his programmes which are in tandem with the Action Congress of Nigeria, (A.C.N) vision are a perfect complement for the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration, expressing confidence that the government in the state had done so creditably well that it will surely sweep the polls at the coming local government elections in the state.

Residents Of Ijebu-Ode Commend Governor Amosun's Free Education Policy.

Gov.Ibikunle Amosun

It was commendation galore for the Governor Ibikunle led administration in Ijebu-Ode on Monday, as the governor visited the Ijebu-Ode local government in continuation of his tour of local government councils in Ogun state.

Indigenes of the local government who thronged the Itoro grounds, venue of the rally to welcome the governor to the local government, bared their minds on the performance of the administration so far.

According to the secretary of the National Council for Women Society, Ijebu-Ode, Reverend Mrs. Olusanya, the free education policy will give many Children from poor background access to education.

On his part, the chairman of Nigeria Automobile Technician Association, N.A.T.A, Comrade Leke Balogun, said government had performed well in health and educational sectors.

Also speaking, the zonal deputy chairman of Road transport employers association of Nigeria, Comrade Fatai Osoba, said the current administration within one year in office had touched many lives through various developmental projects.

Another respondent, Prince Shefiu Bello, called on the government to pay attention to the development of the rural areas.