Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Metro

  • Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu plays politics without bitterness – Speaker Gbajabiamila declares

    Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu plays politics without bitterness – Speaker Gbajabiamila declares

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has hailed Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as a political player with no bitterness.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila made the comment in a congratulatory statement on Saturday on the occasion of thje 57th birthday of the Enugu Governor.

    He said Ugwuanyi, who was a member of the House of Representatives until 2015, has been a friend worthy of being celebrated.

    The Speaker said despite Ugwuanyi’s membership of a different political party, the Enugu State governor plays politics without bitterness, which is a virtue of a good politician.

    The Speaker recalled with nostalgia Ugwuanyi’s contributions to the development of the Legislature when he served as a member. He congratulated the Enugu State Governor for marking his 57th birthday in good health and wished him more years under God’s protection and guidance.

  • Delta Governor bothered about health insurance for vulnerable Nigerians

    Delta Governor bothered about health insurance for vulnerable Nigerians

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday called on the Federal Government to use 25% of funds expended on fuel subsidy to provide health insurance for vulnerable Nigerians.

    Governor Okowa stated this when he received the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olurunnimbe Mamora at Government House, Asaba.

    “If 25% of the money being used to subsidize today is spent to provide health insurance for Nigerians especially the poor it will help us to reduce maternal mortality in our country,” Governor Okowa said.

    In another development, former Senate President Bukola Saraki was in Detla state on a working visit on the invitation of Governor Okowa, his one-time seat mate at the Senate.

    During this working visit, Saraki commissioned the reconstructed DLA Road and its adjoining streets and the Government Primary School, Junior Staff Quarters in Asaba.

    “I must say, Governor Okowa’s administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Asaba and Delta State is laudable and commendable — as seen through his work in the areas of education, infrastructure and human capital development”, Saraki said.

  • Lekki deep seaport begins operations in 2023, investor assures Lagos govt

    Lekki deep seaport begins operations in 2023, investor assures Lagos govt

    Commercial operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) will begin in the first quarter of 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, Tolaram Group, the frontline investor handling the project gave the assurance on Friday.

    The Governor and members of the State’s cabinet are currently on a two-day working tour of the three free trade zones established in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos.

    The port, which is being constructed by China Habour Engineering firm, is occupying 90 hectares in the entire 830 hectares of land carved out for the Lagos Free Zone, created in 2012 to enhance economic position of Lagos as manufacturing and logistics hub in West Africa.

    The first phase of the seaport project, which is being financed by $629 million facility from China Development Bank (CDB), is at 48 per cent completion.

    After going through the project master plan, Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained committed to delivering project, stressing that the deep seaport and other investments happening in the corridor had the potential to increase the State’s GDP in multiple folds.

    He said: “Given the report I got and what I have seen here, I can say that Lagos Free Zone has made tremendous improvement. We have seen the level of partnership Tolaram Group is bringing in terms of international investment and local brands on this corridor.

    “I commend all stakeholders that are with us on this journey we have found ourselves. With the level of work we have seen, I’m truly excited. It is more gratifying that, we are taking up this assignment with all energies required and we all can see what we can achieve when we work together.

    “Since we signed a loan agreement less than 18 months ago, we have demonstrated strong capability in bringing the project to reality. This is the first quarter of 2021 and we have seen the project in about 48 per cent completion. The investors have given us the commitment on first quarter of 2023 completion date. We will fulfill all our parts to make sure this date becomes reality.”

    Sanwo-Olu, who noted that he had been part of the conversation for the development of the free zones as a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2006, said his administration had recorded significant progress in bringing the projects to reality.

    The Governor said the priority accorded to the construction of complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor was a demonstration of his Government’s fulfillment of its pledge to Lagos residents. He promised the State would work with the timeline to ensure all projects mapped out in the zones are deliver.

    Sanwo-Olu said the size of the deep seaport will allow 18,000 TEU capacity vessels, which are four times bigger than the ones berthing at Apapa seaports, thereby scaling down the cost of container transportation from any part of the world.

    He said: “The interesting part is that, our youths and young women will be the beneficiaries of this project. The project managers have engaged large number of our citizens in the construction parts of the work; all personnel are not expatriates. All the technical work and technology deployed have local component to it.

    “For us a Government, this is the strongest point we have made with the project. I am fully convinced that the delivery of this project will transform commercial architecture of West Africa and bring about quick turnaround time in maritime sector.”

    When it is completed, the deep seaport is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents, and serve as alternative in an effort to decongest the Federal Government-owned seaports in Apapa.

    Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, said Tolaram Group, a Singaporean coy, initiated a $2 billion investment in the Lagos Free Zone, out of which the investor committed $950 million to developing manufacturing hub in the zone.

    When the deep seaport is completed, Rathi said the maritime project was expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents, and would serve as alternative in an effort to decongest the Federal Government-owned seaports in Apapa.

    Chairman of Lagos Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, hailed the State Government for its commitment towards changing face of commerce in Africa, stressing that all statutory permits, licenses and endorsement for the Lekki port project were already secured.

    “There is strong guarantee that the port will be delivered before time, going by the inflow of capital investment and technical services,” Dabiri said.

    The Governor and his entourage also visited Africa’s second largest manufacturing plant of Kellogg Tolaram, manufacturer of cornflakes, which is built in Lagos Free Zone. The Governor toured the processing unit of the firm and inspected the production chain.

    Also joining the Government’s team in the tour are the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport LFZ, Mr Du Ruogang, and Head of Marketing for LFZ, Ms. Chinju Udora, among others.

    CAPTION:

    PIX 1 L-R: C.E.O, Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Dinesh Rathi; Director, Lekki Port; Alhaji Bode Oyedele; Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande; Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce & Industry, Mr. Oladele Ajayi and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 2 L-R: Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom; Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang; Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello; Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 3 L-R: Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 4: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pointing to a place of interest on the Lekki Port architectural presentation board during his working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 5 L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce & Industry, Mr. Oladele Ajayi; Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang, presents a pictorial frame of the Lekki Port to Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 6 R-L: Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang; Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande; Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce & Industry, Mr. Oladele Ajayi; Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako and others during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 7 R-L: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Managing Director, Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang and Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr. Steven Heukelom during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 8 L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC), Mr. Emmanuel Balogun; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director of LFZDC, Mr. Huang Xigong; Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Mrs. Yemi Olusunya; Assistant General Manager, Stakeholders’ Management, Mr. Emmanuel Aguda and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, during the Governor’s working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone at Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

    PIX 9: Aerial view of the ongoing Lekki Port project inspected by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during his working visit to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, on Friday, March 19, 2021.

     

  • Ogun State: New electoral committee promises credible Local Govt polls

    Ogun State: New electoral committee promises credible Local Govt polls

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday swore-in the Chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), with a promise to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement that would outlive his administration.

    Speaking at the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun underscored the need for the body to exercise restraint and uphold high ethical standard to midwife a local government system based on the principles of fair, credible and democratic electoral process.

    The governor said the inauguration was a symbolic demonstration of his administration’s commitment to ensure democratic dividends get to the grassroots through electoral processes at the local government level.

    “We on our part, will continue to exert all our inclusiveness approach to fast track socio-economic development and social wellbeing of our people. What we are doing today is a part of that process; rebuilding our electoral system and values as well as strengthening other tiers of government to be at its best.

    “We are determined to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement in our State that will outlive this administration. This will ensure that we have good Leadership at all levels which in turn ensure all round development for our State”, he said.

    The Governor described election as an integral part of the norms and values of the modern world political civilization, pointing out that the absence of transparent, free and fair elections has contributed to the instability witnessed in some societies around the world.

    His administration, Governor Abiodun maintained, would continue to provide conducive environment for the conduct of free and fair election at the local government, calling the Commission to put in place an effective machinery to ensure the people at the local government are provided adequate platform to exercise their right in electing their leaders.

    While congratulating the members of the Commission for heeding the call to serve, the Governor reminded them that they should see their appointments as a clarion call to serve, urging them to introduce innovative and resourceful approach for the conduct of free and fair election at the local government level.

    According to him, “the people of our State await your total commitment in sustaining the positive development of the electoral system in line with global best practices. Shun all acts of nepotism, favouritism, corruption and such negative acts which could impart negativity on our duties”.

    Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Adetona Osibodu stated that the commission under his watch would serve with humility, adding that members of the commission recognises the responsibility placed on them and are ready to succeed as a team.

    Osibodu pledged that the Electoral Commission would conduct a free and fair election that would not only be a benchmark for the state, but the country as a whole, stressing that the Commission would carry along all relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a successful local government election.

    Other members of the Commission are; Olatunji Isaac Akoni, Omolaja Tajueeen Soyeolu, Ayodele Bankole, Olugbemisola Onasanya and Remilekun Olaopa.

  • PDP set to regain political leadership in Ogun State – ex-Senate President declares

    PDP set to regain political leadership in Ogun State – ex-Senate President declares

    The reconciliation and strategy committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has successfully resolved the decade-long crisis in the Ogun State Chapter of the once vibrant Party.

    According to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is the chair of the committee, said Thursday evening that: “Now, PDP is set to re-establish itself as the party that will take control of Ogun State from 2023”.

    The crisis that has lingered on for the past ten years between the groups led by late Buruji Kashamu and Hon. Ladi Adebutu has had each of them instituting different court cases, obtaining injunctions and dissolving executive committees.

    The former Senate leader lamented the toll of the crisis on the party’s fortune in the State.

    “These actions have combined to weaken the party in the state and made many people to believe that the differences would never be resolved. As a matter of fact, the crisis is responsible for the loss of the PDP in the state during the past three general elections.

    “Today, both parties have resolved to work together and withdraw all pending court cases. They agree that PDP remains the best umbrella under which the unity and development of Nigeria can be achieved, sustained and guaranteed. They have all signed an agreement to that effect.

    “We appreciate the magnanimity, maturity, patriotism and the give-and-take spirit displayed by both parties — as well as other leaders in the resolution of this issue.

    “We are inspired that if, with the support of Almighty God, we have achieved success in Ogun PDP — which was one of the most difficult and complex — then, as we move from state to state, we will continue to make tangible progress”, Bukola Saraki said.

     

  • Department of Petroleum Resources inspects Lagos stations to monitor pump price

    Department of Petroleum Resources inspects Lagos stations to monitor pump price

    Petrol stations in Lagos State are now under surveillance to ensure compliance with the approved pump price band for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says on Monday.

    This is coming after News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Federal Government had on March 12 denied the increment of petrol to N212 per litre and had directed marketers to revert to the old price regime.

    During an inspection exercise in some petrol stations located in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki areas of the lagos State, DPR’s Zonal Operations Controller, Ayorinde Cardoso said seven petrol stations inspected are complying to selling fuel to customers between N162 to N165 per litre which was the approved price band.

    “This surveillance visit is part of our regular function and we are coming out today to check product availability and product quality because we heard some information about water ingress in some of the tanks.

    “We going out to check that. Also, we are looking at consumer protection so that they are not short-changed by under- dispensing.

    “We have gone round to about seven stations and they are all selling within the approved pump price band,” he said.

    Cardoso said the DPR sealed three fuel pumps that were under dispensing in one of the petrol stations, pending when they were rectified and re-evaluated by the regulatory agency.

    According to him, though the agency has not discovered any incident of hoarding of petroleum products in the zone, its officials will continue to intensify surveillance on petrol stations.

    He said: “I want to assure the public that the sufficiency level in Lagos State is okay and for now we have not seen any hoarding of products.

    ” Surveillance is a regular assignment for us and our officials are going around every day for that purpose.”

  • Another bandit attack in Kaduna as troops rescue 307 students from abduction

    Another bandit attack in Kaduna as troops rescue 307 students from abduction

    About 307 students have escaped being abducted by bandits who attacked Government Science Secondary School, Ikara in Kara Local Government Area in Kaduna in the early hours of Sunday.

    The attack was confirmed by state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, who noted that: “307 students were rescued unhurt” by troops who foiled the attempted kidnap.

    Aruwan said: “Between the late hours of Saturday night and the early hours of today, suspected bandits stormed the Government Science Secondary School, Ikara, Ikara local government area, in an attempt to kidnap students.

    “Fortunately, the students utilized the security warning system in place and were thus able to alert security forces in the area.

    “The security forces comprising the troops of the Nigerian Army, Police and some security volunteers moved swiftly to the school and engaged the bandits, forcing them to flee.”

    The Commissioner told reporters on Sunday all the 307 students were verified safe and present after the botched kidnap attack.

    “The military and police are still on the trail of the armed bandits.
    “Following a head count by the school management, the Kaduna State Government can confirm to you that all 307 students have been verified safe and present.

    “The attempted kidnap was foiled completely and no student was taken from the school.
    “The images provided by the Nigerian Army can attest to this, and will be shared with you,” he said.

    I another statement over the attack, Aruwan, at another wing of the Kaduna International Airport said: “Similarly, around Ifira village in Igabi local government area, bandits attempted to attack a senior staff quarters around the Kaduna Airport general area.

    “This attempt was also foiled as troops of the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army engaged and repelled them, with several escaping with gunshot wounds.

    “The Kaduna State Government acknowledges the efforts of the security agencies in the recent rescue of 180 students in the vicinity of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka. These efforts have been mentioned in interviews given by some of the rescued students.

    “By virtue of access to the facts of the event, the Kaduna State Government extends its unequivocal solidarity to the Military, Police, Department of State Services and other security agencies, whose swift intervention prevented the bandits from abducting more persons.

    “The Kaduna State Government maintains a clear focus at this time, and that is to ensure the safe return of the missing students, and to consolidate intelligence gathering and security vigilance towards forestalling possible attempts on other facilities or institutions.”

  • Suspect in killing of ex-Police DIG’s wife arrested in Benue

    Suspect in killing of ex-Police DIG’s wife arrested in Benue

    Officers of the Nigerian Police Force in Benue has arrested a suspect connected with the murder of Mrs Eunice Aganya, wife of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG) Ibezimako Aganya and one-time Commissioner of Police in Benue.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the arrest in statement credited to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, in Makurdi on Sunday.

    According to Anene, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Benue, Mr Audu Madaki, had ordered a full-scale investigation by the command’s Criminal Investigation Department and pledged that serious efforts would be made to apprehend the culprits.

    On Saturday, Police in Benue confirmed the gruesome killing of the retired DIG’s wife in her Makurdi residence by unknown gunmen.

    The police received information on Saturday that late Eunice who resided on Austin Iwar Street, off David Mark Bye-pass, Makurdi, could not be seen by her co-chiefs who had planned to pay a courtesy call on a royal father in Makurdi.

    “Police detectives who received this report swiftly moved to her house where she resides alone behind her bakery.

    “Her car was seen parked in front of her gate and her fence broken into but her doors were locked.

    “The team noticed blood stains on the window and curiously broke into the house where they found the lifeless body lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut on the head,” Commissioner of Police stated.

    The police chief disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at Bishop Murray Hospital Morgue.

  • Ogun Airports: Ex-Governor Amosun Camp Accuses Dapo Abiodun-Government of Lies

    Ogun Airports: Ex-Governor Amosun Camp Accuses Dapo Abiodun-Government of Lies

    Within the past 48 hours, Ogun State has been embroiled in needless controversy over the competing claims of Governor Dapo Abiodun, his team and the Senate Committee on Aviation as regards the ownership, relevance, stage of work, viability, documentation and priority claims between the Federal Government owned Abeokuta International Airport in Wasimi and the proposed Ogun State owned Ilisan Cargo Airport.

    Speaking on National television, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Smart Adeyemi described the standoff as: “a very interesting and welcome development as the Gateway State is blessed and viable enough to host as many airports of all descriptions as the Stakeholders want, ready and willing to fund”.

    In the defense of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun (SIA) administration, ex-Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa stated in a statement explained that the SIA camp felt the need to respond only because of it owe the people of Ogun State a duty to reveal the truths against alleged lies by the State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    Adeoluwa accused state officials of deliberately claiming ignorance of the existence of the proposed International Airport in Wasinmi area of Ogun State.

    “The Engr. Mokuolu led Committee visited, inspected and evaluated the Abeokuta International Airport project, among others. The report was submitted to Ogun State Government in April 2020. Not only did the exercise put a lie to the claims that the current administration knew nothing about the project, the reports of the Verification exercise had kind words about the quality and standard of projects embarked upon by our Administration. “

    During his interaction with the Senate Committee on Aviation, Governor Dapo Abiodun said a lot of verifiable work had started on the agro-cargo airport project, which had the approval of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    He, however, informed the committee that there were no details or information on the Ewekoro project in the handing-over note of the Amosun administration.

    “This administration is methodical. The need to have a cargo airport was made by our joint inter ministerial committee and we consequently evaluated the initiatives that were started by previous administrations because government is a continuum.

    “After a thorough evaluation, the choice of the airport cargo location in Ilishan was unanimous, it complements the agric/processing factories’ ecosystem in that corridor with access/egress road network.

    “To that extent, our decisions are guided by the principles of good governance. Is it fair, just and equitable to all? Is the process transparent and inclusive? Did the people have input?

    The Statement

    As the immediate past office holders and administration in Ogun State between 2011 – 2019, we have long taken the position not to get involved, banter or trade claims with the current administration. The reasons are obvious. As members of the same political party, APC, we owe ourselves a seamless and cooperative disposition in a manner that all Ogun residents and stakeholders irrespective of divergent tendencies and persuasion will maximally benefit from the dividends of democracy and rapid progressive socio-economic development that our party is known for.

    We were determined to do everything possible to uphold the dignity of the offices, particularly that of Governor of Ogun State, and the institution it represents for the greater good of our people. However, watching the video and reading the accounts of the meeting between the Senate Committee on Aviation and officials of the Ogun State Government, and the many lies and concocted half-truths, we consider that we owe our people and Nigerians at large the duty to speak the truth without necessarily infringing our ‘Sidon look’ disposition.

    The Abeokuta International Airport project in Wasimi, Ogun State was conceived in 2008 by the Federal Government as an Airstrip. The location was particularly well thought out: only 5 minutes from Yewa land, Ogun West Senatorial District, with both Lafarge Cement and Dangote’s Ibeshe Cement plant as immediate neighbours; in close proximity to the Federal Government Olorunsogo Power Plant, Onijanganjangan, Agbara, Ota, Abeokuta and Sagamu Interchange industrial hubs.

    The industrial Gas belt and both the old and new Railway lines, the Standard Gauge, and Kajola Railway integrated transport hub, lie within minutes of the Airport site. These industrial clusters helped to crown Ogun State as the largest concentration of Industries and Manufacturing activities in Nigeria. It is on record that the Federal Government, since 2009, made appropriation and consistently prosecuted this project. Indeed, the perimeter fence for the Airport was completed in 2010, a year before our assumption of office in 2011

    The Ilisan Cargo Airport, on the other hand, was conceived by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration in 2006. After we took office in 2011, we sought to know the progress on the project. We visited the proposed site and sought technical advice on how to proceed. The Contractor engaged by the former administration refused to cooperate with us. He refused to avail us the drawings and technical details.

    For unclear reasons, he chose litigation, after we rejected their humongous monetary claims. When we visited the site, we observed that it was in a built-up neighborhood and there were several encroachments. There was nothing on ground, not even a perimeter fence to delineate the project site – the only feasible thing was a sign post with the Ogun State logo indicating the name of the Cargo Airport, Ilisan. Though the Ilisan proposed Cargo Airport site will ordinarily be suitable but the large-scale encroachment and built-up areas had made the site unsuitable for the project.

    The Experts engaged by our Administration in 2012 advised that an airport in Ogun East Senatorial District, will be best sited within Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East Local Governments to serve the Olokola Free Trade Zone axis, and will make more sense on account of the proposed Deep-Sea Port projected for the area and the activities along the Ijebu-Ode/Epe corridor. Besides, the Experts equally pointed out the suitability of the axis because it is a green field and free of encumbrances. They were very clear that the site chosen in Ilisan has totally become unsuitable for an airport – be it Cargo or otherwise as at March, 2012. Faced with these practical and technical realities, our attention shifted back to the Federal Government owned Abeokuta International Airport, Wasimi which was already on going.

    As we were not in any doubt that an Airport anywhere within the shores of our State will be good for our people, we vigorously engaged the then President Goodluck Jonathan administration. Correspondences were exchanged followed by several project site visits. We did same after President Muhammadu Buhari came on board. We observed that the monetary appropriation for the Abeokuta Airport project, though regular, were meagre. To ensure that our people get to reap this particular dividend of democracy in record time, Ogun State Government requested and was granted permission to get involved and speed up the project.

    We knew and understood clearly the importance of infrastructure in the socio-economic development of a State or Country. That is why we embarked on massive infrastructural development immediately after our Administration was inaugurated. We were therefore able to move the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Ogun State from N700 Million monthly when we got into office in May 2011 to a little over N7 Billion monthly when we left in May, 2019.

    For the record, our Administration engaged the Federal Ministry of Aviation on the need to upgrade the Airstrip to a full-fledged International Airport. The request was granted and the Airstrip status changed to an International Airport with a full bouquet Passenger, Cargo, Aircraft Maintenance, Storage and Warehouses, VIP/Executive services, Aircraft Hangers/MRO, as well as Flight Training School and Education Building, among others.

    The project was designed to serve as major ‘pressure reliever’ to Lagos Murtala Muhammed international Airport whose facilities had reached a breaking point. It was expected to leverage off and take full advantage of Abeokuta’s proximity to Lagos, to ease and speed up the movement of passengers, goods, services and business to the State from the rest of the Country and the World.

    It is also important to state that the Abeokuta International Airport in Wasimi has a much bigger Cargo and Agro Allied terminal, which is the sole focus of the proposed Cargo Airport, Ilisan.

    It is on record that after we left office in 2019, the current Governor Dapo Abiodun led administration instituted a probe, cleverly called Project Review Committee, into 110 (One Hundred and Ten) of our legacy projects, including our intervention at the Abeokuta International Airport, Wasimi.

    The Engr. Mokuolu led Committee visited, inspected and evaluated the Abeokuta International Airport project, among others. The report was submitted to Ogun State Government in April 2020. Not only did the exercise put a lie to the claims that the current administration knew nothing about the project, the reports of the Verification exercise had kind words about the quality and standard of projects embarked upon by our Administration. We need not say more.

    We have said we will take no interest in trading blames with the current administration. It is for this reason that we shall overlook the fact that from day one, the current regime in Ogun State simply wanted the Abeokuta Airport project in Wasimi moribund. Very early after it took office, the Ogun State Government forcefully halted the then ongoing works at the Abeokuta Airport site in Wasimi. They told the Contractors that Ogun State do not need the Airport anymore and directed the Contractors to remove their equipmentfrom the Airport. They forgot or cared less that Ogun State Government does not own the project directly.

    It was also unimportant to them that whereas Ilisan Airport was conceptualized in 2006, with approval secured in February, 2008, there was nothing on ground in 2011, five/three calendar years after, not even the perimeter fence was erected as mentioned earlier. It is curious, ominous and totally against the grain of reason that Ogun State will reject a life changing infrastructural development from the Federal Government.

    For the avoidance of doubt, we want an Airport in Ogun East Senatorial District. These are significant signs of real socio-economic development and was indeed captured in Ogun State Development Plan (2018-2030). Airports should be sited in axis most needed and suitable taking into consideration the safety of our people.

    The Abeokuta International Airport project in Wasimi has come to stay. It is serviced by a 12km access dual carriage way (under construction), and, a fully established and defined6-kilometer Runway, among other components at different stages. We engaged with the understanding of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Industry leaders and tested professionals in airport design and construction, airport navigation aids, airfield firefighting equipment and airside markings and signage. Amongst these are:

    • Messrs Gensler of USA
    • Messrs Aurecom of South Africa
    • Messrs PW Nigeria Limited
    • Messrs GTMC GmbH Limited of Germany
    • Messrs Airport Business Advisors Limited
    • Messrs Southern Mapping Company

    We are filled with pride that we served the good people of Ogun State to the best of our ability and within the resources available to us. We are pleased that the good people of Ogun State appreciated our modest efforts, and, in return, gave us their support. We have done our bit, and, have moved on. Let everyone who is privileged to hold office in any capacity be guided by the Oath of Office at all times. The verdict of history and posterity await us all.

    Taiwo Adeoluwa Esq. LLM

    Secretary to Ogun State Government

    (May, 2011-May, 2019)

  • Fire Razes Sunday Igboho House Days After Giving Fulanis Ultimatum to Leave Oyo

    Fire Razes Sunday Igboho House Days After Giving Fulanis Ultimatum to Leave Oyo

    House of a popular Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, well known as Sunday Igboho, has been razed by fire.

    The fire, which was said to have started at 3am midnight on Tuesday burnt some part of the house situated in the Soka area of Oyo State.

    As at the time of this publication, the source of the fire was yet to be ascertained known.

    While no official statement has been received from Sunday Igboho, reports has it that brigades from the Oyo State Fire Service arrived the scene a few hours after the house was touched to stop the fire before it could spread to other parts of the building.

    Igboho, who is the Akoni Oodua of Yoruba land, had asked herdsmen in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State to leave within seven days.

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    At the expiration of the ultimatum last week, he and his followers had stormed the Fulani settlement in the ancient town to eject Seriki Fulani, Salihu Abdukadir, and herdsmen accused of perpetrating crimes ranging from kidnappings, killings, rape to invasion of farmlands with their cattle.

    Some houses and property in the settlement of the Fulanis were torched but Igboho had distanced himself from the incident, saying aggrieved youths and residents of the town were responsible for the destruction.