Landmark

By Tunde Nasiru  When President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Mr. Olanipekun Olukorede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic  and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on October 12, 2023 and his subsequent confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic on October 18, 2023,  there was no drama or any inkling as to expectations from the anti-graft body under the new helmsman at a period when not a few Nigerians have lost hope and were neither impressed nor encouraged by the performance of the EFCC. As observed by a journalist, “the journey of EFCC from inception has been one of zig-zag or undulating public optics, depending on who was (or is) in charge. When Nuhu Ribadu was in charge in year 2003 as the pioneer Executive Chairman, the optics favoured the anti-corruption body as he dragged people hitherto regarded as untouchables before the law courts. He earned plaudits for Nigeria from the comity of nations. "However, many of the tenures of previous heads o...

L-R: Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua, on Monday visited the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta. Here, the governor presented a letter as Sports Ambassador to the boxing champion Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans by his administration to construct a brand new Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring in the state. Governor Abiodun also announced that the two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion would be lighting the Gateway Games National Sports Festival torch, which has been postponed to May next year. The Governor made this known on Monday when he hosted the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion in his office. "I want to openly request that, besides the fact that today we are going to officially confirm you as our sports ambassador, we want to request that you come back to light up the Gateway Sports Festival torch; you will be the one lighting it up. "We are go...

Polaris Bank, in partnership with key stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Through its targeted interventions, the Bank has ensured continuous education for over 15,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future.  While the initiative primarily focuses on empowering the girl child, male students in the targeted schools were not left out reflecting the project's inclusive approach. Polaris Bank’s collaboration with strategic partners has further strengthened its efforts to combat the scourge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Since 2020, these collaborative efforts have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change. The initiative which includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education alongside making and dis...

L-R The Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Latifat Bolanle: Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi; the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Oludaisi Elemide; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan, during the signing of the Year 2025 Appropriation Bill at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday     Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,  has signed the N1.054 trillion 2025 State Appropriation Bill into law.   The signing, which took place at the Governor's Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was witnessed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, principal officers of the House, the Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council.   Speaking after receiving the clean copies of the Bill, Governor Abiodun announced that his administration would, in the coming mon...

Preparations are reportedly underway for the senatorial campaign of Hon. Waliu Taiwo, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission. The former Ogun State Commissioner for Works is positioning himself as the likely All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ogun West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.  This development followed plans within the party to field the current senator representing the district, Senator Solomon Adebola Olamilekan (popularly known as Yayi), as the APC’s governorship candidate for Ogun State in 2027. Sources close to Hon. Waliu Taiwo have revealed that party leaders and a significant number of APC members in Ogun State are backing his candidacy due to his extensive political experience and track record. According to an insider, Hon. Waliu Taiwo is likely to emerge as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat. "Hon. Waliu Taiwo is a man of the people. We trust his ability to step into Senator Yayi's shoes a...

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, yesterday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in Lagos, where the President is spending the festive season holiday. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Gateway State Governor to celebrate the season with the nation’s leader and reflect on the significant progress Nigeria is making under his administration. Speaking about the encounter, Governor Abiodun described it as a “truly exciting moment” to connect with President Tinubu and to acknowledge the achievements recorded so far under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended the President’s visionary leadership, which has continued to inspire confidence and optimism across the country. The Renewed Hope Agenda, championed by President Tinubu, has been a driving force for transformative policies aimed at advancing the nation’s development and building a brighter future for all Nigerians. Prince Abiodun reiterated his commitment to supporting this vision and ensuring its impact is f...

Not less than 10 Political Parties have perfected plans to adopt the Senator Representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, (Yayi) as 2027 Ogun governorship candidate . The release stated that the elections in the In the anal of Political history and Senatorial representation in Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi has made an indelible mark that will be difficult to surpassed and this has attracted the endorsement of Sen Yayi Governorship Aspirations by more than ten (10) opposition political parties coming up in January 2025 “Sen Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi unprecedented legacies, records and infrastructural revolution present a beacon of inspiration to other public and elected officers in Ogun West and beyond . Thus a special thanks goes to the other three House of representatives members Sen Yayi is all out to change not only the hitherto long time demeaning & enduring underachievement but the chro...

By Olusegun Ajulo It was back in 2010, that Jenji Kohan created a television comedy, later turned into drama, series which reflects the experience of Piper Kerman's memoir revealing her experience at the PCI Danbury Minimum Security Prison. The series gained such notability of popularity because of it's idiomatic application more than its reformative implications. It's idiomatic application simply underpins the fact that a certain thing is what is in vogue. The old Port Harcourt refinery and the production of fuel, has become the new orange is a new black. The more you see but the less you understand. Especially with the highly orchestrated and televised guided tour of machineries and upgraded equipment recently. The cycle of stunts, repetitive falsehood and deception has become a notoriety of fashion for the NNPCL. Not only are Nigerians treated to new 'stories by moonlight' daily, but the company have decided to play it rough this time. They are determined to do i...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commended Remoland for the progress it has made in agriculture and industrialization. Speaking at the maiden edition of the Remo Day celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said Remoland has achieved many breakthroughs in the area of agriculture, education, science and technology through a united front  "Over the past years, Remoland has made significant progress, from advancements in agriculture and industrialization to breakthroughs in education and technology. These achievements highlight what a united and visionary community can accomplish. "Remoland is home to Ogun State Gateway International Airport and is also a reference to the Gateway Agro-cargo Special Processing Zone," he said. Prince Abiodun said the Remo Day celebration would continue to be a shining example of how culture could help bring the people together and foster a sense of pride and identity, observing that it would ...

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC has achieved another  milestone with the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recognising an additional ₦75 billion in its capital raise.   This approval represents the final leg of the  capital injection that was achieved through a private placement in September 2024.   Building on the private placement's success, Sterling launched a Rights Issue in October  2024, structured to provide existing shareholders the exclusive opportunity to deepen their stakes in the company and share in its growth story.    The Rights Issue received significant interest and participation, highlighting the confidence and trust the company has cultivated among its shareholders over the years. Regulatory approval for the process is currently underway, marking another significant step in the recapitalisation journey.   The public is eagerly awaiting Sterling’s Public Offer, which will present an exciting opportunity for in...

L-R: Representative of the Awujale of Ijebu land and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba; Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, and the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the grand finale of the 2024 Remo Day, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Ogun State, on Friday Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commended Remoland for the progress it has made in agriculture and industrialization. Speaking at the maiden edition of the Remo Day celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said Remoland has achieved many breakthroughs in the area of agriculture, education, science and technology through a united front  "Over the past years, Remoland has made signif...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured that his administration would continue to formulate policies and implement programmes that would bring succour and relief to the people to survive the hard times. Governor Abiodun gave the assurance at a Christmas Service, held at St. James' Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area on Wednesday. He acknowledged the current economic challenges in the country, but said his administration is working to ensure that the people surmount the difficulties. According to him, his administration, aside from increasing the minimum wage, has also introduced free health insurance and free health programmes for the elderly, women, and children, a gesture which he said was geared towards making life meaningful to the people. While calling for continued perseverance, he assured the people that they would soon begin to see the benefits of the bold and audacious reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration very soon. ...

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed the forum's deepest condolences to the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, over the loss of his son, Abdulwahab, in a road accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road, on Thursday, just a day after the loss of the Governor's mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi. In a statement issued on behalf of the Forum and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday, Abiodun said the tragic events coming in quick succession could break anyone's spirit. He added, however, that the Forum took solace in the life that the deceased lived, urging the bereaved governor to take solace in the fact that his loved ones are in the bosom of Allah. He said: "I and members of the Southern Governors Forum can hardly find the words to describe the devastating news of the loss of our brother and Governor of Jigawa State, H.E Umar Namadi’s son, Abdulwahab, in a road accident, j...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiating and implementing policies that alleviate economic challenges and improve the quality of life for residents. Speaking during a Christmas service at St. James' Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area on Wednesday, Governor Abiodun acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians but assured that his government is working tirelessly to help people navigate these tough times. “Our administration remains steadfast in fostering inclusiveness and responsiveness. We are determined to introduce various programmes aimed at easing economic hardships and other difficulties. This includes the introduction of free health insurance and free health programmes for the elderly, women, and children,” Abiodun stated. The governor also highlighted the recent increase in the minimum wage as part of efforts to cushion the impact of current economic realities. While urging p...

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary School (ASUSS), Ogun State chapter, has sent warm message of appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the end of the year bonus given to secondary school teachers across the state and the rest of workers. In a message on Christmas Day, personally signed by the State Chairman of ASUSS, Dr. Felix Agbesanwa, Prince Abiodun was commended for remaining a worker-friendly governor over the years. “We say thank you sir on behalf of over 13,000 secondary school teachers who have benefited from this good gesture of yours.” It would be recalled that Governor Abiodun had directed that all workers to be paid end of the year bonus. “He did the same last year without telling anyone and this year own did not come  to us  as surprise. He was one of the few governors that quickly approved the national minimum wage, he has been so supportive to us and to Labour in general”, Agbesanwa stated.

The Afenifere Mandate Forum (AMF) has cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against re-introducing fuel subsidy through dubious means, citing the regime's notorious history of corruption. The group emphasised the need for transparency going forward, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to make payments to NNPCL's foreign partners in the name of subsidy. In a statement signed by its President, Otunba Davies Folorunsho, the group said the fuel subsidy regime was embroiled in corruption, with allegations of fraudulent payments and inflated subsidies. Folorunsho said Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPCL, was at the centre of the controversy, with reports of the company importing toxic fuel from Malta. He noted that this not only perpetuated corruption but also endangered the health and safety of Nigerians. However, Folorunsho said the he removal of fuel subsidy has been a significant step towards economic recovery, saving the country billions of do...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo as his Chief of Staff.  Prior to this appointment, Dr. Taiwo was the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to the governor. The Chief of Staff's letter of appointment was handed over to him by Governor Abiodun, on Wednesday, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governo, Hon. Kayode Akinmade. The appointment, according to the letter took effect from 18th December, 2024. The Governor, while congratulating the new Chief of Staff, described the appointment as well deserved, the statement added. Dr. Taiwo served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism during the first term of Governor Abiodun and was subsequently elevated to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff before his new role. He is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University,  Ile-ife,  where he bagged B.Sc in Statistics before further degrees up to Ph.D.

By Kayode Odunaro  In contemporary times, Nigeria are going through a lot, to use a local parlance, in terms of the socio-economic challenges that majority are facing. Not a few of such Nigerians in desperate situation are looking up to the government at all levels to do something to make their lot better. For many representatives, particularly at the federal level, the direct approach to touching the lives of their constituents beyond the customary ‘handouts’, are what has been loosely termed ‘empowerment’ through facilitations and directly from personal resources. The range of such includes skills acquisition and vocational trainings, entrepreneurship development programmes, purchase of equipment for trained constituents, farm inputs and cash grant as seed capital, purchase of books, laptops and granting of scholarships and bursaries for students and other direct impact programmes meant to alleviate poverty and provide means of sustainable income generating ventures. The numbers ...