Landmark

  In a move that has reportedly sparked widespread reactions, a source has revealed that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda has purchased a fleet of luxury vehicles, including 10 Armoured Toyota Land Cruisers valued at about N620million ex-factory price and 40 Toyota Prado SUVs.   The acquisition, we were informed comes at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic challenges, raising concerns about the priorities of public officials. While some argue that such purchases may be necessary for official duties, critics question the timing and the potential impact on public funds.   Political analysts suggested that the move could influence the political landscape, especially as stakeholders demand greater accountability and transparency in governance.   However, sources close to the Speaker have denied the allegation, claiming that it is the figment of imagination of those who don't want her in the office.   The source insisted that the Speaker in on top of the g...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Odogbolu in the Ogun East Senatorial District over the passing of their revered monarch, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, the Alaye of Odogbolu. The esteemed monarch passed away on Monday at the age of 80 after a brief illness. In a condolence message, Governor Abiodun described the late traditional ruler as a passionate leader who selflessly served his people and contributed significantly to the development of the kingdom. According to the governor, "Oba Onagoruwa will be deeply missed by his people, given the wisdom and diplomacy he demonstrated in overseeing the affairs of his domain. He, therefore, prayed for the repose of his soul and for strength and comfort for his immediate family and the people of Odogbolu as they mourn this irreparable loss. Oba Onagoruwa was indeed a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition. He ruled his people with love and affection, embodying wisdom and native in...

Ogun State Government has announced the commencement of tolling operations on the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, starting from Monday, 24th March 2025, for the purpose of sustainable road maintenance, efficient operations, as well as enhanced road safety. It should be recalled that the 14.7km road had been in a poor state of repair for many years, making it a dangerous and unsatisfactory route for commuters. The administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun re-built the road into a modern expressway with up to date facilities,  including toll booths.    According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director-General, Office of the Public-Private Partnerships, Hon. Dapo Oduwole, the reason for not tolling the road immediately upon its opening for use, despite its PPP arrangement, was predicated on the magnanimity of Governor Dapo Abiodun and his resolve to make life comfortable for the people of the state. The statement explained that the Governor considered the expressway as a ...

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Wednesday, commissioned the new secretariat for Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ogun State chapter with a charge to members of the parties to uphold electoral integrity and political unity. The governor represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiu Hamzat said Dapo Abiodun administration would continue to support IPAC for them to achieve their set out objectives. The governor charged the IPAC members to champion good governance for credible elections in 2027. “Today is a good day for us, we have gathered here to commission this edifice. This would not have been possible without the assistance of Governor Dapo Abiodun because before now, IPAC did not have any secretariat. “The governor has asked me to tell you that he would continue to support IPAC in Ogun state to achieve the mission and objectives they have set for themselves. For instance, promoting political unity and cooperation in the stat...

A senior staff member of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Banex Branch, Wuse II, Abuja, Muhammed Ajoge, has been kidnapped along the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway. The native of Kogi State was abducted on February 22, 2025 around 2pm while travelling alone to Okene to visit his father.  Sources said armed men intercepted his vehicle, forced him to stop, and led him into the forest at gunpoint. Ajoge recently lost his mother, making the abduction even more distressing for his family. His kidnappers have since contacted his wife using his mobile phone, demanding a N30 million ransom.  An initial N5 million offer from the family was reportedly rejected.

Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his inauguration as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State. Abiodun, who described the inauguration as a new chapter in a glorious dawn for the people of the Sunshine State, said the Ondo State governor had left no one in doubt about his resolve to radically transform the state and usher it into an era of prosperity under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. He stated that the fact that the governor has just unveiled plans to boost tourism and investment in Ondo, showcasing Araromi Seaside’s potential to local and international investors, shows that he is in a hurry to unleash the potential of Ondo State and lift the people into an era of prosperity. He said: "Even before his resounding victory at the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiy...

L-R: Chairman, Flour Mills Nigeria, John Comantarous; JBS Controlling Shareholder, Wesley Battista; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; CEO, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Aisha Rimi and another JBS Controlling Shareholder, Joesley Battista, during their visit to the Governor at his Oke-Mosan Office, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday. Ogun, Nigeria's top investment destination, is set to reap huge benefits  as the largest protein producer in the world, JBS of Brazil, has indicated interest in investing $2.5bn in the livestock subsector of Nigeria's economy. The Controlling Shareholder of the company, Mr. Wesley Batista, gave this indication when officials of his firm, led by the Controlling Shareholder of EMN, Mr. John Coumantaros, visited the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Sunday. Mr. Batista, who described Nigeria as the hub of Africa with the largest population, noted the enormous potentials that exist in t...

Fidelity Bank Plc is making impressive strides on its path to fulfilling the recapitalization targets set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). With a successful first phase of its capital-raising initiative that recorded over 238% over subscription and share price growth of over 100% evidencing a huge surge in investor confidence for the bank.  Following the successful completion of phase 1 of its capital raise, the bank is exceptionally well-positioned to not only meet the regulatory threshold strengthen but also fuel its growth trajectory. With the recent conclusion of its equity capital raise through a Public Offer and Rights Issue, collectively known as the Combined Offer. The response has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Public Offer oversubscribed by an astounding 237.92%. This translates to 107,588 valid applications for a total of 23,768,724,000 ordinary shares, amounting to ₦231.7 billion. The Rights Issue also shone brightly, achieving a remarkable 137.73% s...

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway, section 1, and section 1 of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway. Performing the flag-off at Sagamu, Ogun State, President Tinubu said the project, which would be completed in 24 months, would cover underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo, while flyover bridges would be constructed at Kilometer 16 around the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) and Kilometer 37 at Makun around Sagamu. Pedestrian bridges, the president informed, would be constructed at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption Camp, while the construction of the 60 kilometers remaining portion of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway from Sagamu Interchange to Itele would be flagged off to ensure the safety of road users. Represented by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the president acknowledged the strategic importance of the road as the busiest, providing a direct link between Lagos, the commercial capit...

By Funmi Branco IF you are not familiar with Ogun State and its governance under Prince Dapo Abiodun, chances are that you can take Olujide Wilanpa’s acerbic piece,  A Tale Of Two Governors, published in the February 18, 2025 edition of an online platform, Newscoven, at face value. In that bolekaja piece, author Wilanpa, assuming that this is his real name, sets out to condemn and demonise the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his administration and ingratiate himself to the governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde. To be sure, if all that Wilanpa set out to do was to eulogise Governor Makinde, there would have been nothing wrong with that. He has the right to believe either that the Oyo governor is the best in the South-West or indeed the entire country.  It would be insulting, given the monumental achievements that have trailed his occupancy of the Oke Mosan Government House in the last five years, to think that the Ogun State helmsman is, or can be, diminished by ...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the family of former lawmaker, Sen. Ayodeji Otegbola, over his demise, describing him as a cerebral politician and selfless community leader. Otegbola, who represented Ogun West Senatorial District at the Red Chamber during the aborted Third Republic, reportedly died on Monday at the age of 91. Governor Abiodun, in a condolence message, eulogised the distinct virtues of the late Asiwaju of Awori land, including his passion for community cohesion and development, adding that he exhibited the core values of a grassroots politician. He added that Otegbola's contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria at large would remain indelible in the consciousness of the people for a very long time, as he prayed for the repose of his soul. "Senator Ayo Otegbola exemplified the essence of a thought leader with a midas touch. As the Chairman of Federal Housing Authority between 2002 and 2004, he brought his deep exp...

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to enhancing its host communities’ lifestyles. Through its dedicated education Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillar, the bank recently undertook significant projects aimed at promoting quality education delivery across the country. In Benin-City, Edo State, Fidelity Bank recently renovated the library at Emotan College, Wire Road. This initiative, which was executed under the auspices of the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), was championed by the Phoenix Inductee Class of Fidelity Bank. The FHHP allows Fidelity Bank staff to identify community needs, raise funds, and receive matching support from the bank to implement impactful projects. At the official handover ceremony, Ovie Mukoro, Regional Bank Head, Midwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, highlighted the alignment of the renovation project with the bank’s CSR pillars, emphasizing the promotion of quality education and youth...

K Signature is a new entrant into the hospitality haven market in Nigeria, and it is positioned to take the fun and relaxation experience to the next level. It is a Home of Excellence where A-listers, celebrities, entertainers, crème-dela-crème and who-is-who in society, and tourists from abroad can visit to unwind and relax with maximum security.  The innovative hotel with classy 45 rooms, a lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, and an inviting event hall under the administration of a young, humble, and industrious entrepreneur is beautifully tucked in a serene environment in Umuahia South Local Government in Abia State. K Signature has been fortified with the latest facilities away from home and luxury lifestyle accessories that can be found only in top-notch hotels in this part of the world.  Checks revealed that hospitality industry watchers regarded it as one of the leading, reputable, and outstanding relaxation spots that many with eyes for class and comfort can patronize for m...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that an Independent Power Plant that would provide 24 hours uninterrupted electricity to most parts of the State, especially Abeokuta, the State capital, would be ready for commissioning in the next eight weeks. Governor Abiodun who stated this after inspecting the 30 Megawatts power plant located at Onijogangan near Ewekoro, noted that the project which is in collaboration with private sector partners, is the first phase of Ogun State Light Up Project. According to the governor, the project is in line with his promise to provide uninterrupted power supply to major cities and towns across the State. He said, "what we are doing today is to witness the first phase of the implementation of our Ogun State Light Up Project. The first phase of this project is the 30 Megawatts power generation that will take care of Abeokuta.  "Abeokuta Metropolis will require more than 30 Megawatts but this is the first phase of the planned 10...

Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of  Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as a profound loss to Nigeria, yet a glorious conclusion of a monumental chapter in Nigerian history. Abiodun, who described the former Federal Commissioner for Information as one of the greatest leaders ever produced by the South-South geopolitical zone of the country and arguably the most engaging voice for the redressing of decades of exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta peoples, said the exit of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter and restructuring advocate marks an era that can never be forgotten. In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, Abiodun said whatever sorrow the exit of the foremost Ijaw leader springs has been tempered by the giant strides he left in various sectors of the Nigerian national life and the unimpeachable accomplishm...

President of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, has highlighted strategies for advancing infrastructure and technological growth in Liberia and Africa.   This is according to a statement by the NSE made available to journalists on Monday in Lagos.   Oguntala while delivering a keynote at the 7th Annual Conference of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL) on February 11, 2025 urged engineers to leverage technology and partnerships for the country's development.   Speaking at the event which held at Paynesville City, Liberia,  Oguntala, said by forging partnership and collaboration across sectors, the engineers could drive industrialization of their country and Africa.   She said the themed "Innovative Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Development in Liberia"  was apt.   According to her, as Liberia aspires to achieve long-term economic and social progress, innovative engineering solutions will be fundamental in e...

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has issued a stern warning against former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, alleging that he is orchestrating a plan to lead hoodlums and compromised security agents in a forceful takeover of Local Government Area Secretariats across the state. In a press statement released today and signed by Olalekan Johnson, CCSOGG expressed deep concerns over reports that Oyetola intends to disrupt the peace and stability enjoyed by residents of Osun State under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The organization claims that Oyetola's actions are purportedly being justified by a non-existent ruling from the Court of Appeal that allegedly reinstated former local government chairmen from the All Progressives Congress (APC). “This brazen plan to use non-state actors to unleash violence and intimidate law-abiding citizens is not only illegal but also a de...

The executive governors of Osun and Anambra states, Ademola Adeleke and Professor Charles Soludo alongside other dignitaries including Senator Abiodun Olujimi, traditional rulers have honoured the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele at the grand finale of his annual thanksgiving programme in Lagos. The event which took place on Friday, 14th of February to mark the end of Primate Ayodele’s ’21 days of thanksgiving’ which began in January recorded an influx of accolades for the prophet whose major aim for the programme was philanthropy. All through the ’21 days of thanksgiving’, Primate Ayodele engaged in different philanthropic activities including visitations to church members’ houses, schools, churches, Ikoyi prison, distinguished police officers, several police stations, etc to offer relief materials and spiritual assistance. While at the event, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to God by rendering songs of praise and worship to his maker while danc...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that the biggest cotton and apparel industry in West Africa, with a capacity to employ up to 40,000 people, will soon be established in the state. The governor gave the hint on Thursday when he received the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, and his team, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun said the groundbreaking ceremony for the industry would be performed soon, and it will be sited at the Special Agro-Processing Zone. He said: "We are planning to house the biggest cotton and apparel industry, perhaps in West Africa, and the groundbreaking is scheduled to take place soon. That industry promises to employ about 40,000 people when it starts, and they are all in our Special Processing Zone. "What we did is co-locate the Special Agro-Processing Zone with our airport, and we are just at the final stage of completing our Ogun State Agro...

The former president of Liberia, George Weah, alongside several eminent personalities including the former deputy governor of Edo state, Phillip Shaibu, the Nigeria Football Federation president, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, Oba Oladele Kosoko, Onisabe of Igbobi-sade, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, UN Representatives, to mention but a few have commissioned the ultra-modern church auditorium of Primate Elijah Ayodele. The commissioning which took place on Thursday, 13th of February 2025 witnessed an outpour of very important personalities across the globe for the celebration of God’s goodness in the life of Primate Ayodele. The new church auditorium, with a capacity of about 10,000 started one year ago on the instruction of God to enlarge His place of worship. The commissioning is part of the programmes lined up for Primate Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving which started in January and will come to an end tomorrow. At the commissioning, George Weah described Primate Ayodele as ...