society
Governor Will keep his word on Alagbole
Governor Will keep his word on Alagbole
ALAGBOLE- Just a few hours ago, Azuh Arinze, a Publisher and Author, cast doubt on the ongoing efforts by the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to give Ogun State residents in Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole-Olambe axis of Ogun State a cause to smile by repairing their road. The seasoned journalist, who like many media professionals has been living there for so many years, makes the following observations based on experience: “I have lived in that axis long enough to know and understand the game usually played by them (governors). Once elections are approaching, they move caterpillars and some idle “men at work” experts to the terrible and horrible roads. These men are usually busy doing nothing and making worse a bad situation with their artificial creation of perennial gridlock. As you drive to work in the morning, you will see them going up and down. In the evening, while returning from work, instead of seeing results, you will still see them faffing around and constituting even a bigger nuisance.”
And then he added this clincher: “Governor Dapo Abiodun just began his days ago. I don’t know how it will eventually pan out, but like I wrote in the title of this piece, I am very, very skeptical about what he began there some three or so days ago. I drove past the road today and except I want to deceive myself, my conclusion is “dis na still de same old story and style.” However, I hope I’m proven wrong this time round. Until then, make all of us still dey watch the free cinema.”
Naturally, many of those who reacted to the post published on his social media timeline toed a similar path, saying that governors were very fond of gimmicks during elections. They made reference to Amosun who came around in a jamboree and dropped supposed workers on the site, only to vanish into the thin air after criminally raising the people’s hope.
The naysayers can’t be blamed: their scepticism is rooted in decades of empty political promises. But then, do not our people say that the patient eyes will inevitably see the nose? We urge our esteemed members of the Fourth Estate to exercise a little patience, shelve their cynicism, and judge Governor Abiodun by his record since assuming office as the fifth democratically elected governor of the Gateway State. It is true that previous governors shirked their responsibilities on that road but Prince Dapo Abiodun, cognizant of his mission in history and intent on fulfilling it, has in the last three and a half years given ample indication that he is woven by a different fabric and does not play around with his word.
As a human, he is naturally imperfect but he has never shied away from the lofty standards to which he usually aspires, has never played games with the people’s emotions or scoffed at their pains, and definitely has no intention to do a bad job at Alagbole and the adjoining communities. Being an Omoluabi, he knows that his word is his bond, and those who know him can say whatever he promises to do to the bank, knowing his sincerity of purpose, honesty of mission, commitment to excellence, and abhorrence of hypocrisy and artifice. The plain, simple truth is that in a short while, there will be motorists plying the roads under reference and appreciating Governor Abiodun for keeping his word. If you have travelled on the Shagamu-Abeokuta road or the Ijebu-Ode Epe road, not to mention the countless inner-city roads that dot every part of Ogun State, and been to places like Ilaro, Atan-Agbara-Lusada, etc, you cannot but agree with this observation.
It will be recalled that when Governor Abiodun came on board, he came with a clear vision to make palpable difference in the lives of the Ogun populace. He began work on the road projects he met and rolled out a scheme of road repair, rehabilitation and construction across the state.
Two months ago, some editors visited Ogun State and intimated the Governor with the plight of the people in Alagbole and other parts of the state and the governor promised to intervene. And he has, not only in that area but in so many others, including Sango-Ota. The Akute-Alagbole road is being done as promised. The Governor did not promise dualisation: what he promised was the repair of a part of the road. He also acknowledged that the previous administration never did its homework thoroughly before embarking on the planned construction, demolishing houses for nothing. Governor Abiodun has divided the work into three sectors to be done simultaneously. He should be given the benefit of doubt. He’s not Amosun; he means exactly what he says. Indeed, when the economy of the state improves, much more work will be done.
FRSC@ 38: SHEHU MOHAMMED STEERING NIGERIA’S ROAD SAFETY REVOLUTION TO GREATER HEIGHTS
By Deputy Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem (Rtd) fsi, MNIM, anipr
When Mallam Shehu Mohammed assumed leadership as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), he inherited not just an institution with history, but a national mandate that touches every family, every highway, and every community in Nigeria. At 38 years, the Corps stands tall as Africa’s model road safety agency, and under his stewardship, that legacy is not merely preserved, it is being boldly redefined.
Nigeria’s highways were once synonymous with fear. Before 1988, the World Health Organisation ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous countries in the world to drive. It was a troubling indictment that demanded courage and clarity of purpose. The establishment of the FRSC under Decree No. 45 of 1988 laid the foundation for reform. But sustaining and advancing that reform across decades requires visionary leadership, the kind now exemplified by Mallam Shehu Mohammed.
Today, under his command, the Corps is consolidating its position as one of the most technologically advanced and operationally efficient law enforcement institutions in Nigeria. With renewed strategic focus, the present leadership has deepened the Safe Systems Approach built on people, processes, and technology, ensuring that safety interventions are not reactive, but preventive and intelligence-driven.
One of the defining hallmarks of his administration is accelerated digital transformation. Within six months, over 3,000 personnel were trained to strengthen operational competence and technological adaptability. More than 95 per cent of the Corps’ administrative and operational processes are automated, supported by over 30 web-based applications that enhance traffic governance nationwide. From the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to the upgraded e-ticketing platform, innovation is no longer optional; it is institutional culture.
Emergency response under the current Corps Marshal has become faster and more coordinated, with nationwide response time reduced dramatically from 50 minutes to 15 minutes. The 122 toll-free emergency line and 24-hour National Call Centre continue to serve as lifelines for distressed road users, reflecting a leadership that understands that every second counts.
Strategic stakeholder engagement has equally flourished. Safe corridor initiatives have been strengthened, collaboration with transport unions intensified, and enforcement around articulated vehicles tightened. The result is a significant reduction in tanker-related crashes, a development that speaks to deliberate policy direction and disciplined implementation.
Under Mallam Shehu Mohammed’s leadership, data has become a central pillar of enforcement and planning. Through strengthened collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Nigeria Customs Service, the Corps has advanced harmonized data systems that support evidence-based interventions. Transparent weekly crash trend reporting now guides targeted deployment and corrective strategies.
Nigeria’s standing on the global stage has also been reinforced. The country remains an active participant in the renewed UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) and continues alignment with international road safety conventions. These achievements build on the solid foundation laid by past leaders from Olu Agunloye and General Haladu Hannaniya to Chief Osita Chidoka, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, and Dauda Ali Biu, but under the present Corps Marshal, the momentum has unmistakably intensified.
Operationally, the Corps’ footprint now spans 12 Zonal Commands, 37 Sector Commands, over 300 Unit Commands, over 700 Station Offices, 59 Zebra Emergency Ambulance Points, and presence in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. Yet beyond physical structures lies a stronger institutional spirit, one driven by discipline, professionalism, and accountability.
From a nation once ranked among the most unsafe for motorists to a continental pacesetter in road safety management, Nigeria’s transformation story is inseparable from the strength of its leadership. At 38 years, FRSC is not simply celebrating longevity; it is celebrating purposeful stewardship.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed represents a generation of reform-minded leadership committed to smarter mobility systems, data-driven enforcement, and people-centered safety administration.
His tenure reflects continuity with courage sustaining the Corps’ proud legacy while boldly steering it toward greater innovation and measurable impact.
The road ahead is demanding. But under his steady command, Nigeria’s highways are safer, its systems smarter, and its future brighter.
Fashion/Lifestyle
Introducing “Atupaglowco” : Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning
Introducing “Atupaglowco”: Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning
Every great journey begins with a sense of anticipation. For us, it began with a simple belief that a space should do more than exist, it should speak comfort and glow.
In a world filled with noise, stress, and endless motion, we realized something powerful. Fragrance can transform not just rooms, but moods. A familiar scent can calm anxiety. A warm aroma can turn a house into a home. A gentle glow can bring peace after a long day. This realization gave birth to “Atupaglowco.”
Atupaglowco was not created to sell diffusers, room sprays, or candles. It was created to create experiences. To create moments. To create atmospheres where people can breathe, reflect, and feel whole again.
The name itself represents more than a brand. It represents warmth. It represents light. It represents presence. We remember the early days, the planning, the testing of scents, the moments of doubt, and the moments of excitement. Each candle poured was a step of faith. Each fragrance blended was a piece of our vision coming to life. We weren’t just building products; we were building something meaningful.
Our diffusers were designed to quietly fill spaces with elegance.
Our room sprays were crafted to instantly refresh and revive environments. Our candles were made to bring calm, beauty, and a soft glow into everyday life.
Atupaglowco was born from passion, patience, and purpose. This launch is not just the start of a business. It is the start of a movement to help people create spaces they love. Spaces that inspire rest. Spaces that inspire joy. Spaces that glow.
We believe fragrance is personal. We believe glow is emotional. We believe every space deserves both.
Today, we proudly introduce Atupaglowco to the world.
This is only the beginning.
Ajadi Hails Oyo Speaker Ogundoyin at 39, Describes Him as Beacon of Purposeful Leadership
A leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on the occasion of his 39th birthday, describing him as “a symbol of resilience, maturity and purposeful leadership in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Ajadi praised Ogundoyin’s steady rise in public service, noting that his emergence as Speaker at a relatively young age reflects the possibilities of responsible youth leadership when combined with discipline, vision and service.
“Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s leadership has shown that age is not a barrier to excellence,” Ajadi said. “At 39, he stands tall as one of the most impactful Speakers in Oyo State’s history—calm, inclusive and deeply committed to democratic ideals.”
Ogundoyin, who represents Ibarapa East State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party, has served as Speaker since 2019 and was re-elected to lead the 10th Assembly in June 2023. His tenure has been marked by legislative stability, improved executive–legislative relations and youth-inclusive governance.
Ajadi commended the Speaker for fostering unity within the Assembly and prioritising laws that strengthen grassroots development across Oyo State. “His humility, accessibility and focus on people-oriented legislation have earned him respect beyond party lines,” he said. “He exemplifies the kind of leadership Oyo State needs—one anchored on service, accountability and progress.”
The governorship aspirant further described Ogundoyin as a rallying point for young Nigerians aspiring to public office. “In a country searching for credible leaders, Ogundoyin’s story offers hope,” Ajadi added. “He has shown that when young leaders are trusted with responsibility, they can deliver stability and results.”
Ajadi wished the Speaker many more years of good health, wisdom and greater service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large, praying that his leadership journey continues to inspire a new generation of public servants.
Ogundoyin, one of the youngest Speakers in Nigeria, has continued to attract goodwill messages from political leaders, civil society actors and constituents, as Oyo State marks another year in the life of a lawmaker widely regarded as a steady hand in the state’s legislative affairs.
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