society

Abiodun: We’ve paid N82b as pensions, gratuities in 36 months

Published

3 years ago

January 19, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Abiodun: We’ve paid N82b as pensions, gratuities in 36 months

…says workers’ welfare remains top priority

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, disclosed that his administration paid the sum of N82b as pensions and gratuities to state and local government retirees between June, 2019 to June, 2022.

The governor who disclosed this during an interactive session with cross session of workers at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, said that no payment was made for pension or gratuity in 2011, saying his administration had paid N41b as pensions and gratuities to state and local government retirees in less than four years.

Abiodun further stated that out of the N18b outstanding Global Deduction, his administration had paid the sum of N12bn, pledging that the balance of N6b would be paid in the coming months.

The governor who attributed the inability of his government to pay the deductions and other entailments, to increase in the wage bill of the state to N700m due to the implementation of the new minimum wage, said that his administration had in the last three and a half years explored various financial options rather than imposing additional taxes on the people.

“As you all know, our state was the first to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and this increasef our monthly wage bill by N700m. This additional wage bill has affected our plan which was to settle all outstanding commitment with our work force”, he pointed out.

The governor announced that processes for the 2021and 2022 promotion exercise would commence very soon, pleading with the workers to be patient with his administration as their welfare remained paramount.

His administration, the governor noted, has been fair in distributing projects to all parts of the state, disclosing that the ground breaking of the Sagamu-Papalanto road would be performed next week to further open up the state for more economic activities and gain the confidence of the organized private sector.

“When we came in about three years and seven months now, we were clear on what to do which was creating an enabling environment for the private sector participation in the economy of our state which in turn will create individual prosperity.

“We set out to do this through our ISEYA agenda. We did not only focused on one area of the state economy, but all areas, we have renovated schools and health facilities; built about 300 houses across the state and constructed 400km of roads across. I can assure you that with your support, we will do more”, Abiodun said.

The governor described the Ogun State work force as the engine room that has helped his administration in recording the modest achievements, including winning various awards, calling for more partnership and collaboration to make the state better for the benefit of all.

Responding to questions from Mr. Aregbesola Olarenwaju, a staff of Odogbolu Local Government Area, on the poor working condition and the need for the third tier of government to have financial autonomy, Abiodun declared that his administration had not tampered with the local government fund

He said his administration had rather augmented the.LG allocations on a monthly basis to enable them meet their constitutional responsibilities.

On the issue of outstanding leave bonus raised by another worker, the governor said a portion of the bonus would be paid along the salaries from January, calling on the workers to give his administration more time to address all their outstanding issues.

Earlier in his remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, said the interactive session was called to enable the workers have an interface with the governor on issues affecting the discharge of their duties and their welfare.

Kunle Somorin
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.

society

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.