Connect with us

news

Between Ogun Government And Political Pensioners

Published

on

Abiodun

Between Ogun Government And Political Pensioners

Ogun government

IT’s a no-brainer that most working people eagerly await their retirement. They realize that they will leave their present office one day and begin to live a quieter life as senior citizens, enjoying the fruits of their long years of labour. In reality, retired workers are hardly idle; more often than not, they will find something doing.

Sadly, though, conflicts between state governments and pensioners are routine in this clime, caused in large part by the failure to pay the admittedly paltry pensions. In the case of Ogun State, there had naturally been conflicts between pensioners and the state government long before the advent of the present administration led by Prince Dapo Abiodun. Since the return to civil rule, governments had left outstanding pension bills, and the immediate past administration in the state was no exception.

However, since 2019 when he assumed office as the fifth democratically elected governor of Ogun State, Prince Abiodun, himself the son a government worker with a distinguished record of service, has sought to ensure that pensioners get the entitlements due to them so they can more easily navigate the challenges of daily existence.

 

 

In clearing the backlog of unpaid pensions when he assumed office, Governor Abiodun made a promise to release a specific sum every quarter to offset the arrears, and to this promise he has apparently kept fidelity. Statistics indicate that within the last three and a half years, he has paid the total sum of N78bn as arrears of gratuity and pensions to workers in the state. But, focused on his job though he may be, there will always be those who question his commitment and patriotism, including political pensioners whose stock in trade is rabble-rousing. Such “pensioners” are always at war with state governors and if you do not look closely enough, you would think that they are patriots fighting for the dignity of senior citizens. Hired pensioners are always available for political purposes, and in Ogun their method is to cast aspersions on the governor, claiming that he is the son of a teacher who does not pay teachers.

Indeed, nothing but crass politicking can explain the blatantly false statement credited to the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Ogun State this week that since 2019, Governor Abiodun had only paid N3bn as arrears of pension and gratuity.

 

 

He was reacting to the governor’s verifiable statement during the town hall meeting on the 2023- 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2023 Budget for Ogun East Senatorial District held in Ijebu-Ode. A breakdown of the state’s monthly pension and gratuity payment shows that in the month of June 2019 alone, the state government paid the sum of N841,238,430.74 as state pension and N 790,588,053.50 as local government pension. In the same month, it paid the sum of N25,566,526.1 as state gratuity. That amounts to N1, 657, 393,010.41. For the month of July 2019, it paid N1,641,771,655.36. Thus, for the months of June 2019 and July 2019 alone, the Abiodun government paid N3,299,164,665.77. The fact is that between June 2019 and September 2022, the government paid a grand total of N78,567,913,997.48, which easily confirms Governor Abiodun’s statement that his administration had paid “over N70bn” as pensions and gratuities since assuming office. Surely, N78bn is “over N70bn.”

The NUP boss, who berated the increase in the quarterly payment of outstanding gratuities from N500m to N600m, should come clean and show anywhere in the world where years of outstanding arrears are paid in one fell swoop. Surely, the Abiodun administration has, despite the financial challenges facing the state, continued to give top priority to the welfare of senior citizens by ensuring the quarterly payment of gratuities and pensions. It is time we stopped playing politics with the lives of people in this country. Pensioners deserve their pay but a government fulfilling its pension obligations does not deserve to be maligned. If it is not appreciated for its noble efforts, at least it should not be castigated. It should be left alone by those who cannot appreciate anything good because it would upend their political positions, make their case untenable and render them completely redundant.

 

 

 

The political game being played by the so-called pensioners is not easy to disguise, yet one hastens to advice that elders should not allow themselves to be pawns in political game. Politicians who have lost out in the scheme of things within the Ogun APC would naturally clutch at straws, desperate to keep themselves relevant by any means. Pretending to be of the Ogun APC fold, they have announced their avowed mission to bring down the Abiodun government, speaking as if the future lies in their hands.

The politicians behind the pension politics played this week have done their level best to undermine Governor Abiodun and his administration in the last three and a half years and have failed spectacularly. They dropped the president’s name, saying they would deny him a second term ticket, and failed. They resuscitated allegations of lack of certificates already laid to rest at Nigeria’s apex court and failed. They claimed the party was going to stop him from running for a second term of office and wrote countless petitions against him, but it was all an exercise in futility. Instead of being sent packing, the man has become a rising star in the party. They cower with fright when he wins numerous awards, including the back-to-back honours in agriculture and the recent one on industrial revolution, knowing that discerning Nigerians have seen through their falsehood.

 

 

 

Happily, regardless of the mud thrown at him, Governor Abiodun has shown that he is sharply focused on his “Building Our Future Together” agenda.

And the people are behind him.

society

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

Published

on

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Shimawa, a once tranquil and little-known town in Ogun State, has emerged as the premier real estate location in the region, thanks to the transformative efforts of Adron Homes. This metamorphosis has redefined the town’s identity, making it a beacon of modern living and investment opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes’ strategic initiatives have played a central role in Shimawa’s transformation. By developing numerous estates with state-of-the-art amenities, Adron has set new standards for residential living. These estates are equipped with modern infrastructure, including well-paved roads, reliable water supply, and efficient drainage systems, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The real estate has sold out four estates in shimawa over 10 years and is currently selling five different estates in shimawa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List of Adron Homes Estates In Shimawa

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 2 (City of David)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 3 (Capetown)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 3 Extention (Jerusalem City)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 4 (Jerusalem Extention)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 5 (City of God)

 

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes has introduced a range of affordable housing solutions that cater to different income levels. This inclusivity has attracted a diverse population, fostering a vibrant community. The availability of affordable, yet high-quality housing options has made Shimawa an attractive destination for both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The influx of new residents and businesses has spurred economic growth in Shimawa. Adron Homes’ developments have created numerous job opportunities in construction, real estate management, and ancillary services. This economic activity has not only improved the standard of living for many but has also positioned Shimawa as a hub for business and commerce in Ogun State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly initiatives. Green spaces, parks, and recreational areas have been incorporated into the estates, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. These efforts have not only beautified the town but have also contributed to the well-being of its residents.

 

 

Shimawa’s transformation has caught the attention of investors, both local and international. The town’s strategic location, coupled with Adron Homes’ high-quality developments, has made it a prime investment destination. This influx of investment is set to further accelerate Shimawa’s growth and development.

 

 

Adron Homes places a strong emphasis on community building. Regular events, social gatherings, and initiatives to foster a sense of community have been integral to the company’s approach. This focus on community has created a welcoming and cohesive environment, making Shimawa not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

 

 

The transformation of Shimawa into Ogun State’s best real estate location is a testament to Adron Homes’ vision and dedication. By providing affordable housing, fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability, and building a strong community, Adron Homes has set Shimawa on a path to continued success and prosperity. As a model of modern urban development, Shimawa stands as a shining example of what strategic planning and investment can achieve.

Continue Reading

society

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

Published

on

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Property and Oil mogul, Aare Bashir Fakorede has openly debunked a land-grabbing allegation levelled against him by some unscrupulous elements using some section of the media to malign his persona.

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, this unscrupulous elements have been in the news with their recent land-grabbing fiasco with the Oni-Orisan chieftaincy family of Lagos Island and Epe after they took thugs and police to beat family members who own the landed property situated at Oju-Ota, Oko-Orisan Epe Lagos, which Aare Bashir Fakorede acquired from the family in 2016, with a family-issued receipt, official gazette from the Lagos state on the 28th of June 2007, deed of assignment, Joint Venture agreement between his property development company and the family, survey plan among other documents to show he acquired the land.

 

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

Few days ago, the court Sheriff, acting under the writ of execution granted by Hon. Justice I. O. Harrison in suit number: M/762/11 on the 25th of April,2024, where the Honourable Justice reevaluated the court judgement which authenticates the Oni-Orisan as the rightful owner of the land. The court empowered the claimant to take possession of the land which they went to do on the 12th of July 2024, in the company of the court’s deputy Sherrif, Adeyemi Adeyinka and Adebayo Moshood and some policemen, where all encroaching erected structures were removed while they erected a notice boards which clearly stated the original owners according to the court judgement. In a reprisal attack, armed thugs and security personnel removed the erected court notice boards strategically placed on the land among other things. While many onlookers condemned this actions, legal experts tagged the act as a deliberate contempt of court by undermining the declaration of a competent court of jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday the 22nd of July, the family and its representative visited the land on the intelligence that some armed thugs and security personnel were stationed on the land. The family visited the AIG zone 2 office where they reported the case which they envisaged might likely lead to the disruption of public peace. The Zone 2 command attached some policemen with the family to go to the land to ascertain the authenticity of the claim of the armed thugs and security personnel stationed there. When the police and the family got to the land, they were immediately overpowered and attacked by thugs who inflicted various degrees of injury on them. They injured 2 family members and 3 policemen who were dressed in mufti. They also seized the mobile phones of one of the family members and threw it in the water to cover their tracks while they also abducted Chief Mrs Modupe Oni-Orisan, who is the head of the Oni-Orisan Chieftaincy family alone with two other members. One of them escaped while two were held captive for hours before the intervention from the police which led to her release. The Area commander requested that they return with the abducted women to the station which led to the apprehension of two of the thugs currently in police detention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede disclosed that out of 15.360 hectares owned by the family, he legally acquired 7 Acres of land from the Oni-Orisan Chieftaicy family who owns the landed property according to family history and a judgement from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oni-Orisan Chieftaincy Family has petitioned the police to do a proper investigation and also called the attention of the AIG Zone 2 AIG Durosimi to wade into the lingering issues.

Continue Reading

news

Rotary International District 9112 launches its coastal restoration initiative by planting 1,000 coconut trees in Lagos

Published

on

 

 

In a bid to promote its mission of improving the environment, Rotary international District 9112 on Sunday kicked off an environment-saving intervention tagged: Coastal Restoration Initiative at Westside Beach, Okun, Ajah, Lagos, where 1000 coconut trees were planted along the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Speaking at the event,  the Governor of Rotary International, District 9112 Rotarian  Femi Adenekan said the “initiative is conceived to save the environment as well as reduce the adverse effect of the climate change.”

 

According to him; “the environment is one of the main focus areas of Rotary International. We need to consciously come to the realization that we need to save our environment. We need to save ourselves. So that in the future, those that will come after us will have life.”

 

“People assume that the world belongs to them. They have forgotten that they are just tenants on the surface of the earth. If you try to change nature, nature will react, which is the reason we are having a lot of environmental damage in the world. Some of wrong human activities, such as throwing plastics and other items into water or where it ought not to be is causing us environmental challenges. If we don’t take care of our environment, the environment will react and take us out of the surface of the earth,” He said.

 

 

The chairman of the District 9112 Tree Planting Committee, Rtn. Gboyega Bada recommended the adoption of an “Every Rotarian Plant a Tree Every Year” policy and also indicated plans for Rotary International District 9112 to propose a Private Bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly  to enable all Lagos Residents plant a tree every year for the next five years to address the challenges of climate change.

 

Rtn Bada stated that the vision of Rotary District 9112 on Tree Planting is to achieve a safer and cleaner environment by planting 10,000 seedlings of Coconut, Mango, Breadfruit, Avocado and other ralated crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was well attended by Stakeholders in the Private and Public Sectors. Pan African Towers Ltd, Tolaram Group, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica Ltd, amongst others were well represented.  Past District Governor Tunji Funsho led other Rotary Leaders to give their support. The DG’s wife Rtn Tayo Adenekan, the District Governor elect Rtn Lanre Adedoyin, General Manager of Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Dapo Olakulehim and Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Club Presidents and Rotarians from the 73 Clubs graced the occasion.

 

 

Also speaking at the event, one of the Guest Speakers, the world acclaimed horticulturist, Mr. Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group and The Lagos Free Zone, highlighted the importance of trees, saying; “planting trees improves air quality, reduces air pollution, and illnesses from air pollution. More so, plants produce oxygen and provide shelter, medicine, and many more.”

 

In his own special remarks, Chairman, LUFASI Park and DG Coconut Naija, Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi, said; “the basic fact about the environment is that whatever you sow, you shall reap. The environment will always treat you, the way you treat it.”

 

It is of note that the vision of District 9112 on tree planting for this year is  to achieve a safer and cleaner environment through the planting of 10,000 seedlings of coconut, mango, breadfruit, avocado and other related crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was witnessed and supported by main stakeholders in the industry, agencies and partners which included, Mr Dapo Olakulehin, General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), Mr Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group, Channel Scott from Pan African Towers, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica, The Legend Lifeskills Foundation, Etam Avitat, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) , presidents and members of various Rotary Clubs in District 9112 amongst others.

 

Rotary leaders who witnessed the event are PDG Tunji Funsho, PDG Kamoru Omotosho, PDG Omotunde Lawson amongst others.

 

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending