society
Covid-19 reimbursement: Ogun dismisses fake news, berates masterminds
Covid-19 reimbursement: Ogun dismisses fake news, berates masterminds
The Ogun State Government has described as blatant falsehood, a news report which claimed that the Federal Government refused to make COVID-19 reimbursement to the state because of pervasive corruption.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Ogun State Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, the State Government said that contrary to the insinuations in the fake report, the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery & Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares) programme is not a COVID-19 intervention but a post-COVID economic stimulus packaged for poor and vulnerable people in the society, as well as Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) that were most negatively affected by the pandemic in terms of disruptions to livelihoods and businesses respectively, adding that the states that had been reimbursed so far are only the first set of beneficiaries.
Somorin said the so-called bombshell report is mere comedy taken too far, as the authors decided to hold brief for the Federal Government without doing basic research.
Somorin added that the verification exercise is continuous and all eligible Ogun State Government post-COVID economic stimulus and related expenditures would be captured and adequately reimbursed in subsequent verification exercises, as each state of the Federation is eligible to receive up to $20m.
Tracing the origins of the programme, Somorin said: “The NG-Cares Program, funded by the World Bank, was originally designed as a loan to the 36 states.
“However, given the level of investments and costs expended by Ogun State during the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to investments in healthcare facilities and palliatives to ameliorate the suffering experienced by Ogun citizens at the time, and other subsequent socio-economic interventions such as Okowo-Dapo for women, employment of artisans for affordable housing construction, maintenance of public roads and planting materials palliatives for farmers, the Ogun State government decided not to take further loans.
“However, due to various engagements by the 36 states with the Federal Government and the World Bank on the need to re-structure the funding of the Program, the NG-Cares Program was recently changed to a Performance for Results (PfR) Grant program, and so the reimbursements to State Governments announced were the eligible expenses incurred and validated during the first verification exercise.”
According to him, at no time did the Ogun State Government lower the standards in its management of post Covid-19 intervention programmes, describing the authors of the report as political failures desperate for attention.
He added that the efforts of Ogun State, the first to record the index case in Nigeria, in the management of COVID-19 is second to none, adding that Ogun was the first to put a state-owned molecular laboratory in place during the pandemic, coupled with the various degrees of isolation centers in strategic locations of the state, including Olabisi Onabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital ( OOUTH), Sagamu, Model School Ikenne, General Hospital, Iberekodo, among other ones which were donated by private individuals.
According to him, the system put in place by the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government to manage the pandemic was inspected by the then Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC), Dr. Chike Ihekweazu and the Country Director of World Health Organisation( WHO), Dr. Fiona Braka, both of whom lauded the State Government for giving direction to other states on how to deal with the pandemic.
“Even the then Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunibe Mamora, during his visit to Abeokuta in March 2021, expressed satisfaction with the response activities of Ogun State to Covid-19, saying that the State has done excellently well.
Ogun State, it would be recalled won several awards for its proactiveness for the management of the pandemic and was adjudged the overall best performing State on Routine Immunisation (RI) and COVID-19 Vaccination by the
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
“Governor Abiodun is a man known to be committed to putting a round peg in a round hole without giving room for anything less than the best.
Speaking on the distribution of palliatives during the pandemic, the statement debunked the allegation of corruption in the exercise saying: “The governor set up an inter-ministerial committee, which was a task force in charge of palliatives and enforcing compliance during and after the lockdown. The Secretary to the State Government was at no time in charge of procurement in relation to Covid-19 just as it is worthy of note that no political appointees took Covid-19 palliatives as his or her private items for personal use.
“The CACOVID items were distributed based on the instructions of the donors, and our papers are there as proofs of how the distributions were done.
“The naysayers only brought the figments of their imaginations to the public space to ridicule themselves. We therefore advise the public to ignore these lies as our government remains committed to transparency and accountability in the efforts to fulfil our avowed electoral promises,” he said.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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