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Dapo Abiodun’s Address At The Inauguration Of Alhaja Selimot Olateju AS New Head of Service

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ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN, MFR AT THE INAUGURATION OF ALHAJA SELIMOT OLAPEJU OTTUN AS THE NEW HEAD OF SERVICE, AND THREE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY, 30TH JUNE, 2020

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Protocols,

Exactly 10 days ago, the former Head of Service Tpl. (Mrs.) Amope Ajibola Chokor bowed out of the Civil Service. However, in line with our assurance and commitment to our people that vacuum of critical positions of this caliber must be filled without delay as a way to guarantee the continuous and smooth operations of the system. It is to this end that we are gathered here to witness the inauguration of a new leadership of the Public Service of our dear State. And, on that note, I welcome you all to the swearing-in ceremony of Alhaja Selimot Olapeju Ottun as the 19th Head of Service for Ogun State Public Service.

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  1. As we are inaugurating the new Head of Service, today, I am pleased to also inaugurate 3 new members of the State Executive Council, who will work with me and the other members of our team in our service to the people of Ogun State. These were chosen from the galaxy of stars that are abundant in our beloved State, and most importantly, from the very best that have shown and shared our commitment to working tirelessly for the people of our great State. This is towards achieving a future where every citizen, resident and visitor to our dear State can reach his/her full potential.
  2. I am talking about Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, who will man the portfolio of our newly created Transportation Ministry as Commissioner, and, two others, as Special Advisers: Arc. Abiodun Fari- Arole, who takes charge as Managing Director of the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) and my Special Adviser, as well as Dr. Lateef Tayo Lawal, who is my Special Adviser, Health.
  3. Their resumes are such that exemplify the standard of Excellence of which our dear State is revered. I believe you are ready to get to work. Indeed, the work has already started. For the few months that you had been with us, COVID or no COVID, you would have seen the tempo and clear focus with which we implement the roadmap towards the delivery of our “BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER” Agenda.
  4. Dear incoming colleagues in the State Executive Council, as you are aware, the State Executive Council Meeting is usually held on a weekly basis. As part of efforts towards ensuring effective delivery on our priorities, we have instituted a system to track the progress against what we have committed to do to achieve these objectives.
  5. Let me say that, today, we are witnessing another symbolic representation of our Administration’s commitment towards providing good governance based on fairness, inclusiveness, equity and justice. I must also say that in all that we do for over a year now, we have always observed due process, transparency and wide consultation. And, the appointment of Alhaja Selimot Olapeju Ottun, as the new Head of Service, is therefore a product of thoroughness, meritorious service, proven managerial credentials and capabilities.
  6. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, our Administration recognizes the importance of the Public Service to the realization of our goals. And, for this reason, we have remained committed to placing the Public Service on a good stead to perform its statutory function for the citizens of Ogun State and towards the successful implementation of our collective mission of “Building our Future Together” Agenda. We will continue to ensure that the Ogun State Public Service has not just any type of leadership, but the right leadership.
  7. On that note, let me congratulate our new Head of Service for being found worthy of the appointment. However, let me us this opportunity to remind our new Head of Service that, you are being appointed at a crucial time in the development process and improving on the fortune of our dear State.
  8. You are coming at a time that the Public Service must demonstrate the right attitude to resuscitate the ailing economy as a result of the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy of which Nigeria, nay Ogun State, is not immune. In this direction also, the Public Service will have to exhibit the positive attitude that will engender a symbiotic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the good of our dear State and the People. The kind of leadership that you provide as Head of Service will go a long way towards the successful realization of that goal. I pray that God will help you. You have been chosen out of many others who are equally qualified, experienced, and possess the prerequisite skills to lead the Ogun State Public Service. You should therefore see this call to duty as a challenge. I will urge you as the new Head of Service to act conscientiously and dutifully to preserve the legacy and success of the proud pioneers and forebears of the Public Service in Ogun State and Nigeria. And as the 5th female and 19th Head of Service of Ogun State, I charge you to improve and surpass the brilliant performance of the past Heads of Service in Ogun State.
  9. At this juncture, let me reiterate our Administration’s unwavering commitment to the development of all sectors of our State’s economy. In this direction, we will continue to provide an enabling environment for our people, within and outside the Public Service, with genuine intentions directed at providing a more prosperous life for all the people of Ogun State. Let me observe that in the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda, our Administration has made it a matter of policy to reposition all areas and sectors of Ogun State’s economy, for the continued development of our dear State. As the core engine room of Government, our Administration will continue to re-engineer the Ogun State Public Service and motivate our Public/Civil Servants to ensure continuous and smooth operations of the Government.
  10. As part of our deliberate strategy in this direction, in the last one year, we have opened more rooms for our career public/civil servants to get to the peak of their careers. Similarly, we have also put in place other welfare programmes and projects to continue in motivating our public servants. For example, we are delivering on our promise to provide affordable housing by creating the A.A.K. Degun Workers Estate Phase II at Laderin, Abeokuta; and, the on-going prince Court Workers Estate at Kemta/Idi-aba, Abeokuta.
  11. Let me also use this opportunity to reassure all the great workers of Ogun State that ours is not an Administration that reneges on its promises. We will fulfill all the promises we made, and we will honour all agreements we have with our workers. In doing this, and as we continue to ensure the provision of adequate and effective working tools for our Public Service, we shall also see to the fact that the working environment is friendly enough to guarantee the optimal productivity from our Public Service.
  12. Once again, let me congratulate the new Head of Service, and the new Executive Council members most especially, for this attainment. Equally, I congratulate the entire Public Service of Ogun State for reaching another milestone in its enviable history as a trail-blazer in the comity of Public Service in Nigeria. At this point, it is with a sense of duty that I inaugurate Alhaja Selimot Olapeju Ottun as the new Head of Service of Ogun State; Engr. Olugbenga Dairo as Commissioner for Transportation; Arch. Abiodun Fari-Arole as Special Adviser/M.D. of OPIC; and, Dr. Lateef Tayo Lawal as Special Adviser on Health. I wish you all fulfillment in your tasks ahead.
  13. I thank you all for listening and God bless.
    Igbega Ipinle Ogun, Ajose gbogbo wa ni o!

Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Tuesday, 30th June, 2020

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

 

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Samuel Nwanosike, the chairperson of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Thursday, reportedly led thugs to disrupt the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

Nwanosike, who is the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Among many other things, a potential sanction for Wike was expected to take the front burner at the party’s NEC meeting over allegations of anti-party activities.

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However, Nwanosike reportedly tried to force his way into the venue and came along with hoodlums. His intent, it was gathered, was to create chaos and halt resolutions by the NEC.

 

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup …recommends full investigation

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup ...recommends full investigation

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
…recommends full investigation

 

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A political interest group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the purported sacking of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Ganduje.

The group under the umbrella of APC National Vanguard described the sacking as a political coup orchestrated by desperate individuals outside the party who are envious, and felt threatened by Ganduje’s rising profile.

It said that the attempt to sack Ganduje as the National Chairman of the APC is a direct assault on the democratic principles and what the party stands for.

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The group said: “We understand that such calls and attempt to illegally sack the chairman can only be contemplated by anti-democratic forces and those who seek the fall of the APC party.

“It is most unfortunate that they are hiding behind the façade of being democrats when in reality they abhor the very tenets of democracy, which is why they are keen on using crude tactics to cause disarray, and unsettlement within our prestigious party.

“We warn those outside the APC party who desperately want to rejoin the party to do so in the most honorable and civilized manner. Resorting to devilish, demonic, and dubious means to achieve their goals is not only unacceptable but also undermines the principles of democracy and fair play.

“It Is a clear violation of our party’s constitution and an affront to the democratic principles upon which our great nation is built. We stand firmly behind Alhaji Ganduje and affirm our unwavering support for his leadership.

“His dedication, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the APC have been instrumental in our party’s success and growth. His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, has been an exemplary leader within the All Progressives Congress.

“Under his leadership, the party has made significant strides in advancing its agenda, promoting good governance, and delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people. His rising profile is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the party’s ideals.”

The group called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to call his dogs to order. It said: For those that have hired themselves out as mercenaries to threaten Nigeria’s democracy and causing strife within our noble party, you should be ready to face the sword of justice soonest.

“The governor needs to understand that oppression of the weak is the bane of Justice and Democracy in any country. We implore him to step down if he has nothing in his head other than witch-hunting, and playing divisive politics in Kano State.

“He should hand over government to a competent hands if he’s not ready to embrace following due process of justice, other than using rascality, impersonation, and manipulative tactics to fight opposition.

“We call on all members of the APC, at all levels, to rally together in support of Alhaji Umar Ganduje and to condemn this act of political sabotage.

“Our unity and solidarity are paramount in these challenging times. It is only by standing together, hand in hand, that we can overcome any attempts to divide and weaken us.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our condemnation of the purported sack of His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the APC. We expose the legal loophole in the alleged suspension, highlighting the fact that those who addressed the press conference are not card-carrying members of our party.

“Which in regards of this revelation makes the purported suspension null and void, and would have no any effect on the National Chairman.

“We further express our happiness at the good news that, the Ward and Local Government Executives having identified the persons involved in this unfortunate situation, have already prepared to charge them to court for impersonation and calculated attempt to embarrass and dent the image of the Party and that of the National Chairman.

“We also issue a stern warning to those outside the APC who seek to rejoin the party, urging them to do so in a manner that upholds honor, civility, and the democratic values we hold dear.”

 

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
...recommends full investigation

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara ...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara
…As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

 

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The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Rivers State will fully support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

 

 

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara
...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

He disclosed this on Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo paid him a visit in continuation of the agency’s consultation with State Governors towards the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Tinubu.

Hon. Ojo, in his address to the governor, commended him for the great sense of focus he has displayed in governance within the short period he assumed office.

The FHA Chief Executive listed out the Governor’s infrastructural development, timely payment of pensioners, and enhanced security in the state, among other things, as the areas he has made instant marks in the state.

The MD informed Governor Fubara that the main reason for the visit was to bring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda message on Housing to Rivers State, which is all about providing affordable houses to Nigerians, pointed out that the state is the thirteenth he is visiting with his team in under one month.

Hon. Ojo reiterated Mr. President’s determination not only to tackle the nation’s housing deficit, but giving Nigerians affordable and livable houses. According to him, “We bring you Mr President’s mandate of Renewed Hope, which is affordable housing. Right now, in Nigeria, we lack adequate shelter, which is why the President has chosen us to help tackle the issue.”

The FHA boss pointed out the strategic importance of Rivers State with its peculiar terrain to the economic life of the country and noted the need for affordable houses in the state for the good of the citizens.

The MD therefore told His Excellency, Governor Fubara, that the Authority has come to ask for land from Rivers State for the purpose of delivering the Renewed Hope Housing project.

Hon. Ojo explained to the Governor the new developmental inclusiveness policy of the FHA, where the Authority consults with the State Governments for inputs in designs before any project is sited. He said that the Authority would does not wish to stay in Abuja and design what they like for the people of Rivers.

In his words, the MD told the governor, “One of the reasons why we are here today is to solicit for land. We do not want you to just give us land. We want, like I said, to sit with your management team to come up with the right designs that will be tailored towards what the Rivers people need”.

Hon. Ojo also informed the Governor of the Authority’s Diaspora City initiative, where a certain percentage of the land given for projects would be dedicated to building for our diasporians and other privileged Nigerians. This, he said, would benefit our people in diaspora, some of whom have fallen into the hands of fraudsters in their quest to have befitting accommodation back home.

FHA, the MD told Mr Governor, is in advanced discussion with the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission and the Federal Ministry of Tourism towards this. He noted that with the Authority’s digitization, the Diasporians would have seamless transaction with FHA from the comfort of their respective locations and also be able to monitor and track their investments.

Hon. Ojo also told Governor Fubara that FHA wants to capitalise on the value chain of construction to help fight inflation in the country. He noted that by the time these sporadic massive constructions would start across the country, numerous direct and indirect jobs would be created.

The Managing Director equally informed the Governor that most of the contracts would be given to contactors from Rivers State. This, he said, apart from helping boost the state’s economy, would create a sense of ownership of the project, and the people would also know those to hold accountable.

The MD also emphasized the apolitical stand of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this project. Mr. President, he noted, sees this as a critical Nigerian project devoid of political colouration. He noted further that the FHA team has visited 13 states that are APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party controlled, pointing to the non-partisan nature of the Renewed Hope Agenda programme.

On the designs and models of delivery, Hon. Ojo told the governor that the Authority remains resolute in the decision to consider Nigerians in the lower rung of the economy by building Studio, One Bedroom apartments, and carcass. He maintained that expensive finishing would not be imposed on Nigerians. FHA would do a prototype exterior, plumbing, and electricals, while respective allottees would do the finishing according to their individual tastes and resources.

Finally, the MD informed His Excellency that the Authority has ready off – takers for the project and would also like the collaboration of the State in profiling off-takers . “We will make you proud. We will come back to sit with you once you give us land. We will call you for the ground breaking, and President Tinubu will surely be your guest”. The MD concluded.

The governor, in his response, thanked the FHA team for coming to the state to discuss such an important issue of nation building. He thanked the President for the Renewed Hope initiative and expressed great concern over the issue of housing challenges in the country. In the Governor’s words, “I am really happy this evening not minding the timing, to discuss such an important issue of nation building”.

Governor Fubara noted that the issue of housing is becoming more challenging in the country due to high cost of living, and as such, all levels of government need to come down to tackle. “In our country today, because of the high cost of living, housing has become an issue, the medium income earner can not even afford them. All levels of government need to come down to tackle it.” He opined.

The Governor noted that his government is thinking along the same line with Mr President. He said that they are thinking of making provision for all segments of the populace, including the civil servants, traders, taxi drivers etc. He said that “…receiving a delegation from FHA is cheering to us. I want to assure you that we will be part of this project.” He noted.

The Governor expressed happiness for the proactive and business oriented disposition of the Authority’s presentation, and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to work with FHA. In his words, “your demands are very simple. We are dealing with a team that is very serious to develop. They want the contractors to come from us. They want to partner us for off- takers. I want to assure you that we will work with you.”

Governor Fubara was also pleased with the Authority’s proposal to sit with the state for input in designs. He said it shows the seriousness FHA’s Management, that has great interest in its end product meeting the desires of those it is building for.

Finally, the Governor said, “I assure you of all the support you would need. Our message to the President is that we will support the project to be a successful legacy of his administration. ” He concluded.

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