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





Politics
Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent
Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent
…Dismisses Claims of Discontent Over Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has assured the people of the state that he would run an all-inclusive government if elected governor in 2027.
Fondly called Yayi, the senator currently representing Ogun West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly made this known on Thursday, May 21, 2026, shortly after participating in the governorship primary at Pahayi, Ilaro Ward 1.
Speaking with journalists, Senator Adeola Yayi assured party members that he would not disappoint them if elected governor, pledging to deliver good governance while sustaining the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to him, “I want to assure the people that I will run an inclusive government and carry everyone along. It will be an administration that leaves no group or interest behind.”
The senator commended party faithful for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the governorship primaries, noting that the exercise reflected the unity and cohesion within the party.
Senator Adeola Yayi further expressed delight that the primary election was conducted peacefully across the state, describing the turnout of party members during the direct primary exercise as a strong indication that the APC remains formidable and well-positioned to record landslide victories in the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for sustaining the internal democracy for which the ruling party is reputed, while reiterating his readiness to run an open and inclusive administration.
Fielding questions during the press interaction, the Ogun State APC consensus governorship candidate dismissed claims that some aspirants were aggrieved over his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.
According to him, his emergence was not imposed on the party but was the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus among stakeholders and party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“I am not aware of any aggrieved aspirants over my emergence as the governorship consensus candidate of our dear party. The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party.
“Rather, it was the result of far-reaching consultations and agreements among stakeholders and leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“To my knowledge, nobody was cheated and nobody was disenfranchised. I received overwhelming support at the Ogun State APC strategic meeting held at the party secretariat. Thereafter, I met with other aspirants, and we are all committed to working together for the betterment of the people of Ogun State”, he stated.
The senator, who was widely cheered across Ilaro metropolis, polled 3,023 votes at Pahayi Ilaro Ward 1, 2,601 votes in Ilaro Ward 2, and 2,419 votes in Ward 3. He later monitored the exercise in Ilaro Ward 2 and Ward 3, where party members and supporters hailed him enthusiastically at every stop.
The massive turnout of APC members across polling units in Ogun West, and indeed across Ogun State, was seen by observers of the scene as a demonstration of the widespread acceptance and popularity of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations among the people, without any form of inducement.
Politics
Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries
*Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries*
Charges Chinda to Be Magnanimous in Victory as a Patriot
The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors (RCA) has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the peaceful and orderly conduct of its governorship primaries, describing the process as a shining example of political maturity and a departure from the state’s history of acrimonious contests.
In a statement signed by Comrade Jude Chuks and issued shortly after the declaration of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election, the group praised the APC leadership and stakeholders for ensuring a rancour-free exercise.
The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors, a prominent support structure aligned with the broader Rainbow Coalition political movement in the state, noted that the smooth conduct of the primaries reflects growing commitment to unity, dialogue, and collective progress ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We congratulate the Rivers State APC for conducting a credible, transparent, and peaceful primary. This achievement underscores the maturing democratic culture in our state and sets a positive tone for the political season,” Chuks read.
The group specifically hailed the withdrawals of key aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, which paved the way for Chinda’s emergence, describing the moves as “statesmanlike decisions taken in the supreme interest of peace and party cohesion.
While celebrating the outcome, the Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors charged the new flag bearer to remain magnanimous in victory and demonstrate the spirit of a true patriot.
“Victory at the primary is not an end in itself but a call to higher responsibility. We urge Hon. Kingsley Chinda to extend a hand of fellowship to all other aspirants, stakeholders, and even those outside the APC.
“True leadership demands inclusivity, humility, and the ability to heal divides rather than widen them,” the ambassadors emphasised.
They further appealed to Chinda to prioritise broad-based consultations, youth and women inclusion, and the welfare of Rivers people in his campaign and future governance plans, noting his legislative experience and cross-party relationships as key assets.
The group, however, expressed optimism that, knowing Chinda’s antecedents as a seasoned lawmaker, bridge-builder, and consistent advocate for good governance, he will unify the party, foster inclusive development, and deliver people-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of all Rivers people across party lines.
Politics
Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate
Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has issued a strong warning to dissidents within the All Progressives Congress, APC, that are spreading false reports about the House of Assembly primaries held Wednesday, May 20 across all the wards in the local government.
Supervising officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the immediate past Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, High Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, and Barrister. Azeez Oladapo Ninalowo as winners of Agege Constituencies I and II respectively. Egunjobi polled 10, 126 votes while Ninalowo scored 12, 455 votes. Both candidates had earlier emerged as consensus aspirants during a caucus meeting of the party presided over by Speaker Obasa last Tuesday.
Obasa spoke at the Agege Stadium earlier today, Thursday, May 21, as the APC faithful and stakeholders converged in their thousands to affirm incumbent deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus candidate of the party in the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on the outcome of the primaries, Obasa declared: “We’ve done everything according to the dictates of the party. Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat is our governorship candidate. Senator Idiat Adebule is our candidate in the Lagos West Senatorial District, and Mudashiru Obasa is the candidate for Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Collectively, we have decided and we are standing by the decision of our members.”
He commended INEC and security agencies “for helping us to have a free, fair, and transparent exercise devoid of violence and disorderliness.” The Speaker also praised party members for their loyalty and steadfastness, stating: “Agege is always here for the party. We are always present. When you are a member of a party, you should always participate in all its activities. Why will anyone who isn’t here claim to be part of us?
“You can’t be absent from all primaries and still claim that you are with us. We have conducted House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, and Governorship primaries, yet some disgruntled party members have consistently stayed away. It is not possible. They are not part of us.”
Further, Obasa said: “We should be mindful of the people we send to represent us in any position. If they disregard us, we will wait until their tenure expires and remove them. The beauty of any political structure is continuity. Agege remains a shining example of a well-structured political organisation at the local government level.
“Nothing was done by subterfuge; everything was done in the open. INEC, DSS, Police, the media, and party leaders were all present. There’s nothing to fear. If anybody is initiating fake reports, let them continue. Anybody who has a problem should go and challenge the result in court. After the general election, maybe they will wake up,” he added.
With Hamzat’s candidacy sealed and Obasa drawing a hard line against internal dissent, Agege has sent a clear message: the APC’s fortress stands on loyalty and discipline, and those unwilling to march in step will be left behind as the party advances toward 2027.
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