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GOVERNOR ABIODUN: A MAN OF FEW WORDS AND A MILLION ACTIONS

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Political observers in Ogun State may have come across a write-up with the title: “Difference between an Executive Governor and a Ceremonial Governor.” In the opinion, the writer made spurious claims that were intended to paint the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun in a bad light. My purpose here, however, is not to eulogise the Governor but to simply itemise the many people-oriented projects and achievements of the Governor so far, as well as their direct, immediate and remote advantages to the people of the State.

  1. To the writer, Governor Abiodun’s agenda is centred on undoing the so-called “legacies” of former governor Amosun, because Governor Abiodun rebranded one of Amosun’s many failed white elephant Model School projects to serve an actual purpose. Fortunately for the purpose of my writing, former governor Amosun situated these needless Model Schools along expressways – far away from the people who can afford their exorbitant fees, but close to roads plied by people within and outside the State. Everyone using these roads can attest to the fact that on Governor Abiodun’s assumption of office in May, only the Model School in Akinale, along Abeokuta-Sango Otta Road was functional. It was clear to all, and the Governor in fact said it, that he had resolved not to leave any abandoned or failed project of Amosun’s administration but make the best utilitarian use of them.
  2. Speaking on the Ogun Jobs Portal which was officially launched on 15th August, the writer claimed no one had yet to be employed via the website. He shot himself in the leg when he shamelessly wrote that he “in fact…learnt” his claim – from an unreliable source, obviously. The uninformed writer is unaware of the due process that the Governor Abiodun-led administration has adopted in tackling the issue of unemployment. The Ogun Jobs Portal is an avenue to map out a strategy to fix unemployed and even employed persons into suitable public and private sectors where they would be most effective. The people do not expect a miracle, neither will Governor Abiodun be involved in the backdoor employment channel characteristic of the nepotistic and clueless immediate past administration.
  3. On the issue of the 120 security patrol vans and 200 motorcycles donated to the Nigeria Police on the Governor’s 100 days to strengthen internal security, the writer expressed his haste to see the vehicles littered across the State without a clear strategy of use. The writer forgets that police work is no play. It is naturally expected that on receiving the donations, the Police in the State would take their time to work out a distribution pattern, manner of use, and use schedule. The Police was unaware that the donations were coming. It is not rocket science that they need to plan vehemently.
  4. The writer clearly mistook Governor Abiodun for former governor Amosun, when he alleged the diversion of Local Government (LG) funds that are now being directly disbursed by the Federal Government (FG) to the LGs. The writer’s sense of judgement was clearly beclouded by ridiculous sentiments, because even he himself later acknowledged the new practice of direct disbursement after asking Prince Abiodun, the GOVERNOR, for LG funds. Hilarious!
  5. In his headless rant, the writer claimed that crime was now the order of the day in the State forgetting the successful rescue of the Ogun kidnap victims. Th writer forgot to mention that the incident was a ricochet of 8 years of Amosun’s maladministration. Governor Abiodun however graciously swung into action by liaising with the FG to rescue the victims. Since that moment, as citizens have attested, there has been a significantly reduced rate of crime across the State. This is not unconnected to the Governor’s reconstituting of the State Security Trust Fund and the subsequent handing over to a competent management.
  6. Mentioning some federal roads, the writer listed Obantoko, Ewekoro, Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro-Owode Roads as having enjoyed the State’s interventions during Amosun’s time. This contradicts available records. As a citizen resident in Ogun State, I recall how often residents of Obantoko especially lamented the pains they went through on a daily basis, since Amosun turned a deaf ear to their pleas. Residents literary had to replace their vehicle absorbers on a monthly basis. Governor Abiodun, working in his usually transparent manner, has so far liaised with the Lagos State Government under Governor Sanwoolu, to approach the FG which has since approved a collaborative intervention of both States on some federal roads. Was it Amosun that called for partnership with Lagos, or was it he who approached the FG?
  7. Lastly, the writer got petty when he wrote that Governor Abiodun’s social media pages was fraught with pictures of the ceremonies the Governor attended. I will refuse to school the uninformed writer on the importance of social bonding in governance if tension is to be avoided amongst interest groups. Rather, I will first refer the writer to his own words: that one “may accuse (Amosun) of high handedness, arrogance and bullying.” Of course, only arrogant people lead without as much as knowing, let alone mingling with, the people they lead. Second, I will refer the writer to the social media pages (precisely Facebook, for ease of reference) to see in no specific order, posts and pictures of executive assignments and activities, including on, but not limited to: the reinstatement of teachers and labour leaders precipitously sacked by Amosun (October 5); the recently signed bills on the Judiciary, social investment and Legislature’s financial management (September 22); the suspension of the N3,700 PTA fee callously approved and unfortunately inherited from Amosun’s administration (September 20); among others. Tagging such social media posts such as the Governor’s attendance of Isanbi and Owu Day in Ilishan and Totoro, Abeokuta respectively as merely “ceremonial” and insignificant shows the writer’s disregard for culture, and social order and structure.

I have deliberately refused to respond to the writer’s claim that Governor Abiodun was “planning to rename the Abeokuta City Centre…to show that he is in charge.” My reason is that this is simply ridiculous. First, the writer needs to state the source of his gossip. Second, he needs to give a better reason for the alleged name change, other than showing who is in charge, because as far as I know, our constitution ordinarily makes it clear that a state is led by a governor. Third, he needs to state in clear terms how the decision of a Government to change the name of a public property ultimately amounts to vendetta.

Since May 29, I have watched with keen interest, the strides of Governor Abiodun. My prayer is that he is not distracted by the noise of the opposition. From what we see as citizens already enjoying the dividends of democracy he has so far provided, he is the People’s Governor. At different times, I have engaged people living around the Adigbe-Opako Bridge in Abeokuta, Oba Erinwole Road in Sagamu, and the Siun-Ogere Road in meaningful conversations and I got positive feedback.

I advise the writer of that baseless opinion, who calls himself Kabiru Alagbe to consult with the people at the grassroots level, and not hungry politicians in the last administration, before he wastes his time to write such an unfounded opinion again.

God bless Ogun. God bless the people. God bless Abiodun.

Banjo Okunuga writes in from Ijebu-Ode

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.

 

 

NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

 

 

The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.

It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”

NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.

NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.

We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.

Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Nigerian Fuji star Saheed Osupa has responded to a wave of political controversy surrounding his recent campaign appearance in Oyo State, clarifying that a vehicle linked to the debate was not a political gift but compensation tied to a professional engagement.

The backlash followed the circulation of a Facebook Reel showing Osupa performing at an event associated with Sharafadeen Alli, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the video gained traction, it sparked renewed scrutiny over entertainers’ roles in political campaigns and the assumptions that often follow such appearances.

Amid the reactions, individuals aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) circulated claims on social media alleging that Osupa, alongside gospel artist Yinka Ayefele, had previously received luxury vehicles from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The claims, which remain unverified, framed the alleged gesture as an example of questionable public spending and raised concerns about political loyalty.

Osupa has since pushed back against that narrative, offering a different account of events. In a video statement, the artist explained that his involvement in the campaign was strictly professional, based on a negotiated performance agreement rather than any form of political alignment.

According to him, he was engaged to perform at campaign events with assurances that he would be adequately compensated after the election. He, however, alleged that those commitments were not fulfilled following the electoral victory.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Osupa stated that his personal car was damaged during the course of the campaign. He said the replacement vehicle later provided to him was intended as compensation for that loss, not a discretionary gift or political reward.

His response reframes the discussion from one of political patronage to a dispute over professional obligations—an important distinction in an environment where entertainers are frequently enlisted to support campaign visibility.

The episode highlights a recurring tension within Nigeria’s political landscape: the blurred line between performance and perceived allegiance. For artists, participation in campaign activities can quickly shift from paid engagement to public endorsement in the eyes of observers, particularly when details of such arrangements are not clearly communicated.

Osupa’s clarification brings that tension into focus, underscoring how easily professional engagements can be recast within political narratives. As conversations continue, the situation points to a broader need for transparency in the relationship between public figures and political actors—especially in moments where perception can carry as much weight as fact.

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