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Ogun govt has stalled our progress, made future bleak –Teachers who await documentation years after paying millions for C of O

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Amosun Berates UK, Western Nations For Encouraging  japa, granting young Nigerians visas

Mr. Rotimi Adeniyi has recently stopped using the mirror because his reflection scares him – hollow eyes, wrinkled face and all the external signs of ageing. The mirror reminds him of how gray he has gone and it worries him.

In another year, Adeniyi will be 60 years old and also bidding farewell to his life as a civil servant. So what really scares him is not the mirror but the reminder of a dashed hope that has kept him as a tenant. He has spent the better part of his life teaching at public secondary schools in Lagos. A state government policy has ensured that in the last few years, he never spent more than six years in a school.

If Adeniyi was asked about 10 years ago if he was still going to be a tenant at his current age, he would have dismissed the notion outright with a wave of the hand. It would have sounded silly to Adeniyi because he had a plan in place to become a landlord and he was saving to ensure that the dream became a reality.

But today, he looks back at how his hope of becoming a landlord in his lifetime is being threatened by the Ogun State government.

In the hope of becoming a landlord, Adeniyi had joined a co-operative in the school where he worked at the time – Itire Community Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos.

The co-operative – Itire Community Secondary School Teachers Welfare Fund – had bought land measuring 13.288 hectares at Gaun-un town, close to Magboro, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State for interested members and Adeniyi had quickly subscribed to it.

For Adeniyi, it felt like everything was falling into place at the right time. He bought two plots from the land, hoping that one of them would become the dream residence for his family and the other his retirement benefit.

“I was so happy that I bought two plots; I wanted to build a school on one of the plots. I thought that the school would be where I would retire to after my years in public service. I was saving N10,000 per month with the scheme and the co-operative bought the land on our behalf.

“The land was approved by officials of the relevant agencies in Ogun State government and we spent so much money to do the survey and allocation to divide the land into plots for all of us. The state government asked us to pay about N23m to get Certificate of Occupancy for the land and we paid all the money, but since 2013, the government has not given us the certificate.

“This has really affected us as it has prevented us from building anything on the land. The issue of ownership and documentation is not clear and nobody wants to invest money in such a place because without the proper documentation, government can choose to demolish any structure there later,” he said.

It was learnt that when the Ogun State government in 2008 announced that all owners of land in the state should ratify the land titles, the co-operative was given approval by the Director of Lands Ratification under the Bureau of Lands and Survey in the state and encouraged to pay the sum of N23, 242, 000 as condition for the granting of a Statutory Right of Occupancy over the land.

A letter dated December 21, 2012 from the bureau stating the breakdown of the amount that was required to be paid to the government purse was given to the co-operative, a copy of which was obtained by Saturday PUNCH.

The letter was said to have been issued in respond to an application made by Itire Community Secondary School Teachers Welfare Fund on December 30, 2008.

The letter, which was signed by Isq’eel Aboaba, the Director of Lands Ratification on behalf of the Special Adviser/Director-General (Lands), said, “I am pleased to inform you that the state governor has graciously granted provisional approval for the ratification of your right of occupancy in the parcel of land/property lying, being and situate at Gaun-un town, measuring 13.288 hectares.

“Consequently, you are hereby granted a Statutory Right of Occupancy over the said land/property subject to the following terms and conditions.”

According to the letter, the conditions include paying a sum of N23.2m to cover for Premium, Annual ground rent, Preparation fee for Certificate of Occupancy, Registration fee for Certificate of Occupancy, Government survey fee, Capital contribution and others.

It was however learnt that in July 2018, some officials of the state government informed some executives of the co-operative that the delay in issuing the C of O was as a result of the discovery that the said land fell within a proposed satellite town in the state to be called Akute City.

“For many years, we were going to Abeokuta (Ogun State capital) to inquire about the status of application for Certificate of Occupancy after paying over N23m and all we were told was to come back the next day or the next week or be patient. But just last month, some government officials told us that the state governor had not approved the Certificate of Occupancy for us because our land fell within Akute City.

“But nobody told us that when they ratified the land title and asked us to pay over N23m to get Statutory Right of Occupancy over the land. We paid the money in 2013 and after five years of wasting our time and government holding on to our money, they are now saying a different thing.

“The situation has caused me so much pain; it is as if my life has been at a standstill. It appears that all my life savings are going down the drain before my eyes and there is nothing I can do about it. I hope Ogun State government will quickly clarify the situation and give the Certificate of Occupancy for the land so that we can start building on it before our time on earth comes to an end,” Adeniyi said.

Similarly, the clock is ticking for Mr. Idowu Ajagbe, who is set to retire from his teaching profession in another two years.

According to him, the situation serves as a warning that his days in retirement might be spent in regret.

“I bought a plot there with the hope that someday, I would leave the life of a tenant and become a landlord. My plan is to build a small house there and have a shop where I can sell goods after my retirement. My retirement is just two years away and that dream is looking more and more impossible to realise.

“For long, many people have said that the reward of teachers is in heaven but some of us thought that we could change our story and have our reward on earth. I believe that the reward of teachers should be on earth and not in heaven as some people say. But now, we don’t know our fate over the land. It brings the feeling that the future is bleak. It is as if there is no hope. Ogun State government has dashed our hopes,” he said.

There are 186 plots on the land with about 100 owners. It was learnt that some interested persons who were not in the teaching profession were also allowed to buy from the land when the co-operative needed to raise the N23m required for the Statutory Right of Occupancy over the land.

One of such persons is Mr.  Wale Ogunfemi, who was a banker at the time; though, he is retired now.

“I heard about the land from my brother who was a teacher at Itire Community Secondary School at the time. So I bought a plot each for my wife and me there, paying N600,000 for them. Since then, we have paid more for other expenses like the Certificate of Occupancy.

“We are afraid to build anything on the land because whatever is put there can be demolished by the government if there is no proper documentation. We have been on the matter for many years now. It was only recently that we heard the state government was claiming that the land fell within a satellite town,” he said.

Ogunfemi had also planned to build a house on his land and resettle his family there but the delay caused a setback for him.

“Some people who bought land in adjoining communities  years after I bought my land are already living in their houses. My plan was to build a residential place to live like a normal Nigerian but with the problem with documentation, nobody will want to take the risk of investing money there,” he added.

A former President of Itire Community Secondary School Teachers Welfare Fund, who has been handling the matter on behalf of the members, Mr. Marcus Bello, told Saturday PUNCH that some of the affected members had been demoralised by the situation.

He said the co-operative wrote a letter to the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, in 2016, pleading with him to look into the matter but that neither was there a reply nor was any action taken to resolve the issue.

A copy of the letter obtained by Saturday PUNCH read: “We hereby write on behalf of the above named association to appeal for the issuance of C of O of the parcel of land at Gaun-un town as shown in the government agency survey attached.

“The approval of the said land was issued on December 21, 2012 and the total amount payable of N23, 242, 000.00 has been fully paid from the society’s contribution since 2013.

“All the teachers had moved to the land to develop their plots only to hear that the state government wanted to re-acquire the estate.

“We hereby appeal to you to use your good offices to ensure that our lifetime efforts will not be in vain.

“The appeal letter was written two years ago but there was no response whatsoever and nothing was done about the problem. We appeal to the state government to look into our plight,” Bello said.

Efforts made to speak with both the Director-General of Ogun Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Biyi Ismail and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, on the issue  proved abortive.

One of our correspondents visited the office of the DG on two occasions. When our correspondent visited the office located within the secretariat at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta on Friday August 10, 2018,  he was unavailable and despite a note on the land matter left with his secretary, nothing came out of it.

Our correspondent repeated the visit on Wednesday August 15, 2018, and this time, the DG was in the office.

Our correspondent filled the visitor’s form at the front office which was passed to the DG’s secretary.  After some few minutes,  the female secretary emerged from her office and told our correspondent to go and speak with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

She said,  “You need to go and see the Commissioner for Information and Strategy.”

Our correspondent had earlier called the Commissioner for Information and Strategy on the matter but he declined to make any comment.

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

 

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.

 

The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.

 

Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.

 

“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.

 

He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.

 

“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.

 

Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.

 

“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.

 

Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.

 

Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.

 

“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.

 

Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”

 

Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.

 

Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.

 

With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.

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Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

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This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

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This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

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Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

 

Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

 

Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.

 

He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.

 

On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”

 

Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.

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