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Ogun: NO ETHNIC AGENDA PLEASE

Published

5 years ago

July 21, 2019

Sahara Weekly

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The attention of the Ogun State Government has been drawn to a press statement credited to the President of Abeokuta Club, Engr Tokunbo Odebunmi, on the committee set up to look into the operational modalities of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta and Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, which were established by the immediate past government.

The statement went further to impugn the decision of the government to resolve the impasse at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) and bring temporary respite to the already traumatised thousands of students receiving tuition there.

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These students, our children studying at MAPOLY, the future of our society, were made the victims of the industrial dispute that arose over the identity crisis the new status engendered for that institution and no responsible government will allow its future generation to be toyed with in that manner. That informed our decision to allow academic activities to resume at the institution pending the submission of the report of the committee set up on the issue.

What, however, has alarmed the government more in the statement by the Abeokuta Club is the tribal colouration given to government’s decision. The allegation that the government is executing a hidden agenda in favour of any group or people in the state is grossly unfair.

But for the avoidance of doubt, the following clarification on the action taken so far on Moshood Abiola Univedsity of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH) and Ogun State Polytechnic Ipokia needs to be made:

This government inherited a protracted crisis at the MAPOLY over its status that had been changed to MAUSTECH by the last administration. Even MAUSTECH which was so established has nothing on ground over a year after its creation. There were no facilities to accommodate its upgrade to a degree-awarding institution.

The last administration neither appointed a Governing Council to oversee its effective take-off nor put in place requisite academic and non-academic structures to run or administer the institution. There is also no record that efforts were made to source for students for the institution. In truth, MAUSTECH, from what we inherited from the last administration, only exists in name.

But all this while, academic activities had stalled at MAPOLY. The staff and students were in limbo as the law establishing it had been reviewed to pave the way for the emergence of MAUSTECH.

Therefore, for the recent directive of the government that academic activities be returned to MAPOLY to be effective, the law establishing it has to be re-enforced.

But while we understand and appreciate the clamour by groups and regions in our dear state for even representation of government projects, the decision taken so far by government is also to respect that clamour and ensure that the resources of the state are evenly distributed and judiciously appropriated. That informed the setting up of a committee on the issue.

The committee was set up, in view of what was inherited on the status of the two institutions, to ascertain the current operational status of the institutions; identify issues and challenges related to the establishment and operations of the two institutions; determine the viability and sustainability of the institutions on a long-term basis; and identify any other issue(s) related to the objectives of the assignment; and make recommendations for the consideration of the government.

These, we believe, are clear enough assignments given to that committee devoid of tribal bias or ethnic ambush from government as being suggested by the Abeokuta Club.

The committee headed by Professor Segun Awonusi is still sitting and is yet to conclude on its assignment. Therefore, we see no reason for anyone to be pre-emptive of the committee’s report or resort to issuing statement that could cause in-amity in the state.

To be sure, this government of Prince Dapo Abiodun was engineered by the collective will of the people of Ogun State. It is a government that was birthed by the good people of Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Awori, Yewa and others. It is, therefore, unthinkable to accuse such a government of promoting primordial tribal agenda in a sophisticated state like our dear Ogun State.

e-signed
Modele Şarafa-Yusuf
Special Adviser (Information)

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society

Ogun’s N5bn Intervention Palliative Impacting Lives Of Residents-Akinmade

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Abiodun Felicitates Muslim Faithful As Ramadan Begins

Ogun’s N5bn Intervention Palliative Impacting Lives Of Residents-Akinmade

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The N5 billion Ogun State Intervention Palliative meant to cushion the impact of the current economic challenges in the country is having direct impacts on the people of the Gateway State.

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This was stated on Monday by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, while speaking on an OGTV Current Affairs Program, The RoundTable.

He said that through targeted interventions, the government aims to address the current economic challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens.

Governor Abiodun had recently announced N5 billion intervention funds to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living and inflation in the state.

The grant, according to him, is planned to be shared as palliatives to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Governor Abiodun during a press conference held in Abeokuta said his administration acknowledges the current hardship in the country, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and the concerns raised from different quarters regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira.

While expressing a sense of emotions, Governor Abiodun noted that proactive measures to alleviate the impact of the challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of the residents of the state in this difficult time will be implemented

Akinmade said: “Ogun is the first state to implement the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus initiative, to take care of transportation challenges. The buses are currently positioned on strategic routes in the state where people are meant to pay a token fee to cover a reasonable distance.

“Governor Abiodun has initiated policies with direct impacts on the people. Evidence is the ongoing Educash programme that is planned to provide a one-off N10,000 education support grant for 100,000 pupils and students of public primary and secondary schools. The ongoing exercise is done in a transparent manner such that the beneficiaries have been full of appreciation of the gesture coming from the state government.”

According to Hon. Akinmade, 50,000 students of Ogun State origin in tertiary institutions across the country have been captured as part of the planned disbursements of N50,000 grant to each of them.

The Special Adviser added that the administration of Governor Abiodun is also providing health insurance cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries to include pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women, and other members of the informal sector.

“Pregnant women, under the Ibidero Scheme, would also be provided free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in the State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres,” he said.

Akinmade noted that provision would be made for food palliatives to include rice and other items for about 300,000 households across the state.

“The state government has started offsetting the backlog of inherited deductions. To this end, the government has immediately committed N500 million monthly payments towards outstanding deductions.

“It is noteworthy that we have continued to pay N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants in the state for the last eight months,” Hon. Akinmade submitted.

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society

Miracles, Testimonies As Apostle Suleman Hosts ‘Intimacy Crusade’ in Zambia

Published

8 hours ago

March 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Miracles, Testimonies As Apostle Suleman Hosts ‘Intimacy Crusade’ in Zambia

It was a turnaround moment in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th of March 2024. The country witnessed the prophetic signs and wonders during the two-day visit of Nigerian born famous televangelist, Apostle Johnson Suleman.

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At the fully-packed apostolic conference, yokes were broken by the anointing and invisible chains preventing believers from handling mega finances and blessings were smashed. The miracle and healing crusade, according to the servant of God, intended to usher in a new vista of spiritual, moral, physical, material, political and economic transformation for the Southern African country.

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The healing Services commenced early as members of the Lusaka branch of the Omega Fire Ministries led the opening worship sessions while the mammoth crowd that attended from within and outside Lusaka joined to lift voices in high praise. The atmosphere was charged, we learnt. And the aura was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. As Apostle Suleman delivered his mandate of healing to the audience, lives were said to have been transformed, encouraging the participants to be responsive to every spiritual instruction in the course of his spiritual lecture, and hearts were opened to receive supernatural blessings.

At the conference tagged ‘Intimacy 2024’, participants shared testimonies of broken shackles against advancement and fulfillment of their destinies; testimony of grace that destroys curses and spells; grace of success in marriage, employment, health and business. A particular participant who had waited for five years for his Canadian tourist visa, also shared his success story.

Apostle Suleman also ministered to the sick and the atmosphere was saturated with God’s presence. People participating remotely through the ministry’s Celebration TV from different parts of the world, were not left out, as Apostle Suleman stretched forth his hands and proclaimed healing, health, and life to all.

It was indeed an avalanche of miracles as the Lord poured out His blessings and many testified. Without a doubt, stories and testimonies from the two-day apostolic gathering will continue to flow and inspire the participants for a long time to come.

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Business

NASRE Review: Lagos’ Discount Food Initiative Propels National Call for Economic Resilience

Published

10 hours ago

March 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES LAGOS HOS, MURI-OKUNOLA AT 50

NASRE Review: Lagos’ Discount Food Initiative Propels National Call for Economic Resilience

As Nigeria grapples with staggering inflation rates, reaching a distressing 31.7%, Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors, NASRE, stress that Lagos State emerges as a beacon of hope with its innovative approach to tackle the dire economic situation.

In response to the escalating cost of living, Lagos has pioneered the “Ounje Eko” food markets initiative, offering discounted prices on essential commodities across the state. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, not only alleviates the financial burden on its residents but also sets a precedent for nationwide adoption amidst the prevailing economic turmoil.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic woes. Headline inflation has surged to 31.7%, the highest level recorded since April 1996, exacerbating the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. Of particular concern is the soaring food inflation, which stands at a staggering 37.9% in February 2024.

This relentless upward trajectory in food prices has triggered protests and heightened the risk of food insecurity, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning that 8.0% of Nigerians are at high risk of food insecurity.

Amidst this economic turmoil, Lagos State has taken proactive measures to cushion the impact of high food prices on its residents through the “Ounje Eko” food markets initiative. Operating exclusively on Sundays across 57 locations in the state, these markets offer a 25% discount on staple food items, including rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper.

The initiative incorporates innovative measures to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation, such as the introduction of a voucher system and careful selection of independent payment solution providers and food vendors. Prices of staple food items have been clearly outlined, fostering transparency and accountability.

The success of the Lagos Discount Food Initiative underscores the urgent need for similar interventions across the nation. State governments are urged to emulate Lagos’s proactive approach and establish discounted food markets to ease the burden on their citizens.

Furthermore, the federal government must lend its support by providing financial assistance and logistical support to scale up these initiatives nationwide. Expanding the initiative to all states across Nigeria holds immense potential to alleviate the burden of skyrocketing food prices and mitigate the widespread economic hardships inflicted by inflation. Adopting this model nationwide will help ease financial strain and enhance food accessibility for all socio-economic strata, fostering social cohesion and stability.

Finally, a nationwide rollout of discounted food markets would stimulate consumer spending, boost local economies, and contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of communities nationwide. By embracing this initiative, all states have an opportunity to demonstrate proactive governance, prioritize the welfare of their citizens, and contribute to the collective effort of building a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.

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