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Otunba Gbenga Daniel clarifies why The Compass Newspaper was established, lists achievements as Ogun governor

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CSOs Petition Senate, Accuse Gbenga Daniel Of Plot To Destabilize Ogun State

 

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has clarified the motivations behind the establishment of The Compass newspaper, denying any intentions of using the platform to oppose Senator Bola Tinubu.
In an interview the former governor granted a national newspaper, Daniel addressed these misconceptions and highlighted the extensive developmental work undertaken during his tenure, much of which he felt was underreported.
Reflecting on the media landscape during his governance, he stated, “I took over from a newspaper mogul, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and I was not expected to get good press. The sympathy was really not with me; it was with my predecessor. People thought I would crash within a few weeks.”
Facing persistent negative press, Daniel felt compelled to create a media outlet to accurately document and publicize his administration’s achievements.
He emphasized that the establishment of The Compass was a strategic move to counteract biased media coverage rather than a tool for political vendetta.
“We needed to have a platform to also record what we were doing. We did a lot of work that people still do not know,” he explained.
Daniel lamented the lack of social media at the time, which would have allowed for more direct communication with the public without reliance on traditional media channels.
“Unfortunately, we did  not have the level of social media that we have today. If that existed, nobody would need the traditional media.
“But you know, you people at that time, once you blocked us, you blocked us here, you blocked us there, I was  finished (laughs). If we were working 24-7, nobody would see this. They would say you are not working because you people have blocked everybody. So that was what happened.
“I’m not a newspaper person. But, at that stage, we needed to have a platform to also record what we were doing. We did a lot of work that people still do not know.
“For instance, we are thanking our current governor for now working on the (cargo) airport. But this was part of our master plan, which we decided, we did everything we needed to do, we got all the approvals before we left. But you people (press) will not report it.”
“We secured three free trade zones in Ogun State. The Olokola Free Trade Zone, which is where Dangote Refinery was supposed to be but because you people did what you had to do, we lost that one to Lagos. But I said to people, well, Lagos is still the same. If it’s lost to Lagos, it’s fine.
“In any case, where we wanted to put it is inside Ijebuland. All these places where they are in Lekki is still part of Ijebuland, under Lagos. So we’ve not lost anything.
He also said the Kajola Transportation Free Trade Zone, and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, were all initiatives under his administration. These zones were designed to boost industrialization and economic growth in the region.
Daniel also pointed out the numerous educational institutions established during his tenure, including the Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu-Igbo, the Gateway Polytechnic in Sapade, the Tai Solarin University of Education, and several others. He stressed the transformative impact these institutions had on the state’s educational landscape.
“You’ll be shocked if I tell you that in the course of our administration, we established probably about seven tertiary institutions and campuses. I can count for you. We established Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo. We established the Gateway Polytechnic in Sapade. We established  another one in Igbesa and another one in Itori. We established the Tai Solarin University of Education. We established the School of Nursing in Ilaro. We took the old  Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu. It’s now known as Sikiru Adetona College of Education in Omu. We established Gateway Industrial & Petrochemical Institute  (GIPI) in Oni. What didn’t we do? But you people didn’t report it.”
In terms of industrialization, Daniel noted the development of the Sagamu Interchange area into a major industrial hub.
“That axis now is probably the biggest industrial zone in the country. Companies like Nestle, Coleman Cables, CTK, and the biggest international breweries are now located there. It is the fastest growing industrial arena in the entire country,” he said.
Addressing the media directly, Daniel humorously added, “There’s a whole lot that you people refused to report for us.”

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Hon. Dolapo Badru Fetes Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila As Duo Celebrate Birthdays

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*Hon. Dolapo Badru Fetes Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila As Duo Celebrate Birthdays*

Frontline House Of Representatives Member, Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1 And Chairman House Committee On Industry, Hon. Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru fetes Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Chief Of Staff To The President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the duo celebrate their Birthdays.

In his tribute, Hon. Badru exolled Sanwo-Olu, describing him as a Proponent of Qualitative Governance and Target-Result Oriented Individual.

The Federal Lawmaker stated further that Sanwo-Olu is a Technocrat whose Leadership acumen has transformed the Lagos Landscape.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is a Workaholic whose unrelenting efforts ignited Laudable Social and Economic Developments in the state”, Hon. Badru noted.

Continuing, He eulogised Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to serving the people of Lagos State.

He said: “No doubt, The THEMES Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu’s Administration is yielding the desired results”.

In the same vein, Hon. Badru sends a congratulatory message to the Chief of staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

He noted that Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila is a
renowned Lawyer and Politician.

“Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila’s sterling attributes are enormous. He has contributed immensely to the advancement of Humanity and the Nation”. He stated.

“On behalf of Myself, Family and Constituents, I felicitate Governor Sanwo-Olu and Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila on their Birthdays”.

“I Pray The Almighty God grant the celebrants more wisdom, Knowledge and Guidance to lead and offer service
to Lagos and Nigeria”, Hon. Badru concluded.

*© DOLBAD Media Hub*

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Beware of Kano State Government And Their Agents, Group Tells Appeal Court

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Beware of Kano State Government And Their Agents, Group Tells Appeal Court

 

 

The Kano Royal Elites (KRE) has urged the Appeal Court not to fall for the antics of the state government in the Kano Emirates case.

In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahuza Idris, the group warned that the state government would go as low as intimidate judges to rule in their favour.

Idris also raised alarm about the government’s penchant for disobeying court orders as a clear indication of their disdain for the judiciary and their desire to perpetuate impunity.

The group, however, urged the Court of Appeal judges to be brave in the face of intimidation and blackmail.

“We are compelled to address the recent developments in the legal battle surrounding the Emir of Kano. The Federal High Court in Kano’s decision to nullify the reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano is a victory for justice and the rule of law.

“The court’s ruling is a testament to the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and we commend the Honorable Justice for upholding the law despite intense pressure and intimidation from the Kano State government.

“Similarly, we applaud the court’s ruling in favour of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, ordering the Kano State Government to pay him N10 million in damages for fundamental human rights violations. However, we are alarmed by the Kano State government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law.

“Despite court judgments, the government has refused to obey the orders and has instead appealed to the Court of Appeal. This move is a clear attempt to blackmail the judiciary and undermine its authority. We warn the state government that their actions have consequences and will not go unchecked.

“The Kano State government’s actions are a clear indication of their disdain for the judiciary and their desire to perpetuate impunity. We urge the Court of Appeal judges to be brave in the face of intimidation and blackmail. The judiciary must not be swayed by the government’s actions, but rather remain steadfast in upholding justice and truth.

“We call on the people of Kano State and all Nigerians to stand with us in solidarity with the judiciary. We must not allow the Kano State government’s actions to go unchecked. We must defend the judiciary and ensure that justice is served.

“We urge the Appeal Court judges to be guided by the principles of justice and fairness in their deliberations. They must not allow themselves to be intimidated or blackmailed. They must uphold the law and ensure that justice is served.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our support for the judiciary and our commitment to defending the rule of law.”

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Rivers: ALGON Disowns Planned Protest By NASS Members Loyal To Wike, Former LG Chairmen*

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*Rivers: ALGON Disowns Planned Protest By NASS Members Loyal To Wike, Former LG Chairmen*

 

 

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has distanced itself from a planned protest by former local government chairmen, state and National Assembly members loyal to the F.C.T Minister, Nyesom Wike, against the Police presence in the 23 local government councils across the state.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwo, Chairman, and Alabota Anengi Barasua, Secretary, ALGON Rivers State Chapter, the association described the planned protest as a “calculated attempt” by “enemies of the state” to cause mayhem and paint the state in a bad light.

“We support the police decision to take control and protect all local government council secretariats until further directives on the matter,” the statement read.

“We are not in any way linked to the planned protest, which is detrimental to the progress and well-being of the people of the state.”

The association accused the organisers of the protest of trying to take advantage of the guise of protest to cause chaos and destabilize governance in the state.

“Should there be a breakdown of law and order as a result of the planned protest, the organizers and their sponsors should be held responsible,” the statement warned.

ALGON Rivers State Chapter thanked the people of Rivers State for their continued support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration, which is delivering the enviable dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“We call on all law-abiding citizens of our dear state to disregard this planned protest and go about their lawful businesses,” the statement concluded.

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