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Why Dapo Abiodun Suspended Opening of Churshes, Mosques

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ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE,
HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR,
ON UPDATE AND EFFORTS TO COMBAT COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ON FRIDAY, 19TH JUNE, 2020

My dear people of Ogun State.
​
Let me start with the update on the current COVID-19 situation in our State as reflected in the medical statistics. As at Monday, 15th June, 2020, we have recorded a total of 586 positive cases as against a total number of316 on the 4th of June, an increase of 270 or over 85% in just 14 days. Put more succinctly, the number of cases recorded from first index case on 27thFeb to 4th June – a period of 98 days – has almost doubled in just 14 days. On the positive side, a cumulative total of 315 patients have been successfully treated and discharged, representing 54% of the total positive cases. This number stood at 168 in my last update on Friday, 5th June, indicating a discharge of 147 in the last 14 days. Within this period, we have painfully recorded an additional 6 more deaths, bringing the total to 15, an increase of over 66% compared to 9 as at the last update. We beseech God Almighty to repose the souls of the departed and grant their families the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

2.​The above speaks for itself – community transmission is on the increase. And regrettably, in spite of the spirited efforts of the government to create awareness about the deadly nature of the pandemic and the guidelines in place to flatten the curve of the spread, the compliance level of our people is still very much below expectation. Many are yet to appreciate that there is a new normal that demands a new way of life that is not optional and is also an individual responsibility in the final analysis. I wish to emphasise that the figures of the dead from COVID-19 related complications or the sick may appear to many as just mere statistics, but to those who are directly impacted, these are not just numbers, but caring spouses, loving fathers or mothers, sisters, brothers and cherished relatives. The intention here is not to scare us, but to drive home the point that COVID-19 is real, and we have a collective and individual responsibility to work together to tame it – through compliance with the guidelines.

3.​The challenge posed by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic is multi-faceted. Apart from the generally known facts that there are no vaccine or cure yet, the trajectory of the spread of the virus is also a moving target, despite the best efforts at arresting the spread of this highly infectious and deadly enemy.

4.​It is with this consideration in mind that our approach in Ogun State has been cautious, deliberate, methodical, and guided by data analysis, feedback from the field, and expert opinions of medical scientists. Underpinning our approach also, is continuous review of the situation and curtailment efforts, engagement with stakeholders and regular update of the public. Since COVID-19 is a global challenge, we also stay tuned to COVID-19 related developments both in other States within our shores and also around the world. One key lesson is that those who relaxed the restrictions too early are paying dearly and hurriedly re-imposing even tougher measures than those lifted prematurely. Unfortunately, the consequences for the hasty decision are human lives that could have been saved or ailments that could have been avoided.

5.​In my last briefing, we were considering a tentative date of Friday, 19th June, 2020 to further ease the restrictions and allow gradual opening of places of worship on Fridays and Sundays. Towards this end, we have had robust engagements with the religious leaders – Christian Association of Nigeria and the League of Imams and Alfas. I must thank them for their forthrightness, cooperation and even appreciation that the curve of the spread of the pandemic is worsening and that places of worship represent most potent fertile grounds for the spread of the deadly virus.

6.​After a careful review of the data, feedback from the field, expert opinions, and lessons from far and near, two major conclusions are very clear and obvious to all: first, the COVID-19 situation in Ogun State and indeed in the country as a whole has not improved since the last update; secondly, there are dire consequences in loss of human lives for premature relaxation of the guidelines, necessitating a rollback of the relaxation in a number of states and countries. Unfortunately, guidelines may be rolled back, the lost human lives cannot be rolled back.

7.​Consequently, we are confronted with two choices – yield to the demand of those who want the restrictions to be further relaxed or even completely removed, even if this is at variance with the dictates of incontrovertible data analysis and scientific opinion; or tow the path that preserves public health and safety, even if not so popular. As a responsible Administration, we choose life and the wellbeing of our citizens and aretherefore constrained to take the painful but necessary decision to maintain the current regime of eased lockdown in the meantime. We are consequently suspending our initially slated reopening of places of worship. Let me thank some of our religious leaders who by themselves advised us that this is the best decision that we should take at this time in the best interest of all of us. This is not an easy decision, but we are confident that the wisdom and scientific basis for this decision will become clearer to those who may have initial misgivings about it. Since the advent of this pandemic in our State, our cautious, methodical, data-driven and scientifically supported approach has ensured not only comparably superior outcomes, we have also not had reasons to reverse our decisions, because our decisions are usually well thought out.

8.​For clarity, the existing guidelines to combat COVID-19 in the State that will continue in the meantime are:

• All 5 working days in the week (Monday to Friday) are still opened for businesses and other economic transactions with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days;

• Observation of dusk-to-dawn curfew as directed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) i.e. between 10.00pm and 4.00am daily;

• Restrictions on Interstate travel are still in force;

• Wearing of face masks in the public is still mandatory;

• Only one passenger is still allowed for motorcycles and two passengers only for tricycles. We observed that Okada motorcycles are breaking this law and we will not hesitate to ban all Okada motorcycles from operating in our State if our resolve is further put to test.

• Taxi cabs and buses still have 60% limitation on their carrying capacity and the measure to arrest and impound any driver that contravenes this in our State is still in force;

• The COVID-19 Task Force in markets must continue to ensure physical distancing, availability of hand washing facilities, and use of gloves and facemasks for traders;

• Decontamination will continue in our markets and other public places;

• Limitation of all gatherings to a maximum number of 20, is still in effect;

• Gyms, event centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, nightclubs, swimming pools, barber-shops, spas, beauty Salons, and all public parks, including those in private residential estates, are still not allowed to operate;

• Restaurants are permitted to provide only take-away services and should also ensure that there are no more than 10-15 customers at a time with physical distancing measures in place. Guidelines for eat-in services are still being fine-tuned;

• All industries in Ogun State must continue to comply with the “Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Workplaces in Ogun State to Combat COVID-19” as issued by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments. Therefore, testing of staff for COVID-19 in all industries in the State must be sustained;

• The Task Force set up to conduct random spot checks on the premises of the industries, restaurants and other business enterprises to confirm compliance is still in operation.

9.​As usual, we will continue to monitor the situation and developments and will not hesitate to review and adjust the guidelines accordingly, as may be required. Our objective is to preserve the welfare and wellbeing of our people at all times, afterall that is the primary reason for the existence of government in the first place. In doing this, it will require tough decisions. I have no doubt that we can continue to count on the understanding and support of our people in this joint war against an invisible enemy which turn wives to widows and children to orphans. In this task, we are confident that we will prevail – through the benevolence of God Almighty and the resilience of the human spirit.

10.​I cannot end this address without specially thanking all our frontline workers – doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical lab scientists, supporting personnel and indeed all health workers. I commend the patriotism and commitment of security personnel, journalists and other essential workers for their cooperation in the efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Our efforts will not be in vain, together, we will defeat COVID-19.

11.​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.
Thursday, 18th June, 2020

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Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

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1 hour ago

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May 22, 2026

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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.

 

Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

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Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries

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6 hours ago

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May 22, 2026

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*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.

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Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate

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14 hours ago

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May 21, 2026

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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.

 

Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate

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