WOMEN INCLUSION IN POLITICS NOT A THREAT TO MEN DOMINANCE -OGUN DEP. GOV.
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has disclosed that women inclusion in politics do not pose a threat to men political dominance but a sure way of building alliances and partnership towards sustaining African democratic system.
Salako-Oyedele made this known while delivering her keynote address at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025, tagged 'Women Inclusion in politics: Challenges, Prospects and the way forward' organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with Nigerian Women International Magazine, held at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja.
She said that one of the biggest misconceptions about women’s political participation being peddled around was that it threatens male dominance, as though leadership is a finite resource, noting that countries with higher female representation in parliament such as Iceland and Rwanda tend to have stronger social policies, lower corruption levels, and more inclusive economic growth.
According to her, 'If we truly want to build a Nigeria where opportunity is available to all, then we must see women in politics not as competitors or usurpers but as partners in progress. The truth is, politics is not a zero-sum game. Increasing women’s representation does not mean taking power away from men, it only means that we create a more balanced and effective government'
On the solution for greater inclusion, Salako-Oyedele highlighted some key strategies such as, pushing for affirmative action in major political parties, women should sustain political engagement and not just be an election time activism, making funding for women in politics beyond one off initiative, encouraging male allies in the advocacy movement and ensure that women position themselves strategically for leadership.
In his remarks, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, said the house would continue to exercise diligent oversight of government institutions to ensure adherence to the national gender policy, bolster the Women's Caucus to champion gender specific issues effectively, and support electoral reforms that would fix quarter of female candidates.
He added that the house would also enable both legislations to safeguard women in politics from violence and intimidation, thereby aligning their political framework with the constitution, principles of fairness and freedom, revealing that he recently requested that All Progressive Congress the all progressive (APC) to include all its female members in the party's national executive committee, which is first of its kind in the history of the party.
Also speaking, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, said the event was organised to discuss issues surrounding women leadership, breaking barrier and creating confidence for future generations, adding that plans are underway to unveil national compendium for women in leadership position as it will chronicle their contributions across various sectors and highlight their potentials for higher level of leadership for the benefit of the nation.
Idongesit Jonah and Temitayo Taylor,
Information and Public Relations Officers, Office of Deputy Governor
OGUN DEPUTY GOVERNOR SEEKS PUBLIC – PRIVATE COLLABORATION ON SUSTAINABLE CSR
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Public and Private sectors in implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that will foster economic growth, and social equity.
The Deputy Governor made this call while delivering her keynote address at the inaugural Ogun State Public Relations Forum and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards and Exhibition, in Abeokuta. She highlighted the vital role of CSR in driving sustainable development, while urging business owners to align their initiatives with government policies for greater societal impact.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor and Deputy Director-General of Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke, noted that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration has prioritised key sectors such as healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, youth development, and social welfare, ensuring that CSR efforts contribute to tangible progress.
"Our administration has prioritised investments in healthcare, education women's empowerment, youth development, and social welfare. We are particularly focused on gender mainstreaming and creating opportunities for women in leadership, entrepreneurship and community development ", she said .
Commending the convener, Yeye Adenike Shobajo, for her leadership and vision in bringing the initiative to Ogun State, she expressed confidence that the forum would inspire meaningful dialogue and actionable steps towards sustainable social investment.
Earlier in her welcome address, the MD/CEO of AS+A Communications and convener of the forum, Yeye Adenike Shobajo, expressed her appreciation to the Ogun State Government and all stakeholders for their support in making the maiden edition of the event a reality.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of AS+A Communications. She stated that the platform was not just about celebrating Corporate Social Responsibility but also about recognising and honouring notable and hardworking Nigerians who have contributed meaningfully to society.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Acting President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, FNIPR, called on all the over 3,200 registered members of the institute to apply the insights gained from the paper presentations at the forum to drive greater societal impact and enhance the global recognition of their profession.
Toluwalope Akinuga &Sesan Sodunke
Press Officer, OgunInvest
OGUN HoS, STAKEHOLDERS RALLY SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF DECEASED JOURNALISTS
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya has called for the support for families of deceased journalists, stressing the need for a safe society for members of pen profession.
Mr. Onasanya who made this known at the inaugural empowerment programme for the families of deceased journalists in Ogun state organized by the Oniroyin Support Initiative held at the Basic trust International, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta also thanked the State Government for many of the" silent assistance " to journalists in distress.
He said journalists play an indispensable role in sustaining our society, yet their sacrifices often go unnoticed which has often resulted into incapacitation hence the need to ensure their wellbeing and that of their families especially in times of need.
"Journalism is a noble profession, but it's not without challenges, Journalists are often exposed to occupational hazards including threats to their lives, job insecurity, poor renumeration, harassment, censorship, persecution, mental and emotional strain and even death. When these occur, it is high time we take a bold step in addressing these concerns and ensuring a better welfare for those who dedicate their lives to informing the public and their immediate family in the case of any eventuality " Onasanya said.
He said that the unfortunate reality is that a good number of Journalists labour tirelessly but often lack the financial security to cater for their families when misfortune strikes, this situation he said engenders the collective efforts of the society to ponder on sustainable ways to support media practitioners and their families.
The number one civil servant said the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has continued to place the welfare of the members of the pen profession on the front burner in the State, adding that Governor had settled hospital bills, rendered assistance towards medication and surgery of some of the sick journalists in the State as well as supported the families of deceased journalists to provide succour to them.
Mr Onasanya commended the convener of the initiative, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye for initiating this noble idea to cater for the journalists in need and their spouses in case of death, he therefore charged all stakeholders private sector, philanthropists, corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals to see the initiative as a collective responsibility.
The convener of the programme, ambassador Oladunjoye said the initiative is a personal drive to give back to the profession that made him, adding that Journalists cry for other people's matter, report others people's plight but fail to report theirs.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Richard Akinnola, said the initiative is dear to his heart hence his desire to be at the occasion despite a challenge on his part, adding that journalists and their families should be assisted to live better lives.
Earlier in her welcome address, a two term chairperson of Nigerian Union Journalists, Lagos state chapter and the chairman board of trustees of the Oniroyin Support Initiative, Mrs Funke Fadugba, said journalists usually experienced painfully challenges when they cover traumatic events and faced psychological challenges without sharing them with anybody, saying that the initiative was established to take care of them and their relatives.
In their separate good will messages, the wife of a former president of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo and a veteran journalist, Mr. Eddy Aina said the programme was apt and would surely wipe away tears from the eyes of the widows and their dependants, urging well-meaning Nigerians to embrace and support the initiative.
Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Motunrayo Lanrewaju, widow of Kolade Lanrewaju of the AM, PM and tempo stables and Mr. Taofeek Sokunbi, brother to a sick Information Officer from the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Com. Ismail Sokunbi thanked the convener of the programme for coming to their aid in times of need, praying that God would arise for the needs of the convener and the donors.
Tunde Olayiwola,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the HoS
ABIODUN CALLS EARLY CANCER DETECTION, NEED FOR URGENT PUBLIC AWARENESS
The Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has emphasised the importance of early cancer detection, urging individuals who have received key messages on cancer prevention and treatment to actively spread awareness within their communities.
Speaking during a cancer awareness and screening programme organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Health and Ajose Foundation to commemorate World Cancer Day at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, Mrs. Abiodun stressed that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and saves lives.
She described cancer as a deeply personal journey that affects not only patients but also their families emotionally, financially and in various ways, noting that the theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027, "United by Unique" highlights the need for a people-centred approach to cancer care that would ensure that patients receive individualised support and empathy.
"Ogun State has adopted a multi-sectoral approach to cancer advocacy by collaborating with traditional and religious institutions to take awareness campaigns to the grassroots. By engaging trusted voices within communities, we can dispel myths, encourage early screening, and ultimately save more lives," she said.
She, said that beyond early detection, individuals and families affected by cancer require comprehensive support, including access to counseling, palliative care, and financial assistance to ease the cost of treatment, saying the goal
In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in stated that the Ogun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, recognises cancer as a major public health concern and has prioritized early detection, improved access to treatment and patient support.
She said various initiatives such as screening programs, community outreach, and partnerships with healthcare organizations have been implemented to ensure that no resident is left behind in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Coker implored residents in the State to embrace the Health Insurance Scheme which would covers yearly cancer screenings for beneficiaries, calling for collective action to reduce the burden of cancer in the state, particularly through increased awareness, patients support, advocacy for better healthcare policies, and encouragement of regular screenings.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Honourable Adijat Adeleye, advised women refrain from remaining silent about their health and to take advantage of screening services available to them.
"Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of death among women, yet early detection can make all the difference. Do not wait until it is too late. Please get screened for breast and cervical cancer and prioritise your health," she urged.
Some beneficiaries of the screening programme including Mrs. Samiat Afuape, and Mrs. Selimot Osho, who expressed their appreciation to the state government for the initiative, described the exercise as an eye-opener, noting that it had afforded them the opportunity to now understand the importance of regular check-ups.
Another participant, Mr. Adekunle Akinola commended the organisers for making the screening accessible to all, while assuring of his willingness to follow the adviser of the Wife of the Governor by becoming an awareness ambassador for early diagnosis of prostate in his community.
Goke Gbadamosi,
Information and Public Relations Officer,
OGSG TRAINS, EMPOWER 914 ARTISANS WITH EMPLOYMENT KITS
In its aim to reduce unemployment rate and poverty level among its citizens, the Ogun State Government has trained and empowered over 914 artisans on different vocations across the State.
Speaking in Abeokuta during the presentation of the startup kits to the beneficiaries organised by Ogun State Skills Funds, a World Bank Project coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Commissioner in the Ministry, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, noted that the motive was to make people contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of the State.
Prof. Abayomi explained that people have been facing with the challenges of setting up a business after completing their training session, hence the provision of the equipment to lift the burden off the people and thereby making them self-independent and employer of labour.
The Commissioner stated that the beneficiaries were trained on different vocations, such as hospitality and catering, garment making, fishery, masonry, early childhood, carpentry, welding and iron bending, embellishments and cosmetology, submitting that, they were well equipped with needed gadgets.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, appreciated the State Government for the provision of funds to train the beneficiaries and for the purchase of the gadgets, enjoining them to use the instrument for profit making.
Also, the Project Coordinator, Ogun State Economic Transformation Projects, Mrs. Mosun Owoodunsi, congratulated the people for the completion of their apprenticeship, encouraging them to make good use of the items, so that government would be motivated to do more.
In his overview, the Skills Specialist, Ogun State Skills Fund, Engr. Segun Fatoki, disclosed that the State Government in collaboration with GIZ were coming up with a job centre where employers could be connected with potential employees, adding that a work hub would also be opened to link up artisans and OSF graduates with people that need their services and where they could come and borrow or use equipment.
Expressing their gratitude for the event, the two of the Training Service Providers, Mr. Segun Olutade and Mrs. Folasade Odeyemi, appreciated the government for the initiative towards reducing unemployment, creating jobs and reducing crime as well as turn the State into job hub.
In their appreciative notes, two of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ibrahim Kuye and Mrs. Omotayo Ijaduade said initially they thought it was not going to happen, but now they could see the reality and appreciated government for the empowerment.
Ayoola Obadimu
Information/Public Relations Officer, MOES&T
OGUN TO CREATE INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY MARKET FOR A SUSTAINABLE POWER SUPPLY
As part of plans to end the perennial epileptic power supply being experienced across the state, the present administration is working towards attracting private investors, where they will be licensed to invest in the State electricity market to boost power supply and make life worth living for the people.
This was made known by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Jide Onakoya, while featuring in a radio programme tagged; '’Day Break Show'' in Abeokuta.
He said the aim of the state electricity market was to licence private investors to tap from the opportunity of investing in the state electricity project, which would operate independently from the national grid under its specified network towards achieving the set goals for state power project. He said Ogun State Government was determined to create more visible and sustainable electricity for willing buyers and sellers that would be self-sufficient for the people of the state.
Onakoya stated that, Ogun state power sector law 2024 empowered the state to create Ministry of Energy to coordinate and create Electricity Commission among others, saying government would create market for power generation, distribution and transmission independently or through other licenses, saying people would have choice of market either from the consistent state power supply or the national grid.
The Special Adviser noted that, the intention of the State Government was not to merge the new electricity market into the existing network, rather to create an independent State network that would be different from the national grid, pulling the existing network together to create an alternative network for a sustainable power generation across the state.
'We have successfully taken over the regulatory mandates of the national electricity Regulations Commission from the Federal level to the State level with the creation of the electricity law by the State government,' Onakoya said.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Olufemi Omisanjo, said that the creation of the Electricity market would bring solutions to the doorstep of individuals, making life meaningful and easy, noting that, the market would be open and available for prospective business owners, providing solutions to the power need of intending customers thereby ensuring a sustainable environment.
In his reaction, Director of Extension Services, Engr. Sunday Adelakun assured prospective customers of government readiness to supporting them by facilitating their licensing and ensure smooth running of the electricity market.
Mosunmola Shobo,
Information and Public Relations Officer, BEES
OGUN GOVT. REGULARISES APPOINTMENT OF 415 HOSPITAL PERSONNEL
It was a joyful moment for 415 locum hospital workers across all Secondary Health Facilities in Ogun State who have enjoyed the approval of Governor Dapo Abiodun to be fully regularised and absorbed into the normal pensionable appointment of the State.
Speaking with journalists during the regularisation exercise at Staff Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, appreciated the Governor saying, "this absorption and regularisation exercise is unprecedented in the history of the State".
"On behalf of the entire Management of the Hospitals Management Board and the 415 locum hospital workers, I want to thank the Governor for his large heart and kind consideration," she said.
Dr. Elemide disclosed that, the health workers have been doing the job for some times now, adding that the formal regularisation would boost their morales and help in improving service delivery which would translate to effective health care delivery to the people of the State.
Reacting, Messrs Sanni Akanni, Gbeminiyi Jacob, Olugbenga Agida and Ayantunji Ibrahim from General Hospitals, Imeko Afon, Atan, Ilaro, Iperu and Mrs. Solaja Deborah from State Hospital, Ijaiye Abeokuta, respectively, on behalf of others expressed their appreciation to the Governor, saying that the gesture was rare while promising to be more dedicated, productive, diligent and committed in the discharge of their duties.
The ad hoc workers in their numbers took turns to get their documents and certificates verified by officers from the Bureau of Establishment and Training led by the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, Mrs. Lydia Fajohunbo in compliance with the rules and regulations of the service.
The absorbed workers comprised Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Health Attendants, Assistant Data Processing Officers, Medical Record Technicians, Medical Imaging Technicians, Dental Surgery Technicians, Clerical Officers, Cooks, Gardeners, Drivers, Craft men, Watchmen and Mortuary/Health Attendants.
Femi Osipitan,
Information and Public Relations Officer, Hospitals Management Board
YEWA NORTH LG ROLLS OUT ACHIEVEMENTS TO MARK 100 DAY IN OFFICE
The Chairman, Yewa North Local Government, Dr Olusola Akinbode has listed some of his achievements to mark his 100 day in office to include Dapo Abiodun Adire/Kampala Skill Acquisition Programme for over 1000 residents, registration of over 5000 Farmers for Cash Crops distribution among others for promoting socio economic development of the area
Dr. Akinbode, disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen on the occasion of the anniversary marking his 100 days in office at his office, Ayetoro, saying his administration also recorded success in people-oriented projects like the, unveiling the Iconic symbol of pride and identity for Yewa North Local Government erected across the Council area, clearing of Road Medians in Ayetoro among others.
He explained that, a crisis resolution committee headed by the Secretary to the Local Government Alhaji Lukumon Akinyemi, was constituted to resolve Herders/Farmers crisis and entrench peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups across the council area, nothing that crisis had been stemmed through the efforts of his administration and other security stakeholders across the Council area.
The Chairman said the commitment of his administration had also brought about mutual understanding and administrative convenience which had led to enduring relationship among the executive, legislature and career officers culminating in the overall development of the Council
Meanwhile, the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba AbdulAzeez Adelakun, congratulated the Chairman, Dr. Akinbode on the successes recorded within 100 day in office
The monarch gave the commendation during a working visit by the Council's executive to Alaye’s Palace, expressing his delight through the Asiwaju of Ayetoro, Chief Kunle Amosun. He lauded the leadership quality of the chairman and pointed out that, his administration had created a new dawn of conductive atmosphere for peaceful co-existence and socio-economic growth within Ayetoro and its environs
In his remarks, the Chairman, Dr Akinbode represented by his vice, Hon Olumide Ilori thanked the Alaye and Alaye in Council for supporting the administration since assumption of Office, saying he would continue to be grateful and make them proud, assuring them of embarking on more infrastructural development across the council area
Other dignitaries present at the palace were, Jagumolu of Ayetoro, Chief Murithdor Adedeji, Baale of Ogodo, Chief Asamu Mutairu, Baale of Kessan, Chief Morufu Opajobi, Honourable representing Eggua Ward, Hon David Opeifa, Director General Services and Administration (DGSA), Mrs. Anu Fatade, the Council Acting Treasurer, Mr. Waidi Bakare
Lateef Akintunde,
ZIO, YNLG
OGUN HIGH COURT TO PROCEED ON EASTER VACATION
The trial of Civil Action in the High Court of Justice, Ogun State High Court will be discontinued as from Thursday, April 17, 2025 to Friday, April 25, 2025.
A release signed by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, indicated that normal court sittings would resume on Monday, April 28, 2025, stating that during the vacation, Criminal matters would be taken and urgent Civil Matters would also be heard only by leave on application of both parties to the suit or their Counsel.
OGIS
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