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The Executive Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi has said that the goal of the Governor’s Cup competition was to nurture the potential of young ones and provide a platform for learners to showcase their talents.
Dr. Majekodunmi made this known at the 4th edition of the Governor’s Cup competition, organised for public primary schools across the four divisions of the state, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, pointing out that the programme was an opportunity to develop the skills of learners and discover new talents at the grassroots level, who could represent the state at national and international competitions.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of encouraging the young ones to engage in sporting activities, advising pupils to harness their prospects in sports by participating in various games and activities that would develop their cognitive and psychomotor skills.
“Ogun State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board, has been facilitating qualitative learning process with provision of quality learning materials, prompt payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances, regular training and workshops that will improve the pupils’ skills and performance”, he said.
Remarking, Board Secretary, SUBEB, Dr. Mukaila Lawal, stated that the competition would expose learners to sports at the basic education level, to develop the right sports values, right attitude towards physical education, promote institutional sports for talent identification and groom them for good sportsmanship.
In his goodwill message, State Coordinator, Universal Basic Education Commission, Mr. Sola Badmos, explained that the purpose of the competition was to instil values and prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities ahead, noting that sport plays a crucial role in the holistic development of learners, while also teaching discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Earlier in their separate remarks, Chairman, Association of Primary Schools Head Teacher of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Comrade Dauda Sanusi and State Chairman of National Association of Primary Schools Games and Sports Teachers (NAPSGAST), Comrade Ope Oladimeji, said the maiden competition featured games and sporting activities among public primary schools across the state.
Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, has stated that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would continue to invest in infrastructure, to create socio-economic opportunities, enabling environment for investors and future development of the state.
Engr. Akinsanya stated this at the commissioning of 8.8km Sagamu Junction-Iperu Roundabout-Ode Junction, which cuts across Sagamu and Ikenne LGAs, saying the road would further enhance economic activities and living standards of residents in the area.
He revealed that the reconstruction of the road would be the beginning of greater developmental strides in the areas, saying government would continue to construct more need-based roads because of its consciousness that good roads engendered viable socio-economic development.
He noted that the investment-friendly environment in the state had ensured positive impacts on the state‘s economy, as companies were taking advantage of Ogun’s location as a gateway to the hinterlands of Nigeria. He said people should continue to support the government for development to reach the nook and cranny of the state.
In her goodwill messages, Iyaloja-General of Ikenne Local Government, Chief (Mrs.) Adesola Adebutu, who recalled that the Sagamu – Iperu-Ode road was impassable in the past, commended Governor Abiodun for the reconstruction of the road, said it would now be accessible and with seamless transportation of goods, pledging the people’s continued support to the present administration.
In their separate remarks, a hair stylist, Miss Adenike Ayoola and a vulcanizer, Tanimola Joshua, appreciated the governor for fulfilling his promise, expressing joy that with the reconstruction of the road, business would thrive in the area.
The saying that, “if you keep doing things same way, you will keep getting the same result,” came to bear with the 2024 Gateway International Trade Fair held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital between April 11 and 29, 2024.
Before now, there had been clamour from stakeholders on how to improve the trade fair to attract more exhibitors and increase patronage. Ordinarily, the Gateway International Trade Fair is usually organized by the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture ( OGUNCCIMA) in conjunction with Ogun State Government.
As a way of addressing the issues relating to the fair and give it a real international outlook, the present adminsitration in collaboration with OGUNCCIMA decided to change the narrative by introducing some initiatives that will help achieve the set goals.
For instance, the manner investors were carried along in this year’s edition was impressive given the presence of over 250 local and international exhibitors compared to the 50 exhibitors of the previous year, aside other commitment they made to the success of the edition.
It is interesting to note that the government organized a breakfast meeting with investors on the very day of the opening ceremony which served as a prelude to the much anticipated Trade Fair. The meeting provided a platform for captains of industry and Chief Executive Officers to rub minds with the Governor of Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun on his part used the opportunity of the earlier scheduled meeting to thank the CEOs for their contributions towards the fair and explained various government plans and programmes.
Some of the programmes he highlighted included the imminent approval of scheduled and non-scheduled flight at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, that would enhance seamless movement of raw materials into the state and promote export.
The Governor also revealed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the special processing zone as a free trade zone in the Remo axis to further boost economic activities.
Expressing determination of the present administration to address the bottlenecks around import and export activities, Prince Abiodun added that the government would soon flag-off Kajola Dry Port in Ogun to enable investors in Ogun State ship their goods into the state from anywhere in the world and export through the same channel without having to get to Tin Can Island in Lagos State.
Without mincing words, the all-encompassing transportation plan of the government was reflected in the passionate presentation of the Governor who also mentioned that the Gateway State would extend the red and blue rail from Lagos to promote the movement of goods and services, just as he expressed the irrevocable commitment of his administration to completing not only the Agbara-Lusada Expressway but also the internal roads in the industrial areas which would be given priority attention.
As a way of encouraging participants and increasing patronage of good and services at the fair, the organisers provided free transportation for people to and fro the international Trade Fair complex in various places in Abeokuta, the state capital, including Kuto, OPIC Roundabout, Lafenwa, Ita-Osin, Adatan, Fagol, Obantoko, all in Abeokuta. This move indeed increased the number of people who attended the fair throughout the 11 days.
Similarly, the introduction of entertainment village which provided a place for fun and relaxation during the fair was another attraction at the fair. Of particular note was the traditional aesthetics given to the entertainment village as a way of promoting our culture and giving it more prominence even before the investors.
The entertainment village gave room for series of competitions including dance to really show that “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.” This was of great delight to participants who always looked forward to new activities each evening of the fair especially for the manner the winners were compensated with various handsome prizes.
One major thing that presented a good take-away from the event was the raffle draw which was newly introduced. It offered opportunities to participants to buy ticket for N500 and win prizes and give-aways while a 2-bedroom bungalow was announced as the star prize.
There were draws at the entertainment village every evening throughout the fair but the grand draw was done on the final day at the closing ceremony where one Mr. Adewunmi Adeleke won the star prize of a two-bedroom bungalow.
The lucky winner, in an interview expressed surprise at this emergence, just as he pleaded for the sustainance of the lofty initiative aimed at redefining the status of the winner.
In another vein, apart from the beehive of economic activities witnessed at this year’s Gateway International Trade Fair as it afforded people to buy goods at reduced rates as well as have access to service providers, the free medical services provided during the event would remain indelible in people’s hearts. It is on record that free consultation, free drugs, free eye glasses, among other health services were rendered to further promote the stance of government in ensuring sound health for its citizenry.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, whose appointment has brought numerous creative approaches to the operations of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,commended stakeholders for their collaboration, urging them to further leverage the opportunites the fair presented towards unlocking the full potentials of the state.
Sofela assured that the continued commitment of the present administration to infrastructure would remain second to none, just as he said the government would relentlessly leverage on the abounding opportunities in the state based on its geographical location especially proximity to Lagos to promote businesses and enhance shared prosperity.
Worthy of note is the painstaking efforts of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Somorin-Dawodu, who worked round the clock to ensure that the narrative of the Gateway International Trade Fair is completely changed.
Speaking with newsmen, Mrs. Somorin-Dawodu said the improvement witnessed in this year’s edition was a product of thinking out-of-the-box in line with the Rebuilding Ogun State agenda of the present administration, assuring that subsequent editions would build on the success recorded this year.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, underscored the benefits of the expanded 2024 Trade Fair which he described as an opportunity to further open up the State for business and directly impact the economic activities of the exhibitors as well as Micro Small Medium Entrepreneurs( MSMEs) in the Gateway State.
In the words of the President, OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mike Akingbade, “this Trade fair edition is the best in the history of the exhibition and a platform that has been studied by other states. The government should continue to build on the already established partnership with the chambers.”
On his part, a representative of the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN), Mr. Ropo Omoware, commended the government for organizing the best edition of the fair in history, pointing out that it could be a platform for businesses to network and maximize the African Continental Free Trade Agreement as well as help in making sure Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for good from other African countries.
Speaking with newsmen at the closing ceremony, Mrs. Rukayat Dairo and Mrs. Rahmat Ahmed, who were both exhibitors at the fair, described the 2024 Trade Fair as a memorable one which was well attended by both local and international visitors.
Femi Onasanya, the Press Officer attached to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, wrote via femibimboo@gmail.com
President Tinubu Signs Bill To Reintroduce Nigeria’s Old National Anthem Into Law.
NATIONAL ANTHEM 👇
●Nigeria we hail thee Our own dear native land Though tribes and tongue may differ In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all, are proud to serve Our sovereign Motherland.
●Our flag shall be a symbol That truth and justice reign In peace or battle honour’d, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children A banner without stain.
●O God of all creation Grant this our one request. Help us to build a nation Where no man is oppressed And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.
Policies and programmes are being implemented to increase investments and attract investors, thereby making Ogun State the preferred destination of choice for manufacturing in the country.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who made this known during the 44th anniversary celebration of the Reckitt Agbara Factory, said the strategy was to make the state a one-stop shop for investors, while supporting the removal of red tape in government’s procedures.
Governor Abiodun informed that initiatives such as the establishment of the state Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency were incorporated to facilitate inter-governmental cooperation and implement a comprehensive strategy for investment promotion.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor added that in the journey towards sustainable development and economic prosperity, the presence of multi-nationals such as Reckitt in the state, had created jobs and fostered innovative outcomes, to engender overall well-being of residents.
Governor Abiodun, while promising continued support, noted that one of the reasons for the company’s success was its invaluable and uncompromising stance on quality, and highest standard, which Reckitts products were noted for, which had significantly been beneficial to millions of Nigerians.
He called on the organisation to join hands to build on the foundation laid so far in the last 5years by his administration in the state, towards ensuring a brighter future for younger generations.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt Global, Mr. Kris Licht, said Reckitt as a global company, had been contributing to the economic development of countries all over the world, expressing confident that its quality products had significantly impacted positively many lives, assuring of the company’s commitment and dedication to qualitative production despite the economic challenges.
The Chairman, Reckitt Nigeria, Chief Olu Falomo, in his remarks, appreciated the state government for celebrating with Reckitt, despite its coincidence with the first-year anniversary celebration of Prince Dapo Abiodun’s second term in office, enthusing that 44 years of doing business had been eventful and impactful.
Also speaking, Chairman, Ogun State Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, (MAN), Mr. Judge Onafowakan, described Ogun as the industrial hub of the nation, which provides an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, urging the company to continue to sustain its policies, as well as create more business opportunities, while appreciating the state government for sustaining productivity and not introducing policies that could jeopardize businesses and Internally Generated Revenue.
On his part, Alagbara of Agbara, Oba (Barr.) Lukman Agunbiade, congratulated Reckitt on its 44 years in existence, enjoining the company to continue to impact positively on the host community through its Community Social Responsibility programmes, while pledging his support to the company.
Earlier, Reckitt Agbara Manufacturing Director, Emmanuel Onyeoka, said in the last 44 years, the factory had not only produced good products but fostered a better workforce, adding that government’s support and Agbara community’s co-operation were driving forces instrumental to the success of the organisation.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has pledged his administration’s determination to sustain the present tempo of infrastructural development across the state.
Governor Abiodun, who made the pledge while commissioning a newly reconstructed Hospital Road, Ogijo, in Sagamu Local Government, described road infrastructure as one of the key catalysts that engendered development, disclosing that the event had kick-started a series of projects commissioning to mark the first year of his second term in office, just as his administration had constructed over 600 kilometres of roads across the state in the last five years.
He noted that constructing the road was in keeping with his promise when he visited the area about a year ago and was being delivered on time, despite the difficulty encountered in the course of construction, stating that the commissioned road would boost commercial activities in the area, as it leads to several communities.
The governor pointed out that Ogijo community was one of the industrial areas of the state as it enjoys gas reticulation, as well as government’s provision of transformers and other electrical accessories to solve the electricity challenge which had affected the community for decades, promising the people more projects to enhance economic development of the area.
“This community is very important to us; apart from being a border town, it is also an industrial area. I can assure you that this community will experience more development. I call on the Kabiyesi to work with the local government chairman, community development associations and all relevant stakeholders and come up with projects according to their priority for immediate execution,” he said.
He thanked traditional rulers and the people of the area for their unalloyed support for his government, assuring that uncompleted projects that would add value to the people would be completed, while leaving no part of the state developed at the detriment of others.
Speaking, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the commissioning of the Road was a testimony to the commitment of the state government at ensuring infrastructural development in all parts of the state, to engender socio-economic growth.
On his part, Chairman of Sagamu Local Government Area, Mr. Afolabi Odulate, said road construction was one of his demands to the governor, noting that the newly commissioned road would be of immense economic benefits, with more investors attracted to the area, thereby promoting individual prosperity.
He commended the state government for fulfilling its promise of reconstructing the Hospital road in Ogijo which had been neglected for a long time before the inception of the present administration, adding that reconstruction was historic, as it was first of its kind in Ogijo.
Contributing, Ologijo of Ogijoland, Oba Kezeem Gbadamosi, who represented the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said though an industrial hub, the area suffered many years of neglect, as previous administrations did not pay attention to the community’s infrastructural needs, adding that the narrative has changed for the better with the commissioning of the road.
While calling the governor’s attention to other deplorable roads in the area, the monarch appreciated the state government for constructing a standard road with good drainage system, attesting that the community had benefited from education, water and electrification projects.
The Ogun State Government has advised companies within the length and breadth of its domain to work towards having the input of their host communities in order to have a clear understanding of their needs before coming up with interventions under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela while speaking at the programme organised for the elderly by Lafarge Africa in Ewekoro area of the State.
The. Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, said host communities must be able to benefit exponentially from the operations of companies in their domain.
Sofela also urged the various industries to ensure indigenes of the communities have a place on their employment list as a way of giving back to the place from where they get materials for their business activities.
“I want to advise that you do things on Need-Basis .The people should tell you what exactly their need is and it must be on continuous basis because to whom much is given, much is expected. You are drawing your major raw materials from the community and they they must be able to benefit exponentially from what you are doing there,” he said.
Assuring the company of government support, the Commissioner said the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration remain resolute in its determination to continue to create an enabling environment for business to thrive.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director, Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi,said the programme is aimed at supporting aged members of the host communities, particularly retirees and vulnerable individuals with the care and assistance they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Also speaking, the Onipapa of Papalanto, Oba Abdul-Rasak Jimoh Famuyiwa, solicited for peaceful cooperation of the host communities and called on residents to support the companies.
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