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Development

Banks, Breweries, Foreign Companies Set To Storm 13th Gateway International Trade Fair

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

Foreign companies from across West Africa have indicated interest in participating at this year’s Gateway International Trade Fair billed to take place between April 19 and April 29.
Also, stakeholders in the food, beverages, health, agriculture and other manufacturing sectors, banks, as well as players in small and medium scales businesses have also indicated their interest in booking pavilions and spaces at the Trade Fair Complex.
According to the organisers, companies like Leadway Assurance, Lafarge, International Breweries, Apples and Pears, Rite foods, Industrial Platform, Remo (Arise), GB foods, Bank of Industry (BOI), Gateway Mortgage Bank, Providus Bank, First Bank, Sterling Bank, Lotus Bank and several regulatory agencies, such as NAFDAC are expected at the exhibition.
The theme for this year’s event is “Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade and Investment.”
The Ogun State Government had assured of adequate security of lives and property during the event, while other logistics have been put in place to make the trade fair a world-class event.
President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Engr. Mike Akingbade, while speaking on preparations so far, said his organisation has been working in tandem with the state government to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
He promised that the new innovations being introduced this year are geared towards ensuring that more participants attend the showpiece.
Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Industry, Oluyemisi Somorin-Dawodu, had earlier said that this year’s trade fair would be more than just the exhibition of products, adding that other economic and trade-related activities have been lined up to make the experience more worthwhile for participants.
According to her, new innovations such as a raffle draw with the grand prize of a two-bedroom bungalow and an entertainment village are expected to add glamour to the event.

Development

Ndokwa East LGA – A case for Equity and Capacity

Barrister Harrison Ifeanyi Dike

Ndokwa East local government area is looking for a charismatic leader, an influential leader with a modest behavior, a man with a sound, analytical mind to continuously improve our living standards.We are also looking for a man with a vision, a man with an impeccable character, a man with a sense of time management, attention to details, and who can be trusted.
Over the years stooges were imposed and they ended up mismanaging our resources through act of stealing, greed, flawed policies, poor decision making process, reckless abandonment, lawlessness, theft through manipulation and maltreatment of local government staffs.
Now we want a paradigm shift where people’s welfare and development should be our major concern but not primitive accumulation of wealth to the detriment of our people, 99 per cent of the communities in Ndokwa East are suffering from one form of deprivation or another. No infrastructure period. I mean no roads, no electricity, no access to portable drinking water, no health centers or access to simple medical attention in any emergency and unprecedented number of school closures because lack of teachers willing to be posted to our deprived communities and towns.
We simply cannot afford to continue like this if not our towns as we know them will cease to exist in a few years. We should not allow this maladministration to continue, Thus, this is a call for action, an invitation to well meaning Ndokwa Easterners ( Ndosimili persons) to prepare themselves for a rancour free election devoid of manipulation and widespread cheating against the will of the people. We are still beaming our search lights amongst those who have so far indicated interest and only one man is eminently qualified, capable and can be trusted to deliver for the people . A candidate that will rescue and revamp our local Government area for even development.
This is the time to stand up and queue behind Barrister Harrison Ifeanyi Dike.
Barrister Dike is from the illustrious DIKE FAMILY OF UMUGWOR QTRS., ONUABOH. He had his primary and secondary education in Kwale and thereafter proceeded to the prestigious University of Ibadan, where he studied law and then, the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus. He began his legal career with the notable law firm of T.J ONOMIGBO-OKPOKO (S.A.N) & CO. (Now THOMPSON OKPOKO & PARTNERS), where he honed his skills as a Legal Practitioner. He was later appointed as Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice, Delta State between 2011-2015 and came back to Thompson OKPOKO & Partners briefly, before setting up his own law firm, H.I.DIKE & PARTNERS, where he is the Principal Partner, till date. Barrister Dike has been in politics since the early 90’s, where he supported and campaigned as a young school leaver for the actualisation of the Gubernatorial ambition of Prof Eric Opia, under the banner of the then National Republican (NRC.). He has also been a member of the PDP from 1999 till date and has mostly worked behind the scene, particularly in his Ward and Community for the success of the party in previous elections. Though he believes that good and effective leadership is not a function of party but of the nature, character and integrity of the occupant of a public office.

Written by Barrister Harrison Ifeanyi Dike, a legal practitioner

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Development

Golden Revival: Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School Unveils State-of-the-Art Science Laboratory

In a momentous occasion set to mark a significant leap in educational infrastructure and development, Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School in Oye-Ekiti is gearing up to inaugurate its long-awaited Science Laboratory Building on May 4th, 2024. The Ceremony will be graced by the esteemed presence of Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who will also be spearheading the launch of a N500 million development fund aimed at bolstering the School’s advancement initiatives.
The Science Laboratory, a cornerstone of academic excellence, was originally constructed nearly five decades ago to cater to the fundamental sciences of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. However, due to neglect and lack of proper maintenance, the building languished in disrepair, rendering it unusable for educational purposes.
Recognizing the dire need to revitalize their Alma Mater, the Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School Old Students’ Association embarked on a commendable journey to breathe new life into the dilapidated structure. Commencing reconstruction efforts approximately two years ago, the association invested a substantial sum of N50 million towards the refurbishment project. Despite these commendable efforts, the crucial aspect of procuring laboratory equipment, estimated at N30 million, remained a hurdle due to financial constraints.
The genesis of this transformative endeavor traces back to 2022 when a Visitation Panel, commissioned by the Old Students’ Association, shed light on the deplorable state of the Laboratory Building. Dr. Vincent Idowu Bamigboye, the Worldwide President of the Association, underscored the pivotal role of alumni contributions in driving the school’s progress over the past two decades. In a poignant statement, Dr. Bamigboye expressed gratitude to the generous benefactors who have continually supported the school’s endeavors, propelling it towards excellence.
The forthcoming commissioning ceremony will not only mark the culmination of arduous efforts but also herald a new era of academic enrichment and innovation. Dr. Bamigboye unveiled a grand vision for the School’s future, emphasizing the imperative of nurturing creative thinkers and fostering a conducive learning environment. As preparations for the School’s 50th anniversary loom on the horizon, plans are underway to institute a “Golden Anniversary and Beyond Committee” tasked with charting a comprehensive 10-year Development Roadmap.
Among the distinguished dignitaries set to grace the occasion are Dr. (Mrs) Kofoworola Aderiye, Commissioner for Education, Ekiti State; Otunba Babatunde Fajemirokun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AIICO Insurance PLC, who will serve as Guests of Honour. The event will be hosted by Honourable Oluwaseun Fakuade Commissioner for Innovation Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, and Honourable Adesola Gold Adedayo, Commissioner for Youth Development, Ekiti State, serving as Chief Hosts. The Chairman of the Occasion is the current Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
Adding Regal splendour to the affair, the Royal Fathers of the Day include the Oloye of Oye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Oluwole Adugbole 111; the Olora of Ora-Ekiti, Oba Peteru Ojo Daramola; and the Regent of Imojo Ekiti, Her Royal Majesty, Princess Mercy Ayomide Olatunji.
As anticipation builds and preparations reach a crescendo, Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School stands poised to reclaim its position as a beacon of educational excellence, embarking on a journey of rejuvenation and progress.

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Business

Abiodun Boosts Security: Donates Drones, 25 Patrol Vehicles to Combat Banditry, Terrorism

L:R: Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo; Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Durosinmi Olatoye; Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the demonstration of drones purchased by the Ogun State Government to tackle insecurity at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Ogun State Government on Thursday, donated 25 patrol vehicles to the state police command just as it acquired surveillance drones to monitor criminal activities in all parts of the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun donated the vehicles in the presence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, even as he called on the force to include technology in it’s crime fighting efforts.
He said acquiring the drones was one of the proactive steps his administration has taken in collaboration with Lagos and Oyo states to effectively monitor activities on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to ensure prompt response in emergency situations.
The drones, the governor noted, would be operated by trained personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of Stata Service (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).
Governor Abiodun who had earlier received the Inspector General in his office said: “As a gesture of appreciation of you and all what your are doing to law enforcement and effective policing in our state and by extension Nigeria, we have decided to complement you and your efforts by donating today, 25 patrol vans to the police and our law enforcement architecture. This, we believe, will commemorate your first official visit to Ogun State.
“Towards ensuring peace in our state, we will continue to strengthen and support our already established Security Trust Fund (STF) by procuring relevant gadgets, including drones. We will continue to argument the allowances and living condition of our security personnel to motivate them to enhance security and safety in our state.”
The governor, who was impressed with the efforts of the police boss at repositioning the force for optimal performance in line with the tenet of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, however called for the integration of modern technology in tackling the various security challenges facing the nation.
“As we acknowledged your alignment with the tenet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we urged the integration of cutting edge surveillance technology to combat the challenges of banditry and terrorism in the nation,” the governor advised.
He said Ogun State remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional role by prioritizing the welfare and security of the people through fostering effective inter-agencies cooperation among security agencies in the state.
Prince Abiodun said his administration in the past four and a half years, has procured more than 100 patrol vehicles and motorcycles, as well as over 300 communication gadgets for security agencies in a bid to keep the peace, assuring that his administration would spare nothing at ensuring that residents live in a stable environment and engage in business activities without fear of molestation.
The governor described the Inspector General of Police as a dutiful officer and a fine gentleman who through his educational background and professional dedication was poised at ensuring that Nigerians have a police force they could be proud of.
“You have been deliberate and intentional in the systematic redesigning of the operational strategies and administrative policies of the police force which is driven by purposeful leadership and capacity enhancement.
“The impactful motivation you continually instill in your personnel through timely promotion and incentives, have boosted their performance and dedication. As an expert in peace and conflict studies, you have exemplified the essence of positive police/civil relations, elevating the trust of Nigerians in the police by addressing misconducts with decisive action.
“Your commitment to community policing has strengthened the bond between the law enforcement and the community members significantly improving the intelligence capacity of the officers. Realizing that modern policing necessitate cooperation with all and is underpinned by technological advancement, you put your efforts and encouraged continued innovations in these areas,” the governor added.
Prince Abiodun lauded the police authority for its infrastructural development efforts in that state command, particularly the new police headquarters building, the Technical Intelligence Unit, the Complaints Response Unit, and the Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun Multi-purpose Cooperative Hall.
Also speaking, Egbetokun said his vision was to put in place a professionally competent police force that is service oriented, rule of law compliant, people friendly and positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamics of crimes in the society.
He acknowledged the massive infrastructural development across the state, disclosing that more police stations and more Area Commands would be created as well as the deployment of more mobile policemen squadrons to provide adequate security in the state.
The IGP praised Governor Abiodun’s innovative idea in the purchase of the drones, noting that the gesture would further enhance the security of the state, even as he called on other states to take the same step to ensure the security of their people.

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