LG Polls: Activist dissociates self from statement on Ogun APC Primaries

A political activist, Mr Ramoni Sonuga, has dissociated himself from media reports indicating that some leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State had resorted to imposition of candidates against the popular wishes of the general members of the ruling party.

He denied ever issuing any statement alleging that party leaders were imposing aspirants rather than allowing those who won the APC primaries to emerge as the candidates for the July 24 local government elections in the state.

Sonuga, who hails from Ikenne Local Government Area of the state, according to the circulating reports, was said to have cited that of his local government as an example and allegedly called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun who, incidentally, is also from the local government.

In a chat with reporters, Sonuga debunked the comments credited to him, saying the development was just a futile attempt by some unscrupulous politicians to paint him in a bad light before Governor Abiodun and the party leaders.

He said, "I was never a party to drafting any statement. In fact, it was some of my friends and party leaders that drew my attention to the blatant lies. I have no hand in any petition to the governor on the candidates our great party, APC, is fielding both for Ikenne local government and the entire state.

"It is the duty of the party to decide who will fly its flag during any election and not an individual. So, I am on the same page with the party over the candidates picked for the forthcoming local government elections and I wish them all the very best. I have also instructed my lawyers to take this matter up as I won't lie low and allow some media to damage my hard earned reputation."

Meanwhile, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Elder Olayiwola Adio Odunsi, has urged all chairmanship and councillorship aspirants who felt shortchanged in the process of selecting the party’s candidates for the July 24 local government elections to have absolute confidence in the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

He advised the aggrieved aspirants to have confidence in the capability of the Governor to seek redress and ensure that justice prevails.

Odunsi said this on Monday while speaking with newsmen at Abeokuta, the state capital.

He stated that aspirants who felt shortchanged should await the decision of the Governor whom, he noted, is a product of democracy.

The chieftain observed that it was indeed true that some party members are not happy with how the party leaders handled the emergence of candidates for the July 24 local government elections but that the governor was quite aware of this and he would ensure that the grey areas are sorted out.

"I want to urge all our teeming party members to remain committed to working for the victory of the party in the forthcoming local government elections. Our dutiful governor is well aware of all the grievances and I have that assurance that with his God's given wisdom, everything will be resolved amicably and for the progress of our dear party, APC. So, let's remain united and keep working for the progress of our party, APC."

Unions back Musa-Olomu's second bid as FMC MD


Labour Unions in the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital have written to the federal government recommending the return of Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu, as Chief Medical Director of the centre for another term in office.

The Unions; Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress; National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives; and Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, in their separate letters said Musa-Olomu's appointment for the first term was characterised by purposeful and result oriented leadership.

The three separate letters were all addressed to Chief of Staff the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Health, Minister of State for Health, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Director of Hospital Management Board and the Director General of the Department of State Services.

In the letters which were signed by the Chairman and Secretaries of the three unions, the workers affirmed the giant strides recorded within the last four years of Musa-Olomu's administration especially on staff welfare.

Staff welfarism, according to the letters, was a cardinal core values of the hospital since Musa-Olomu took over leadership, which, they said, had berth a better condition of service for staff members.

This, they said, was evident by Musa-Olomu's deliberate policy of inclusion given to all members of staff, adding that this has resulted in peace and harmony that prevailed in the center without a single industrial action in the last four years.

The workers further maintained that they have no reservation in recommending him for another term in office in order to consolidate on the gains of making the center a positive reference point of patience care in Southwest.

The letters read in part, "His (Musa-Olomu) appointment is characterised by purposeful and result oriented leadership since assumption of office as the Medical Director.

"We affirm that giant strides have so far been made in the annals of history of the Center especially as it relates to staff welfarism.

"This is a cardinal core value of the hospital which he introduced and had berth a better condition of service for staff members evidenced by his deliberate policy of inclusion to give all a sense of belonging.

"For the records, there hasn't been any local strike action in the centre since his assumption of office. This had not been the case before his appointment.

"We have witnessed first-hand, the good working relationship between the Hospital Management and the Board of Management that had made the annual promotion of our members a worthwhile effort.

"This is highly commendable. Meaningful progress can only be made in a peaceful environment.

"We are not oblivious of the facts that there must be opposition in all things, we unequivocally recommend him for a second term in office to further consolidate on the gains so far making the centre a positive reference point of patient care in the southwest.

"His expansionary vision can only be complemented by granting this request in the overall interest of the patient population thronging the centre for medical intervention as a result of the plethora of specialities now available in the centre and majority of staff members of Unions in the Hospital."


END

Ogun LG poll: APC members allege imposition of candidates

Some aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have appealed to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to immediately save the party from imminent crisis.

The party faithful, who expressed concern over the gale of imposition of candidates within the APC ahead of the July 24 local government elections in the state, said Governor Abiodun, as the overall leader of the party, must rise to the occasion and rescue it from the grip of self-serving individuals masquerading as leaders.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, which was signed on behalf of the concerned APC members by an Ikenne Local Government based politician, Hon. Sonuga Ramoni, a leader and youth activist from Ikenne Local Govt area of the State.

Sonuga alleged that the procedure adopted by some party leaders to choose chairmanship and councillorship candidates in Ikenne Local Government Area and several other local governments in the state was fraught with widespread irregularities and barefaced fraud.

He warned that failure to redress the injustice meted out to many genuine and committed aspirants within Ogun APC may spell doom for the ruling party in the nearest future.

Sonuga noted that though not all aspirants can emerge as party candidates for elections, the APC in the state would have been saved from needless strife and agitation if popular will of majority of party members and leaders was allowed to prevail in the selection process.

He said, "We need to let the whole world know that the procedures adopted by some leaders of the party in many wards and local government areas grossly fell short of the directive by the Governor for candidates to emerge either through consensus or primaries.

"Rather than abide by the directive of the Governor in the overall interest of APC members, some desperate party leaders have been imposing candidates to the detriment of our great party. This development has inevitably caused agitations and protests across board.

"We are, therefore, concerned that if the agitations occasioned by the undemocratic selection of chairmanship and councillorship candidates are not looked into, it may spell doom for our party. Certainly, what we abhor is disintegration of the party.

Our amiable governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, should please intervene and address the widespread irregularities in the primaries.

"We want Gov Dapo Abiodun and top party leaders to allow democracy to play its role by ensuring that names of chairmanship and councillorship candidates as recently announced by the leaders of wards in the just concluded primaries in their various wards to be submitted by the party and not those who lost out the primaries but are now being smuggled through the backdoor because they know one party leader or the other. Except justice is served on this matter, this great injustice may lead to avoidable crisis in the party and the upcoming local government election”.

Don blames erratic power supply on poor distribution system


A Professor of Power System Engineering, Prof. Isaiah Adejumobi, has blamed the erratic power supply in Nigeria on poor distribution system.

He urged the Federal Government to focus more on the distribution channels of electricity towards ensuring the humans development and socioeconomic growth of the country.

Prof. Adejumobi stated this while delivering the 64th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.

He spoke on the topic, "Electricity, Man and Development: The Complexity of the Distribution System Management in a Power Network".

Prof. Adejumobi identified the need for researchers, electricity distribution companies and the government to synergise towards provide the masses with uninterrupted power supply.

He called for the provision of new and modern equipments as well as replacement of dilapidated infrastructure in the distribution network.

The 64th Inaugural Lecturer called for the establishment of Distributed Generations at various locations within the urban centre.

He argued that this will incorporate the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar that will go a long way in stabilising the distribution system in the country.

Prof. Adejumobi maintained that authorities managing the distribution system should show keen interest in preventive maintenance rather than corrective maintenance.

He stressed that government, relevant stakeholders and consumers should provide adequate funding for upgrading, maintenance and operation of distribution systems in Nigeria.

He added that adequate incentives be provided for both technical and non-technical personnel in the distribution industry.

The Professor of Power System Engineering said state-of-the-art planning and forecasting tools should be developed for a sound and reliable power distribution network operation and management.

He stated that day-to-day data recording of system operational activities and maintenance is very essential.

"The electricity supply system in Nigeria is in a dilapidated state and the electric energy being produced is a far cry below electric power demands for domestic, commercial and industrial uses in Nigeria" he said.

Prof. Adejumobi reiterated that optimising the management performance of the power distribution system, which is a major link between the electricity supply system and consumers of electric energy, will go along way in proffering solutions to the problem of erratic power being experienced in Nigeria.

NANS Chairman distances self from gunshots at Ogun Poly


The Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun JCC, Comrade Damilola Simeon (Daosmos), has stated that he did not go to the DS Adegbenro Polytechnic, Itori on any revenge mission, owing to the previous attack on his team to the institution.

Setting the record straight, Comrade Simon Damilola denies any involvement of the association in the unrest, during and after the students protest in the institution, adding that the turn of events is disheartening and most unfortunate.

“Ogun State students are known for peace and wherever we go, we always exhibit the trait and quality of the Omo’luabi in us.

“It was a misunderstanding between the management of the institution and the students over the school policy which states that only students with 75% attendance in class for a particular lecture would be allowed to sit for examination.

“With my swift intervention during the protest, the issues were being resolved and the protest subsiding, only for some hoodlums to hijack the protest and attempted to turn it into a major crisis by attacking me and some members of my Exco.

“These unfortunate individuals thought we were going to engage them in a fight so that their aim to disrupt the peace the good people of Ogun State have been enjoying can be achieved, but they were soon disappointed when my team, despite provocative attacks, continued on our peace mission”, he stated.

He however maintained that there is no factions in Ogun NANS JCC, adding that the students body remains one united family under his leadership with the mandate given to him by all the students of Ogun State on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

“It is important to state that those that earlier attacked me and my Exco members on Wednesday, were not students of the D S Adegbenro Polytechnic, but some hoodlums who hijacked the protest and turned it to riot for their political gains.

“However, stating the facts had become imperative to dissuade the rumours going round that I led a group of people back to the school on Thursday to revenge.

“In setting the records straight, I want to clearly state that, I did not go to D S Adegbenro Polytechnic on Thursday to register any displeasure or grievances, neither did I go there on a revenge mission”, he maintained.

FMC Abeokuta's MD gets second term nod from faith-based groups

Faith-based organisations within the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State have recommended the Medical Director of the centre, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu, for a second term in office.

The groups stated that Professor Olomu’s appointment has been characterised by purposeful and result oriented leadership since he tookbover mantle of leadership about four years ago.

This was contained in a joint letter by both Muslims and Christians which was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF; Minister of Health; Minister of State of Health; Head of Service of the federation; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health; Director, Federal Hospital Services; and the Director General of Department of State Services, DSS.

According to the letter, peace and industrial harmony that have prevailed in the centre since the appointment of Professor Musa-Olomu was an attestation to his good intention towards the staff.

His re-appointment, the letter said, will allow him to consolidate on the gains of the last four years, saying more giant strides will be made in the centre with Musa-Olomu as MD in the next four years.

“His appointment has been characterised by purposeful and result-oriented leadership since assumption of office as the Medical Director.

"He’s an advocate of peace as a cardinal message espoused by bother religions in the centre.

“The milieu of peace and industrial harmony that has prevailed in the centre from the day he assumed leadership is a testament to his good intention towards staff.

“We are using this medium and without any hesitation to recommend him for a second term in office to further consolidated on the gains so far made and we believe more giant strides will be made in the centre with him at the helms for another four years in office,” the letter writes partly.

FMC ABEOKUTA MD sues online medium, demands N50m damages



For disregarding the sacred media ethics on objectivity and balanced reportage, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Idi-aba Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, has slammed a N50m damages on the 'Salient times online medium for an alleged "injury caused" to the Medical Director in the recent publications by the medium.

Prof. Musa alleged that 'Salienttimes online' had, in the recent times, played a willing tool in the hands of some elements who were opposed to the second term bid of the Medical Director.

He argued that to achieve their orchestrated objectives, they fed allegedly fed the medium with unsubstantiated information, concocted lies and fake documents.

Musa wondered that the medium, rather than cross check the authenticity of it's information from the Medical Director or any of his aides, had on two occasions rushed to the press with it's malicious publications.

The MD maintained that such practice was a clear disregard and departure from the media ethics which stipulated that fair hearing must be accorded to all concerned parties before a publication is effected.

A letter from the Medical Director's solicitor, AbdulFatai Oyedele and delivered to the Publisher of the medium on Friday 28th May, 2021, specifically demanded a retraction of the offensive publication made on 23rd May, 2021 by the medium.

Similarly, the medium was asked to tender a public "apology to our client to be issued vide your medium on line platform to be published for seven consecutive days"

In addition, " a sum of N50,000,000.00 ( Fifty Million Naira) as damages for the injury caused to our client by your said defamatory publication" the statement added.

The Solicitors had, among other things, debunked all the allegations contained in the said publications.

"Your medium made these allegations without recourse to their veracity.

"Your approach therefore smacks of utter bad faith" the statement added.

2nd term bid: Powerful forces against Prof. Adewale Musa-olomu revealed

Unlike earlier unconfirmed media reports, fresh facts have emerged on why some powerful forces are against the second term bid of the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Idi-aba, Abeokuta, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu.

Discreet investigations at the centre reveals that jealousy, self-interest, hatred and desire to hijack the economy of the centre for selfish and personal aggrandizement by some few elements were part of the reasons reliably-gathered.

It was learnt that these elements were not comfortable with the daily rising profile of the workaholic Medical Director and were unrelenting in their avowed determination to call him to size.

In an attempt to achieve their objectives, we learnt that these elements resorted into unprofessional activities by throwing caution to the wind.

A union leader at the centre, who preferred anonymity, said "it is unthinkable the kind of supposed classified documents, which those who supposed to know and knowledgeable about administrative issues are dishing out to the media

"You petitioned the Medical Director of wrong-doing to the appropriate quarters, you are the same set of group who rushed to the media while awaiting response from the quarters you took his case to.

"Why all these, if not for the desperation to hijack the system to their own selfish agenda which will draw the Centre backwards.

"Good enough, in spite of pressures from them, those developmental journalists had gladly refused to dance to their tunes having known that their selfish mission was to use and dump them

"The most unfortunate and hard to believe fact is that there was no single individual among those elements who had not benefited one way or another from the present administration.

"We know them and we have our facts. But we will behave wisely" the union leader stated.

"Here's an internationally acclaimed researcher with access to international grants.

Recently, he secured about $600 thousand US dollars grant (N300 Million) for the Centre.

"Elsewhere, such a grant would have been diverted to personal covers. He never did that. Rather he made a public announcement about it, and the funds were being utilized for the hospital use", the source further added.

It was further learnt that the administration of Prof Musa-Olomu since assumption of office had recorded unprecedented and enviable landmarks which some groups were not comfortable with.

Among these achievements were the successful completion of some monumental projects recently commissioned by the representative of Mr President.

The event drew creme de la creme of the society including the Speaker of House of Representatives, the two Hon Ministers of Health, Ogun State Governor, former Governor Osoba, Senators, Captains of industry among others.

They were surprised at the glamour and success of the event. They had wished it flopped.

Similarly, those forces, we learnt, were also against the realization of the vision of the Medical Director to establish a University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Abeokuta towards which former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun donated 170 hectares of land and a successful public hearing had.

It was further learnt that some individuals were not happy about the honesty and transparency of the Medical Director in the award of contracts

"You see some of these people felt MD was too transparent in the award of contracts. They felt rather than following due process as was his style , they were angry that they or their cronies were not direct beneficiaries even when it was obvious that MD himself is never interested in awarding contracts to himself.

" Let me tell you that some financial supervising agencies recently visited the Centre and they commended the Medical Director for his transparency and accountability

" The Medical Director met about 5 or 6 hospital management committee members, today, he has doubled that number

" He keeps telling everyone who cares to listen that fraud is easily perpetrated with few people, but he has kept on enlarging the management committee in order to show that he has nothing to hide."

We further learnt that apart from infrastructural developments, the clinical aspects had continued to witness phenomenal progress

" Some of those novel surgical operations that were considered the exclusive competence of overseas surgeons were currently being done here in our Centre.

" It was under the watch of this Medical Director that throughout Nigeria, the FMC Abeokuta came first in the Presidency Servicom rating of service delivery.

" All the six clinical departments put forward for accreditation were successfully accredited to the extent that those who came recently for the Radiology department accreditation exercise were amazed by the array of new and latest sophisticated equipment they saw including 64slides CT Scan machine, Mammography, Fluoroscopy, Mobile & Digital X -ray machines.

Since assumption of office, the Centre had not witnessed any local industrial strike action due to the Medical Director's open door policy and the love the entire staff have for him.

Also speaking on the issue, an Egba high Chief, who pleaded anonymity, advised forces against the MD to sheath their sword and work towards the progress of the Centre

" If you accused this man of wrong doings and you have directed your petitions to those government authorities that you believe will do justice, why then all these hurry to the media?

" Why putting the man on media trial all because you are against him?

You want to be the accuser and at the same time judge in your own case.

This kind of uncivilized action smacks of bad belly "

" I will also urge the media not to be a willing tool in the hands of destructive elements and enemies of progress.

" I will urge them to read between the lines and refrain from taking everything hook line and sinker.

" We knew the precarious condition in which FMC Abeokuta was before and how it is now since the coming of the present Medical Director

" We must give him a chance" the high Chief counselled.

2nd year in office: Dare Alebiosu commends Gov Abiodun


Mr Dare Alebiosu has said that the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has within his two years in office proved many skeptics wrong recording massive achievements across all the sectors of the economy.

Mr Dare Alebiosu disclosed that, it is now obvious and easy to conclude that, Gov Dapo Abiodun, with his avalanche of achievements remained a role model in good governance and whose major concern revolves around enhancing the economic prosperity of the state and lifting many residents out of poverty.

Alebiosu said that it is the quality of the governor’s work and dedicated commitment to return smiles to the faces of residents of the state that laid the foundation of his desire to also replicate same good works for the benefit of the people of Ijebu Ode local government.

The LG chairmanship aspirant who stated this in a chat with our Correspondent said that he was particularly happy that in the face of the dwindling fortune of revenue from oil, Gov Abiodun has deemed it fit to build a strong economic base for the state through the resuscitated Agro-Cargo Airport project at Iperu as well as the massive investment in agriculture and infrastructures.

Alebiosu explained that “it is a thing of joy to have seen the Gov Abiodun running the affairs of the state without the prism of vindictive or partisan politics.

“This is quite evident in the decision of the governor to complete many abandoned projects of immediate past government of Sen Ibikunle Amosun despite the former governor’s stiff opposition to Abiodun’s emergence as the governor of the state as well as the resuscitated Agro-Cargo Airport project started long ago in 2008 by the PDP government of Otunba Gbenga Daniel”.

Alebiosu said ” I am particularly excited about the bold step taken by Gov Abiodun to kick start the long abandoned multibillion naira Agro-Cargo Airport project. It’s a project with huge potentials to redefine positively the socio-economics dynamics of the state. It will create jobs in their thousands, open up the state for more investment, increase revenue generation for the state, boosts the agricultural sector and ultimately enhance the economic prosperity of the residents of the state”.

He revealed further “it is also pertinent to note that Gov Abiodun in the last two years has been working across all the sectors of the economy, his government is not a one man show but one that takes care of the concerns of his people.

“For instance, we can see his good works in the area of road construction and general infrastructural development. He is almost completing the ten lane dualization project of Ijebu Ode-Epe road, he is also busy with reconstruction of Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway, he has just flagged off the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road project while many access roads in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ota, Ifo, Ilaro and several others have either been completed or ongoing”

“In the area of education, the governor has shown great commitment to providing conducive learning atmosphere with construction of over 500 classrooms across the state, he has equally abolished fee paying in our schools while the schools now receive running cost to ensure daily smooth school administration.

“Similarly, in qualitative healthcare delivery, the governor has rehabilitated at least one health centres each across the 20 local governments, equiped many of the state health facilities with personnel and medical equipment and this has increased people’s access to qualitative healthcare.

“Additionally, Gov Abiodun has also not joked with his promise to make the state the food basket of the country. He had been doing this with his massive investment in agriculture with programmes such like the CBN backed Anchor Borrowers programme among others

“The governor’s efforts in the area of affordable housing should be commended too, interestingly, the low cost housing projects are not only in Abeokuta, the state capital but are also in other parts of the state like Kobape, Sagamu, Ikenne, Ijebu Ode among others. So, it is the desire of Gov Abiodun to see that residents of the state have decent roofs over their heads

“No meaningful development and economic prosperity could be said to be a reality in an atmosphere devoid of peace and orderliness, it’s against this background that the governor’s concerted efforts in strengthening the security architecture of the state should also be lauded. He has not only provided over 150 patrol vehicles and over 200 motorcycles fitted with sophisticated communication gadgets to the security agencies, he has equally set up special task force to tackle some security infractions like the farmers/herders clash while the Amotekun Corps has also been inaugurated.

“The ruling party under his guidianship has also continue to wax stronger with the political titans from other parties such as Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of the state, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, three term governorship candidate in the state, Alhaja Salmot Badru, former Deputy governor among others are now in APC. There’s no doubt that Gov Abiodun with his modest achievements have proved the skeptics wrong and he is worthy of another term in office”

Alebiosu explained that “my desire to govern my people at Ijebu-Ode local government is anchored on consolidating the good works of Gov Abiodun at the grassroots. I shared in the passion of the governor that my people deserved the best and will therefore leave no stone unturned to make Ijebu Ode local government a model of excellence in grassroots governance”.

Aerofield Boss, Akintunde, hails Gov Abiodun at 61


A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Hon Akintunde ‘Tope Armstrong has commended Prince Dapo Abiodun, the governor of the state for his courageous leadership and unparalleled passion to entrench good governance since assuming office two years ago.

Mr Akintunde ‘Tope Armstrong, a real estate expert said Gov Dapo Abiodun with his unrepentant commitment to ensure that life is a lot easier for the residents of the state with many people oriented projects cutting across health care, education, agriculture, housing, roads and other infrastructural development has no doubt emerged as the “architect of modern Ogun State”

Rejoicing with the governor on the auspicious occasion of his 61st birthday and Two years in office, the politician of repute who doubles as Managing Director, Aerofield Homes said “Gov Abiodun's actions have inspired many of us to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are indeed a leader.

“You have transformed those lofty visions you have for Ogun State into reality. Smart leaders know what others don’t know. Learning is a constant process throughout life, and it doesn’t stop when you’ve become a leader”.

“You have taught us never to stop looking for opportunities for development, and that we should pass on the wisdom we’ve learnt to your people.

“As a good leader, you have gone down the untraveled path, trailbazing in many cases.  You are bold in the face of uncertainty and has given us that sincere courage and motivated us to keep striving when the going gets tough.

“In your words, you don’t lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case, this is what you have indeed shown by example.

“Let me end this with the words of Theodore Roosevelt ” The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”.

"Myself and entire staff therefore wish His Excellency happy 61st birthday and Two years in office celebrations, long life and prosperity sir”.

2nd year in office: Thanking God for a People's Governor at 61


By Debo Adeleke


I deem it absolutely fit with a tinge of unexplainable excitement to join millions at home and in diaspora to celebrate with your Excellency, Gov Dapo Abiodun on the twin celebration of your 61th impactful years on earth as well as your two years of purposeful leadership as the governor of Ogun State.

The auspicious occasion of this double celebration gives me that great opportunity to thank the Almighty God for your being so gracious to you in the last 61 years and to as well with all sense of gratitude tell Your Excellency how much of a blessing you have been to me all these years.

My admiration for you lingers on, my affection for you increases still. Your words fill me with courage and determination to carry on my work in the best way possible and thanks to you for the confidence reposed in me at all times Sir.

 I so much cherish your unmatched humility such that makes you to always be willing to listen and discuss new ideas and suggestions with the intention to improve day-by-day and take Ogun State to greater heights.

I have every reason to smile and be happy on this day because it is an occasion that commemorates the day Ogun State was gifted with a remarkable leader that you are. You have been such an inspirational leader, humble, gentle, attentive, kind and generous, giving people opportunities to serve, encouraging skills and potentials and always rewarding hard labour.

You are certainly more than a boss to us, your are a leader, a coach and loving father with passion for excellence and every day I am tremendously happy and honoured to have the unique opportunity to work under such an amazing leader like you.

It is often said that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, but your grounded experience as a very successful player in Nigeria's corporate world has taught you how to make leadership so seamless - Thanks for teaching me to lead with confidence. As you climb higher on the ladder of selfless service to humanity, particularly, and to the lucky citizens of Ogun State, I wish you Sir, more of God's guidance, sound health and unspeakable joy for the rest of your life.

-Your Sincere Acolyte,

Debo Adeleke
Special Assistant to Gov Abiodun

Food security: Don seeks stronger ties between researchers, local farmers


A Professor of Crop Production, Professor Victor Olowe, has advocated for stronger ties between researchers and local farmers before concluding on their research topics.

While delivering the 63rd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) with the theme "Unlocking the Production Potentials of Some Annual Oilseed Crops in Nigeria" on Wednesday, Prof. Olowe said such alliance will assist Nigeria achieve food security.

The don lamented that most local farmers in the country lacked the needed knowledge and skill to be able to deploy technological gadgets on their farms.

Prof. Olowe stressed that the inclusion of local farmers when a research topic is being conceived and planned for execution is essential for the growth of small to medium scale farm produce, which is about 90 percent of the food consumed in tropical Africa.

He also charged the Federal Government on the need to massively-invest in oil extraction and value addition technology in order to drive the growth of the vegetable oil sector and meet her National Consumption Requirement (NCR).

The Professor of Crop Production emphasised the need to increase the production levels of minor oilseeds in Nigeria, stating that this will help encourage production of the oilseeds with export potentials.

According to him, "if the country must meet her NCR in vegetable oil (3 million tonnes) and the deficit of over 600,000 tonnes, then the current production potential must be increased in order to drive the growth of the vegetable oil sector going forward".

Speaking on the theme, the Inaugural Lecturer disclosed that the two leading providers of edible vegetable oil in Nigeria are palm oil/palm kernel oil and soybean oil, which contribute about 75 percent and 25 percent of the country's NCR, adding that the remaining 5 percent is met by other oilseeds.

He noted that apart from oil palm and soybeans, other oilseed crops are normally regarded as 'minor oilseeds' in the tropics because farmers usually grow them after harvesting the main crops/cereals from the field leaving them to utilise residue nutrients and moisture without any application of fertilizer.

Prof. Olowe revealed that farmers usually grow them late because they believed they would get something from the minor oilseed during the last two or three months of the late cropping season in the year. He however stated that most of the so called minor oilseeds have gradually transformed into major oilseed crop status.

He further noted that in the last two to three decades, it has been discovered that soybeans, sesame and sunflower have huge agro-climatic production potential which have substantial market demand especially in Europe and Asia, adding that this potential is yet to be adequately harnessed in the forest savanna transition ecology which is outside the savanna traditional growing region for the crops.

He however called for a concerted effort to be geared towards increasing the production of major oil-bearing crops in Nigeria, stating that the oilseeds produce very comparable and high quality grain yields when cultivated during the late cropping season.

He further suggested that all National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) should be adequately funded to have a full complement of the value chains of their mandate crops, adding that there should also be a synergy between the NARIs and the Colleges/Faculties of Agriculture in the specialized and conventional universities should be strengthened.

He commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako, for his immense contributions to the development of FUNAAB, and appreciated all members of Staff of IFSERAR for their support and encouragement.

Aerofield Boss Hails Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu On Lagos-Ogun Joint Commission



A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun, Mr Tope Armstrong Akintunde has applauded Gov Dapo Abiodun and his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the recently signed Lagos-Ogun Joint Commission saying that the initiative was a bold step that would impact greatly on the development of the two States.

Mr Tope Armstrong Akintunde, the CEO of Aerofield Homes gave this commendation in a chat with newsmen.

He said "what drives economy all over the world are partnership, it is in the light of this reality that I want to say synergies and initiative like this are welcome, they are good steps towards maximising the abundant potentials in human, financial and other natural resources that will ultimately help in creating better society and make life more bearable for all".

The estate merchant disclosed further that "for instance it is under initiative like this that both governors are combining strength to fix the impassable Sagamu-Ogijo-Ikorodu as well as Abeokuta-Sango-Lagos expressway among others. All these when fixed will impact positively on the lives of the the residents of both states".

The APC chieftain added that "with the proximity of Ogun State to Lagos, it has a lot to tap from its huge economy and this I am sure is going to be a plus for the residents of the state.

It is on this note that I am lauding Gov Dapo Abiodun for being very creative with governance issues and that is simply because his administration in the last two years had majorly focused on efforts to make life so much easier and better for the people of the state".



END

FUNAAB management intensifies efforts at rescuing kidnapped student

The Management of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has intensified efforts towards assisting security agencies rescue its abducted student, Toyinbo Olayinka, who was kidnapped on Saturday in a private farm at Abule Itoko, Odeda, about ten kilometres away from the campus.

In a statement on Monday by the institution's Head of Public Relations, Kola Adepoju, the management said it has reinforced its commitment by securing the support of other relevant stakeholders in a bid to strengthening the search and release of the kidnapped student.

The management enjoined students, parents, relations of the kidnapped student and the public in general to be calm and peaceful, and allow security agencies discharge their professional duties.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kolawole Salako has admonished the executive members of the institution's students Union, who are on peaceful protest, to remain calm.

Olayinka is a self-sponsored indigent student who has been living and working in the farm where he was abducted for three years to eke a living and sustain his undergraduate programme in the university.

Smuggling: Ogun Customs Intercepts 'Dangote' truck with 600 Bags of Rice



The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), 1 Ogun Area Command, has intercepted an articulated vehicle loaded with 600 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice.

The truck, with the inscription of Dangote Cement Company, used to conceal the contraband, was intercepted along the Ijoun border axis of Ogun State.

Brekete Family host announces plan to end programme amid assault row
Tension as 2 herders are found dead in Abuja community.

The Customs Area Controller, Peter Kolo, who disclosed this on Wednesday at the monthly press briefing on the activities of NCS, Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, said the truck with its contents was heading to the eastern part of the country.

Kolo said three suspects, including the driver of the vehicle, were arrested, adding that an investigation was ongoing to unravel the people behind the massive smuggling activity.

The Controller disclosed that the command had in March intercepted a truck belonging to the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, used to smuggle contraband goods into the country.

On the seizure of the contraband goods made by the command in the month of April, Kolo said 7,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent of 12 trailer loads, were seized.

While noting that smuggling of foreign rice was causing catastrophic damage to the federal government’s rice and agricultural policies, the customs controller said various quantities of poultry products, Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), vehicles and other means of conveyance, uses clothing and shoes, used tyres, sugar, tomatoes in retail form, body creams and petroleum products made for export, were also seized during the period under review.

According to him, the cumulative duty paid value for the seizures in April amounts to N189,923,293million.

Kolo, who restated that the FG’s directive on border closure was still subsisting, said a sum of N225,000 was generated from the auction and sales of seized petroleum products and scrap metals, in the month of April.

He, however, declared that men and officers of the command would sustain the onslaught on the smugglers, despite severe attacks being meted out against customs operatives by the smugglers and their promoters.

Excitement heralds formal launch of Polaris Bank digital bank, VULTe

… _Customers and Non- Customers of the Bank to Use Platform_


Polaris Bank on Tuesday launched its much anticipated revolutionary digital banking platform, VULTe.

In his welcome address at the well-attended unveiling ceremony which held at Eko Hotel, Lagos and virtually to national and global audience, Chairman of the Bank, M.K Ahmad (OON) disclosed that the corporate goal of Polaris is to offer customers and non-customers of the Bank, a 24-hour seamless service over two years ago when the Polaris journey started which led to the pursuit and now actualization of VULTe.

“This is a milestone in our pursuit of a strong and digitally-led retail brand. When we started the Polaris journey almost three years ago, we were very clear on the type of Bank we must build and the direction we must go. This was largely informed by the fast pace of change in financial service provisioning and the apparent technology-defined outlook of our business."

"We are therefore bringing VULTe to the market place today. And this is not another mobile App, but one with a world of difference, a mobile digital bank. This is your Bank in your hand, affording you total Control of your financial service needs. With VULTe, you serve yourself, the way you want to be served,” the Chairman explained.

In his keynote address, the Acting Managing Director/CEO of the Bank, Mr. Innocent C. Ike said the newly-launched banking platform, is returning all powers to the customer as king. He noted that customers are now at liberty to enjoy unhindered, contactless and refreshing banking experience all at the tip of their fingers thanks to the newly launched VULTe app.

“With VULTe, we affirm our resolve to serve the customer better and make their banking experience, more pleasurable. Therefore, we will continue to launch an array of banking products to cater to the varying needs of our diverse customers.”

Explaining the premium value the Bank places on its customer with the VULTe, Ike said: “Ultimately, VULTe represents our bold declaration to hand over CONTROL of banking services to our customers and allow them to serve themselves as they would want to be served.

“As a Polaris Bank customer, you are at liberty to determine your banking experience since we have put the Bank in your hand 24/7. You now have total CONTROL to serve yourself; it’s no more customer service but customer self-service.

“Are you opening an account, setting limits on your account, verifying your identity documents, registering your biometrics, making inquiries, taking an instant loan? You are in total CONTROL – you do it at your time, at your convenience, and on your terms – you determine how delightful your banking experience will be”.

The highlight of the launching was the practical demonstration of the uniqueness of the VULTe application by the Bank's Chief Digital Officer, Mr. Bamidele Adeyinka to the excited guests.

According to him; “The Digital Banking Platform, VULTE, will change everything that happens in the ‘brick & mortar’ space (i.e. branches) to clicks and buttons.”

“The VULTE comes in mobile (Android and iOS) and Web Applications and it allows customers with either of the options, to access banking services at the click of the button,” he added.

The CDO explained that all Bank customers in the country can take advantage of the VULTe to carry out their banking transactions including account opening, bills payments, transfers, balance enquiry, airtime rechage and quick loans.

He further stated that on-boarded customers will be able to access PayDay Loan on both mobile and web digital platform where eligibility will be displayed to the customer within the VULTe application.

Also, on-boarded customers will be enabled to pay taxes and levies for different government parastatals in addition to several other benefits such as ability to perform intra-bank and inter-bank transfers.

“To onboard, customers with BVN will input their BVN and take a selfie (photo of their face) which will be compared automatically with the photo on their BVN profile (via Facial Recognition – an advanced cognitive and artificial intelligence facial recognition technology),” the CDO disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Bank also announced special reward packages for early users of the VULTe app. Reeling out giveaways and free gifts, Mr. Muhammed Abdullahi, Executive Director, Abuja and Northern Region of the Bank said: “For your loyalty and positive acceptance of VULTe and all other banking services offered by Polaris Bank, on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff, I'm happy to announce some mouthwatering offers to everyone following us to mark this occassion.

“Consequently, please note that the first 2000 persons who download VULTe from Appstore or PlayStore and make a transaction on the platform, stand to win a collection.of beautiful mementos like;  Mugs, Michael Cable Charger, Key Rings, Pop Socket among other collection of gifts,” the ED said.

The launch event had in attendance representatives of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), key Financial Technology (FinTechs) industry players and strategic partners of Polaris Bank who all in their goodwill messages attested to the bank’s unwavering determination to ensuring quality customer satisfaction at all times.

Some of the dignitaries include: Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean, Information Systems, Lagos Business School (LBS); Chief Demola Aladekomo, Chairman, Chams, Plc; Agada Apochi, Managing Director, Unified Payment Systems; Babatunde Okeniyi Managing Director, PayAttitude amongst others.

Others include: AyoTunde Coker, MD Rack Center; Funke Opeke, MD Main-One; Jimi Awosika Group Vice Chairman Troyka/Insight; Akin Banuso, County General Manager, Microsoft; Dr. Ken Ikpe, Group CEO Insight Redefini; Paul Mosimabale Upperlink Co-founder; Obi Emetarom, Appzone Limited MD and Mrs Abiola Laseinde, MD Edniesal Consulting.

-END-

Polaris Bank set to Boost Nigerian's Digital Banking Ecosystem, Unveils a New Digital Bank

With the rising opportunities in the e-payment systems accelerated by the COVID-19 era sweeping across the world, there are indications that one of Nigeria's leading retail franchise, Polaris Bank, has thrown its hat into the ring as it unveils a new digital Bank. 

Feelers indicate that the Bank's new Digital Bank which has for some time been in test mode amongst its staff and customers is set to grow its market share, targeting a new generation of digital natives and immigrants who are socially and financially aware of innovations in self-service and stress-free transactions.    

According to industry players, the long wait which greeted the launch was to ensure that the platform is robust enough to meet prevailing global standards and support other existing entities in the digital banking ecosystem. 

As part of its enterprise transformation initiatives, the Bank has overhauled its IT infrastructure within the last two years and upgraded its digital capability. According to the Bank's Managing Director/CEO, Innocent Ike, "this has seen the institution grow to earn the confidence of the banking publics, as it has been able to offer quality banking services at the cutting edge of technology." The plaudits which greeted the Bank's recently published 2020 financial performance has further earned the Bank's digital transformation efforts a shot in the arm.

Polaris Bank's digital Bank offers a suite of services not readily provided by competitors. Some of such bundled benefits include access to instant loans, accessing the platform service without being a prior customer of the Bank, and end-to-end account opening without entering a physical bank. 

One of the competitive benefits of the Bank is its creation of a collaborative ecosystem that enables Application Programming Interface (API) Banking. API banking refers to a system that makes a bank's services available to other third-party companies via APIs. API Banking helps both banks and third-party companies augment their complementary specialties and offerings more than they can provide to their customers by themselves.

Through its API, Polaris Bank is reported to have so far on-boarded new business start-ups, improved their market access, and ensured profit sharing with partners within the financial technology space. The Agro-businesses, educational institutions, e-commerce, are all set to benefit from the Bank's platform.

According to recent data released by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), the volume of electronic payment transactions increased by 80 percent year-on-year to 54.07 billion in the first quarter of 2021 from 30.04 billion in the same period of last year.

As a result of the rise in e-payment transactions, income generated by banks via electronic channel transactions also increased by around 52 percent to N53.4 billion in the period under review compared with N35.2 billion in the same period of last year.

With the grand entry of Polaris Bank into the digital Banking space, it is expected that at the close of 2021, the 2020 NIBSS figures will grow exponentially and bolster the overall performance of the country's e-payment ecosystem. Indeed, many youngsters and digital native enterprises constitute most of the population and the early adopters of digital innovation and lifestyle.

Polaris Bank is a future-determining bank committed to delivering industry-defining products, services, and digital platforms across all the sectors of the Nigerian economy. The Bank is a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), which seeks to engage the private sector and the global financial sector to help create a financial sector that serves people and the planet while delivering positive impact.

-END-

Emulate Prophet Mohammed, FUNAAB VC charges Muslims


The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Kolawole Salako, has charged the Muslim community within and outside the university not to limit their closeness to Allah only to Ramadan period but to emulate and live the virtues of Prophet Mohammed every day of their lives.

By this, Prof. Salako said there will be a peaceful and progressive society and the faithful will make Al-janah after their sojourn on earth.

The Vice-Chancellor's message was contained in a statement issued by the institution's Head of Public Relations, Kola Adepoju, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Prof. Salako felicitated with the institution's Muslim Community and their counterparts all over the world for seeing the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

He congratulated the Muslim faithful in the university and the world at large for witnessing yet another Eid-El-Fitri celebration in their life time.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterates that Eid-El-Fitri espoused the Almighty Allah's commandment to all Muslims to get closer to Him and to live totally in moderation and self-denial.

Prof. Salako charged the Muslim community to sustain and strengthen the harmonious relationship with adherents of other faith in order to enhance the existing conducive atmosphere for peace and progress of the university and the world in general.

He assured of his administration's commitment to sustaining enabling atmosphere that is deeply rooted and firmly established in the core values of fairness,equity,justice,transparency and accountability, as panacea to mutual growth and development.

The Vice Chancellor, however, enjoins moslems within and outside the University Community to celebrate Eid-El-Filtri in moderation and showing of love to others especially the less privileged in the society.

Prof.Salako admonishes Muslims and we'll wishers in general not to let down their guards against Covid-19 pandemic during and after the festive period by strictly adhering to medical protocols,in order to compliment government's efforts at combating the deadly scourge.

Ramadan: Ogun Police spokesman preaches compassion, love among Nigerians

For the world to be free of social vices and criminality, Nigerians have been advised to always show love and care to the less privileged in the society.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Police command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said that social disparity between the rich and the poor was largely responsible for social violence in the country.

Abimbola spoke at a ramadan lecture organised by the Consolidated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun state council on the theme : "Insecurity and poverty in Nigeria: Islamic solution".

He said until the rich class stops discriminating against the poor, there will be increase in criminal activities in the country.

He noted that "75% of criminals are either from broken home or irresponsible parents; we breed criminals from the family".

The police spokesperson equally attributed that fake life on social media influenced many Nigerian youth to involve themselves in social menace.

"Many youth get involved in criminal activities when they see what their mates are doing or using on social media whereas they are not the owner. They get jealous hereby involving themselves in criminal activities " he added.

He therefore enjoined philanthropists in the society to give charity to orphanage in the country.

He also urged every individual in the society to render assistance to the less privileged saying "if we fail to assist the less privileged we will face the consequences.

"We should try as much as possible to see what we can do to the less privileged around us, if we fail to assist people who are in need we are breeding criminals" he concluded.

The Paramount Traditional Ruler of Ekiti state, Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Ajewole Adebayo is set to honour the governor of Kogi state, His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello with yet another chieftaincy title.

This is the latest among many as he would be installed with the title of Aare Asoludero of Ijero Kingdom and the First Lady, Alhaja Rashida Bello with Yeye Asoludero of Ijero Kingdom, Ekiti state.

The installation is expected to take place on the 21th of May, 2021 at the palace of Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom.

According to an official press release from the palace signed by the king himself, the king and his council of chiefs found the governor worthy after a critical assessment of the governor's administration in Kogi state with references to the state of uncommon infrastructural and economic development which is unprecedented across the country.

The press release revealed that Kogi state has being the most secured and peaceful state in the country despite being surrounded by many troubled states.

The release finally noted that the conferment of the title of Aare Asoludero on the governor is a way to appreciate his good work of giving quality dividend of democracy to his people and also charged other governors to learn from the model, approach and tactics employed by the governor in putting Kogi state at the forefront of global development.

Oba Joseph Ajewole Adebayo added that the title of Aare Asoludero was divine and prophetic as he believes God is ready to use the governor for restoring peace, unity and progress across Nigeria come 2023, having used him for the same purpose in Kogi state.

It is in view of this yet another honour in the name of Governor Yahaya Bello that Afenifere For Collective Transformation led by the Director General, Prince Tolu Ajayi congratulates the governor on a new feather added to his cap and also the First Lady for her great contributions to the welfare of children, women and people with disabilities through her foundation, RASHIDA BELLO FOUNDATION.

The DG AFENIFERE FOR GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO also pronounced the Governor as the GLORY OF THE YOUTHS IN Nigeria and not just in Kogi.

DG noted that this is just another milestones among many that are still coming considering the level of quality leadership being displayed by the governor in all sectors of his state.

As youths, it is our desire to see the peace in Kogi State radiates round the nation and the youths being engaged positively like it is in Kogi State which is why the state never experience the level of youths unrest going on across many states in the country.

This we believe would be replicated come 2023 when Governor Yahaya Bello would be sworn in as president Insah Allah.

It's on behalf of the Director General of Afenifere For Collective Transformation Prince Tolu Ajayi and the entire members of the movement that we are congratulating our Grand Patron, Governor Yahaya Bello on his coming installation as the Aare Asoludero of Ijero Kingdom and his wife as the Yeye Asoludero. We pray that you continue to resign in leadership Sir.

Signed,

Prince Tolu Ajayi.
DG, ACT4PYB 2023.

Comrade Salami Taiwo Ramon.
Chief Press Secretary to the DG.

REDAN scribe, Adeyemo, hails Abiodun's investor-friendly policies


The pioneer General Secretary of the Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Ogun State chapter, Mr. Babatunde Adeyemo, has commended the investor-friendly policies of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Adeyemo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Estate in Abeokuta, stated this while speaking at the inauguration of the association's chapter on Friday.

He maintained that the housing policing of the government, which gives room for Public Private Partnership (PPP), has been of great benefit to tea estate investors.

The secretary appealed for the de-acquisition of members' lands forcefully done by the previous government.

He said, "I will not commence this short address, without craving your indulgent to let us give a standing ovation to someone who I often refer to our Prince of hope in the entire real estate sector in the state, Governor Dapo Abiodun.

"He is the man who became the Governor as at the period when most and average real estate investors in the state were in comatose.

"He's also one of the reasons why we are are because his investors-friendly policies aided the firm grip of REDAN in Ogun State.

"Our reasons for being here is not far fetch. It is to commission our ultra-modern office, the first of it kind in Ogun State, burn out of our readiness to further strengthen the existing mutually-beneficial relationship, between the Ogun State Real Estate Developers, it members, and the state Government.

"On the inception of this admiration, the Ogun State Governor, through the Hon Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, invited all the real estate developers in the state to a roundtable discussion, where the progressive course, strength, weakness,opportunities, and threats of an average real estate investors in the state was discussed.

"One of the positive outcomes of that robust discussions is why we are here today..

"We plead that this mutual positive gesture would be sustained, most especially in the area of de-acquisitions of some of the lands of our members, unjustly acquired by the past administrations and the perfection of our members title documents in record time".

Adeyemo assured of members' zeal to ensure that they play by the rules of the game at all time.

Ogun Customs arrest one as smugglers attack officers again

The Nigerian Customs Service, Ogun Area 1 command, has arrested a suspected smuggler, one Taiye Kujo and seized six motorcycles being used to convey contraband products.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede.

According to the statement, officers of the command and other security operatives were attacked by daredevil smugglers at Oja-Odan in Yewa North local government area of the state.

“Based on credible intelligence, the patrol team intercepted about Three Hundred and Twenty (320) of bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each out of the large number stockpiled in a building around the said area.

“During evacuation of the said rice, some diehard smugglers aided by unscrupulous elements and hoodlums in their numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons shot and attacked the patrol team.

“They shot sporadically at Officers. Unfortunately, four (4) Customs Operatives, one (1) Soldier and Five (5) civilians assisting in evacuation sustained gunshot injuries.

"They were immediately rushed to the hospital for proper medical attention and are currently responding to treatment (Pictures attached).

“The patrol team repressed the attack by gunning down two (2) of the hoodlums and left many others with gunshot injuries.

The patrol team succeeded in evacuating the aforementioned items, arrested one (1) suspect, Mr Taiye Kujo and Six (6) Motorcycles used by the suspected smugglers, and conveyed all to the Customs House at Idiroko”, the statement stated.

Oloyede added that investigation is ongoing to fish out more perpetrators of such barbaric act.

He stated that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Peter Kolo, has assured the general public that the renewed hostilities by armed smugglers will not deter officers and men from discharging their statutory responsibilities.

He further appealed to the Traditional Rulers and community leaders to warn their subjects to desist from smuggling activities and attack on security operative as anyone caught shall be made to face the wrath of the law.

MAPOLY Releases Admission Lists, Sets Registration Deadline

The Management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, has released National Diploma Full Time admission lists for the 2020/2021 academic session.

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the school's Head, Public Relations & Protocol, Mr. Yemi Ajibola.

Also released are the lists of admission for National Diploma Part-time and Higher National Diploma Full-time and Part-time Programmes.

By this development, all admitted National Diploma Part-time and Higher National Diploma Full-time and Part-time candidates have until Friday, 7th of May, 2021 to complete thier registrations.

Similarly, notification about National Diploma Full-time admission would be sent to eligible applicants, who have been given provisional admission offer through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board's Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

National Diploma Full-time applicants are, therefore, advised to confirm their Admission status on the JAMB's CAPS.

Candidates, who have accepted the provisional admission offer, should proceed to thier school offices to start thier registrations immediately.

Meanwhile, the e-learning platform https://lms.mapolyng.com/ will be available for those who have completed thier registrations for the semester to complement the in-person lectures.

It should be noted that all newly admitted candidates for the 2020/2021 are to complete thier registrations with full payment of tuition while returning students will maintain the 60:40 ratio as obtainable during thier admittance into Institution in the 2019/2020 academic session.

You may click this link to peruse the Academic Calendar: https://mapoly.edu.ng/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MAPOLY-2020-2021-1st-Semester-Academic-Calendar.pdf

For enquiry, visit www.mapoly.edu.ng or infoaboutmapoly@gmail.com. You may also follow our social media platforms via https://mapoly.edu.ng/web/our-contacts/ for prompt updates and responses.

Polaris Bank Sustains Profit Growth with N28.9bn (PBT) in 2020 financial year

...Records 4% increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) Year-on-Year despite challenging business environment

…Assets hit N1.2tr and ROA of 2.4%

...Performance indicates management depth and sustainability

Polaris Bank Limited has released its full-year audited financial results for the year ended December 2020 posting a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N28.9billion. The results which show the Bank’s second year performance scorecard after two years of operation, have further consolidated the Bank’s position as focused on the path of profitability, growth, and value creation.

Details of the results show that its year 2020 performance reflects a 4% Year on Year (YoY) increase in Profit before Tax (PBT). The performance according to the financial statements is driven by the combination of the significant reduction in interest expense due to the Bank’s pursuit of low interest-bearing deposits as well as lowering impairment charges on loans and other financial assets. The Bank recorded Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) of 2.4% and 29.4% respectively which favorably place the Bank as a key player in the industry. The Bank’s Total Assets stood at N1.18trillion, a 3% growth on the previous year while Shareholders Funds grew by N14billion (17%), largely attributable to internally generated profits. The Bank increased its Customer Deposits by N56billion, predominantly low-cost deposits in spite of difficult economic and industry conditions, and increased its gross loan book by N38biilion reflecting the Bank’s modest and prudent risk strategy to grow its Portfolio of Quality loans for optimal interest income generation.  

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Polaris Bank Limited, Mr. Innocent C. Ike who took over in the course of the year from Mr. (now Senator) Tokunbo Abiru explained that “Polaris Bank has achieved significant milestones since its inception in September 21, 2018 when we started this journey. We have since grown to earn the confidence of the banking publics, offering quality banking services at the cutting edge of technology”. Continuing, he noted, “2020 was arguably the most challenging year that the world has faced in decades owing to the negative impact of COVID-19 on businesses and the economy. Yet, the current result demonstrates the importance of the deployment of appropriate strategies, and effectively validates our recent investment in technology solutions and digitization of our products and processes,” he added. 

He explained that the Bank’s subsisting three-year Corporate Transformation Plan has recently been reviewed in line with the changing operating environment and trend dynamism for sustainable value creation. Digital transformation remains one of the potent strategies to strengthen the Bank’s balance sheet, control costs, and improve processes while providing clients with wider self-service offerings.

In the view of some financial analysts, Polaris Bank’s remarkable achievements in 2020 are a testament of her consolidation of its 2019 performance, relevance of the Bank’s new Corporate Strategy, management depth and good Corporate Governance. 

The Board and Management of Polaris Bank have demonstrated strong commitment towards professionalism and business ethics by upholding sound risk management practices and proactively taking measures to ensure the Bank is on the path of value creation and sustainability. Polaris Bank’s performance in FY’20 reflects commendable improvements in key performance indicators, assuring a strong positive outlook for earnings, margins and profitability, a cautious pursuit of loan growth, a sustained strategy for operational efficiency, funding cost optimization, and efficient deposit mix. The headroom for loan creation no doubt presents an opportunity for improved margins.

Going into the year 2021 and despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, the Bank is poised to reap the benefits of its investment in both digitization and the capacity of its employees to improve service experience. 

Polaris Bank is a future-determining bank committed to delivering industry-defining products, services, and digital platforms across all the sectors of the Nigerian economy. The Bank is a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), which seeks to engage the private sector and the global financial sector to help create a financial sector that serves people and the planet while delivering positive impact

Customs seizes 7,000 bags of rice in Ogun

The Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, says it has seized 7,000 bags of parboiled foreign rice equivalent to 12 trailers in the month of March

The Command Area Comptroller, Peter Kolo, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, said the command had never recorded such quantum seizure of prohibited rice.

Kolo, who gave the total seizures of various contraband goods in the month of March as 167, added that the Duty Paid Value on the contraband is amounted to One Hundred and Sixteen Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Seven Naira, Zero Kobo (N116,586,607.00).

“During the first quarter of this year alone (January-March 2021), Ogun 1 Area Command arrested and seized about Nineteen thousand (19,000) bags (equivalent of 38 trailer load) of 50kg each of foreign parboiled rice with Duty Paid Value (DPV) OF Three Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety Six Naira, Zero Kobo (#307,891,696.00).

“Never in the history of this Command have we recorded this quantum of rice seizure. I commend the efforts of gallantry officers serving in the Command for these feats”. The customs boss stated.

He, however, attributed the feats recorded by his team to good motivation from CGC Hameed Ali.

“Successes recorded in our operations command could be attributed to the good motivation from the Nigeria Customs Service Management which has boosted the morale of officers and had kept them in high spirit at all times”

“Aggressive stakeholder’s engagement by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) including visit and parley with over 27 traditional rulers, youth leaders as well as all security and government agencies in Ogun State”, Kolo added.

He further stated: “Continuous deployment of intelligence in our operations; recently a systematic arrangement of some crates of Coca
Cola products to ingenuously conceal some bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each in two trucks was uncovered by the eagle eyes of the patrol officers in the Command.

"The trucks suspected to be coming from Ilaro border were intercepted along Denro-Olorunda-Abeokuta Road.

“The intercepted trucks and the bags of rice in them had already been seized. While we commend the vigilant officers for this feat, we wish to condemn in strong term attempts by smugglers to use branded truck of multinational companies to aid their nefarious activities”.

The Comptroller disclosed further that during the period under review, four suspected smugglers were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, declaring economic saboteurs must be punished according to the law.

Meanwhile, the command has refuted a media report alleging compromise on the part of customs operatives by allowing about 60,000 bags of smuggled rice into the country within a week.

Kolo, who described the report as a “bogus claim and exaggeration of enormous proportion”, noted that his men would always abide by the directive of the Federal Government by ensuring that prohibited items are not smuggled into the country through the land borders.

CAN bestows special honour on Ogun Assembly Chief Whip, Atinuke Bello


The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday April 17 honoured the Chief Whip of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Atinuke Bello as Asiwaju Onigbagbo Obinrin of Odogbolu local government area of the state.

It was indeed another moment of glory and honour for the hardworking, Christ loving and compassionate politician representing Odogbolu local government at the state House of Assembly as the members of her constituency and dignitaries across the state trooped out in their large numbers to celebrate with the iconic lawmaker.

Many were of the opinion that the rise and rise of Hon Atinuke Bello was a function of the abundant grace and favour of God upon the selfless politician which culminated into her being chosen as the leader of women folk in Christiandom in Odogbolu local government.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in his congratulatory message confirmed this describing the celebrant as a pacesetter in the anal of legislative history.

“Your conferment as Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Odogbolu is not just filling of a routine position; rather it is a testimony of your love for christ and the interest of His kingdom.

"Many attest to your selfless service in the house of God, your passion to support the womenfolk and your numerous community building initiatives in Odogbolu LGA and environs.

“You have been extremely courageous, always serving as a rallying point for the people of Odogbolu and beyond and thereby becoming a beacon of hope for the upcoming generation.

"Therefore, I am also confident that your political acumen and personal attributes of tenacity, selflessness and love for humanity will put you in good stead to discharge the duties of this new role”.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Odogbolu local government area Pastor P. A. Yusuf described the celebrant as lover of Gospel with heart of gold urging the lawmaker to see her installation as motivation to rededicate herself to serving God and humanity.

Speaking with our Correspondent, the celebrant, Atinuke Bello in her joyous mood expressed her excitement at the large turn out at the event, saying she owes the people of the Odogbolu State Constituency a lot for giving her the mandate to represent them.

“My love for my people in my Odogbolu state constituency cannot be quantified. They gave me the mandate to serve and I must certainly continue to do my best to justify the confidence reposed in me.

"Today is another testimony of evidence of their love for me and I want to assure them that better days are surely ahead.

“I feel so excited for this gargantuan honour, as the Asiwaju Onigbagbo Obinrin in Odogbolu local government, I will remain a model to other women and ensure that I provide Godly leadership that will always translate to better life for the women.

"I really appreciate this uncommon privilege and it is definitely a call to higher service, may the good Lord help me”.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony were the former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, lawmaker representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, Hon. Korede Osunsanya, House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kunle Oluomo, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Barrister Femi Ogunbanwo, many Ijebu royal fathers among other well wishers.