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...REBUILDING THE GATEWAY THROUGH GOOD GOVERNANCEMAY 2012VOL 5 NO. 5

riday, May 25, witnessed another milestone in the rebuilding mission of the F

Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration as it brought smiles onto the face of inhabitants of hundreds of communities with the distribution of 500 new transform-ers throughout the State.

This unprecedented gesture was in commemoration of the government's one year in office and is expected to boost electricity supply which has been inadequate and hindering socio-economic development in the state.

Encomiums were showered on Senator Amosun at the well attended event which was witnessed by people from all walks of life, particularly a very appreciative indigenes of the State at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Amosun in his presentation enthused that the distribution of the transformers which was first of its kind in the history of the State and the nation, was aimed at boosting electricity facilities and to generate power where it does not exist. This he said is a demonstration of his Adminis-tration's responsibility and respon-siveness to the people of the State.

He said: “we shall continue to serve you by providing an enabling

environment for social, economic and political growth. We shall not renege on our promises. Let me reiterate our Administration's unalloyed commitment towards the development of all sectors of the economy in Ogun State.

“We shall continually work towards the fulfilment of the “Mission to Rebuild” Ogun State

through the Five-Cardinal Programmes, thus making our State an egalitarian society where businesses thrive and the people live in harmony.”

He disclosed that the distribu-tion of the transformers was a first step in the State's readiness to comply with the Federal Govern-

By Bashiru Sakirudeen & Femi OnasanyaBy Bashiru Sakirudeen & Femi Onasanya

ment's approval for all tiers of Government to generate power.

Senator Amosun described the transformers as of high quality and international standard, produced by a reputable electric-ity company, Schneider Electric, which according to him can stand the test of time and solicited the continued co-operation of the company with the State Govern-ment.

“Our State will appreciate it if Schneider Electric Company can invest in the power sector, especially in the area of power generation within the state through both conventional methods of oil and gas and renewable source. Such invest-ment will go a long way in ameliorating unemployment challenges among our youths and propel socio-economic develop-ment in the State. The State Government is ready to partner and encourage investors to establish new firms as well as plants in our state”, he said.

Governor Amosun urged the

citizens of the State to continue to support the State Government in its efforts to make life meaningful for the citizens, urging them to be vigilant and provide adequate security for the allocated trans-formers and other electrical components in their various communities.

He said: “Eternal vigilance, they say, is the price for liberty. We need to liberate ourselves from darkness and keep our communi-ties well-lit”.

In his remarks, the Minister for Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, represented by Director of Power, Federal Ministry Power, Sanusi Garba, commended the interven-tion of the State Government at providing the transformers and hoped that other States would emulate the good gesture of supporting the Federal Govern-ment.

On efforts by the Federal Government to ensure regular power supply, the Minister disclosed that the new 750MW

Contd. On Page 6

...To Embark On Mass Housing Scheme

Govt. Gives Out 500 Transformers

Cross section of the 500 Transformers for distribution

were key to his administration's development agenda, adding that the Ado- Odo/Ota Local Government Area had been listed among the five being considered for the housing pilot programme, owing to its proximity to Lagos and its industrialization advantage which placed it on a higher pedestal for urban renewal initiative

The State helmsman also said the Ilo-Awela road would be rehabilitated just as he promised that the State would

soon intervene to renovate the damaged por t ion of the Abeokuta end of Lagos Sango Bridge Abeokuta road.

Senator Amosun further assured that repair work would be carried out on Sango-Ota township roads, stressing that the Local Government played a major role in the mega city status being accorded Ogun-Lagos States and urged residents to always clear their drainages of refuse to avoid flooding in the

he present administra-tion in Ogun State is set Tto begin mass housing

programme for the citizens.The State Governor,

Senator Ibikunle Amosun disclosed this in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in continuation of his state-wide visit to Local Government Areas in the State.

The Governor said the provis ion of affordable housing and urban renewal

By Jamiu LawalBy Jamiu Lawal

Contd. On Page 6

...FG calls on other States to emulate unprecedented gesture...FG calls on other States to emulate unprecedented gesture

OGUN UPDATE | May 20122 | ACROSS THE STATE

ne sure way through which socio-economic growth at the grassroots can be O

achieved is to execute the Millen-nium Development Goals (MDGs).For this reason, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on MDGs, Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello has reiterated the readiness of her office to collaborate with Commu-nity Development Associations (CDAs) on project execution.

Mrs. Abiola-Costello made this public during the quarterly consulta-tive forum organised by the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives for leaders of CDAs and the State Cooperative Federation Ltd (OGSCOFED) in Abeokuta.

The Governor's aide explained that areas of collaboration between her office and the CDAs will include activities on gender equality, women empowerment, fight against poverty, Universal Primary Education, reduction in child mortality, improved maternal health, combat-ing HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and execution of other environmental sustainability and global partnership for development to thrive in the State.

She sa id no meaningful development can be achieved by any government if people at the grassroot are not carried along in the scheme of things, urging leaders at various communities to support the

State government in its effort to reduce poverty and hunger in the society.

In the same vein, the State Commissioner for Community

Development and Co-operatives, Chief Samuel Aiyedogbon said the quarterly forum was put together by his Ministry to create an avenue for interaction between it, the CDAs and

Across The State

he late sage and former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief TObafemi Awolowo has been

described as an astute administrator whose performance remains a benchmark for good governance in the South-West and the nation.

The Ogun State Governor, Senator thIbikunle Amosun stated this during the 25

remembrance and patronal anniversary of Chief Awolowo at the Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Anglican Church, Ikenne Remo.

Governor Amosun said the late Awolowo lived a life of service for the people, recalling that his administration in the old Western Region and his short tenure as the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive council during the

General Yakubu Gowon's administra-tion remained a reference point in the history of the nation.

According to him, the late Chief Awolowo was an advocate of the rule of law, free education and quality service to the people, regretting that those who now parade themselves as Awoists are far from his philosophy.

He noted that self-sacrifice, transparency and accountability as well

By Tunde Olayiwola

as human and infrastructural develop-ment of the nation were his ideals.

The Governor opined that if the late Sage were to be alive, he would be happy with his administration's free education policy, free text books and other instructional materials being given to the pupils of public primary and secondary schools in the State, saying that his mission to rebuild through his

five cardinal programmes would surely make it a pace setter in the South-West as the Western Region was a model for others during Chief Awolowo's tenure.

In his sermon, Rt. Revd. Peter Adebiyi, decried the level of bickering and division among Yoruba leaders, stressing the need for a genuine reconciliation among them to move the Yoruba race forward.

The cleric enjoined the leaders to emulate the late Chief Awolowo who often had meetings with opposition parties, saying discriminating against one another based on political affiliations should be eschewed.

Going down memory lane, the man of God recalled that the late Premier dedicated his life to advancement of knowledge, educating millions of people in the western region, a gap which was yet to be filled by other regions till date.

While commending the organizers and wife of the deceased, Chief (Mrs.) H.I.D. Awolowo for keeping his ideals and legacies, Rt. Revd. Adebiyi enjoined the people to remain united to form a common front for the development of the Yoruba race,

Dignitaries at the event included Governors of Oyo, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, former Head of State, Rtd, (Gen.) Yakubu Gowon, Rtd. (Gen.) Oladipo Diya and former Governor Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, amongst others.

Importance Of MDGs In Communal Growth HighlightedBy Adeniyi Akinbobola

programme of her ministry in the last one year to reduce the rate of divorce and promote family unity in the State.

Also, in the bid to ensure quality service delivery for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the State, the Ministry in collaboration with USAID/Hope World Wide Nigeria facilitated and monitored N10m conditional grants for the upkeep and maintenance of 3,000 orphan and vulnerable children, while four new orphanages were registered to further help in child development and protec-tion.

Mrs. Sonubi added that her Minis-try also inaugurated the State Women Advancement Forum (WAFO) with 300 women selected from the 236 wards in the State, while regular capacity building and training programmes were organised for them to strengthen their socio-economic status.

ome children and mothers from separated homes in Ogun State Snow have course to rejoice as the

sum of N18.8m was collected from 2,115 fathers from such homes for the up keep of 3,608 children and wards from May 2011 till date.

Disclosing this at the ministerial press briefing to mark the one year anniversary of administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Com-missioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi said the money facilitated by her ministry was the responsibility allow-ance from the fathers, adding that it would help remove unnecessary burden on the mothers concerned.

However, Mrs. Sounbi stated that a total of 173 couples were reconciled in the matrimonial reconcil iat ion

Women Affairs Ministry Facilitates N18.8m For Children Upkeep

By Jamiu Lawal

Co-operative societies.Highlight of the event include

the presentation of N500,000 subvention cheques each to leaders of CDC and OGSCOFED.

tion with Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) will start off with twelve local governments across the three Senatorial Districts of the State and that enumerators to be involved in the distribution of questionnaires of the survey would equally be exposed to another training to ensure validity and reliability.

Speaking on the duration of the survey, the senior aide to the Gover-nor said it would last f o r j u s t 2 1 d a y s , u r g i n g i n h a b i t-a n t s o f concerned communi-t i e s a n d L o c a l G o v e r n-m e n t t o g ive the enumera-t o r s necessary support so t h a t t h e e x e r c i s e

can achieve set target.Responding on behalf of other

participants, Mr. Adeyemo Adefemi from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govern-ment thanked the State Government for the steps being taken towards meeting the energy needs of the State, adding that Local Governments across the State will do the needful to ensure that the exercise was success-fully conducted.

OGSG To Commence Energy Survey By Gbemisola Ogolo

takeholders in the energy sector in Ogun State have been Stasked to work together so that

the dream of the State Government to generate and meet the energy needs of both the formal and informal sectors to ensure sustain-able socio-economic growth of the State can become a reality.

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Energy Matters, Mr. Taiwo Fagbemi threw the challenge in Abeokuta at a meeting held with representatives of local governments and private concerns who have signified interest to partner with the State Government to carry out an energy survey of the State.

Fagbemi recalled that recently the State Government organized a workshop for professionals in the sector as a veritable step towards conducting the survey necessary to ascertain the energy demand and map out strategies to meet same for each community, Local Government and the State at large.

He explained further that the survey to be carried out in collabora-

Awolowo: An Icon Of Good Governance - Amosun

ACROSS THE STATE | 3 OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

OGUN UPDATE | May 20124 | EDITORIAL

Editorial

ne year can be a long time in the life of many. For some though, it can be incredibly O

short.May 29, 2011, represented a mile-

stone, in the annals of Ogun, the Gateway State, with the inauguration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as Governor of the State. Voters in the State, elected to be led by someone, epitomizing a new and progressive ideology - a total turn-around, indicat-ing in an unequivocal way, a desire for total and radical change, in the pattern of governance as they had known it.

Three hundred and sixty-five days have passed and the people of the state have begun to take stock. Usually, it is common for many politicians to ask for patience under the pretence that a great deal of damage had been done by those who had held the reins of power before their tenure began. Ordinarily this was never going to hold sway with anyone in Ogun, given our historical antecedents as politically vibrant folks, with a strong and irrepressible sense of social and developmental activism. This, coupled with the legitimate need for urgent action, given the stalemate and developmental stagnancy that had befallen the State a few years before the Governor's political ascendancy, meant that work had to begin in earnest, if the kind of transformation that was promised was to come into fruition.

At his inauguration on May 29, 2011, Governor Amosun told the mammoth crowd that had gathered to witness the ceremony that he was determined to uphold the values of the founding fathers of the State, who had held their own, against all odds, explaining that this was the basis for

dynamic approach to the reform of the educational sector; from the provision of thousands of jobs, to other astute means of generating employment (either direct or indirect); from the provision of practicable, affordable and sustainable loan facilities, to the motivation of establishment, location and relocation of industries to the State; from the marked and indisput-able improvement in the health sector, to the shrewd and discreet manage-ment of the State finances; from the support and development of sports, to the active promotion of culture and tourism; not to talk of the peace that has reigned supreme in the State within the past year, it is clear that the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led Admin-istration understands the legitimate impatience of the citizenry and is not only willing to act but is willing to do so fast enough.

One unforgettable act which is clearly going to aid the sustenance of all these is the government's support for security agencies to ensure that

orderliness is maintained and this will in turn increase the confidence of investors, tourists and even the com-mon man, and overtime, the impact of such confidence on the forces that aid development is becoming conspicu-ous and undeniable.

Another major event is the Inves-tors’ Forum, tagged 'Ogun: Open for Business', which was an opportunity to sell the State and its vast and largely under-utilized human and natural resources, to the nation and the world at large. The results of this are also evident for all to see.

Overall, it has been an eventful year. Certainly, the citizens of Ogun, the Gateway State have not been disappointed. Neither the Governor nor the Government has taken their support for granted. Such support and co-operation must however be sus-tained in every way, if this progression to the promised land must continue.

One Year Of Indelible Achievementsthe adorning of the attire which his grandfather had given his father decades before, as a symbol of his commitment to continuity and positive consistency- the very essence of our existence as a people.

At that ceremony, the Governor alluded to some five cardinal points, being the foundation upon which his administration would govern, and since then he has never ceased to refer to them as the basis upon which he not only wished to be assessed, but upon which the super-structure of his developmental edifice was being constructed. These five cardinal points as enunciated by the Governor are: Affordable qualitative education; Efficient healthcare delivery; Agricul-tural production and industrialization; Affordable housing and urban renewal and rural and infrastructural develop-ment; Employment generation.

Evidently, what the State has witnessed in the last one year is monu-mental by any standard. Much more is the doubtless focus and precision with which the administration has gone about the fulfillment of its electioneer-ing pledges. Of no less importance also is the effort to ensure even spread of these developmental activities in a way which guarantees that no part of the State is marginalized or neglected in the radical transformation that the State is now witnessing. This is the clearest demonstration of the inclusive nature of this regime; it also serves to illustrate government's seriousness in terms of its stated pledge of fairness and evenness in the allocation and distribution of scarce resources.

From the construction of roads and infrastructures in all the nooks and crannies of the State, to the radical and

VOL 5 NO. 5 MAY 2012

PUBLISHERYusuph Olaniyonu

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAbdul-Fatai Opebiyi

GENERAL MANAGERAyo Oluyemi

EDITORKayode Bello

PRODUCTION CREWMosun Feyisetan

Lateef OsiteluGbemisola OgoloRotimi Oduniyi

Sakirudeen BashiruFemi OnasanyaTayo DosunmuOlatunde TijaniDorcas JohnsonLawon Solanke

CORRESPONDENTSInformation Officers

PHOTOGRAPHERSTunji OnabanjoTunde OdunewuBolaji OgundejiTope AbiodunTosin Dipeolu

OIaseni Kassim

OGUN STATE MINISTRY OF

INFORMATION AND STRATEGY,

OKE-MOSAN, ABEOKUTA

C A R T O O N

I, formerly known as Miss Lafenwa Oluwatoyin Omolara now wish to be known and addressed as MRS . OLADEINDE OLUWATOYIN OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. Hospitality Management Board and general public should take note

I, formerly known as Miss Sodeinde Oluwakemi Tejumola now wish to be known and addressed as M R S . O Y E K A N M I O L U W A K E M I TEJUMOLA. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM and general public should take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Omolara Kehinde Akoni now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OMOLARA KEHINDE AKINTELURE. All former documents remain valid. Bureau of Establishments & Training and general public should take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Akingbade Jumoke now w i s h t o b e k n ow n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s MRS.ODUSANYA OLAJUMOKE FAUSAT. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Youths and Sport and general public should take note

I, formerly known as Miss Deborah Olariyike Ajala now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.DEBORAH OLARIYIKE MAKINDE. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM, Ministry of Education and general public should take note

I, formerly known as Mr. BankoleRamoni Peter Alani now wish to be known and addressed as MR.BANKOLE PETER ALANI. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM and general public should take note.

I formerly known as Miss Ariyo Olufunke Esther now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FASINA OLUFUNKE ESTHER. All former documents remains valid, general public should please take note.

I,formerly known as Miss Ogunyinka Olabisi Modupe now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ODETOLA OLABISI MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OPINION | 5OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

Contd. from Page 1

Olorunsogo Power Plant has been completed and started delivering power to the grid. He assured that as more of these plants were being commissioned, supply of electricity would irreversibly improve to the glory of our nation.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Lanre Tejouoso stated that the occasion was a demonstra-tion of the capacity of government in the delivery of its electoral promise and dividends of democ-racy to the people of Ogun State, pointing out that provision of electricity was a major ingredient to the success of the five cardinal programmes of the administration.

“In the continuation of the achievement of giant strides by this administration, we are once again scoring another first by being the first State Government ever in Nigeria to procure and distribute this maximum number of 500 transformers throughout the State at the same time”, he added.

He assured that all communi-ties would benefit from the gesture, saying that there were more than enough transformers for all them that have requested for them, stating that “if your name does not appear as a community, it is because you have not asked, once you ask, you receive”.

The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, in his goodwill message on behalf of the people of Ogun East said that various communities had on several occasions in the past been asked by the Power Holding Company (PHCN) to contribute money to buy transformers, adding that that the era of transformer breakdown and shortage had ended in the State.

Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro on behalf of the people of Yewa/Awori appreci-ated Governor Amosun for the gesture, especially for putting smiles on the faces of his people who have been lacking transform-

6 | NEWS

ers, praying that God will cont inue to sus ta in and strengthen the government while the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laloko on behalf of the people of Ogun Central thanked Senator Amosun for the land-mark achievement.

In his contribution, Alhaji Sanni Mubarak, State Chairman, Community Development Council remarked that distribut-ing 500 transformers at a time was no mean feat and a testimony of better things in the offing. One of the beneficiaries, Engr. Liadi Akeem of Ope I d u n n u C o m m u n i t y , Onigbongbo, Atan- Ota, Ado-Odo Loca l Gover nment , disclosed that his community had been in the dark for about five years in spite of their active role at all community development levels. He enthused that it was like a dream when they got the call from the State Government asking them to come for a new transformer.

Also, Sunday Osunkoya of Olokuta, Idi-Aba, could not hold his joy while commenting on the importance of the gesture to his community whose members came enmasse to witness the event, saying that God will empower the Governor to realize all his dreams for the State.

The occasion, which was also graced by the Wife of the Gover-nor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, the Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, his Deputy, Tola Banjo, Secretary to the State Government , Bar r. Ta iwo Adeoluwa, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ambassador, Emman-uel Ademola Ogunnaike, Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, and the royal fathers.

Others are Chief Doja Adewolu,

ACN Chieftain, Diplomats from

France, Chairman of the Com-

munity Development Council,

OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

area.The Governor reeled out the

achievements of his administra-tion to include rehabilitation of health care centres, free health care services for children under 5 years and adults who are at least 70 years old, recruitment of doctors and other health workers, purchase and distribution of text books, exercise books and other instructional materials to school pupils, as well as renovation of schools.

Others, according to him, include road construction and rehabilitation, mass employment into the civil service, development of agriculture to aid industrializa-tion and other empowerment programmes, amongst others.

generality of the people of the State.

He disclosed that the employ-ment generation scheme, free primary and secondary education, provision of free health services for the under aged and the elderly as well as the restoration of the entire State from dirt and filthy environment through massive clearing of drainages, construction of roads and provision of other infrastructural needs had contin-ued to add direct value to the people's life.

Hon. Pelumi Olusola however enjoined the good people of the State to continue to support the Governor in his rebuild mission with better understanding, cooperation and commitment to their respective civic responsibili-ties in order to return the State to its envious position.

He cited such major projects to include the six lane Ibara Soko-Totoro, with over-head bridges, the first of its kind in the state, installation of traffic lights and construction of multi-million naira model schools in all the local

government areas of the state.Also mentioned by the

lawmaker was the provision of 500 transformers for various communi-ties in the state and the purchase of state of the art APC, 125 piick-up vans and communication gadgets for security agencies in the State. This, Hon. Pelumi Olusola voted would stimulate the industrializa-tion of the State.

he Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun Thas been described as a

complete and committed leader endowed with inestimable develop-mental vision and acumen.

Disclosing this in a press statement on the Heels of Gover-nor Amosun's One Year in Office, a former lawmaker, Honourable Boye Olusola a two-term represen-tative of the Remo North constitu-ency in the Ogun State House of Assembly said, “with all physical evidence, indications and by all standard, Senator Amosun's concerted efforts to liberate the State from the triple bight of poverty, disease and wants was a landmark that would always stand him out in the annals of the State as a foremost democratic leader blessed with sound developmental vision and ability”

Honourable Pelumi Olusola stated that Amosun's socio-economic drive enshrined in his five cardinal programmes in One Year of his administration had started to yield positive impacts in the life and aspirations of the

Lawmaker Lauds Amosun On AchievementsBy Lanre Ogunyinka

Hon. Boye Olusola

he Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral TCommission (OGSIEC),

Alhaja Risikat Iyabo Ogunfemi has asserted that the electorate must play important roles for democracy to thrive in any given society.

Speaking at different Stake-holders fora held in the three Senatorial districts of the State in preparation for the Local Govern-ment Election coming up in July 21st,2012, Alhaja Ogunfemi noted that without an accurate, reliable and authentic voters' register, there cannot be free, fair and credible election and by extension, there cannot be a true democracy.

Alhaja Ogunfemi added that the voters' register used for the conduct of April 2011 general Election by the independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has been released to the Commission for use during the Local Government polls, adding everything would be done to make it hitch-free.

While presenting Electoral guidelines to the leaders of various political parties, the Chairman remarked that the essence of the guidelines was to set out in clear terms the ground rules for the conduct of the Local Government Election.

She emphasized that Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission was an impartial umpire and was ready to provide a level playing field for all stake-holders to exercise their rights.

OGSIEC Pledges Level Playing Ground For All Stakeholders

“I want to feel and trust that I can count and rest on you as Stakeholders, the respectable Clergys and Imams men of God, the promising youths, civil activists, market men and women for your support towards the conduct of a credible, free and

fair Local Government Elections,” Alhaja Ogunfemi remarked.

She appealed to the Stake-holders aspirants to demonstrate maturity, discipline and total commitment to the success of democratic process and advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used as instrument of violence.

In their respective contribu-

tions, Stakeholders such as, Independent National Electoral Commission, National Orientation Agency and the State Security Service were of the opinion that there exist a nexus between politics and development which makes it necessary to get democracy on the right and proper track in order to ensure rapid development.

By Tosin Koletowo

gun State Government has re-affirmed that it will continue to give support to O

the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against illicit drugs.

The State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun gave the assurance in Abeokuta during the destruction of 15 tonnes of hard drugs seized by the agency. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, Senator Amosun lamented the quantum leap in the quantity of hard drugs seized by the agency within three years, saying this development called for concerted efforts, as it portends danger for the country and its future leaders.

He therefore called on all stakeholders in the State to join forces with the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse whiling donating a patrol van on behalf of the State government to aid the operations of the agency.

E a r l i e r , T h e N a t i o n a l Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade had in his keynote address recalled that a total of 3,015.11kg of narcotics was set ablaze in the State in 2009, pointing out that the astronomical increase to over 14,000 kg was a strong indication of increasing drug problem.

A l h a j i G i a d e c a l l e d f o r collaborative effort by all stakeholders, urging parents, teachers, guardians and leaders at all levels to be actively involved in the drug war and effectively monitor their children and wards by keeping tabs on their activities at all times.

O n h i s p a r t , t h e S t a t e Commander of the NDLEA, M o h a m m e d M . M o h a m m e d explained that the event was a clear t e s t i m o n y o f t h e A g e n c y ' s determination and commitment to frontally combat illicit drugs as it had in the last four months arrested 53 suspects, two of whom had been

convicted.He commended the Senator

Amosun-led administration for its efforts and commitment at reducing the level of employment

among youths through i ts agricultural schemes and skill acquisition programmes.

“Let me use this opportunity to place on record the assistance

and co-operation given to us by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in the discharge of our duties without which we would not have accomplished our

assignment”, he said.The exhibits were later set

ablaze after the signing of a destruction certificate which was duly obtained from the Federal High Court in Abeokuta.

By Femi Onasanya &Tunde Olayiwola

Amosun Pledges Support For War Against Illicit Drugs

Contd. from Page 1

Housing...

chairmen of commissions and

statutory boards.

Govt. Gives Out 500 Transformers

an additional state to benefit from a major maternal and child health initiative. Training

470 staff (Local Government Health Personnel and School Health Workers) from State and Local governments were trained on Schistosomiasis; 20 Medical laboratory Technicians were trained on the diagnosis of Malaria at the National Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, they will be given refresher training, they will cascade the training to others; training of healthcare personnel on service delivery for malaria control 39 health personnel drawn from different fields also participated in a three day health retreat on Integrated Supportive Supervision Scheme at Covenant University Guest House, Ota. The retreat was organized for managerial staff and carried out in partnership with SUNMAP, a DFID supported organiza-tion.

186 officials benefitted from training on interpersonal conduct to help in behavioural change communication. Beneficiaries were drawn from 10 Local Government Areas of the State including: Ibiade Ogun Waterside, Abeokuta South, Remo North, Odogbolu, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu East, Ipokia, Yewa South, Yewa North; 30 medical personnel participated in the training on Cancer Screening and Detection/Cancer Awareness.

Cancer Screening/Awareness Campaign, recently launched by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, is ongoing in the twenty Local Government Areas of the State. Training and medical certification of food vendors in schools; training of School Health Workers on Schistosomiasis and Soil transmitted helminthes; improving conditions in Schools of Nursing by Employment of Nine B.N.S.C Graduate Nurses As Tutors For The School Of Nurses And Midwifery.

In addition, we refurbished buildings and provided two 32-Seater buses to the Schools of Nursing in Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode. We intend to improve health literacy in the State to improve prevention of diseases and we have already implemented a number of initiatives such as Health Education of students, teachers, parents and the whole community on healthy practices like proper hand washing, skin care, oral care, hygiene and environmental cleanliness etc.

Product ion and distr ibut ion of information, education and communication materials (leaflets, banners, T-shirts, and caps e.t.c) for sensitization of the public on epidemic prone diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever.

Sensitization of the public through jingles on radio stations, including Sensitization on guinea worm disease in the State through airing of jingles on the disease on OGBC.

The State Government has contributed to the improvement of community mobilization in the 20 LGAs by providing communication gadgets in all the 236 Wards.Disease Control

The State Government co-participated in the deworming exercise in both public and private primary schools in three Local Government Areas across the State and subsequently expanded it to cover the entire state. Over 850, 000 students benefited from this programme;

The State also benefitted from the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS) Programme which came up in February and

t the inception of this administration on 29th May, 2011 the Governor set up a number of transitional committees, A

including one on health: The Transitional Policy Committee on Health. The committee examined the existing situation and recommended some urgent actions and with the inauguration of the cabinet, implementation of some of the initial plans were put into action. Renovation of Forty Seven Primary Health Care Centres

Despite the paucity of fund in the last one year, the State Government having realized the centrality of primary healthcare to the successful delivery of services to the majority of the population, especially in the rural areas and having noted the severe state of decay, rehabilitated and equipped forty-seven (47) Primary Health Care facilities in the three senatorial districts in the State.

On assumption of office, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was able to negotiate with striking healthcare workers at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), who agreed to return to work. The Government has since paid hundreds of millions of naira to pay arrears owed by the last administration to these and other healthcare workers leaving a modest amount to be finally cleared.

At OOUTH, a contractual issue to do with concessioning of radiological services had resulted in complete cessation of activities. Government has successfully negotiated modalities for the resumption of these essential services.

Also at OOUTH, in a bid to give the Teaching Hospital a face lift, the State Government renovated three dangerously dilapidated buildings (the medical, surgical and children's wards) at the Teaching Hospital.

In a bid to begin the return of our apex institution to its former elevated status, the State Government gave approval for the replacement of many staff who had departed in recent years which had left the institution dangerously lacking in essential manpower. This resulted in the employment of 153 medical personnel at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu. Overhaul of the Emergency Services

The existing ambulance system was poorly organized and lacking in essential vehicles. This government has redesigned the existing service, separating operations from the coordination of the service. We are currently arranging to bring existing assets in the State, for example hospital-based ambulance and those owned by local governments under our coordination umbrella. Additionally, four ALS ambulances have been purchased to strengthen the existing depleted fleet. Amongst the current wave of recruitment are health workers who will be dedicated to the ambulance service, becoming Ogun State's first ever purpose trained paramedics. They will receive weeks of ambulance service training and re-training in advanced life support skills by our partner, Critical Rescue International.

Agreement has been reached with Federal Road Safety Corps to use their three digit number 122, which operates on the major networks and puts callers through to a 24/7 call centre.

The Ministry of Health has spearheaded the formation of the Ogun State Road Safety Coalition. The Ministry has finalized plans with the FRSC, TRACE, Police, Red Cross, and other stakeholders to embark upon a major new road safety campaign which will take off in June, with Ogun State also being the first state to join the International Decade of Action on Road Safety.Drugs and Medical Supplies

The facilities at the Central Drug Store, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta has been dejunked and refurbished. The Central Drug Store is responsible for the central procurement and storage of drugs. Our public and private institutions can buy quality drugs at affordable prices from the store which we will continue to upgrade into a modern drug procurement and distribution facility.

The Ministry has also inaugurated a drug and therapeutics committee. This is an essential component of a modern health service. Its function, using experts in therapeutics, is to guide state drug policy, advice on the rational use of drugs and improve drug safety in the state.

In the quest to eradicate fake drugs and

improve on the quality of pharmaceutical services at the community level, the Pharmaceutical Services Department in conjunction with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria organized an interactive session between Superintendent

rdPharmacists, and pharmacists' employers on 3 May, 2012.

It is important to state that while we have been conducting emergency resuscitation on our healthcare services, we have also taken time out to conduct a rigorous evaluation exercise on the sector, followed by a detailed planning process to develop our roadmap for the sector to guide us through the remaining years of the administration.

The plan was finalized at the ministerial retreat and implementation has begun in earnest. Christened the 'Three Ps - the plan which draws from the Government's Five Point Agenda, the State Strategic Health Development Plan and the Economic Master Plan, has three overarching Policy Priorities: People, Prevention and Proven Interventions.

The first priority - ‘people’: refers to the various groups essential for healthcare delivery. There are of course the Human Resources for health. It is a priority to increase our healthcare workers number, quality and distribution.

Another group of people who should play an active part in the health care renaissance in the State are the communities and plans are underway to engage them actively and extensively.

Yet, other groups of people who are essential to our health services are our partners in healthcare such as donor and development agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organizations for example.

The second 'P is prevention. This administration will focus on shifting more towards preventive medicine. Using modern health promotion practices, we will seek to reduce the overall burden on the health system. We intend to raise the level of health literacy in the state, using knowledge as our vaccine against ill health.

The third P is proven interventions. This refers to a recognized need to adopt best practices, proven effective interventions in our quest to repair healthcare. It acknowledges the responsibility upon us to pilot new untested ideas before rolling them out wholesale. Importantly, it presupposes the adoption of a data habit, fostering a culture of research because you cannot prove what you are doing is work without measuring its impact.

For example, you may have seen our recent recruitment adverts inviting applications for almost all cadres of healthcare workers that you can imagine. When the deadline came, thousands of applications were received. Senator Ibikunle Amosun has authorised the selection of over eight hundred of these intending healthcare workers and we are moving into the final stages of the process of employing them. This is a major initiative that will greatly improve the services in all the facilities under the Hospital Management Board.

With the scarce available resources, it is practically impossible for government to solve all the challenges of the healthcare sector. In recognition of this fact the present administration partnered with some Non-Governmental Organizations for the benefit of the people of Ogun State.

In the last one year, the government collaborated with the Rotary Club International and Indo Eye Care Foundation to donate 500 Artificial Limbs and perform free eye surgical operation respectively, using the State Hospital, Ijaye. An artificial limbs service centre was set up and health technicians were trained and inaugurated in the fixing of the artificial limbs.

A similar event in partnership with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation and Purechem Industries was run at State Hospital Ijebu Ode.

The Ministry has signed an agreement with MTN Foundation for the provision of a Mobile Clinic which will be used to pilot the provision of outreach health services to under-served rural populations. One major result of work that has been carried out on in the last few months is that the Governor will sign a multi-million dollar five year deal with a major Nigerian Corporation, which will benefit a number of primary healthcare centers in the State.

With regards to development partners and donor agencies such as the UN agencies for example, we have begun the process of wooing them back to the State and it is beginning to show dividends with Ogun State having been chosen as

Ministerial Scorecard MINISTERIAL SCORECARD | 7OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

Health

March, 2012 respectively. Over 4,362,760 children under age five were immunized;

The State equally paid a counterpart fund of N15m for SACA (State Action Committee on AIDS) to become credit effective for the World Bank credit;

Thirty Five (35) HIV/AIDS counsel-ing/testing centres and 31 PMTCT sites were created across the State to take care of people living with HIV/AIDS. Provision of free drugs was also made for people living with HIV/AIDS; Procurement of Praziquantel and Mebendazole tablets in large quantities for the treatment of children with Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthes in the State;

Collaboration with Local Government Authorities on proper monitoring of School Health workers.

Provision of treatment for diseases and injuries occurring in schools

Distribution of drugs (Artemisininin Based Combination Therapy Drugs) for the treatment of malaria

Distribution of drugs (Sulphadoxine, Pyrimethamine) to pregnant women attending ANC

Distribution of LLINs to pregnant women attending ANC clinics at first booking and under 5 children in health facilities

Sensitization of the public through distribution of posters and handbills on prevention of malaria, treatment of malaria, home management of malaria, usage of LLINs etc.

The State Government has introduced free maternal and child health services in State;

The State Government also introduced Community Based Health Insurance Scheme in the State;

The State Government has introduced the use of Zinkfant and Lo-ORS in the treatment of diarrhea; and

There was also a programme aimed at the interruption of the transmission of wild Polio Virus

Inspectorate Activities of The State Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee

The State Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee which comprises of Pharmaceutical Inspectors of my Ministry, the Private Sector and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria ensured good pharmacy practice in the State Drugs worth N618,215.00 were seized from operators of illegal pharmaceutical outlets in the visit of the Committee to the nooks and crannies of Ogun State. The inspection visits prompted many Patent Medicine Shops to renew their registration. A drug manufacturing outfit was temporarily shut for breaching the regulations. Eighteen (18) Community Pharmacies were also shut down for operating without registration.Printing of Harmonized Health Manage-ment Information System (HMIS)

The introduction, printing and distribution of the Harmonized Health Management Information System (HMIS) forms for data collection in public and private health institution across the State guarantees prompt detection and response to outbreak of cholera and other epidemic prone diseases in the State. It also ensures the collection, collation and analysis of data on disease surveillance in the State.

In order to ensure easy collation of data and processing of applications, the Ministry has

commenced Online Registration of Private Health Facilities.HIV Control

Under the HIV Control Programme, the following activities took place in the last one year:

The State PMTCT technical working group was inaugurated; training of the Critical Mass Committee on HIV/AIDS was carried out; monthly M&E meeting for data collection, collation and analysis.

There was Supervisory, Monitoring & Evaluation visits to Health facilities within the State.

Health facilities site assessment for suitability to offer HCT, PMTCT services was carried out; data quality assurance exercises to certain health facilities in the State was also done and quarterly TB/HIV collaboration technical working group meetings were held as at when due.Transforming OGUNSACA

In a bid to continue to reduce the prevalence of HIV&AIDS, the following activities were carried out in the last one year.

The Ministries of Health and Justice have concluded work on the Bill to effect the transformation of OgunSACA from a Committee to a full-fledged agency. It will be presented to cabinet this month before being presented to the House of Assembly.

Government has paid counterpart fund for OgunSACA to become credit effective for the World Bank Credit; scaling up of HIV&AIDS Counseling and Testing Services from 28 to 31.

Provision of free drugs for people living with HIV&AIDS; capacity building of various stakeholders in the area of Prevention, Monitoring and Evaluation, Treatment and Care and Support; training of 186 Interpersonal Conductors to help in the area of prevention of HIV&AIDS.Registration Of Pharmacists and Pharma-ceutical Premises

Within the last one year, thirteen interns completed their training in Hospitals and Manufacturing Companies and their documents processed for full registration. Also, one hundred and twenty five (125) registered pharmacists in various areas of practice regularized their registration.

One new manufacturing company was registered and eight others renewed their licences; seven new Community Pharmacies and 59 old ones regularized the registration of their premises; 213 Patent Medicine Vendors also renewed the registration of their shops.

Renovations have not been limited to the Primary Care Sector. Work has begun in a number of our State hospitals and part of our plan in moving forward is to continue to renovate our all important General and State hospitals, improve their level of equipment and continue to recruit and train staff.

On Free Primary Health Care for pregnant women, children and the over 70s, we have been working for many months in planning the logistics for this and have now started the process of community engagement as the first step in making it happen.

In conclusion then, it is not an exaggeration to say that the atmosphere we met was one of stagnation, neglect and decay in most parts of the health sector. I hope the picture I have painted is one of motion, purpose and growth. We are still at the early stages and I believe that progress will accelerate rapidly.

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

By Dr. Olaokun Soyinka

Governor Ibikunle Amosun administering a dose of Polio Vaccine on a baby

“It is important to state that while we have been con-ducting emergency resuscitation on our healthcare services, we have also taken time out to conduct a rigorous evaluation exercise on the sector, followed by a detailed planning process to develop our roadmap for the sector to guide us through the remaining years of the administration.”

8 | MINISTERIAL PRESS BRIEFING OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

OGIRS

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

FORESTRY

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & COOPERATIVES

FINANCE

YOUTHS & SPORT

LANDS & SURVEY

CULTURE & TOURISM

HEAD OF SERVICE

JUSTICEHEALTH

WOMEN AFFAIRS& SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

WORKS & INFRASTRUTURE

HOUSING

SPECIAL DUTIESURBAN & PHYSICAL PLANNING

BUDGET & PLANNING

ENVIRONMENT

EDUCATION

Ministerial Press Briefing in Pix

AGRICULTURE

LG & CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS

INFORMATION & STRATEGY

MINISTERIAL SCORECARD | 9OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

SCIENCE EDUCATION A sum of N11,297,520.00 had been spent on

procurement of scientific microscope and distributed to 481 secondary schools to enhance effective teaching of science.MONTHLY SUBVENTION TO STATE OWNED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

In addition to regular payment of running cost grants to state-owned secondary and technical colleges, the present administration has ensured regular payment of monthly subventions to all the state-owned tertiary institutions which are Olabisi O n a b a n j o U n ive r s i t y, A g o I woy e , N149,250,000.00; Tai Solarin Institute of Education (formerly Tai Solarin University of Education), Ijebu-Ode, N61,236,845.00; Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, N41,500,000.00; Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, N7,440,819.52; Ogun State Institute of Technology, Sir Kessington Adebutu Campus, Saapade , N7,440,819.52; Ogun State Institute of Technology, Abraham Adesanya Campus, Ijebu-Igbo , N7,440,819.52; Ogun State Institute of Technology, D. S. Adegbenro Campus, Itori , N7,440,819.52; Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu , N45,800,000.00; College of Health Technology, Ilese, N5,275,000.00; Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute, Oni, N7,184,892.00.The total money disbursed for the period between May 2011 and April 2012 was N4,080,120,180.00.STATE EDUCATION SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN/STATE EDUCATION SECTOR OPERATIONAL PLAN (SESP/SESOP)

In an attempt to re-engineer the education system in the State, the State alongside other eleven States of the Federation participated in the activities leading to the production of State Education Sector Strategic/Operational Plan in consonance with the Federal Government directives which is a condition for International Development Partners (IDP) to intervene in the development of education in any state.

To t h i s e n d , t h e p r e s e n t administration in the State released a sum of N10 million which was paid as UNICEF counterpart fund for the preparation and production of the document under the supervision of Education Development Strategic International (EDSI) and the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Ondo.Both the State Education Sector Strategic Plan (SESP) and the State Education Sector Operational Plan (SESOP) had been produced and its implementation would commence from January 2013.CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT/ STAFF WELFARE PROGRAMMES

The present government recently employed

ducation has been described as the bedrock of any meaningful development and a catalyst for effecting fundamental positive E

change in any society. This belief has led the present administration in the state to accord topmost priority to the provision of free and qualitative education. In fact, education has remained in the topmost position in the hierarchy of the five cardinal programmes embarked upon by the state government.

Towards achieving the policy thrust of provision of affordable, functional and qualitative education at all sub-sectors of the education industry, the State Government has ensured increased and effective participation of all stakeholders, provision of essential infrastructural facilities, provision of instructional materials, rehabilitation of classroom buildings, procurement and distribution of textbooks in core subjects to pupils and students of primary and secondary schools, and regular payment of running cost/monthly subventions to secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

REHABILITATION OF BLOCKS OF CLASSROOMS IN ONE HUNDRED (100) SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OGUN STATE

A sum of N278,813,152:00 had been spent on the rehabilitation of blocks of classrooms in one hundred (100) schools that spreads across the three Senatorial Districts in the State. This is in a bid to make the school environment more student-friendly and decongesting over-populated schools and classrooms in the state.PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS

A whopping sum of 1.8 billion Naira had been expended on the purchase and distribution of textbooks to pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools in Ogun State. The textbooks were distributed with the aim of encouraging pupils and students to embark on private studies outside the official classroom to complement whatever they have learnt in class. The flag-off of the book distribution was held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan,

, thAbeokuta on Thursday 19 January 2012. PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The sum of N365,825,000:00 had been expended on the purchase and distribution of instructional materials to pupils and students in Public secondary Schools. The instructional materials included biros, pencils, mathematical sets, exercise books, file jackets etc.ESTABLISHMENT OF TWENTY-SIX (26) ULTRA MODERN MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The present administration in Ogun State has awarded contract for the construction of twenty-six (26) ultra modern model secondary schools with hostel facilities in all the twenty (20) Local Government Areas with some local governments having two (2) of such school at a cost of N750 million per school and additional N300 million for equipment and furniture. Each school comes to a total of N1.05 billion. The 26 schools would be a total of N27.3 billion.PROVISION OF STUDENTS DOSSIERS, STUDENTS ID CARD AND IT PORTAL DATA BASE PROJECT

Eighty thousand (80,000) copies of students dossiers had been distributed freely to students in Junior Secondary Schools at a cost of N8,800,000:00 while one hundred and twenty thousand (120,000) copies of students dossiers had been distributed to students in Senior Secondary Schools at a cost of N13,2000,000:00

Unified Identify Card had been produced for all students in JSS1 and SS1 in the State at a total cost of N16.800.000.00 for one-forty thousand (140,000) students while bio data capturing of all students in public secondary and primary pupils in the state had been awarded for N85,000.000.00 for eight-hundred and fifty thousand students (850,000) so as to have reliable data for education planning.PAYMENT OF RUNNING COST GRANT TO STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND

GOVERNMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES

At the inception of the present administration in Ogun State, Secondary schools were owed running cost for three academic terms by the previous administration. A sum of (N17,276,484:00) was paid

rdto offset part of the running cost for 3 term 2010/2011 academic sessions owed.

However, the present administration, in an attempt to provide adequate funding for effective and smooth running of secondary schools, the running cost grant of secondary schools for first and second term 2011/2012 academic session had been paid.

A s u m o f ( N 3 9 , 0 6 9 , 3 6 4 : 0 0 ) a n d (N41,012,468:00) were paid as running cost for first term and second term 2011/2012 academic session respectively.

A sum of (N97,358,316:00) had been expended so far on payment of running cost UNDERWRITING OF WASSCE FEE FOR SS3 STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE STATE

Another major achievement of the present administration is the underwriting of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for bonafide students in all public Secondary School in Ogun State for the 2012 May/June WASSCE.

A sum of N253,218,800.00 had been paid to offset the backlog of arrears for 2010/2011 (WASSCE) owed by the previous administration. A sum of (N262,461,499:00) had been paid for the 2012 May/June WASSCE fees.PAYMENT FOR MAY/JUNE 2012 NATIONAL BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION BOARD (NABTEB)

The present Administration under the able leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was magnanimous to underwrite the 2012 Editions of NABTEB Examination for eligible students in Government Science and Technical Colleges to the tune of N9,951,400.00 CONDUCT OF TERMLY UNIFIED EXAMINATION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL EXAM FEES ABOLISHED

The Termly Unified Examinations in Public Secondary schools was introduced by the present administration. The examination would put students and teachers on their toes as all students are expected to write the same examination throughout the state. This uniform mode of assessment would enhance teaching and learning as teachers and students would have to work diligently to cover syllabus in order to succeed in their examinations.

A sum of N80,200,000:00 was spent on the conduct of the First Term 2011/2012 examination while a sum of N57,000,000:00 was spent on the conduct of the Second term 2011/2012 examination.

Ministerial Scorecard Education, Science & Technology

90 Higher Assistant Education Officers (HAEO) under its Rapid Employment Generation Programme who had since been posted to their various places of primary assignment across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

Also the State Government had almost-concluded action for eligible officers to be promoted to their next Grade Levels and Ranks in the Ministry. Letters of Promotion are presently being awaited from the State Civil Service Commission.

The State Government, under its Capacity Development Scheme was responsible for the training of a substantial number of both junior and senior staff members of the State Ministry of Education, Science & Technology. A sum of ten million naira had been expended so far on such training and workshop programmes.EDUCATION MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (EMIS) OFFICE

Education Management Information System (EMIS) is a system designed to systematically organize information related to management of education development. EMIS is responsible for collection, processing, analysis, publication, distribution and rendering of information for users of education information.

The purpose of EMIS is to keep reliable data to enhance policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and impact assessment in the education sector.

In an attempt to avert the daunting data challenges in the state, a functional EMIS office had been put in place with qualified personnel. The State Government had assigned two consultants to capture both infrastructural facilities and the biometric data of pupils and teachers in public secondary schools for effective planning.SPECIAL INTERVENTION

In its proactive nature, the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration carried out repairs and renovations in five schools that were affected by rainstorms. These repairs not only focused on the classrooms renovation, but also extended to the school toilets.

The schools that benefited under this special intervention were Baptist Primary School, Bode Ijaye, Abeokuta; Christ Anglican Church Primary School, Iporo Ake, Abeokuta; CAC Nursery and Primary School, Lantoro, Abeokuta; NUD High School, Isabo, Abeokuta; Lantoro High School, Abeokuta; Remo Secondary School, Sagamu and Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele, Abeokuta.APPROVAL OF PRIVATE NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS

One hundred (100) private Nursery and Primary schools were granted approval to operate in the State from May 2011 till date, while ten (10) community primary schools which were earlier run as private schools had been approved and adopted as government owned schools.

TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION

STAFF SALARIES AND ALLOWANCESThe growth and development of

education is given top priority by the present administration while prompt attention is paid to teachers' welfare. In this regard, Salaries and Allowances for teachers and non-teaching staff as well as for the members and staff of the Commission are paid regularly. Leave Bonuses that were left un-paid at the inception of this administration have been paid.EMPLOYMENT OF TEACHERS

Under the Rapid Employment Programme of His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and in a bid to cushion the effect of unemployment in Ogun State, the Teaching Service Commission has so far employed 189 teaching and 125 Non-Teaching Staff making a total of 314 under this aforementioned scheme.CAPACITY BUILDING

In conjunction with Learn Africa Plc, the Teaching Service Commission organized a 3-day Leadership Training for School Administrators, 200 Zonal Secretaries, Vice-Principals and Principals and 800 teachers in core subjects of Mathematics

nd thand English Language from 22 to 24 February, 2012. PROMOTION EXERCISE

In its bid to ensure optimal performance and competence among the Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff in Public Secondary Schools, the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission conducted 2011 written promotion examination for teaching and non-teaching staff from grade levels 07

thto 16 on February, 18 2012. The exercise held concurrently in all the Four Divisions of the State

YEWA, EGBA, REMO and IJEBU respectivelyand the oral interview for all categories was concluded

thon the 5 April, 2012, while results are been awaited. However, a total number of five thousand and twenty-two (5,022) Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff are due for 2011 Promotion Exercise.APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPALS AND V I C E - P R I N C I PA L S F O R P U B L I C SECONDARY SCHOOL

Many teachers have been elevated to the post of Principals and Vice-Principals. This has made the State Government to accede to the yearnings of many teachers to reach the peak of their chosen profession.

A total number of 52 Principals and 97 Vice-Principals have been appointed since the inception of the present administration.RURAL ALLOWANCE FOR TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING STAFF POSTED TO RURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE

STATEThe State Government continues to pay rural

allowance to Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff posted to schools in the rural communities of the state. This is to motivate and cushion the effects of any hardship they are likely to face.ENGAGEMENT OF PRIVATE SECURITY PERSONNEL

The engagement of Private Security Personnel of Ibukunoluwa Security Company on contract basis to guard over the safety of government property in our Public Secondary Schools in the State and in the Commission is still maintained by the present administration.SANDWICH AND COSIT PROGRAMME

The State Government continues to allow Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff in the State Public Secondary Schools to undergo Sandwich Courses in the Institutions of higher learning of their choice for Higher Degrees/Certificates. In this regard, a total of 608 Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff proceeded on Sandwich and COSIT Programmes relevant to their teaching subjects in various institutions in the country. STATE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD

STATISTICSThere are 1,440 Primary Schools as well as

1,222 Pre-Primary/Nursery Schools in the State. The present population of Primary School Pupils is 498,227 while that of Pre-Primary classes is 80,839. There are 18,779 teachers, comprising 5,179 Males and 13,600 Females.

ACHIEVEMENTSThe modest achievements recorded under the

present administration are payment of N1.6b outstanding counterpart fund for 2008 and 2009 UBE Intervention, prompt payment of teaching and non-teaching staff salaries, payment of 2011 leave bonus to teachers and staff of the twenty LGAs , payment of 2 terms running cost to headteachers.

There were also prompt payment of N18,250.00 minimum wage to teachers like their counterpart in the Civil Service; procurement of instructional materials for use in the Public Primary Schools; 49 Schools benefited from the UBE Self Help Projects for year 2009 and 57 for year 2010 as released by UBE in 2011; recruitment of 127 numbers of staff for the Board and 20 LGEA; conduct of promotion interview for years 2009 and 2010 for both teaching and non-teaching staff; 5,000 teachers have been trained in the Capacity Development Programme for year 2011; procurement of 4 Hilux Vans for monitoring of projects and schools; deployment of 12 agile and dynamic head-teachers as Education Supervisors to the Board to strengthen its monitoring and school supervision; capacity building for teachers of primary and junior secondary school totaling 7132 under UBE/UBEC Programme.PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE PUBLIC PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS

Approval received for the construction of 278 classrooms for Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools and approval given by His Excellency for the rehabilitation of 1,234 classrooms for both Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.PROVISION OF FURNITURE

Approval had been received for the procurement of 80 sets of plastic furniture for Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) Centres; approval had been received for the procurement of 15,652 sets of pupils' furniture to Public Primary Schools.; approval had also been given to the Board to provide 10,400 students furniture in Junior Secondary Schools and approval had been received for the supply of 7,148 sets of teachers' furniture for both Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.PROVISION OF COMPUTERS

Governor Amosun had approved the procurement of 36 computer sets and 36 generating sets for some selected Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.ENVISIONED FUTURE

Develop 26 world class Model Secondary Schools across the 3 senatorial districts; reorganize the Inspectorate Department with a view to raising educational standard; raise the Standard of Achievement across all stages to a significant level, particularly at the senior school certificate level; improve the quality of instructions in schools by reviewing the quality of teachers recruited into schools; improve the training and development of t e ache r s, p r inc ipa l s and headmas te r s/ headmistresses to encourage the recruitment of the best quality teachers; develop 3 Skills Acquisition Centres across the State to compliment the 7 GSTCs and train and recruit more technical teachers to support our Technical and Vocational Education drive.

Efforts are on to continue to renovate and refurbish the primary and secondary schools infrastructures; develop hostel facilities (through PPP) for the tertiary institutions; begin to approach international funding bodies for support of our Educational Programmes.

Due to the rationalization of the tertiary institutions, the Ministry and State Government can now focus more resources in making them more productive and result oriented and upward Review of the Bursary and Scholarship Awards at the tertiary levels.

Cross section of students displaying their free educational materials

A block of classrooms renovated at Ago-Iwoye Secondary School

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

By Barr. Segun Odubela

OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

Administration's Policy of rapid industrialization of the State, with a view to making our State the Industrial Hub of the West Africa Coast.

The State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA has approved the establishment of two additional Industrial Parks in the State. The new Industrial Parks are located in Ogun West and Ogun East Senatorial Districts. These are to complement the existing one in Abeokuta, Ogun Central. In the meantime, the MoU signed (in November 2011) with Bank of Industry and Access Bank which was aimed at developing the Industrial Parks and emerging industrialists beneficiaries, will enable the State Government provide these Parks with necessary infrastructure through Public Private sector Partnership.

Providing a conducive and enabling environment for industries to strive is of paramount importance evidencing the present Administra-tion's vision in making Ogun State investments destination of choice are new factories commissioned within the inception of this Administration, which include;

May and Baker Nigeria Plc, Idiroko Road Ota, a world class pharmaceutical facility which was officially commissioned by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Monday 27th June , 2011. The Chief Host of the occasion was His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA, Governor of Ogun State.

Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc , Ewekoro II (Lakatabu), commissioned by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday 20th December, 2011. The 90 megawatt power is to enhance continuous production of cement without power interruption.

Dangote Cement Factory, Ibese was officially commissioned by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday 9th February, 2012.

Other Industries commis-sioned are: Metal Recycling Industries Limited, Ogijo (commissioning of Smelting Plant), African Foundries Limited, Ogijo (commissioning of 100% Expor t Oriented Stee l Manufacturing Project).

he Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the bed-rock of TIndustrial and Commercial

affairs in the State. It is responsible for creating favourable Commercial and Industrial climate through the imple-mentation of policies and programmes geared towards promoting a private-sector-driven economy. It is therefore the concern of the Ministry to ensure that conducive business environment is created for business managers to drive economic development of the State. It is also our concern that we implement policies and programmes that will promote the growth of Small and Medium Scale enterprises, thereby promoting indigenous entrepreneur-ship.

It is pertinent to state that Industrialization of the State is one of the five cardinal programmes of this Administration. As a matter of priority, the ministry is identifying with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in terms of financial, technical and training assistance.

The State Government entered into partnership with Bank of Industry and established N1billion counterpart funding to promote rapid industrializa-tion of the State where both parties contributed N500million each to execute the N1billion Industrial Development Fund (Loan Scheme) for MSMEs in the State. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two partners was signed in November 2011.

Objectives of the Loan Scheme Include: to Generate employment, Wealth Creation, Poverty Alleviation through empowerment of Micro, Small and Medium Industries, for rapid industrialization of Ogun State.

The loan facility is open for access by Artisans; Industrialists in Processing and Production; Cooperative Societies

of Farmers, Block makers, Saw m i l l e r s / F u r n i t u r e m a k e r s , Adire/Kampala makers, Limited Liability Companies and enterprising Unemployed Graduates.

Presently, not less than 1700 individuals have submitted their application forms for the Counter Funding Loan scheme and many more are forth coming, having now been convinced of the sincerity and commit-ment of the Government, It is about industrial development and not 'national cake' as some may want to view it.

Already, 13 Cooperative Societies comprising 117 individuals have received their cheques and in the next few weeks others will be receiving theirs including about 1000 unemployed graduates as they fulfil the necessary requirements.

The Ministry also engaged in Capacity Building for MSMEs, which are key players in the State's march to industrialization. For instance, some members of NASSI and NASME were sponsored on a five-week Enterprise Leadership course at the University of Ibadan also; a Sensitization Workshop was organized for over 1000 prospective beneficiaries of OGSG BOI Loan Scheme.

On the other hand, a training program in Entrepreneurial Skills is being put together for Industrial Developmental Fund Loan scheme beneficiaries.

The State Government, through the Ministry, has completed the reconstruc-tion of the 700metres access road to the industrial area at Onijanganjangan km 9 Abeokuta Lagos road. The road, which opens up the Technology Incubation Centre, Industrial Park and Industrial Services Centre among other institu-tions, was reconstructed at a total cost of N45million by direct labour. Plans are underway to extend the road to cover more areas of the industrial estate. All these are in furtherance of the present

Ministerial Scorecard Commerce & Industries

To further improve public/private sector partnership in the State, working visits to selected industrial establish-ments operating within the State was embarked upon. The tour, which so far covered over thirty companies, is to identify and possibly address problems affecting Industrial establishments in the State, especially in the areas of infrastructure and industrial harmony. Some identified challenges in the course of the tour are being looked into. In furtherance to the commitment of the state Government to industrial development of the State, the Ministry of Commerce and Environment held a meeting with the representatives of Industrial Establishments/Business outfits operating in Agbara Industrial Estate just in May 2012. The meeting agreed on the need for a private/public partnership in the maintenance and provision of basic infrastructures and security in the Estate

In the same vein, the Ministry continues to enjoy good working relationship with the Ogun State Branch of Manufacturers' Association of Nigeria (MAN), NACCIMA, ODUACCIMA and OGUNCCIMA.

In furtherance of the Present Administration's commitment to Industrial development of the State, a two-day Investors' forum was organized in March 2012. Present at the forum were captains of Industries, Entrepreneurs, Stockbrokers, Financial Exper ts and top Government Functionaries. The forum proffered the State the opportunity to show case the vast investment opportunities in the State and for the stakeholders to chart a way forward for commercial and industrial development.

As fallout from this forum, a total number of 30 genuine investing companies have expressed interest in committing resources to invest in Ogun State. These cover a lot of sectors, including establishment of a World-Class Shopping Mall, Steel Manufactur-ing, Agriculture and Food Processing, Cement manufacturing, etc.

At the inception of this Adminis-tration in May 2011, the situation in our markets was worrisome. We however consider conducive market environ-ment to be very germane to the well being of the markets operators and promotion of commerce in the State. The State has 5 International Markets but the Administration in this first year focused on two.

Major challenges on ground at the inception of this Administration for the purpose of this briefing include: Poor waste management and disposal system, Inconsistent security arrange-ment, Improper maintenance of utilities at the markets, Shortage of

water supply and Constant electrical faults due to over-billing.

The Administration of His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (FCA) within this one year in office has done a lot to address these Challenges. The two major State International markets receiving attention for now are, Oba Lipede Market, Kuto, Abeokuta and Olabisi Onabanjo International market, Ita-osu,Ijebu-ode.

Major renovation and upgrading of facilities at the market include: 2 bore holes sunk with overhead tanks to solve the persistent water shortage in the market, Provision of booster station to power the pumping of water in the market, Provision and replacement of 60 functional toilets in the market to make the market environment conducive for use by market operators, Creating better ventilation and illumination of the market, Total clearing of the water drainage to provide for easy flow of water in order to avoid flooding in the market, Clearing of refuse dumps in and around the market in order to create a healthy environment, Provision of better security by consulting out the security operations of the market to a security consultant.

The second phase of these renovations will soon commence and the remaining three markets will also receive the same boost from this Government.

The government has been able to settle greater part of the outstanding staff salaries arrears owed to the Market Board staffers and has been able to pay the current staff salaries as at when due.

The State is endowed with vast array of solid mineral and the present Administration is looking at further commercial exploration of these solid mineral resources. Efforts towards solid mineral resources development in the State include the following:

Five more potential cement investors are being encouraged. Identification of new mineral deposit is in progress.

Production of the State solid mineral map with a view to providing in-depth information to would be investors is on.

Also, in line with the Federal Government policy on administration of solid mineral in the States, the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee was inaugu-rated in April 2012 to see to manage-ment of mineral development facilitation, acquisition of land for foreign investors on mineral matters and geological exploration of mineral deposits in the State.

By Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Gov. Amosun flanked by Ms. Evelyn Oputu, MD, Bank of Industry (1st left) presenting a Bank of Industry Loan Cheque to a beneficiary

WOOING INVESTORS: A session at the Ogun State Investors Forum

10 | MINISTERIAL SCORECARD

“Providing a conducive and enabling environment for industries to strive is of paramount impor-tance evidencing the present Administration's

vision in making Ogun State investments desti-nation of choice are new factories commissioned within the inception of this Administration.”

ACROSS THE STATE| 11OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

OGUN UPDATE | May 201212 | SIA’s LGAs TOUR IN PIX

SIA’s LGAs Tour in PixEwekoro LG Ifo LG

Gov. Amosun, Speaker and others Gov. Amosun, OGHA Members from Ifo and the ChairmanGovernor Amosun addressing the crowd

A block of Lock up shops at Ago-Iwoye being commissioned by SIA (Inset) Governor Amosun commissioning an Electrification Project Gov. Amosun commissioning a road project

Yewa South LG Abeokuta North LG

Obafemi/Owode LG Odeda LG Odogbolu LG

Remo North LG

Ipokia LG Ijebu-Ode LGIjebu North East LG

SIA commissioning a road and roundaabout Gov. Amosun distributing empowerment items

Gov. Amosun addressing the audienceGovernor Amosun commissioning a projectSIA (inset) commissioning a road project

Gov. Amosun commissioning a Motor Park and Block of Lock-up Shops

Abeokuta South LG

- continued from last edition -

Catching SIA In ActionSIA-IN-ACTION | 13OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun receiving an ICAN Award of Excellence from the President at the Institute’s Annual Award Nite in Lagos

UPLIFTING THE UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES: Senator Ibikunle Amosun (left) presenting cheque and working tools to one of the beneficiaries of the Skill Acquisition Programme at the end of their training powered by Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of the Governor (middle) in Abeokuta.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun assisted by Ms. Evelyn Oputu, MD, Bank of Industry presenting a cheque to a representative of the Anuoluwapo Cooperative Society during the implementation of Loan Scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta

Senator Ibikunle Amosun in a chat with Governor Babatunde Fasola of Lagos State (2nd left) and Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka (1st right) during the Joint Ogun-Lagos Polio Eradication Programme held at Ogijo, Ogun State

Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (2nd right) flanked by hubby, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun and other well wishers to cut her 46th Birthday Cake at the Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta

Governor Ibikunle Amosun laying the foundation block of the new State NLC Secretariat as part of activities marking the 2012 Workers’ Day Celebration in Abeokuta

A model of the Ogun State Model Secondary School. INSET: Governor Ibikunle Amosun assisted by Commr. for Education, Barr. Segun Odubela (left) laying the foundation of the Model Secondary School, Ilaro

Senator Ibikunle Amosun waving to the cheering crowd during his tour of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Governemnt

ADO-ODO/OTA LG TOUR

OGUN UPDATE | May 201214 |MINISTERIAL SCORECARD

Park, IBB Boulevard Sagamu Interchange Rosiji Street (Kemta Oke Ejigbo), Wole Soyinka Road,Siun Ogere Road.

Others are Idiroko/Ago S a s a / I p o k i a , Siun/Owode/OwodeObafemi L o c a l G ove r n m e n t Ro a d , Ogbe/Igbore/Omida/Ibara Road, Ake/Ilugun Road, Oke-Agbo Road, Ijebu Igbo Igbore/Ago-Oba Road, Olomore/St. Peter/Lafenwa Road, Oba Karounwi Road, Ijemo Agbadu/Ijemo Road, Iyana Mortuary/Ijaiye/Sapon Road, Ijaiye Junction/Oke Ejigbo/Iporo-Ake/Isale Ake Road, Itoku/Odo-Oyo/Igbore Junction, Oke-Ero/Ada t an Road , Ipo ro -A k e / S a w m i l l R o a d , Lantoro/Abule Oloni Road, Ibon Road, Sagamu-Iperu-Ode Road, Hospital Road, Sagamu,Treasury Road , I l a ro, Le s l i e Road , Ilaro,Barrack Road, Ilaro, Ona Egbo Road, Ilaro, Sawmill/Idi Obi Road, Ilaro and Oba Kawonise Road, Ilaro.

In the same vein the following existing townships roads across the State were rehabilitated IBB Boulevard, Sapon/Itoku/Lafenwa Road, Iberekodo/Elega Road, Iyana Mortuary/FMC-Kemta Road, Roadside Reinforced Concrete Drains at Baptist Girls' High School, Asero Housing Estate Roads, On-going, Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, Olisa Street, Ijebu-Ode, A l a p o S t r e e t , I j e b u - O d e ; Sabo/Ososa Road, Ijebu-Ode; O m o - O w o / E r e k o / Bonojo/Awokoya Street, Ijebu-Ode; Old Ondo/Benin Road, Ijebu-Ode and Balogun Kuku Road to Epe Garage, Ijebu-Ode.

O t h e r s i n c l u d e E p e Garage/Itele Sagamu/Benin Express Junction, Ijebu-Ode, Awujale Road, Ijebu-Ode, Degun Street, Ijebu-Ode, Molipa By-Pass, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta Road/New Road Osinubi Street, Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road/Folagbade Street Lagos Garage, Ijebu-Ode,Old s and

he present administration in the State came on board on

thT29 May, 2011, with a Mission to Rebuild Ogun State and to restore the State to its premier place of pride in the country and comity of decent societies. Since the inception of this administration, led by His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA, the approach to the i s sues o f infrastructural development in particular has been holistic.

Prior to the advent of this administration, infrastructural decay was the order of the day with the prevalence of dilapidated school buildings, hospitals, health care centres and most importantly, failed and collapsed road networks across the State. In its bid to re-build the State therefore, emphasis has been laid on the provision of good road networks as a catalyst of the socio-economic development of the State. It is against this back-drop that His Excel lency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA declared total war against this infrastructural decay across the State, especially in the road sector.

On assumption of office, maintenance and rehabilitation of bad roads were embarked upon to reduce travel time and ease the burden of road users. Roads hitherto abandoned or inaccessible were made motorable.

The desire of this Administra-tion towards Urban Renewal and Industrialization of the State necessitated the award of the Re-Cons t r uc t ion o f Iba ra/I t a -Eko/Sokori/Totoro Road to a six (6) lane-carriage way, with pedestrian sidewalks, greenery and drainage to Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited, on

th9 August, 2011. The 2.4 km road which is nearing completion will be commissioned as part of the activities marking One (1) Year of this Administration.

Another major contract award is the Construction of first ever Grade Separation Fly-Over (Bridge) at Ibara Round-About. This is necessary, considering the increased traffic volume upon the completion of the Ibara/Ita-Eko/Sokori/Totoro Road. On completion, the bridge will reduce traffic congestion and accidents at the ever busy Ibara junction. This contract was awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited (CCECC) (being the major contractor working on the six lane

throad) on 6 January, 2012.

Equally, the State Government has awarded the Re-Construction of t h e 3 2 - k i l o m e t e r S a n g o / I j o k o / A g b a d o / O k e -Aro/Akute/Ojodu-Abiodun Road into a four-lane carriageway to Messrs Prado E Mecedo of Brazil. Work has also commenced on the project.

Roads within the three (3) Senatorial Districts which have failed in their serviceability and are in dire need of reconstruction have been identified by the State Government. A total of eighteen (18) roads have been so identified, while the procure-ment process had commenced with invitation to tender in two national dailies.

The response of the bidders was overwhelming as fifty (50) bidders expressed their interest with a total of one hundred and fifty-one (151) bids sold.

Bids were opened at the Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services, Office of the Governor, Oke-Mosan,

thAbeokuta on Friday, 20 January, 2012. The bids were equally evaluated in accordance with Internal Standard, Guidelines and Proce-dures.

Moreover, roads constructed through direct labour include O G B C / I b a r a H o u s i n g Estate/Onikolobo Road, Internal Roads at Sam Ewang Estate, Drainage Construction at Fassy Yu s u f S t r e e t , I j e b u - O d e , Ogere/Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Link Road, Drainage Construction at Fassy Yusuf Street and Ijebu-Ode, Ogere/Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Link Road have been completed while Olomore Housing Estate Roads, Access Road leading to Owu Central Mosque (The first interlock-ing-stone pavement in the State), Quarry/Surulere/Ita-Eko, Iroko-transformer Road, Sango-Ota, Saka-Ashiru Street, Ijebu-Ode roads are ongoing.

Routine maintenance works were also carried out on the road beside Government House, Isale Igbein, Abiola Way Mortuary Junction,Ago Ika/Adedotun/A datan Road, Joju Road, Sango Ota, Obada Market Road, Ijebu Igbo, Ogbe Road, Abeokuta.

General Hospital/Ilogbo/Ake C e n t e n a r y R o a d , Iporo/Sodeke/Ikija-Isale/Ijeun Road, Ijaiye/ Baptist Girls' Col-lege/Idi Aba- Road, MKO Abiola Polytechnic Internal Roads, MKO Abiola Stadium Internal Road, Abiola Way Leme Axis, Kuto Taxi

Ministerial ScorecardWorks & Infrastructure

Lagos Road, Ikangba, Ijebu-Ode, Odutola Street, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode Erunwon Road, Ijebu-Ode, Ajegunle Hospital Road, Sagamu, Oke Owa/Ikoto Road, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro/Owode Township Roads and Fidipote Street, Ijebu-Ode.

Flood and Erosion control projects to arrest ecological disaster were also executed at the following locations throughout the State. These are Abiola Way Leme Junction, Abiola Way Olorunsogo Area, Gbangba Ijaiye, Abeokuta, Imeko Afon Road, Lewu Commu-nity, Ijebu Ode, Abeokuta; Molipa Expressway, Ijebu-Ode, Elega Mokola Ago Odo Agoka Road, Abeokuta, Denro Ishasi Akute Road, Alabata Road in conjunction with Odeda Local Government, A b e o k u t a R o a d / O l i s a Street/Igbeba Road and Ijebu-Ode.Vehicle Inspection Unit

The Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration has approved the establishment of two new Testing Stations for the Vehicle Inspection Office (V.I.O.) unit of this Ministry. The Stations are located in OPIC Estate Agbara and Aiyetoro respectively. Approval has also been granted for the construction of building and fencing of the V.I.O. offices in Kotopo and Sagamu.Fire And Safety Services

Towards ensuring security of lives and properties of its citizens, a germane attribute of societal urbanization, approval has been granted for the immediate overhaul-ing of the existing twelve (12) fire engines for optimal performance and the renovation of some Fire Stations.

Arrangements have also been concluded to purchase fire gears for the firemen to allow them perform effectively whilst protecting these operatives. Furthermore, in order to forestall the outbreak of fire at the New Secretariat Complex, the upgrading of fire-fighting equip-

embarked upon.This administration has also

increased the manpower capital of the department. Eleven (11) able-bodied men and women have been recruited and these new recruits have since been undergoing training.

Also training and re-training of Firemen was maintained to allow for effectiveness and productivity.Bureau of Electrical Engineer-ing Services (BEES)

The Bureau of Electrical Engineering Services is an agency of Government, established to execute all electrical projects and to ensure the effective and efficient electrical service within the agencies of Government and public buildings; as well as the construction and maintenance of street lightings across the State.

A total of eight (8) projects executed within one year of this administration through direct labour include connection of Presidential Lodge, Commissioners' Quarters, Legislative Quarters & M.K.O. Abiola Stadium Complex to Mini Power Plant in Abeokuta; Connec-tion of Government House Igbehin, Southwest Resource Centre, Bureau of Lands Premises & Street Lighting facilities from M.T.D. to Trade Fair Complex, Abeokuta of Mini Power Plant in Abeokuta. However, reactivation of Street Lighting Installations from M.T.D. to Police College, Abeokuta; connection of Cultural Centre to Mini Power Plant, Abeokuta reactivation of Street Lighting Installations at Secretariat Office Complex, Oke-Mosan.

Also, the Presidential Lodge, Commissioner's Quarters, Legisla-tive Quarters, Lalubu Street & M.K.O. Abiola Stadium Complex; relocation and construction of New Lines along Newly Dualised Ita-Eko Sokori Totoro Road; connection of Day Waterman College & 7 Street Lighting Transformer Substations to Mini Power Plant and purchase of Energy of Energy Meters to all State Government Accounts being executed by PHCN are on-going.

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

By Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite

Completed OGBC-Ibara GRA-Onikolobo RoadCompleted OGBC-Ibara GRA-Onikolobo Road

“Another major contract award is the Construction of first ever Grade Separation Fly-Over (Bridge) at Ibara Round-About. This is necessary, considering the increased traffic volume upon the completion of the Ibara/Ita-Eko/Sokori/Totoro Road. On completion, the bridge will reduce traffic congestion and accidents at the ever busy Ibara junction. This contract was awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited (CCECC) (being the major

th ”contractor working on the six lane road) on 6 January, 2012.

FeatureFEATURE | 15OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

he is best described as a mother with empathy for fellow human beings, most Sespecially the needy. To her, a little care to

the needy in our society can make a lot of difference. Welcome to the world of the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun.

Kind-hearted and with a desire to uplifting the downtrodden in the society. Thus, Mrs. Amosun believes that her office should complement and support the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration's five-cardinal points in enriching family lives and ensuring the well-being of the people of Ogun State.

She pays attention to details, wasting no time or scarce resources on frivolities. She has adopted a strategic brand name tagged "Uplifting" to champion her utmost desire to help the needy. With a benefit of hindsight, Uplifting can also be interpreted to mean Unprosperous People for life-saving Initiatives by First Teammate (in government).

The wife of the Governor has in the last one year made appreciable achievement building bridges across the 20 Local Govern-ment Areas of the state and impacted positively on the lives of the less privileged in the society, particularly women and children through her various programmes.

Mrs. Amosun's interventions and initiatives in the area of women empowerment programmes led to the recent establishment of the Women Advancement Forum (WAFO) in conjunction with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

WAFO is a non-partisan group set up by the State Government to represent women in the state in formulating policies and programmes for women development and active participation in decision-making processes.

Beyond this, Mrs. Amosun had paid an assessment tour to the Stella Obasanjo Children's Home for an appraisal of the children and the home. It was not just a visit as donations in cash and gift items were given for the upkeep of the children residing there.

The wife of the Governor has also embarked on various projects geared towards the transformation of the state. Notable among these programmes were the Flag-off of School-based Deworming Exercise organised in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals Limited on November 9, 2011. The exercise was conducted for primary and secondary school students across the 20 Local Govern-ment Areas of the state to reduce worm infection among children.

According to her, "Worm infection could make children sick and retard their growth which is the reason we are taking this exercise to the nooks and crannies of Ogun State to save our future generation from preventable diseases that could affect their education and future."

Her message to the parents is clear: cooperate with health workers and ensure regular deworming of children, reiterating that the Amosun-led administration was committed to tackling the infection which was germane to the implementation of the policy health programme of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targeted at increasing the rate of children's survival. A free dose of Zolat worm expeller was administered on the children.

With Mrs. Amosun's Uplifting the Aged, the older people in Ogun State were given a sense of belonging as the First Lady feted them in an elaborate ceremony at the Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta on January 25, 2012. Health tips were given to the aged people, while free medical screening was also administered on them. The programme gave the older people the opportunity to interact with the governor and his wife.

The programme, which coincided with the birthday anniversary of Senator Amosun, brought together over 1,000 elderly persons to felicitate with the Ogun first family.

Mrs. Amosun has also taken a step further in her campaign to make life more comfortable for the less privileged. On February 27, 2012, her office in conjunction with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation and Enpee Group organised Free Eye Camp for more than 4,000 people from the 20 local government areas of the state with impaired sights at the General Hospital Ijebu-Ode.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Amosun said that one million Nigerians are suffering

Olufunso Amosun Uplifts The Needyfrom cataract, a cause of blindness, which could be cured through medical treatment. "We are passionate about the health of the people in all the nooks and crannies of Ogun State, especially the less-privileged. Eye sight is something that can be easily taken for granted and that is why we have stepped up our awareness campaign to reduce loss of sight in the state. It is our belief that every citizen in the state deserves good health and we are committed to making the right partnership to support the state government in its aim at providing quality healthcare and increasing access to free surgeries," she said.

The First Lady expressed her desire to always support life-saving initiatives that would boost the health of the people. Free eye glasses, drugs and surgeries were also administered based on the various diagnoses. She described eyes as very important organ of the body which must be taken care of regularly, assuring that the state government would continue to ensure quality health-care delivery services to the people of the state.

Speaking at the General Hospital, Ijaiye in Abeokuta, while witnessing free surgeries performed on about 50 people who had lost their sight due to cataract and glacuoma, Mrs. Amosun said: “The surgery is in furtherance of the Free Eye Camp programme organised for the less privileged people, where over 4,000 people were screened across the state's 20 Local Governments."

According to her, "For the first phase of this programme, over 500 people were diagnosed with various eye ailments. Out of this group, we have given eye-glasses to about 200 people; about 150 have received free drugs; and 100 people were slated to undergo cataract/glaucoma surgeries. Currently, about 50 beneficiaries have undergone the surgeries successfully and they are receiving post-surgery assess-ments."

“I am highly happy for the success of these surgeries. There is no substitute to the priceless gift of sight. It gives me great joy to see our fathers and mothers using their eyes to witness a new dawn in Ogun State. The Free Eye Camp programme is one way of extending our dividends of democracy to the less-privileged who cannot afford the surgeries,” she noted.

Mrs. Amosun said that the state government would always prioritise the welfare of its citizenry, especially the down-trodden in the society. She commended Tulsi Chanrai Foundation and Enpee Group for partnering with her office to restore people's sight, expressing her desire to sustain the programme.

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Amos Sobiye lauded the effort of the wife of the Governor for the initiative, particularly the surgeries, saying their stories of being blind had become a thing of the past.

Demonstrating her care and love for humanity, Mrs. Amosun facilitated the rescue operations of victims along Berger end of Lagos/Ibadan Expressway at a scene of multiple auto crash on March 3, 2012 saving several lives in the process.

To mark the 2012 International Women's Day celebration, Mrs. Amosun used the occasion to empower women drawn from across 20 Local Government Areas of the State by giving them items secured at prices lower than the market rate with a 12-month interest-free repayment period, while some were given distributor-ship rights in various companies.

Speaking in Abeokuta at the occasion, the Governor's wife described the International Women's Day as an “opportunity for the global community to celebrate the contributions of women to families, communities and nations, adding that the day gave the women-folk a chance “to reflect on issues and challenges facing women worldwide.

She said the United Nations has adopted "Empower Rural Women End Hunger and Poverty" as the theme for this year and in support of this, Ogun State was celebrating with the theme: “UPLIFTing Women,” noting that the empowerment of women was vital in addressing social, economic and political challenges in the State.

According to her, “We have chosen this day to empower our women by giving them items like sewing machines, grinding

machines, freezers, generating sets and hair dryers, amongst others, to enable them establish a small scale business of their own with a hope of generating income and improving their livelihoods. This is why we believe that empowering our women will translate into an improved society because women play a key role in the quest for society's growth and development. We also acknowl-edge the contribution of women to the peace and security in our state. We also identify with the cause of our rural women and we shall always strive to improve on their situation”

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Amosun commended the womenfolk for their contribution to the peace and security in the state. He urged them to see themselves as equal partners in achieving sustainable development, peace and security by contributing their quota in the mission to rebuild the State.

Receiving the items from Mrs. Amosun, the President, Ogun State Cooperative Federation, Asiwaju Adetokunbo Osisanya lauded the Governor's wife for putting in place the empowerment programme, saying “it's first of its kind in the state and this would go a long way in boosting the living standard of women.”

With her unquenchable desire to see less privileged people uplifted and empowered, Mrs. Amosun has at every slightest opportu-nity demonstrated her genuine commitment by embarking on various initiatives aimed at societal change in Ogun State. Her empower-ment initiatives are aimed at giving hope to the less-privileged and empowering them in order to be self-independent and self-sufficient.

In the build-up activities towards the celebration of her 46th birthday anniversary, a vocational training workshop was organised for about 1,200 unemployed graduates, titled Uplifting Unemployed Graduates, Mrs. Amosun believed that graduates should be encouraged to acquire a vocational skill regardless of their course of study at the higher institutions. This, to her, will go a long way in giving a better opportunity for youths to contribute their quota to the development of the society, put food on their table and make our society safer.

With a radio/television jingle early March 2012, the First Lady embarked on a redemption mission of creating employers of labour rather than glossing over the plights of the unemployed graduates. Thus, interested unemployed graduates were invited to come forward to fill application forms and register for the vocational skills acquisition exercise.

For seven days, the registration exercise was conducted at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. At the end of the exercise, about 2,500 unemployed graduates were registered. After the registration exercise, about 1,200 unemployed graduates were shortlisted.

On April 10, the successful candidates were informed via SMS of the offer they had

been granted to participate in the Vocational Training and Business Start up Workshop between April 11th & 27th 2012. The successful candidates were given opportunity to acquire vocational skills in the following regards: Small Chops/Pastry, Mani-cure/Pedicure/Acrylic nails, Make up/Gele, Necklace Beading, Hall Decoration, Adire/Fabric Beading, Millinery (Hat-making), Shoe-making and Barbing

It was an exciting experience for two weeks with participants acquiring the vocational skills. The determination and interest exhibited by the successful candidates clearly pointed to the fact that many youths in Nigeria desired to acquire vocational skills if they are given the opportunity.

In a lecture-like theatre for 13 days, unemployed graduates from 20 Local Governments Areas and beyond were taken through the basic rudiments of the vocational skills and how to set up their own business. The trainees intermittently got a boost with the occasional visits of the First Lady.

The success of the workshop cannot be over-emphasised as participants testified to the essence of the programme. To Adeyemi Aishat Oluwatosin (Shoe-making): “It was a good experience for me and very interesting based on the fact that I was trained on how to make shoes, sandals and slippers. Though many see this as male-dominated profession, I disagreed. My experience has shown me that indeed what a man can do a woman can do better. The programme is a worthwhile one with or without any benefits attached. I have made up my mind to establish a shoe-making shop and put into use the knowledge I have acquired.”

Oladigbolu Seun (Barbing) was of the view that the programme was a well-conceived one. “I really appreciate the effort of the First Lady and I see her kind gesture as a way of giving back to the society. I believe it's a challenge to all of us to keep the flag flying.”

Also, Mrs. Bisola Idowu (Hat-Making) says “It was a pleasant experience because it has been a practical-oriented approach. It gives us better opportunities to learn with practical approach on how to use basic skills. It is creative. I want to commend the effort of the First Lady for making provision for our basic needs during the workshop. For some of us who are nursing mothers, we were provided with a well-equipped crèche and a conducive atmosphere for learning”.

In celebrating her 46th birthday anniversary on May 2, 2012, Mrs. Amosun with the support of her husband took a giant step by offering the beneficiaries of the vocational training workshop business start up kits and empowerment cheque of N25,000. Amidst thunderous applause at the Arcade Ground, Governor's Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta about 1,200 hitherto

unemployed graduates were empowered and charged to be employers of labour.

Prior to this event, Mrs. Amosun had put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged in the society through her empowerment programme “UPLIFTing Widows” at the Valley View Auditorium, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta.

To her, the occasion was put together in fulfilment of her dream to reach out to the downtrodden in the society and as a means of contributing to the mission to rebuild Ogun State. “I thank God for making my dream come true today; it is my desire to lift the spirits of the needy to mark my birthday; and the Almighty God has given me the opportunity to achieve that," she said.

She noted that the programme was part of her social responsibility activities and service to humanity to improve the economic power of widows in the state to enable them earn a living. She expressed appreciation to the donors that made the programme a reality, calling on them and the people of Ogun State to continue to support the mission to rebuild the State.

Over 200 widows were drawn from different women groups across the 20 Local Government Areas in the State. Materials like hair dryers, sewing machines, gas cookers, bags of rice, packs of juice, Dangote spaghetti, macaroni and Mimee Indomie were given to them. Members of the Nigeria Medical Association, Ogun State Chapter were also in attendance to offer free medical screening to the widows.

At a similar event at South West Resource Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta tagged: Uplifting the Aged, Mrs. Amosun believed that aged people are valuable assets that deserve adequate care and honour since every one will grow old someday. She promised to take up the challenge of uplifting and providing for older persons who do not have sources of income or anyone to cater for them, assuring that the state government places high premium on the care and welfare of the aged.

The First Lady said more programmes would be organised for senior citizens so that she could regularly extend a hand of love and care to them as part of her service to humanity, saying the gesture was borne out of her passion to reach out to the hopeless in the society. Different gift items like beverages, foodstuffs, among others were given to the aged from the 20 Local Government Areas.

This obviously is just the beginning, as the First Lady has promised to take her empowerment programmes to the next level and uplift as many as possible. Indeed, it's a unique step by Mrs. Amosun in Uplifting and empowering the less privileged in our society.

Idowu Sowunmi is the Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady

Mrs. Amosun giving gift items to widows Aged people celebrating with Mrs. Amosun on her 46th birthday

Mrs Amosun with celebrating with children at Juvenile Remand Home, Asero.

Cross section of beneficiaries of Uplifting Unemployed Graduates

By Idowu SowunmiBy Idowu Sowunmi

MINISTERIAL SCORECARD | 17OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

and treatment plants.Gover nment has a l so ensured

continuous operation and maintenance of the 7MW Mini Power Plant at the Governor's Office Site with regular provision of fuel (LPFO & Diesel) and lubricants (engine oil & grease).

Supply of electricity from this Mini Power Plant has been extended to serve other places like the Presidential Lodge, Commission-ers' Quarters, Legislative Quarters, Ibara Water Booster Station, Southwest Resource Centre, Street Lights facilities between MTD Ibara and Trade Fair Complex along IBB Boulevard and the Government House.

Significantly, requests have been received from some private owned establishments for connection to the Mini Power Plant. This will be a source of revenue generation to the State Government.

Completion of 7MW Arakanga Water Works Mini Power Plant.The State Government has approved the release of funds for the completion of the Mini Power Plant at Arakanga Water Works in order to improve water supply to the State Capital and its environs. Expectedly, the project should be completed and ready for use within the 3rd quarter of the year. This will definitely put a stop to the incessant water shortage being experienced in Abeokuta and its environs.OGUN STATE RURAL WATER SUPPLY A N D S A N I T A T I O N A G E N C Y (RUWATSAN)

This Agency is saddled with the provision of Water Supply and sanitation facilities in rural areas with population less than 5,000 and to Public Primary Schools and Health Centres.

In the year under review, the Agency had been able to rehabilitate 15Nos broken down Hand Pump Boreholes constructed by the State Government in collaboration with UNICEF. The rehabilitation of the broken down Hand Pump borehole is targeted at previously Guinea worm endemic communities.

The beneficiary communities are:Bosero, Kooku, Akintobi, Apena Kemta

I, Alaagba, Alabata, Obete Akanbi in Odeda L.G.A; Ogboye, Sodolu, Oluwo Ake, Apena Kemta II in Obafemi Owode and Izigi, Ibilafon, Oniro, Idabata/Araromi in Ipokia

This exercise is on-going; as efforts are on to rehabilitate other boreholes that are presently not in operation across the State.

Similarly, the Agency had carried out water sources inventory in nine (9) Local Government Areas of the three (3) Senatorial Districts of Ogun State. The Local Government Areas are: Yewa South, Ipokia, Remo North, Odogbolu, Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, Odeda, Obafemi Owode and Ewekoro. The exercise is to enable the agency carry out an on the spot assessment for our Data Bank on Water Inventory in the State. This would enable the State Government to plan for the needs of our rural dwellers in the area of water supply and sanitation facilities.OGUN STATE WATER CORPORATION (OGSWC)

The present administration in the State is determined to pursue with vigour, the provision of potable and safe drinking water to the citizenry.

The State Government has therefore continued to pay special attention to the provision of potable water to its citi-zens/residents of Ogun State in the past one year. Consequently, it has embarked on the

he Ministry of Special Duties is an intervention one to complement the Tefforts of other Ministries and take some

of the pressures off them, particularly in cases where drastic and accelerated actions are required to adequately surmount the challenges facing the State and its people.

Coupled with above, is the additional function of supervising the activities of Water Resources and Rural Development, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN) and Ogun State Water Corporation (OGSWC).

There is no doubt, however, that the strategic planning retreat for the development of a 12 month action plan towards the realization of the Government Transformation Agenda that took place between 23rd and 25th November 2011 at Conference Centre, Ogere has yielded fruits. This, as attested to by the achievement of most of the projects embarked upon by the Ministry and other agencies she's supervising, has addressed the re-building mission of the entire State into an upcoming Commercial and Economic giant and also a key player in both Regional and National Economy.

The Ministry has embarked on the following:-

22 Motorized Borehole Water Schemes that are spread throughout the State.

Provision of 500 transformers for improved electricity supply In the State; Renovation of June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta; Rehabilitation of all Water Works within the State.

It is noteworthy to highlight Some Capital Projects that have been completed as well as on-going ones by this Ministry since the inception of this administration.RENOVATION OF JUNE 12 CULTURAL CENTRE

Renovation work is on-going at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta to give it a facelift. This is in a bid to demonstrate the desire of the present administration to facilitate the develop-ment of the cultural heritage of our own people.

It is a complete rejuvenation of the entire June 12 Cultural Centre to extend the life span of the edifice for longer years.

Construction of a “walk of fame”/ mini Amusement Park is also in progress at the place. This will provide relaxation and research into our cultural heritage with the provision of recreation for children whilst parents are busy with activities in the cultural center.200-SEATER HALL

The Ministry of Special Duties recently completed a 200-Seater Capacity Hall at the Office of the First Lady at the Southwest Resource Centre, Abeokuta. This “Progress Hall” as it is being called, will enhance the regular meetings required between the First Lady and the Stakeholders as well as to facilitate the Workshop and Seminar for Human Development expected to move the State forward.WATER RESOURCES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

In line with the present administration's approval, Water Resources and Rural Develop-ment agency has been streamlined as one of the agencies under the supervision of Ministry of Special Duties.

The Agency retains the assignment of restoration of Small Towns' Water Schemes as well as enhancement of integrated potable water supply in the State to ensure easy access to safe drinking water thereby eradicating water-borne diseases.

It is also on record that this Agency is responsible for power generation and distribution from the Mini Power Plant. Additional assignment for this agency is the Provision and Installation of Transformers for improved electricity supply in the Urban Communities and Rural Electrification Projects.

Water SupplyAs the determination of the present

administration among other things is the provision of infrastructure to the people of the State, the State Government has shown commitment towards the provision of water in order to improve the standard of living and good health of our people.

Within the short time in office, Motorized Borehole Schemes were constructed and handed over to the benefitting towns and communities Statewide. The State Government in the last one year has constructed 22Nos Motorized Boreholes Water Scheme in the under listed communities spread across the State as a palliative to the final completion of the Regional Water Schemes. Each scheme comprises a borehole, 6.0m height steel stanchion, 2Nos 3,000litres Plastic Tanks, tiled fetching platform with 4 taps, Generator House and 7.5KVA Generating Set.LOCATIONS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

NATA Village, Ajebo Road, Abeokuta South; NATA Village, Old Lagos Road, Ewekoro; Moloko-Asipa Community, Obafemi/Owode; Arepo Town, Obafemi/Owode; Ijebu Isiwo, Ijebu-Ode; Owode Yewa, Yewa South; Erinpa Apena, Yewa South; Asore Town, Ado-Odo/Ota; Mahun Town, Ipokia; Alaari Town, Ipokia; Itoko Town, Abeokuta South; Ayepe Town, Odogbolu;

Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode; Siun I, Obafemi/Owozde; NATA Village, Kobape Road, Abeokuta South; Olaitan Mebude Street, Eja Osan, Ijebu Ode; Siun II, Obafemi Owode; Iperin, Ado-Odo/Ota; Igbodoroju, Ipokia, Irewon, Ijebu North East; Ilupeju Area, Ayetoro, Yewa North; Oba Prison, Obafemi Owode.

By 2nd quarter of year 2012 will witness more notable construction of water projects in the State.POWER GENERATION & DISTRIBU-TION

Provision of Transformers and Installation Works.On assumption of office of this new Administra-tion, the State Government procured and installed transformers for socio-economic development of the following communities:COMMUNITY, RATING, REMARK

Oke Sokori I, 500KVA, 11/0.415KV, Completed; Oke Sokori/Ijeja, 500KVA, 11/0.415KV, Completed; Governor's office, 500KVA, 11/0.415KV, Completed; Totoro New Sub-Station, 500KVA, 11/0.415KV, Completed; Igbore Community, 500KVA, 11/0.415KV, Completed; Oke-Igbore Community, 300KVA, 11/0.415KV, Completed; Iwoye Community (Yewa South), 500KVA, 33/0.415KV, Completed.

These transformers were provided as a result of government quick response to the urgent needs of affected communities which had experienced months of total blackout.Procurement of Additional Transformers (500Nos)

In pursuant of the present Administration's resolution to provide infrastructural facilities to the people of the State; arrangement has been concluded for the bulk procurement and delivery of 500Nos transformers of different ratings to be distributed to identified communities throughout the State in fulfillment of the electrification programme of the Government. The flag off ceremony for the distribution of these transform-ers is slated for Friday, 25th May, 2012.

It is essential to put on record that no other administration has achieved such feat in respect of bulk procurement and distribution of transform-ers. The present administration intends to improve distribution of power to the people of the State through connection of those transformers to the National Grid, for the benefit of the people.Solar Home Lighting Project

The State Government in partnership with Schneider Electric - a reputable renewable energy company, has adopted Asore village in Ado-Odo, Ota Local Government Area as a Pilot Scheme.

This project comprises home lighting facilities and a Central Charging Point to provide electricity for about 80 households in the Asore village. This facility was also extended to a school within the community.

Based on the success recorded from Asore Pilot Scheme, the State Government intends to provide such Micro Off-Grid Solar Power Project to other 10 rural communities that are far from the National Grid.Alternative Power Source:

The State Government in partnership with other private energy companies in Nigeria is also considering a Power Purchase Agreement for the entire state. Operations of the Mini Power Plant

Since the inception of the new administra-tion in the State, efforts have been in motion to effect technical and financial review of the project on priority locations such as the Water Works to provide the required power to drive the pumping

Ministerial Scorecard Special Duties

following: Provision of Chemicals: The State Government has made adequate

arrangement for availability of water treatment chemicals, especially Aluminum Sulphate for water treatment across the State that will sustain production for the next 1 year. The water quality produced by the Corporation is of Nigerian Standards for production of drinking water.

Provision of Diesoline and Lubricants: The State Government continues to make

available to the Corporation regular supply of diesoline and lubricants to operate generators across the State during PHCN outages.

PHCN Bills:In the same vein, the State Government

has paid huge outstanding PHCN Bills incurred by the last administration and the current bill totaling N400,263,262.88 on power consumed by the Corporation up to March, 2012.

The Government is also working in collaboration with the Federal Government and Multi-Lateral Organizations like the World Bank as regards increasing access to the Pipe Borne Water in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) through the prompt payment of the State Counterpart Contributions on the on-going water rehabilitation at Abeokuta, Papalanto (Ifo/Ilaro), Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ogere and Apoje in Ijebu-Igbo. The collaboration is expected to attract further investment in water service delivery in the State.REHABILITATION WORKS.Abeokuta Main Scheme:

The rehabilitation of some aspect of works at Abeokuta Main Scheme as well as rehabilitation of three (3) Booster Stations within Abeokuta (i.e. Ibara, Adatan and Alamala Stations) handled by CGC Nigeria Limited had since been completed and handed over to Ogun State Water Corporation (OGSWC) in April, 2012. This is to improve water supply to the citizenry in Abeokuta and its environs.

Ifo-Akinside (Papalanto):The rehabilitation of the scheme which is

expected to upgrade the production capacity was awarded to Nahman Construction Company. The outcome of the rehabilitation exercise is to improve water supply to Ifo, Papalanto, Ajegunle, Ilaro, Ewekoro and its environs. The stage of work is presently above 90% while the commissioning is expected to come later in the year.

Ijebu-Ode:The existing Ijebu-Ode Water Supply

Scheme is being rehabilitated to improve water supply to Yemoji, Ijebu-Ode, Eruwon, Itamapako and its environs. The contract which was awarded to Uni-Pumps Nigeria Limited is at 94% completion. The State Government recently released N20,000,000.00 to fast track the rehabilitation of the filter beds which have collapsed and abandoned by the contractor. The scheme has become operational and the area of coverage has recorded improved water supply.

Ijebu-Igbo: The rehabilitation of existing Apoje Water

Supply Scheme was awarded to CGC and the project is about 95% complete and will improve water supply to Ijebu-Igbo, Ago-Iwoye and its environs.

Sagamu:The existing Sagamu Water Works is also

being rehabilitated and expanded to 12 Million Litres per Day (MLD). This is to improve water supply to Sagamu and its environs. The contract was awarded to Uni-Pumps Nigeria Limited and

it is at 74% completion.Ogere:The rehabilitation of the existing Ogere

Water Works to installed capacity is to improve water supply to the teeming growing population of Ogere, Iperu and its environs. The contract was awarded to SATO Engineering Nigeria Limited and it is expected to be commissioned later in the year.

Independent Power Supply:The State has identified epileptic and

inadequate electric power supply as a major challenge of the Corporation towards effective utilization of the existing capacities at the Abeokuta Water Scheme. The present administration has therefore stepped up efforts towards the construction of an Independent Power Plant for this Scheme and other Water Works across the State.

Pipeline Extension:In view of the fast population growth in

the State, the State Government is set to embark on pipeline extension to all the nooks and crannies of the State. This will enable a large percentage of the population to have access to potable water. Government has assisted the Corporation to put her water tankers back on the road to use for palliative operations.

Reactivation of Grounded Water Schemes:

The following grounded Water Schemes have been reactivated and put into use:

Waterside: Itele, Ijebu-Oni and Abigi Schemes now have normal operations.

Ilara: Production has been restored and water is now being pumped out from the borehole.

Igbogila: The grounded scheme is now back into operation.

Imeko: The scheme which was cut off due to damage to pipeline has resumed operation.Ilaro: Ilaro is now getting water through Ela.Federal Assisted Water Projects:

The State Government has been having some discussions with the Federal Government to complete the ongoing Federal Assisted Water Projects at Ota, Panseke, Idi-Aba and Asero to boost water to their areas.Other Special Projects:

It is also important to intimate you with the activities of Government in the development of Government City through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

This is part of His Excellency's resolve to provide befitting accommodations for Top Government Functionaries. Work has commenced on the Government City with the opening up of 7.8km length. It is worthy of note that the proposed road takes off from Oke-Mosan linking Oba-Erin and terminate along Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Road. Cutting and filling of the road network has also started. The road alignment and the design have been done by Conseng Engineering Consult for about 4.32km. The master plan design for the City has also commenced.

Two of the Administration's Five (5) Cardinal Programmes for the Mission to Rebuild the State are Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal, Rural and Infrastructural Develop-ment/ Employment Generation. In realization of this goal, Government is desirous of creating a New Town to be located along Papalanto Interchange Area. This is also through Public Private Partnership. To ensure early completion of this project, Government has embarked on the design and feasibility studies of the New Town. The Town will also provide Housing Units to prospective buyers, offices, relaxation centres, schools all developed according to the now popular Ogun State standard. It is no doubt that when completed, it will prevent Rural/Urban Drift and also create employment opportunities to people, as it will attract many investors and thereby boost the economy of the State.CONCLUSION

There is no doubt that with the execution of laudable programmes by the present administration since its inception, lives of the teeming populace have been touched positively, because the impact of Government's effort have been felt in all the nooks and crannies of the State.

Since it is also the burning desire of this Government to make life more meaningful to the citizenry irrespective of their place of abode, I therefore enjoin all and sundry to cooperate and support the State Government to realize her set objectives in all areas.

In addition to the on-going rehabilitation of all the Water Works, the State Government is also focusing attention on the pipeline extension to areas where there is none at the moment and to create additional Booster Stations across the State.

The benefitting communities of the Transformer Provision Initiative of the State Government are enjoined to keep vigil of the facilities and guide against vandalization.

It is also my humble request to the general populace that those enjoying potable water should make best use of the facility and ensure prompt payment of their water rates and charges to complement the efforts of the State Government.

By Dr. Lanre Tejuoso

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

Drilling of Borehole in progress in one of the communities

OGUN UPDATE | May 201218 | MINISTERIAL SCORECARD

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

empowered not only to be self-employed but to also become employer of labour.

C A S S A V A R E V O L U T I O N PROGRAMME (CRP)

The Ogun State Cassava Revolution Programme (CRP) is an instrument of Government in promoting food security, employment generation, poverty alleviation, as well as youth and women empowerment. As a component of the Programme sustainably strategy of CRP, the short term of the programme life has witnessed the multiplication of improved varieties and this is continuous. This is with a view to raising the yield level of cassava on farmers' fields. Emphasis on post-harvest handling of cassava which was introduced in the course of the short term is also a vital part of the programme. It has helped to address the issue of glut, and to keep the well intentioned programme of Government on track. The programme now has practical training programmes for young people, women groups and also for prospective retirees in the public service. The training activities are designed to cover Production, Processing, Packaging, and Marketing. All these are aimed to build the capacity of people from these various backgrounds, to take advantage of the rich employment-creation potentials in the cassava value chain.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROGRAMME

Mobilization of relevant stakeholders for the adoption of improved, high yielding, early maturing and disease resistant cassava varieties viz (TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, NR 8082, TMS 98/0510 and TMS 96/1632); cultivation of 5 hectare cassava multiplication farm at Ponsuku-Isaga with the following varieties: TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, NR 8082, TMS 98/0510 and TM 96.1632; harvesting and distribution of cuttings of improved cassava varieties (especially TMS 0505) to farmers; supply of 100 metric tons of cassava tubers to agro-processors, especially Ekha Agro Limited and Thai Farms Interna-tional (TFI) for revenue generation: Ekha processes cassava into glucose syrup while TFI processes cassava into High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF).

Upgrading of the Training and Processing Centre at Asero for training unemployed youths, women groups and public servants preparing for retirement; processing of cassava tubers into gari at the Agency's Cassava Mini processing Centre at Asero and Sale of gari to public servants at the State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan and collaboration with bakers on the use of (HQCF) in composite flour in baking and confectioneries industries.

PLANNING, RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

In consonance with the pact of this administration with good people of Ogun State in area of boosting Agriculture as commercial venture, the Ogun State Government secured N1 billion facility from CBN for farmers in the State under Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). The procedure for accessing the loan has been made friendly so that real and practicing farmers can easily access it.

However, in order to ensure that this loan does not go the same way of previous failed schemes, farmers can only access the loan through their Co-operative Association. The loan which has a duration of twenty-four (24) months (2 years) is granted at an interest rate of 9% per annum.

Consequently, towards the success of the scheme, the Ministry in collaboration with Ministry of Finance has organized training for 2560 farmers who had applied for loan under the scheme in the nine (9) Federal Constituencies of the State. Under the first phase of the scheme, N103,950,000.00 will be disbursed to the beneficiaries. In addition to the provision of the loan scheme, the Ministry has continued to allocate Agricultural lands to Agricultural Investors as well as providing the investors with advisory services including enumeration of economic crops. In this regard, over 1,370 hectares were allocated while enumerations of economic crops were carried out on over 5,000 hectares of land.

PRODUCE SERVICESWithin the year under review, the

Department graded 7,223.5 tons of cocoa, 9,563.5 tons of palm kernels, 306.5 tons of

he Ministry of Agriculture in the first (1st) year of this administration led by our Tindefatigable Governor, Senator Ibikunle

Amosun (FCA) to move Agriculture forward in our dear State.

It is pertinent to mention that since the inception of the present Administration on 29th of May, 2011, the Administration has continued to remain focused, so much as to benefit particularly all categories of farmers in the state and the general populace who are the consumers of our farms' produce. Hence, I must reiterate that this briefing could not have come at a more auspicious time to give account of our stewardship for the past one year when all hands have been on deck to address the global food crisis and economic downturn.

Agricultural Production and Industrializa-tion is one of the cardinal programmes of this Administration. Therefore, the overall objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture as contained in the State Agricultural policy document revolve round this laudable programme. Simply put, the objectives of this Ministry are to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, provide raw materials for agro-based industr ies, generate employment opportunities, as well as to obtain desirable level of export in order to improve the country's foreign exchange earnings. It is no gainsaying that when these laudable objectives are achieved, Agriculture will definitely become an alternative source of revenue and thereby regain its lost glory.

EXTRA-MINISTERIAL DEPART-MENTS:

The Extra-Ministerial Departments are: the Ogun State Agro-Services Corporation (Agro-S-Corp), and the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP).

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MINISTRY IN THE LAST ONE YEAR

In pursuance of the police thrust of the Ministry which has been to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger through self-sufficiency in food production, encourage private sector participation in Agriculture and to generate employment, the Ministry has recorded landmark achievements from the various projects/activities of its departments since May, 2011.

PULLETS PRODUCTIONAs against the previous practice whereby

pullets were being reared once in a year towards the end of the year targeting replacement of culled layers during Christmas, the present administration has increased rearing of pullets to replace culled layers during all festivals of the year. To this end, the Department reared fifty thousand (50,000) pullets which were sold to one hundred (100) small scale poultry farmers at highly subsidized rate. The pullets have the potentials of producing about twelve million (12,000,000) eggs in a year. The programme is strategically designed to achieve self sufficiency in poultry meat and egg production to improve the nutritional status and the standard of living of rural people in Ogun State.

FEEDS PROJECTT h e p r e s e n t A d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a s

endeavoured to rehabilitate the Central Feeds Depot which had been moribund in the last fifteen (15) years. The multiplier effect of the advantages of this project cannot be over emphasized particularly on the achievement recorded on the afore-mentioned pullet programme. Besides, the rehabilitated depot is a pivot for the training of farmers and Livestock personnel in the area of feeds components and production. Moreover, you will but agree with me that production circle is incomplete without getting to the ultimate consumer. In this regard, the present administration has refurbished the fifteen (15) tons truck which had been grounded for over fourteen (14) years to aid the logistics requirements of the depot.

P O U LT R Y M U LT I P L I C A T I O N PROJECT

The Ogun State Poultry Multiplication project embarked upon by the present Administra-tion consisting of poultry breeding and hatchery phases is capable of producing one million five hundred thousand (1.5 million) day old chicks in a year. The project has been re-appraised and final management decision has been reached on it. It is important to note that the visionary Governor of Ogun State His Excellency Senator Ibikunle Amosun has approved fund for the rehabilitation and execution of this project.

T U R K E Y D E M O N S T R A T I O N PROJECT

Turkey demonstration project is located at Kotopo, Abeokuta to promote turkey production in Ogun State through teaching, training and demonstration to farmers, and most importantly to provide matured turkeys for sales particularly during Christmas period. Five hundred (500) turkeys were reared and sold between July and December, 2011.

BEEF CATTLEThe Livestock Department through the Beef

Multiplication project at Odeda has successfully upgraded our indigenous breed of cattle by crossing White Fulani and Ndama. The result has been very promising and the government is planning to expand on what we have now to enable us assist farmers to increase the population of their herd.

FISHERIES The Fisheries sub-sector is not being left out

of the turn-around determination of the present administration. Hence, the Government through this Ministry has been able to provide thirteen (13) outboard engines, two hundred and twenty-six (226) bundles of fishing nets, one thousand one hundred and eleven (1,111) rolls of twine as well as four thousand, four hundred and forty-four (4,444) floats as fishing inputs to Fishermen Co-operative Societies at 50% subsidy.

There is no doubt that the sales of these fishing inputs to fishermen at subsidized rate have greatly reduced drudgery in fishing and also improve the livelihood of fishermen in riverine areas of the State. In addition, the Ministry has also commenced the rehabilitation of three (3) Government Fish Farms located at Odeda (Ogun Central Senatorial District); Ilaro (Ogun West Senatorial District) and Ikenne (Ogun East Senatorial District) which have been in different states of disrepair and dilapidation over the years. The rehabilitations of the ponds/reservoirs have been completed and stocking with fish seeds of Heterotis, Clarias, Tilapia and Common Carp is on-going. The three farms will be producing an average of twenty-nine (29) tons of table-size fish in a year.

Moreover, the constructions of three new hatcheries have almost been completed. On completion, the hatcheries have capacity of producing an average of five hundred thousand (500,000) fish seeds which are to be sold at subsidized rates to fish farmers in order to have multiplier effect.

Ber trand Russel l once said “With introduction of Agriculture, mankind entered upon a long period of meanness, mystery and madness from which they are only now being freed by the beneficent operation of the machine”. In order to eliminate wastages arising from surplus to demands in commercial fishing, the Government intends to install modern smoking kiln for fish processing to assist fish farmers to add value to their fish. Furthermore, outlets for fish farm inputs such as fish feed, chemicals, nets etc. will be provided on the three fish farms in order to enhance proximity of the input to the fish farmers in the three (3) Senatorial Districts of the State.

It is therefore pleasing to note that the rehabilitation projects have started providing means of livelihood to some indigenes of the locality where they are located. Furthermore, the Ministry has carried out training programme in the three Senatorial Districts for fish farmers during which information on new technologies in fish farming were disseminated to over five hundred (500) fish farmers. In equal vein, the Ministry has continued to monitor quality of frozen fish in cold stores in the State in order to ensure that only wholesome fish products are sold to members of the public.

TREE CROPS AND RURAL DEVEL-OPMENT SERVICES

As you are all aware, prior to the oil boom of late 1960s and early 1970s in Nigeria, tree crops such as cocoa, palm tree, and cashew were top earners of foreign exchange. In order to bring back the lost glory of yester years, the Government has embarked on massive rejuvenation of the activities of the Department of Tree Crops and Rural Development Services of the Ministry to provide high quality seedlings and extension services to the farmers on cocoa and other tree crops production.

The Department started One million cocoa seedlings production in 3rd week of December, 2011. The seedlings which are now available will be sold to farmers at a highly subsidized rate. Besides, the Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) is to establish two hectares (2ha) of Cocoa seed garden at Sawonjo. The clearing of the site is presently on-going.

In addition, the Department renders extension services to farmers on latest techniques on all tree crops production. In the past one year, over two hundred and forty (240) farmers have benefited across the State.

AGRICULTURAL SERVICESConsidering the important roles of farm

settlements to the Agricultural development of the state, the Ministry has continued to maintain the existing Fourteen (14) Farm Settlements across the State. Particularly, the Ministry has endeavoured to rehabilitate Coker Farm Settlement road from Akinsinde village. In addition, the Ministry has continued to provide the settlers (farmers within the settlement) with new farm techniques (Modern Agriculture) to achieve high yield. In the area of Fruits Crops & Horticulture, farmers are provided with viable oil palm seedlings at subsidized rate while the maintenance and sales of the year 2011 oil-palm seedlings are still on-going.

Aside from the rehabil itation and maintenance of the existing farm settlements, the State Government is not resting on its oars. The present Administration has commenced the construction of a Model Farm Estate at Owowo in Ewekoro Local Government of Ogun State. The Model Farm Estate, which is on-going and nearing completion, is situated on about one hundred and twenty-five (125) hectares of land. Suffice to mention that when completed, the Estate is designed to provide modern accommodation, poultry farm, fish pond as well as arable land for plant cultivation. I am to add that the settlers are employment seeking graduates of Agriculture from Universities and Polytechnics who are now being

Ministerial Scorecard Agriculture

cashew nuts, 3,992.19 tons of rubber lumps and generated a sum of N45.215million as revenue to the coffers of the State Government. In addition, in line with the State Government policy on Private Public Partnership arrangement, NACOTAN South-West in collaboration with the State Government and assistance from Bank of Industry (BoI) reactivated the double roller ginnery at Ibara-Orile with the installation of a baling machine, 300KVA generator, 300KVA transformer and a bore hole. The ginnery which was commissioned on Tuesday, 15th May, 2012 will mechanically separate long staple seed cotton into cotton seeds and lints. It is no gainsaying that Ogun State remains the leading producer of seed cotton in Southwest, Nigeria and we intend not only to remain so, but to be the largest producer in Africa.

In line with the statutory responsibility of the State Government to ensure compliance and maintain standard in produce sector, the Ministry has continued to monitor and ensure compliance with good grading ethics. The essence of this practice is not only to generate revenue to the coffers of the State but to also retain the market share of the produce from the State in the National and International market with produce of high quality in the right quantity. However, it may interest you gentlemen of the press that the contractors handling revenue aspect of produce at various toll points are expected to provide employment to youths in their various localities of operations.

V E T E R I N A RY D E PA R T M E N T SERVICES

Veterinary medicine is regarded all over the world as an equally important aspect of human hygiene and good health just like human medicine. The Department of Veterinary Services has continued to carry out Veterinary Clinics and Sub-Clinics during which about 2748 cases were treated and vaccinated on small animals. In addition, it is an open secret that in this part of the world, there is high rate of meat (beef) consumption. Hence, the Government has intensified efforts at ensuring and improving meat inspection services. In the last one (1) year, 196,515 carcasses were inspected and passed for human consumption at various slaughter slabs within the State. I want to assure you ladies and gentlemen that this Ministry will leave no stone unturned as regards promoting good hygiene. Therefore, the State Government has procured forty (40) units of meat tricycle for hygienic transportation of meat from slabs to the market. In the next few years, the Ministry intends to pursue passing into law meat inspection and hygiene edict as well as renovations of various veterinary clinics and sub-clinics in the State.OGUN STATE AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMME (OGADEP)

The agency is one of the extra-ministerial departments under the supervision of this Ministry. Therefore, it can be regarded as an extended specialized arm of policy formulation and implementation particularly on agricultural extension services. In that regard, the Govern-ment of Ogun State through the Agency procured 50 motor cycles with crash elements which are to be distributed to extension field officers to enhance their mobility and access to farms in even remote and difficult terrain in the State.

Besides, in pursuance of the desire of the

present Administration to boost food production in Ogun State, the Government through the Agency has concluded the implementation of first phase of the Multinational Nerica Rice Dissemination Project (MNRDP) under which seventy-five kilometer (75km) road had been rehabilitated to promote the production of Nerica Rice and evacuation of the product (Rice) from the farm.

In addition, the Government supplied and installed two (2) sets of cottage rice processing equipment in two (2) strategic rice growing locations- Moloko, Ashipa in Obafemi Owode Local Government and Ago-Iwoye in Ijebu North Local Government of Ogun State.

T H I R D N AT I O N A L FA DA M A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (NFDPIII)

FADAMA is a multi-governmental support project. The State Government has released a sum of N60.744m as its counterpart fund for years 2009, 2010, 2011 to the Third National FADAMA Development Project. To this effect, a total sum of N103.65m was drawn down for disbursement to 124 FADAMA Community Associations (FCA), 1188 FADAMA Users Groups (FGUS) in twenty Local Government Areas (LGA) of Ogun State for productive Asset Acquisition (Fish Pond, Irrigation Pond and others) and small scale community infrastructure and to meet other operational costs including consultancy fees.

In addition, through FADAMA project, the Government is not relenting in fostering collaboration with private sector and other governmental agencies. In the light of this, the Government is collaborating with Ekha Agro Limited which uses cassava for the production of glucose syrup and ethanol. The State is also collaborating with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority in the provision of 900 tube-wells for FADAMA Communities along the River Ogun flood plains in the State.

In preparation for the new Federal Government policy on fertilizer and Transforma-tion Agenda on Growth Enhancement Support (GES), which is intended to make fertilizer and maize seeds available to all registered farmers, the Programme successfully carried out a survey of all farmers in Ogun State. Virtually all essential data on the farmers and farming families were captured.

AGRO SERVICES CORPORATIONThe Corporation is another implementation

arm of this Ministry. The Corporation has continued to carry out farm mechanization services such as ploughing, harrowing, slashing, spraying, shelling and transporting.

In the last one year, the Corporation sold 456.31 metric tons of different brands of fertilizer to farmers from the balance of year 2010 stock received from the Federal Government of Nigeria from which a total sum of N28,745,780.00 was realized as revenue. In addition, the agency generated a total sum of N1,510,070.00 from sales of herbicides and insecticides to farmers. The Corporation also distributed 19.87 metric tons of improved maize to farmers.

HUMAN RESOURCESThe Government has strengthened the

staff disposition of the Ministry through the appointment of additional 105 staff through the Ogun State Rapid Employment Programme. They are made up of fifty-four (54) senior and fifty-one (51) junior officers.

At this juncture, permit me to mention that we are not unmindful of the need to enhance the capacity of the human resources required to achieve the laudable goals and aspirations of the present Administration. Therefore, the management team of my Ministry will identify competent, loyal and hard working staff for training in local and international institutions. Where and when necessary, such officers will adequately be rewarded in order to serve as catalyst for better performance and service delivery. It is indeed our desire to sustain and surpass our achievements in the sub-sector for the betterment of our farmers and citizenry in the years to come.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to sincerely express my appreciation for your understanding, support and unalloyed co-operation since the inception of this Administration.

By Hon. Ayo Olubori

Cross section of Meat Vans

Fish Ponds at Odeda Fish Farm

OGUN UPDATE | May 2012 MINISTERIAL SCORECARD | 19

complement public enlightenment initiatives of the Government. Newly acquired state- of- the- art PAE equipments have been delivered, while existing ones have been refurbished for use at government ceremonies and events to provide undistorted broadcast of events whenever there is need for voice amplification.MEDIA RELATIONS

The Ministry has demonstrated in a model way government acceptance of the media as one veritable tool in participatory democracy. To th is end, enabl ing environment is being created between government and media. This is to enable the media complement government's effort in informing and educating people on various government activities and ultimately mobilize them for positive change. In this regard, media interactive sessions are often organized where top government functionaries meet correspondent of both print and electronic media.

Government too by way of symbiotic relationship through the Ministry has provided two buses for the NUJ Ogun State Council and the Correspondents Chapel to facilitate their news gathering activities while the two owned electronic media have had their subvention increased to enable them meet up with the demands of modern day broadcasting. The Press Centre has also been given a facelift to make it conducive for usage.M U L T I L A T E R A L / D O N O R ASSISTED PROJECT

The Ministry of Information and Strategy is one of the implementing partners in the UNFPA and UNICEF- Assisted Projects in the state. Specifically, the Advocacy Office of the UNFPA and the State Social Mobilization Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) of the UNICEF-Assisted Project are domicile in the Ministry.

The UNFPA Advocacy Office has been strengthened to provide necessary support for population development activities.

Similarly, the Ministry through State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee

he change in name of the Ministry to Information and Strategy at the onset of Tthis administration is borne out of the

need for the information machinery of government to function as a pro active agency to actualize the “Mission to rebuild Ogun State”. To give filling to this, the Ministry has continued to employ various channels to project the image of Government. Such channels include: the printing of calendars, diaries, commemorative brochures and special publications of government as souvenirs to various interest groups and stakeholders.

As part of the Ministry's policy trust, training and re-training of information officers have been given a pride of place. Since an ill trained worker is a misfit to the society, training programmes were packaged for Information Officers. The training programmes are tailored towards attuning officers to the mission and policies of the administration in order to meet emerging information challenges. To date, three of such trainings have been organized for Information Officers in the Ministry while the NUJ EXCO of the Ministry has also key into the vision and has also organized similar trainings all in an effort to enhance professionalism of members.STAFF WELFARE

Staff welfare under this administration was also accorded the priority it deserved. Needed working tools such as cameras both still and motion, laptop as well as furniture were provided to enhance officers' duties. Within one year of this administration, 12 video cameras and 12 still cameras were procured to complement the efforts of press officers assigned to ministries in the state with a view to positively project activities of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).OGUN UPDATE

The newsletter which was conceived to foster symbiotic working relationship between the public servants and political functionaries as well as celebrate ingenuity of workers by highlighting their special exploits has been

rebranded and repackaged. The pagination took a geometric leap from 8 to 24 pages to accommodate activities of government as well as views of the citizenry. The bi-monthly journal has since been turned into monthly journal and has been keeping Public Servants as well as the general public abreast of development in the service and highlighting their contributions as engine room of government. OGIS BULLETIN

In furtherance of its determined efforts to give publicity to the activities and programmes of government, the Ministry has repackaged its Daily Bulletin -Ogun State Information Service (OGIS). The bulletin which now has a colourful cover also enjoys wider circulation to all stakeholders, journalists and paramount Rulers. The bulletin is also sent online through oguninfo@yahoo.com, to all media houses across the country.MINISTERIAL PRESS BRIEFING

This is an annual program where Chief Executives of Ministry/Agencies highlight the achievements and programmes of their respective agencies at briefing sessions, attended by media personnel. The first in this administration POST EXCO PRESS BRIEFING.

As part of efforts to inform the populace on the major policies and programmes of the present administration, this Ministry anchors post-EXCO press briefing addressed by selected members of the State Executive Council. PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT.

The department of public enlightenment has in the past one year, been alive and active, in the discharge of its duty of enlightening the populace with respect to government activities. Through its Radio/TV programmes, namely the Ogun State Review, Ijoba tiwa-n-tiwa, Ogun dey kampe and Giant Strides. Government activities are discussed and documented in-depth, through the eyes of the principals of various agencies and of course, members of the public and stakeholders.PUBLIC ADDRESS EQUIPMENT (PAE)

The PAE unit is being revitalized to

Ministerial Scorecard Information & Strategy

Iju/Alagbole Area, Iju, Ifo II State Constituency.

vii. Re-Construction of collapsed culverts at the back of Asero Garrage and Odo-Eran, Asero Area.

viii. Oba T.T Dada Flood Control Project, Ota

ix. We are engaging the Ecological Funds Office in funding some of the Ecological Projects and we are optimistic that our requests will get favourable hearing.

Beautification and LandscapingIn order to give the State capital a

facelift, beautification/landscaping of some major roads like Oke-Igbein to Sapon, Abiola Way, Governor's Office to Ibara was carried out by the Ministry and will be extended to

he Ministry of Environment is saddled with the responsibility of creating a Tbetter environment for the entire

populace in the State. It is also the duty of the Ministry to inspire personal and collective responsibility in the building of an environmentally conscious society for the achievement of sustainable development.

In the last one year of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led administration, several efforts have been put in place to improve the State of the environment. The ministry has been doing all these to ensure a viable environment that would promote good livelihood of the people, attract investors and boost the economic activities in the State.

In ensuring effective and efficient waste disposal in the state, the Ministry has purchased waste management equipments such as refuse bins and compactors for proper waste collection in the state, 21 Nos 26 tonnes Tipping Trucks, 6 Nos Hydraulic Hook loaders 8 Nos of 12 tons Difac tippers, 18 Nos Refuse Bins, 10 Nos Refuse Compactors among others.

It also embarked on massive evacuation of numerous heaps of refuse dumped at illegal dumpsites along major roads and towns in the state including Sagamu-Mowe/Ibafo, Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, Sagamu township, Ijebu-Ode township while new ones were identified as in-availability of adequate dumping sites was identified as the major reason for illegal dumping. For the monthly environmental sanitation to be effectively implemented and to ensure fully compliance by the residents of the state, an Environmental Mobile Court was put in place to give offenders instant trial.

To prevent flooding in the State, the Ministry has intensified efforts to clear and de-silt drainages and waterways in the following areas: Kuto - Isabo Road, IBB Boulevard (from Mechanic Village MTD Ibara), Isale Igbehin Panseke, Isale Igbehin Sapon Roundabout, Moore Junction Ake, Iyana Mortuary MOORE Junction (Carwash) and Clearing of drainages in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode.Other areas include: Sokori Stream course and tributaries, Leme, Onikoko, Asero, Olomore, Drainages in Ibara Housing Estate also in Abeokuta, Eriwuru

River in Sagamu, Rehabilitation of Sango Motor Park, Ado Odo/Ota L.G and Ifo Flood Control Project (On-Going).

The Ministry had also carried out the design studies and preparation of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation of the underlisted projects:i. Ijemo-Titun High School Erosion

Control Project, Ibara Housing Estate Abeokuta

ii. Imoru Flood Control Project, Imoru Via Ijebu-Ode

iii. Clearing/desilting of drainage channel of identified roads at Ijebu-Ode

iv. Clearing/desilting of drainage channel on identified roads at Sagamu

v. Iju Flood Control Project, Iju Ota.vi. Clearing/desilting of streams courses in

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OGTVAt the onse t o f the p re sen t

administration in the State, the Station's name was reverted from Gateway Television to the founding fathers' name, Ogun State Television. Within the spate of one year, the station has been able to record some achievements which include purchase of new cameras, Darim 1 studio (virtual set) refurbishment of Transmitter, creation of new website and live streaming of OGTV signals, purchase of new UPS batteries and professional video lights, fish pole, camera lights and Boom micro phones to ensure that the stations signals are received clearly far and near.

Governance in Ogun State is totally information-driven. Management of government information and that of top government functionaries for optimum perfor mance have been the major responsibility of the Ministry. It is noteworthy to observe that the good reputation of the present Administration in the media and among the populace is attributed to collaborative effort and unflinching co-operation among the journalists. Together we can “Rebuild our dear State”.

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

By Barr. Yusuph Olaniyonu

By Alhaji Adebayo Fari

ForestryBy Hon. Falilu Sabitu Forest Reserve in Yewa South; Eggua forest

reserve in Yewa North, Ohunbe forest reserve (Oja Odan) in Yewa North, Edun Stream in Yewa South others include Aworo in Yewa North. LGA and Imeko Games Reserve in Imeko Afon LGA.

It is not gainsaying that one of the major phenomenon in the world today is the issue of global warming which is giving every nation sleepless night on how to combat it.

Ogun State Government has however taken steps towards tackling this problem by combating the effect of this climatic change. No doubt, desertification and deforestation with green house effect resulting from gas emission, domestic and industrial pollution have contributed greatly to complicating the present climatic change which is now called global warming.

For example, the deforestation rate in Nigeria is about 3.5% per year, translating to a loss of 350,000-400,000ha of forest land per year. Recent studies by some experts show that forests now occupy about

2 923,767km or about 10 million ha. This is about 10% of Nigeria's Forest land area and well below FAO's recommended which should be under the natural minimum of

o doubt, forest resources is under pressure as a result of human activities ranging from agricultural N

development where vast lands are cleared without conservation consideration, large-scale pre-urban Housing project development as well as uncontrolled forest harvesting among other factors.

Nigeria generally is blessed with a large expanse of land and variable vegetation. Ogun State is not different with this natural gifts but this important resources was not sustainably used or managed in the past, particularly in Ogun State before the present administration led by Governor Ibikunle Amosun came to Office in May 29, 2011. The Forest Reserves in the State were in shambles, while illegal farmers destroyed valuable trees in the reserve against government policies.

To stop all these, a monitoring team to sanitize and correct these illegalities was inaugurated and necessary logistics were provided for proper monitoring of all forest reserves in the State.

Ogun State has nine (9) forest reserves, which are Omo Forest Reserves in Ijebu East and Ijebu North. Oloke-Meji in Odeda, Ilaro

25%. It's also revealed that Nigeria between 1990 and 2000 alone lost 21% its Forest due to deforestation. Ogun State Government under the leadership of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun has promised to improve the situation and has embarked on a programme which was tagged “Green Revolution” to combat the effect of climatic change. The Ministry is set to give out trees raised under the National Afforestation Programme. About 1.5 million of different trees spices. (Teak, Gmelina, Moringa and Cashew) are being made available free to interested

In the area of non-timber section, the Ministry has constructed and established additional 100 bee hives under its Apiculture (Honey production) Programme. This has increased the number of apiarian hives in the State forest reserves to 199. New sites have also been constructed in all the forest reserves to put more bee hives for increased productivity in the State. This effort has brought about the production of above 80 litres of pure honey.

In the same vein, the State has raised and maintained over 200,000 seedlings of various ornamental plants. Many of these seedlings are still available for sale to

prospective buyers and for beautification of environment.

The ministry of forestry also engaged in the production and sales of garri to the general public. Over 5,000kg of garri was produced and sold out thereby generating revenue for the State. Agro Forestry known as planting of forest trees along food crops; has an advantage of multiple land use and cost effectiveness. Within one year of this administration, 45.5ha agro-forestry plantation are being maintained which consisted of cassava and forest trees. About 16ha of the cassava have been harvested and sold to improve revenue of the State.

The ministry has re-organized its revenue generating centres thereby improving considerably the internally generated revenue especially in the area of toll collection, payment for wood exploitation and renewal of licenses. To this effect, the sums of over N144m have been generated between June 2011 and May 2012.

The present adminis tra t ion i s determined to fully exploit and harness various opportunities and potentials of the State forest resources for the development of the sub-sector in all ramifications. These efforts have also turned to source of major revenue for the State.

Ministry of Information’s Public Address Equipment vans at a government function

20 | MINISTERIAL SCORECARD OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

OGUN UPDATE | May 2012 MINISTERIAL SCORECARD | 21

thin Ogun State on Wed. 25 Jan.2012. The workshop was to serve as a veritable platform for inducting, perhaps formally, the body of Permanent Secretaries into the Vision and Mission of the present Administration.

ii. A One-day Orientation Programme for Protocol Officers in the Ogun State Civil

stService on Wednesday, 1 April 2012;iii. A Three-day Orientation Workshop for

Newly Recruited Administrative Officers th thheld between Wednesday 25 and Friday 27

April, 2012.The Ministry of Information and Strategy also

organised a Two-Day workshop on the role of Information Officers in effective Public Communication for Information Officers in Ogun State Civil Service on

nd rdThursday 2 and Friday 3 Feb. 2012.PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES

There is no gainsaying the fact that the present Administration, at inception, inherited a huge liability on arrears of pensions and gratuities.

However, being a responsible and care-minded Government and despite its lean financial resources, the State Government has been able to settle the following arrears:i. Monthly Pensions from May 2011-April 2012. A sum of Three Billion, Twenty One Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira Seventy-Two Kobo(N3,021,568,468.72) has been released to beneficiaries;ii.It is note worthy to mention here that the present Government has released fund for the payment of gratuity

ince the assumption of office of the present Administration, there have been remarkable Simprovement and tremendous achievements in the

Public Service as the entire work force of Ogun State Public Service have been greatly re-oriented in actualizing the vision of the present Administration.

It is a well known fact that the performance and effectiveness of any Government to a large extent, depends on the quality and efficiency of its Public Servants.O G U N S T A T E R A P I D E M P L O Y M E N T GENERATION PROGRAMME:

The Civil Service Commission, after conducting appointment interviews, recruited into the Public Service, Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Five (3,655) candidates who were successful after passing through the rigorous screening process that involved over Fifty Three Thousand (53,000) applicants. This consists of Junior, (GL. 01 -06) and Senior, (GL. 07 and above) Officers.

Apart from this, a sizeable number of other recruitments were made. Details include: Graduate Teachers, GL. 08,175, Higher Executive Officer (Accts) GL. 08- 23, Others -108 totally 306 employed through the Teaching Service Commission.

Two hundred and forty four unemployed were also e m p l o y e r t h r o u g h t h e s t a t e ' s H O S P I TA L S MANAGEMENT BOARD. Consultants GL. 15-2, Medical Officers GL. 12-9, Optometrist GL. 10-1, Physiotherapist-3, Clerical Officer GL. 04- 415, Health/Laboratory Attendant GL.02- 106, Washman GL. 02- 13, Cooks GL. 02- 07.

Additional Eight Hundred and Eighty-One (881) Health Workers in all cadres have just been approved for recruitment in the Ministry of Health and Hospitals Management Board.

MINISTRY OF YOUTHS AND SPORTSThe Ministry of Youths and Sports has also recruited Two Hundred and Fifty (250) Coaches, Athletes and Sports Organisers.

OGUN STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICETwo Hundred and Nineteen (219) staff have been recruited, while One Hundred and Thirty-Seven (137) have been approved for regularization of Appointments.

The State Government through the Civil Service Commission, is in the process of releasing the second batch of this exercise after observing the necessary regulations.

BUREAU OF EMPLOYMENT GENERATIONThe main thrust of the Bureau is to create jobs by empowering trainee beneficiaries with relevant skills in vocational and Agricultural fields of their choice and assisting qualified candidates in their bid to be gainfully employed in private and public sectors.In the same vein, interested job seekers are linked with employers of labour through the job sourcing and placement component of the Programme. This is with a view, to eliminating or reducing to the barest minimum, the current problem of unemployment in the State and indeed the nation.In pursuit of its mandate, the Bureau of Employment Generation in collaboration with Tech. Matindia (Nig.) Limited conducted oral interviews for five hundred (500) Graduate job seekers. A One-Day workshop was also organized for 130 youths on the use of Granite Crushing Machine towards sustainable self-employment. This workshop was organized by the Bureau in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and PUDLAV Consultants.

EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMEAlso in the informal sector, One Thousand (1000) street

sweepers have been employed to sweep our streets and take care of refuse dumps while Thirty-Five (35) Drivers and Fifty-Four (54) Driver Assistants have been employed in the Ministry of Environment.

I must also add that the Office of the Governor through the Office of the First Lady, has empowered One Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty (1,250) youths. These youths have been trained in various trades such as Hair Dressing, Event Management, Bead Making, Small Chops production, Painting among others to keep them out of the .

Ministry of Commerce and Industries, has in the same vein empowered Two Thousand (2,000) unemployed graduates to benefit from the Bank of Industry Loan Scheme.

It is obvious from the figures given so far, that this Administration has recruited or empowered one way or the other Ten Thousand, Five Hundred and Four (10,504) unemployed youths/people.

YEAR 2011 PROMOTION EXERCISEFor the year 2011 Promotion Exercise, One Thousand, Six

Hundred (1,600) Officers from the Civil Service, participated thin the promotion examination held on Saturday 11 Feb, 2012;

In the same vein, One Hundred and Seventeen (117) Civil Servants who were seeking career upgrading sat for the same examination.

The year 2011 Promotion Examination for Officers in Parastatals e.g. Ogun State Water Corporation, Hospitals Management Board, etc. was also held in Dec. 2011.

In the Local Government Service, Four Hundred and Ninety-Five (495) registered for the Promotion Exercise, but only Four Hundred and Forty (440) were considered eligible for promotion.

For the Teaching Service Commission, a total number of Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five (4,975) were

thpresented for the promotion examination on Saturday 18 Feb, 2012.

For all these Agencies, the oral interview for the promotion exercise had been concluded and the reports of the exercises are being collated for presentation to the Governor for approval It is expected that the beneficiaries will soon be issued .

with their letters of promotion on successful completion of the exercise.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONSSenator Ibikunle Amosun FCA led Administration, in

realization of the need for maintenance of peaceful and cordial industrial atmosphere, has demonstrated exemplary leadership quality in this regard. This is in line with the Administration's belief that its vision to transform Ogun State needs the support and collaboration of the Trade Unions and indeed, the entire workforce.In the course of its tenure, this Administration has recorded the following tremendous achievements:

thSenator Ibikunle Amosun on Monday 26 Sept, 2011, held an important interactive session, with the Civil Servants at the June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto, to clarify certain issues bordering on the increase in Personal Income Tax. This session provided an avenue for the Governor to explain the reason for the increase in Personal Income Tax deduction which was in line with the Tax Law promulgated by the Federal Government.The Trade disputes declared by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council over the unpaid arrears on deductions were amicably resolved in December, 2011 when the Governor graciously approved the payment of the outstanding three (3) months deductions, Gratuities, Leave Bonus and Contributory Pensions over a period of time. The agreement is being met to the letter.

The meeting of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (Labour and Official side) under my chairmanship was

thheld on Tuesday, 24 April, 2012. It is gladdening to mention that the meeting provided a conducive atmosphere for mutual dialogue, understanding and cooperation between the Government and Labour.

The State Government through the Office of the Head of Service is committed to the sustenance of the current level of

industrial peace in the State. As usual, the doors of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training and all other relevant key players will remain open for all our labour leaders as active players in the WIN-WIN policy of the present Administration.Y E A R 2 0 1 2 P U B L I C S E R V I C E E N T R Y EXAMINATION INTO ADMINISTRATIVE

The examination for entry into the Administrative and other specialized cadres like Engineers, Inspector of Taxes, Accountants etc. usually conducted by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), on the approval of the

In all, Eight Hundred and Fifty Eight (858) candidates participated in the examination while Five Hundred and Twenty Seven (527) candidates have been shortlisted for the remaining three stages of the selection process.

It is hoped that this exercise will be concluded before the end of August, 2012. TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

The remarkable achievements of the present Administration in the area of training and re-training of Public Servants is quite commendable. A total number of eight hundred and twenty three (823) officers have benefited from the training and re-training programmes. These included those organised by the following reputable organizations: Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) Micheal Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) etc.

The Bureau of Establishments and Training also organized the following in-house training Programmes:i. A One day Orientation Workshop for Permanent Secretaries

Ministerial Scorecard Head of Service

to Public Servants who retired from May, 2011 to date. In this regard, a sum of One billion, Five Hundred and Five Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety One Naira, Ninety-Two Kobo (N1, 505,638,891.92) has been released accordingly.ii.Similarly, the Bureau of State Pensions has paid the sum of One Hundred and Sixty Nine Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira, One Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifteen Kobo (N169,430,178.15) only, being outstanding gratuity from Oct, 2008 Oct, 2009.

In all, the present Administration, despite its meager financial resources, has paid a sum of Seven Billion Four Hundred and Eighty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Forty Six Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty Five Naira, Sixty Two Naira (N7, 485,346,135.62) to meet its commitment on Gratuity and Pensions.

WELFARE MATTERSThe Office of the Head of Service, among other

things, through its three (3) operational Bureau of Service Matters, Establishments and Training and State Pensions is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that policies geared towards enhanced workers welfare are formulated and implemented. In this regard, the entire workforce of the Public Service of Ogun State, through their unions at different formal and informal sessions, expressed their appreciation to the labour- friendly Governor of Ogun State.

With a deep sense of gratitude to His Excellency,

workers in Ogun State have been enjoying the new minimum

wage of Eighteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty

(N18,250.00) since 1st August 2011. This should be

considered in view of the situation in a nearby State where

this issue still remains on the front burner. As a matter of fact,

some States are yet to conclude their negotiations on this

matter while urging the state workers to ensure that they

reciprocate the good gesture of this Administration through

improved performance, loyalty, non- partisanship and

commitment.

The present Administration has accorded great

significance to the Public Service. In the past one year, the

State Civil Service has witnessed tremendous changes and

improvement aimed at re-invigorating the Civil Service. The

first step has been punctuality which is the soul of business.

The Civil Service should put itself in a position that it will

continue to be relevant as an agent of “change”.

In return, the present workforce, having enjoyed

regular payment of salaries and allowances, regular training

and re-training programmes, numerous welfare packages,

including thirteenth month salaries, have now become highly

motivated, contended and committed to the effective

discharge of its statutory responsibilities. There are also in the

offing, a number of booties for the Public Service which will

be unveiled by the Governor in his Address.

Civil servants are enjoined to join hands with the Civil

Service Commission, Office of the Head of Service, Offices

of the Auditor General and Accountant-General in ensuring

strict adherence to existing rules and regulations in the

conduct of Government business. This is one of the ways

Public Servants, can stay “out of trouble”.

By Modupe Adekunle

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

Finance

Culture & Tourism

initiative incentivized all banks to collect revenue on behalf of Ogun State by abolishing the former practice of sweeping revenue into four zonal lead banks.

Creation of Central Payments Unit and centralization of Treasury Management to enhance cash management, streamline and improve control over payments to third parties.

Development of framework to ensure prompt payment of salaries, allowances and pensions, including accumulation of reserves to ensure sustainability.

Establishment of requirement of Financial Concurrence Report to support all expenditure in excess of 1 Million Naira. This ensures adequate financial input into procurement decisions.AchievementsDebt and Financial Management

Financial situation stabilized and sustainable financial model was developed. Recurrent obligations such as salaries, allowances and pensions are now met in full as at when due. The impact of the implementation of minimum wage has been absorbed resulting in improved Government/Workers relationship.

The financial credibility of the State Government with the banking industry was restored by enhanced transparency and accountability. Expenditures were strongly aligned to capital expenditure including the investment of 2.5 Billion Naira for the purchase of textbooks, 4.5 Billion Naira for various security equipment including world class Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) as well as the overhaul of the maintenance of the State's road network. Other capital investment had been made in the area of health, school premises, water and power generation.

he administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun (FCA) commenced at a time when Tthe State finances were in distress. Ogun State

had an unreconciled debt profile in excess of 49 Billion Naira. The average monthly Internally Generated Revenue figure, exclusive of land sales stood at 742 Million Naira.Actions Taken (Total Financial Engineering):

Stabilization of the State's finances, including the engagement of independent Forensic Accountants to review the financial position inherited. Robust assessment of the debt profile with a view to validating claims, resulting in significant savings to the State Government and establishment of Debt Management Committee in compliance with global best practice, to ensure that the State continues to subscribe to the principles of prudent and sustainable debt management.

Accessed available low cost funds, at single digit interest rates for specific interventions in the areas of Agriculture, Transportation and Education.

Establishment of weekly Standing Committee on Revenue chaired by His Excellency with the Honourable Commissioner for Finance as vice chairman. The Committee comprises of representatives of all revenue generating agencies and is charged with the responsibility of ensuring revenue completeness.

Pro-active enforcement of the Residency Rule of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA). This requires that taxes deducted from the salaries of employees resident in Ogun State and working in neighboring States are remitted to Ogun State.

Liberalization of revenue collection. This

The assessment of debt and negotiation with creditors has resulted in significant savings to the State Government. From an initially published figure of 49 Billion Naira, the review process identified total liabilities of about 87 Billion Naira.

Work is ongoing in this area, indeed the DMU team from Abuja recently completed a review of our external debt. The internal debt rationalization is “work in progress” in terms of repayment, restructuring, review and in some cases repudiation. We are confident of success in this process.

A thorough review of banking transactions and charges has resulted in recoveries in excess of 1 Billion Naira. The process is on-going and we anticipate further recovery of substantial amounts.

New loans taken are solely for the financing of capital projects and are agreed at highly competitive interest rates. At the same time, a programme of restructuring has reduced outgoings on inherited debts.

The introduction of financial concurrence report has resulted in continuous benchmarking of prices resulting in enhanced efficiency in procurement and cost savings.

The centralization of treasury and payments has enabled Ogun State Government to minimize interest charges. A programme of automation in the Office of the Accountant General has facilitated the implementation of e-payments to third parties.Revenue coordination and monitoring

Internally Generated Revenue increased from average of 742 Million Naira per month pre-May 2011 to current average of 1.8 Billion Naira per month an increase of 143%. In April 2012, Ogun State's IGR excluding land sales, surpassed 2 Billion Naira for the first time in history.

Full automation of the revenue process

through the deployment of ICT equipment to allow for central monitoring and blockage of revenue leakages. Improved coordination of revenue being generated by Government Agencies.

Enforcement of the Residency Rule and Border Town Initiative has increased awareness among our border residents and Lagos based employers. A joint Lagos/Ogun States task force headed by their respective Deputy Governors has been established and work is on-going in identification of boundaries after which a joint communiqué is expected to be issued by His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (FCA) and his Lagos State counterpart.

Establishment of the Multi-Agency Business Identification Team to build a robust, reliable and comprehensive data base of businesses operating in Ogun state in order to enhance planning and economic development.

Creation of Compliance and Initiatives Department to enhance compliance with laid down procedures to enhance effective monitoring of revenue.Outlook

Increased focus on Internally Generated Revenue to enable IGR to grow and cover all recurrent expenditure.

To secure long term debt capital at competitive rates of interest to finance infrastructural projects. To ensure the debt service coverage ratios are within the acceptable sustainable thresholds.

Automation program to be extended to other revenue generating agencies.

To position the State such that it will attract funding from donor and multilateral agencies and to underpin the anticipated rapid development of Ogun State.

Festival of Arts and Culture and Ogun State won third place overall. On returning from NAFEST 2011 that was held in Calabar, we proceeded to Abuja Carnival where the State put up a fantastic performance which gave the State many Awards and Laurels.

The highpoint was the first ever State carnival with the presentation of Durbar which turned out to be a spectacular avenue to launder the image of the State via promoting and educating the entire world on Ogun State Culture.

The Ministry has also put up performances in so many governmental programmes among which are: Opening Ceremony of Stakeholders Energy Summit, First wives of Permanent Secretaries and Political Office Holders' Forum, Ogun State Business Summit (Investors Forum),Wives of Traditional

thrulers meeting, the 6 Edition of National Culture Quiz Competition among secondary schools in the whole Federation which was hosted and organized by the Ministry, Participation in the Black Meridian Blue “Black Heritage Festival” in Lagos, Valentine Jamz and Valentine Dinner with His Excellency Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the Cultural Centre. The Ministry

thalso participated in 36 meeting of the Executives of Culture of the Federation in Minna and “Isese Day” Celebration.TOURISM RELATED ISSUES

Ogun State is blesssed with many tourism sites which offer value for money ranging from natural to cultural historical to traditional, arts and crafts, business to leisure resorts, all of which are unique.

It is in view of maximizing the tourism potentials of the State that the Ministry goes all out to establish a coordinated tourism development strategy that encourages private sector participation, franchising of lucrative sites and development of support structures.

Parts of the achievements of this Ministry since the inception of this administration include:Familiarisation Tour of Tourist Sites 2011: The Ministry organized a familiarization and inspection of all tourist sites in the 20 Local Governments which has enabled us to get well acquainted with the existing sites and we have also projected the way forward on the development of yet to be developed sites“Exploring Adire: The Way Forward” The Ministry

istory was made on July 21, 2011, at the swearing-in of Commissioners for this administration when I was sworn in as the H

pioneer Commissioner for Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The Ministry was created to consolidate the transformation of Culture and Tourism into an economically viable sector and to rebrand Ogun State as a tourist destination of choice by nurturing and developing the Cultural sector of the State to the level obtainable on the global cultural scene which in years to come will become a leading contributor to the sustainable Ogun State economy.

We are very much aware of the numerous potentials that exist in the State for the promotion of our cultural heritage and tourist sites. These, we have supported as a ministry, and it is pertinent to place it on record that the Ogun State Government has put machinery in motion to complement the modest efforts we have made as a new Ministry. At the moment, the June 12 Cultural Centre is undergoing a massive facelift that is quite in line with the aspirations of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration to make the June 12 Cultural Centre a world class Cultural Centre.

Accordingly, this on-going infrastructural development of the Cultural Centre is no doubt capable of driving the existing potentials in the State which include natural and cultural attractions that are not only delightful to view but will also make it easy for the State to become a tourist's destination of choice. These potentials include wildlife for safaris, games reserve, natural pool for resorts and beach, species of mammals and other animals, plant species, lakes and rivers, forests and cultural festivals.

As such, the Ministry is getting Ogun State ready to join the global 'best practice' in socially, environmen-tally and culturally responsible tourism; preparing to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the State, and in the process of rebranding the State to become a tourist's destination of choice.CULTURAL RELATED ISSUES

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has put up actions leading to the preparation for 2011 National

organized a seminar to sensitize stakeholders in the Adire Industry on the way to re-package and re-brand our indigenous Adire fabric in order to make it competitive in the international market and entire fashion world.100 Days Celebration 2011-The Ministry of Culture and Tourism carried out the beautification of the two venues (Hubert Ogunde Hall and the Presidential Lodge) using our indigenous fabric “Adire”, indigenous Mats and Gourds during the 100 days celebration of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun -led Administration in office. Also, the horticultural needs of the Cultural Centre have not been left unattended to.Celebration of the World Tourism Day 2011- The World Tourism Day with the theme “Tourism Linking Culture was celebrated in grand style. It was a day earmarked to highlight the activities of tourism industry and ways to develop and promote the Industry through the exhibition of our local cuisines, snacks, cultural display and a Seminar with the topic: “Tourism: Vehicular Tool for Marketing Culture” and “Aesthetic Values of Culture Displayed through Tourism.”Ijebu-Ode - Ojude Oba 2011 My Ministry in collaboration with the Ojude Oba Organizing Committee organized a successful festival and projected the State positively by show-casing the rich culture of the State and market the Tourism potentials to the world.ICAN Conference The 2011 Annual Conference held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja where the Ministry show-cased the rich culture, tradition, food and way of life of the people of our dear State to the nation and market the Tourism potentials.Lagos International Trade Fair 2011 The Ministry of Culture and Tourism was part of this fair, projecting the riches of Ogun State Culture along with other States in the nation to the world.Pre-Olympics 2012-The Ministry represented the State at the Pre-London Olympics 2012 Exhibition held in Lagos. The event was organized to make ready all the participating States and individuals to meet up with the International standard at the Nigeria House during the Olympics 2012.Renovation of Expo Park - The Expo Park was

renovated with the construction of pedestrian gates for more access into the park and general paintings of the fence.Upgrading of Tourism Gallery The Ministry carried out the upgrading of the Tourism Gallery with Arts Works that speak on the history of our people, culture, tradition, religion, fabrics, cuisines and mineral resources of Ogun State.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is also facilitating 2012 Bank of Industry loan for Tourism stakeholders such as tie & dye fabrics, crafts, hospitality industries, etc.Training Workshop The Ministry organized a-2 day training workshop for Tourism Officers and Tour Guides with the topic “Better Tour Guiding” by a consultant from Philippines, Mrs. Edna- Evaluation held at the Olumo Rock Complex.Renovation and Upgrading of Madam Tinubu Shrine- One of the tourism sites is presently undergoing renovation and upgrading to meet International Standard and has almost reached the completion state.Ogun State Investors Forum -The Ministry participated in the Ogun State Investors Forum by show-casing and promoting the rich cultural Heritage and Tourism potentials of the State and sourcing for private investors for the development of the potentials.Upgrading of Adire International Market It is noteworthy that the Ogun State Government is about to commence an elaborate renovation and restructuring of the entire Adire Market. We intend to seek a Public-Private Partnership to enhance the fortunes of the Ogun State Fashion and Textile Industry. We have commenced this by having a synergy with relevant bodies that have identified untapped human capital in the Adire Industry.African's Home-Coming Arts Exhibition The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has plans in top-gear to show-case art and craft works at this Exhibition by providing a forum for the collection, classification and standardization of art and craft items; a Tour-Art Exhibition that will be graced by our own Noble laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is assiduously working and will not disappoint you all in ensuring a position whereby Tourism in Ogun State would become an enviable income earner and a strong economic pillar in the global market.

By Kemi Adeosun

By Chief Olu Odeyemi

OGUN UPDATE | May 201222 |

on which a topographical survey is also currently being carried out on the said parcel of land.G E O G R A P H I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M / L A N D INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS/LIS)

The Ogun State government is already working on deploying a robust GIS/LIS platform and ultimately, the automation of the operations of the Bureau.A T T R A C T I N G N E W INVESTORS

In order to attract new investors into the state, the State Government is evolving friendly land use and allocation policies. For instance, the State Government approved the grant of concessional rebates on

he utilization and management of land resources is the focal Tpoint that has guided the

State's land policy thrust. The Bureau of Lands and Survey, since the inception of the Administration of His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has spared nothing to ensure the attainment of these lofty goals. JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON LAND MATTERS

Towards the realisation of a judicious, dynamic, efficient and effective land management policy framework to drive its laudable 5-point agenda, one of the steps taken by the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun on assumption of duty was to set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into all land allocations, acquisition, sale and concession of g o ve r n m e n t p r o p e r t i e s a n d administration of land policies, rules and regulations.

Apart from addressing and redressing as much as possible past abuses and mal-administration of land which undoubtedly is a major resource of the state, the Commission was also expected to provide the way forward in evolving an efficient land management policy for Ogun State.

As expected, the Bureau of Lands, being the primary agency and custodian of the State's land resource, played pivotal roles during the public sitting of the Commission of Inquiry. I t i s e x p e c t e d t h a t t h e recommendations of the Commission will be the launching pad for the much needed land policy framework that will be the catalyst to jumpstart the economic growth and wealth creation for the betterment of the state.R E - P O S I T I O N I N G T H E BUREAU (PROCESS REVIEW PROJECT)

During the period under review, the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun also approved the Process Review Project for the Bureau. The project was initiated to review the internal processes and workflow in the Bureau with a view to removing bottlenecks and ensuring a seamless process that will deliver efficient services to our clients. The Bureau, by the end of the second quarter of 2012 will roll out the new work processes that will best position the Bureau as an efficient and u p - t o - d a t e e f f e c t i ve a g e n c y r e spons ib l e fo r l and po l i c y formulation and management.NEW LAND ACQUISITIONS

As a necessary step towards its Urban Renewal and Affordable Housing Agenda and Accelerated I n d u s t r i a l i z a t i o n a n d Ru r a l Development programmes, the State Government, through the Bureau effected compulsory acquisition of land in various parts of the state.

The Bureau is similarly playing pivotal roles in several developmental projects in the educational sector and infrastructural upgrade in form of land acquisition, acquisition of right o f w a y f o r r o a d c o n s t r u c t i o n / e x p a n s i o n a n d determination and payment of compensation. Some of the projects are listed hereunder:I B A R A - S O K O R I - T O T O R O

R O A D D U A L I S A T I O N PROJECT

During the period under review, the Bureau effected the compulsory acquisition of the right of way for the Ibara-Ita-Eko-Sokori-Totoro road expansion project.

The sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) was paid to each affected resident by the State Government as displacement allowance to the claimants in respect of this road expansion project. It must be said without sounding immodest that it will be the first time in the history of the state where such payment was made. In addition to this, a total sum of N293,231,902.00 was approved and released by the State Government and unexhausted improvements to the claimants/property owners.TOWN HOUSES PROJECT

Some land parcels within the Ibara-Ita-Eko-Totoro road were also acquired for the construction of modern town houses, shops, and communal car parks by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.SANGO IJOKO AGBADO ROAD DUALISATION PROJECT

Acquisition of Right of way along Sango-Ijoko-Agbado road for expansion was a lso effected. Consultant Estate Surveyors and Valuers have been engaged and are already working on the enumeration and valuation of affected structures for compensation purposes. These include, Sagamu-Ogijo road (2km), Acquisition Corridor and Siun-Ajura Road (1km), acquisition Corridor acquired for Development Control as well as New Town Development Acquisition (approx. 30,000 hectares)

Ministerial Scorecard Lands & Survey

land charges ranging from 40% - 80% to investors for various land uses.

The Bureau was also able to showcase the potentials of the state during the Ogun State Investors Forum held in March 2012.LAND DOCUMENTATION

T h e a c t i v i t i e s o f t h e Commission of Inquiry impacted on the activities of the Bureau. This was to ensure that nothing was done overtly or covertly to subvert the work of the Commission. However, Certificates of Occupancy and Letters of Governor's Consent are now being signed by the His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State. So far, 62 Certificates of Occupancy have been signed by the Governor this year while 746 applications were recently published

in a national daily as required by law.LAND TITLE RATIFICATION

T he process ing o f t i t l e ratification within government acquisition received a boost with the upgrading of the Land Title Ratification Unit to a full-fledged Department in the Bureau. The State Government has also approved the engagement of external consultants to ensure seamless Title Ratification process, thereby bringing its services nearer to the people and improving revenue generation.SURVEY ACTIVITIES

The Bureau undertook various survey activities during the period under review. In addition, boundary disputes between Ogun/Lagos States and Ogun/Ondo States were also severally reviewed during this period.

By Mrs. Ronke Sokefun

365 DAYS... MISSION TO REBUILD OGUN STATE

Urban & Physical Planningadministrative staff for the two Agencies i.e Urban and Regional Planning Board and Bureau of Urban and Physical Planning, was aimed at boosting the service delivery.effort of the Ministry. About 87 staffs made up of technical and supportive administrative staff were recently recruited. Consideration and Approval of Private and Public Scheme

The Bureau initiated the preparation of industrial and residential scheme on OPIC acquired land at Agbara, Ado-Odo Local government area where about 600 hectares of land is to be developed as Industrial/Residential Estate. Similarly the Agency was commission to prepare land sub-division scheme for industrial park along Lagos/Ibadan expressway. Evaluation of Environmental Impact Analysis Report and Issuance of land Use Clearance

The Bureau considered and treated a number of applications for land use clearance and granted approval as appropriate during the period while lot of applications are still under process-ing due to the laudable policy shift of this present administration to ensure accountability, transparency and due diligence in line with the extant regulations. The Government has

he Bureau, during reporting period, generated the sum of TOne Hundred and Eighty

Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty Six Naira, Ten Kobo (#180, 992, 766.10) while Urban and Regional Planning Board collected Six hundred and thirty two million, five hundred and ninety one thousand, six hundred and thirty Naira and sixty four kobo (#632, 591, 630.64).

Government in i t i a ted the preparation of a master plan for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway develop-ment corridor. The startup activities to prepare the plan has commenced by constituting an inter-ministerial technical committee for the prepara-tion of the master plan. It is the intention of the Bureau to conclude works in due course on its assignment to further ensure the orderly growth of this development pressure area adjoining Lagos State.

The Government also intends to prepare a Master Plan for Abeokuta Metropolitan Area in this financial year so as to give the state capital a new outlook in line with the aspirations of this administration. Arrangement and logistics to embark on this project is nearing conclusion.Staffing and Training

The recruitment of technical and

also initiated and approved the installation of medallion for the support of the GSM Service providers such as GLO, MTN, AIRTEL, e.t.c. in the State and they have been giving their maximum cooperation to the Government more than ever before.Development Control

In the past one year the Board registered and approved 4,646 and 4,129 building plans respectively. All litigations matters except three outstanding were successfully concluded in favour of the Ogun State Government by the Court. Out of the167 Petitions received 146 have been successfully concluded. Urban Renewal

The Board carried out studies and pilot development project design and costing for slum communities in the State.Such s i tes inc lude IbarapaAke in Abeokuta, Imupa in Ijebu-Ode, Ita Oba in Sagamu and Ijana in Ota. The implementation of these pilot projects is scheduled to commence soon. Similarly, detailed studies on environmental sanitation and improvement of eight blighted core areas of Abeokuta,Ijebu- Ode,Sagamu,Ota and Ilaro have been completed and ready for costing and subsequent implementation.Urban Reg iona l P lann ing Tribunal

In strict compliance with the due process stance of the present Administration There is now being put an Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal for conflict resolution on Town Planning matters.Publicity and Enlightenment

Achievement of phys ica l development orderliness, conducive living, working, recreating and worshipping environment require that we collectively comply with the normative and procedural statutory policies of the State Government and the Building Plan Regulations that have been put in place to achieve this. Hence the Bureau and the Board have embarked on aggressive State wide pub l i c i t y and en l ightenment programmes both in the print and the electronic media. Production of flyers on physical and development control, YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW and our consultation with CDCs Landlords Associations for public awareness and enlightenment have been very useful. Granting of development permit on floodable areas, while subsidence is being prevented via massive publicity and sensitization and development approval process.Granting of development permit on floodable areas, while subsidence is being prevented via massive publicity and sensitization and development approval process.

By Arc. Segun Abiodun

Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, Special Adviser/DG, Lands & Survey presenting a cheque of compensation to one of those whose houses were demolished to give way to the six-lane Ita-Eko Road

SportsSPORTS| 23OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

IVORIAN interna-tional, Didier Drogba has f ired Engl ish Premiersh ip s ide , Chelsea to this year's UEFA Champions league triumph.

Playing in the final at the majestic Allianz Arena in Munich, G e r m a n y a g a i n s t home side Bayern Munich, the Roberto di Matteo tutored side beat their host 4-3 on penalty kicks after the full and extra time had ended 1-1.

Bayern Munich who were seeking their Fourth Champion League title seems to have won the match when Thomas Muller scored in the 83rd minute but the man for the big occasion, Didier Drogba got Chelsea

ththe lifeline with his 88 min headed goal off a corner-kick.

Although he fell Frank Ribery in the vital area, the resultant penalty which was saved by Peter Cech, Drogba scored the deciding penalty-kick with unbelievable calmness to help Chelsea win their first major title.

The win was not only a fitting glory

Drogba Fires Chelsea To Champions League Trophy

for Chelsea's older players like Drogba, Frank Lampard, Peter Cech and captain John Terry but an excellent one for interim manager, Roberto Di Matteo who is now highly favoured to be given a permanent job by owner Roman Abramovich who have invested over 1 billion dollars in Chelsea's rise to its present status.

For winning the glamorous title, Chelsea got 9million Euros while runners-up Bayern Munich smiled to the bank with 5.6 million Euros.

With the win Chelsea has now joined the elite class of clubs that have won the trophy.

MESSIBallon d'or Winner, Lionel Messi

says he will always cherish the success he enjoyed under his Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola who will step down at the end of the season.

Messi added that he will remain forever grateful and indebted to Guardiola for everything he has given him in football.

The dynamic attacker has also taken to social networking platforms to pay tribute to Guardiola.

GUARDIOLAValenti Guardiola, the father of

Pep stated that the Barcelona Coah was overworked and exhausted and feels he made the right decision to take a break from football.

Guardiola recently announced that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season and his father insisted that Pep needs the rest.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUEThe draw for the groups stages of

the money-spinning CAF Champions League have been made at the CAF

BITS & PIECESheadquarter in Cairo, Egypt.

N ig e r i a ' s r e p re sen t a t ive s, Sunshine Stars of Akure are drawn in groupA alongside ASO Chief of Algeria and the Tunisian duo of defending champions Esperance and Etoile-du-Sahel.

In Group B are Cairo grants Al-Ahly and Zamalek, 2010 champions TP Mazembe from DR Cango and debutants Berukum Chelsea of Ghana.

FOOTBALL Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi

says he is grateful to his teammates for helping him to score 50 goals in Laliga, which earned him the “Pichichi'' award as the league's top goal scorer.

Messi also broke the record of the most goals in a single La-Liga season which was set by Christiano Ronaldo last season when he scored 41 goals.

This is the Argentine's second Pichichi after winning the trophy during the 2009-2010 seasons when he scored 34 goals in 34 matches.

C. RONALDOMadrid Coach, Jose Morinho says

Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this year's World best player the Ballon d'or.

Mouriho believes that Ronaldo's 46 strikes carry more weight because they were crucial to Rear Madrid's title success adding that Messi's 50 goals should be waved aside when it is time for FFA to name the world's best player.

DAGLISHLiverpool have sacked their

manager, Kenny Daglish.The 61year old Scot led Liverpool

to League Cup success and the FA Cup final in his second stint in charge but he came under pressure after Liverpool

thfinished 8 in the Premier League, 37points behind champions, Manches-

ter City.This clubs position was seen as a

poor return on millions spent on new players last summer while Dalglish was also criticized for defending Luis Suarez after the Liverpool striker was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

ATHLETICSThe f i r s t Gateway Ha l f

Marathon Athletics competition is to hold next month in Abeokuta.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Ministry of Youth and Sports and Spur Sports in his office, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Gbenga Otenuga said the competition will be flagged off by the State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

While stating that the half-marathon will not cost the govern-ment a penny, the Commissioner expressed happiness that the private sector are now showing confidence in the Senator Amosun led government adding that he is looking forward to other private partnership between his ministry and the private sector in other areas of sports development.

Aside from the competition angle of the competition, Mr. Otenuga said the marathon will offer citizens the opportunity of further enhance their physical exercise.

The Memorandum of Under-standing is to cover three years.

YEKINIEX- Zambia hardman, Mordan

Malitoli has hailed his 1994 African Cup of Nations final nemesis Rasidi Yekinni as a legend.

Yekinni and bandaged head-wrapped Malitoli had heated duel during the1994 Nations cup final in Tunisia that has become part of Chipolopolo Africa Cup folklore.

Stories by Rotimi Oduniyi

Malitoli in an interview in his hometown in Kitwe said Yekinni's death was a great shock.

He said Yekinni was one of the greatest finishers he ever played against adding that the fallen Nigeria No 9 was tricky, strong and very technical.

As a defender,Malitoli said Yekini was not easy with the kind of reputa-tion he had then.

The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyatechi has sent his condolences to the people of Nigeria and Senegal following the death of their football legends in the space of a week.

Rashidi Yekinni, a former Nigeria international striker died at the age of 48 while Senegal forward Jules Bocande died at 54.

Nyteck said the GFA was deeply

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Chelsea Football Club’s Players pose with their Champion’s League Trophy after their win over Bayern Munich

…As the Blues wins its first major title…As the Blues wins its first major titlePast Winners of the Champions League

2001/02 Real Madrid 2-1 Leverkusen2002/03 AC Milan 3-2(pens) Juventus2003/04 FC Porto 3-0 AS Monaco2004/05 Liverpool 3-2(pens) AC Milan2005/06 Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal2006/07 AC Milan 2-1 Liverpool2007/08 Man Utd 6-5(pens) Chelsea 2008/09 Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd 2009/10 Inter Milan 2-0 Bayern Munich2010/11 Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd2011/12 Chelsea 4-3 (pens) Bayern Munich

shocked and saddened by the news of the untimely death of Yekini and Bocande.

He said the football fraternities in Ghana are mourning the death of these African greats.

FOOTBALLE n g l a n d M a n a g e r , Roy

Hodgson has named Steven Gerard as his captain for next month's Euro 2012 campaign.

Scott Parker was one of several other players in contention but Hodgson said the Liverpool midfielder deserved it on merit.

Gerrard has not led his country since the Euro 2012 3-1 qualifying away win against Switzerland in September 2010.

Christiano Ronaldo

Rashidi Yekini in action

OGUN UPDATE | May 2012

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Published by: Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Tel: 08106505683Letters and Contributions: The Editor, P.M.B. 2034, Abeokuta or E-mail: oguninfo@yahoo.com, oguninfo@gmail.com Editor: Kayode Bello