In a powerful demonstration of political awareness and collective purpose, women from across Ogun State have united under the banner of the D.A. 2027 Project to declare their readiness for greater participation in governance and leadership. Though not directly initiated by the Executive Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the movement stands as a strong endorsement of his transformative ISEYA mantra, which continues to reposition Ogun State as Nigeria’s leading hub for sustainable development.

The event, spearheaded by the dynamic Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Oyinkansola Cole, Commissioner III of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission, brought together women from diverse backgrounds to engage, empower, and elevate each other politically. It served as a crucial platform to inspire political consciousness among women and amplify their voices in the democratic space.

Women from all fifteen wards of Odogbolu Local Government Area were well represented, seizing the opportunity to explore the numerous benefits of active political involvement. Esteemed guest speakers emphasized the need for increased female participation in governance across local, state, and federal levels, highlighting the value women bring to leadership roles.

Chief (Mrs.) Bisola Diya, wife of the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, served as the Chairperson of the Day. In her address, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to all attendees and reaffirmed her commitment to the movement. Describing herself as “a sister, daughter, and ally in the women’s political movement,” she formally inaugurated 15 Ward Coordinators across Odogbolu LGA, charging them with the responsibility of advancing the leadership aspirations of Ogun women.

Adding her voice to the cause, the APC Women Leader of Odogbolu Local Government called for unity among women, urging them to put aside differences. “Only through unity can we truly attain relevance. Let us come together as one, and the doors of opportunity will be opened unto us,” she stated.

The D.A. 2027 Project is more than a political movement—it is a call to purposeful action, unity, and visionary leadership, led by women who believe in the future of Ogun State. Inspired by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s achievements, these women are not waiting for permission—they are taking the lead.

The Federal Government generated N84.05bn from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy in the first quarter of 2025, according to data obtained from a Federal Inland Revenue Service document seen by Sunday PUNCH.

The figure represents a 76 per cent year-on-year increase compared to the N47.74bn collected during the same period in 2024, reflecting stronger enforcement and the expanding use of digital payment platforms across Nigeria.

A breakdown of the figures showed that in January 2025, EMTL collections stood at N21.40bn, a 29.1 per cent rise from the N16.59bn recorded in January 2024.

February collections recorded the most significant jump, rising to N36.64bn from N15.79bn in February 2024 — more than doubling year-on-year with an increase of 132 per cent.

In March 2025, EMTL revenues were N26.01bn, up by 69.2 per cent from the N15.37bn earned in March 2024.

Month-on-month, February’s N36.64bn was 71 per cent higher than January’s N21.40bn.

However, March saw a 29 per cent drop from February’s peak, although it still outperformed March 2024 by a wide margin.

The EMTL, introduced under the Finance Act 2020 and implemented in 2021, imposes a N50 levy on electronic receipts or transfers of N10,000 and above.

Proceeds from the levy are shared among the three tiers of government based on an approved revenue-sharing formula, providing a supplementary revenue source that has grown in importance amid Nigeria’s push for increased non-oil revenues.

Usually, the proceeds are shared among the three tiers of government, with 15 per cent to the Federal Government and 85 per cent to states and local governments.

Sunday PUNCH further learnt that only about 96 per cent of the total EMTL revenue was shared among the three tiers of government.

An analysis of statements from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation showed that the Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursed a total of N80.69bn from Electronic Money Transfer Levy collections to the Federal Government, state governments, and local government councils in the first quarter of 2025.

This figure represents a significant increase from the N46.45bn shared in the corresponding period of 2024.

March 2024 EMTL collections stood at N15.369bn, with N2.213bn allocated to the Federal Government, N7.377bn to states, and N5.164bn to local governments.

On a year-on-year basis, the total EMTL shared in the first quarter of 2025 rose by 73.7 per cent compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

The Federal Government’s total EMTL allocation increased from N6.875bn in Q1 2024 to N12.104bn in Q1 2025, reflecting a growth of approximately 76 per cent.

For state governments, the amount rose from N22.916bn in the first three months of 2024 to N37.262bn in the same period of 2025, representing a 62.6 per cent increase.

Local government councils recorded the highest growth rate among the three tiers, with EMTL receipts rising by about 88 per cent from N16.659bn in Q1 2024 to N31.325bn in Q1 2025.

The Iperu Akesan Development Association, under the leadership of Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, will on Friday, May 2, 2025, host all indigenes of Iperu in a grand celebration of the meritorious retirement of its illustrious daughter and the first female Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

In a statement released to journalists on Sunday by Mr. Temitope Oyekan, a member of the Social and Publicity Sub-Committee of the AGF Homecoming Reception Planning Committee announced that:

“Iperu Remo, a town in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, South West Nigeria, will be agog on Friday, May 2, as it holds a grand homecoming reception for Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, who retired from public service on Friday, March 7, 2025, after attaining the age of 60 and completing over three decades of distinguished service in the Federal Civil Service.

“The reception, organized under the auspices of the Iperu Akesan Development Association, will celebrate Dr. Madein’s exceptional service to the nation as the Accountant-General of the Federation, a position she held with distinction following her appointment on May 18, 2023, by the immediate past President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari.

“Dr. Madein is also being honoured for her outstanding contributions to the development of her hometown, which have earned her a special place in the hearts of the people of Iperu.

“Earlier this year, the Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo-led Iperu Akesan Development Association constituted a high-powered committee to organize a befitting homecoming event. The committee, composed of eminent sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland, is chaired by Mr. Lanre Shittu, Chairman of Suntrust Bank, with Mr. Armstrong Temitope Akintunde, National President of Christ Apostolic Grammar School Old Students Association (CAGSOSA), serving as Vice Chairman.

Other notable members include: Oloye ‘Jide Sosan, the Aro of Iperu; Dr. Oluremi Runsewe, Global President of Akesan Community Grammar School Old Students Association (ACOSA); Lion Dr. Folasade Shotomide, District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404A3; Prince Wale Bama Oyekoya, Treasurer of the Iperu Akesan Development Association, Chairman of the Light Up Iperu Scheme Management Board, and Consultant on Agriculture to the Ogun State Governor; Comrade Rahman Odunayo.

“Otunba Wale Abdul, Vice President of the Iperu Akesan Development Association and National President of the Mayflower School Old Students Association (MOSA), serves as the Secretary to the Committee.

“The Committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that the reception is a landmark event, symbolizing Iperu’s collective pride in celebrating excellence and community advancement.

“Dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include: His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State (Special Guest of Honour); Hon. Jamiu Asimi, Executive Chairman of Ikenne Local Government (Guest of Honour); His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi (Torungbuwa II), the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland (Royal Father of the Day); Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, CON, Balogun and Babaoba of Iperu, Odole Oodua of the Source, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Iperu Development Association (Father of the Day).

“Members of the Iperu Regency Council and the Iperu Council of Obas are also expected to attend.

“Born on March 7, 1965, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, into the family of the late Alhaji Surakat Oyebanjo Sanni (Olowo Oloye), a former Seriki Adinni of Iperu, Dr. Madein’s academic brilliance and professional excellence paved the way for her historic appointment as the first female Accountant-General of the Federation.

“Her retirement marks not just the end of an illustrious career, but the beginning of a new chapter. It is a moment to reflect on a life dedicated to public service, a life marked by innovation, integrity, transparency, and steadfast commitment to excellence.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Madein championed transparency, accountability, and probity. Her tenure as Accountant-General was characterized by landmark reforms, including the robust implementation and expansion of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), and the launch of various capacity-building initiatives for civil servants.

“A highly respected professional, Dr. Madein is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a Fellow and Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a Member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).

“Her academic credentials include a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), a PhD in Management Finance from Walden University, Minnesota, USA, and a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) from Commonwealth University”.

“The entire Iperu community looks forward with excitement and pride to celebrating a true trailblazer whose legacy of excellence will continue to inspire generations”.

The Ogun-East Public Relations Officer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Tolulope Olubiyi Oduyemi popularly known as ‘Ocean B’ has mourned the passing of Ambassador Olatunde Oladunjoye, describing him as a ‘media guru per excellence’ and an influential political figure whose death came as a shock to many.

In his heartfelt tribute, Ocean B emphasized Oladunjoye’s lasting impact within Ogun State’s political and media landscapes.

“The name Ambassador Olatunde became a household name in Ogun politics. He was a versatile media expert whose contributions can never be forgotten.

“I have no doubt that my boss and political leader is now with his Creator. He did his part while on earth. I vividly remember his unwavering support during recent political contests in Ogun State, he fought for the party and stood firm through thick and thin.

“He was not just a political warrior, but an uncommon soul who left a powerful legacy for those of us coming behind. His foundation’s initiative, ‘Oniroyin’ was dedicated to supporting the families of late journalists, another testament to his heart for service.”

Ocean B asserted that the Oladunjoye’s passing is a reminder of life’s transient nature; offers prayers for the bereaved family and all who worked closely with the late Ambassador.

Said he, “His journey on earth has ended, and he now rests with his maker; politics will continue, but his contributions will forever echo among us.”

“I wish his family, especially his beloved children, as well as our political leaders, the strength to bear this great loss. His name will remain evergreen in our hearts.”

Adieu, Ambassador Olatunde Oladunjoye.