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Omoluabi Movement Convener Akintunde Congratulates Ward, Local Government Executives in Ogun

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Omoluabi Movement Convener Akintunde Congratulates Ward, Local Government Executives in Ogun

The Ogun State-based political movement of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Omoluabi, has congratulated all elected executive committee members at the ward and local government levels following their concluded elections.

Akintunde, in a congratulatory message released to journalists on Saturday through the movement’s Director of Media and Publicity, Oluseun Joshua, described their smooth victories as a strong indication of a positive trajectory for the upcoming party primaries in the state.

In his message, the convener also extended heartfelt felicitations to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noting that under his leadership, both ward and local government elections were conducted peacefully without crisis.

Akintunde said the process demonstrates that the forthcoming party primaries in the state can also be held peacefully, ensuring that rightful candidates emerge.

“Our Governor, principal, and leader of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, has once again shown the strength of his leadership and his commitment to steering the party effectively in the state.

“What we are witnessing in Ogun State politics today is evidence that both the upcoming party primaries and the general elections will be conducted peacefully. I commend our leader and Governor for this.”

The convener further appealed to the newly elected executive members to remain faithful and committed to the progress and unity of the party, regardless of personal relationships or positions held. He emphasized that the party’s victory in future elections must remain a top priority.

“I urge our newly elected executives at the ward and local government levels to stay steadfast, focused, and dedicated to promoting the unity and advancement of the party in their respective roles.

“As the 2027 elections approach, the involvement of ward and local government leaders will be crucial. All politics is local, and the unity and progress of the party must remain our foremost concern.” – he appealed.

END

250 Ghost Workers: UNIOSUN Demands Apology, Threatens Legal Action Over Audit Report

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250 Ghost Workers: UNIOSUN Demands Apology, Threatens Legal Action Over Audit Report

Management of Osun State University has demanded a formal apology from Sally Tibbot Ltd after a payroll audit report allegedly listed 250 university workers as “ghost workers.”

Vice Chancellor Clement Adebooye told journalists in Osogbo on Saturday that the university may institute legal action if the audit firm fails to issue a formal apology.

Adebooye said he was personally verified during the audit exercise but was still listed as a ghost worker in the report released after the verification.

He said 249 other staff members were also classified as ghost workers, describing the outcome as an attempt to damage the institution’s reputation.

The Governing Council and Management of Osun State University view the consultant’s report as being precariously subjective, in bad faith, unprofessional and a deliberate attempt to smear the image and reputation of the University with falsehood and malice,” he said.

The vice chancellor alleged that the consultant lacked understanding of university employment structures, including sabbatical leave, study leave, visiting lecturer arrangements and research leave.

He said legitimate staff members on approved leave were wrongly categorised as ghost workers.

The listing of 250 members of staff (on ground) as ghost workers laid credence to the suspicion that Sally Tibbot focused on her returns rather than the accountability objective of the exercise.totos

“The University unequivocally questions the methodological basis upon which the ghost workers list was drawn, particularly in the light of documented evidence of physical verification,” he said.

The university demanded a formal apology from the audit firm and warned that it would approach the court if the request was not met.

We request a formal apology to the institution and affected individuals from Sally Tibbot. The Vice-Chancellor and eminent Professors have been bombarded by embarrassing telephone calls, messages and letters from local and international organisations because of the embarrassing audit report. We may go to court to seek redress,” Adebooye said.

Efforts to reach the Chief Executive Officer of Sally Tibbot Ltd, Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Calls to her phone number failed, and a message sent via WhatsApp had not been responded to.

The controversy stems from the May/June 2023 staff audit exercise conducted by the consulting firm for the Osun State government.

Bakrin-Ottun had previously alleged that the state government failed to act on findings that reportedly identified about 15,000 ghost workers and retirees on the payroll.

However, the state government, through Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, accused the firm of inflating ghost worker figures to earn higher commission.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Osun State called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged payroll irregularities.

APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi said the probe was necessary to determine the extent of involvement of all parties.

In response, Peoples Democratic Party state chairman Sunday Bisi said the opposition party was defending a consultant whose figures were allegedly disproved during verification.

He said the focus should remain on payroll reforms being implemented by the state government.

Ramadan and Ash Wednesday: Ogun NUJ Calls for Piety, Reflection, and National Prayers

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Ramadan and Ash Wednesday: Ogun NUJ Calls for Piety, Reflection, and National Prayers

Ramadan and Ash Wednesday: Ogun NUJ Calls for Piety, Reflection, and National Prayers

ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA – As the holy month of Ramadan commences and the Christian faithful observe Ash Wednesday, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, extends its warmest greetings to all Muslims and Christians across the state.

This rare convergence of two significant spiritual journeys—the Islamic fast and the Lenten season—serves as a divine reminder of our shared humanity and the need for a collective return to the path of righteousness.

The Council emphasizes that this period should be more than just a ritualistic observance of abstinence from food and drink. It is a golden opportunity for all citizens to embrace the core virtues of piety, self-discipline, and brotherly love.

We urge our members and the general public to use this solemn time to reflect on their personal lives and their contributions to the moral fabric of our society, ensuring that the lessons of sacrifice transcend the duration of the fast.

In light of the various socio-economic challenges currently facing our nation, the Ogun NUJ calls on all religious adherents to dedicate their voices to fervent prayers for Nigeria.

We believe that through sincere supplication and a commitment to ethical conduct, we can navigate the complexities of our time.

Let us pray for our leaders to be guided by wisdom and compassion, and for our communities to be shielded by peace and prosperity.

Furthermore, the Union uses this medium to remind journalists in the state to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics during these holy seasons.

As the “watchdogs” of society, our reports should promote harmony and hope rather than discord.

We must lead by example, demonstrating the same temperance and integrity in our reportage that these religious observances demand of us as individuals.

In conclusion, the Ogun NUJ wishes all Muslim Ummah a rewarding Ramadan Kareem and all Christian faithful a reflective and soul-cleansing Lenten season.

May the sacrifices of these periods bring lasting peace to Ogun State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large.

E-Signed:

Comrade Wale OLANREWAJU
Chairman, Ogun NUJ

Comrade Bunmi ADIGUN
Secretary, Ogun NUJ

Omoluabi Movement Visits Ooni Ogunwusi, Secures Royal Blessings Ahead of 2027 Elections

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Omoluabi Movement Visits Ooni Ogunwusi, Secures Royal Blessings Ahead of 2027 Elections
  • Convener vows massive grassroots mobilisation for APC in 2027 general elections; commends members for dedication, steadfastness and commitment.

The Ogun State-based political movement, Omoluabi, led by its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the revered royal icon of Yorubaland, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife.

The visit was aimed at receiving royal blessings and guidance as the group prepares for the 2027 general elections. During the visit, the movement also unveiled 26 newly acquired buses to strengthen its political mobilization efforts across Ogun State.

The delegation, which included selected executive members, local government coordinators, and the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, was warmly received by the monarch.

Speaking during the visit, Akintunde described the Ooni as a father figure whose leadership and character inspired the name “Omoluabi.” He noted that seeking the monarch’s blessings was a significant step in the movement’s journey toward the next political phase in Ogun State and nation at large.

“We visited our royal father whose his character has demonstrated Omoluabi in all spheres of humanity. He was part of the idea when we started, Ooni is a father to us all, therefore moving into political journey, it’s important for us to seek for his royal blessings.

“This journey we have embarked upon is aimed at supporting the second-term aspiration of our party’s national leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his re-election bid. We are equally committed to supporting all our party’s candidates in Ogun State following the primaries.

“We are prepared to mobilize massively across the length and breadth of the state. The second-term race of our dear President, Asiwaju, remains our primary assignment, followed by unwavering support for all candidates who emerge in the forthcoming elections, just as we did prior to the 2023 general elections.

“This is a begining exercise for us all in the Omoluabi Political Movement in Ogun State, I appreciate our members, coordinators both the state and local governments levels, their unwavering commitment is top notch, may we continue to grow in strength and as we prepare towards the coming elections in Ogun State” – Akintunde said.

In the same vein, the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, commended the convener’s vision, commitment and dedication, emphasizing that the newly branded buses would enhance grassroots mobilization and facilitate participation in the forthcoming national convention in Abuja.

In his remarks, the monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed joy at receiving the group and offered prayers for continued growth, unity and success in their future endeavours.

The political movement, Omoluabi has continued to distinguish itself as a fast-growing, grassroots-driven political platform committed to leadership development, community engagement and progressive governance in Ogun State.

With a strong presence across local governments and a clear mobilization structure, the group has positioned itself as a formidable force dedicated to empowering citizens and fostering inclusive political participation.

Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Omoluabi has demonstrated resilience, strategic organization and a people-centred vision aimed at sustainable development and democratic advancement.

The unveiling of the 26 buses further reflects the movement’s readiness, coordination and commitment to structured political engagement as it steadily builds momentum toward 2027.

  • Oluseun JOSHUA,
    State Media Director, Omoluabi Movement

Osoba Speaks on His Relationship with Governor Abiodun in Ogun

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Osoba Speaks on His Relationship with Governor Abiodun in Ogun

Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba has described his relationship with the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun as very cordial and mutual.

Osoba, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with journalists in Abeokuta, said that the reason why godfatherism has not been an issue in the state was because of the mutual harmony that exists between both of them.

The former governor, also stressed that since the inception of the present administration in the state, under Prince Dapo Abiodun, he has refused to interfere with his government in any way, adding that he has never suggested anybody to him to be placed in any particular office.

The Akinrogun of Egbaland, further stressed that he has never put pressure on him to nominate anybody for any office in the state since Gov. Dapo Abiodun assumed office in 2019.

Osoba, who is also the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointed out that the relationship of godfatherism between both of them is based on mutual respect for each other.

According to him, “I respect him as Chief Executive Officer of the state and current father of the state. I give him that respect and he reciprocates it with respect to me too”.

The APC national leader, however, maintained that, this is why there is harmony between him and the governor of Ogun state, which has really transcend to the peace and harmony in the state.

Ogun Amotekun Launches CCTV Control Room to Tackle Crime

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Ogun Amotekun Launches CCTV Control Room to Tackle Crime

The Ogun State Government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to empowering security agencies to combat crime and maintain law and order in the state.

The government has equally emphasised the deployment of technology to improve real-time crime-fighting and detection, to ensure that everyone in the state sleeps with their two eyes closed, while flushing out criminal-minded residents from the state.

The Secretary to the state government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, disclosed this on Wednesday while unveiling the CCTV control room of the Ogun State Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, at their state command headquarters in Abeokuta.

Mr Talabi, who hailed the ingenuity of the Amotekun Corps Commander, Brig Gen Alade Adedigba (retd.), for setting up the CCTV Control Room, said the government is pleased that the security agency is embracing growth and professionalism and will be supported more to secure the state.

He stated that the importance of deploying intelligence and technology to keep any society safe cannot be overemphasised, saying that he was glad that the leadership of Amotekun not only had foresight but was also thinking progressively to raise the bar in ensuring a safe Ogun state for all.

The SSG said, “When we look at the fact that Amotekun is like a pioneer force that was deliberately set up to help with certain aspects of our security, and if you look at the time they have just been in existence, an initiative like this CCTV control room gives the state government a lot of confidence.

”It goes to show that at least the professionalism that we are expecting, somebody is strategically thinking about it.

The fact that when the corps grows bigger, right now they have about 2,000 operatives, to administer 2,000 operatives needs some form of technology.

“To also be able to cover our very vast land, we need operatives, we need technology in very critical areas.

“This is a very good concept and I believe that with this in place, then we can start to begin to build on it and expand it. It’s a very good initiative. It’s something that we do. It’s something that will take us to the next level.

“It’s something that will significantly improve security in our dear state. I am definitely impressed with what I have seen so far with the demonstration. The template is good, and we can take it up from here.”

The SSG said that, although there are currently only three centres where the closed-circuit cameras are in operation, the state government is committed to scaling up the pilot phase and ensuring that every part of the state is covered.

Talabi emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among all security agencies, noting that security is a complex process that cannot be entrusted to any single saviour. Therefore, there is always a need for synergy to keep the state safe.

He said, “It is also good for us to emphasise the need for collaboration because we don’t want to take for granted what we have. I believe we have a good collaboration because we meet regularly.

Everybody exchanges their own views, but we cannot overemphasise it because that is the strength that a state can have.

That is the place of capacity building. That is the place of efficiency.

“So if