Home Blog Page 28

Ogun Assembly Summons Commissioner, Contractor Over Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway Gridlock

OgunSpeaks Media
-
0
Ogun Assembly Summons Commissioner, Contractor Over Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway Gridlock

Ogun State House of Assembly has invited the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, and the contractor of Craneburg Construction Company, to appear before it to deliberate on finding solutions to traffic gridlock along Toll Gate and Papalanto/ Ewekoro axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

It requested that both the commissioner and the contractor handling the ongoing construction project on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Craneburg Construction, appear before the House on Tuesday, 28th October, at 2.00 pm for an interface on the matter.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said the invitation followed a presentation by a former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, and the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sherrif, who raised the issue of increasing traffic gridlock causing unnecessary delays of valuable time along the axis.

The duo criticised the rapid deterioration of certain sections of the road shortly after repairs, noting that the worsening traffic situation had gone beyond the control of the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE).

In another development, the Assembly passed a resolution emphasising the urgent need for the resuscitation and establishment of functional sick bays in all public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The passage of the resolution sponsored by Hon. Damilola Soneye followed the adoption of the debate, which was moved by Soneye, seconded by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, and supported by the other lawmakers.

Earlier, the sponsor, Hon. Soneye, said that the establishment of sick bays would help provide first aid, address medical emergencies in schools, assist in early diagnosis, and prevent avoidable health risks among students.

Corroborating the sponsor, lawmakers, including Honourable Olakunle Sobukanla, Yusuf Amosun, Babatunde Tella, Damilare Bello, Waliu Owode, Oluseun Adesanya and Lukman Adeleye, emphasised that qualified health professionals should man such facilities.

The House further urged the Ministries of Health and Education, Science and Technology to collaborate in developing a standardised school health policy framework by employing the graduates of the State Polytechnic of Health Technology, Ilese, to oversee the school bays; while encouraging private schools to establish first-aid units and health clinics.

Ogun NUJ Condemns Unlawful Detention of Union Secretary by Police Area Commander

OgunSpeaks Media
-
0
Ogun NUJ Condemns Unlawful Detention of Union Secretary by Police Area Commander

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is appalled and outraged by the illegal detention of our Union Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun by the Police Area Commander of Zone 2, Abeokuta, ACP Ogundele Olorunwa. This consistent brazen abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law of this supposed senior police officer is unacceptable and demands immediate attention by the higher authorities of the force.

The Council Secretary, while engaging in efforts to restore sanity around our Council Secretariat last night, an area that has unfortunately become overrun by individuals, especially ladies of the night (Olosho), engaging in activities that undermine the dignity of our profession and safety of our community, was detained for hours on Tuesday, October 21st till the wee hours of Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 by the Area Commander, upon reporting and seeking assistance of the police to arrest a defiant individual, who is equally a lady of low virtue (Olosho), that was continuously causing a nuisance in and around of our Secretariat.

Shockingly, instead of supporting our efforts to maintain law and order, the Area Commander chose to detain our Union Secretary for hours after checking his Facebook account and realized the Secretary used the CDHR story against the Area Commander. He confronted Comrade Adigun, thanking his stars for the opportunity to have his pound of flesh. He immediately ordered his detention, and a written statement, citing an alleged authority that clearly reflects an abuse of power. These actions are a clear example of policing gone wrong, prioritizing personal interests, and aiding and abetting immorality over public safety and the rule of law.

This incident is unacceptable and indicative of a troubling trend within the law enforcement hierarchy. The Nigeria Union of Journalists condemns this act as a blatant violation of the rights of a law-abiding citizen and journalist who was merely fulfilling his duty to uphold the law alongside police officers. While standing firmly against any form of intimidation, harassment, or abuse of authority by law enforcement officials, we discountenance actions that undermine press freedom and the rights of citizens.

Furthermore, we are aware that the Area Commander currently has a pending case before the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, which raises even more alarm about the conduct of individuals in positions of authority. However, this growing number of complaints against the actions of the Area Commander necessitates immediate attention and action to prevent further deterioration of law enforcement’s reputation and conduct within our community.

Though we are reassured by our cordial relationships with other police officers of integrity, especially the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, as a matter of exigency, we call on the CP himself to take swift action against this errant officer and ensure that justice is served. Ogun NUJ deserves better cooperation from the law enforcement agencies as we strive to sanitize our secretariat.

As a Union, we stand united in solidarity with our Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, and in advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of our rights as journalists.

We demand immediate investigation into Comrade Adigun’s illegal detention, and a thorough investigation into the Area Commander’s conduct with appropriate attendant actions towards justice.

Equally, we urge the government of Ogun State and other law enforcement agencies to uphold the rights and safety of the media, reaffirm their commitment to press freedom and the safeguarding of journalists’ rights in Ogun State. Any harassment or intimidation against media practitioners must come to an end. We therefore, encourage all media practitioners and members of the public to lend their voices in this crucial matter.

We will not back down until the Area Commander is brought to justice for his abuse of authority.

Signed:

Comrade ‘Wale Olanrewaju,
Chairman, NUJ Ogun State Council.

Ogun Announces Free Breast Cancer Screening for 10,000 Women

OgunSpeaks Media
-
0
Ogun Announces Free Breast Cancer Screening for 10,000 Women

Wife of the Ogun State Governor, and First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, through her Ajose Foundation has declared free breast cancer tests for 10,000 women across the state for the next two years.

Abiodun, is in collaboration with First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Roche Pharmaceuticals and the State Ministry of Health.

The first lady, made this declaration known at the official opening of the Ogun State FLAC Breast Cancer Screening Clinic, at Oba Ademola Hospital, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

According to her, breast cancer accounts for twenty percent of all cancer-related deaths, and Ogun State is the second State after Kwara to have the FLAC cancer screening clinic in Nigeria.

While appreciating Roche Pharmaceuticals for giving priority to Ogun State, the First Lady emphasised that early diagnosis increased the chances of survival, saying the clinic offered early detection, timely intervention and sustained care to the public.

In her goodwill message, Wife of the former Governor of Kebbi State, who is also the former Chairperson of FLAC and President of Union of International Cancer Control, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, advised woman to make use of the clinic judiciously by screening for cancer as soon as they notice any lump in their breasts, rather than resorting to pseudo-medical practices that could become fatal over time.

Also speaking, the current Chairperson of FLAC and First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma, said the collaboration is crucial in advancing the shared goal of present and past First Ladies in fighting cancer to a standstill in Nigeria, adding that the clinic would bring screening services to those who need it the most.

In his remarks, the General Manager Roche Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Ladi Hameed, promised his organization’s continued technical expertise in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health towards ensuring sustainability of the screening and treatment services in the State.

Speaking with journalists, the Chief Medical Director, Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital, Dr. Olugbenga Taiwo, disclosed that the clinic would run on Mondays and Thursdays of every week, adding that this was to ensure regular access and wide coverage of the screening services.

A survivor and founder of Segunfunmi Cancer Support Foundation, Mrs. Funmilola Agbayewa said the breast cancer diagnostic clinic is coming at the right time when woman need to be highly conscious of their breast cancer status, noting that while battling with the breast cancer 8 years ago, such privilege was not available to her.

The event wrapped up with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the First Lady, the Commissioner for Health and General Manager, Roche Pharmaceuticals.

FRSC to Launch Contactless Biometric Capture and Instant Licence Printing

OgunSpeaks Media
-
0
FRSC to Launch Contactless Biometric Capture and Instant Licence Printing

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to commence contactless biometric capture and on-the-spot printing of driver’s licences across the country.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this while addressing reporters during the 2025 “Ember Month” campaign held on Monday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the initiative would eliminate delays and challenges associated with the issuance of national driver’s licences and number plates.

He explained that the move marked the beginning of a digitalised one-stop system for processing driver’s licences.

“Our printing facility has been upgraded to print an average of 15,000 driver’s licences daily. This production average will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025,” he said.

During a tour of the FRSC driver’s licence production facility in Abuja, the Deputy Corps Marshal for Motor Vehicle Administration, Aliyu Datsama, revealed that about 206,000 driver’s licences remained uncollected nationwide.

Datsama explained that the licences had been produced and sent to various states but were yet to be claimed by their owners.

He added that Nigeria had recorded a reduction in the number of deaths resulting from road traffic crashes since the beginning of the year.

According to him, statistics from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, showed 432 fatalities and 2,070 injuries from 533 reported road crashes.

Teenager Assumes Nigeria’s Vice President Role for a Day

OgunSpeaks Media
-
0
Teenager Assumes Nigeria’s Vice President Role for a Day

A teenager, Joy Ogah, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the platform to advocate passionately for the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the challenges facing girls in the country, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, more than 60 per cent of whom are girls.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.

Ogah also urged the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. She stressed that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.

Shettima also used the occasion to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said.

The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, coupled with the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, reflects ongoing institutional commitment to equity — a goal echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.

Messi Nets Hat-Trick as Inter Miami Crush Nashville 5–2

OgunSpeaks Media
-
0
Messi Nets Hat-Trick as Inter Miami Crush Nashville 5–2

Lionel Messi scored a sensational hat-trick to seal Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot award on Saturday as Inter Miami roared into the playoffs with a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC.

The Argentine superstar tallied an astonishing 29 goals from 28 matches, with Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge tied for second best with 24 goals.

Messi claimed his first MLS Golden Boot and also staked his claim to a second straight Most Valuable Player award with a bravura performance that saw Inter rally to clinch third place in the Eastern Conference.

What can I say about Leo?” Inter coach Javier Mascherano said. “Today, he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the Most Valuable Player award for what he has demonstrated.

“I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the match once again.”

Nashville had seen some quality chances go begging when Messi put Miami in front in the 34th minute with a cracking goal from outside the penalty area.

Messi took a pass from Jordi Alba and made one cut before he unleashed a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Nine minutes later, Nashville’s Surridge grabbed his 24th goal of the season when he headed in a pinpoint delivery from Hany Mukhtar at the near post.

Nashville seized a 2-1 lead deep in first-half injury time when Jacob Shaffelburg was there to fire home the rebound off a Mukhtar shot that hit the post.

Messi’s first penalty conversion of the season pulled Inter level in the 63rd.

The referee pointed to the spot after a ball deflected by Luis Suarez hit Mukhtar on the arm.

Messi stepped up and rolled it past Nashville keeper Joe Willis.

After Baltasar Rodriguez made it 3-2 to Miami in the 67th, Messi completed his hat-trick in the 81st with a curling shot through traffic and past Willis..

Miami’s Telasco Segovia completed the scoring against a shell-shocked Nashville in second-half injury time.