TODAY:: OGUN STATE NEWS

KEEP MAINTAINING CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT, HoS URGES LABOUR UNIONS

Organised Labour Unions in the State have been called upon to continue to maintain cordial relationships with the state government by fostering ideas and adopting effective bargaining techniques while negotiating for the welfare of the workforce.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, made the call while declaring open a 2-day retreat with the theme "Sustaining Industrial Harmony through Effective, Collective Bargaining Practices", put together by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Ogun State Council (Trade Union side), for Public Service Trade Union Leaders, held at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Hall, Leme, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, the Head of Service said the Labour leaders must embrace the spirit of collaboration and cooperation and realise that the synergy between the workforce and government would not only result to a flourishing Public Service but also promote a healthy working environment for all.

Mr. Fagbohun enjoined them to be considerate, realistic and patriotic in presenting their demands, saying that they should be aware that the government was always willing to satisfy workers' yearnings, but for limited resources and myriad responsibilities of the State begging for immediate attention.

"I encourage you to take this opportunity to savour all the knowledge and insights that will be provided by the carefully selected speakers, learn from one another and engage with the sessions, fellow participants and the serene environment with a spirit of curiosity and openness. Endeavour to engage in productive conversations, share your thoughts and opinions freely but constructively, as the insights that will be gained have the potential to resonate long after the training and as well enhance your skills in the discharge of your comradeship duties", he urged the participants.

The Head of Service, while commending the organised labour leaders for their maturity, understanding and collaboration since his assumption of office as the HoS said their disposition has in no small measure contributed to the peaceful industrial climate in the State, with knotty issues in favour of the workers amicably resolved, charged them to sustain the cordial relationship for the continued progress and prosperity of the workforce of the State.

In their fraternity messages, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Ahmed-Benco and his counterparts from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, represented by his Secretary, Comrade Segun Adebiyi, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, while lauding the JNC for coming up with the training at a time like this, urged the participants to use the training to keep upholding the principle of industrial harmony and cooperation to entrench desired positive change in the Public Service.

According to them, training is a major key player in the development of any individual and organisation, as this is meant to transform, hence, all the participants must embrace continuous training to surmount the myriad of challenges facing the labour unions.

 

Omolara Osindele & Tunde Olayiwola

Press Officers, Office of the Head of Service

OGUN PLANS TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN

The Ogun State Government has committed to providing a befitting shelter for women who have been subjected to all kinds of sexual harassment and violence in the state.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received his wife and other women who were observing a 16 days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in the state.

Governor Abiodun said the move would ensure protection for those who have either been subjected to harassment or violence at home to reduce repeated abuse and harassment that may be awaiting them at home.

"You want us to ensure that we have a befitting shelter, you made a case for that and you emphasised the fact that people abused in the house or at home cannot go back home, there are those that don't have anywhere else to go back to, there is a lot of stigma associated with those who were abused.

"I believe that we have identified somewhere previously, but, am being told that it may not be befitting.

‘’By this, I am now instructing the Secretary to the State Government to work with the Ministry of Housing to identify either a building if they can't find one, we identify a parcel of land and we will construct a befitting building to serve as the needed shelter for those persons who have been subjected to all kinds of sexual harassment," he said.

The state helmsman also noted that his administration would support women both at the executive and judiciary by putting in place all that is required to reduce gender violence to a barest minimum in the State.

Governor Abiodun also brought to the fore the need to also look into violence against men. He said "I also want to bring to the fore that violence against persons is not only violence against women, men also are being abused, but oftentimes, nobody talks about that and I want to be the advocate for men who are being abused," he noted.

On the need to have a special trust fund for Gender-Based Violence in the state, Governor Dapo Abiodun said that his administration would do all it could to mobilise resources towards the cause.

"On the Gender-Based Violence Trust Fund, I will do everything that I can to plan on how to mobilise resources towards this noble cause, once again, I want to assure you that I do identify with you and as your Governor, I will do everything within my power to ensure that we reduce this incidence of Gender-Based Violence to an absolute minimum in Ogun State," he said.

In her remarks, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said there was an increase in cases of rape, and incest in the society, calling for the provision of a safe space for those who have been abused or harassed.

Speaking earlier, an expert on Gender-Based Violence ( GBV), Dr. Mojisola Akinsanya called for an urgent need to relocate women who have experienced violence, to have a peaceful place for them to stay, adding that poverty is a driving force for GBV, noting that once women were well empowered, they would be able to stand up and move out of such an abusive environment.

 

Obasan Oluwafunso,

Press Officer, Office of the Governor.

 

OGUN ADVISES INVESTORS ON GOVT CLUSTER FARMING INITIATIVE

          The Ogun State Government has called on prospective agricultural investors to take advantage of the cluster farming initiative of the present administration for improved productivity and better market access.

          Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo made this known when WACETA technologists led by Mr. Muritala Bamgbala visited his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, to inform him of the intention of the organisation to establish a ranch and protein trail APP in the state.

          Hon. Owotomo said the cluster approach provides opportunities for farmers and agriculture businesses which transcends individual limitations and unlocks a range of benefits including, enhanced productivity and sustainability.

           He assured that the state government would continue to support investors willing to contribute to the development of the state.

           Contributing Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Samuel Adeogun emphasised the need to involve other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to ensure food security.

     In his response, Mr. Bamgbala said, that part of the objectives of WACETA was to enhance the integrity of the meat and poultry value chain in mechanised and semi-mechanised abattoirs through protein trail technology, stressing that it would lead to increased corporate investment and patronage of abattoirs and slaughterhouses across the continent.

          Muritala said the innovation would also create more export opportunities that would attract more investors to set up abattoirs and participate in the meat business value chain.

 

Morolayo Fadairo,

Press Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

 

OGUN SEALS ADDITIONAL FOUR PRIVATE HOSPITALS OVER INFRACTIONS

As part of its ongoing fight against quackery, the Ogun State Government has again sealed four hospitals and two medical laboratories for infractions ranging from lack of registration, employment of unqualified personnel, operation beyond scope of registration, and negligence, among others.

The affected facilities include; Ololade Clinic and Maternity Home, Iyana Ilogbo, Mercygate Hospital, Itele, Fehintola Clinic and Maternity Home, Ijako, Ayomide Outpatient Hospital, Itele, Diurnal Medical Laboratory, Itele, and Blizz Medical Laboratory, Abeokuta.  

It would be recalled that recently, the state government put in place an enforcement special task force tagged "Operation Stingray", sealing 10 private medical facilities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

Briefing newsmen after the enforcement exercise, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker reiterated that it was no longer business as usual for fake medical practitioners and those attempting to circumvent specified government regulations of medical practice in the State.

She disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun had resolved to sanitise medical practice in the State with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the lives of residents, adding that the proliferation of quacks could jeopardise his vision for the health sector.

"As you all know, our administration has continued to prioritise the social well-being of residents through the strengthening of our health systems and provision of accessible and qualitative healthcare. Of course, we acknowledge the efforts of private health facilities. We share with them a strong desire for positive outcomes. However, they must operate within the terms of our regulations.

"All health care facilities in the state are required by the Private Hospitals and other Health Establishments Registration Law to register with the agency before commencing operations. The existing ones are to renew their registration annually or else be sanctioned accordingly. Also, we will no longer tolerate those that are registered but choose to operate beyond the scope of their registration or employ personnel that are not qualified to practice," she said.

The Commissioner affirmed that the government alone could not win the war against quackery and illegal operation of medical facilities, calling on members of the public to report those behind such acts to relevant government agencies.

 

Goke Gbadamosi,

Press Officer, Ministry of Health.

OGSG TO COLLABORATE WITH NEURO PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL ON CITIZEN'S WELLNESS

The Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and state Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta have agreed to offer healthcare services to children in homes, rehabilitation and social services centres.

          This indication emerged during a familiarisation visit of the Ministry's officials led by the Commissioner, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, to the Provost and Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Paul Agboola.

          Speaking, Hon. Adeleye said the government was concerned about the well-being and wellness of all the citizenry, including those who need special care, adding that the Ministry would harness opportunities in relevant organisations to achieve its policy thrust.

           The Commissioner, who appreciated the management of the Hospital for being a partner in progress, stated that the visit has created an avenue for a beneficial and mutual relationship that goes beyond clinical services but also provides social services in different forms, reiterating the state government's commitment to domesticate relevant social development laws for the overall benefit of the people.

           On his part, Dr. Agboola, commended the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his choice of the Commissioner in the Ministry, saying the Hospital remained undaunted to give first aid treatment to mentally challenged people to reduce the danger posed by the society.

          He added that the Hospital would ensure that victims of Gender-Based Violence get adequate care needed with a follow-up on psychological therapy and evaluation to keep them moving while assuring that it would assist in organising capacity building for social workers in the Ministry, as it continues to offer full clinical services for the immediate community and beyond.

 

Tayo Olusanya,

Press Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development

 

OGSEMA, NEMA DONATE RELIEF ITEMS TO 2023 FLOOD VICTIMS IN OGUN EAST

 

The Ogun State Emergency Management Agency(OGSEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) has handed over relief items to representatives of nine Local Government Areas in Ogun East Senatorial District, for onward distribution to 2023 flood victims in the areas.

          The items comprised food and non-food items including, garri, beans, rice, cooking seasoning, soap, bags of cement, clothes, mats, blankets, and buckets among others

          Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. (Mrs.) Olufunmilayo Efuape, who supervised the distribution of the items at the MKO Ablola Trade Fair Complex in Abeokuta, stated that the initiative was aimed at improving the lives of the victims and compensating them for their losses.

          While acknowledging the Federal Government for providing the succour, the Commissioner said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was passionate about enhancing the social welfare of the people of the State, noting that the government would not relent in ensuring their well-being.

She stated that, "My advice to the people is to encourage them to keep their environment clean. They should desist from dumping refuse in rivers, drainages and other unlicensed places.  When a disaster happens, before the government knows, the immediate people would have been affected. Erecting buildings on unlicensed places should be discouraged. We recognised part of the problems are ecological which the Federal Government is looking into".

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Lateef Benson while assuring the beneficiaries of proper distribution, thanked the Federal Government for its readiness to assist citizens at all times. 

In his remarks, Director, Mr.Wale Sonde, Ogun State Emergency Management Agency advised the people to cultivate the habit of planting trees to guide against flood and wind disasters.

Two of the representatives from Ijebu–North and Ijebu -East Local Governments, Prince Femi Akinsanya and Mr. Oluwaseun Sanni in their separate interviews appreciated the Federal and State Governments for the succour, promising to distribute the items judiciously.

 

Segunmaru Adebayo,

Press Officer, OGSEMA.

 

OGSHC SECRETARIES ADMONISHED ON ADHERENCE TO PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

The General Manager of Ogun State Housing Corporation (OGSCH), Esv. Wale Ojo has admonished Confidential Secretaries in the establishment to ensure that the ethics that guide the conduct of their profession should be evident in the discharge of their duties.

Esv. Ojo gave the admonition in Abeokuta at a day training for Confidential Secretaries in the Corporation with the theme, ‘’Ethics and Professionalism for Secretaries’’.

 Represented by the Director of Finance in the Corporation, Mr. Jacob Ogunsile the General Manager, said the role of Secretaries in an organisation could not be overemphasised, noting that the essence of the training was to give the participants a better understanding of their responsibilities, enhance their skills and improve attitude, which would further have a direct impact on the organisation's performance and productivity.

According to Esv. Ojo, ‘’ As an image of any organisation, you need to ensure that the ethics of your profession manifest in your daily behaviour depends on the ethical reflection of the secretary. 

He said,’’ Ethics is a guideline for attitudes and behaviours in everyday life, both inside and outside the office. Office employees, especially secretaries, are expected to be able to understand the ethical content of the secretary and carry out it as well as possible to improve work productivity".

In his presentation, one of the facilitators, Mr. Dotun Sotanwa said the training would increase the knowledge of the participants, change their attitude and enable them to discharge their duties efficiently.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Adetonwa Abolanle commended the Corporation for organising the training, saying the knowledge gained would make them better secretaries.

 

Mistura Oshileye,

Press Officer, Ogun State Housing Corporation.

 

PUBLIC SERVANTS URGED TO TOLERATE ONE ANOTHER

Public Servants have been urged to tolerate one another, to reduce incidences of Gender -Based Violence (GBV) in their respective workplaces.

    A GBV expert, Barrister Damola Lapite made this known at the opening of a 3- Day workshop organised by the Gender Unit of the Ogun State Economic  Transformation Project (OGSTEP) for selected workers in the Public Service, held at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

     Lapite described Gender-Based Violence as any action perpetrated against an individual based on their gender which tends to control, overpower or make such an individual less than himself/herself.

       He said women were more vulnerable to GBV, but that men were not also left out as victims, adding that while physical abuse was most reported, there were several cases of unreported psychological, emotional and verbal abuse forms of violence in the workplace.

       He listed others as being sarcastic comments, criticisms, gaslighting, humiliations, manipulations, defamation, and many more.

      On her part, a Psychologist, Mrs. Damilola  Onebamhoin posited that the fight against GBV was a collective responsibility, as the government could not eradicate it alone.

    She advised everyone to take up the role of psychologist in the workplace, taking notes of unusual changes in attitudes and countenances of co-workers as many slide into depression could get to the level of suicide unnoticed.

Onebamhoin further recommended that information should be provided on GBV at workplaces while training staff to identify and respond to GBV should be prioritised.

She went ahead to suggest that the enactment of workplace gender policies would go a long way in nipping GBV in the bud.

In her presentation, the Director of Women Empowerment Service, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Wonuola Kassim condemned the notion that women were responsible for the violence, saying no circumstances should subject women to be sexually harassed.

Speaking earlier, the OGSTEP Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi said GBV was a pervasive issue that cut across every facet of life. She explained that the workplace was not immune to the impact and this led to the organization of the training.

Also speaking, the Project Manager, Business Enabling Environment, Mr. Sheriff Mohammed enjoined the participants to take advantage of the workshop to learn about GBV thereby making the workplace and by extension the society free from all forms of violence.

One of the participants, the Secretary, Ogun State Business Environment Council Emmanuel Adeleke appreciated the organisers of the workshop, advocating that a similar event should be replicated in the core Civil Service and legislative workplace.

 

Simbo Olayinka,

Communication Officer, OGSTEP.

_______________________________

Waliyat Odemakin,
Sub-Editor, OGIS,
Ministry of Information & Strategy, Ogun State.