Metro
Sallah: Customs, Okó Opó Foundation Bring Joy to 150 Widows
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In the spirit of Sallah celebrations, the Okó Opó Foundation, in partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has brought joy and relief to 150 widows in seven communities across Ogun State.
The foundation distributed rice and cash palliatives to the beneficiaries, who are indigenes and residents of Isa-Laderin, Masa, Ekiti, Abule-Egbeda, Sokenu, Okotuntun, and Agbese communities.
The gesture aims to support the widows during the Sallah celebrations, providing them with essential food items and financial assistance.
The event held at the Podium within Pelican Valley Estate Laderin, one of the venues of the distribution, supported the cause with a donation of N500,000 to the coffers of Okó Opó Foundation in addition to the 30 bags of rice earlier donated towards the success of the project.
The excited beneficiaries were appreciative of the Foundation and its promoter, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, for putting smiles once again on their faces, even as they prayed for God’s protection and blessings upon him, his family and the real estate business.
One of the beneficiaries, 50–year–old Sherifatu Akinwunmi, an indigene of the Masa community, who spoke reporter in the Yoruba language, said Okó Opó Foundation had become their pillar of support during the celebration and prayed to the Almighty Allah to bless the promoter, Babatunde Adeyemo.
“May Allah continue to bless Alhaji Babatunde Adeyemo for supporting us with food items and money at this turning time. His family and business will continue to witness progress. This is not the first time he has been wiping away our ars.” she said.
Also, the 67 – year – old tradit50–year–old Masa community, Baale Masa, Chief Sabthe iu Sotunde, who coordinated the district button of the p, palliatives in his domain, recommended Adeyemo for his kind gestures to the Foundation, to pray pray pray will continue to keep him, and the family and bless his business as well.
Speaking earlier, Adeyemo who is also the CEO of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited; the Nigerian top-notch real estate firm behind Pelican Valley Estate Laderin, Pelican Brief Estate, Pelican Ecostay Apartments and Pelican Greenish Acre Farm Estate at Kobape corridor of Ogun State, described the experience as another wonderful opportunity for the widows to be lifted once more.
<span;>While thanking donors, especially men of the NCS, for supporting the cause of rekindling the hope of widows, he said he was looking forward to empowering over 150 widows and less privileged members of the society in subsequent outreach.
<span;>He said, “It is not top-notch opportunity for the widows. A day to empower them. We got some bags of rice from the Nigeria Customs Service. I feel it would be good to also share it with cash palliative to rekindle the hope of the widows so that they can use it to break the fast and celebrate Sallah.
<span;>“And to the Glory of God, we have been able to di, distribute rice and cash palliatives to about 150 widows today ( Friday) who were drawn from six communities in two local governments of Ogun State. Representatives of the Nigeria Customs were around. We are looking forward to doing more. We want to use this medium to encourage all and sundry to join this project of rekindling the hope of widows and the less privileged members of the society.
“We are fulfilled and very Happy today. The Nigerian Customs donated an additional N500,000 to the coffer of the Foundation, and we really appreciate this collaboration from the men of the Nigeria Customs. We are looking forward to a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship.
“We are in for this, and we believe with God and the support of our benefactors, donors and the beneficiaries, we will get there. We thank others who have donated graciously to this cause. We want to assure them that we shall not disappoint them.”
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…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.
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The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) designed to enhance retirement security and significantly close the existing gaps in the scheme.
This was made known during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following a series of strategic engagements between the State Government, representatives of labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the CPS and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law was not only mandatory but also beneficial to both employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Pension Scheme (DPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were fundamentally different, adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to bridging any identified gaps in order to protect workers’ interests.
He disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) in line with extant laws. According to him, the APB was specifically designed to close the gap between the CPS and the old Defined Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to gratuity, which was not provided for under the CPS.
Mr. Okubadejo further explained that lump sum withdrawals which often resulted in reduced monthly pension payments, informed the Government decision to develop a more sustainable structure, saying that with the introduction of the APB, Government intended to seek necessary approvals from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure that pension contributions held by PFAs were preserved primarily for enhanced monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off payment upon retirement.
“Unlike gratuity under the DPS, the APB would not be a fixed percentage. Instead, it will be computed based on specific criteria, including years of service and gross emoluments, to ensure fairness and equity among retirees. The benefit is scheduled to take effect from July 2026,” he said.
The Commissioner charged the Ministries involved in pension, PFAs, Labour unions to improve service delivery, intensify public enlightenment campaigns, and organize regular pre-retirement training sessions for workers at least six months before retirement to enhance their understanding of the pension scheme.
In their opening remarks, Permanent Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Offices, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, explained that the engagements were convened to deepen relationships, resolve emerging challenges and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
They described the CPS as a tripod, resting on three critical stakeholders, the employer, the employee and the Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that effective synergy among them was essential for the success of the scheme.
Noting further, the Permanent Secretaries said that government had consistently demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring that retirees do not face uncertainty or financial hardship after years of service.
Responding on behalf of the Labour Unions, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, Mr. Ademola Benco and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Akeem Lasisi, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as a bold, thoughtful and worker-friendly initiative.
They noted that labour’s longstanding concern had been the sustainability and adequacy of monthly pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), but expressed satisfaction that the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) had effectively addressed those fears.
Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders affirmed their full support for the reform and the proposed structure for retirement benefits, adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of workers in the State.
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The Director-General of the Oyo Gaming and Lottery Board, Olajide Boladuro, has extended warm birthday wishes to Joseph Adeseye Famojuro, describing him as a key strategist, selfless philanthropist, and a unifying force within the community.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of himself and his family, Boladuro praised Famojuro popularly known as JAF for his quiet but impactful contributions to society, noting his tireless efforts in mobilizing people and fostering cooperation across political, ethnic, and religious divides.
He commended Famojuro’s enduring commitment to unity and service, saying his leadership and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire many.
Boladuro prayed for greater strength, wisdom, good health, and renewed capacity for service as Famojuro marks another year.
“May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and remarkable achievements,” the message concluded.
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