News
Why Corruption is fighting back Tinubu’s government locally, internally – Pelican Valley CE
0
0
An anti-corruption Ambassador, Dr Babatunde Adeyemo, on Wednesday stated that corruption was hindering the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu both locally and internationally, ostensibly to sabotage the gains the administration had made for the country over the last two years.
Adeyemo, a veteran broadcast journalist – turned major player in the nation’s real estate industry, said that the prevailing gains of steady exchange rate, subsidy removal, reduction in oil theft and the recent introduction of oil import tariffs have combined to make Nigeria’s economy less vulnerable to the manipulations of corrupt actors – both locally and internationally, stressing that the corruption was fighting back to set the nation back again.
Citing the recent desperate attempts to portray Nigeria as a country of genocidal killings against Christians with the intention of mobilising the international community against the country as a case of a fight against Nigerian economic trajectory, he urged Nigerians to rally round the President at this critical time to concentrate and surmount the current challenges.
Adeyemo spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, shortly after a Road Walk Against Corruption with members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) as part of activities to mark ‘Zero Tolerance For Corruption In Nigeria,’ an event being organised by the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC).
The road walk, which commenced at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, coursing through the long Kuto – Central Bank – Ibara road- Omida- Panseke – Oke Ilewo areas before terminating at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Okelewo, Abeokuta, also had the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, Oba (Prof.) Alexander Macgregor, as a participant.
Adeyemo expressed concern that the youth who ought to rally round the present administration for making the economy turn the corner with its bold reforms were not doing so because of limited orientation, making it difficult for them to recognise and identify that Nigeria is now making steady progress under the watch of President Tinubu.
He noted that it is seamless for travellers to obtain dollars using Naira cards abroad, unlike what was previously the case, saying bankers now have confidence to transact international business because the exchange rate is stable.
He said, “It’s disheartening that corruption is fighting back against this administration both locally and internationally. And unfortunately, most of our youth who are supposed to rally around with the present government that is making a laudable impact are not reasoning along or being realistic. The problem is that there are lots of drain brains. The Western world has taken most of the best in Nigeria away for greener pastures, and we’re now left largely with Yahoo Yahoo youth who cannot be objective in their reasoning.
”In the last few years, we have realised that a lot of things are getting better in Nigeria, firstly the exchange rate. Those of us who usually travel out, if I want to travel out of the country, I make use of forex all around. Even when you have that money in your domiciliary accounts, you cannot have access to it because withdrawing it is a problem. But now you can go abroad and use your Naira card to withdraw dollars from foreign atm’s, it’s because the exchange rates are now stable and the banks now have more confidence to transact business in Naira.
“Secondly, fuel and crude oil are not finding their way out of the shores of the country any longer. You know how it used to be before now, the rate of crude oil theft has reduced to the barest minimum. The subsidy has been targeted at those who really need it. In fact, the subsidy is gone.
“So, you shouldn’t expect corruption not to fight back both locally and intentionally. Take it or leave it, intentionally, the Western world would not like it when you see dollars falling against the naira or pounds falling against the naira. How do you expect them to feel or react?
“So, when you look at recent occurrences in Nigeria, you will know we really need the present transformation. Though we have challenges in this country, yes, like security, but the way they are painting it now, like turning into Christian genocide. We cannot do that in Nigeria because it’s a very peaceful country; we have some cases of extremists, but their highly condemnable activities are not against one particular religion .
”The majority of those states that do experience security breaches, especially the northern states, are majority Muslim. So, for someone to now carpet it as a genocide or intentional killing by the government or religious terrorists is not sincere enough. So, I believe at this point in time that we need proper orientation, most especially we have to start from the younger ones, and they are the Corps numbers, so that’s why we are here today.”
News
Ogun: 2026 Budget Expansion Driven by Massive Infrastructure Pipeline, Revenue Growth, Economic Reforms — Okubadejo
0
0
The Ogun State Government has attributed the expansion of its 2026 budget to an aggressive infrastructure development pipeline, rising internally generated revenue (IGR), and sweeping economic reforms aimed at positioning the state as Nigeria’s foremost industrial and logistics hub, as the budget increased to 58%.
This was stated by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, during a media parley on the breakdown of the 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” held at Oke-Mosan on Tuesday. He stated that the scale of ongoing and proposed capital projects necessitated a larger fiscal framework.
Okubadejo emphasised that a major driver of the expanded budget is the development of two dry ports currently in the pipeline. One of the ports is being funded by the Federal Government, while the second is being executed through a public-private partnership arrangement with a private sector investor.
He posited that the dry ports are expected to significantly ease the movement of goods, support exports, and reduce logistics costs for more than 80 manufacturing factories operating across the state.
Okubadejo explained that the initiative aligns with Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s industrial capital, noting that improved logistics infrastructure would further accelerate industrial productivity, attract new investments, and strengthen trade competitiveness.
He added that budget growth is also linked to renewed activities around the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the proposed Olokola Deep Sea Port.
“The developments, coupled with the recent announcement of oil discovery in the area, are expected to unlock new revenue streams for the state once commercial evaluations are concluded, potentially paving the way for Ogun to attain oil-producing status”
In the transport sector, the Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, disclosed plans to extend the Lagos Red Line Rail and Lagos Blue Line Rail projects into Ogun State to enhance mobility.
Dairo said the rail expansion would improve commuter movement, boost daily economic activities, and further integrate Ogun into regional and national transportation networks.
He noted that road infrastructure would feature prominently in the state’s capital expenditure drive.
According to him, the administration has reconstructed and rehabilitated several strategic corridors, including the 42-kilometre interchange road linking Lagos to Abeokuta. Since its completion, the road has reportedly triggered a surge in industrial and commercial activities along the axis.
He added that other key roads connecting border towns such as Ikorodu, Ogijo, and Sagamu have been upgraded to facilitate the smooth movement of goods, services, and people.
While further explaining Okubadejo noted that improved infrastructure has encouraged increased migration into the state, fueling demand for housing and reinforcing what he described as a growing housing and power revolution across Ogun.
Speaking on state’s debt Okubadejo stressed that debt sustainability remains strong, with careful structuring of loan tenors, interest rates, and repayment schedules.
He disclosed that as of 2025, Ogun State’s domestic debt stood at approximately ₦194 billion, compared to ₦133 billion in 2019, while foreign debt levels have been affected mainly by exchange rate depreciation.
Okubadejo also highlighted pension reforms as a key component of the state’s economic restructuring, citing improved remittance consistency and the gradual transition to a fully operational contributory pension scheme.
0
0
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s outstanding performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.
The governor announced this on Monday during the cash award ceremony held in honour of medalists, noting that Ogun State finished second overall with 239 medals, its best performance in the history of the festival.
Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.
He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed athletes and officials had been fully settled.
According to him, immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were promptly fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony.
The governor announced a historic reward package for medalists, including₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists; ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists.
He added that additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.
Abiodun said the gesture was aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across Ogun State to embrace sports as a viable career path.
The governor also approved special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply.
He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.
Abiodun highlighted the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing increased hosting of international competitions, improved sporting infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.
He expressed appreciation to sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.
Looking ahead to the next National Sports Festival in Enugu, the governor urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.
He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.
0
0
The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has concluded a two-day capacity-building training programme aimed at deepening institutional understanding of the newly introduced tax reforms and enhancing the operational efficiency of its tax officials.
The programme, held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was themed “Navigating the New Tax Reforms.” It was designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and practical skills for effective implementation of updated tax policies, while strengthening revenue administration across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of OGIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, said the training underscored the Service’s commitment to professionalism, continuous learning, and improved service delivery in line with ongoing fiscal reforms.
According to him, the initiative was structured to help officers unlearn obsolete practices and embrace emerging standards in tax administration.
“Let us get things right and remain open to learning, training and enlightenment. Through this, we sharpen our skills. This programme is meant for us to unlearn and re-learn,” he stated.
One of the resource persons, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr. Zaid Abubakar, explained that the new tax reforms were designed to establish a uniform tax system in Nigeria and harmonise tax administration across all tiers of government.
He noted that the reforms were citizen-centred, aimed at reducing the tax burden on Nigerians and simplifying tax payment processes.
Dr. Abubakar added that effective communication and public sensitisation were critical to fostering public trust and understanding of the reforms, stressing that accountability remained central to the new tax framework in order to drive sustainable revenue generation.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of D&A Associates, Mrs. Stella Olaleye, emphasised that leadership is defined by mindset rather than position.
She encouraged leaders to pursue collective success by empowering their subordinates, leading by example, and demonstrating empathy. She highlighted the five levels of leadership as positional, permission, production, people development (reproduction), and pinnacle.
In her presentation, a facilitator from D&A Associates, Mrs. Oluwabunmi Olukoga, delivered a session on emotional intelligence in the workplace.
She explained that emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one’s emotions while empathising with others. She urged participants to cultivate active listening, self-reflection, and positive responses to constructive criticism, while also stressing the importance of punctuality, appropriate dressing, courteous language, and attentive listening as core workplace etiquette.
In their separate remarks, the Coordinating Director, Mr. Taiwo Ogundimu, and the Director of Field Operations, Mrs. Oluwaseun Olajube, commended the OGIRS Chairman and organisers for the timely initiative.
They expressed confidence that the programme would better position tax officials to educate taxpayers on the new reforms and apply the knowledge gained effectively in the discharge of their duties.
-
Breaking News2 weeks agoBreaking: Governor Abiodun Declares February 3 Public Holiday for Golden Jubilee Celebrations
-
News1 year agoIPAC Meets Gov. Abiodun Over OGISIEC Administrative Fees
-
Metro3 months agoOgun Targets Stronger Women Empowerment Framework, Inaugurates Technical Committees
-
Metro2 months agoA New Generation Of Leadership For Ijebuland
-
Crime3 weeks agoCommunal Clash: Ebonyi Gov Sacks Government Appointees, Withdraws Monarch Certificates, Others
-
Metro4 weeks agoBalogun Shows Solidarity with Panseke Market Amidst Fire Crisis
-
News1 month agoFull List of Princes, Princess nominated for Awujale of Ijebuland’s stool
-
Politics2 months agoGNI Meets IPAC, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Democracy in Ogun