Ogun State government extends lockdown to May 9

• Says educational institutions remain closed, religious gathering still banned
• Tasks banks, corporate organisations on premises decontamination

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended the total lockdown in the state for another one week. He said that while the lockdown ends May 9, 2020, relaxation windows remain Monday, May 4; Wednesday, May 6 and Friday, May 8.

The governor, who disclosed this at the weekend while delivering his address on the update of COVID-19 situation in the state, said that the new time-frame would, however, now be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

He said: “This will give our people ample time to conduct necessary economic activities and to get to their various homes before the commencement of the daily curfew as directed by the President.

For the avoidance of doubt, the curfew is from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. everyday and will be strictly enforced.”

“All public religious gathering remain banned.

“Any assembly of more than 15 persons remains banned till further notice. Also, all pubs, clubs, stadia, public pools, spas, gyms, salons remain closed.”

However, he said restaurants might open on the approved days for take-out meals only. The governor, who explained that in the last few weeks, the number of confirmed cases in Ogun State had continued to rise to more than double, said that eight patients had been discharged and there were 47 active cases currently receiving treatment.

He, therefore, reassured the people that there is no reason for panic, saying: “The fact that we are having increased number of confirmed cases is a confirmation that we are doing the right things.

“The increase in the number of cases is because of our increased testing capacity and faster turnaround.” Abiodun, who disclosed that most of the new cases arise from the influx of immigrants into the state, emphasised that the use of face-masks is now compulsory in public places.

The governor also explained that COVID-19 task force had met with market leaders to set up COVID-19 enforcement committees in various markets to enforce physical distancing, use of face-masks and the deployment of hand-washing facilities and hand sanitisers at strategic locations within the markets.

Meanwhile, the state government has urged corporate organisations, banks, industries, large and small-scale enterprises to decontaminate their premises as precautionary measures.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, in a statement yesterday in Abeokuta said that the move became expedient due to large volume of customers and visitors that throng their premises for transactions.

He said that the directive would also complement the state government’s efforts at flattening the curve of the pandemic in the state. He also urged them to enforce wearing of face-masks by their workers and visitors, keeping social distance and provision of hand washing materials and sanitisers.

I killed my twin brother out of fear he might kill me first, because he joined Aye cult, while I belong to Eiye-man confessed

A 28 year old man, Taye Ogunkoya has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for killing his twin brother Kehinde Ogunkoya.

According to reports, the brothers were said to be a member of a rival cult which led to Taye killing his twin brother, Taye who is known as Rugged was said to have been arrested and sent to prison twice over cult related issues.

It was also reported that he had once mistakenly shot a pregnant woman while he was chasing a rival but luckily she survived it which led to his arrest the third time The suspect.

Taye disclosed that he killed his twin brother out of fear of being killed first because he joined Aye while he is Eiye I know sooner or later he will kill me so i felt it’s better i do that first.

Taye confessed to the crime saying “ i killed him because he joined a rival and i know his first assignment was to use me and count scores which I don’t feel safe about I belong To Eiye cult while my twin brother belongs to Aye.

I wish he listened to me and joined Eiye, I wouldn’t have killed him I was told by our cult leader to kill him before he kills me which I believe was true. I never wished to kill him but i have no choice than to take his life before he takes mine Speaking on the strenght of the report.

the Ogun State Public Relations Officer, Samson Agbolade said suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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Doctors in Ogun state declare three-day warning strike amid COVID-19

 Doctors in Ogun state will commence a three-day warning strike from Monday, May 4 .The strike was declared after a 21- day ultimatum and another seven-day ultimatum , It was on the need for appropriate remuneration for doctors in OOUTH as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic .Despite the rampaging coronaviruus, Ogun state doctors under the auspicies of Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) have declared a three- day warning strike. Dr. Mutiu Popoola, president of the association, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, May 3, The Nation reports. According to reports, the strike was declared after a 21- day ultimatum and another seven-day ultimatum. The strike was on the need for appropriate remuneration for doctors in OOUTH as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic.“We have a human face and we know people are the basis of our practice as medical professionals. We shall, therefore, exclude our members working at COVID-19 isolation centre from joining the strike action. They shall not take part in the strike. “Following the three-day warning strike, we shall review the government’s response and appropriate action shall be taken thereafter. “The whole house is very much displeased with the government on issues that bother on our agitations and welfare. “We are perturbed with the non-committal response from the government despite repeated calls and letters to get their attention. “There has been no commitment whatsoever from the government on the issue of Appropriate Remuneration, Entry Level, New Minimum Wage, Hazard allowance and Life Insurance for our members," the statement in read in part. 

Movement not allowed for Lagos workers resident in Ogun – Dapo Abiodun

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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said residents of the state who work in Lagos State are not permitted to move out or into the state as the lockdown eases next week.

This was contained in the latest guidelines by the state government over the Federal Government-ordered partial lockdown in the state.
Announcing via Facebook on Saturday afternoon, the governor said the lockdown in the state ends on Sunday, May 10, as a result of the initial grace the state was granted.

He, however, stressed that the use of face masks would become mandatory for everyone in public places effective May 4.
He also referred to the order of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), restricting inter-state movement as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Partial lockdown would begin in Lagos on Monday, May 4, and business activities are expected to resume in the nation’s commercial capital.

A tangible percentage of the working population in Lagos live in Ogun due to its affordable housing and nearness to the nation’s economic epicentre.

But Abiodun said this category of people would not be permitted to move in or out of the Ogun as the lockdown eases.
He said, “All schools remain closed, while students will continue with their DigiClass.
“All essential service personnel will continue to work despite the lockdown.

“All public religious gatherings remain banned. All pubs, clubs, stadia, public pools, spas, gyms, salons, etc. and all assemblies of more than 15 people remain banned. Restaurants may open on the approved days for take-out meals only.
“Burials and naming ceremonies are allowed but there must not be more than 15 people including the officiating ministers.
“There is a total ban on interstate travel (outside Ogun). If you work in Lagos or any other state but you live in Ogun State, you are not allowed to go to Lagos or any other state and return to Ogun.”

The Ottagistreel reports that of the over 2,000 coronavirus cases reported in Nigeria, 56 infections were recorded in Ogun State, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Friday night

Cultist allegedly hacks six to death in Ogun

Pandemonium broke out in Ogere, Iperu, Ilisan and other communities in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State when a suspected cultist and drug addict identified as Feyisola Dosumu went on the rampage and reportedly killed six persons in the communities.
It was learnt that  Dosumu, a graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, and a notorious cultist had started hacking down people since Thursday.
Findings revealed that Dosumu was alleged to have killed two private guards working at Agro Farm and one elderly Togolese on Thursday.

It was further gathered that another unidentified teenager was also killed at Ogere on Friday night while he reportedly macheted three others to death at Iperu Remo on Saturday.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the incident but could not confirm the number of lost lives.
Oyeyemi explained that the police have launched a manhunt for the suspected killer terrorising Ogun communities.
The PPRO maintained that the police would ensure that the suspect is arrested no matter his mental state.

Oyeyemi said, “We are looking for the man, we have dispatched some officers to look for him.
“We learnt that he has gone into hiding. Any moment from now we are hoping to get him. “

COVID 19: Ogun extends lockdown till May 9

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 Following the extension of the lockdown for a week by President Mohammadu Buhari, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has extended the total lockdown in the State for another one week.

The governor also adjusted the relaxation window by adding three hours to the seven hours being given to the residents of the state before now.

Abiodun, who said this during a broadcast held at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, while giving update on COVID 19 in the state, explained that his decision was in line with the order of the President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said, “In line with Mr. President’s address to the entire nation, the lockdown is still in place. However, the lockdown will begin to be relaxed gradually and in phases from Monday, 4th May, in consideration of the peculiarity of the different States”.

“To this end, our relaxation window remains Monday, 4th May; Wednesday, 6th May; and Friday, 8th May. The new time frame will, however, now be from 7am to 5pm on those days. This will give our people ample time to conduct necessary economic activities and to get to their various homes before the commencement of the daily curfew as directed by Mr. President”, Abiodun said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the curfew is from 8pm to 6am everyday and will be strictly enforced”.

” It is obvious that no nation can survive a total lockdown of economic activities for an elongated time and therefore all we can do is to strike a balance between public health safety and economic welfare of the citizenry. No doubt, this is a fragile situation. Therefore, it is very important that all of us adhere strictly to recommendations of professionals during this delicate period, especially, and at all times, as we go about our daily economic activities”.

The governor reiterated that “the use of face mask is now compulsory in public. We have procured over one million face masks that we are distributing across the State to groups such as Market Women, Artisans, Transport Unions, Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Servants and religious groups among others. Nevertheless, everybody has a personal responsibility to procure and wear a face mask”.

“The COVID-19 task force at a meeting with market leaders set up COVID-19 enforcement committees in our various markets. These enforcement committees have been empowered to enforce physical distancing, the use of face masks and the deployment of hand washing facilities and hand sanitizers at strategic locations within our various markets”.

“Let me emphasize that those handling food items must also wear hand gloves and maintain high level of personal and hand hygiene in addition to wearing face masks”.

“At another meeting with transport operators, we inaugurated a joint task force of transporters and security agencies to ensure that transporters and passengers wear face masks and enforce the strict compliance of no interstate travel, except vehicles on essential services with a maximum of five persons which includes the driver. All these persons must provide proof of their connection with the vehicle and the particular service the vehicle provides”.

” We will not condone any act that could sabotage the ban on interstate travel by any of these vehicles or persons on essential services. For avoidance of doubt, there will be no interstate travels whatsoever for persons living in Ogun State and working in other states, including Lagos”.

“For intrastate transport, operators are permitted to carry a maximum of half (50%) of the passenger capacity. Specifically, a taxi cab can carry only three passengers, with one in front and a maximum of 2 in the rear seat. 14 seater buses must carry no more than 7 passengers spread across the rows. Tricycle can carry a maximum of 2 passengers, whilst okada riders can carry only one passenger at a time. In all cases, drivers/riders must not only wear face masks, they must ensure that their passengers also wear. Failure to comply with these guidelines will lead to the confiscation of the vehicles or okada”.

“As we go on to relax the lockdown gradually and in phases, let me state that we cannot afford a blanket lift on all aspects of our lives because of the inherent dangers”.

The governor emphasised that “All educational institutions remain closed till further notice. However, students in public schools will continue their learning via Digiclass. 30% of public servants are to resume for work on the days of windows of relaxation of lockdown. Head of Service will issue circular providing details. As usual, all essential service personnel will continue to work notwithstanding the lockdown”.

“All public religious gatherings remained banned. All pubs, clubs, stadia, public pools, spars, gyms, salons, etc., and indeed, any assembly of more than fifteen persons remain banned till further notice. However, restaurants may open on the approved days for take-out meals only”.

“We, however, do not object to naming rites of newborns and burial rites of our deceased loved ones. But such gatherings must not be more than the prescribed 15 which includes even the officiating priests and all attendees must observe social distancing”, he added.

“We have to continue to ensure that we protect public health and safety by all means possible. Consequently, we have established mobile courts where offenders will be prosecuted promptly. Let me state, that we will not shy away from visiting the full weight of the law on anyone found culpable. The punishments will be fines, community service or both

THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE ADDRESS ON 2020 WORKERS’ DAY COMMEMORATION

The Governor of Ogun state, His Excellency, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN, MFR AT THE 2020 WORKERS’ DAY, HELD ON FRIDAY, 1ST MAY, 2020 Addresses the Good people of Ogun State ;-

Distinguished people of our dear Ogun State. Greatest Nigerian Workers. Greatest workers of Ogun State. Today marks the global Workers Day. As is the tradition, we are all supposed to gather today in honour of our great workers, who are undoubtedly a group of major stakeholders in the Ogun State project. But, for obvious reasons, this year Workers’ Day becomes peculiar and different from many in the past because we are unable to have the grand commemoration in honour of our great workers. This is because of the measures in place, including physical distancing as necessitated by the prevailing situation across the globe, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which is commonly called COVID-19.

2. Let me say that the unfortunate inability to celebrate our great Workers in grand style comes with an unavoidable pain as a stab in the heart. On one hand, it would go down in history as the first in the tenure of our Administration. As a child of public servants, I grew up with the memory of May Day commemoration, as an important day to all workers. looking back the last 44 years which marks the birth of our dear State, we thank God for the various achievements that our State has recorded in the comity of States. This has made Ogun State an envy of other States. We must also appreciate the fact that all these achievements are made possible majorly as a result of the professionalism, dedication, commitment, loyalty and steadfastness of Ogun State workers. These are attributes you have inherited from our forebears. Without doubt, our great workers deserve to be celebrated. In the face of all these, one can only come up with a thin line of consolation that it is not caused by any insensitivity of Government or people of Ogun State but essentially as a consequence of a global event with attendant public health and safety concerns.

3. In another dimension, the fight against COVID-19 has brought to the fore the Ogun State spirit and why we are truly trailblazers in Nigeria. The whole world is being ravaged by the novel coronavirus pandemic and we have had to take definite steps to fight it. While we are committed to ensuring that those who have been infected are provided with effective and efficient medicare, we are also working assiduously that the virus is not transmitted to those who are not infected. For example, many of our Public Servants and those in the private sector have had to work from home. In all these, we must also salute the courage and professionalism of our workers, especially our healthcare workers and other frontline officers, who have continued to put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us. On behalf of the good people of Ogun State, I appreciate all the various security agencies for their continued devotion, resilience and patriotism. You are already our heroes and heroines of this century. We will continue to support you and pray for more of your successes in the battlefield. We appreciate you and we pray that God will continue to protect you in the line of duty to humanity.

4. Let me say in a loud voice that, on behalf of the Government and entire people of Ogun State, I specially congratulate all the workers of our dear State, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, under the two Labour Houses, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) - on the commemoration of yet another Workers’ Day. The commemoration of the 2020 Workers’ Day is to appreciate and honour the many sacrifices of our dear workers to the continued development of our dear State, in general, and, in the recent fight against COVID-19, in particular. Your individual and collective efforts, in recent years, have provided the strong foundation on which the implementation of our Administration's Building our Future Together Agenda has continued to be built upon.

5. Let me also assure all the people of Ogun State and all those who have made our dear State their home that our Administration will continue to prioritise their welfare and wellbeing at all times. The Government will continue to ensure that the distribution of the relief packages and other items are taken to all communities across our dear State, we, therefore, urge our people to be patient and support even distribution of the packages. This is a difficult time no one foresaw nor wishes to last. Tough times, they say, do not last, but tough people do.

6. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the celebration of our great workers, particularly at this period of global emergency, is a symbolic representation of our Administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. I acknowledge the level of commitment, cooperation and understanding that you have continued to demonstrate, particularly, in the last one year of our Administration. You have shown that there are many successes we can achieve together in the development of our dear State.

7. As an Administration, we have continued to demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our workers, because they are the nerve centre for the policy formulation and successful implementation of Government’s programmes and projects. It is noteworthy that Ogun State remains one of the few States that completed the negotiation for the implementation of the Minimum Wage without rancour. Amongst other initiatives, we have put in a place:

1. Regular and prompt payment of salaries before the end of every month;

2. improved work environment by regular release of Running Cost to our Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and our Public Schools for administrative efficiency and effectiveness;

3. Downward Review of selling price for A.A.K. Degun Estate from N7M to N5.5M for a 3-bedroom semi-detached and N5M to N4M for a 2-bedroom apartment.

4. Refund of N1.5million to some allottees who had completed payment of N7million initial purchase price for the 3-bedroom apartment;

5.Also, relaxation of terms and conditions of sale, including reduction of interest rate from 18% to 6%;

6. The On-going construction of 400 units Prince’s Court for workers at Kemta Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, of which the first phase of 150 units will soon be delivered;

7. Absorption of over 1,000 2018 ASCON Officers into the Civil Service and payment of their 9 months salary arrears;

8. Re-absorption of 28 Community schools and 578 teachers in the Teaching Service;

9.Pardon and re-absorption of some Education Officers in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology whose appointments were terminated by the immediate past administration in the wake of the controversial joint sessional

examination in 2015;

10. Release and approval of promotion arrears of years 2016 & 2017 of over 1,500 teaching and non-teaching staff of the Teaching Service Commission;

11. Appointment and posting of new Principals and Vice Principals in Public Secondary Schools for seamless administration;

12. Payment of COVID-19 Special Hazard Allowance of 200% increase to all Health Workers in the State as well as Special Risk allowance and life insurance for personnel treating COVID-19 patients at the State Isolation Centres.

8. Despite all these, I cannot pretend that I do not understand that our great workers expect an official pronouncement on some issues concerning their career progression and welfare. Some of these issues predate this Administration, nonetheless, we are committed to partnering with labour to address them within the available resources. We have in arrears the promotion exercises of 2018 and 2019, while that of 2020 is due in next few months. There are also the arrears of payment of gratuity to our retirees who have served our dear State meritoriously in their prime years. By far the most pressing however, is the commencement of the payment of the new minimum wage as agreed between Government and Labour, and some others related matters. As part of our Administration’s sincere commitment to fulfil our part of the agreement on the payment, we have set up a joint committee with labour to assess the impact of COVID-19 on staff welfare and identify all the outstanding issues and how these could be addressed in the wake of COVID-19. In the meantime, we are also setting up Staff Loans Board that will, amongst others, facilitate access to loans from banks at very concessionary interest rates and terms.

9. Let me reassure all our great workers and the entire people of our dear State that ours is not an Administration that reneges on its promises nor will we willfully default in same. The reality of our present situation brings into factual understanding of the prayers of our fathers, “May God not allow the unplanned thwart our lofty plans”. As they say “man proposes, God disposes”. Let me reassure all our great workers and the entire people of Ogun State that our Administration will make best endeavours given the prevailing circumstance to deliver on its promises. We appreciate your support, cooperation and prayers. All we ask is that you continue to support, cooperate and pray for us at all times. Our Administration will continue to work closely with you to create the conducive ambience necessary for the development of our workers potentials.

In the meantime, there will be gradual resumption of work in various government offices for certain categories of public servants from Monday, 4th May, 2020. Details will be provided in subsequent communication and circular from the Head of Service. Together, we will build Ogun State of our collective dreams.

10. As a Government, we will not relent in our efforts to continue to join the rest of the world in the fight not only to flatten the curve of the deadly Corona virus, but to end it. And, as we pray for the immediate solution and end it soonest. Residents are enjoined not hesitate to report any case of anyone developing symptoms of the virus in your neighbourhood. Together we shall defeat Corona virus.

11. Let me once again felicitate all workers in our dear State on this day of the commemoration of the 2020 Workers' Day. As I wish all our workers a peaceful commemoration, I implore you to stay safe at this time of COVID-19.

12. In ending this address, let me once again wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters Ramadam Mubarak. I enjoin us to use this opportunity to raise our voices, as individuals and collectively to God. We should pray for ourselves, our nation and humanity, in general. May God accept our fasting as an act of worship to Him and grant us the good rewards in the life and hereafter. May God also consider the holy month of Ramadan to look down on Humanity with His forgiveness and mercy, Ameen.

13. I thank you all for listening and God bless.

Igbega Ipinle Ogun, ajose gbogbo wa ni o!

Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR

Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.

Friday, 1st May, 2020.