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Ogun will witness unprecedented infrastructure development this year, Abiodun assures Ogun residents in New Year broadcast

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the people of the State to embrace this year, 2024, with renewed hope as his administration is working hard to make life bearable for them.

 

Congratulating the people for making it into the New Year, Abiodun said his administration would redouble its efforts towards meeting their needs, pledging to do so with sincerity, humility and integrity. He promised to govern with unwavering dedication, equity, inclusiveness and accountability while upholding the rule of law.

 

 

The governor, who made the call in his New Year broadcast to the people of the state, noted that 2023 had been a challenging year for many Nigerians as a result of the precarious economic situation in the country, however, lauded the people for remaining steadfast despite all odds.

 

 

He said: “In 2023, we faced numerous challenges, but together we were resolute, focused, and we emerged united and stronger. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you, the good citizens and residents of Ogun State, for your unwavering support, cooperation, resilience, and unflinching loyalty.”

 

 

 

Reflecting on the journey so far, Governor Abiodun emphasized that his government has achieved significant milestones, covering substantial grounds across the state, assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed while new frontiers would be opened under the “ISEYA” mantra, even in the face of global socio-economic challenges.

 

 

“We have prioritized the provision of the required infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector. We have constructed or rehabilitated over 500 kilometres of roads across the state, thus ensuring improved transportation and connectivity. Our commitment to equitable development is evident, as these works are spread across our 20 Local Government Areas in the state.

 

 

“We have also embarked on our multi-modal transport master plan, encompassing land, air, water, and rail modes of transportation. The Gateway Agro-Cargo airport project initiated a little over 2 years ago is set to commence passenger and cargo operations in the first quarter 2024. This world-class airport and economic enabler will provide over 25,000 job opportunities,” Prince Abiodun said.

 

 

He noted that power supply is being enhanced and expanded to improve electricity, while the state remained the first in Nigeria to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled buses, which has resulted in reduced transport fares.

 

Over 700,000 tree seedlings, the governor stated, have been planted in the forest reserves to combat deforestation, while over 40,000 farmers have been empowered to ensure food security and promote agribusiness

 

 

He announced the restoration of water supply to major towns, especially Abeokuta and its environs, as the results of complete rehabilitation of the Arakanga waterworks and pipeline reticulation, just as he said over 5,000 beneficiaries were issued the new one-page double-sided CofOs.

 

On healthcare delivery, the governor said over 100 primary healthcare centers in 100 wards were renovated and equipped; Ilera-Dero, a Health Insurance Scheme, was established, while over 3,000 affordable housing units were constructed across the state.

 

 

The governor further disclosed that over 60,000 women have been empowered through various intervention programmes, adding that over 1,200 classrooms have been reconstructed, 5,000 teachers recruited, and thousands of desks and chairs provided to make learning environment conducive.

 

 

“Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we have been rated the number one state in the country in industrial revolution by Forbes Africa. We have also been adjudged by BudgIT as the number one state in improved internally generated revenue, IGR, and also as one of the 2 resilient states having generated more IGR than allocations received from the Federal Government.

 

 

“As we navigate the New Year, having signed the 2024 Budget named ‘Budget of Sustained Growth & Development’ into law, our commitment to your well-being, welfare, development, and prosperity remains unwavering. We will continue to build on the foundation established in the last four years,” he added.

 

 

Prince Abiodun called for more support and prayers from the people, assuring that his government would fulfil all the promises made in the course of campaign and electioneering, leading to the 2023 general elections.

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NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.

 

Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.

Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.

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Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date

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The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.

 

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.

He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.

The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.

The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.

They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.

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Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal

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Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.

 

Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.

Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.

The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.

On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.

Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.

“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.

“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”

The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.

Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.

His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.

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