Ogun State: The New Kidnappers Heaven

The spate of insecurity cum kidnapping in the state have hit its peak going by the. "even the available" records. In recent times a numbers of kidnapping incidents accross the state have been in the news where some of the victims have to pact with fortunes in addition with various inhuman and life threatening treatment melted out on those involved. According to one of the victims "I received my first dirty slap when I laugh to the demand as I told them that even a state government cannot boast of having that amount (#5billion) For seven days they used cloth to blindfold me and were transferring me from one end to the other’ said Alhaji Safiriyu Araba. For Mr Segun Oyebolu, "In leg chains, tied hands and blind-folded face I lived 3 horrifying days of hell in a town I have come to embrace. I mentioned the more than 100 staff across the country who require my signature to get their salary paid - for them, those are bullshits! Money they want, money they must get. N400M only. Any attempt to open my mouth to negotiate end up in additional severe beatings including hot-knife slicing of my flesh" Details of the victims of Kidnapping incidents in the state are briefly discussed herein. Segun Oyebolu, the owner of Citi Hotels & Suites who is also the founder of an NGO, Feed The Elderly Foundation was kidnapped from his office at Erinlu area of Odogbolu LGA of Ogun State on Monday Sept 24th, 2012. He was held for "3 horrifying days of hell" with a lot of beating and torture according to Oyebolu himself. Alhaja Obedatu Abudu Balogun mother of the deputy chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun. The abductors/kidnappers reportedly stormed the Ita-Otu, Ijebu Waterside Local Government Area residence of at about 9.30pm on Monday 23th October 2012 and forcibly took her away to an unknown destination. Unlike, Oyebolu the family of the victim did not give details of the release, neither did they disclose whether they paid a ransom to free her from her captors. On November 13, 2012 Alhaji Safiriyu Araba (a.k.a Aranse Oluwa). He is the Chairman of Aranse Oluwa Building materials company in Ago iwoye and Ijebu Ode .He is a native of Ago iwoye. He was held for seven days, and was blindfolded and given the bitter treatment he had never experience in life prior to that day throughout his days in the kidnappers den. Mrs Folashade Onademuren, wife of Samson Onademuren, a member of House of Assembly representing Ijebu North constituency in Ogun State was kidnapped on the 4th of December 2012 around 12:00pm at her hubby’s property in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Nigeria. While the above (high profile) kidnapping cases were successful, there were other foiled kidnapping attempts in Abeokuta where two suspects – Ronke Akindele and Life Nwem – were arrested in Eruwon and Idi-Ori areas of the city respectively when they attempted to kidnap their victims (BASIT and ITUNU) in separate incidents.

OGUN STATE 2013 BUDGET AS PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SENATOR IBIKUNLE AMOSUN (FCA)

ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR IBIKUNLE AMOSUN FCA, AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2013
 
 
On Tuesday, 29th November, 2011, I had the honour to present the 2012 Appropriation Bill to the good people of Ogun State in these hallowed chambers. You will agree with me that the 2012 Budget was significant in that it was the first Appropriation Bill to be fully conceived and implemented by our Administration. On that occasion, Mr Speaker and the entire Honourable Members of this House promised a timely consideration and passage of the Bill. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me, on behalf of the good people of Ogun State, thank the House of Assembly for the fulfilment of that promise. The bill was expeditiously passed and signed into Law on 30th December 2011.
2.      Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, you will  recall that the 2012 Budget was premised on our determination to rebuild Ogun State through the implementation of our Five Cardinal Programmes, articulated in our “Mission to Rebuild”. You will agree with me that we have remained sincere and unwavering in the implementation of this Programme for sustainable growth across the entire State in a systematic manner.
3.      We have demonstrated that development of society should be centred around the people. The needs of our people have informed the policies, programmes and projects initiated by our Administration. And it is for this reason that we conceptualised the “Ogun Standard” to exemplify the best in our people. We are ambitious, determined, aggressive and forward looking in our developmental programmes and projects. We are focussed on preparing our people and our State for the future. We see Ogun State as one State that will play a pivotal role in the future development of Nigeria and Africa. All these lofty dreams have informed our rigorous and painstaking budgeting process.
4.      It gives me great pleasure today to present our progress report on what we have collectively achieved thus far. Though this presentation is a statutory one, for us as an Administration, it marks a significant threshold to yet another phase of our democratic process. I actually see this budget presentation exercise as an opportunity to review the journey so far, chart the way forward and set a benchmark for performance. Let me say to all of us gathered here today that we are set on an irreversible journey to take our State to greater heights.
REVIEW OF 2012 BUDGET
5.      The 2012 Appropriation Law put the total size of the Budget at N200.55 billion. Going by the review of the 2012 Budget for the First Half of the Year, we found it imperative to re-align the 2012 Appropriation Law to accommodate payment of Arrears of Civilian Pensions/ Gratuities and provision for some  recurrent expenditure.  The  2012 Budget comprised the sum of N91.20 billion as Recurrent Provision, representing 45% and N109.34billion for Capital Expenditure, representing 55% of the total Budget.  The realignment, however, did not change the Budget size nor the ratio between recurrent and capital expenditure.
Revenue Performance
6.      Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from January to date stands  at N21.08billion, averaging close to N2billion monthly. This was lower than expected due to a combination of factors. After the passage of  the 2012 Budget, the Federal Government  increased the personal allowances available to tax payers. This adversely affected our IGR for the year.  For instance, our IGR dropped from the N2.3billion achieved in April 2012 to just over N1billion in June 2012. The amendment of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) resulted in a significant  reduction in our monthly income.
7.      The Bureau of Lands and Survey which normally accounts for a sizeable part of our IGR fell short of its revenue targets as the reforms in that sector, took longer than planned. It will be recalled that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into land allocation and acquisition covering the years 2003 to 2011 was inaugurated and for the greater part of the year limited transactions in lands were undertaken. It is envisaged that with the implementation of the recommendations arising from the White Paper  as well as the completion of our  Land Information System and Geographical Information System project, our IGR will receive a major boost.
8.      Similarly, revenue totalling  N70.80billion expected from the Federation Account  was not fully realised. The actual receipts from Abuja from January 2012 to date amounts to N45.79billion.
 9.     The challenge of improving our IGR to meet our expenditure is  an  ongoing one  and all  efforts are focussed on looking inwards and aggressively collecting all revenues due to the state and seeking new sources so that ultimately, less reliance will be placed on funds from Abuja (Federation Account) and other external sources.
10.    Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our people to discharge, faithfully, their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes promptly and in full. The developmental objectives and goals of the Government will always remain a dream, if there are no requisite financial resources to implement them. Taxes not only serve as means of raising revenue for the Government, they also provide the legal and moral right for the citizens to demand performance from those they have elected to govern them. The reality  is that there can be no “representation without taxation”. Indeed, there can be no dividends of democracy without civic and social obligations.  This actually exemplifies what Political Science Scholars term as the ‘social contract’ between the people and their government, thereby making us “Partners in Progress”.
 Expenditure
11.    During the year under review, from January 2012 to date, a total sum of N102.65billion was expended by our Administration with Capital Expenditure of N37.53billion and Recurrent of N65.12billion.
Analysis of the 2012 Budget Performance
Details
Actual Performance
2012
N(billion)
%
of
Total
Salaries and Allowances
39.52
38.50
Consolidated Revenue Fund Charge (Pensions and Gratuities)
6.54
6.37
Total Personnel Cost
46.06
44.87
Overhead
19.06
18.57
Total Recurrent
65.12
63.44
Capital Expenditure
37.53
35.56
Total Expenditure
102.65
100.00
 
The  Overall Budget performance is 51.18%.
12.    Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members and the good people of Ogun State, let me draw your attention to the huge human capital cost of running the Public Service which is the largest single item in our expenditure profile. Concerted efforts to examine these costs are ongoing with our Continous  Personnel Audit Process.
13.    I am happy to report that in spite of the harsh economic environment in which we are operating and the huge debt burden that we inherited we have achieved major progress in the targets we set for ourselves in 2012 and we still have about 6 weeks left in the year. At this juncture, Mr. Speaker, permit me to present an overview of key initiatives delivered in 2012.
Affordable Qualitative Education
14.    Our Administration is committed to restoring the pre-eminent status of Education in the State as the cornerstone of socio-economic advancement for which our State is noted. We have carried out massive rehabilitation of existing structures and construction of Model schools in the three Senatorial Districts. The highlights of our achievements in this sector are as follows:
        i.            Commencement of construction of 15 Model schools. The plan is to have 28 across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State;
      ii.            Distribution of Textbooks, Exercise Books and Instructional Materials  for the 2012/2013 Session to all Public Primary and Secondary School Students;
    iii.            Introduction of Unified examination for all public secondary schools;
   iv.            Full payment of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students in public secondary schools including the arrears owed before our administration;
     v.            Training of 17,132 Primary School Teachers by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and another set of 5,000 Primary School Teachers  in collaboration with the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna;
   vi.            Construction of 24  Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) classrooms and another 40 classrooms with 20 Offices in Primary Schools and 180 classrooms in Junior Secondary Schools;
 vii.            Rehabilitation of 802 dilapidated classrooms in Primary and 432 Classrooms in Junior Secondary Schools as well the provision of furniture for Pupils and Teachers.
viii.            Disbursement of over N7.2billion to our nine tertiary institutions and implementation of cashless revenue collection systems. We  also expended in excess of N100 Million to ensure that OOUTH retained its accreditation as a Medical School.
 
Efficient Health Care Delivery
15.           Efficient and affordable healthcare delivery is an important component of our mission to rebuild Ogun State. Some of the achievements recorded in the sector are as follows:
        i.              Commencement of  the construction of nine modern hospitals in each of the  Federal Constituencies. We have concluded arrangements for importation of essential hospital equipment;
      ii.              We have just concluded the recruitment process for over 700 staff of all cadres for our general hospitals – this will improve morale among staff and  reduce long waits for patients.
    iii.              We re-launched the Ogun State Ambulance Services with the creation of the first ever professionally trained paramedic crews in the state. We purchased five new ambulances, brought six more into service and, for road crash prevention, have established the Ogun State Road Safety Coalition. These measures have had an immediate impact in the saving of lives on our roads.
   iv.               We have launched the ‘Gbomoro’ Programme. This is a conditional cash transfer scheme that gives pregnant mothers money for transport to clinics and to improve their nutrition. In addition, telephones are provided to enable contact with midwives for advice and emergency care;
     v.              We have delivered over 2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine to children aged 0-59 months. Anti-malarial treatment is given free to all pregnant women and under-5 children in all public health facilities alongside routine distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide treated nets for pregnant women.
   vi.              HIV/AIDS remains an ever present danger. To ensure we take more ownership of the response to the epidemic. We have signed into law, a bill transforming the State Action Committee on AIDS into an Agency.
vii.         Our administration is reaching out to the private sector to partner in healthcare projects. We are working with Shell to revitalize primary healthcare services in four local governments and we partnered with Rotary International and Indo Eye Foundation to screen thousands of eye patients and provide free surgery to restore the sight of over five hundred patients. Chevron is partnering with the state to assist TB diagnosis and treatment services.
Agricultural Production / Industrialization
Agriculture
16.            Our vision in Agriculture is to harness the untapped potential of our dear State as the food basket of the nation. In this regard, we sought to exploit the value chain in Agriculture leading to industrialization and economic growth. Creating the necessary environment not only to attract investment to the State, but for such investments to flourish required us to address the major cost component in agricultural projects, namely land clearance and preparation. We have invested in land clearing and preparation equipment - 4 CAT bulldozers, 30 Tractors with implements including 33 Ploughs, 5 harrows, 2 Planters and 2 Slashers, all aimed at providing equipment support to our Farmers. Other initiatives include:
        i.            Production of 50,000 pullets  sold at subsidised rates to  farmers.
      ii.            Disbursement of over N100 million in agricultural loans to farmers;
    iii.            Resuscitation of 2.5 tonnes/hr capacity poultry feed mill at Kotopo
   iv.            Resuscitation of 3 Government owned fish farms at Ilaro, Odeda and Ikenne with a production capacity of 500,000 fingerlings and 29 tonnes table fish per annum;
     v.            Government raised and distributed 1 million cocoa seedlings at heavily subsidized rates to our Cocoa farmers. We also  distributed free maize and rice seedlings as well as cassava cuttings to all registered farmers in the State. In addition Government subsidized supply of fertilizers by 50% during the year under review.
Commerce and Industry
17.            We have continued with the N1billion Industrial Development Fund set up jointly with the Bank of Industry. To date 117 Beneficiaries in different vocations have been empowered with loans totalling N130 million.
18.            The provision of an enabling environment has facilitated the actualisation of various private sector-led investment initiatives. Within the last one year, our industrialisation policy has received a tremendous boost with the commissioning of major industrial projects in the State.
 
 
The Preferred Investors’ Destination
19.            In a bold step to actualise our industrialisation plan, we organised a two-day Investors’ Forum here in Abeokuta in March 2012. Tagged “Ogun State: Open for Business”, it was aimed at creating awareness for genuine investors about the available business opportunities and showcasing the investment potentials of Ogun State to the outside world. The Forum brought together captains of industry as well as foreign and local investors. Following this successful outing, more than 60 genuine investors have expressed interest in investing in Ogun State. Their interests span manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, provision of world class shopping malls, steel, cement amongst others.
 
 
Affordable Housing & Urban Renewal
Housing
20.           The overall objective of Government is the systematic and orderly provision of infrastructure and housing for the people through effective utilization and management of human and material resources. The following were achieved in 2012:
        i.            Completion of housing units in Government Estates around the State notably the Media Village and Sagamu Housing Estate;
      ii.            Construction of an ultra modern auto mobile workshop at Obada Oko Mechanic Village;
    iii.            Rehabilitation of the June 12 Cultural Centre;
   iv.            Commencement of the design as well as  site and services of 6 housing estates within the 3 Senatorial Districts.
 
Environment
21.           Our activities aimed at improving the environment were focused on 5 key areas: Refuse collection, Flood and erosion control, Beautification, Solid waste management and Emergency management. Achievements include:
                    i.            Purchase of ten Refuse Compactors in addition to the existing heavy duty equipment;
                  ii.            Increased enforcement has restored active participation of people in environmental sanitation particularly on the designated days;
                iii.            Engagement of over 3000 street sweepers;
               iv.            Massive channelization and clearing of drainages and waterways in Ijebu-ode, Ota, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ago-Iwoye etc;
                 v.            Major beautification projects at roundabouts, major streets and public spaces; Specific intervention at the Ota Roundabout has dramatically improved the area;
               vi.            Provision of relief materials to victims of natural disasters such as rainstorm, flooding etc.
Rural & Infrastructural Development / Employment Generation
22.           This is another important aspect of our five cardinal programmes and it is very dear to the heart of this Administration. This is because no economy can truly develop if its infrastructural base is weak.
Roads
23.           In the last one year, a well orchestrated plan was initiated to revive our roads. Emphasis was laid on the provision of a good road network as a catalyst for socio-economic development of the State. This involves the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing roads as well as construction of new ones with the aim of decongesting the existing network that was generally in poor condition. The following interventions have been made:
        i.            Construction of the first ever six-lane carriage way in the State with associated road furniture and with full complement of street lights, traffic lights, CCTV, walk way, green area and bus stops. The road also features the first overhead pedestrian bridge in the state. It was a bold statement on the “Ogun Standard” set by this Administration to ensure project quality;
      ii.            Construction of the Grade Separation Fly-over (Overhead Bridge) at Ibara roundabout, another first.
12 additional mega-road projects across the three Senatorial Districts at an overall cost of N130billion, some of which  include:
a.    Ijebu-ode – Mobalufon junction – Folagbade – Ibadan Road junction
b.    Sagamu – Benin Expressway junction to Oba Erinwole
c.     OGTV - Brewery Road
d.    Ilisan – Ago Iwoye Road
e.    Ilo Awela Road
f.       Lafenwa - Ayetoro – Olodo Road
g.    Ilara – Ijoun – Oja Odan – Ilase Road
h.    Ojere  - Asero Road
i.        Moshood Abiola Way
j.        Sango – Ojodu – Akute – Isheri Road
Rural Development
24.            Our ambition is to make rural areas in the State as attractive as the urban areas. In an attempt to stem the constant rural-urban drift that exists not only in Ogun State but in the larger national context, we have created a full fledged Ministry of Rural Development. The Ministry will focus on such infrastructure as roads, water and electrification in our rural areas. With the spread of educational and health facilities and the planned investment in Agriculture, our  rural areas will witness a rapid transformation.  The provision of necessary social and physical infrastructure will solidly establish our rural areas as preferred  locations  for week-end retreats and country homes.
25.            Accordingly the following projects were executed during the period under review:
        i.            Procurement and distribution of 500 transformers to various communities;
      ii.            Construction of boreholes in some rural areas to ensure the availability of potable water and avert water borne diseases.
Mass Transit Programme
26.           A giant leap was taken in the area of coordinated transportation system for the first time in the history of Ogun State. We launched  the Mass Transit Programme - Bus Mass Transit (BMT) - with seventy-seven (77) buses comprising of Twenty-Seven Luxury Ashok Leyland buses with 43-passenger capacity as well as 30 eighteen-seater  Toyota and 20 Nissan buses.
Security
27.           The security and well being of the people of Ogun State is of paramount concern to this Administration. This commitment was fully tested by the incessant incursion of armed robbers into the State and their onslaught particularly on banks. The situation virtually assumed siege dimensions, especially in Ogun East.  Our Administration rose up to the challenge and purchased and distributed essential gadgets for the Nigerian Police, Ogun State Command and other security agencies involved in the battle against the men of the underworld. The equipment distributed includes:
        i.            One Hundred and Eighty (180) operational vehicles;
      ii.            13 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC);
28.           Communication gadgets and other security equipment including AK47 rifles, bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets.
29.           The Security Trust Fund became operational during the year. This Fund has attracted donations from the Private Sector, public spirited individuals and traditional rulers. However all the donations to the Fund remain unspent, pending the necessary procurement instructions from the Trustees.
30.           We have also established two (2) Special Security Squads known as the “Quick Response Squad (QRS)” and the Joint Military Patrol known as “Operation MESA” to curb the rate of criminality in the State.
31.            All these measures, although at huge financial cost, have brought about  tremendous reduction in the crime rate in our dear State,  resulting in relative peace and security.
Information
32.           Every government has a responsibility to ensure that the people are informed of its programmes and activities. Where this is not done, rumour mongers and information hawkers take over and mislead the populace. In order to address this, we took the following steps:
        i.            Approval of the contract for the total overhaul of all the existing equipment at Ogun State Television (OGTV) and Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) in readiness for the NCC directive to migrate from analog to digital;
      ii.            Purchase of new equipment including tele-prompters, cameras, 2 Fly Away kits for OGTV to enhance live coverage of events;
    iii.            Purchase of 1new 500 KVA Perkins Generator and 1 new 3 KVA transformer for the use of OGTV and OGBC at their Ajebo Road Complex.
Youth and Sports
33.           Youth and Sports  take a prime position in our developmental programme. Our achievements in this area include:
               i.     Refurbishment of Ogun State Athletes Camps at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode; Alake Sports Center, Ijeja;
             ii.     285 Athletes that have medal-winning  potential were given permanent employment while another 250 Athletes and Coaches were given contract appointments. These and many other incentives have put the Athletes in very high spirits to perform well  at   forthcoming competitions;
             iii.   We successfully hosted the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Games, the first ever to be hosted by any State. We also hosted the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Football Matches between Nigeria and Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo and the FIFA Under-17 Women World Cup Qualifying Matches (Nigeria vs. Kenya and Nigeria vs. Zambia).
Pension and Gratuities
34.           We have paid over N3billion out of the pensions and gratuity arrears that we inherited. In the same vein, we also give regular grants to the Bureau of Local Government Pension to facilitate the regular payment of Pensions and Gratuities to retired Local Government workers and Primary School Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff.
Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission
35.           The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission was fully funded and equipped with necessary machinery which was very crucial for the success of the 2012 Local Government Elections in all the 20 Local Government Council Areas in the State. Local Government elections were conducted for the first time in the State without rancour or acrimony. We are proud to be one of the few states who have successfully conducted Local Government Elections.
 
Public Expenditure Management and Financial Accountability Review (PEMFAR)
 
36.           For us as an Administration,  transparency and accountability remain critical building blocks in our quest for good governance and our efforts to rebuild our dear State.  This assertion underpins the importance of a well-functioning public financial management as well as procurement system.  Therefore, with the assistance of World Bank Consultants, the representatives of key stakeholders, including the Organised Private Sector, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Public Service, we have undertaken an unbiased and fair self-assessment of our entire public financial management and procurement systems using the globally accepted Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Framework.  This has resulted in a well-articulated, programmatic and feasible Ogun State Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Agenda, which will shape the vista of public service delivery in our State.
37.           Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen, this Agenda, which is a planned prioritization and sequencing of proposed measures and interventions to be taken by various development partners in a coordinated manner, is expected to facilitate our efforts at sustaining the growth and development of our State.   Indeed, the Agenda is intended to ensure a more effective and efficient resource mobilization and utilization in our overall process of rebuilding.
 
Donor Agencies
38.           At this juncture, let me appreciate the ever increasing contribution of our Development Partners and Donor agencies. This Administration has ensured that contending priorities notwithstanding, the fulfilment of Government Counterpart Cash Contributions continues to be duly met.  I wish to recall that in the outgoing year (2012) the development programmes touched such areas as Water, Sanitation, Agriculture, Health, Basic Education Planning and Communication, Child and Women protection components, amongst others. Over N2.5b was paid as counterpart contributions.
MAIN FEATURES OF 2013 BUDGET
39.           The proposed 2013 Budget is geared towards consolidating the outcomes of our efforts at rebuilding our dear State and achieving sustainable growth.  We will continue to pay attention to the revival of our collective heritage and wealth creation through sound economic policies and the sustenance of our Five Cardinal Programmes.
40.           It is important to state that the 2013 Budget preparation exercise began with the issuance of the Call Circular in August 2012.  Thereafter, a sensitisation workshop was held for the key players in the budgetary process to discuss the emerging issues in our budget reforms.  This event was closely followed by sectoral meetings and interactive sessions with MDAs to jointly appraise their proposals.  Furthermore, a Town Hall meeting was held to obtain input from the general public. The preparation process ended with the Treasury Board Meeting with Stakeholders. The purpose was to ensure that due process was followed and that the good people of the State were fully consulted in the budget preparation process. I am therefore presenting a product of extensive consultation and deep reflection of the desires of our people.
41.           Mr Speaker, Honourable Members and the good people of Ogun State, I now present the 2013 Budget Proposals  which has been tagged “The Budget for Sustainable Growth” in continuation of our Mission to Rebuild Ogun State.
42.           The Budget size is N211.86billion, which is 5.6% above the 2012 Budget of N200.55 billion. It comprises of N118.23 billion capital expenditure (56%) and N93.64 billion (44%) recurrent. This is a reflection of our commitment to sustain the growth of infrastructure.
2013 REVENUE
43.           The expected total revenue is N148.75 billion, while the proposed Capital Receipts  in the form of grants, internal loans and external concessional loans stand at N 63.11billion.
44.           The Budget is proposed to be funded as follows:
 
Source
N Billion
% of Total
Internally Generated Revenue
74.93
35.37
Federal Transfers
73.82
34.84
Total Revenue
148.75
70.21
Capital Receipt
63.11
29.79
Total Funding
211.86
100
 
 
 
 
 
2013 EXPENDITURE 
45.           The summary of expenditure is as follows:
 
Details
2013
Estimates
 
N(billion)
%
of
Total
Salaries and Allowances
48.57
22.93
Consolidated Revenue Fund Charge (Pension and Gratuities)
9.00
4.25
Total Personnel Cost
57.57
27.17
Overhead
36.07
17.03
Total Recurrent
93.64
44.20
Capital
118.23
55.80
Total Budget
211.86
100.00
 
The distribution among some of the functional classifications indicates:
 
 
 
S/n
Sector
2013 Estimates (Nb)
%
of
Total
1
Affordable Qualitative Education
43.44
20.50
2
Rural & Infrastructural Development / Employment Generation
39.92
18.70
3
Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal
29.62
13.98
4
Efficient Health Care Delivery
14.72
6.95
5
Agricultural Production / Industrialization
10.69
5.05
 
Sub – Total
138.38
65.32
6
Others
73.48
34.68
 
Total
211.86
100.00
 
SECTORAL PROPOSALS
Affordable Qualitative Education
46.    In 2013, a total sum of N43.44 billion representing 20.50% of the total budget has been allocated to the education sector.  The major initiatives in this sector are:
        i.            Completion of the construction of the 15 Model Schools;
      ii.            Construction of additional 13 Model Schools;
    iii.            Renovation of 200 Secondary Schools;
   iv.            Provision of equipment for 7 Government Science and Technical Colleges and some Secondary Schools;
     v.            Scholarship and Bursary Awards to Ogun State students in Tertiary Institutions across the country.
   vi.            Completion of Hostels in 5 tertiary institutions.
 vii.            We plan to increase capital expenditure in our tertiary institutions with  the introduction of a Capital Grants Scheme. This will be used to fund the provision of modern laboratory equipment and rehabilitation of internal road networks in our Tertiary Institutions.
Efficient Health Care Delivery
47.    A total sum of N14.72 billion (6.95%) has been appropriated to the health sector in 2013. Major initiatives include:
i.              Model hospitals. In the outgoing year, we constructed a model of the Ogun Standard medium sized hospital by upgrading our primary health centre at Totoro. In 2013, we will construct 9 more such hospitals in each of the Federal constituencies of the state.
ii.              In the primary care sector, we will continue our programme of upgrading primary care centres in all local government areas of the state through renovation and the provision of new equipment, water and power supply. We will continue with our programmes for maternal and child health and further roll out the conditional cash transfer schemes.
iii.              We will continue to expand our Community Health Insurance schemes to bring affordable healthcare to reach of all citizens, particularly those in the informal sector, the self employed, and in rural and otherwise deprived areas.
iv.              For  tertiary care, we intend to continue to restore the structures in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital to their former glory while investing in new state-of-the-art modern diagnostic equipment. OOUTH must return to its status as one of the leading teaching hospitals of the nation. We are also planning to invest in the establishment of a new ultra-modern cancer diagnostic and treatment centre.
                  v.                       Our general hospitals will also see significant changes to support the influx of new personnel. We will raise their levels of professionalism to the ‘Ogun Standard’ with a significant increase in the professional development programmes for all our healthcare professionals. Modern diagnostic and other equipment will be available in all our referral hospitals.
Agricultural Production/Industrialization
Agriculture
48.           Another sector that will occupy the centre stage in Government activity in 2013 is Agriculture and Forestry.  Accordingly, a total sum of N10.69 (5.05%) billion has been allocated to increased agricultural production/industrialisation.  It is hoped that the entire value-chain will be fully exploited and comparative advantage in areas of food supply, job creation and preservation of our forest reserves will be fully explored. In the pursuit of this objective, specific programmes and projects have been targeted for execution.
Farm Estates and Plantations
49.    It is the desire of the Government to develop Model Farm Estates in each of the three Senatorial Districts. These will engage a minimum of 500 unemployed graduates and will create  an estimated additional 5000 jobs in the wider communities.  We also plan to develop our plantations and elevate them from their current deplorable condition to such a level that would add value, create wealth and generate additional job opportunities for the good people of the State. The farm plantations are;
                                i.            Cashew plantation of about 350 Hectares of land at Ibara Orile;
                              ii.            Oil palm plantation at Apoje and Lomiro in Ijebu North and Ogun Waterside Local Governments respectively;
                          iii.            Rubber Plantation at Ikenne and Ilushin.
Crops
50.    We intend to focus on the following crops for which the State has enormous comparative advantage - Cassava, Rice, Oil Palm , Cocoa, Rubber, Cotton, Sugar cane, Pepper, Tomato, Citrus  fruits and vegetables. In each Senatorial District we will cultivate up to  1000 hectares. This will be pursued under Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
 
 
School Farms
51.           In 2013 we will re-introduce an effective  farm programme in our secondary schools. We will raise a generation  of young people who will take pleasure in agriculture as a vocation and a reliable source of respectable livelihood.
Forestry Plantation
52.           The degree of devastation from illegal activities such as illicit felling of trees in our forest plantations will no longer be tolerated. This will be addressed with the full might of Government in 2013. The security needed in terms of personnel and hard-ware will be fully mobilised and supervised for  an effective end to this menace. The nine Forest Reserves namely; Omo, Oloke-Meji, Arakanga, Ilaro, Edun Stream, Eggua, Aworo, Ohunbe and Imeko will experience a return to sanity in the management of our forest resources through aggressive aforestation programme. The Government owned Timber Company at J4 will be rehabilitated to add value to our forest woods.
Input and Supporting Services
53.           In continuation of the initiatives commenced in 2012, increased investment will be made in essential agricultural equipment such as Bulldozers, low-loaders and tractors. We also in our plan to upgrade the existing small processing outfits through the purchase of implements such as the farm gate processing machines, graters and pressers. These machines are for empowerment of cassava growers - to add value to their produce, thereby enhancing their income and livelihood.
54.           Poultry Multiplication Centres are also planned for Emuren, Odeda and Ilaro for the production of day old chicks for poultry farmers. The livestock projects at Oke-Eri in Ijebu North Local Government  and Balekan in Odeda Local Government and will be enhanced.
Commerce and Industry
55.           Our  efforts will be geared towards the following:
        i.            Infrastructural development of Industrial Parks in the three Senatorial Districts in the State;
      ii.            Development of Technology Incubation Centres in the 3 Senatorial Districts;
    iii.            Bank of Industry/Industrial Development Counterpart Funding - our Government will continue to provide its own share of counterpart funding for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs);
   iv.            Renovation and upgrading of facilities at major Markets such as:
a.    Oba Lipede Ultra-Modern Market, Kuto, Abeokuta;
b.    Olabisi Onabanjo International Market Ita-Osu in Ijebu-Ode;
c.     Sagamu International Market;
d.    Yewa International Market;
e.    June 12 Market, Panseke.
Government will ensure that each of the markets has functional boreholes and such facilities as may be necessary for conducive business environment.
Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal
56.           The amount allocated to this sector is N29.62billion representing 13.98% of the overall budget size.
 
 
Housing
57.           The challenge of adequate housing stock for the good people of Ogun State will receive further attention in 2013. Specific interventions include:        
        i.            Flagship residential housing estate at Idi Aba, Abeokuta;
      ii.            Five other residential housing estates to be constructed  with Joint Venture partners at Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota and Abeokuta North;
    iii.            Medium/High Income Residential estate in a satellite town close to Lagos.
58.           The implementation of housing programmes will utilise a cocktail of options in terms of products offered including the facilitation of mortgage loans. All strata of the society will be catered for as low to high income housing will be provided.
Urban Renewal
59.           We are also committed to building new City Centres and industrial estates across our 3 Senatorial Districts. The City Centres will comprise of Housing estates, shopping malls, commercial centres etc. Highlights of some of our 2013 plans include:
        i.            Agbara Industrial Estate on 650 hectares. This will open up that area and make our State an industrial hub;
      ii.            Site clearing and commencement of Industrial estates in Sagamu and Waterside Local Governments;
    iii.            Site clearing and commencement of Abeokuta City Centre
   iv.            Construction of a 2500-seater multi-purpose hall behind the June 12 Cultural Centre.
60.           We intend to fully engage our artisans and unskilled labourers while the sourcing of building materials from indigenous traders will be pursued principally to inject new life into local business.
Lands and Survey
61.            The ongoing Geographical Information System project entails a Process Review and Re-engineering coupled with satellite mapping and property enumeration. The project will  eliminate intra-agency bureaucracies and bottlenecks thereby providing a seamless  and efficient service to land owners.
Rural & Infrastructural Development/Employment Generation
62.           The total amount assigned to this sector in the 2013 Budget is N39.92 billion (18.84%). In the area of roads, our focus will be on the completion of the roads for which contracts were awarded in 2012 in line with the “Ogun Standard”. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members,  and the good people of Ogun State, it is clear that these ambitious major  road projects  cannot all be completed in 2013, but they will surely be completed by this Administration.
Security
63.           Without doubt, we shall continue our efforts towards  securing both life and property in Ogun  State. Specifically we have in focus the provision of additional equipment for  the two (2) existing special squads i.e. QRS and Operation MESA.  We solicit the continued cooperation of the Organised Private Sector and eminent citizens in this quest for additional security. I also want to thank the banks, other corporate organisations, traditional rulers and all those that have supported us in the past.
64.           Security monitoring of our cities across the State with the best available surveillance technology will be ensured, and we will set up a 24-hour Emergency Response Call Centre at the base station attached to the Special Squad to attend to distress calls.
Transportation
65.           In the areas of rail and water transportation, we have engaged the relevant  Federal institutions in pro-active discussions with the intention of ensuring that these modes of transportation are harnessed to the benefit and convenience of the citizens of the State.
        i.              Consultants will be commissioned for the design, survey of the rail line and traffic study of our proposed light-rail project in our bold march towards socio-economic renewal;
      ii.              The 2013 Budget contains provisions for the commencement of light rail and an airstrip/airport;
    iii.              Private sector investment will be attracted to partner with us in providing new vehicles for our taxi operators and other transporters at affordable rates and friendly terms.
Culture and Tourism
66.           The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been challenged to place the State on the National Tourism Calendar with appropriate programmes and events built around the State’s cultural heritage..
The specific projects to be embarked upon are:
        i.            The construction of a Museum;     iii Botanical Garden;
      ii.            Theme Park;                                   iv. Film Village.
Sports
67.            We will increase the utilisation of our existing stadia at Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro and Muda Lawal, by upgrading  and maintaining the infrastructure. We will provide athlete hostel facilities where necessary.  This wil entail the  creation of  indoor sports  facilities.  The tracks and other facilities  at  MKO Abiola Stadium will be completely overhauled.  We will also  provide  a public swimming pool at Ijebu Ode.  We will revive the “Catch Them Young “ programme in Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Athletics, Football and Swimming. We will also equip our schools with modern sporting facilities.  and  our  Lawn Tennis circuit will be revived statewide.  Efforts will  also be made to return Gateway United Football Club to the Premiership.
Information
68.           The equipment status of both the Ministry of Information and Strategy and its two Parastatals, have been reviewed and earmarked for radical overhaul in 2013. Given the NCC policy for upgraded technology, the gradual migration of the analog technology will continue in 2013.
Women Affairs
69.           Our Administration recognizes the place of women in our developmental process.  We are committed to elevating the living standard of women, children and other vulnerable groups. In line with this, some of the projects to be executed in 2013 will include:
        i.            Micro Credit Scheme targeting 5,000 women;
      ii.            Renovation of Old People’s Home and Destitutes’ Temporary Rehabilitation Centre;
    iii.            Provision  of Family Recreation Centre;
   iv.            Establishment of Family Courts;
     v.            Renovation of Children Transit Home and implementation of Child’s Right Law.
 
Legislature
70.           As I indicated earlier, a cordial working relationship exists between the Legislative and Executive arm of Government. Mr Speaker and the Honourable Members continue to carry out their oversight functions. To enhance their functions, funds have been allocated to cover:
        i.            Expansion of the House of Assembly Complex;
      ii.            Computerisation  and automation;
    iii.            Construction of Speaker’s Lodge;
    iv.            Constituency Projects.
Judiciary
71.           A transparent justice and effective law enforcement system is key to our democratic process. The Judiciary like the Legislature have demonstrated a high level of co-operation with  the Executive arm of Government.  Some of the initiatives to be pursued during the fiscal year in this sector include:
                    i.            Rehabilitation of courtrooms;
                  ii.            Resuscitation of the construction of the Judicial Headquarters;
                iii.            Provision of modern courtroom facilities;
               iv.            Provision of cars for Judges;
                 v.            Training and retraining of judicial personnel.
Service Matters
72.           The Civil Service is the engine room for policy distillation and implementation. We recognize that our determination to sustain the growth of the State will remain a mirage without a vibrant Public Service.  We therefore reiterate our commitment to building a more proactive worker-friendly environment that will facilitate a well-motivated Public Service. This  will ensure higher productivity in the fiscal year 2013. The specific projects to be implemented in 2013 include:
        i.            Conduct of capacity gap assessments to close such gaps;
      ii.            Restructuring of the Public Service;
    iii.            Pursuit of human capital development strategy;
   iv.            Construction of a new Staff Development Centre.
Conclusion
73.           Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, and the good people of Ogun State, I have highlighted both our accomplishments and challenges in the outgoing year. The road to success has never been smooth. Commitment, passion, doggedness and professionalism are key ingredients for attaining success.  Co-operation and harmony between the various arms of Government have contributed in no small measure to the progress achieved so far.  More than ever before, we should continue to join hands as we seek to bequeath an enduring legacy to Ogun State and generations yet unborn. We must realize that we owe a duty to the people of this State to provide good governance and improved quality of life.
74.           Let me acknowledge the trust and confidence that the good people of Ogun State continue to repose in our Administration. Permit me to use this medium to appreciate the invaluable support, understanding and contribution of all stakeholders, both within and outside the State, which have helped our Administration to focus on its mission to rebuild our State and sustain its growth. Our gratitude equally goes to our Party Leaders, our revered Royal Fathers, Elder Statesmen, Senior Citizens, Pensioners, Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Societies, Professional Bodies, Trade Associations, the Media, the Private Sector, our dedicated and committed Public Servants and all well-meaning groups and individuals for their unalloyed support and faith in our cause.
75.           Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you most sincerely for listening to this address. We have a collective responsibility to ensure the success of this “Budget for Sustainable Growth” for the benefit of our people. I strongly believe that God willing, with determination and collective effort, we shall succeed in this desire to sustain the growth of our dear State.
76.           I thank you all. God Bless You. God Bless Ogun State. God Bless the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA,
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Tuesday 20th November, 2012

DEMOCRACY AND THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN YOUTHS. By: Femi Kuforiji

A UK Based writter and analyst Mr Femi has outlined the roles and expectations of the youths in Nigeria Democracy. In this write up Femi challenged the youths to equip themseleves with the happenings in their communities/environment and also be prepared to take the leadership challenges ahead of them.


What do the youths actually understand as the meaning of Democracy and their role in the society? Do an average Nigerian youth really know what is expected of him or her as far as enhancing democracy is concerned?

Almost all Nigerians want change and are fed-up with the current state of the country, with most Nigerian youths looking for jobs and not even enjoying the dividends of democracy. Gone are those days, when top-notch companies and government parastatals visits Higher institutions in search of prospective employees, even before their graduation from University. I remembered my Dad telling me how employees were cherished by their employers many years back and youths with educational background were enticed with promise of higher pay and many more incentives by numerous recruiters. However, the story is different today as our youths, even those who have attained the highest academic orientation are jobless, helpless and struggling to make ends meet.

Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally either directly or through elected representatives in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.

The Nigerian youths have the largest stake and responsibility in ensuring that democracy is upheld, maintained and respected by all irrespective of status, as its through their generations that its effectiveness shall be gauged.
Is a shame that the political class, most especially those we have voted for or those imposed on us theatrically have taken advantage of the ignorance of the citizens by re-defining the actual meaning of democracy to suit their own ambitions with no due respect to constitution. I guess, they are following the satirical novella called Animal Farm (1945), which coined the term, “ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS

It is very sad to see youths being used as political machinery by politicians to achieve their self centered interests and goals irrespective of the consequences of such act.

NIGERIAN youths have allowed themselves to be the objects of manipulation and ridicule from very few individuals whom WE have given all our RIGHTS and now run our lives according to their selfish interest and political ambition.

I have always been told that ‘Youths are the leaders of tomorrow’ since my elementary school days. However, the leaders are not allowing the Nigerian youths to be instrumental in the development of the country. Some youths are only called upon towards election time to act as political thugs, only to be discarded after election. There are no structural strategies for the development of Nigeria youths nor proper accountability of all the financial aids accepted by Africa's largest producer of oil and the sixth largest oil producing in the World.

U.K Aid to Nigeria
Despite the crude oil and other resources, is very sad that Nigeria is still being spoon-fed by other countries via provision of financial aid. In 2010, the UK’s bilateral aid to Nigeria to support work ranging from malaria prevention, to girls' education was raised from £120 to £140 million per annum. Furthermore, the U.K Government has proposed to send £305m in aid to Nigeria in 2015/2015
http:// www.fco.gov.uk/en/ about-us/what-we-do/­working-in-partnershi p/ working-with-stakehol­der-groups/ 086-diaspora-groups/ Nigerian-diaspora/ britain-nigeria

http:// uk.news.yahoo.com/ uk-to-end-aid-package -to-india--which-nat ions-receive-most-ca sh-from-britain-0911 2012.html

Are our leaders really tackling issues relating to the provision of all these funds? It is very shameful that a country which has been classified as the Africa's largest producer of oil has been brought down to her knees by our so-called leaders and can not function without borrowing money and getting foreign aids package from foreign countries.

U.S Aid to Nigeria
According to Forbes, a whopping $647.7 million has been allocated for Nigeria and only God knows what our leaders are doing with such whopping sum of money or what we are paying back for accepting such aid from the U.S government. http:// www.forbes.com/sites/­brianwingfield/2011/ 01/29/ making-sense-of-u-s-f oreign-aid-to-egypt- and-elsewhere/

A summary and proposed financial aid to Nigeria can be viewed via the U.S Foreign website http:// foreignassistance.gov / OU.aspx?OUID=175&FY=2 013&AgencyID=0&budTa­b=tab_Bud_Planned

Below is the link depicting the proposed 2013 budgetary allocation for the Federal Ministry of Youth and Social Development. http://­www.budgetoffice.gov. ng/ 2013-budget_details/ 3.%20Summary_Youth%20­Devt.pdf

If our leaders can not orientate us to be good leaders in the future, it is high time we orientate ourselves.

Reach out to the youths around you and speak words of encouragement to them. Nigerian youths should be able to enjoy the dividends of democracy and the resources of the country. We should not only to be reading or hearing about budgetary allocation but the Nigerian youths should be feeling the impact of development, creation of more jobs, innovative workshops, award of scholarships, supporting entrepreneurship, accountability of funds and allowing youths to be involved in the development of the country instead of being used as political machineries.

A country that does not nurture young leadership is as good as cutting an Iroko tree using a razor blade.

Femi Kuforiji

Beyond This Issue Of Urban Renewal: Hon. Kayode Amusan Challenges Gov. Amosun On Priorities

A former member of the House Of Representatives and a chieftain of PDP, Honourable Kayode Jelili Amusan have called on the state government to set its priorities in its running and administration of the state resources. Hon. Amusan who represented Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency from 2003-2011 while talking over the performance style of the governor called on the governor to focus on the project that will reduce poverty among the citizenry and even distribution of the state resources.

Excerpts:
OBSERVATION:
"I would rather think that what our people need most at the moment is tackling the issue of unemployment and creationg wealth for the people and the peoples' survival. This,I think, would be better served if several of our youths in the state are meaningfully and gainfully employed."

PROBLEMS/ISSUES:
"Two things bother me mostly about the government's policy with respect to this so called urban renewal policy. One is the issue of cost; and the second is the issue of priority. By extension, if we are then to look at the issue of priority and cost altogether, we would then be asking for 'whose interest is being served'? What are the procedures for awarding all these contracts."

ADVICE:
"As a public officer, I could not be unmindful of the need for development, but at what "Cost"- social, economic, political and cultural.
As a Yoruba person, I grew up with the notion of "ebi npa mi, olose nkiri. Nigba ti mi o ba fo'nu, ba wo ni n o se fo'ode" (I am hugry, the soap seller is hawking her ware, if I do not 'wash' my stomach, how do I 'wash' outside)."

CONCLUSION:
"In the face of growing poverty, I would rather think governor Amosun should focus more on reducing the poverty level, increase the tempo of economic activities in the state to generate employment and increase prosperity of the people before taking them out of other businesses like the demolition of stalls and shops in Omida, Sapon etc."

Culled from Hon. Kayode Amusan fbk Page.

Nigeria Exports Religion, India Exports Car - Pastor Tunde Bakare

The biggest country in Africa that the United Kingdom colonised is Nigeria. The biggest country that the United Kingdom colonised in Asia is India (which then comprised the present Pakistan and Bangladesh).

When the UK came into Nigeria and India, like all other countries they colonised, they brought along their technology, religion (Christianity), a
nd culture: names, dressing, food, and language, among others. Try as hard as the British did, India rejected the British religion, names, dressing, food, and even language, but they did not reject the British technology. Today, 80.5 per cent of Indians are Hindus; 13.4 per cent Muslims; 2.3 per cent Christians; 1.9 per cent Sikhs; 0.8 per cent Buddhists, among others. Hindi is the official language of the government of India, but English is used extensively in business and administration and has the status of a “subsidiary official language.” Interestingly, it is rare to find an Indian with an English name or dressed in suit.

On the other hand, Nigeria embraced, to a large extent, the British religion, British culture – names, dressing, foods, and language – but, ironically, rejected the British technology. The difference between the Nigerian and the Indian experiences is that while India is proud of its heritage, Nigeria takes little pride in its own heritage, a situation that has affected the nationalism of Nigerians and our development as a nation.

Before the advent of Christianity, the Arabs had brought Islam into Nigeria through the North. Islam also wiped away much of the culture of Northern Nigeria. Today, the North has only Sharia courts but no Customary courts. So from the North to the South of Nigeria, the Western World and the Eastern World have shaped our lives to be like theirs and we have lost much or all of our identity.

Long after the Whites and Arabs left Nigeria, Nigeria has waxed strong in religion to the extent that Nigerians now set up branches of their home-grown churches in Europe, the Americas, Asia and other African countries. Just like the Whites brought the gospel to us, Nigerians now take the gospel back to the Whites. In Islam, we are also very vibrant to the extent that if there is a blasphemous comment against Islam in Denmark or the US, even if there is no violent reaction in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic headquarters of the world, there will be loss of lives and destruction of property in Nigeria. If the United Arab Emirates, a country with 75 per cent Muslims, is erecting the tallest building in the world and encouraging the world to come and invest in its territory by providing a friendly environment, Boko Haram ensures that the economy of the North (and by extension that of Nigeria) is crippled with bombs and bullets unless every Nigerian converts to Boko Haram’s brand of Islam. We are indeed a very religious people.

Meanwhile, as we are building the biggest churches and mosques, the Indians, South Africans, Chinese, Europeans and Americans have taken over our key markets: telecoms, satellite TV, multinationals, banking, oil and gas, automobile, aviation, and hospitality industries among others.

Ironically, despite our exploits in religion, we are a people with little godliness, a people without scruples. It is rare to do business with a Nigerian pastor, deacon, knight, elder, brother, sister, imam, mullah, mallam, alhaji or alhaja without the person laying landmines of bribes and deception on your path. We call it PR, facilitation fee, processing fee, transport money, financial engineering, deal, or whatever. But if it does not change hands, no show. And when it is amassed, we say it is “God’s blessings.” Some people assume that sleaze is a problem of public functionaries, but the private sector seems to be worse than the public sector these days.

One would have assumed that the more churches and mosques that spring up in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, the higher the morals in our society. But it is not so. The situation is that the more religious we get, the baser we become. Our land never knew the type of bloodshed experienced from religious extremists, political desperadoes, ritual killers, armed robbers, kidnappers, internet scammers, university cultists, and lynch mobs. Life has become so cheap and brutish that everyday seems to be a bonanza.

We import petrol even when we have crude oil in abundance. We also import rice and beans that our land can produce in abundance. We even import toothpicks that primary school children can produce with little or no effort. Yet, we drive the best of cars and live in the best of edifices, visit the best places in the world for holidays and use the most expensive electronic and telecoms gadgets. It is now a sign of poverty for a Nigerian to ride a saloon car. Four-wheel drive vehicles are the in thing. Even government officials, who were known to use only Peugeot products as official cars as a sign of modesty, have upgraded to Toyota Prado as official vehicle without any iota of shame, in a country where about 70 per cent live below poverty line. Private jets have become as common as cars. A nation that imports toothpicks and pins flaunts wealth and wallows in ostentation at a time its children are trooping to Ghana, South Africa and the UK for university education and its sick people are running to India for treatment.

India produces automobile and exports it to the world. India’s medical care is second to none, with even Americans and Europeans travelling to the country for medical treatment. India has joined the nuclear powers nations. India has launched a successful mission to the moon. Yet bicycles and tricycles are common sights in India. But in Nigeria, only the wretched of the earth ride bicycles.

I have intentionally chosen to compare Nigeria with India rather than China, South Korea, Brazil, Malaysia, or Singapore, because of the similarities between India and Nigeria. But these countries were not as promising as Nigeria at the time of our independence.

Some would say that our undoing is our size: the 2012 United Nations estimate puts Nigeria’s population at 166,000 million, while India has a population of 1.2 billion. Some would blame it on the multiplicity of ethnic groups: we have 250 ethnic groups, India has more than 2,000. Some would hang it on the diversity in religion: we have two major religions — Christianity and Islam; but India has many. Some would say it is because we are young as an independent nation: we have 52 years of independence; India has 65 years. Apartheid ended in South Africa only in 1994.

I am a Christian, and nothing can change me from Christianity. But I think that our country is daily sinking into religiosity to the detriment of godliness. Our land is sick and needs healing. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” is still a saying that is germane to our current situation. We need more godliness than religion; more work and less of hope; and more action and less of words.

Let everyone tidy up his or her corner first and demand fervently that our leaders tidy their areas of governance. Our nation is degenerating at a fast pace and we need to save it now or it may be too late.

OPEN LETTER TO JAGABAN OF BORGU-BAYO ADEYINKA

My dear Asiwaju, I must first apologize for using this open medium to reach you. I had no choice especially as I know that it may be difficult to reach you personally at Bourdillon. I only have to hold on to a thread of hope, believing strongly that this piece will come to your attention, maybe from one of the numerous ACN online activists.
Recent even...ts in Ondo State in particular and the SouthWest in general have triggered off this letter. Before I continue, I also wish to engage in full disclosure. I am an ACN sympathizer. I voted for ACN at all times except for the Presidency when my vote went to Buhari. I still believe that ACN remains the most virile platform to provide our people with superior service. I can therefore humbly state that this message is borne out of patriotic zeal and is also in recognition of your noble efforts to establish the footholds of the party all over Nigeria.
Now to the crux of the matter. It is pertinent that there should be a holistic review of the recent elections in Ondo State and why ACN turned up so badly that it came third- after LP and even PDP. It has never been this bad for our great party. What went wrong? How come ACN couldn't even win in 3 Local Governments out of about 18? How could PDP finished better than ACN? Is it that the populace are beginning to have a re-think? How come the output was so poor in spite of the massive propaganda and rallies attended by our leaders such as your good self, ACN governors, Chief Bisi Akande and others? What will make ACN lose Ikoyi of all places to Obanikoro of PDP?How did ACN get to this sorry pass?
Please permit me to share a honest analysis of what I believe you should critically consider if our great party is not to suffer even greater losses in the nearest future-God forbid. Please take note that it takes courage to stand and speak up like I am doing but I also believe it will take courage on your part to also sit down and listen.
1. INTERNAL DEMOCRACY- Sir, there is no internal democracy in ACN. Aketi is certainly a good candidate and most likely the best of the lot. However, the method for choosing him caused rancour and the process was less than transparent. You have been accused severally of 'selective' democracy. You have often handpicked Governors, Senators and House of Rep members. I still remember the ruckus in Ekiti between Babafemi Ojudu, Dele Alake and others. Who knows what happened to Senator Bode Ola, the man who spent just about a year and was not allowed to go back to the Senate? I have heard that you said ACN has a special way of choosing your party reps. With all respect, Sir, ACN cannot continue to operate like a cult in the 21st Century. Even UPN, the Party your ACN is modeled around, had better internal democracy or else Bola Ige would never have contested against Emmanuel Alayande, his erstwhile school principal. Please let there be transparent internal democracy. Let people compete as much as possible so that whoever loses does so in a very clear manner. In retrospect, had the process for picking ACN's candidate been more transparent, it may have been easier to retain people like Olu Agunloye in the party. Maybe the outcome of the election would have been different. But that is now history.
2. REGIONAL INTEGRATION- It is my opinion that we can achieve Regional Integration even if all the states belong to different parties. It is the people, the system and the states that are to be integrated and not the parties. I therefore do not subscribe to the fact that it is only when Ondo State is under ACN that integration can be completed. But more importantly, this much touted regional integration has now become more of a mantra as there is almost nothing to show for it among the existing Governors. Dear Sir, time is going.
3. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL LEADER?- Sir, please do not get me wrong. I believe the role of the National Leader is very important but you seem to be all in all in the Party. May I ask, why is there no Board of Trustees? Even PDP in all it's colorless and amorphous system has a BOT. In the Party, no one can challenge you, yet you are called the Opposition Leader in Nigeria. Isn't that a contradiction of sorts? The party seems to be built around you and that is why our detractors call the party Asiwaju Congress of Nigeria. Is it right to build an institution around a single person? Can you always be right? Do you have monopoly of wisdom? Unfortunately, most of your hangers-on will not tell you the truth- some out of fear and cowardice, others out of greed and avarice. I am even surprised that respected men of letters like Sam Omatseye and Professor Adebayo Williams are unable to confront you with the issues under discourse. Rather, I see a lot of praise singers who take out adverts in the papers and praise you in very colorful language to the highest heavens. Please sir, beware. You should be most afraid of people in whose sight you can never do any wrong.
4. THE PERFORMANCE OF ACN GOVERNORS- Sir, I believe the issue of performance of current ACN Governors should be a major agenda to you. There must be a party mechanism for monitoring performance. During the Awolowo era, we were told of how UPN Governors will often come to the party to defend their performance. During that process, many of them were told the home truth. Truth be told, most of the achievements of our current flock of Governors, except for a few, cannot pass the litmus test of superior performance. From the much touted OYES to YES-O, it has been cogent evidence of a flawed thought process. How can that qualify for job creation? When Aketi spoke about 30,000 jobs in 100 days, was he also thinking of this model? It can qualify for some sort of social security but definitely not job creation. Why will Governors advertise freebies such as free train ride during holidays as achievements? How does jogging or walking long distances with civil servants or the populace become of paramount importance that so much media attention is focused on it? I remember we criticized former Governor Akala for distributing Chinese cars but our Governors are distributing Keke Napep! Yes, there are roads being constructed in certain areas and there are some general infrastructural facelifts but the same thing is happening in some other PDP controlled states such as Rivers and Akwa Ibom. So how are ACN Governors different? Some of them have even embarked on meaningless projects. Or how do you explain the setting up of Technical University, Oyo State when existing institutions are not even well funded. Except for Lagos and Edo State Governors, all the rest are under-performers. Truth be told, most of those States don't come near Ondo State in terms of achievements and performance. This is a major issue which demands urgent attention.
5. THE ALIENATION OF CERTAIN SOUTHWEST STAKEHOLDERS- Sir, I read some newspaper reports where either you, Chief Bisi Akande or some other ACN goon spoke derisively of people like Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, late Chief Gani Dawodu and others. It is not part of our culture for elders to throw banters in public. I think you should be magnanimous to draw closer to these Yoruba leading lights as a house divided against itself can never stand. I sometimes wonder what is happening to someone like Jimi Agbaje? There is an uneasy calm in the house of the progressives and our enemies can take advantage of this present state of disorder. Please reach out to aggrieved brothers and let us reach an accord. This is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. You need to learn how to stoop to conquer, sir.
6. THE YOUTH- Sir, the only way ACN can properly propagate its policies and replicate acceptable standards of engagement is by raising up the youth in the party. How virile is the Youth Wing of the party? I recall that at a time, Bola Ige was the Youth Leader of UPN and see how brilliantly he turned out. Our party is filled with yesterday's men or children of political warlords and godfathers. There must be a special development effort targeted at the youth especially in the mould of the Youth Wing of the African National Congress of South Africa. I am sure you know, Sir, that Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma were leaders of the Youth Wing and they earned their rise through the ranks. Please look for brilliant youths and mentor them. Intersperse them among the current crop of leaders. That is the way to ensure that the party lives after you.
In conclusion, Your Excellency, Sir, I see danger lurking around the corner by 2015 if the issues above are not addressed in a timely manner. The clouds are gathering and the vultures are circling. I do not claim to possess powers of clairvoyance but I believe all I have highlighted above show the general pulse of the people. You have a golden chance of galvanizing the SouthWest. You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Please don't throw it away. Thank you for reading my piece and be assured of my loyalty.

Fmr Ogun Council Boss And OGHA Member Honourable (Dr.) Sikirullahi Ogundele Declares Intention To Run For Governor in 2015

GOV. AMOSUN IS A BUNDLE OF DISSAPOINTMENT-
BY Hon.(Dr.) Sikirulai Olawale Ogundele

Dr.Sikirulai Olawale Ogundele is one top politician in Ogun State who is popular within the grassroots. The consummate politician began his active party politics during the NRC/ SDP era where he vied for elective office. However, in 1999, he contested and won the seat to represent Ifo constituency in Ogun State House of Assembly under the then Alliance for Democracy(AD).
It was the same story in 2003, when he contested for
the same seat on the platform of Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP). He later made an entrance to the executive arm and contested for the chairmanship position in Ifo local government area, where he emerged victorious.
Inthis interview, Hon Sikirulai Ogundele speaks on why the PDP lost to the ACN in Ogun State in the last election, among other sundry issues.

Hon. Ogundele you have been out of circulation for a
while, where have you been?

I have never been out of circulation, I have been much more around both home and abroad. I only travel out on business trips abroad once in a while but i am always with my people.

(Cuts in) but you have been quiet in the political scene for some time?

Yes, it is important to do a critical internal self-
examination after the last general elections, and give the new government enough space and time to settle to perform. So, i deliberately stayed away from the media, but I'm active politically within my party, the PDP and my political group is still bubbling.

Your Party, the People Democratic Party (PDP) spent 8 years in power in Ogun State, but lost in the 2011
general elections. Some people have blamed either
former Gov. Daniel or ex-President Obasanjo for this
failure, what is your personal view ?

No doubt about about that, we had a mismanagement
of our success, and it led to the failure at the 2011 general elections. I strongly believe that we had a collective mistake from left, right and centre, we all committed the electoral blunder. Maybe the joy of victory at all times then was too much on our head, but it was quite unfortunate that we could not manage the success. Philosophically, when you allow things like that to get into your head, you are bound to commit blunder.

Are you now saying that if the in-fighting was not
there, the PDP would have won the elections in 2011?

I want to confirm to you that if the PDP members were in harmony and because of the performance of the immediate past governor who is an achiever per
excellence, the ACN would not have won. Look, there is no single soul in Ogun State that did not feel the impact of Governor Gbenga Daniel directly or indirectly. Look at the activities of the agencies established by ex Governor Daniel, look at OGROMA that worked seriously on our roads, OGSEP that worked on the transformers, OGEGEP trained and provided jobs for the unemployed people and how Ogun state became the darling of industrialists, and foreign investors, to mention just a few. Therefore, I wish to reaffirm it that there was no single soul in Ogun State that did not feel the positive impact of ex-Governor Daniel’s government. So, that would have just reflected in the voting pattern in April 2011, and we would have won tremendously.

People were talking about change, and the
change was sweeping across the South West of
Nigeria?

Let me tell you, it was not that change per say, it was few people that were using the media as a propaganda tool to clamour for change. Change for what? Is it from the good governance of Gbenga Daniel to the disaster we have now? For eight years people did not see anything that Bola Tinubu did in Lagos, despite the huge resources available to him. It was after he was able to install Fashola that people began to appreciate the fact that it was Tinubu that laid the foundation for the successes attributed to Fashola. The Ogun people were feeling the good impact of the OGD administration and would have voted for PDP again if not for the infighting we had. There were so many people saying this your intra party wahala is too much.
Even, up till now, people still give it to PDP when it comes to performance. OGD performed tremendously
well. I have said it at so many times that I am looking forward to see a government that can challenge OGD on performance, I mean you cannot compare the present administration in Ogun State to that of OGD, no way, the legacies are there.

The present ACN government in Ogun State is now a
year old, what is your candid evaluation of this
government?

That’s a good question. I am very happy that you did
not ask me to compare or pass judgment, I would have
said that I am not good at passing judgment, but that does not mean one should not look at the past and look at the present. I want to say with all sense of responsibility that the present ACN GOVERNMENT IN OGUN STATE IS A BUNDLE OF DISSAPPOINTMENT.
The ACN government in Ogun State is vindictive and not a progressive government, and made up of intellectually bankrupt bunch of propagandists. The ACN government that never had the love of the people at heart. So many people have been turned homeless
today. So many businesses have been paralysed, so
many people are now jobless or displaced by this failed government of Governor Amosun. I want to say again, the state that was tremendously lifted from the civil servant state, with viable economic process by OGD has now been criminally turned back or taken back to a civil servant state. The government of ACN in Ogun State is a bundle of disappointment.

But the ACN supporters would say that Gov Amosun is
performing, with the newly dualised Ita Eko Road and
has promised other good things to come?

My brother before you dualise a road, before you
displaced people from their homes, and shops where
they earn their daily bread, you ought to have put into consideration two major things. One, what is the economic value of that road, what is the traffic volume of this place you are dualising, and in the case of that Ita Eko-Sokori road, the place is dualised already, you are now putting extension, displacing people, sending people to uncertain future, destroying many families.
There are other roads calling for rehabilitation and
extension, look at one road beside Madojutimi Food
Canteen along Abiola Way. The road to Asero beside
the Stadium enroute Obantoko, if rehabilitated it would have reduced the traffic congestion at Asero/Moore Petrol Station axis. The road from Idi-aba to link the secretariat was opened by OGD. One would have expected an intelligent governor to embark on people oriented projects. I believe an ordinary extention of road already dualised is a pay back of some political debts.

May be the governor is taking things gradually, why
don’t you give him some more time?

That’s what I am talking about, even 4 years is too
small for a very focused governor to perform but a
governor that has a vision, mission and laudable plans in his blue print ought to have embarked on people oriented project within a year of its existence. This is a government that promised free education, free health programmes, where are they?

(Cuts in) but the government paid WASCE fees for
SSS3 students and distributed textbooks to students
free?

All government do that. As Local Government
Chairman, I did all these when I was there at Ifo local government on quarterly basis, and didn't see it as something spectacular. He promised students free text books and the students are getting the books in their third term. Which parent would wait for such irresponsible government before they buy their children's textbooks. This man would have done some rehabilitation of structures at schools, you can’t make education free, and expect it to be qualitative, even Lagos State cannot handle free education with all her intimidating I.G.R. You only need to subsidize it, you can’t make it totally free, don’t deceive people.
Anyway, I want to believe that the man didn't know
what he was coming to do as a governor in the first
place. The original ACN members are not in the inner
circle of government at the state level. Look at the
structure of the state executive council, how many
original politicians from ACN are there? Non.
I want to say that Amosun has disappointed the people of Ogun State. The forth coming local government will show the diminishing popularity chart of the present government. I have called some of my friends in his government to go back and check the popularity chat of Amosun before he became governor and now. It has reduced drastically within a year in office. This is a government that embark on tour without the mission of going to commission a single project. A government that is stage managing a first year of meaningless administration. It has never happened in the history of the state that a governor would be stoned in just a year in office like it happened in Ijebu-Igbo. In Ipokia, it was
a gun battle between his security aides, and the
people. It is terrible that this is happening in Ogun state. Gov. Amosun had now made people realized
what they have lost within one year after the departure of OGD.
Look within 100 days in office as Ifo Local
Government chairman, I commissioned over 60
projects that are people oriented. Amosun has lost
credibility, the man has disappointed so many people
in Ogun State. I said it sometimes ago that the shoes OGD left in office is too large for this man to wear.
As a very honest and grassroots person, i said it earlier that the people of Ogun State are not getting what they expected from the man. The best way to pay him back is at the next council elections in July. All we see now is a man with large cap, a particular proverb says uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, now a man wearing a crown is adding more metres to the crown, making it larger, and comical thereby adding unnecessary weight to the head. Each time I see Mr. Governor with his large cap like that of a particular jester, it makes me laugh, and think our number one citizen is not a serious man.
PDP is now working seriously to mend fences, and unite. How can a governor spend over N300 Million
Naira to plant flower? I mean you can’t compare the
topography of Ogun state with that of Lagos State.
Ogun State is rocky. Is planting of flowers the next
thing, when people are walking around with empty
stomachs. A very intelligent governor would have been more focused and active than planting flower.
You don’t play politics with the future of the youths. Look at what he did to TASUED, the first University of Education in Nigeria, and second in Africa. You want to scrap it, and spend the money in planting flowers so as to create avenue for friends to waste our money. In just a year in office, Amosun has borrowed about 60 billion naira and we have not seen a single thing he has done.
They were saying that Gbenga Daniel left a debt
burden of 80 billion in eight years of his administration,
let the Ogun people now judge for themselves and
compare. Eight years of 80 billion debt, and one year of 60 billion naira debt. We are in deep trouble in Ogun, and must kick this impostor called Amosun out of power in 2015, but we must show through the local government elections, that he can no longer deceive Ogun people again, with his bunch of political neophytes and brigands.

Hon. Ogundele, lets come back to you, what is your
next political step, after your experience as a two-
termed state legislator and former council chairman?

After a lot of consultations, I have come to the
conclusion that I want to join in the gubernatorial race of Ogun State come 2015, and nothing will stop me from achieving this INSHA ALLAH. I am a politician with experience, and I strongly believe in my ability. That has always reflected in my elections. I lost only during the NRC & SDP days when i contested for the House of Assembly seat under the NRC, but since then, I have been winning all my elections; from my second term in House of Assembly to Ifo Local Government seat as
chairman. The records are there, go to Ifo local
government, go to both constituency 1 & 2, you will see my legacies and foot prints there. I constructed the ultra-modern market at Ifo, and I completed it, the same structures were put in place at Akute, and
Agbado, and no single kobo was taken from the council purse. It was done through my personal initiative and contacts. Each time I travelled abroad then, I used to feature on TV programmes and used the opportunities to call on indigenes abroad to come and join in the developmental process of our local government area, and they responded positively. One major project that nobody can take away at Ifo is the relationship building project. I was able to manage Ifo local government, a volatile council area very well, this won me several awards as the best local government council boss in Nigeria.
I constructed roads and gave out over 100
transformers. My vast experience in politics had earned me credibility within and outside Nigeria. I am still waiting for anybody to challenge me because up till today, I am the only ex-council boss that did not owe anybody, whether a political appointee, staff, or contractors a kobo before I left the council. The issue of whether PDP, my party will give me the governorship ticket or not does not arise, I know they will not deny me this opportunity, and the leaders can attest to my
qualities. I want to serve my people, and we need to do away with these empty headed elements with large
caps, and please help me tell the whole world that I Dr. Sikirulai Olawale Ogundele is set to bring Ogun State back to the good days as established by OGD.

Opposition Ready To Unseat Gov. Amosun In 2015

An aide of immediate former governor of Ogun state Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Mr Sina Kawonise have made it clear that the present administration of Ogun state under the leadership of Senator Ibikunle Amosun won't spend beyond 2015 in office. Kawonise made this known during an online interactive session organised by the Ogun People's Forum (OPF).

Mr Kawonise while answering questions from participants of the session shed more lights on the policies of the last administration where he served as Commissioner for Information. While responding to the question raised by My Abiodun Adenuga over the decision of the last administration to build four stadia within the state, Kawonise said " The stadia were conceived and built precisely to solve the poverty challenge. And it is simplistic to measure their viability in terms of direct revenue via, for instance, gate-takings. Investment in sports facilities is categorised as both a social and economic spending".
Furthermore, the guest on the session makes a damning revelation that he is ready to work against the emergence of Senator Amosun come 2015. In his words, "My dream for Ogun State is to form a coalition to expel the political merchants and the charlatans that are currently ruining our commonwealth. The goal is to join hands with true progressives that will continue with the giant strides of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the visionary, the brilliant administrator, the inimitable manager of men and materials, who laid the foundation for the greatness of our state. Ibikunle Amosun surely won't go beyond 2015."

Welcoming members and participants to the Session, the initiator of the forum Ms. Tosin Awotesu urged members to keep to the rules of the forum while addressing issues as the forum stands to represent the interest of the State and not of that of any individuals, groups or party.

Ogun People's Forum was described as "A forum for the State, for the people and by the people. This group is created to facilitate discussion on issues affecting our State, proffer solutions and generally help in moving the State forward to a place we will all be proud to call our home.