In the past 13 days, Ogun State and indeed the whole of Nigeria have witnessed resounding protests from a majority youth population, clamouring for an end to the now disbanded SARS; a holistic reform of the Nigeria Police; and a sundry other demands, which have so far...
... significantly disrupted the daily socioeconomic lives of our people.
In solidarity with the totality of peaceful protesters exercising their fundamental rights, I facilitated the immediate release from custody, of over 30 of our youth on behalf of our responsible and responsive Government.
Subsequent protests have however taken a violent turn, with reports & records of violence; burning of Police stations; vandalisation of private & public properties; blockades on major highways, & extortion of innocent citizens at same; & deployment of Okada to transport hoodlums.
Most worrisome are the lynching of a Customs officer by an Okada mob today, and last week’s attack on a top government functionary’s vehicle, which made us consider many options including imposing a state-wide curfew.
However, following my meeting with Security Chiefs in Ogun State today, we have come up with the following measures, subject to review on a 24-hour basis:
1. Immediate closure of all schools (at all levels) till Monday, 26th October, 2020.
2. Suspension of Okada operations across the State all through tomorrow, Wednesday, 21st October, in the first instance.
3. Increased security around correctional facilities & public buildings.
4. Highway blockades and harassment of innocent citizens to no longer be tolerated.
5. Deployment of joint patrol teams of security agencies to ensure no threat to public security.
I am moved by developments to request that youth groups appoint representatives to meet and negotiate with the Ogun State Government, in addition to other steps we have taken, such as the setting up of the Judicial Panel of Investigation.
No right is absolute, and we cannot fold our arms and watch our State descend into anarchy. The State is our first property, our only home.
The unfortunate hijack by hoodlums who escalated ordinarily peaceful protests organised by law-abiding Ogun State youths led to tragic loss of lives and damage of public property today.
Some of these include the razing of Atan-Ota Police Station, death of the Divisional Crime Officer and one other victim; serious injuries to the Division Police Officer; and supremacy battles between miscreant loyalties in other locations.
My heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of every soul lost in this fracas.
In line with my earlier announcement, we have today inaugurated the State Judicial Panel of Investigation led by Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd), according to the resolutions of the the National Economic Council, NEC meeting of 15th October.
The setting up of this Panel, as well as a support fund, committee, office, forensic lab, and online complaints portal, is a demonstration of our Administration's commitment to true democracy and fundamental human rights.
The terms of reference of the Panel, which will conclude its assignment within six (6) months, are:
We have appointed the winner of the @BBNaija Lockdown, @itsLaycon Youth Ambassador of Ogun State in addition to house and cash gifts.
I relayed this development today, when I played host to Olamilekan Moshood Agbelesebioba AKA Laycon in my Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta.
The appointment and gifts are a celebration of Laycon's good character, intellect and virtues which were proven to the whole world on live TV as better choices than vices.
A proud son of Ogun State, Laycon displayed the essence of focus in the face of temptations and provocations. This is the true Ogun State spirit, and it indeed confirms that this earned him his academic achievement at the University of Lagos.
Today, we have more than enough reasons to jubilate and reflect on our joint growth in Ogun State, as the world habitat is celebrated alongside teachers all over the world. Our habitats are like our teachers: they accommodate our inadequacies as we get better.
This is why we have prioritised housing infrastructure and will be delivering 12,500 housing units before year 2023.
I disclosed this at the commemoration event held in Abeokuta, where I I detailed that the @OGSGOfficial will independently build 2,500 affordable units & 10,000 jointly under the Social Housing Scheme of @MBuhari's Economic Sustainability Plan as one of the...
At the event held in Abeokuta in commemoration of the 2020 World Teachers Day, I felicitated all teachers in Ogun State, especially through the NUT, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools & other Unions & Associations who have consistently protected the interest of teachers.
Towards encouraging outstanding service, I also presented on behalf of the Ogun State Government, house and cash awards to three teachers in different categories.
Mrs Mary Adeyemi of St. Paul's School II (Best Teacher, Primary Category) received a N2m cash prize; Mr Odegboka Ayodele (Junior Secondary) received a two-bedroom bungalow in Prince Court Estate; while Mr Adewale Abayomi (Senior Secondary) received N2.5m.