The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday presented Toyota Corolla Cross 2025 SUVs to the chairmen of the 20 local government areas in the state.
The presentation of the brand-new vehicles in Abeokuta on Thursday added to the festive mood of the Christmas season, as the chairmen expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Governor Abiodun said the vehicles were provided to enhance effective governance at the grassroots.
The governor lauded the chairmen for being worthy partners in delivering the dividends of democracy at the grassroots and pledged that his administration would continue to support local governments to enhance socio-economic development in the state.
He urged the local government chairmen to remain dedicated to excellence in grassroots governance and committed to promoting equitable growth and development across their councils.
He said, “Our administration is aware of the challenges faced by our people at the grassroots and the obstacles confronting government in delivering essential services.
“These vehicles have therefore been provided to facilitate swift and efficient outreach to the grassroots, as required by the demands of governance.
“This gesture also underscores our determination to ensure that grassroots governance thrives in the state and that rural dwellers enjoy good governance without impediments.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Ogun State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Folashade Adeyemo, lauded Governor Abiodun for the provision of the vehicles, describing it as a boost to the Yuletide celebrations.
Adeyemo, who also serves as the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, commended the governor’s achievements across key sectors, including education, housing, healthcare and road infrastructure.
She said the governor’s ISEYA mantra had elevated the state’s development profile and assured that local government chairmen would continue to collaborate with the state government to make Ogun a model state.
She said: “This is no doubt a pleasant surprise that came during Christmas, making the celebration even more memorable. It further shows that our hardworking governor is a promise-keeper.
“The chairmen are very grateful for this support, and it is a call on all of us to do more for our people, even as we continue to support the good work Governor Abiodun has been doing for over six years.
“These vehicles will significantly enhance efficiency. As local governments are closest to rural communities, this mobility will aid in reaching remote areas, monitoring projects and engaging effectively with the people.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, appreciated the governor for providing the utility vehicles, noting that the gesture would further strengthen grassroots governance.
Dr Akinlesi urged the chairmen to reciprocate the support of the state government by deepening their commitment to serving people at the grassroots.
Meanwhile, local government administration in Nigeria continues to face challenges over autonomy, particularly financial independence, despite a Supreme Court ruling in October last year directing state governments to grant local governments autonomy.
Although constitutionally recognised as the third tier of government, local governments largely remain dependent on, and often controlled by, state governments, a situation that has continued to hinder effective grassroots development and service delivery.
The official social media page of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), 𝕏 to be precise, has been attacked by suspected hackers.
Naija News reports that the DHQ confirmed the development in a statement made public on Saturday, August 15, by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. General Samaila Uba.
He said the body has hence treated the incident as a cybersecurity matter, with technical measures activated to secure the account.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to inform members of the public, the media and all stakeholders that it has detected an attempted unauthorised compromise of its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“The incident is currently being treated as a cybersecurity matter, and appropriate technical measures have been activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access,” the statement noted.
The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard any publication from the account at the moment while ensuring that efforts were ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.
“The Defence Headquarters assures the public that efforts are ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.
“Consequently, members of the public are advised to disregard any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content that may be posted from the account during this period,” he said.
Uba stressed the DHQ’s committment to maintaining high standards of information security and ensuring that Nigerians continued to receive accurate, timely and credible information on the activities and operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“We appreciate the understanding and vigilance of the public and will provide further updates as necessary,” he said.
He further urged Nigerians to henceforth check its verified accounts on other platforms, including Facebook under the name “Defence Headquarters Nigeria,” Instagram at @defenceheadquarters and its WhatsApp Channel, Defence Headquarters Nigeria for reliable information.
At least seven workers were killed and 13 injured following a landslide that sent water and debris gushing into a tunnel under construction in north India, officials said Friday.
The incident occurred late Thursday in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, where workers were constructing a tunnel for a state-run hydropower project.
At least three workers are still missing, while 19 were rescued from the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation site, the State Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.
Videos shared by local authorities showed rescue workers equipped with head-mounted torches using makeshift rafts to reach the flooded section of the tunnel.
Uttarakhand has been battered by heavy monsoon rains in recent days.
Accidents on large construction sites are common in India, but ecologists say excessive development projects have led to more disasters in the fragile Himalayan areas.
Last month, 20 people working in a tunnel for another state-run hydroelectric project were killed in the remote northeastern state of Sikkim.
In 2023, 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days inside a tunnel that collapsed in Uttarakhand.
Hundreds of people have been killed in floods and landslides across the country since the start of the annual monsoon season in June.
Experts say climate change, coupled with poorly planned development, is increasing the frequency, severity, and impact of the disasters.
The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, with the ‘Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award’, as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary
RATTAWU conferred the award on Ajayi on Thursday at his office, when the National President of the group, Emeka Kalu, led members to a media/security-critical engagement and strategic partnership meeting for national development in Abuja.
Kalu praised the appointment of Ajayi in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as putting “a round peg in a round hole.”
He added that the award was an initiative of the union designed to recognise individuals and institutions that had made outstanding contributions to national development, security, democracy, culture and the growth of Nigeria.
He said, “Your appointment by Mr President demonstrates the importance of placing capable Nigerians with integrity and professional competence in strategic positions of national responsibility.
“The role of the DSS in protecting Nigeria’s national interests, gathering critical intelligence and supporting national security cannot be overemphasised.
“Particularly now that this country is confronted with complex security and emerging technological challenges, appointments like yours are the best ever done by Mr President.
“That is why this union decided to honour you with the Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award.”
Responding, the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of RATTAWU for the honour.
Ajayi described the recognition as a significant gesture that would further encourage him and the service to remain committed to their responsibilities to the nation.
