The Ogun State Government has introduced a new strategic framework aimed at eliminating new HIV infections and enhancing the long-term treatment and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This initiative was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during the launch of a three-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abeokuta, focused on developing the State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan for 2025–2027. Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal, Coker emphasized the critical impact the new plan is expected to have on affected communities across the state.

She highlighted the growing challenge posed by diminishing international donor support, contrasting it with the robust backing previously available during the World Bank era. “The current state of HIV response in Nigeria underscores the need for urgent action,” she noted. “This is not a battle the government can win alone. A comprehensive, multisectoral approach is vital, and all stakeholders must unite to tackle the epidemic head-on.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, called for a well-structured technical work plan to drive the state’s HIV/AIDS response over the next two years. He stressed the importance of efficiently leveraging existing resources while aligning with the national strategic direction.

The meeting drew active participation from key partners, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, APIN Public Health Initiative, and the Civil Society Network on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, all of whom pledged support for both the planning and implementation phases of the new strategy.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern query over the unauthorized subcontracting of furnishing work at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. During an inspection tour on Wednesday, Wike expressed dismay that the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) had independently awarded the furniture installation to a separate contractor without seeking his approval.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike stated emphatically that the original contract was fully assigned to Julius Berger and should not have been divided among multiple firms. He voiced concern over the inconsistency in quality and accountability such fragmentation could introduce.

“I was shocked to learn that a different contractor was handling part of the furnishing. This is entirely unacceptable,” Wike said. “The entire project was awarded to Julius Berger. I cannot accept varying standards for the upper and lower levels of the facility.”

The Minister has summoned top officials including the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Group Managing Director of AICL, and representatives from Julius Berger. He demanded a full explanation on who authorized the deviation from the approved project scope.

Wike also emphasized that he personally approved the budget for the project and questioned who would bear the financial burden of the new contractor’s involvement. He warned that if any wrongdoing is uncovered, strict disciplinary measures will be applied.

“I won’t tolerate any breach of procedure. No one is above the rules,” Wike declared. “If this decision was made without approval, those responsible will face the consequences. I will not hesitate to take action.”

Despite acknowledging the high standard of ongoing construction work, Wike remained firm in his stance against any irregularities, reiterating that transparency and accountability must remain central to project execution within the FCT.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has revealed that his administration has committed over N2.25 billion—backed by strategic partners—into aquaculture development as part of efforts to ensure food security, create employment, and promote sustainable livelihoods.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday during the official launch of a fish harvest ceremony held at Ijako-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun stated that this initiative marks significant progress toward reducing the state’s reliance on imported fish and establishing Ogun as a major player in inland aquaculture.

Highlighting the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Salako-Oyedele noted that the programme was designed to revitalize the state’s economy through strategic investments in agriculture. In aquaculture alone, more than 3,400 fish farmers have benefited from government support, each receiving 72 bags of quality feed with a 30% subsidy provided by the government. This has resulted in the distribution of over 179,000 bags of feed, representing a N2.25 billion investment.

Governor Abiodun reiterated the administration’s commitment to agriculture as a key economic driver and announced plans to expand the cluster farming model statewide. He assured continued access to financing, inputs, infrastructure, markets, and modern technologies to attract agribusiness investors.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo—represented by Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan—emphasized aquaculture’s role in enhancing food supply, supporting fish farming clusters like Igidaduro Abule Ewipe, and generating youth employment.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, noted that over 3,000 farmers and more than 700 fish farming clusters have been impacted. He added that despite Nigeria importing around 55% of its fish, Ogun produces 40,000 tonnes annually against a local demand exceeding 100,000 tonnes. He revealed the administration has invested at least N5.4 billion in various agricultural initiatives.

Traditional leaders, including the Onibudo of Ibudo, Oba Odutola Adewunmi—who represented the Olota of Ota—commended the government’s agricultural achievements. Cluster Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, also expressed gratitude, noting that the intervention revived businesses that were previously struggling.

Meanwhile, stakeholders including the ACDC Chairman, Mr. Atiba Johnson, and beneficiary Mrs. Ogundipe Oluremi, raised concerns over the poor condition of roads in the area, which hampers access for customers and distribution.