THE DIGESTABLE

Over one hundred Journalists drawn from various media organisations in Ogun State have been trained on the efficient and effective use of Artificial Intelligence, A.I, particularly gemini tool towards improving and enhancing productivity in work place. The Google AI Growth Lab Media training held in Abeokuta was organised in collaboration with the Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ. A Kenya-based Google News Trainer, GNI, Mr Ken Kiunga took the participants on different ways that gemini tool could be used to achieve desired outcomes with ease without stress for Journalists with correct prompting. Mr Kiunga described Gemini as a family of multimodal large language models developed by Google that could be operated across combining different types of information, including text, images, audio, video, and code. In a remark, the NUJ chairman, Mr Wale Olanrewaju who acknowledged that AI was rapidly transforming news gathering, fact-checking, content production and audien...

The South West Zonal Representative of the Nigerian Cricket Federation, NCF, Mr Tayo Atoloye, has reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to grassroots development as a pathway to making cricket one of Nigeria’s top three sports. Speaking at the just concluded of the PWC Under-17 regional qualifiers held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Mr Atoloye said the federation would continue to channel more events to the venue to ensure optimal utilization. He said the federation would activate cricket Programmes in schools across all 36 states, targeting the introduction of 250 thousand new cricketers annually.  Mr Atoloye expressed satisfaction with the skill level displayed during the regional qualifiers, describing the results as clear evidence that grassroots initiatives were yielding tangible outcomes. He explained that the PWC Under-17 competition serves as a critical pipeline for selecting Nigeria’s national Under-17 male and female teams for World Cup qualifiers . At the end of the event, ...

There is the need for increased technical investment in grassroots development following the impressive displays at the ongoing zonal qualifiers of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, NCF,  The Acting Director,  Ogun State Sports Council, Mr Oluseyi Sonde made the call at the 7th edition of the South West zonal qualifiers taking place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta. Mr Sonde who applauded the progress recorded in underage cricket  stressed that the next phase of growth must be driven by structured investment in coaching, facilities, and player development programmes. According to him, the raw talent on display proves that grassroots cricket in Nigeria is thriving, calling for deeper collaboration between zonal administrators and the NCF to raise the technical standard of the game. He emphasised that investments should go beyond hosting competitions to include regular training camps, data-driven performance analysis, exposure to modern cricket techniques, and the...

Residents of Abeokuta South Local Government Area have expressed renewed optimism following the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed Lantoro–Oke Yidi Road, a project set to enhance commercial activities, ease traffic congestion and improve safety along the corridor. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, described the road as a strategic investment designed to positively impact residents and businesses.  He emphasised that quality road infrastructure remains vital to economic development, as it reduces travel time, lowers transportation costs and improves access to markets, schools, healthcare centres and places of work. According to the Commissioner, the rehabilitated road links the Neuropsychiatric Hospital (Annex) and connects Abiola Way to Isale Ake, providing a reliable alternative route during periods of heavy traffic on major roads within Abeokuta. The lawmaker representing Abeokuta ...

  The Chairman of the Ogun State Wrestling Association, Engineer Ambimbola Babalola, has extended warm birthday felicitations to renowned wrestling coach, Badmus Adebayo, popularly known as Badoo, praising his immense contributions to the growth of the sport in the state. In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the entire wrestling family in Ogun State, Engineer Babalola described Coach Adebayo as a pillar of strength whose dedication, discipline, and technical expertise have continued to elevate wrestling standards across the state. “Today, we celebrate not only your birth but also your unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the development of wrestling in Ogun State,” the chairman stated. He commended the coach’s leadership qualities and passion for excellence, noting that his consistent efforts in nurturing young talents have produced athletes who continue to bring pride and recognition to the state in various competitions. According to Engineer Babalola, the i...

  The Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has concluded arrangements to institute an annual memorial lecture in honour of its late former Chairman, Hakeem Akintunde. The event, scheduled to take place every February 27, will mark his birthday and serve as a platform to reflect on his invaluable contributions to sports journalism and administration in Nigeria. In a statement by SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the association described the initiative as a lasting tribute to Akintunde’s dedication, leadership, and professional excellence. Between 2017 and 2023, Akintunde steered the association with distinction, earning admiration for his integrity, passion for grassroots sports development, and commitment to strengthening the ethical standards of sports reporting. Comrade Ogunsiji noted that the annual lecture will not only sustain his legacy but also inspire younger journalists to embrace the ideals of professionalism, unity, and account...

The zonal qualifiers for the 7th edition of the PwC National Under-17 Cricket Championship will bowl off this Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The four-day competition will take place from February 19 to 22 at the dual cricket pitch of the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Kuto. Under-17 boys and girls teams from the six South-West states of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo will compete for zonal honours and a place in the national championship.  Ondo State will feature only in the boys’ category, while the other five states will field both male and female teams. Host state Ogun will begin its campaign on Thursday morning as the girls’ team takes on Osun at 9am, while the boys will face Ekiti later in the day. The championship serves as a major talent development platform for the Nigeria Cricket Federation, with standout players expected to form the South-West zonal team and potentially progress to Nigeria’s Under-19 national squads ahead of future World Cup competitions. In a rema...

The Member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afolabi Moruf Afuape, has called on Christians and residents of the constituency to embrace the spiritual significance of Ash Wednesday as they begin the Lenten season. In his Ash Wednesday message, Hon. Afuape described the day as the beginning of a 40-day journey of sacrifice, reflection, and reconciliation.  He noted that the ashes imposed on the faithful symbolize humanity’s shared origin and equality, reminding all that regardless of rank, title, or wealth, we come from the same dust. The lawmaker emphasized that true peace begins with internal reconciliation and urged residents to use the Lenten period to fast not only from food but also from indifference.  He encouraged the people to choose empathy, love, and compassion, especially toward the vulnerable in society. Hon. Afuape further called on constituents to allow their abstinence from comforts translate into acts of char...

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun One Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking with the seizure of four live pangolins along the Yemoamota area in the Igboora axis of Ogun State. Acting Customs Area Controller, Mr. Oladapo Afeni, who confirmed the development through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Zakari Chado, said the interception followed credible intelligence and was executed during a night patrol. He explained that the officers discovered the endangered animals concealed in wire mesh cages inside a sack on a motorcycle, pointing to the activities of an organised smuggling network operating across border communities. According to him, the suspects fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning both the motorcycle and the animals to evade arrest. Mr. Afeni noted that the rescued pangolins have been handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for proper care and rehabilitation in line with global best practises. He reaffir...

   The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has assured the 20 Board Chairmen of Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) of continued support, while emphasising the need for stronger collaboration with Education Secretaries to enhance service delivery. Chairman of the Board, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the LGEA Board Chairmen to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He commended their dedication and grassroots efforts, noting that their contributions remained critical to the growth and development of basic education in the State, revealing that challenges confronting their respective offices would be thoroughly reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action. The SUBEB Chairman disclosed that steps were already being taken to fast-track issues brought before the Board. He further directed that statutory meetings at the LGEAs must be held four times annually, in line with the law establis...

  Plans are underway to reposition the Ogun State Printing Corporation as part of efforts to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and venturing into enhanced publishing of educational materials to the benefit of her students. The newly appointed Chairman of the Corporation, Prince Segun Seriki, made this known while addressing journalists at the Conference Room of the Corporation in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. Prince Seriki noted that the Printing Corporation shall also continue to play a vital role in supporting government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the provision of quality printing and publishing services. “Our mandate by our visionary governor, HE Prince Dapo Aboidun remains clear, being to deliver efficient, reliably secured and cost-effective printing solutions that meet the highest professional standards,” he said. He outlined key areas of the renewed vision for the corporation to include modernization and technological upgrades, capacity bui...

  The Chairman of the Ogun State Wrestling Association, Engineer Abimbola Babalola, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State Chapter. Engineer Babalola in a statement through the media officer of the Association, Olusegun Folarin, described the late SWAN Chairman as a committed sports administrator, an advocate of professionalism in sports journalism, and a passionate supporter of sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. According to him, the deceased played a significant role in promoting sporting activities across the state, using his platform to encourage transparency, celebrate excellence, and amplify the achievements of athletes and sports administrators.  His contributions to the growth of sports, particularly through constructive reportage and engagement, will not be forgotten. “The news of his passing came as a rude shock. Ogun State has lost a devoted sports ambassad...

  Allstars Football Club Abeokuta has extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the late Alhaji Akeem Akintunde, a distinguished sports journalist and former Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State Chapter. In a statement by the Chairman, Allstars Football Club Abeokuta, Alhaji Waheed Adeoye Lawal, described his demise as painful especially at this difficult time. He said Alhaji Akintunde made remarkable contributions to sports journalism and was unwavering in his commitment to the growth and development of sports in Ogun State and across Nigeria.  Alhaji Lawal said the deceased's  dedication, professionalism, and passion for the media industry earned him widespread respect and admiration. "As a seasoned journalist and sports enthusiast, he served as a mentor and role model to many young journalists and aspiring sports professionals. During his tenure as Chairman of SWAN, Ogun State Chapter, he...

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Dr Lanre Ogunlowo, has received members of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Ogun State Chapter, led by their Secretary, Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako, on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta. The delegation used the visit to sensitize the Commissioner of Police and members of the Command’s Management Team on cancer awareness, preventive measures, and the importance of early detection. Dr Ogunlowo thanked the delegation for the visit and described the engagement as valuable. He noted that sensitisation would help to promote health consciousness and preventive care among police officers and the general public.

  Still basking in the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Ogun State, the Chairman of All Stars FC Abeokuta, Alhaji Waheed Adeoye Lawal has described the 50th anniversary as a testament to the resilience, intellectual prowess, and pioneering spirit that defines Ogun State. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and the entire membership, Alhaji Lawal congratulated Governor Dapo Abiodun and the good people of the Gateway State. ​"Ogun State has not only been a gateway to commerce and education but a powerhouse for sporting talent," Alhaji Lawal stated. "At All Stars FC Abeokuta, we have witnessed firsthand how sports specifically football, has served as a bridge for unity, health, and mentorship across five decades of our state's history." ​As the state enters its next half-century, the Chairman of All Stars FC Abeokuta reaffirmed his commitment to promote physical Wellness, encouraging a culture of fitness among veter...

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has received and congratulated a teacher at Ansar-ud-deen Main School, Kemta-Ilawo, Abeokuta North Local Government, Mr. Francis Solanke, who emerged as the National Best Performing Teacher and South-West Best Performing Teacher at the 2026 National Teachers’ Award, for bringing honour to the State. The award, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), was instituted to recognise and reward outstanding teachers across the country. Speaking during a reception in his honour at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Chairman of the Board, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, attributed the achievement to the commitment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to teachers’ welfare and the creation of an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning in the State. Ifede commended Mr. Solanke for the feat, urging him to continue flying the flag of Ogun State high, whil...

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Gafaru Rasaki for the unlawful possession of four human heads in the Sagamu area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a statement in Abeokuta. Mr Babaseyi disclosed that officers of the Shakura division nabbed the suspect on the 21st of January, 2026. He said the suspect had during interrogation confessed to had exhumed the human remains from a cemetery. The Command Spokesperson disclosed that the recovered exhibits were secured and the suspect would be promptly charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, the State Government has announced a grand Carnival Train procession aimed at promoting unity, culture and tourism. Speaking in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Honorable Oluwasesan Fagbayi, said the carnival is designed to create excitement and remind residents that Ogun State is not only about work, but also about shared identity and cultural celebration. He explained that the procession will feature six colourful floats representing the four regions of the state, Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba with a special fish float showcasing the riverine areas. According to the Commissioner, over three thousand Ogun indigenes from the twenty local government areas will participate, alongside dancers, drummers, masquerades, folklore skaters, bikers and other performers. Honourable Fagbayi assured residents that adequate security and welfare arrangements have been put in place.  He said that the carnival train wi...

  Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to building a strong digital economy through cyber awareness and creativity. This was highlighted during a four-day training programme organised by the Bureau of Information Technology to mark the State’s 50th anniversary.  The programme, with the theme “Building Digital Confidence: Creativity and Cyber Awareness,” was held at the Ogun TechHub. Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Dayo Abiodun, described digital creativity and cyber awareness as critical to unlocking Ogun State’s digital potential. He noted that the rise in cyber-attacks had made it necessary to equip citizens with the right knowledge and skills to safely navigate the digital space, boost business confidence, attract investments, and create more opportunities for innovation. Mr. Abiodun added that initiatives at the Ogun TechHub, including coding camps, hackathons and skills training pro...

  As part of efforts to strengthen national security and suppress smuggling activities across border communities, the Nigeria Customs Service has emphasised the need for closer synergy with traditional rulers, in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust on community engagement and strategic partnership. The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Mr Oladapo Afeni, made this known during a strategic courtesy visit to the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Yisa  Olaniyan.  Mr Afeni described traditional institutions as critical partners in the suppression of smuggling and the enhancement of national security, particularly in border communities like Ipokia. He reiterated the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, including trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, while urging the traditional council to continue sensitising residents on the dangers of illicit trade and its negative impact on national security ...

  The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has distributed electronic tablets to 1,910 Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the State to strengthen Basic Education Management Information System (BEMIS). The distribution exercise, which took place at the Board’s Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was carried out under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, sponsored by the Federal Government and the World Bank and coordinated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). Speaking during the presentation, Chairman of SUBEB, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, said the initiative aligned with the State’s Digital Platform for Education Revitalization (DiPER) and the present administration’s “Building Our Future Together” mantra. He urged beneficiary schools to handle the devices with utmost care and ensure they are effectively used to achieve the objectives for which they were procured. Also speaking, Permanent Member IV, Hon. Akeem...

By Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro - Security expert and peace advocate  There is no denying that Nigeria continues to grapple with serious security challenges. Across different regions, the threat has taken multiple forms—banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal clashes. These challenges are often discussed along ethnic and religious lines. While such clashes exist, this narrow framing obscures deeper and more complex drivers of insecurity. One critical but under-reported factor fueling violence in parts of Nigeria is illegal mining. Globally, history has shown that wherever mineral resources—especially gold—are exploited illegally, violence often follows. From parts of the Sahel to Central Africa, unregulated mining sites have become magnets for criminal networks, arms trafficking, and insurgent financing. Nigeria is no exception. In several flashpoints of insecurity, illegal mining has created economic incentives for armed groups, who destabilise communities, displace resid...

​ As the Gateway State marks its historic Golden Jubilee, APC chieftain and renowned philanthropist, Hon. Sanni Sulaimon has described the 50th anniversary as a monumental milestone that honors the legacy of our founding fathers while signaling a future of limitless possibilities. ​In a statement released from his media, Hon Jamiu Akeju, Hon. Sulaimon remarked that Fifty years is not just a chronological marker but a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ogun person.  ​Hon. Sulaimon took the opportunity to commend the current administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for maintaining the state's trajectory of growth.  He noted that the strategic infrastructure developments and the "Building Our Future Together" mantra have solidified Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s premier industrial destination. ​ ​Known for his extensive humanitarian work, Hon. Sulaimon urged high-net-worth individuals and corporate citizens to use this anniversary as a catalyst for ...

  The Ogun State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has joined the government and the good people of the state in celebrating 50 years of unparalleled contributions to the Nigerian and global sporting landscape. Since its creation in 1976, Ogun State has evolved into a powerhouse of athletic talent, consistently producing icons who have donned the green-and-white colors of Nigeria with pride and distinction. From the rugged terrains of amateur football to the prestigious tracks of the Olympic Games , the state’s footprint is indelible. In a statement by the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Michael Azeez-Ogunsiji , SWAN notes with pride that the state’s sporting history is not just about participation, but about pioneering excellence.  It adds that the state had in the last five decades, been the cradle for legends such as: Chief Segun Odegbami (MON),  mathematical genius on the field who led Nigeria to its first AFCON title , Chief Falilat O...

Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ogun State as a moment of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to sustained development. In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration, Governor Abiodun said the milestone underscored five decades of purposeful existence, built on the vision, sacrifices, and collective determination of the people of the Gateway State. He recalled that Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, out of the old Western Region, noting that the decision gave birth to a state founded on clarity of purpose and a strong sense of destiny.  According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past while preparing the state for a more prosperous future. The governor expressed gratitude to Almighty God and paid special tribute to President Asiwaju Bola  Tinubu, for leading the nation at a historic moment when several state...

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a second violent attack on its officers within one week during an ongoing anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State. The Command's Public Relations Officer,Mr Zakari Chado said the latest incident occurred  along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, where Customs officers on routine patrol intercepted motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice. Mr Chado explained that forty-six bags of 50-kilogramme foreign parboiled rice were seized and loaded into a patrol vehicle, after which the officers were ambushed by a large mob armed with Dane guns, stones, bottles and charms while withdrawing from the area in an attempt to recover the seized items. The Command’s spokesperson stated that the officers successfully repelled the attack after about thirty minutes of confrontation, during which one of the assailants sustained injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized...