THE DIGESTABLE

  The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced Saturday, April 4, 2026, for a mandatory sensitisation and inoculation exercise for all intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj. The Board’s Executive Secretary, Ajibola Taiwo in a statement says the exercise will be held at the Board’s office, Block B, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, starting from 9:00 a.m. The Board notes that attendance is compulsory for all prospective pilgrims, describing the programme as a critical step in preparations for the pilgrimage. It adds that participants will receive important guidance and be informed of key health requirements necessary for a successful Hajj. Intending pilgrims are therefore advised to arrive early and participate fully to ensure a smooth and hitch-free process. The Statement urges applicants to visit the Board’s office in Abeokuta further inquiries.

Ogun State has emerged as one of the standout performers on Day 3 of the 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, clinching two gold medals in the Under15 girls’ category. Rokebat Moniolowo set the tone with a strong victory in the 29kg division, defeating Mercy Andrew of Ngobere Club to secure gold.  Oreoluwa Akindipe followed up with another impressive performance, overcoming Regina Ebisuode of Dynamite Club to win gold in the 33kg category. Speaking after her win, Akindipe expressed appreciation to her parents and coach for their support and encouragement. Aishat Muritala from Ogun State also recorded bronze medal in the 36kg Meanwhile, Team Bayelsa also recorded an impressive outing, winning two gold medals in the boys’ freestyle events.  Iniekpoebi Godfrey triumphed in the 44kg category, while Righteous Amudukur secured gold in the 48kg division. Other gold medalists on Day 3 include Profit Bestman of Dynamite Club in the 36kg girls’ category, Happiness Pete...

  The Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta, Dr Babatunde Jolaoso has urged members of the polytechnic community to contribute towards the development of the institution.  Dr Jolaoso made the call when he received the 25/26 Alumni Executive Council of National Association of Science Technology Students, NASTES, at his office in Ojere, Abeokuta. The President, NASTES National Alumni, Mrs Alade Olayinka Rosiji  who was represented by the General Secretary, Mrs Omotunde Onaolapo had earlier paid a visit to the Department of Science Laboratory Technology for the presentation and commissioning of Rosiji -led 25/26 administration project. Dr Jolaoso noted that such contributions would not only enhance the school’s growth but also position it positively beyond the shores of Nigeria. The Rector also stressed the importance of branding and rebranding the institution’s image, encouraging ambassadors of the school to uphold its values and represent it with prid...

  Idris Katib Crescent University, Abeokuta, has once again recorded a perfect performance in the 2026 Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMNC) Professional Examinations, with all its participating students passing successfully. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, and the management team expressed great delight over the achievement, describing it as a testament to sustained academic excellence. Announcing the result, the Head of the Department of Nursing, Dr. Shafiu Adewole Ademola, revealed that the institution maintained its impressive record with a 100% pass rate in the March 2026 diet of the examination.  He attributed the success to the unwavering support from the university leadership and other stakeholders. Dr. Shafiu also appreciated parents under the Crescent University Parents Forum for their financial and moral contributions, noting that their involvement played a vital role in the students’ success. He further highlighted that the ...

As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Honourable Afolabi Moruf Afuape, has extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to his constituents. In his goodwill message, Honourable Afuape described Ramadan as a sacred period of reflection, discipline, and renewed devotion to Almighty Allah.  He expressed hope that the virtues of patience, compassion, and self-restraint observed during the fasting period would continue to guide the daily lives of the people and foster stronger communities. Quoting from the Qur’an, Honourable Afuape reminded the faithful that “with hardship comes ease” and urged continued commitment to righteousness, unity, and mutual support.  He also referenced the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, encouraging acts of justice, mercy, and service to humanity. The lawmaker called on residents of Abeokuta South to continue praying for Nigeria, while expressing support for the adminis...

The Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Dr. ‘Koye Jolaoso, has congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. In a message to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Dr. Jolaoso commended the Muslim faithful for their dedication, discipline, and spiritual commitment throughout the holy month. He urged them to sustain the values of self-discipline, perseverance, and charity, which define the Ramadan period. The Rector also called on members of the Polytechnic community to embrace moderation in their celebrations and to continue to promote love, unity, and prayers for the growth and sustainable development of the institution. Dr. Jolaoso wished all staff and students a peaceful and memorable Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

A 62-year-old medical practitioner, Dr Bolaji Odusina, has declared her intention to contest the Ogun State governorship seat in the 2027 general elections, pledging to reposition the state for sustainable socio-economic growth.      The renowned founder of Doctors Without Prejudice, made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.       Dr Odusina said her decision to join the race was informed by her desire to contribute meaningfully to governance and improve the living standards of residents across the state.      The governorship aspirant who announced that her political platform would be unveiled in the coming days, expressed confidence that her experience in the medical field and humanitarian services had equipped her with the capacity to lead effectively.      She lamented what she described as pressing challenges confronting the state, including rising unemplo...

  Organisers of the fourth edition of the Ogun Women Run have announced a strong lineup of sponsors and partners as preparations intensify for the April 11 race. The Managing Director of Brussel Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Johnson, disclosed on Monday that the National Sports Commission is playing a key role in supporting the event. She noted that the increasing involvement of partners reflects growing confidence in the vision behind the race, which is aimed at promoting fitness while empowering women. Johnson also commended the Ogun State Government for providing a supportive environment, assuring participants of another exciting outing. Nilayo Sports Management Limited joins other sponsors such as WAMUFAT Farms, Three Crowns Plc, Aquafina Water, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Oluwalogbon Electronics, and Body Secrets Limited in backing the initiative. She expressed optimism that the collaboration will enhance the event’s impact in encouraging healthy living and community engag...

  President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, has unveiled the Adopt-A-School Campaign as part of efforts to promote environmental protection and address climate change in Nigeria. Mrs Adeniyi launched the initiative at the Nigeria Customs School, Idiroko, Ogun State. She explained that 250 students drawn from five customs commands would be selected as Green Ambassadors to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices within their schools and host communities. According to her, the initiative is designed to encourage young people to take responsibility for protecting the environment. Mrs Adeniyi urged the students to begin with simple but impactful actions such as planting trees, maintaining clean surroundings and promoting responsible environmental practices. She noted that communities around the world were already facing increasing environmental challenges including flooding, rising temperatures and the impact of plastic waste on...

    The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun I Area Command has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled goods with a total Duty Paid Value, DPV, of over one billion naira as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations along the border corridor. The Acting Area Controller, Mr Oladapo Afeni who made this known during a press briefing at the Idiroko border of the command said  two pieces of antiquities and four live pangolins were rescued in the last 44 days. Mr Afeni listed other seizures recorded during the period under review to include 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa, 5,455 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, equivalent to 13,625 litres, 36 cartons of codeine syrup, eight packs of perfume oil, 13 used tyres, five bags of imported sugar. The Ogun Area 1 Customs controller said the interceptions were part of efforts to protect local industries and prevent unhealthy competition with Nigerian vegetable oil producers. He noted that re...

  As part of efforts to bolster local businesses and stimulate grassroots economy, the Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives has presented a cheque of ₦500 million to Ogun State Cooperatives Federation Limited (OGSCOFED). The Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, while disbursing the fund in Abeokuta said it was a strategic investment in the State’s human capital, noting that the gesture aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA development agenda, aimed at creating sustainable wealth for all residents. While addressing the leadership and members of the Federation, he charged the beneficiaries to ensure the judicious use of the funds, warning against the diversion of capital into non-productive ventures. The Commissioner further stressed the necessity of transparency and prompt repayment, noting that the revolving nature of the loan is designed to ensure all members of cooperative societies bene...

  The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has called on stakeholders in the culture and tourism industry to register their businesses in order to improve accountability and regulatory oversight. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Honorable Oluwasesan Fagbayi, made the call during a quarterly stakeholders’ meeting held at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta. Hon. Fagbayi explained that proper registration would help the ministry to gather accurate data for policy making and ensure businesses comply with insurance requirements. He added that stakeholders were expected to register with their various associations and on the ministry’s online platform known as OPLAT, which he said would serve as a central database for regulatory agencies including tax authorities, environmental bodies and local councils. The commissioner who promised faster processing of certificates within 24 hours after payment verification warned that false information could del...

The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has expressed its readiness to provide technical support for Ota Fest 2026, scheduled to hold in October this year. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Oluwasesan Fagbayi, made this known during a press conference in Abeokuta with the organisers of the festival. Honourable Fagbayi said the Ministry’s support to the organisers, Hertz Universal PR, would include advisory inputs, facilitation of relevant cultural and tourism frameworks, and guidance to ensure the event aligns with Ogun State standards and policies. He added that officials of the Ministry would attend the festival fully dressed in cultural regalia for proper documentation of the event. According to him, the Ministry will also prepare and submit a post-event report to the State Governor after the festival, assessing its viability and recommending whether it should be included in the State’s annual cultural calendar from 2027. Earlier, the Executive Producer of ...

Public education systems rarely transform overnight. They evolve through deliberate leadership, institutional reforms, and sustained engagement with teachers, communities, and development partners. When such systems experience prolonged administrative inconsistency or weak coordination, restoring stability often requires leaders who understand both governance structures and the realities of the classroom. Recent developments within the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) illustrate how leadership decisions can influence the trajectory of a critical sector. The appointment of Evangelist Olalekan Ifede as Chairman of the Board in July 2025 has gradually begun to reshape the administrative direction of basic education in the state. His emergence came at a time when the sector required renewed coordination, institutional clarity, and stronger engagement with teachers and stakeholders. A popular Yoruba proverb says that “the finger that fits the nose is the one used to pick i...

  The National Sports Commission says it will use the 3rd National Para Games to promote inclusivity and discover the next generation of Nigerian para sports champions. The competition, which begins later this month, is expected to bring together thousands of athletes with disabilities from across the country to compete in different sporting events. Nigeria’s para athletes have remained some of the country’s most successful representatives on the global stage, winning several medals at events such as the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. The Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the para sports remain a key part of the Commission’s plans for the development of sports in Nigeria. Hon. Olopade noted that the athletes had continued to make the country proud internationally, adding that the Commission would give equal attention and funding support to para sports alongside other sporting disciplines. He also explained that competitions like the Nationa...

  The Nigeria Customs Service, NSC, Ogun One Area Command has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force to combat smuggling and other trans-border crimes along the Idiroko border corridor. This development followed a high-level courtesy visit by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Idiroko and the Border Patrol Commander to the Customs Command. Speaking during the meeting, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said that although the Idiroko axis is currently peaceful, sustaining the stability requires continuous intelligence sharing and coordinated operations among security agencies. Mr Afeni described national security as a collective responsibility and urged officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Police to see themselves as partners rather than rivals in the fight against economic sabotage and cross-border crimes. He noted that the renewed collaboration aligns with the strategic mandates of the Comptroller-General o...

  ​The member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Moruf Afolabi Afuape, has congratulated Chief Yemi Sanusi following his successful re-election as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. ​In a statement , Hon. Afuape described Sanusi’s return to leadership as a testament to his dedication and adherence to the party’s core ideals.  He noted that the Chairman’s track record of service would be instrumental in strengthening the party’s internal structures. ​The lawmaker also congratulated the broader State Executive Committee, praising both re-elected and newly inaugurated members for their overwhelming endorsement during the state congress. Hon. Afuape urged the leadership to remain focused ahead to the next political cycle  "As you embark on this new journey to lead our party to victory in the 2027 general elections, I pray for the wisdom and strength needed to steer our affairs toward success,"...

   Aspirant for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Seun Oluwamuyiwa Sogbein, has called for unity, peaceful coexistence, and collective support as he joined Muslim and Christian faithful in breaking fast during the sacred period of Ramadan and Lent. The well-attended interfaith gathering, held in Odeda Local government area of the state brought together religious leaders, community stakeholders, youth representatives, and women groups from across the constituency.  The event served as a platform to promote religious harmony, mutual respect, and shared responsibility toward the development of the constituency and Ogun State at large.  Hon. Sogbein emphasized the importance of unity beyond religious and political affiliations adding that the season of fasting and reflection symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and service to humanity. “This season reminds us that regardless of our religious differences, we are one people with a common destiny. Our strength lies ...

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting grassroots economy through various empowerment, Grants and soft loans. Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, made this known while receiving members of the Alheri Food Traders Association, Olomore Market branch in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, pledging the full State support of the state government for market associations. Hon. Ademola reiterated the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration’s dedication to improving trade associations structures and driving initiatives that would bridge the gap between the government and grassroots stakeholders, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the State. He pledged that members of the Association would be integrated into various grant and loan schemes designed to stimulate economic growth and strengthen cooperative societies. The Commissioner commended the traders for their unwavering commitment to the economic ...