In a significant milestone, Abeokuta, the vibrant capital of Ogun State, is now witnessing a surge in CNG conversions. This remarkable development underscores the growing awareness and acceptance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more economical, and sustainable alternative fuel source among Nigerians.

As pioneers in the adoption of CNG technology, Abeokuta residents are paving the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future. By making the switch, they’re not only reducing their carbon footprint but also enjoying substantial cost savings and enhanced vehicle performance.

The question remains: what’s holding you back? Join the rapidly growing community of CNG adopters in Abeokuta and across Nigeria. Seize the opportunity to:

Reduce fuel costs
Lower emissions
Enhance vehicle efficiency
Contribute to a sustainable future.

Don’t miss out on this transformative shift! Make the smart decision to convert to CNG today and experience the benefits for yourself.

PCNGIFirstComeDay

Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative

A staunch supporter of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola has provided a glimpse into his new strategy to become the Governor of Ogun State.

Adeola, more famously known as Yayi, is a leading contender in the race to determine the next Governor of Ogun State.

Although he insists that the decision over who becomes the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election remains in the hands of party leaders, his purposeful facilitation of development in his senatorial zone and empowerment efforts across the state continue to fuel speculation about his ambitions.

Senator Yayi represents the best chance in years for the people of Yewa—a low-vote area—to produce a governor for the first time since the state was created in February 1976.

A new revelation by Kayode Odunaro, the Senator’s media adviser, provides insight into the added dimension of Yayi’s gubernatorial ambition.

“Vacation over. Got back to Nigeria this morning. Visited Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, FCA’s mother’s newly constructed family house at Kemta, Abeokuta. As they say in Nigerian parlance, ‘E get why.’ The combo of West and Central in Ogun 2027 is being critically analyzed with projections and permutations ongoing. One more box ticked off… The train will soon start moving… many are boarding as we speak. If you know, you know… if not, forget about it ooo,” Odunaro posted on Sunday, September 1, 2024, along with some pictures – including the featured.

It was gathered that this development allows Senator Yayi to position himself as an aspirant from Ogun Central—a larger vote area. 

This move counters attempts by political adversaries to sponsor an aspirant from Ogun Central to disrupt his gubernatorial ambition.

Based on an informal zoning arrangement, Ogun Central and Ogun West are eligible to produce the next Governor because the outgoing Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is from Ogun East.

Ogun East and Ogun Central have alternated in producing the state Governor since 1976, based on a unique understanding. This arrangement has been maintained by political leaders who leverage the continuous disputes within Ogun West, which have prevented political players in the region from presenting a united front.

Senator Adeola Yayi has not been immune to these disputes. Despite his strong following in the senatorial district—particularly among youths due to his unprecedented initiatives—he is still viewed as an outsider who does not fully represent the region by some. This perception is partly due to his extensive association with the politics of Lagos State.

Before being elected the Senator representing Ogun West in 2023, Yayi was the Senator representing Lagos West—a position preceded by his tenure as a member of the Federal House of Representatives from Lagos and as a Lagos State House of Assembly member.

Recent reports indicate that the testimonials from his 55th birthday celebration, highlighting the development he has attracted to Ogun West since becoming Senator, suggest that Yayi is gradually overcoming opposition to his ambition in Ogun West. 

His efforts reflect his experience as a legislator and his deep connections within the political landscape, established during his years of active politicking in Lagos State. However, enhanced progress appeared to be desired, prompting him to also establish a foothold in Ogun Central.

Polytechnics are post-secondary institutions that offer advanced technical education. The polytechnic model is hands-on and industry-responsive. They are fertile grounds to nurture graduates with technical and technological skills that are beneficial to societal development.

Taking cognizance of this fact, when in 1976, Ogun State was created out of the old Western State, those saddled with the responsibility of setting up the new state thought of a post-secondary education to supply needed manpower for the young State.

The then Military Administrator, Lt Col. Seidu Balogun with his team agreed on the creation of an Educational Institution to produce the needed middle-level manpower for the development of the state. Premised on this, the executive council considered the establishment of a college of technology which later was named Polytechnic, in the State. This lofty idea could not take off before the pioneer Military Administrator was given a matching order handing over to Brigadier Harris O. Eghagha to complete the process.

On the 31st of January, 1979, Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta was formally established with the turning of the sod by Brigadier Harris O. Eghagha. On this day, the first set of students numbering 220 were admitted to actualize the vision which was to produce middle-level manpower for the state and the nation. The House of Assembly thereafter passed the law.l establishing the Polytechnic.

The 220 students were admitted into 5 departments namely: Civil Engineering, Electrical Electronics Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Architecture and Town Planning and Preliminary Studies.

The Institution was by the Edict of the House of Assembly allocated 960 hectares of undeveloped land at Ojere in the outskirts of Abeokuta.

The initial takeoff was at Onikolobo Bishop’s Court for four departments and Administrative activities while Oke Egunya played host to preliminary studies which were mainly science-based. The Polytechnic moved to its permanent site at Ojere in 1985.

n the last forty-five years, the Polytechnic has its name changed in 1999 after the death of its greatest benefactor, Chief M.K.O Abiola thereby becoming Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta The school has grown from 220 students at inception to about 30,000 students and today about 15,000, with five departments back then to 45 programmes spread across 25 departments and 5 schools.

A question that someone asked was: has MAPOLY achieved the objective of its Establishment? And I answered YES.

This Institution has not only become a household name and in hot demand by higher education seekers because of its quality products, employers also demand our products because of their quality. Today MAPOLY is one of the Institutions that parade over 100 Ph.D. holders among its Teaching and non-teaching staff in different fields which has added value to the products in the market.

The Institution also give priority to skill development having started the Centre for Entrepreneurship as far back as 2008 to ensure that its graduates should be employers of labour instead of being in the labour market seeking jobs that do not exist.

Our Mass Communication graduates are executives in major media houses keeping the flag fly while upholding the tenets of the profession.
At least 2 to 4 of our Accountancy students qualify as Chartered Accountants at every diet and this has been on from the inception of the Polytechnic. MAPOLY has produced students who have made Nigeria great and are still contributing, among them is Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, the current Accountant General of the Federation.

With the help of Chief M.K.O Abiola, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic has one of the best Libraries in this nation.

I must also say that MAPOLY has one of the best Sports facilities, Health centre, Workshops and Laboratories having gone around and seen the facilities on the ground in 2020, when the NBTE visited the Polytechnic, the leader of the team said, “the board could not close its eyes and allow this Institution which is a 2nd generation Polytechnic and one of our pride to go into extinction. ”

The Institution has been blessed with great manpower from the Rector, to the least person in the employment.

With nine rectors since inception, namely, Dr Tunji Sonola who was seconded on request by the state government from the University of Lagos followed by HRM Dr Adebisi Adebayo now a Royal Father, also from the University of Lagos, followed Dr Kehinde Jibodu from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, Arc. Tokunbo Fowode, ( both from the system) Prof. Oludele Itiola from the University of Ibadan, Dr Ayodeji Tella from the industry, Dr Adeola Odedina, from Federal College of Agriculture, Akure and Dr Adeoye Odedeji incumbent bent. All have contributed to the development of the Polytechnic.

Mapoly has the best set of Administrative officers that have impacted its development from Mrs Kunbi Oyejide who laid the foundation for the first substantive Registrar Amb. Mrs Aderonke Folarin to Mr Wole Abiodun followed by Major Abdul-Azeez Badmos Rtd.,( Late) Mr Oluyemi Olumide, Mr Emmanuel Adeleye and Mrs Olubunmi Elewodalu, the incumbent.

Mapoly played key roles in supporting the establishment of five Polytechnics by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration by supplying both administrative and bursary staff to assist in setting the standard.

The part-time programme has assisted in boosting the quality of manpower for the Ogun State government and neighbouring states.

Our students are doing well at home and abroad in their areas of endeavour and this has been the pride of the Polytechnic and the forefathers who planted the seed of Ogun State Polytechnic now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

Yemi Ajibola
Head, Public Relations& Protocol.
MAPOLY, Abeokuta.