Ogun state government is set with plans to connect Lagos mass transit system with neighboring communities in the state next year.
The mass transit rail projects were part of the N453.16 billion capital projects proposed in the Ogun state’s 2025 one trillion and 54 billion naira budget.
The proposed budget was presented by Governor Dapo Abiodun before the state house of assembly on Wednesday.
One of the rail projects will link Lagos redline rail service terminating at Agbado with Kajola, near Ifo in Ogun state.
Also, it plans to link the industrial hub of Agbara-Lusada in Ogun west with Lagos blue rail line at Okokomaiko along the Lagos-Badagry expressway.
The state government also plans to link the Lagos purple rail service which will terminate at Berger, with Mowe and Iperu Remo, where the gateway international airport is located.
Meanwhile, Ogun state governor elders’ advisory council has okayed the state’s proposed 2025 budget, describing it as a catalyst for further development of the state.
According to the council, the proposed budget is big and ambitious.
The council chairman, Chief Olu Okubadejo gave the commendation while addressing newsmen after a meeting of the members of the council, with governor Abiodun shortly after the budget presentation on Thursday.
He commended the governor for achieving over 70 per cent performance of the outgoing 2024 budget.
He asked the governor to ensure the proposed 2025 budget achieve at least 80 per cent performance.

Following a report that a traine teacher, Adeola A Adeyemo, who was said to have injured an 11 year old pupil of a school in Abeokuta, Ogun state while trying to discipline her, the said trainee teacher has been reported to have attempted to kìll herself.

The student was said to have ran to the direction of the cane that caused damage to her eye. The injured eye was said to have been removed afterwards by healthcare expert.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed this on Tuesday, December 3, said Adeyemo, a 400-level student from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun,  who was on teaching practice at Owiwi Nursery and Primary School in Obada Oko, was addressing the class on Tuesday, December 2, when the incident occurred.

SP Odutola said the pupil, Alao Idera, ran into the cane the trainee – teacher  was holding, injuring her right eye.

The child was immediately evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre(FMC) Abeokuta where the affected eye was operated on and removed.

The teacher was, however, arrested after the family of the pupil complained to the police.

Odutola noted that palpably remorseful Adeyemo attempted to ingest harmful substances upon hearing that her pupil lost her right eye.

“On December 2, 2024, around 3:00 PM, Ilesami Christiana, residing at  Sabo, Abeokuta, reported that she received a phone call informing her that a teacher had injured her 11-year-old daughter, Alao Idera, in the right eye while she was attending school at Owiwi Nursery and Primary School in Obada Oko.

“The child was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for treatment. Following this complaint, the teacher, Adeola Adeyemo, a 400-level student from Tai Solarin University in Ijebu Ode who was on teaching practice, was swiftly arrested and is currently being interrogated. Further updates will be provided

“The teacher didn’t flog her, the student didn’t commit anything, just the way teachers hold cane, and saying, preparing for end of year party, student rushed into the cane, but the question is why was she holding a cane? Primary 6 , 11yrs. She was operated on at FMC and the right eye was removed

“The student  teacher (Adeyemo Adeola) on hearing the situation of her pupil attempted to drink harmful substances, but the police rushed her to hospital and she is now stable,” Odutola stated..

The Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has praised the monumental contributions of Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s economy and its role in revitalizing the private sector. This flagship industrial project has not only reshaped the country’s energy landscape but has also created opportunities for private enterprises and driven sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of OGUNCCIMA, it’s President Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, lauded the refinery’s achievements, emphasizing its transformative impact on key economic sectors.

“The Dangote Refinery is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. With a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it has reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, conserved foreign exchange, and fortified our energy security. This milestone reinforces the critical role the private sector plays in national development,” he stated.

The impact of Dangote Refinery on the private sector is profound. By creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, the refinery has stimulated economic activities across multiple industries. From manufacturing to logistics, the project has provided businesses with opportunities to grow and innovate.

“The refinery’s operations have created employment for Nigerians at all levels while fostering technology transfer and skills acquisition. This has strengthened local businesses and equipped them with the tools to compete in domestic and global markets,” Oshiyemi noted.

The emphasis on local content has been a cornerstone of Dangote Refinery’s strategy. By sourcing materials locally and partnering with indigenous companies, the refinery has supported the growth of Nigerian enterprises and encouraged investments in infrastructure, engineering, and technology.

The ripple effects of the Dangote Refinery extend beyond the energy sector. Its presence has catalyzed industrialization by attracting investments in related sectors such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, and transportation. This multiplier effect has significantly expanded Nigeria’s industrial base and enhanced the nation’s economic competitiveness.

OGUNCCIMA also highlighted the refinery’s contributions to addressing Nigeria’s balance of trade challenges. By producing refined petroleum products domestically, the refinery has reduced the need for costly imports while positioning Nigeria as a potential exporter of refined products within the African continent.

The impact of Dangote Refinery goes beyond Nigeria’s borders, as it addresses Africa’s critical energy deficits and trade imbalances. By meeting the energy demands of neighboring countries and promoting intra-African trade, the refinery aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“This refinery is a shining example of what can be achieved through visionary leadership and investment in strategic sectors. It demonstrates Africa’s potential to compete globally and foster regional integration,” Oshiyemi remarked.

In addition to its economic contributions, Dangote Refinery has maintained a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The Dangote Group’s investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure have improved the quality of life for many Nigerians and strengthened community resilience.

“Dangote Refinery exemplifies the role of private sector enterprises in driving social progress alongside economic development. Its initiatives in healthcare and education are building a brighter future for Nigerians,” Oshiyemi added.

OGUNCCIMA urged stakeholders across public and private sectors to emulate the Dangote Refinery’s innovative approach to development. By fostering partnerships and investing in transformative projects, Nigeria can achieve sustainable economic growth and reduce its reliance on external resources.

“This refinery stands as a model for what is possible when the private sector leads with vision and commitment. We call on all stakeholders to collaborate and replicate such success stories to build a resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous Nigeria,” Oshiyemi concluded.

It would be recalled that Dangote Refinery recently slashed the price of its petrol to N970 per litre to oil marketers, while assuring that further reduction is still possible in a foreseeable future.