Governor Dapo Abiodun has forwarded the names of two nominees: former National President, Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ) Waheed Odusile, and Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, to the State House of Assembly for confirmation as Commissioners.
In a letter to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Kunle Oluomo, on Friday, Abiodun urged the House to screen Arigbabu for Education, Science and Technology portfolio while he named Odusile as the Commissioner-designate-for Information and Strategy.
A statement by Kunle Somorin also announced the appointment of two new General Managers, Fola Onifade for the State Signage and Advertising Agency, and Sesan Asenuga for Parks and Garages Development Board.
Tolu Bankole was named Senior Special Assistant to the governor and Ifekayode Akinbode will serve as a Consultant (Media).
Odusile, the Information and Strategy Commissioner designate, is a former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Until recently, he served as President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and Managing Editor, The Nation newspapers.
Odusile has considerable experience across the broadcast and print genres of journalism, spanning three and a half decades.
He has held various newsroom management positions, including being the pioneer Editor of National Life Newspaper and Managing Editor of The Nation. He was also at different times on the staff of National Concord and ThisDay Newspapers.
He holds a Masters degree in Legal Studies and belongs to a number of professional associations, including Nigerian Guild of Editors, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Federation of African Journalist (FAJ) West Africa Journalists Association (WAJA) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The Commissioner-nominee for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu is the current Vice Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier and preferred University of Education: Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State.
Arigbabu, a Professor of Mathematics Education, holds a PhD from the prestigious University of South Africa, Pretoria in Mathematics, Science and Technology with specialisation in Mathematics Education.
He belongs to numerous academic and professional associations, these include Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Science Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (STAN), Nigerian Mathematical Society (NMS), Southern African Association for Researchers in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) and the Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) among others.
Both nominees are expected to be screened in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has declared a State of Emergency in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Abiodun also officially declared a war against open defecation in the State. The governor made the declarations in Abeokuta, on Friday, when he received the report of a Steering Committee for the Implementation of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, WASH.
He said the water and sanitation sector must be adequately attended to at the urban and sub-urban levels, adding that rural water supply and sanitation needs and aspirations of residents would be prioritised in line with Goal Six of the Sustainable development Goals, SDGs.
He said the declaration signals a high level of political will within the state to provide a focused governance structure and appropriate budgetary provision to deliver on Goal Six, which is to provide sustainable, equitable and reliable potable water as well as improve sanitation services to the people.
“It is therefore my considered plan of action as the Governor of this State, given several challenges the water sector poses to our dear state and our strong commitment, to address lingering issues in the sector.
“I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH and officially flag off a Campaign against Open Defecation in Ogun State,” he said.