Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday flagged off the construction of 200 units of two-bedroom expanded bungalows, at the Gateway Aviation Village, located at Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area of the State.

He said the project was divided into two phases, with the first 100 units ready in six months.

The governor, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, said the project would herald the creation of a new city in the town and would serve the entire Remo cluster and the state in general.

According to the governor, the siting of the housing scheme would serve institutions and people who will make use of the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, noting government agencies like the Customs, the Nigerian Air Force and corporate bodies, have already indicated interest in the airport.

He added that the project would create jobs for about 5,000 artisans of various skills in the course of execution of the project.

The governor said: “This is the people’s project. This housing scheme will complement the airport and serve those who will work in this town. I can assure you that within two years, the story of this town will change. We will not engage outsiders to work in this estate, but the people of this town.

“We have done similar projects at Kemta, Idi-Aba and Kobape. The siting of a similar housing estate has changed the landscape of Kobape which was a village before to a lively city.”

He called on prospective buyers to start the process by obtaining their forms, charging the people to support and take ownership of the project for the development of the town.

On behalf of the Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Idowu Basibo, Ebi Idena, Oba Lukman Salami, expressed delight that the project is being sited in his domain.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government Area, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, expressed gratitude to the governor, saying with the siting of the housing estate and the cargo airport, the development of the town is assured.

Also, the Chairman of Ogun State Park Management Service, Engr. Wale Yusuf, said the project would change the face of the town for good, urging the indigenes to support it.

Workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are set to begin an indefinite strike on Tuesday, October 3.

The announcement came after a joint press briefing held by both leaders of the union in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Tuesday (today).

The unions also asked their state chapters to mobilize for protests across the country .

The leaders of the two labour centres have resolved their differences that made only NLC embark on a two-day warning strike without the participation of TUC.

According to the notice of meeting signed by the NLC Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the meeting is holding virtually.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has appealed to the NLC leadership to shelve the planned strike, assuring them that the Federal Government is determined to address the concerns raised.

The minister also noted that one of the major demands of the NLC in their last meeting has been met, which has to do with the release of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport workers.

A statement signed by the spokesman of the ministry, Olajide Oshundu, urged the workers’ unions to give the government a little more time to address other issues.

On Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday 6, 2023, NLC embarked on a two-day warning strike to force the government to address the mass suffering of Nigerians, especially workers.

Sources privy to the matter said the two sides after their separate organs’ meetings, commenced a joint press briefing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday to announce an indefinite nationwide strike following the Federal Government’s failure to address the suffering and other socioeconomic hardships occasioned by the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Following the directive of the Federal Government that this year’s Independence Day Celebration should be low-key, the Ogun State Government has cancelled all arrangements in respect of the anniversary on October 1st, 2023.

The decision by the federal government is to reflect the mood of the nation. The state government enjoins citizens of the state to spend the time solemnly praying for the country.

A statement by Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government noted:”It is the strong belief of the government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun that the supplications of the people at this crucial time will be answered by God.

“We seek the understanding and cooperation of all and sundry as we observe a low-key independence anniversary this year, believing that better times lie ahead of us as a people.”