Mounting traffic delays and road damage along the busy Oke-Ilewo axis of Abeokuta have forced media practitioners under the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, to take direct action to prevent further environmental degradation in the state capital.

Members of the NUJ Federated Chapel on Friday launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign, desilting blocked drainage channels directly in front of the NUJ Secretariat, a hotspot notoriously plagued by severe waterlogging and gridlock during heavy downpours.

While the manual cleanup offers temporary relief to motorists and business owners in the area, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju warns that community effort alone cannot fix what has become a major structural breakdown.

Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman revealed that while Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration previously repaired the drainage system, rapid urban growth in Abeokuta has put unbearable pressure on old infrastructure.

“These drainages were constructed when there was no massive development and human activity around this axis. Human population and commercial growth have heavily overburdened the system.”

He noted that critical underground pipes connecting water flow across the road have become tightly clogged, making routine manual cleaning ineffective over the long term.

Olanrewaju called on the Ogun State Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Environment to immediately dispatch Engineers for a comprehensive feasibility study and total reconstruction of the Oke-Ilewo drainage network.

The proactive gesture highlights a shifting mindset among media professionals in the state, emphasizing direct civic responsibility alongside news reporting.

Comrade Olamilekan Jaji, Vice Chairman of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel, noted that the chapel’s roots in community journalism made the intervention necessary:

“We are not just media practitioners; we are part of this society, and its development is our collective duty,” Jaji stated.

He emphasized that blocked drainages remain the root cause of the road’s recurring traffic logjams.

Adding a key warning, the Secretary of the Federated Chapel, Comrade Babalola Gafar, stressed that government intervention must be paired with public discipline.

He cautioned residents and shop owners along the Oke-Ilewo stretch against turning drainage channels into refuse dumps, warning that continuous dumping will render any government repair useless.

“Cleaning the drainage is only one part of the solution. Sensitizing the public against improper waste disposal is just as crucial if we want a lasting fix.”

With the initial desilting now complete, all eyes are on the state Ministry of Works and Ministry of Environment to see how quickly state machinery will respond to fix the damaged road and create a proper channel for water.

DJ MJAY is steadily cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s most prominent rising female disc jockeys, captivating audiences with her electrifying sets and an innate ability to connect with diverse crowds.

Known for her versatility and sharp professionalism, she has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable musical experiences across corporate events, cultural festivals, sports competitions, destination celebrations, and high-profile private functions.

With a seamless command of multiple genres including Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, R&B, House, and Dancehall, DJ MJAY has become a top choice for event organizers looking for premium entertainment.

Her talent for reading the room and tailoring the perfect atmosphere sets her apart as a standout force in the industry.

Her impressive track record includes performances at major national events, such as the Abeokuta Marathon, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the COWLSO Annual National Conference at Eko Hotel & Suites, and the African Drum Festival hosted by the Ogun State Government.

These high-profile appearances highlight her dynamic stage presence and her ability to deliver world-class entertainment to crowds of any size.

DJ MJAY’s talent also extends well beyond Nigeria. She regularly brings her signature energy and curated playlists to international destination weddings, luxury lifestyle events, and corporate engagements across borders.

Driven by a passion for promoting African music and inspiring women to break barriers in the entertainment industry, she remains focused on making a lasting cultural impact.

As her brand continues to scale globally, DJ MJAY invites corporate brands, event promoters, and entertainment enthusiasts to collaborate and experience the unique, premium energy she brings to every stage.

The Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has joined an elite group of public office holders recognised by the Presidency for exceptional service delivery at the grassroots level.

Oyegbola-Sodipo received the Distinguished Public Service Award in Grassroots Development at the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards held in Abuja to mark the 2026 United Nations Public Service Day.

The prestigious award, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms under the Presidency, celebrates individuals whose leadership, innovation and commitment have positively impacted their communities and contributed significantly to national development.

Only four Local Government Chairmen across the country were selected for the award, with representatives emerging from Ogun, Ondo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo stood out as Ogun State’s sole recipient.

Reacting to the honour, the Abeokuta North Council Chairman dedicated the recognition to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), describing their support and commitment to development as instrumental to his achievements in office.

He noted that the recognition was a reflection of the enabling environment created by Governor Abiodun and the developmental initiatives championed by Senator Adeola across Ogun State.

“This recognition is a reflection of the enabling environment provided by Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration continues to encourage excellence in public service,” he said

While commending his unwavering commitment to grassroots development, Oyegbola-Sodipo also acknowledged the contributions of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for championing developmental initiatives across the state.

The council boss noted that the award was equally dedicated to the people and workforce of Abeokuta North Local Government, whose support and cooperation have contributed to the successes recorded by his administration.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, congratulated the award recipients, stressing that the honour was earned through merit and careful assessment.

“You did not receive this award by chance. You were carefully monitored, evaluated and found worthy of national recognition. Your achievements have made the Federal Government proud,” he said.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Ibrahim Arabi, described the award as a celebration of selfless service and impactful leadership.

“This year’s celebration is not only about recognising the best, but also about honouring those who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large,” Arabi noted.

The award further underscores Abeokuta North Local Government’s growing reputation as a model of grassroots governance and people-oriented development in Ogun State and Oyegbola-Sodipo’s ingenuity at the helms of affairs.