Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Friday, signed four bills into law.
The bills, were signed into law, shortly after they were presented to the governor by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olakunle Oluomo and other members of the Assembly, at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
The bills included Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of Ogun State 2019, which will make the state a one stop shop for investors; Ogun State Legislative Fund Management Law, 2019; the Magistrates’ Court (Amendment) Law, 2019 and the Customary Court (Amendment) Law 2019.
The governor commended the lawmakers for passing the bills in the interest of the State within the first 100 days of the inauguration of the 9th Assembly.
Abiodun applauded the Assembly leadership for approving his request for N1.5bn loan to facilitate the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme with the aiming of producing no fewer than. 40,000 agricpreneurs.
He noted that the programme would enable the state to actively involved in the national economic well-being of the country, adding that his administration would revolutionise the agricultural sector.
“The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is one of the programmes under our agricultural sector which is one of the pillars of our vision. We are committed to revolutionise that sector. We see the sector as one that will ensure, apart from food security, employment opportunities for our unemployed youth.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria will provide the loan which will be used in assisting the outgrowers for clearing the land and other logistics. Our new agriprenuers would be provided free seedlings and paid allowances until their first harvest, while we supply the extension services,” he said.
The governor lauded the lawmakers for equally passing three resolutions within the shortest time.
He pledged that his administration would be inclusive and appreciated the lawmakers for the Bills and resolutions , saying such development underscored their commitment to complement the Executive arm of Government.
“I join you in appreciating God for the 100 days of productive service to our dear State. Count yourselves lucky to be the representatives of our people. You are not better than others, but God has chosen you at this particular time.
“I really appreciate the relationship that we have. It has been mutually beneficial between the executive and the legislature,” he submitted.
Oluomo in his remarks said the passage of the Bills and resolutions was to mark their 100 days in office
“We are marking our 100 days in office after the inauguration. To benchmark it, we passed some Bills and resolutions and brought them for the Governor to sign.
“We have the amendment to the Magistrate Court Bill and the Customary Court Bill. The two are to bring Justice nearer to the people so that cases that have up to N250,000 cost can be handled at the Customary Court level.
“The other one is the Bill to establish the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency which is a one-stop-shop for ease of doing business in the State, while the last one is the House of Assembly Fund Management Law which will make the State Assembly accountable for every Kobo received from the Consolidated Account,” he explained.
Oluomo described the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature as cordial. He said apart from the four Bills, the lawmakers also passed resolutions, calling on the State Government to adopt the Beijing Affirmative Action by appointing thirty-five per cent of women into political offices, ten per cent of youths and also the appointment of people with disabilities into political positions.
The Speaker said the legislature would continue to accord other arms of government due respect, enjoining the people to continue supporting the government to enjoy the benefits of democracy.