The Osun State House of Assembly wants the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment as well as the State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC to keep the Public abreast of government activities and achievements in the state.
The Chairman House of the Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Saheed Fatunmise and The Chairman, of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Adekunle Oladimeji, gave the advice during the ongoing 2025 budget defense exercise, held at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.
They described the media as a platform for reliable information, hence, the need for the Ministry to ensure the dissemination of facts and truth to the public.
The Lawmakers emphasized the need for the Ministry to embrace Digital Billboards as another means of information dissemination and cautioned against leakages of government revenue, and also urged the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure proper use of the newly procured tractors and other farm implements to attain food sufficiency across the state.
Exchanging views with Parliamentary Reporters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management, Mrs Fausat Bolanle Adebanjo advised people to desist from encroaching into government lands.
Other Ministries Departments and Agencies, MDAs who appeared before the Budget Defense Committee including; the Ministry of Transportation,
Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation, OSSADEC, Osun State Agricultural Programme, OSSADEP, Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, Office of the Surveyor-General, Osun State Capital Territory Development Authority, Osun State Property Development Corporation and Osun Assets Management Agency.
Oyo State House of Assembly has directed all Chairmen across the 33 Local Government and 35 LCDA’s in the State to return all the faulty earth moving equipment outside their domains to their various council’s Secretariat.
This formed part of recommendations on a report presented by Chairman, Local Government on Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours, Mr. Akintunde Olajide
Mr. Olajide revealed that many earth moving equipment at the Local Government and LCDA’s such as Tractors , Excavators cat, D6 Bulldozers , Lowbed Trailers and others that are not functional are still serviceable or need repairs for proper usage across the Local Governments.
The House has however urged the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Local Government to coordinate the repair of all serviceable earth moving equipment in all Local Government and LCDA’s as a matter of urgency.
In the same vein , the House also directed its Committee on Local Government to meet with all Stakeholders and set the machinery in place to consider the increment of monthly take home of all the Ad – Hoc staff of the Local Government areas in the State.
It advocated an increase from Seventeen thousand naira to Thirty-five thousand naira in order to enable them cope with the economic realities in the country.
The leadership of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ogun State Chapter says, the union had not endorsed any gubernatorial candidates in this weekend’s election.
The state Chairman of the Union, Alhaji Waheed Oloyede while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta explained that the union was open to all candidates as elders and not being carried away by the politicians’ pronouncements.
The Chairman stressed that coming from disappointments of the past, the retirees would be having the hope that whoever emerged as the state governor will honour his promises.
Earlier, the governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Chief Ladipupo Adebutu had addressed, senior citizens promising that if elected, his government will source for funds to pay a substantial part of the owed gratuity arrears among other requests of the pensioners.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had also promised that, the senior citizens of an increment in their quarterly payment from Six hundred million naira to One billion naira and the monthly pension of those collecting five thousand naira to fifteen thousand naira.
The milestone attained in broadcasting is a manifestation of the contributions of tested hands in the industry.
Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Mr Ademola Babalola, made the remark in Ibadan during an award presentation tagged ‘Pride of Journalism’ to the Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan, Mrs Bolatito in commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
The ceremony was held at the Dapo Aderogba Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Mr Ademola described Mrs Joseph as a woman of substance whose prints in the practice of journalism could not be forgotten.
Receiving the award, Mrs Bolatito Joseph accompanied by FRCN Committee of Management and some members of staff appreciated the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, for recognizing her contributions to the broadcast industry.
Earlier in a lecture, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowder’s University, Professor Muyiwa Popoola, observed that journalists remained endangered, going by the reports of killings, maiming, assault, and kidnapping across the globe.
Professor Popoola explained that in the light of the threat to lives confronting them, journalists should be tactful and avoid risking their lives while trying to reveal the truth behind an incident, event or scandal.
While analyzing the build up to 2023 general elections, Professor Popoola said conflict was bound to happen in view of different political interests in the country.
The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has charged the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation to ensure the free flow of rivers and drainage across the state.
Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Adebayo Olodo, made the call during the budget defence of MDAs at the House of Assembly, Osogbo.
Mr. Olodo urged the ministry to be effective in ensuring a clean and hygienic environment across the state.
He maintained that a clean environment gives room for healthy living, hence the need to monitor water channels and drainages across the state for free flow of water.
He assured that Osun State House of Assembly would make a law to give legal backing to the activities of the ministry.
Some of the lawmakers in their contributions advised the ministry to look into the activities of miners in the affected local governments across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Sola Oladepo and Special Adviser to Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Rufus Oyegbile, explained that the ministry is working to ensure the smooth running of private sector participation (PSP) in the state for a clean environment.
They said the state government is planning to plant trees in all school free areas in the state.
Other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government that appeared for budget defence are the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Osun Signage Holding and Advertisement Agency, Osun Waste Management Agency, Osun Parks and Gardens Management Agency and Office of Natural and Minerals Resources.
Ogun State government says it has commenced issuing employment letters to newly recruited teachers into the State Teaching Service Commission programme.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Mr Olalekan Ifede, about one hundred appointment letters are expected to be issued out on Friday.
The Chairman said, others would also collect their letters in batches and would be deployed to schools at the end of their documentation.
He advised successful applicants to get across to the Commission with necessary documents as soon as they are contacted via SMS.
Ade Adetimehin has emerged as the state Chairman, The All Progressives Congress APC during the State Congress in Ondo State holding at the International Culture & Event Centre, the Dome, Akure.
Radio Nigeria reports that delegates converged on the Dome from across the 18 local government areas of the State for the APC State congresses holding across the country
Delegates participating in the election of new officials of the party stormed the venue with adherence to COVID-19 protocols amidst mild security details.
Dignitaries and Stakeholders who have arrived at the venue include the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Bamidele Oleyelogun who led other lawmakers, the State acting Chairman who is recontesting, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, serving and former National Assembly members and other party Chieftains.
The Congress is being chaired by the lawmaker representing Mikang, Shendam, Quaan-Pan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Komsol Longgap.
To achieve true rehabilitation and smooth reintegration of ex-inmates to the society in Nigeria, there is the need for government to improve infrastructural facilities at the nation’s correctional centres.
A cleric and chairman, Oyo State Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, Prophet Boyede Sule made this known in an interview with Radio Nigeria Correspondent.
Prophet Sule who decried the state of facilities at the correctional centres across the country also frowned at the way members of the public stigmatize ex-inmates.
While advocating for a legal framework that would aid smooth reintegration and restoration of ex-inmates, the cleric appealed to important personalities, to economically empower the ex-inmates to discourage them from going back to crime.
Also speaking, a child’s rights advocate, Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Otesile who agreed that the reintegration process for any ex-offender would be gradual, said they needed love, support and time to get back to normal life.
Mrs. Otesile who is also a stakeholder at Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA, urged Nigerians to prioritize welfare of ex-offenders.
The awareness campaign for ex-offenders was also supported by OSIWA.
The speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin has presented cash to another set of one hundred students drawn from Ibarapa East State Constituency.
The event held at Eruwa Town Hall, Eruwa, was the second bursary award program by the speaker this year.
Each of the one hundred students who are currently attending various higher institutions of learning received ten thousand naira cash at the ceremony.
The speaker said the bursary award was part of his Education Support Initiative aimed at boosting the morale of youth in his constituency especially in terms of their educational pursuits.
“Education is no doubt the bedrock of socio-economic development of a nation. It is critical and pivotal, hence all hands must be on deck to encourage our students to give their study all the attention it deserves. I am happy that we are supporting another one hundred students of Ibarapa East descent with cash. We were here in June this year to flag-off the Bursary program and now the second set is benefiting. We promised to make it a quarterly affair and to God be the glory.”
“This is another testimony that we are fulfilling our election campaign promises. I want to assure that the last set of one hundred students for the last quarter of the year will be attended to in December this year. May God continue to support our party and its lofty agenda for the people of Oyo State”, Mr. Ogundoyin prayed.
He urged the students to shun all vices capable of bringing the name of their families and their communities into disrepute.
“As youth, we are the future hope of any nation. No nation can neglect its youthful population. But I must warn us to avoid drug and substance abuse, cultism, sexual abuse, examination malpractices, internet fraud, kidnapping and armed robbery as these are ungodly activities which could lead anyone to the path of doom” He added.
In his remarks during the event, the Chairman, Water Corporation of Oyo State, Dr. Adebayo Adepoju urged the students to strive to reach the pinnacle of their educational careers.
It will be recalled that the speaker was in Lanlate a fortnight ago where he presented deep freezers and generators to constituents in the area as a way of boosting their socio-economic activities.
Another fourteen people had earlier received motorcycles while thirty people got twenty-five thousand naira each to support their businesses.
As part of the federal government’s efforts towards ensuring food sufficiency in the country, the National Horticultural Research Institute, NIHORT, has distributed seedlings to over 150 farmers in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The farmers, who were drawn across the 10 wards of the council area, were given citrus, plantain and vegetable seeds.
Addressing the farmers on behalf of the Executive Director, NIHORT, Dr. Abayomi Olaniyan, the Head Farming System and Extension Department, Dr. Oluyemisi Adebisi-Adelani, said the gesture was born out of the need to cushion the effects of COVID-19 on farmers whose economic power had been badly affected by the pandemic.
Speaking in the same vein, Head, Extension Programme, NIHORT, Dr. Florence Olajide-Taiwo, encouraged the farmers to make good use of the seedlings as the progress of the crops would be monitored.
Chairman, Ido Local Government, Mr. Seriff Adeojo lauded NIHORT for considering farmers in the council adding that his administration would continue to works towards empowering farmers to realize the agricultural objective of the state governor.
Some farmers, including Adekunle Adebayo, Amidu Tiamiyu and Ishola Dauda pledged to make good use of the seedlings.
Nigerians have been advised to seek quality healthcare services at different private and state hospitals pending the time the issue between Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD and federal government would be resolved.
Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Oyo State, Dr. Ayotunde Fasunla stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan.
Dr. Fasunla noted that rather than waiting for federal institutions of health, conditions of patients might worsen.
The medical expert however urged Nigerians to be patient as the issues on ground between federal government and resident doctors would definitely be resolved.
The Osun House of Assembly has urged the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology on staff training for effective performance.
Chairman, House Committee on Science, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Babatunde Olatunji made the call during a meeting with officials of the Ministry at House of Assembly, Oshogbo.
Mr. Olatunji noted that the interest of development of the state rely on the ministry, advising the Ministry to embark on staff training in other to meet up with people’s expectation.
He observed that the World has become a global village and advanced technologically, thereby making innovation and technology essential.
In their contributions, other members of the committee urged officials of the ministry to work more on internet connectivity of Ministry and Agencies of government.
They advised ministry to to deliver dividend of democracy to entire state through innovative technology.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Science Innovation and Technology, Dr. Olawale Babatunde had told the Committee that the Ministry is currently working on Solar based Pedestrian traffic light to reduce reoccurring road accidents.
He added that the Ministry would create enabling environment for the youths to develop their skills while promising to improve on internet facilities especially the one connected House of Assembly.
Activities marking the new Islamic year, 1443AH by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO, Ogun Chapter have commenced with a youth procession.
At the event, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Saadullahi Bamigbola felicitated Muslims and prayed for continued progress in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Also, the Chairman, Hijrah Planning Committee, Alhaji Saheed Adeola sought the support of the Muslim leadership and enjoined the faithful to attend the commemorative rally scheduled for Sunday 15th August at the MKO Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta beginning from 10am.
In separate remarks, the NACOMYO State Coordinator, Dr. Soliu Amolegbe, the former Chairman, Hijrah Planning Committee, Alhaji Wasiu Sowole, and the NACOMYO National Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde described the Hijrah Calendar as a guide to determine significant Islamic dates and observances and commended NACOMYO for creating awareness for the Lunar Calendar reckoning.
The procession which took off at the Sodeke, Abeokuta home of the Chief Imam of Egbaland and was terminated at the Ake Palace Grounds, Ake, Abeokuta was witnessed by prominent Muslim leaders, including Imam Sulaiman Kehinde, Sheik Ahmed Olayinka and Alhaji Muftau Majekodunmi.
Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, has described as false, an online news story stating that the Assembly’s account was frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly committee on Information, Mr. Qozeem Olayanju described the story as a rumor while speaking with Radio Nigeria correspondent in a telephone interview.
Mr. Olayanju said neither the Assembly’s account nor any lawmaker’s account were frozen by the EFCC in the ongoing investigation into alleged Official Car Scam against the state legislative arm.
Mr Olayanju emphasized that the report is not only misleading, but also discrediting the principles and values of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly.
“The assembly has been running all its legislative duties in line with the laid down procedures We hold plenaries, perform oversight functions to the best of our ability ,and ultimately doing our best for the entire Oyo State. Where do will get fund to run the day to day activities if the Account of the Assembly had been frozen?
Mr. Olayanju expressed worry over the spread of fake news especially on the social and online news media describing the development as unfortunate.
A report recently surfaced on some online news media indicating that the account of the Oyo State House of Assembly has been frozen by the EFCC, which according to the news, has halted the monthly running costs of the lawmakers.
Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, will ensure all inputs from market leaders in the State are critically examined before the passage of the Oyo State Market Leaders’ Council Bill.
Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Cooperative, Mr. Akintunde Olajide, gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after a public hearing on the Oyo State Market Leaders’ Council Bill, held at the Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Mr. Olajide said the bill seeks to address issues among traders associations in the state and provide legal framework for the operation of over two million market men and women in the state.
He said the bill when passed to law would also address leadership tussles among all the traders associations.
Some of the market leaders who commended the sponsor of the bill, appealed to the lawmakers to be neutral during deliberations and give the bill speedy passage.
Muslim Community of Oyo State has advised Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure justice and fairness in the constitution of his new cabinet. This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by the Chairman, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, and Secretary, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade. The group noted that justice, fairness and equity in the appointment of the new cabinet by the governor are necessary so as not to deny Muslims their rights. The Muslim Community decried the recently dissolved cabinet in which it claimed Governor Makinde appointed less number of Muslims. The group however enjoined the Governor to avoid such lopsided appointments in his yet to be constituted new cabinet in order to promote peace and harmony in the state. While confirming that the governor has the right to fire and hire, the Muslim community said the state’s helmsman will not lose anything if he uses his appointment to promote religious harmony in the state. The group assured Governor Makinde of the support of the Muslims in the state, in as much as he ensures religious justice in all spheres of governance. Ridwan Fasasi
Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria , MMPN has been charged to be more alive to its responsibilities through regular reactions to current issues to bring desired changes.
The Chairman , Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamsat made the call while playing host to executives and members of MMPN, Oyo State Chapter that paid a courtesy visit to the station.
He said the more the Association reacts to state and national issues, the more it will be a force to reckon with stressing that the present situation in the country calls for continuous reactions to ensure the authorities take proactive steps for the country to be at peace .
The Agidigbo FM Chairman harped on the need for MMPN to intensify efforts on membership drive and also preach religious tolerance to aid peaceful co-existence in various communities .
Alhaji Oriyomi while appreciating members of the organisation for the visit assured them of active collaboration . ” It is a thing of joy to receive Muslim Media Practitioners today, in which I belong .
Let me say that we have not been doing much when it comes to responding to vital issues in the country”” As Muslim Media Practitioners , you have to contribute actively to the development of the country, speak out on vital issues , particularly , when there is no election , so that during electioneering , people won’t see you as agents of political gladiators “” I am very much with you and appreciate the organization for being there during the trying period .
Let me say categorical that Agidigbo FM will have a branch and we are ready to be part of activities of MMPN at the state level” He added.
Earlier, Chairman, MMPN Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi lauded the station for its creativity and people centred programmes which has made it to be having more listeners every day.
“We have been following Agidigbo FM since it was an online radio, even during a test transmission as it metamorphosed to terrestrial broadcasting station and now that the full operation has commenced and truly, it’s people’s voice in line with the slogan of the station.
No doubt, Agidigbo FM is a radio of the people , by the people and for the people. You are parading the best hands in the profession and the creativity behind your programmes is awesome. It’s hope that the trend will continue and our prayer is that the station will continue to wax stronger”.
Alhaji Fasasi enjoined the station to place more emphasis on professionalism and should not allow commercialization to dictate its tune.”Agidigbo FM should be a model of private station that will not sacrifice public service in the altar of commercialization.
Let the station strike a balance between professionalism and commercialization.
The two should be taken as important for survival of the station”. The MMPN Chairman noted that MMPN was ready to collaborate with the station in different areas for the benefit of the people.
“As you are aware, we have competent and experienced hands in the areas of journalism, programming and other non- contents fields of the profession and we are ready to offer the services for the advancement of the station.
We will also appreciate adequate publicity for our activities. The door of MMPN is at the same time open for any collaboration for the benefits of the two parties as well as humanity”.
Alhaji Fasasi urged the Chairman of Agidigbo FM to participate actively in the programmes of MMPN and encourage the Muslim staff to be members.
“Seeing someone like you regularly in our midst will inspire more members to be coming, as a result, your seat in MMPN, the Association which was co-established by your elder brother, Alhaji Kunle Hamsat of the blessed memory is still vacant”.
“It will be a great joy too if you encourage Muslims among the staff here to be attending our programmes. In fact, it will be a pleasure if Agidigbo FM becomes the first private station in Oyo State to be registered as a branch”.
Gateway United Football Club will on Sunday take on Ijebu United Football Club in the first semi-final match of the Ogun State Federation Cup.
The game according to the Chairman, Ogun State Football Association, Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi, will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, in Ikenne, Ogun State, from ten O’clock in the morning.
Alhaji Majekodunmi noted that the second game which will be played simultaneously is between Nilayo Football Club and Easy Well Football Club.
The Ogun State Football Association Chairman pointed out that the games will be played behind closed doors in compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Ekiti State Government has again slashed the salaries of political office holders and accounting officers for three months as a result of shortfall in the federal allocation to the state.
Also government has suspended the payment of consequential adjustment for workers from Grade level 7 and above which commenced in January 2021 for same three months.
This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on the agreement reached between representatives of government and labour leaders’ state administrative council on the state finances.
Under the M.O.U, running grant to government offices on monthly basis has been reduced while the economic review committee would henceforth meet monthly to keep labour abreast of the financial position of the state.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the signing of the document, the Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the labour leaders for their sacrifice and expressed optimism that the state would successfully navigate through the period of financial challenges.
She promised that government would adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement reached with the labour leaders to ensure industrial harmony in the state.
The Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated government for reducing the salaries of appointees and its efforts that would not lead to retrenchment of workers.
Mr. Fatomiluyi noted that the unfortunate situation has directly affected the living standard of workers hence the need for government to keep to its promise.
The chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Sola Adigun who read the M.O.U said it was agreed that government would not downsize the workforce as a result of financial challenges facing the state.
He added: “The labour leadership believes in dialogue and subjecting itself to arguments logically and scientifically and bowing to superior argument. We urge the government to adhere strictly to this agreement.”
Governor Kayode Fayemi had approved the reduction in salaries of political office holders in April 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to ensure continuous payment of workers’ salaries amidst economic challenges posed by the public health situation.
The rector of the newly established Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Dr Taofeeq Abdulhameed has identified moral rebirth as essential for societal reformation.
He stated this at an annual Ramadan Lecture/ Appeal Fund for the School Mosque organised by Muslim Old Students Association, Lagelu Grammar School, Agugu, Ibadan held at the school hall.
Dr Abdulhameed who until his new appointment was the Chief Imam, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, said every individual has a role to play in reforming the society through good moral conduct which is the foundation of everlasting reformation.
“Societal reformation starts with you and I. It starts with each individual. Except we reform ourselves morally, the society will be in chaos”.
“To achieve this, there is no need for everybody to be craving for material things all the times. Excessive craving for material things would lead to corruption. We should try as much as possible to emphasize on morals.”
“Where morality is the order of the day, there will be discipline and there will be consideration for others unlike being selfish. Today most of us are self-centered in our daily activities, in everything we do, we considered ourselves first. There is nothing bad in considering oneself first but should not be at the detriment of others”.
Dr Abdulhameed urged Nigerians to appreciate Allah, make firm their belief and control their innate desires as well as greediness for the betterment of the society.
Chairman on the occasion, former Secretary to Oyo State government, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Olajide represented by Chief Gbade Oyepeju advised youths, especially students to make contentment and uprightness their watchwords for better future.
“As Muslim students, they should not be found wanting in all ramifications of life. They should not join bad gangs like Yahoo boys. Let them use good characters to preach Islam to others.”
In a keynote address, Chairman, Old Students Association, Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan Branch, Alhaji Kola Animasahun pointed out that the lecture was a means of guidance to the upcoming generation, urging parents to spread the message to their children.
Earlier, the Amir, Muslim Old Students Association, Lagelu Grammar School, Branch, Dr Ibraheem AbdHameed said the lecture was put in place in a bid to see how the society could be better from its current troubled state.
The theme of the lecture is “Societal Reformation: My role as a Muslim”.
A committee comprising of Christian and Muslim leaders for early responses to religious conflicts has been inaugurated in Oyo State.
The Committee to be known as the Oyo State Interfaith Dialogue Team is also expected to address human rights violations that are carried out in the name of religion.
At the inauguration of the committee, Co-Chairman, Central Coordination Council of Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Ameer Jameel Muhammad said it has been identified that many violence being perpetrated in some states of the federation did not have any religious undertone as widely believed.
Ameer Muhammad, who said the dialogue teams would be set up in other states, pointed out that members of the team have undergone training on crisis management and ways to mitigate religious conflicts.
Also speaking, Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, who is also a national Co-Chairman of Interfaith Dialogue Forum and Oyo State President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju appealed to residents of Oyo State to shun religious differences as no religion supports violence.
The inauguration of the Oyo State Interfaith Dialogue Team was held symbolically at the state secretariat of CAN, Ijokodo and the secretariat of Muslim Ummah Southwest, MUSWEN, Iwo Road.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has approved a review of electricity tariff for Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, increasing electricity cost for consumers under the franchise area.
IBEDC franchise area includes Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara and parts of Niger, Ekiti and Kogi states.
The NERC in an order signed by its Chairman, Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye signed on the last day of 2020, the tariff increases will commence from July 1, 2021.
According to the order, tariff for customers in Band A with minimum supply of 20hrs daily will increase by #6.85 to N69.18 per kilowatt, a #10.98 percent rise.
Customers in Band B minimum supply of 16hrs daily will increase by #7.65 to N66.04/kilowatt from the present N58.9/kilowatt.
For customers in Band C with a minimum supply of 12hrs daily, the increase is N14.19 to N62.92/kilowatt.
The highest tariff increase will be for consumers in Band D with a minimum supply of 8hrs daily with N32.79 hike to N55.76/kilowatt from N26.97/kilowatt.
The NERC explained that the review was necessary following changes in inflation rate, foreign exchange, available generation, gas price, collection losses from ministries, departments and agencies of government, and Capex adjustments.
The NERC ordered that IBEDC shall be liable for service improvements in accordance with commitments under its universal service obligations for providing an electricity supply to customers.
The commission added that where there is a failure to deliver on committed service level over a period of 60 days, the rates shall be adjusted in line with the service delivered over the same period, upon verification by the Commission.
Petroleum dealers and marketers under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has shut down all filling stations in Ibarapa region of Oyo State following the killing of the owner of Subawah Petroleum, Mrs Sherifat Adisa by unknown gunmen.
The Ibadan Depot of the association has also threatened to shut down all filling stations in the state if the situation did not improve.
The Chairman, Ibadan Depot, Alhaji Bukola Mutiu, in a statement issued said the closure of all filling stations in Ibarapa area of the state is a warning to the Oyo State government to urgently arrest the growing trend of killings and kidnap of petroleum dealers in the state.
Describing the killing of Mrs Adisa as one too many, IPMAN warned that except the trend is arrested, all filling stations in the state would be shut down.
Oyo State government has sealed six hotels, four commercial banks, three filling stations and seven companies for defaulting from paying the state’s land use required charges.
Speaking with newsmen after the exercise, the Chairman of the state Board of Internal Revenue, Aremo John Adeleke said the step was necessary to make business owners alive to their responsibilities to enable government provide security, infrastructure and other essentials necessary to make businesses thrive.
Aremo Adeleke said the state government has given, as palliative, an additional 10% discount to complement the initial 25% discount on all taxes to ensure that the businesses stay afloat in the face of economic realities posed by the COVID-19 scourge.
He added that the government was poised to generate all taxes from business owners without any inimical effect on their ventures to sustain economic growth in the state reiterating that the enforcement would continue till the end of the year.
The chairman, Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, therefore, appealed to them to pay all taxes, levies and bills to government as there would not be economic growth when all taxpayers were not thriving in their businesses.
