Politics

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says contrary to claims by some opposition elements, the Independent Power Project, IPP, embarked upon by his administration will not only power the Government House but will power other critical state assets including schools, hospitals, streetlights and stadium, among others.

He stated this while speaking at the special Thanksgiving Service held at First Baptist Church, Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, also quotes the governor as telling critics to always assess the performance of his administration based on his electoral promises. 

He added that his administration would continue to leverage on the four comparative advantages of Oke Ogun and the state generally, which includes agribusiness, tourism, solid minerals and commerce.

“In Oyo State, we have both comparative and competitive advantages in about four areas. One is agribusiness.”

“When we went to Brent Farm at Ijio, the owner said that from the survey, the area is the most fertile in Nigeria, and it is the same for most places in Oke-Ogun. So, if we talk about competitive and comparative advantages in agribusiness, Oke-Ogun has a place.”

“The second area is solid minerals and Oke-Ogun will also feature when we talk about the development of solid minerals. Another aspect is Tourism. The hanging lake, which is at Ado-Awaye, is a perfect example and the Oke-Ogun zone will feature too. The deepest Gorge Dam on the entire continent of Africa is at Ikere. So, this zone will also feature as far as tourism is concerned.”

“The last is commerce. Oyo State shares an international border, which is between Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun axis. So, Oke-Ogun also features in commerce. So, as a government, if we want to lead our people from poverty to prosperity as we mentioned in our roadmap for accelerated development, we have to focus on those areas.”

“And what exactly are those things we need to do? We need to develop our infrastructure and that is why, six months into this government, we awarded the Moniya-Iseyin road. If we also talk about commerce, Saki is almost the furthermost city in Oyo State, which is closer to the border with the Republic of Benin. That was why we focused on completing the Saki Township road, which is done right now.”

Earlier in his sermon, the President of Oke Ogun Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr.) Gabriel Olanrewaju noted that the nation needs trustworthy leaders to survive its challenges.

Reverend Olanrewaju added that leaders must also fear God in their dealings.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola on the death of his wife, Alhaja Alimot Funke Akinola.

Governor Makinde who described the death of Alhaja Akinola as a painful loss, commiserated with Alhaji Akinola, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased and to grant the family the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes the governor as urging the Aare Musulumi to take heart as a true Muslim, praying that Allah (SWT) will uphold him and all the family members.

“The news of the passage of Alhaja Alimot Funke Akinola came to me as a shock. It is a painful loss but we can only submit to the will of Allah.

“I commiserate with the Aare Musulumi, Alhaji Daud Akinola and all the members of his family and pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear this loss”.

“It is also my prayer that Allah SWT accepts the soul of Alhaja and grant her Aljannah Firdaus”.

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

Ogun State government has commenced distribution of appointment letters to 5,000 teachers employed through Ogun Teach Scheme.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin indicates that distribution of letters to the first batch of successful candidates has kicked off.

The statement explains that introduction of Ogun Teach Intervention is to fill teacher vacancies in primary, secondary and technical colleges across the state.

It adds that the new teachers are expected to come with originals of their certificates, birth certificates or declaration of age, Certificate of Local Government origin and other proofs of identity.

It would be recalled that during the celebration of 2021 World Teachers Day, the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun promised that the teachers would be given their letters of engagement.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has described a former Governor of the state and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as an exemplar in traditional and political leadership.

The governor, who stated this in a congratulatory message to the Osi Olubadan, whom he described as his father, said Senator Ladoja’s contributions to the progress and development of Oyo State and the country are immeasurable and exemplary.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes Governor Makinde as adding that Ladoja is worthy of celebration for the different roles he has played in different spheres as an achiever in business, a worthy model in politics and a committed community leader.

He said: “Our father, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, I rejoice with you as you add another year today”.

“Your life of service, your people-oriented leadership and your immense contributions to the progress and development of Oyo State are exemplary”.

“As you mark another birthday in your eventful life, I pray to God to grant you good health and more wisdom to make more impact on humanity”.

“Happy Birthday, Baba!”

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the people of the State to celebrate June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, peacefully and avoid any act that could threaten the security of the State and Country.

In a statement, by his  Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun urged the people of the state to avoid any act that could tarnish June 12.

Governor Abiodun also appealed to the people of the state not to resort to any protest as such could be hijacked by hoodlums and enemies of democracy who harbour ulterior motives.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

The Oyo State government has stated that it was on the same page with the Justices of the Supreme Court in its May 7, 2021 ruling, which ordered the payment of salaries and allowances of the dissolved chairmen and councilors of local government councils in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, says Oyo State government as a believer in the rule of law will comply with the ruling of the apex court.

The government declared that it had showcased its commitment to paying off the dissolved chairmen and councilors as far back as February 2020, when its negotiation team, pursuant to the out-of-court order of the Oyo State High Court, offered the council chairmen and councilors the same condition which the Supreme Court just affirmed.

According to the statement, the government of Oyo State would comply with the order of the apex court once the details of the ruling are made available.

The statement read: “We are on the same page with the Supreme Court of the land on the ruling which ordered the payment of salaries and allowances of the dissolved local governments.

“The apex court in its decision rejected the dissolution, affirmed that the tenure of the council chairmen had lapsed, while also asking that the state pay salaries and allowances due to them till the end of their tenure.”

“The Court also awarded a cost of 20 million naira and asked the Attorney General of Oyo State to file an affidavit of compliance latest August 7, 2021. 

“A similar decision was given against the Government of Katsina State, with the same cost of 20 million naira awarded against it.

“As far as we are concerned, the Supreme Court, by that judgment, made a policy decision, being a policy court. It was apparently sending a message to states in its attempt to protect elected local governments councils.”

“Recall that the state government had long before the ruling of the Supreme Court offered to pay the salaries and allowances of the dissolved local government chairmen. The said council chairmen scuttled the bid at the time because they came up with absolute terms, insisting that they must return to the councils with all their aides.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will complete the 32-kilometre stretch, First Phase of Ibadan Circular Road, before the end of his tenure on May 28, 2023.

The governor who stated this during a tour of the project said his administration had to sack the contractor inherited from the previous administration due to unsatisfactory slow pace of work.

According to him, the contractor would be unable to deliver the road in another 20 years if allowed to continue at the slow pace. 

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, stated that the governor, however, promised to pay the sacked contractor for evaluated work done.

As at the time of the governor made the on-the-spot assessment, only two kilometres of the 32-kilometre road had been tarred at the level of wearing cost by ENL Consortium Construction Company.

He added that his administration would make sure that the road is completed and delivered within his tenure, adding that the road would be concessioned with government involvement in it.

While speaking on the Old Ife/Airport/Sawmill Road, the governor said the contractor has just revised his schedule and that the job will be completed in October 2021.

He declared that his government will continually inspect and push contractors hard on infrastructure projects.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the security situation in the state, declaring that his administration remains resolute about fighting bandits, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers.

Governor Makinde, who addressed State House Correspondents in Abuja, said the real enemies of the state are the criminal elements.

He equally sought for greater synergy between the state and the federal security agencies, noting that collaborations are required for the state’s security plans to work effectively.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Goveror Makinde told the newsmen that he was in Abuja to brief the President on the security situation in Oyo State.

The governor said: “I came to brief the President on the security situation in Oyo State. There has been a lot of fake news all around and I wanted to be sure that the President clearly has first-hand information from me, which I did.”

“We also exchanged ideas about what we need to do better; some of the programmes we have put in place to ensure that this security issue is tackled. So, that’s basically why I came here.”

“The issue that I discussed with Mr. President is the fact that Oyo State landmass is quite big. Oyo State is close to 29,000 square kilometres. And the state right now only has two Mobile Police Squadrons.”

“So, I requested for more Mobile Police Squadrons to be deployed to Oyo State and also asked for support for the joint security outfit because the underlying issue here also has to do with limited opportunities.”

“The tension will definitely go down if a lot of our youths are gainfully employed. So, I briefed the President on what we are doing in that regard.”.

“We have a history of living together peacefully among all the ethnic groups that are present in Oyo State. For instance, what triggered all of these was that Dr Aborode was brutally murdered; that is criminal. But on the other hand, the Seriki, Alhaji Kabir, has been staying in that same place for 40 years.”

“So, quite frankly, the people we are after are criminals – they are the bandits, hoodlums, armed robbers, kidnappers. Those are the true enemies of the state and those are the people we will go after.”

“The constitution of Nigeria guarantees that you can live in any part of Nigeria. You just have to be law-abiding and obey the local laws in such areas. That is what we are pushing and will continue to push as a government.”

Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
January 27, 2021.

Health

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has directed the management of schools, workplaces and religious centres to ensure strict compliance with established protocols aimed at curtailing the Coronavirus disease.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa who is the head of the task force says it will shut down any institution, religious centre or workplace that violates the rules on the use of closed space settings.

The statement indicates that the advice became necessary following the discovery of a COVID-19 case in a tertiary institution in the state.

It adds that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Task Force had immediately ordered a lock-in of the affected tertiary institution to keep staff, students and the general public safe with contact tracing ongoing.

“Many of these cases were discovered in closed space settings such as offices and other workplaces”.

“A reported case within a tertiary educational institution had also resulted in more cases being discovered through contact tracing”. 

“The state government has taken appropriate steps to lock in the institution to prevent further spread and put in place other preventive measures”.

“Contact tracing has been intensified and the Emergency Operations Centre is working with the institution concerned to ensure that all students and staff of the institution are safe and well,” the statement read.

The statement added that “the Oyo State, as a responsive and responsible government, wishes to admonish all residents to ensure due compliance with the directives and all COVID-19 prevention protocols as earlier stipulated, to enable a successful limitation of virus transmission.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Governor Seyi Makinde says it is yet to relax the ban on religious activities and the curfew imposed as a result of the pandemic.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa indicates that the Task Force made its position public after a two-hour online meeting.

The statement adds that the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force is still evaluating the situation in the state.

It explains that the position was informed by the ongoing risk, situation analysis being undertaken by a team of experts.

According to the statement, the ban on religious gathering remained in force in the state from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew earlier imposed on the state as a result of the ravaging pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Task Force will commence the community testing for COVID-19, with the aim of determining the behaviour of the virus in the state.

The statement indicated that the exercise, which is scheduled to hold in 10 locations, will kick off in three different sites in Ibadan.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo State government has urged individuals not to politicise the issue of coronavirus which the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde tested positive for.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa while reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the governor contracted the disease at a People’s Democratic Party, PDP zonal rally held in Ibadan said his boss did not contract the virus at the much-talked-about PDP Unification Rally.

The governor’s spokesman explained that there was no known incident of Covid-19 as of the time the rally was held.

Mr Adisa noted that the only case of exposure that Governor Makinde had to coronavirus was when he attended the National Economic Council, NEC meeting on March 19, 2020, a day after the Ibadan rally pointed out that all governors who attended that meeting were advised to employ self-isolation and undergo testing after one of the attendees tested positive to the virus.

He, therefore, warned individuals trying to politicise the governor’s case to desist from doing so and look for ways of supporting the efforts to stop the spread of the virus in Oyo state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

The Government of the State of Osun has placed a ban on all gatherings that would bring together fifty or more persons in the same place.

The measure which takes immediate effect and will be in place until further notice is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan.

The ban will affect all schools in Osun State, Churches, Mosques, Night Clubs and Sports arenas among others.

The government, which advised the citizenry not to panic as no case has been recorded in the state so far, said it arrived at the decision it took after wide consultations with health professionals and stakeholders in the health sector over the COVID-19 pandemic.

It further states that the ban became necessary following the Federal Government’s directive to ensure precautionary measures are taken to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Besides, the government noted that the mere fact that few cases have been reported in its neighbouring states makes it imperative to act.

The Osun State government also urge residents to observe the precautionary protocols of thorough washing of hands with soap and clean water and the use of hand sanitiser; observing social distance and avoiding large gatherings, and alerting the authority of any suspected case. 

It adds that the Technical Action Committee is working round the clock to beef up the state’s capacity for epidemiological control and management.

Adenitan Akinola

Security

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has said his administration would continue to maintain the cordial relationship with the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to keep the state safe and secure.

He stated this while speaking at a reception organised in his honour by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Anthony Omozoje, at the Tiger’s Den, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa says Governor Makinde lauded the military for its dedication to the peace and security of Oyo State.

Governor Makinde again commended the Nigeria Army for being organized and disciplined in their duties, noting that these two attributes of the Army are similar to that of Engineering, the profession he belongs.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Anthony Omozoje, appreciated the governor for his continuous support for the Division.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, has appointed a former Commissioner of Police in the State, Mrs Abiodun Adebola Ige as his Special Adviser on Security Matters.  

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan, who announced this in a statement on Tuesday, said the appointment took immediate effect. 

He further noted that Mrs Ige’s appointment was in line with the commitment of Governor Oyetola to the security of the State. 

Mrs Abiodun Adebola Ige, who was the immediate past Commissioner of Police of Osun State Police Command from where she retired successfully on the 1st of January this after years of service is expected to bring her wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of her new responsibility.

The retired police officer who was born on the 1st of January 1960 attended the University of Ibadan where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics/Classical Studies.

She enrolled into the Nigeria Police Force on 1st of February, 1986 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police, rose through the ranks and served the Force in various capacities.

She served as Divisional Crime Officer, Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander Iyaganku, Ibadan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Welfare Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Mrs Ige also served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administrations, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administrations, Ondo State Command Headquarters, Commissioner of Police, Police Cooperative Society, Ikeja, Lagos and Commissioner of Police, Department of Information and Communication Technology and Force Provost Marshal, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Mrs Abiodun Ige also served in a peace-keeping mission in Bosnia/Herzegovina, Kosovo and Timor-Leste.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of a former member of the House of Representatives Mr Temilola Adibi, as the Director-General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA).

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr.Taiwo Adisa expresses the Governor’s expectation that the new OYSAA DG will discharge his duty with absolute loyalty, dedication and diligence. 

Mr Adibi, a holder of a Higher National Diploma certificate in Mining Engineering with Applied Geology, represented Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire Federal Constituency between 1999 and 2003, having worked in different sectors across the fields of mining, geology and teaching.

The statement says Governor Makinde wishes Mr Adibi the best in the new assignment.

The appointment takes immediate effect.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the March 9 governorship in the state, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN as Special Counsel to the Governor of Oyo State.

This was just as a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Prince Yemi Aderibigbe, was also appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

A statement s by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that Mr. Wale Onaolapo was appointed as the chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, OYSSTF, while a former Principal Protocol Officer of the University of Ibadan, Mr. Gboyega Badejo, was appointed as the Director-General Protocol to the Governor.

Mr. Ayorinde, SAN, an Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and son of a former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Timothy Ayorinde, earned the University of Oxford General Certificate (Law) intermediate LLB in 1983 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London in 1985, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

Mr. Badejo, the new DG Protocol to the Governor, was until his appointment the Principal Protocol Officer at the University of Ibadan, where he bagged a degree in Education in 1995.

He is also a member of the Protocol and Diplomacy International.

Iyabo Adebisi

Sport

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has appointed an expert in the Oil and Gas Industry, Mr. Abiodun Oni, as the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency.

This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.

The statement notes that Mr. Oni is expected to bring to bear his wealth of experience as a trained geologist with over 20 years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry and proficiency in Six-Sigma processes and Lean techniques, on the mineral development sector in the state.

Governor Makinde wished Mr. Oni success in the new assignment, while also expressing the hope that he would serve the state with dedication and loyalty.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on men and women of integrity not to shy away from participating in politics so as to sanitize the system.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that the governor gave the charge at a thanksgiving service with members of the Omorege Dynasty, the Governor’s maternal family, over his electoral victory.

The Governor stated that the involvement of persons of integrity in politics would enhance good governance and promote sanity in the political environment.

He noted that participating in politics would not take heaven from men and women with integrity and honesty, but would help to clean up the nation’s political space.

According to the statement, Governor Makinde admonished Christians and people with honesty and integrity, to get involved in politics, noting that the journey would not be easy, but God would take them to where He intended.

Earlier, Venerable C.O. Osinyemi, who spoke on the topic: “Indices of acceptable service,” urged Governor Makinde to serve with honesty and integrity with a view to adding value to the lives of the people.

On the entourage of Governor Makinde were his wife, Ominni, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin and some members of the OYHA; chairman of the State Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Funmi Orisadeyi and Commissioner for Environment, Kehinde Ayoola. 

Iyabo Adebisi

Sport

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has congratulated the new Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare on his appointment.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, says the government of Oyo State will be looking forward to having a symbiotic relationship with the Federal Government through Mr. Dare, who is now an ambassador of the state.

The statement urges Mr. Dare to bring his wealth of experience to bear in transforming and repositioning the ministry.

Governor Makinde urged the Ogbomoso-born minister to be a good ambassador of Oyo State and to showcase the Pacesetter qualities of the state in his new position.

Governor prayed that the minister succeeds in the new assignment and win laurels to the admiration of Nigerians.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will give preference to local contractors in order to boost the economy of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa indicates that Governor Makinde stated this while addressing the crowd of PDP loyalists in Ogbomoso.

Governor Makinde who noted that he has not awarded any contracts since assumption of office promised to give contracts to those who would ensure capital flight. 

He assured the people that his government would not marginalise any zone in the state and urged party faithful to be patient with his government on the issue of appointments. 

 “You will not labour in vain. I know that many people would have begun to look at what they can benefit. I want to assure you that those who worked will benefit. Other people will not reap where you sowed.”

“We want to develop our local economy and like they say, we want to ensure that Oyo’s money stays in Oyo. 

“All contracts will be awarded to those who will improve our economy and we will make the indigenous contractors partake in the running of affairs.”

Engineer Makinde also lauded the people of Ogbomoso for their support during the last election, which he said translated to victory for him and the PDP.

In a remark, Former Majority Leader House of Representatives, Mrs Mulikat Akande lauded the governor for coming to meet the people of Oyo North Senatorial District like he did in 2018 before he was elected Governor. Iyabo Adebisi