Religion

Oyo Announces N2.6 Million as Deposit for Hajj Exercise

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By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed the sum of Two Million, Six Hundred thousand Naira (N2,600,000) as an initial deposit for 2023 holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, on Saturday, hinted that the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Sayed Malik made this known at the Hajj Camp, Olodo Ibadan.

The Chairman specifically stated that the amount is fixed pending the announcement of the actual fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The statement stressed further that those that the Board’s promise to the One Hundred and Fifty (150) intending pilgrims who could not perform last year exercise due to the limited seats allocated to the State, would be given priority.

He enjoined all intending pilgrims with the State Pilgrim Welfare’s Board for this year exercise to start paying the stated amount into any of the designated Bank Accounts of the Board.

While informing the Members of the Board about the critical issues and other important matters relating to the 2023 Hajj Operation discussed during the first Pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia, Prof. Malik disclosed that NAHCON has allocated One Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty-One (1441) seats to Oyo State for this year’s Hajj exercise .

It would be recalled that NAHCON along with States’ Chairmen and Secretaries of Muslim Pilgrim’s Welfare Board across the Nation recently arrived from Makkah where they were embarked on Pre-Hajj discussion with the Saudi Authority.

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Politics

Gov. Makinde has fulfilled campaign promises – Information Commissioner

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Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun says Governor Seyi Makinde has fulfilled his campaign promises in the State.

 Olatubosun, who stated this at the inauguration of GSM Market and Artisans Marine at Saki Town Hall, Saki, noted that the present administration has been transparent and accountable to the people.

 He also reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to doing more for the zone, if re-elected in 2023.

 Olatubosun enjoined the people of Saki-East, Saki-West and Atisbo to disregard any “falsehood” by the opposition, adding that Makinde has fulfilled his campaign promises to Oke-Ogun residents.

 During the engagement with traders and artisans in Saki-East, Saki-West and Atisbo local governments, Dr. Olatubosun said the Governor’s foray into politics was for service delivery and not for personal gain or deception.

 Olatubosun, who also spoke on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Alaga sub-station and Gravity FM Igboho, assured traders and artisans that the Governor would consolidate on his administration’s achievements in the last three-and-half years if re-elected.

 Olatubosun said the Free Education policy of the present administration had been a huge achievement of Makinde’s administration.

 On Free Healthcare, Olatubosun said the Governor has instructed that a Primary Health centre must be functioning in each of the Three Hundred and Fifty-one wards in the State.

He further hinted that two-hundred and twenty health centres have been completed throughout the state, while the remaining are on the verge of completion.

 Speaking on the Security architecture in Oyo State, Olatubosun praised Governor Makinde’s wisdom in ensuring Oyo State is secured, despite the little resources in the State. 

 “Governor Makinde has also donated patrol vans to security agencies to enable them to provide effective security in the state”, he said.

 He added that the state government would provide more patrol vans to ensure that the needs of the security agencies are met in overcoming the security challenges affecting the state.

 Dr. Olatubosun said, just recently, that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State approved the recruitment of additional 500 corps into the State Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Amotekun.

He said recruiting new corps would enhance Amotekun’s performance and further deepen the security architecture of the state.

 Olatubosun said residents and indigenes of Saki are enjoying the best of times, with the thoroughly revamped Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) which now bears Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), with its headquarters in Saki.

“The newly constructed Saki township road has given you a new lease on life. While the Ogbooro-Saki Township road is underway. 

 He said these; amongst many other things were part of the Governor’s policies on the expansion of the economy through the agribusiness pillar.

 Olatubosun also enumerated the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and retirees, pointing at the continuous payment of their entitlements.

 Speaking at the event, the full-time Commissioner of Teaching Service Commissioner, Mudasir Awujoola lauded Seyi Makinde-led government for the lofty infrastructural development Saki town has enjoyed.

 While the Chairman of Saki-West, Alhaji Omirinde who spoke through his Chief-of-Staff, Alhaji Abdulahi, assured that the three local governments and the entirety of Saki Township would always support the Governor’s re-election bid.  

He said Makinde’s policies have ameliorated the conditions of living of the people of Saki.

 Also speaking, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alh. Ismail Jimoh, the President Market Advisory Council, Alh. Dauda Oladepo and the Babaloja of Oke-Ogun, Elesin Wahab Adebayo lauded Makinde’s Government, for inaugurating the first-of-its-kind Market Advisory Council. 

 They said the Governor had shown unparalleled love for traders, pledging their support for Governor Seyi Makinde-led’s administration.

 The Traders’ Union leaders said that he had in the last three years shown purposeful leadership, especially by appointing one of them, Odunayo Kayode-Danjuma, as Special Adviser on Trade matters.

 They, therefore, promised that members of the union would support the governor’s quest to ensure better service delivery to the people.

In his own remark, the People’s Democratic Party PDP chairman of Saki West spoke on behalf of his colleagues at the federal constituency, Hon. Wasiu Ayenro urged residents of the towns to vote for Governor Seyi Makinde.

The President, Progressive Artisans, Alh. Salaudeen Quamorudeen and the President, Saki-West Artisans, Mr. Abdulraheem Ojolowo highlighted several developmental projects embarked upon by the State Governor, adding that the Governor has not reneged in his promises to residents of the State.

They, therefore, said all leaders of Associations had unanimously agreed to work for the present administration’s success.

The highlight of the Commissioner’s visit to the three Local Governments, was the inauguration of Saki-West, Saki-East, Atisbo GSM Market and Artisans Marine by the Honourable Commissioner.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Religion

Oyo Pilgrims Offer Special Prayers for Gov. Makinde, Nigeria in Kaaba

By Web News 476

Oyo State Pilgrims observing the 2022 Hajj Exercise in Saudi Arabia have offered special prayers for the continued good governance of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State and peaceful co-existence in the nation.

This is contained in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun and made available to newsmen on Wednesday from Kaaba, Saudi Arabia.

The statement said the special prayers, which was performed at Kaaba, was led by the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Dr. Ibrahim Adebolu.

He said the prayers had in attendance top government functionaries from Oyo State and pilgrims from other states who expressed pleasure at the efforts of the Oyo delegation.

According to him, “The last two batches of 2022 Oyo state Hajj exercise offered special prayers for Governor Makinde while observing our obligatory Tawaf (circumbulation around sacred kabba and walking at Saffa and Marwa).

The Chairman pilgrims welfare board, Muslim wing, Prof Sayed Malik was represented by his deputy, Dr. Ibrahim Adebolu.

“Oyo State Pilgrims were joined by other well-wishers during the special prayer session for our amiable governor. We also prayed for our country, Nigeria, as well as peaceful coexistence of the nation,” the statement read.

Other state delegation at the prayer were, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; the Head of service, Mrs. Amidat Agboola;

Alh Isah Abdul Kabir; Commissioner for Budget and Economic planning, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Alh. Adeyemi Abdul-rauf Sanusi; Commissioner for Education, Barr. Abdul Raheem Abdul Ramon and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Azeez.

He added that, “The pilgrims expressed delight at the good governance in Oyo state and also prayed to Allah to give Governor Makinde the grace to keep executing the mandate to develop our State.

“The pilgrims and State officials commended Gov. Seyi Makinde and the state Pilgrims Welfare Board, for the arrangements put in place to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise,’’ Olatubosun added.

Olukayode Banjo

Tourism

World Tourism Day 2022: Oyo Celebrates at Iyamapo Hill

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The Oyo State government has disclosed that the 2022 World Tourism Day will be celebrated at the Iyamapo Hill at Igbeti, Olorunsogo local government.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stated this on Tuesday at his office while hosting members of the Igbeti Mega Tourism Group, a body of indigenes of the town, who showed interest in the development of tourism potentials in the local government area, known for its deposit of marble.

Olatubosun informed the team, led by the Elerugba of Igbeti land, Chief Amos Olayanju that although many people have heard about Iyamapo Hill at Igbeti, to marshal the potentials of the hill and sixteen other tourists sites for economic purposes, stakeholders in the sector will be mobilized towards the 2022 celebration of the World Tourism Day on the 27th of September of this year.

He added that the attention of tourists all over the globe will be directed to the site before the day of celebration as the Ministry was set to reach out to stakeholders.

“We have paid visits to Igbeti and among other sites that have a comparative advantage the area of tourism, Iyamapo is our target, because it will attract people within and outside the country.

“With our capacity to bring global attention to the site through the support of the media, I can assure you that this year’s celebration, which will be at Igbeti will be notable, it will also afford us to incorporate our youths into the mainstream of tourism so they will take up the challenges in the sector and go further into developing it.”

Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said the opportunity that the meeting afforded the two parties (government and community representatives) ways to work round the clock before the September date on logistics, funding and contact-making.

In his speech, the leader of the team, Chief Amos Olayanju appreciates the government for developing tourism in the State, saying the arrangements that would follow the meeting would allow for a successful programme at the 2022 World Tourism Day at Igbeti.

He projected the possibility of rising in commercial activities and job opportunities during the period of celebration and that the State will also get revenue from the event.

Signed:

Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun,

Honorable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,

Ibadan.

Tuesday 1st March, 2022.

Politics

Oyo Approves Consolidated Salary Scale For Local Govt. Administration Heads

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Heads of Local Government Administration (HLAs) in Local Government Areas in Oyo State have started receiving Consolidated Salary Scale, which allowed them to receive the same salary in their respective status as HLAs as pension after retirement.

This was disclosed at a special meeting held by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, alongside with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Bunmi Babalola and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Service Commission, Mr Akin Akinfunmilayo with Heads of Local Government Administration and Directors of Education and Social Services on Monday at Ibadan.

Akinfunmilayo said the gesture of the present administration was unprecedented s no government before the Makinde-led administration has ever done such for the local government workers.

“The Heads of Local Government Administration (HLAs) are now on consolidated salary scale as approved recently by the governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, this means that after retirement, the individual HLA will continue to collect the same salary he or she collected last when in active service.

“It is unprecedented, it has never happened in the history of local government service in Oyo State, all we have benefitted from this administration apart from the consolidated salary are unprecedented, look at the new Local Government Service Commission’s building that will soon be completed, we have been tenants in another building that belong to another ministry for over forty years, he has done so many other ty which time may not allow us t be reeling out here, but we have to show our appreciation.”

The Convener of the meeting who is the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, while appreciating the HLAs and Directors of Education and Social Services for making the meeting a success said the essence of the gathering was to integrate the machinery of the local government system to project the activities, policies and programs of the present administration in the State.

He emphasized the need to collaborate with stakeholders at the grassroots towards the 2022 Omituntun Cultural Festival, where he said the monumental achievements of the Seyi Makinde government will be beamed to the people.

He added that projects embarked upon by the local government administrations would also be included in the communication of developmental achievements of the State government.

“This meeting is called to integrate the communication of government activities, programs and policies to the grassroot, we are using this medium to also charge our people at the local government system to inculcate major stakeholders, opinion moulders and other players to key into the preparation for the success of the 2022 Omituntun Cultural Festival.

“It is one thing to perform, it is another thing to communicate performance to the grassroots, we will use these platforms to project major tourism potentials in the State.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Bunmi Babalola called on the Heads of Local Government Administration and Directors of Education and Social Services to work round the clock to achieve the projection of core strength of development notable in the developmental projects in their various areas.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Lifestyle

Failure to wear facemask to attract 20,000 Naira Fine – Oyo Covid-19 Task Force

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Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has said failure to wear facemasks in the state will soon begin to attract penalty.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stated this while leading members of the Media and sensitisation committee of the task force to Oke Ogun zone in continuation of enlightenment drive on COVID-19.

Dr Olatunbosun said defaulters of the guideline on wearing of facemasks would be prosecuted and appropriately punished with a fine of 20,000 naira.

The commissioner maintained that wearing of face masks was in line with COVID-19 protocol designed to guarantee the safety and well-being of everyone.

He urged residents of Igbeti and Kisi in Olorunsogo and Irepo Local Government Areas of the state to maintain physical distance and adhere to restrictions on religious worship to contain the spread of the virus.

He equally enjoined security agencies to join hands with traditional rulers with a view to combating the virus.

In his response, Iba of Kishi, ObaMoshood Oyekola Lawal pledged to synergise with government and security agencies at ensuring that people abide with precautionary resources on Covid-19.

Similar sensitization efforts had been taken to Oyo and Ogbomoso zones in the past weeks.

Iyabo Adebisi