Politics

Segun Ogunwuyi Heads Oyo Transition Committee

By Web News 604

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo state government has announced a 15 -man inauguration and transition committee to coordinate and oversee necessary arrangement for the smooth transition of the current administration into its second term.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun made this known while briefing journalists after an executive council meeting.

He said the committee would be chaired by the Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi while Special Assitant on Special Duties,Miss. Lolade Ajibola is the secretary.

Also, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo during the briefing made it known that the executive council has granted approval for the presentation of 4 bills and 1 amendment to the state house of assembly

He explained that the amendment bill would seek to grant autonomy to the Governor on section 28, subsection 1 of the Oyo state chiefs law to present beaded crowns and coronets without recourse to the traditional council.

Professor Oyewo said other bills to be harmonized were environment bill, real property protection bill, public schools protection bill and Oyo rural access road agency bill to complement Rural Access and Mobile Project

Speaking further on the decision of the executive council, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin also explained that the council re-awarded the contract for the remodelling of the Agbowo shopping complex for a duration of 18 months with an estimate of 10.8 billion naira through a project specific bond approach

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Babatunde Musibaudeen equally disclosed that the State government has completed the reconstruction of the New Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro in Abuja.

Professor Musibaudeen said the Vice president,Professor Yemi Osinbajo would commission the lodge on 23th May 2023.

Tourism

We will drive the economy with Tourism, Solid Mineral – Oyo Govt

By Web News 777

The Oyo State Government has said it will soon commence rehabilitation work on the roads leading to Iyamapo, a 2000 metres above sea level hill in Igbeti town.

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal gave the assurance during the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, at Igbeti, headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government Area.

He also assured that the government will invest in the tourism sector to attract local and international investors, who will in turn drive the state’s economic expansion drive.

Barrister Lawal also declared that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration plans to harness the developmental benefits of the state’s mineral resources in Igbeti, to expand the economy.

The deputy governor said the present administration is determined to reposition the tourism sector with its huge potential, to drive the economy of the state.

Barrister Lawal, who hinted that resources in the Oke-Ogun zone are enough to sustain Oyo State’s economy, therefore called on investors to help boost the economic activities of the state, through investment in the tourism sector.

“The state government is open to collaboration with investors and relevant stakeholders in fine-tuning plan to harness our potentials”, Lawal said.

He explained that “harnessing the multi-million naira potentials in the state will be extended to the 168 tourism sites. We will drive world-class tourist sites and urban regeneration work to attract tourists, which will provide gainful means of employment for youth and women”.

Barrister Lawal added that this will open more rural areas, like Igbeti, to tourists as the plan includes rehabilitating the road which will take tourists to Iyamapo to see the beauty and access all the other landmarks in the town. 

“Oyo State Government will rehabilitate the roads leading to Iyamapo hill, which is one of the tourism potentials in Igbeti. This is part of our commitment to tourism in the State”, he said.

“This will also encourage tourists to visit Agbele hill, Bata erugba and other places and by doing so, they contribute to the growth of the economy,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun said that tourism in the state would be harnessed by the Seyi Makinde-led administration. 

Dr Olatubosun called on investors to consolidate the efforts being made by the state government and other stakeholders in calling for the growth and development of the tourism sector.

On this year’s theme “Thinking Tourism”, Olatubosun said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration plans “to promote our heritage as well as other sites”.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abiodun Oni said Igbeti town, which is rich in both natural and mineral resources, is begging Government and investors to beam their searchlight on the huge potentials therein.

He thanked the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration for setting the ball in motion, commending the governor’s foresight.

The Special Adviser on Tourism, Honorable Akeem Ige said this year’s WTD was moved to Igbeti, so as to promote it and attract investors to the centre.

Mr Ige said there are enormous potentials in Igbeti to invest in, adding that his office is likewise working on ways to invite investors to the state.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prince Tunde Odunlade opined that tourism is a commercial organization of holidays, which is vital for the success of many economies in the world.

He corroborated the deputy governor’s opinion that tourism could boost the state’s economy, calling on all stakeholders to play their roles.

Prince Odunlade appealed to the Oyo State government to provide a desirable and enabling environment for tourism to grow in the State.

A Chieftain of Igbeti, Pa. Jacob Adetoro commended the present administration for uniting Igbeti indigenes, by bringing this year’s WTD to the ancient town.

Pa Adetoro said all hands are on deck to promote the rich potentials in Igbeti, saying the indigenes will work with the State Government and all relevant stakeholders.

A highlight of the two-day event was the celebration of a Cultural night on September 26, 2022, at Igbeti town hall.

The event also witnessed hiking, games, music, and visits to other tourist sites in Igbeti.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Subscribe to our Telegram Channel and join our Whatsapp Update Group

News

Oyo Govt. Set For Peace Parley With Area Boys, Cult Groups

By Web News 674

The Oyo State Government has revealed that it is set to engage in talks with all area boys and cult groups in the State, to foster peace.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun said this in Ibadan on Thursday, after a closed-door meeting with representatives of the militant groups, including Agbekoya, Oodua People’s Congress and Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

Olatunbosun said the State government, in collaboration with all the militant groups, is determined to proffer peaceful solutions to the unrest between area boys and cult groups, saying the time to end the bloodshed in the State is now.

Dr Olatunbosun said further that the meeting aimed at solving the problem from the root.

According to him, the State Government will work closely with security agencies and leaders of the militant groups, to meet with the cult sects and mediate between warring parties.

He said “the State Executive Council is aware of the activities of cultists and cult groups in the State. We hope to hold a meeting with them”.

“Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde is determined to put a stop to this clash among cult groups and area boys.

To this end, we in collaboration with all the Militant groups in the State, are taking the message of peace to the den of these cultists”, he said.

“We will try to convince them to be disarmed and return to their homes peacefully. Afterwards, there will be a clampdown on activities of area boys and cult groups who fail to cooperate with us”, he said.

Olatunbosun who underscored that through the help of some of the militant groups, the State Government would

contact members of each cult group, also gave assurance that things would change, because the State Governor had shown sincerity in ending the fights among the warring groups.

Dr Olatubosun, therefore, appealed to the area boys and rival cult groups to sheath their swords and pursue peace, stressing that after the peace talks, there will be a clampdown on cultists and cult activities in the state.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against cultism.

.

Pr/ Kayode Banjo

Culture

Oyo Govt., Iseyin Weavers Collaborate to Revive Aso-Ofi Festival

By Web News 1073

The Oyo State Government and Iseyin Weavers have collaborated to revive and further promote the Aso-Ofi festival in the state. 

This was disclosed in Iseyin during the grand-finale of the Aso-Ofi festival, witnessed by dignitaries in and outside Oyo State. 

Speaking at the event, the wife of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Tamunomini Olufunke Makinde said the festival would promote the cultural values and heritage of the state. 

She appealed to Iseyin weavers not to compromise the originality of the wool used in weaving Aso-Ofi, adding that it can never be duplicated. 

She also hinted that Aso-Ofi has grown to be one of Nigeria’s internationally-recognised fabrics, known for its rich cultural values. 

“I appeal to our weavers, put a mark on our heritage, it cannot be made elsewhere. If it is not made here, it is counterfeit”, she said. 

She added, “Ensure you protect our heritage, promote what we have and keep our culture for our generations unborn. Don’t sell out your trade’s secret. Do your best to protect our heritage”. 

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the present administration in Oyo State is committed to showcasing and harnessing the tourism and economic potentials embedded in the festival. 

He said that the Aso-Ofi festival, which was last celebrated in 2018, is set for revival and unhindered annual celebrations. 

Dr Olatunbosun said, with the Aso-Ofi fabrics and resolution by the State Government to promote it, there will be a revolution in the tourism sector of the state. 

He hinted that Oyo State Government is resolute to champion the exportation of Aso-Ofi fabrics in the state, adding that the cultural, tourism and creative industry have been identified as one of the major sectors to diversify the economy. 

The State Government’s Spokesman added that Oyo State Government is formulating policies that will aid the promotion of this sector, while actions are being taken to unlock the huge potentials of the sector. 

He said the state government has found it expedient to increase awareness about the annual festival due to its potentials. 

“We are confident that the Aso-Ofi festival is back to and the State Government in collaboration with major stakeholders will be working to revive the festival and promote Aso-Ofi beyond the shores of Nigeria.” 

“We are working hard to ensure that all potentials are harnessed. We are set to work with sponsors, exporters and promoters in order to make it as international as possible to attract, cultural enthusiasts and huge buyers,” he said. 

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of the “The Ambassador of Aso-Ofi of the year” award to Governor Seyi Makinde and some notable Iseyin indigenes. 

The two-day event featured a rally, competitions, fashion parades, presentations of awards and draws national and international attention.

E-signed: 

Wasiu Olatunbosun, Ph.D,

Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Lifestyle

Remain focused on uplifting NAWOJ – Dr. Olatunbosun

By Web News 964

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun has admonished a chairperson aspirant of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, in Oyo State, Mrs. Omolola Alamu and her team to remain focused on uplifting the association if elected.

Dr. Olatunbosun gave the admonition when the campaign train tagged, “The New Dawn Team” paid him a courtesy call at his office, Secretariat, Ibadan, after the team had visited the Information Chapel of the ministry to canvass the votes of women journalists.

The commissioner while stressing the need for the team to priortise the welfare of members if elected, equally solicited the support of the association for the present administration in the task of moving the state forward.

Earlier, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Rotimi Babalola had urged the New Dawn Team led by Mrs Omolola Alamu of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship for the election and shun acts that could bring the name of NAWOJ into disrepute.

The chairperson aspirant, Mrs. Omolola Alamu while canvassing for votes of NAWOJ members, pledged her team’s readiness to run an all-inclusive executive.

The campaign team later proceeded to Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Ibadan.

Addressing the team at NTA, an Assistant Director News, Mrs. Aduniade Alao asked the team not to derail from the mission that NAWOJ stood for, in uplifting the women and children.

On the New Dawn Team are Shade Oduola vying for the post of Vice-Chairperson, Alhaja Ramat Alade for the office of the Secretary, Kehinde Igbari as Assistant Secretary, Temilola Akarah, Treasurer, and Temitope Oyewole as secretary. 

Iyabo Adebisi

Environment News Security

Oyo Mayhem: Commissioner For Information Assures Peaceful Coexistence

By Web News 650

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun has assured the people of Oyo State that those behind the mayhem at Iwo Road in Ibadan would soon be fished out and prosecuted.
He stated this while featuring on a radio interview programme in Ibadan saying that security agencies have started investigation into the cause of the crisis.

There was a reported clash between some members of transport union in the State, which led to attack on people and private properties at the Iwo Road area on Wednesday.
Dr Olatubosun said the State government was on top of the situation and those that perpetuated the crisis would not go unpunished.
The commissioner said politics should not be allowed to affect the security of the people while those playing politics with security should be seen as not ready to join hands with the present administration, led by Governor Seyi Makinde to move the State forward.

“I am not going to say this is the person that caused the mayhem or that person started it, it is not in my purview, the security agents are working on unraveling the cause and who are those behind the attack.
“This is a government that has been going to the extent of expending so much in making security of lives and properties seamless, we shall not allow this to go without getting those behind it accountable.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Oyo Govt. Set To Launch Integrated Security System

By Web News 703

The Oyo State Executive Council has disclosed plans to launch an integrated security concept to bring together state and non-state security actors to effectively tackle insecurity in the state.


The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Retired Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni stated this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state security task force meeting held in Ibadan.


Mr Owoseni explained that the Army, the Police, the DSS, Civil Defense Corps, Amotekun operatives, the OPC, the Vigilante, the Agbekoya, the Soludero, and other state and non-state security actors would be brought under one umbrella to fight crime in Oyo State.


Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun hinted that the state government has perfected plans to establish hot spots and strategic policing.


Dr Olatunbosun said the group when launched would be stationed at various troubled spots in the state, especially in areas like Foko, Born Photo, Popo, and other disturbing areas of the state.


In a remark, the Chief of Staff to the Oyo State governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka, maintained that the two concepts would commence very soon.


Iyabo Adebisi
 

Health

Oyo Govt Approves Renovation, Rehabilitation Of PHCs

By Web News 939

In a bid to boost health care delivery, Oyo State government has approved the renovation and rehabilitation of 299 primary healthcare centres, PHCs across the state with an estimate of 6 billion naira under an alternative project funding approach.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello stated this while briefing newsmen after the executive council meeting in Ibadan.

He explained that the repayment would be spread over 12 months while government would only commence repayment after two months upon 20% completion of the projects.

Dr Bello added that the remaining 52 primary healthcare centres would be renovated by the Primary Healthcare Board as challenges of staffing would be duly addressed.

Also, Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun at the briefing hinted on plans by the state government to procure 20 additional security vehicles at an estimated cost of 319 million naira to improve security challenges in the state.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Seun Ashamu disclosed that the executive council had approved the energizing of about 28 transformers across three senatorial districts into the national grid to boost electricity supply in the state.

Mr Ashamu noted that an estimate of 247 million naira had been earmarked as the cost of the tranformer energizing initiative.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

Oyo Govt Registers More Traders Associations, Makes Access To Loans, Support Easier

By Web News 995

Oyo State government has announced that it has registered more market and traders associations from eight to twelve in number, in order for the groups to access government supports in terms of loan and other inputs.

The Commissioner for Trade Investment and Cooperatives, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi stated this while speaking on a radio program in Ibadan on Thursday.

He said the state government is leaving no stone unturned in making life more comfortable for traders through the provision of infrastructure and secured environment for their businesses.

Mr Adebisi added that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has met the requests of traders in the Scout Camp Neighborhood Business Complex before issuing the 7-days ultimatum for street traders to vacate the road side, stressing that government would enforce the law against street trading to guide against loss of lives and valuable properties to accidents.

The commissioner said the state government was always ready to give out loans to traders and market association but decried the issue of non repayment of loan by beneficiaries, hence the strict processes attached to loan disbursement by the agencies concerned.

“Whenever government provide loan support to traders associations, it is with the plan that the repayment schedule will aid the possibility of accommodating others to also benefit, but many people do not want to pay back because it is state government loan.”

“We have increased the number of traders and market associations from eight to twelve in Oyo State so that the opportunities for their members to access financial support among other impetus for business development would be made available and ease for them.”

He maintained that the requirements for any association to be registered is that it must have at least 3 clusters under it and all other related society or group can then join the umbrella association.

Mr Addbisi said the Ministry is working in collaboration with the Special Adviser to the governor on Arewa Matters to foster unity and peace among the Hausa Okada riders that are operating in the Scout Camp Neighborhood Business Complex and the other traders stressing the need for all tribes to cohabit peacefully in the state.

Signed:
Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),
Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,
Ibadan.
Thursday 21st January, 2021.

Yoruba

Àkànse Ìpàdé Kan Ti Wáyé Fọ́ga Àgbà Ilé-Isẹ́ Radio Nigeria Ìbàdàn Tó Fẹ́ Fẹ̀yìntì

By Web News 796

Àkànse ìpàdé kan láti fi bu ọlá fún ọ̀gá ilé-isẹ́ Radio Nigeria ẹkùn ìbàdàn, tó fẹ́ fẹ̀yìntì lẹ́nusẹ́, Àlhájì Muhammed Bello sì ń lọ lọ́wọ́ ní bgọ̀ngàn studio tó wà nílé sẹ́ náà l’ádugbò Dùgbẹ̀ nílu ìbàdàn.

Alákoso fétò ìròyìn nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́, Àlhájì Wasiu Ọlatunbọsun, àtàwọn olórí ẹ̀ka ìròyìn nílé’sẹ́ náà tó ti fẹ̀yìntì niwọ́n péjú pésẹ̀ síbi àkàse ìpàdé ọ̀hún, èyí tẹ́ka ìròyìn níle’sẹ́ náà sagbátẹrù ẹ̀.

Àlhájì Mohammed Bello ni yóò fẹ̀yìntì lẹ́nu’sẹ́ ọba lósù tó ńbọ̀, lẹ́yìn tó ti pé ọgọ́ta ọdún.

Ọlaolu Fawọle/Fọlakẹmi Wojuade

Lifestyle

FRCN Ibadan Zonal Director Honoured As He Retires

By Web News 886

A biblical saying goes thus, “better is the end of a thing, than the beginning thereof” while, “the good that men do always live after them”.

These maxims aptly described the encomia poured on retiring Zonal Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello.

Correspondent Rotimi Famakin who was at the Studio One of the Broadcasting House, Dugbe, Ibadan where a special editorial conference was held in honour of the retiring Zonal Director reports that the event which featured prayers, was graced by the past Deputy Directors of News and Current Affairs and the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture And Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun.

His report.

Rotimi Famakin

Transportation

Oyo Govt. Approves 3.2 Billion Naira for Idi-Ape/Akobo/Odogbo Barracks Road

By Web News 1868

Oyo State government has approved the completion of the dualization project of Bashorun-Idi-Ape-Akobo to Odogbo Barracks road at the cost of 3.2 billion naira.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun stated this while briefing newsmen after the weekly executive council meeting.

Dr Olatunbosun said the project would be executed through the Alternative Project Funding Approach under 8 months adding that 231 million naira has been endorsed as compensation fees for owners of properties affected by the road project.

Also, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin, said an upward review of maternity leave for pregnant women and nursing mother in the service of the Oyo state government from four months to six months has approved in line with WHO recommendation on exclusive breastfeeding.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Oyo Government Grants State Hospitals Autonomy

By Web News 1898

Oyo state government has granted semi-autonomy to four state hospitals for more quantitative healthcare delivery.

The hospitals are Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu, State Hospital, Ring Road, State Hospital, Oyo and the newly commissioned Specialist Hospital, Saki.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the end of the weekly executive council meeting.

Dr Olatunbosun explained that the step would improve the standard of secondary healthcare and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in purchasing necessary facilities at the hospitals.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Jacob Ojemuyiwa hinted that the executive council has approved the rehabilitation of Saki-Ogbooro-Igbooho road through the alternative funding approach at the sum of 8.7billion naira.

Mr Ojemuyiwa said the project would be completed within 18 months.

Similarly, Oyo State government has equally endorsed the installation of 58 motorised borehole across the 33 local government at the sum of 312.2 million naira.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

Oyo Government to Issue 100 Billion Naira Prosperity Bond

By Web News 1869

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved the issuance of a 100 billion naira private bond tagged “Oyo Prosperity Bond” to facilitate the execution of priority projects that would further drive economic development in the state.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun disclosed this after the state’s weekly Executive Council’s virtual meeting. 

Dr Olatubosun explained that the fund would be raised in two tranches of 50 billion naira each for the construction of the 50 kilometre Iseyin-Ogbomoso road, the Ibadan Circular Ring-Road and Ibadan Airport upgrade. 

The fund would also covered the development of Ibadan Dry Port and rail corridor which would serve as economic hubs of the state.

The commissioner stated further that the state would construct and upgrade, with modern equipment, one government hospital in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. 

He added that the 21 kilometre Airport-Ajia-New Ife Express Road with a spur to Amuloko in Ibadan would also benefit from the alternative project funding approach of the state government.

According to the commissioner, the project funding would be in form of Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA), which allows for Public-Private Partnership for funding of infrastructural projects in the State. 

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Executive Council has also approved the establishment of the Oyo State Development Agency for Socio-Economic Advancement (OYODASA) to give room for the residents of the state to have a better understanding of government’s goals and help establish a shared vision between communities within the state and the state administration.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Covid-19: Oyo Commissioner Seeks People’s Attitudinal Change

By Web News 856

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun has called on the people of the state to see attitude change as the only solution to the war against Covid-19.

Dr Olatubosun said this through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Bunmi Babalola at a One-Day training for reporters on Covid-19 reportage in Ibadan.

The commissioner said all efforts to sensitize the general public by the state government had been explored, while testing has been taken to the local level to ascertain the level of spread of the disease in the state.

He hinted that the global and local economy as well as human survival would only be achieved if people keep to what he called the new normal through social distancing, use of nose covers and regular hand washing.

He said it was important for media professionals to adjust from the way and manner they carry out their responsibilities in line with the current situation and follow necessary protocols that will protect us in our day to day activities.

Dr Olatubosun appealed to the people of the state to keep faith with the present administration on efforts at stopping the spread of the disease and work towards restoring normalcy to the economic, social and daily activities of the people.

Iyabo Adebisi

Crime

NSCDC Intercepts 70 Northerners in Ogbomoso

By Web News 1033

Men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has intercepted seventy northerners coming into Oyo state through Ogbomoso end of the state.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun said the people were apprehended through intelligence report early this morning pointing out that they were coming from Jigawa and Kano states.

According to the commissioner, majority of the people were heading to Ibadan, the Oyo state capital while others were moving to Sagamu in Ogun and Lagos states.

Dr Olatunbosun however noted that the people intercepted at the Ogbomoso end would be escorted to Kwara boundary so as to return to their various states in accordance with Inter states movement lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Iyabo Adebisi