News

Economic Strain: Cleric Says Capacity Building Imperative

By Web News 191

By Adebukola Aluko

In order to address poverty and attain self sustainability, there is the need for all and sundry to build capacity, acquire skills , develop competence and diverse abilities.

Assistant Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Temple, Akobo ,Ibadan , Pastor Sunday Olusola stated this in a sermon during the Youth Sunday Service.

Pastor Olusola, who explained that with the present economic realities and challenges facing the country, Christians needed to build, Refine and demonstrate their capacities, because capacity opens doors of opportunities.

The clergy identified the brain, mind, mouth, hands and legs as God-given endowments; as well as talents, opportunities, people, science and technology, which are ingredients for building capacity.

He further stressed that people should always endeavor to acquire knowledge, engage in volunteerism, submit to mentoring and undergo apprenticeship in order to develop their capacities.

Pastor Olusola, however, highlighted the prices to be paid while building capacity to include determination, discipline, hard work, resilience, dedication and above all consistency.

Economy

Only economy built to weather all storms can beat poverty – Makinde

By Web News 318

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde says that for Nigeria to beat the poverty trap and become a prosperous country, its economy must be built to weather all storms. 

He said the country must also raise entrepreneurs and improve the education standard, stating that despite Nigeria’s natural resources, its people might remain poor until its leadership put the right things in place. 

Governor Makinde, who was responding to a sermon delivered by Bishop Williams Aladekungbe of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese at the funeral service of his (Makinde’s) elder brother,  Sunday Makinde, held at the Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Ibadan, said mineral resources are not enough to liberate a nation from poverty. 

According to the governor, the experience of a country like Venezuela, which despite its huge oil reserves cannot hold a candle to Finland, which has based its growth on developing its human capital, is enough to teach Nigerian leaders to, apart from managing the country’s natural resources well, invest more in educating its younger generation and building more entrepreneurs. 

He said: “While preaching, the Bishop raised some issues. He said Nigeria does not have any reason to be poor because we do have natural resources. But natural resources alone do not lead to prosperity and that is just the reality. 

“The country with the highest reserve of oil in this entire world is Venezuela and it is poor. So, to have prosperity, we must raise entrepreneurs and raise the standard of education. 

“I was in Finland with my Team and I tried to make enquiries on why the country got so developed. I asked if they had oil, and they said no. I asked if they had gold and silver and they said no. I asked what they had and they said it was education. 

“So, in Oyo State, since we came in six years ago, we resolved to meet and exceed the UNESCO recommendation on education by allocating over 20 per cent of our budget to the sector, it is because we know that some people will need to be entrepreneurs to turn the natural resources into something that can take us out of poverty. 

“Yes, God has blessed us and we should be thankful to Him for that. The first Industrial Revolution was coal. Nigeria was rich then because we had coal but nobody is using it again because the world has moved to oil. Very soon, they will move away from oil to something else. So, we must be prepared. We must go beyond depending on natural resources to having an economy that can weather all storms.”

The governor, who eulogised his late brother, fondly called Sundo, as a good man, a good brother, a good husband and a good father, recounted how he sacrificed his university education to join the Navy so that his siblings could have a better life.

He announced the donation of a sum of N25 million to the church towards immortalising his brother, saying: “To start the process of immortalization, on behalf of the entire Makinde family, we will donate N25m to the church.

Earlier, Bishop Aladekungbe pointed out the inevitability of death, stating that late Sunday Makinde had done his bit and that it was now left for those alive to do their best to serve God and fulfil their purposes on earth. 

He equally tasked the leadership of the country with the need for the effective management of the country’s natural resources, stating that it was the only way the country could get out of the doldrums. 

Dignitaries in attendance at the funeral service included the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; the Governor of Delta State, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Monday Onyeme; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde; and Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Governor of Oyo State. 

Others included the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar IIiya Damagum; and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja. 

Also in attendance were Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Sharafadeen Ali, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Abass Adigun and the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin.

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Economy

Don Calls for Swift Action to Save Naira’s Slide

By Web News 425

By Olawale Asake

If Naira must be saved from imminent collapse, there is an urgent need for the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Federal Government to rescue it from the hands of powerful operators making transactions of the Foreign Exchange in the Parallel Market.

A foremost Professor of Economics, Sam Olofin stated this while delivering a Public Lecture with the theme “Recent Developments in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market: Issues, Options and Way Forward” organized by the Nigerian Economic Society and held at the CBN Lecture Theatre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Professor Olofin said, the Operators of the Foreign Exchange in the Parallel Market seemed so powerful that they were operating as visible hands, saying their motives of some of them were for selfish profit-making to the detriment of the Nation’s Economy.

Speaking, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr Olayemi Cardoso who was represented by an Official, Department of Monetary Policy, CBN, Dr Usman Opanachi maintained that, the Apex Bank was doing everything possible to strengthen the Naira, emphasizing that the excess demand for forex in Nigeria is a legendary problem.

A Discussant, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Tope Fasua appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the current administration and the gains ahead would be in the interest of all and sundry

Earlier, the President, the Nigerian Economic Society, Professor Adeola Adenikinju advised the Federal Government to consult with the Nation’s Economists on the challenges bedevilling the Economic Sector for better results.

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Economy

Voices from Campuses Amidst Economic Crunch in Nigeria

By Web News 438

By Nifemi Owolabi

For most Nigerians, these are not the best of times. Why? The economy! Its painfully excruciating bites spare no one. Parents moan being unable to adequately feed their children amidst skyrocketing food prices, besides the struggles to pay school fees. And should the wards in school be beyond two, and then the ‘headache’ becomes more soaring?

How come Nigerians find themselves in this rough terrain? All hail subsidy removal! Last year, President Bola Tinubu, during his inauguration, announced the removal of fuel subsidies on the grounds that it was injurious to the Nigerian economy and only beneficial to some cabals.

Previous administrations had avoided the contentious issue of subsidy removal.

The effect of its removal has continued to sweep through the nation like a tsunami, hitting hard at the economic and social life of Nigerians, who were still reeling from the battery of cashless policy imposed on the nation by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Today, a bag of rice sells at about N60,000, beans at N1200 per congo, and gari N800; even mineral drinks, which people take as a leisure now, sell for N300. So, the question on every lip is ‘Whither are we heading?’

In light of the current situation, Nifemi Owolabi, an intern with Radio Nigeria Ibadan, interacted with undergraduates of some Nigerian universities to find out how they have been coping with the situation.

Owonifari Kolawole, a student of the Federal University of Technology Akure describes the situation as quite challenging. In the words of Awoyemi Deborah from the Federal University of Health Science, Ila Orangun, Osun State, “Every damn thing rises every day, and you never have a choice to get them, especially when it’s being asked for in school. With the things happening all around you also have to be considerate because you can always see what is happening at home and at large.”

Ogunjemilua Timothy from Federal University, Oye Ekiti letting a breath,  Hmmmm…., says “Well to be honest things have not been so easy but we thank God for his grace… We have been able to adapt to all the changes in the economy…we have turned it into opportunities….”

For Babatunde Samson from Ekiti State University, the present situation is dreary; he says “Being a student in the current Nigeria’s economy has some quality of suicide mission considering the 100 per cent increase in tuition fee,  as if there’s no advocate…”

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Religion

Cleric Calls for Optimism Amidst Current Challenges

By Web News 365

By Fasilat Lawal

Nigerians should be optimistic that the current situation in the country will not persist

The Assisting Minister, Methodist Church Ekotedo Ibadan, The Reverend Ben Ajayi gave the admonition during a sermon.

The Reverend Ajayi explained that rather than being pessimistic that the country would not emerge out of the current economic challenges, Nigerians should take time to beseech God for the needed change.

The Cleric in a sermon titled The Rejected City of Nazareth, likened the nation to the Biblical city which people thought could produce nothing good.

He admonished people to continue to trust in God and stop listening to critics who condemn the nation to a hopeless fate.

The Reverend Ajayi, however, urged Leaders in the country to walk in the fear of God in order to benefit from divine guidance in order to move the country forward.

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Environment

Don Cautions Nigerians against Degrading Soil

By Web News 481

By Lanre Omotoso

Nigerians should avoid activities that degrade the soil as this could impact the environment and economy negatively.

A lecturer in the Department of Soil Resources and Environmental Management, Ekiti State University, Professor Olusegun Aruleba gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti to commemorate this year’s World Soil Day.

Professor Aruleba identified factors that deprived sustainable management of soil resources including bush burning, animal overgrazing, and the use of bulldozers to scrape the uppermost layer of the soil.

Speaking on this year’s theme “Soil and Water, a Source of Life”, Professor Aruleba emphasized the need for sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition and cover cropping, describing them as ways to preserve soil biodiversity as well as improving fertility.

The soil scientist stressed that improper soil management would not allow crops to yield bountifully, which may trigger famine and hunger.

While recognizing the role of soil and water as foundation for food production, ecosystems and human well-being, the University lecturer called for proactive measures to safeguard them for future generations.

The 68th United Nations General Assembly in 2013, designated December 5 as the World Soil Day to create awareness that improper soil management practices affect soil fertility as well as water quality and quantity.

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Economy

Oyo Targets Competitive Economic Status

By Web News 376

By Lilian Ibomor

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has said that Oyo State will compete favourably with developed economies within the next 10 years if the Seyi Makinde’s developmental template is sustained by the administration coming after 2027.

Prince Oyelade made this projection while addressing media stakeholders at the 8th edition of the NBC/Yemi Sonde Broadcast Media Stakeholders Forum at the University of Ibadan Alumni Hall.

Citing the World Population Review of the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects, Prince Oyelade explained that the population of Ibadan was a mere 450,000 in 1950, and in 2019 when Governor Seyi Makinde came into power, the population had increased to about 3.4million. 

He said since 2019 Oyo State’s population ratio had jumped by about half a million, which meant that in the past 73 years, the last four years had witnessed the highest number of migrants into the city.

Earlier, the convener of the forum, Mr Yemi Sonde, in his welcome address,  emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the media industry, government and civil society for national development.

The forum brought together prominent figures from the broadcast industry, including the Zonal Director FRCN, Mr Dominic Mokikan, who was represented by the Deputy Director FRCN, Engineer Gabriel Ajayi, government officials, academics and media enthusiasts.

The theme of the 8th edition of the stakeholders’ forum is ‘The Role of Mass Media.

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Economy

Think Outside the Box, Clergy Tells New Ministers

By Web News 512

By Dayo Adu

Ahead of the inauguration of Minister designates on Monday, a cleric, Pastor Peter Olaniyi of Wonder Land Baptist Church, Orogun, Ibadan has advised the new cabinet members to crack the current economic challenge bedeviling the country

The cleric, who explained that the nation was seriously seeking solutions to rejuvenate the economic downturn consequent on the removal of subsidy on petrol, charged the appointees to bring their expertise to bear in their respective ministries so as to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

“They should go there with the mind to serve the people, and to do everything possible to improve the living standard of the masses not to amass wealth, not to do anything that would add to the hardship that we are experiencing as Nigerians.”

Pastor Olaniyi also counselled Nigerians to moderate their lifestyles, cut down on daily expenses and seek more alternative incomes so as to cope with the economic situation in the country.

“There’s need for adjustment in every aspect of life. It should not be business as usual, whatever we can do to cut down on our expenses and whatever we can do to make sure we increase our source of income we should pray for the grace of God to be able to do that.”

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Lifestyle

Milk of Human Kindness amidst Dire Economic Situation

By Web News 470

By Titilayo Kupoliyi

It is no more news that an average Nigerian has been experiencing a shortage of cash in the last couple of weeks.

Radio Nigeria went to town in the quest to know how people have been coping in the midst of turbulent times.

A resident, Mrs Taiwo Oso said one of her neighbours had been her support system.

“One of my neighbours was the one God used for me and my family. My gas got finished at night, and I went to the nearby street to purchase gas as usual but the seller refused to sell without cash. I went to the bank the following morning to get cash; unfortunately, it didn’t get to my turn before the ATM stopped dispensing cash.”

“On hearing about my ordeal, a neighbour voluntarily gave me her cylinder with gas and I used it for 6 days before sorting myself out”.

Another resident, Mr. Seun Akande pointed out that one of his friends, who is a trader, had been his source of getting cash as charges of POS operators are unbearable.

“Thank God for Mummy Victor, she has a shop where she sells provisions, so I go to her after the daily sales and she gives me cash from her proceeds for the day. This has been the way I sustain myself and my children”.

Contrary to charges by POS operators in the recent time, A POS operator along Adeoyo Road, Ring Road, Mr Tayo Akikunbi said he still charges normal rates on every withdrawal.

“I am a Christian and believe God gives us everything we own. We must not add to one another’s pain. So as long as I get cash to do business, I will collect the old rate of 200 naira on a 10,000 naira withdrawal. 

However, Mr Akikunbi lamented that it has been tough getting cash in the last couple of days to run his POS business.

It is the prayer of Nigerians that, cash flow will improve after Saturday’s general election.

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Economy

Lamentations, as Nigerians Battle Harsh Economy

By Web News 479

Nigerians have continued to lament as the dollar to naira rates keep increasing making the cost of living almost unbearable. 

Despite the situation, they still need to go out daily, rain or shine to make ends meet, and in their usual nature of caring for others, cannot but help the needy among them whenever they can. “We

spend even with the “we don’t have” mantra, we are suffering and it can’t be like before, you understand? You have ten thousand naira and it looks like you don’t have anything”.One respondent said.

Traders and customers alike are not left out in the struggle with tales to tell on how they are surviving. For some, it is more of enduring with the mind that “When the going gets tough, it’s the tough that gets going”.

Traders groan that cost of goods had jacked up astronomically which sometimes makes buyers reluctant to patronize them.

Mrs. Sade Obabire said, “I explain to my customer that it’s not our fault but the persistent rise in prices of goods and they buy out of love because it’s what they can’t do without”.

And when we asked about savings, “not to lie to you, it was before that I  considered saving but now I have to cater for my kids, my mother, also my transport from my shop to my house daily and it’s what I sell that I eat and I have  “No savings” -Mrs. Sade Obabire added.

Another trader, Mrs. Glory Ajayi quoted the Holy Bible that “there’s time for everything. 

According to her, ”As a business owner, it’s not every time you gain and everyone’s prayer is that they gain. There’s loss and also gain, the condition of Nigeria is not the one of cut your cloth according to your size but your cloth according to your material. You have to limit how you spend because there’s no income and no market and also the price of goods is high and it’s not that you should now increase your profit, it can affect sales, you will check and balance what you think is not necessary you don’t buy”.

In his own opinion,  an employee, Adegboro Oluwadare said, “As for me, what I do is I make sure I go to my work and if I have any problem, my boss must solve it for me and if he can’t I go and look for another job and if I have any means of doing any two-three jobs I will do so to get more money”.

However, the belief of another Nigerian who is an importer, Oluwatoba Kayode is that no one is exempted from the current economic realities.

 “Besides, what’s happening in the country at this present period is not quite easy, it’s not easy for everyone including those of high class. It affects almost all the people within the country for now”.

Our correspondent who took a survey of the market saw that at the moment, a bag of rice costs  between 30-34 thousand naira, a 25 litre of vegetable oil goes for 34 thousand naira, 25 litres of palm oil is being sold for 29 thousand naira, a bag of Yam flour,200,000 naira.

Nigerians are only hoping there would be a positive turnaround soon and to see  Nigeria being great again.

Zainab Olasupo – Idris/ Temiloluwa Oladipupo

Economy

Osun State Government Reiterates Commitment To Investment Friendly Environment

By Web News 983

Osun state government says it is always ready to support any individual or organisation that is ready to invest in the state to enhance development and boost the economy.

The state governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola stated this during a courtesy visit by the 7th Cliff Resort International, LLC, the USA to his office.

The 7th Cliff Resort International, LLC , USA, being an international investor had acquired  35 hectares of land at Erin Ijesa and had commenced operations where a resort will be built.

The resort, to be sited about 200 metres away from Olumirin waterfall will have swimming pools, rooftop bars, golf course, parking lots, flyovers among others.

It allows fractional owners to have a share of not less than 1000 dollars investment to be a partner.

Commenting on the project, governor Oyetola who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi noted the tourism potential of the state and expressed the belief that the project would become a reality.

Governor Oyetola explained that the state was happy with the company as the state had earlier targeted mining, tourism and agriculture to drive her economy.

Earlier the Chief Executive Officer of the 7th Cliff Resort International, Mr Temitope Aluko said Erin Jesa was selected for the project due to its natural attractive qualities to turn the town to the community to another Dubai.

Mr Aluko stressed that the project which was ongoing would be completed within 36 months and create massive employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Earlier, the state commissioner for tourism and culture, Dr Obawale Adebisi said the state government had deliberated with the company severally and upon satisfaction and conviction on the project was ready to work with the company.

Abiodun Adeoye

News

Osun Government Pledges To Boost Economy Of Its State

By Web News 1068

The newly rehabilitated 13.15 km Ada-Igbajo road by the Osun state government will boost the economy of the town and improve the social well-being of the people.

The was stated in Igbajo by the chairman of an indigenous association in Igbajo, Chief Sola Fanowopo when the Osun state Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola was inaugurating the road.

Chief Fanowopo who noted the road was a death trap before its rehabilitation appealed to the government to provide more teachers and infrastructure for Kiriji Memorial College and The Community Polytechnic.

Speaking at the ceremonious event which had top government functionaries, political stalwarts and supporters in attendance, Governor Oyetola noted that the rehabilitated road was constructed in the last 30 years.

Governor Oyetola tasked the indigenes to use the road to maximize their agricultural, tourism and economic potential saying more of such roads are ready for inauguration across the state as Infrastructural provision and human development were central to the development agenda of his administration.

Earlier in an address, Osun state commissioner for works and transportation, Mr Remi Omowaye said the Ada-Igabajo road was one of many township roads being rehabilitated across the state stressing that, many of such projects will be inaugurated in no distant time.

Abiodun Adeoye

News

Oyo Govt Provides Better Economy For Oke-ogun Region

By Web News 635

Oyo Govt Urbanization Initiatives Have Changed Oke-Ogun’s Economy For Better – I.D.U

The Iseyin Development Union (I.D.U) has disclosed that the urbanization policy of the Seyi Makinde-led administration has changed the economic fortune of the Oke-Ogun region of the State for the better, as multinational companies have been relocating to the area for business.

In a statement signed by the National President of I.D.U and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday, the body said apart from agricultural and allied business that has attracted many investors to the region, real estate investment and other commercial activities have been on the rise, thereby improving the savings and financial capabilities of the people.

They claimed that the construction of road networks that link Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso has contributed to employment opportunities for the youths and artisans while movement of people and goods were made simple.

Iseyin Development Union also used the medium to felicitate with the Governor on his birthday, calling him a God-sent to the people of Oke-Ogun.

“The present administration in Oyo State has changed the face of the economy of Oke-Ogun with the urbanization policy that are reflected in multi billion naira road construction projects linking Oke-Ogun easily to Ibadan, Oyo and recently Ogbomoso, these roads have paved way for commercial activities that have financially enabled our people that are into agriculture and skilled jobs.

“Today, multinational companies have been relocating to this area to engage in agro-allied industry while some are into real estate businesses, all these are made possible by the Governor who promised and is fulfilling, Governor Makinde has shown that there are still politicians that can be trusted and we can boldly say that we trust him.

“The Iseyin Development Union felicitate with His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde (FNSE) and Honourable Mufutau Abilawon, the Executive Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, on the festivity of Christmas.

“This is a season to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and we call on our people to endeavour to imbibe the virtues of humility, obedience to the will of God, respect for the Constituted Authority and support a just government.

“The gospel of integrity, credibility, accountability and transparency should be imbibed by all if our society has to develop from decadence to advancement, this is also an occasion to show gratitude and honour to whom it is due.

“We are grateful to His Excellency for the various developmental projects around Iseyin and Okeogun in general. We are grateful to you Sir. We also wish you more years of success, victory, glory and prosperity. You are indeed the God Sent Man to Iseyin and Okeogun in general.”

The organization also used the occasion to charge Oke-Ogun people to promote love and unity and congratulated the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr. Abdulganiy Salawudeen Adekunle Oloogunebi Ajinese 1 and Christians on the birth of Christ and for witnessing another year.

Kayode Banjo

Economy

FG, Ready To Partner Ogun State On SMEs – VP’s Aide

By Web News 575

The federal government has expressed readiness to deepen its relationship with the Ogun State Government in the area of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSMSEs.

The Special Assistant to the President in the office of Vice President on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Tola Johnson, stated this shortly after a meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Special Assistant said the purpose of the visit was part of efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to improving the living standard of the citizens.

While pointing out that Vice president Yemi Osinbanjo had engaged in lots of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MSME, programmes, Mr Johuson said very soon the residents of the state would feel the impact of the meeting with the governor.

Bolanle Adesida

News Analysis

Examining Governor Seyi Makinde’s First 100days in Office

By Web News 982

As Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde marks first 100 days in office, Iyabo Adebisi examines the impacts of his Government on lives of the people.

The need to impact positively on the lives of the electorate is one of the primary responsibilities of any responsive government.

While some succeed at this herculean task, others often times derail, leaving those who voted for them questioning the real essence of good governance.

To demonstrate commitment to his electioneering promises, Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde shortly after he was sworn-in hit the ground running as he announced the cancellation of the three thousand naira levies in all public secondary schools across the state.

He also announced the donation of his monthly salary to the state pension board for the next four years.

Not only this, Governor Makinde-led government approved over four hundred and forty seven million naira for procurement of exercise books for primary school pupils and secondary school students.

This move is aimed at complementing the free education policy of his government to improve the education sector as well as curb the high rate of out of school children in the state.

The public declaration of forty-eight billion naira asset as promised during campaign has also earned Governor Makinde positive comments from political analysts and the electorate.

The Health sector has also received a boost with the visit of the governor to two major hospitals in Ibadan, the state capital.

The visit is to see how the Adeoyo Hospital, Ring road and others can be raised to state-of-the-art hospitals to enable it provide quantitative health delivery to the people.

Renovation work has already commenced in the hospitals.

Also, this administration priorities the payment of salary and pension as at when due and it has also set up panel to review the cases of workers who were disengaged unjustly.

On the agricultural sector, Governor Makinde had launched a $5m agric business project in partnership with a private company to boost food security of the state.

Security which is one of the four cardinal programmes of Governor Makinde’s administration is receiving attention as additional 100 patrol vehicles have been procured to be distributed among security agencies for effective policing of the state.

Having enumerated the early steps of this government in just about a hundred days, the question which readily comes to mind is what is the perception of the people to the Engineer Seyi Makinde’s government and their expectations?

While lauding the present administration on prompt payment of salaries and pension, Oyo state secretary of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mr. Olusegun Abatan enjoined Governor Makinde to harmonise pension with a view to improving the standard of living of retired workers.

According to Mr. Abatan, this became necessary as the state has retirees who still collect about two thousand naira as their monthly pension.

However, the state Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan and the Secretary to the state Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun also described the first 100 days as a tip of the iceberg and called for support from the people so as to spread the dividends of democracy across all nooks and crannies of the state.

Similarly, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin who lauded the cordial relationship that exists between the legislature and the executive, maintained that the assembly would not be derailed in its role to ensure that the electorate enjoys good governance.

On his plan for the remaining three years and nine months, Oyo State helmsman, Governor Makinde said his government has identified critical areas to develop the state promising that his vision in the next four years is to reverse the negative socio-economic problems facing Oyo state.

Political scientists and social commentators have however posited that one cannot determine the full impact of any administration within just 100 days.

They however advised Governor Makinde-led administration to fulfill his electioneering promises for posterity to judge.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics Security

Former Head of State, Abubakar Visits Oyo State meets Makinde

By Web News 887

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (Retired), has identified formulation of good economic policies at all levels of government as panacea in tackling security challenges facing the country.

General Abubakar stated this in Ibadan during a courtesy visit to Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

He stressed the need for government to provide economic base for individuals with a view to tackling poverty and prevent them from being used as criminal elements.

General Abubakar urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report strange happenings in their domains to security agencies so as to protect lives and property.

The former Head of State who congratulated Engineer Makinde on his election as the new Oyo State governor, said he was optimistic with a man like him at the helm of affairs, he would bring to bear his wealth of experience in the private sector to develop the state.

Responding, Governor Seyi Makinde said his administration had been reviewing the security situation in Oyo state to draw up a formidable structure for peace and security in the state.

Governor Makinde promised that the present administration would not toy with the security of the state.

The former head of state and Oyo state Governor later had a meeting behind closed doors.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Nigeria Would Overcome Her Challenges – Otunba Egbeyemi

By Web News 944

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi has described the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari for second term in office as a well deserved with a call to do everything possible to make Nigeria great.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ado Ekiti, Otunba Egbeyemi expressed optimism that Ekiti State would overcome her current challenge of lack of industry through the support of Federal Government to build necessary infrastructure that would attract investors.

He urged President Buhari to use his second term in office to rebuild Nigeria, strengthen the fight against corruption, take oil-wells from individuals and give it to each state across Nigeria.

Otunba Egbeyemi who lamented a situation whereby an individual is richer or wealthy than a state, said if the Buhari-led administration could achieve this, every segment of the nation would witness meaningful growth.

The Deputy Governor used the medium to call on Federal government to construct an airport in Ekiti, saying that it would add greater value to the state economy.

Otunba Egbeyemi suggested the need for President Buhari to set up a Think-Tank Team which would give room for All Progressives Congress, APC national leaders and people of impeccable characters to contribute meaningful to the growth of Nigeria.

Oriola Afolab