Agriculture

Makinde to Subsidise Cost of Farm Input, Implements

By Web News 370

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has declared some far-reaching measures towards addressing the rising cost of food in the state, stating that his government would continue to do everything necessary to make life easy for residents of the state.

Governor Makinde, who stated this on Wednesday, at a meeting with stakeholders in the agriculture sector, held at the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, Oyo, said the government would also provide tractors and haulage trucks for farmers, among other measures.

He said his government would move in to subsidise land clearing for farmers across the state with an initial sum of N600 million, with farmers now expected to pay N15,000 instead of N30,000 for land clearing, while the government would pay the balance.

The governor also declared an immediate suspension of revenue collection on farm produce marketed within the state for the next six months, noting, however, that agricultural produce taken out of the borders of Oyo State will attract necessary revenues.

The governor, who said the state has disbursed N1billion to smallholder farmers through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), also declared that the Agriculture Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) loan support to farmers would no longer require a civil servant as guarantor, stating that farm associations will now guarantee their members to have access to the loan. 

At the meeting, which had in attendance maize growers, cassava growers, rice processors, poultry farmers and traders across the state as well as officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, ACCOS and Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, the governor maintained that there was need for a brainstorming session to address the food security challenge facing the state.

Governor Makinde noted that though his government had done well in trying to stimulate and support the process of food security, with data showing that the state had made progress in terms of food production, it was worrisome that that progress had not been reflected in terms of food pricing.

He maintained that since the removal of fuel subsidy, his administration has been doing everything possible to make life easier for residents of Oyo State, including spending N77 million monthly to subsidise public transportation for 20,000 residents of the state on a daily basis, among other measures and that it would do everything possible to stem the tide of rising food cost.

He said: “I deliberately moved this meeting here because this place was established when agriculture used to be the mainstay of our economy.

“In Oyo State, we have been getting data on what we have been producing, which suggests that our production is on the increase but the prices of food stuffs are also increasing.

“As a government, we have also done quite a bit to stimulate and support the process of food security. It is either what we are doing is not enough or they are not being channeled to the right sources.

“So, our meeting here is not a talk-shop but to brainstorm on some issues and bring up solutions. I expect you to open up so we can tackle the problem we have on the ground.

“I have noted some few things from the points you all raised and there are few decisions we are going to take. The first one is the issue of revenue, because those in charge are compounding the problem of increment in prices of food stuff. For the next six months, nobody should collect any revenue and all the people involved should know that this takes effect immediately.

“We will set up a special line you can call when you have issues with recalcitrant revenue collectors who are not ready to abide by this pronouncement.”

The governor added, “We will provide an initial N600 million through the ACCOS to subsidise the cost of hiring tractors. The modalities of how our smallholder farmers can access this subsidy will be worked out and communicated to them. In total, we plan to subsidise the clearing of at least 120,000 hectares this planting season.”

Governor Makinde, who also responded to different views from the agriculture stakeholders, including the dearth of agriculture extension services, cost of produce haulage and other issues, added that the Pacesetter Transport Services will, in the course of the coming weeks, be supported to have a fleet of haulage vehicles dedicated for the movement of farm produce across the state.

He equally set up a 10-man committee comprising agriculture stakeholders and government officials, with the mandate “to track the decisions we have taken here today so that six months down the line when we gather again to look at how far we have gone, it will be quite easy to track those things.”

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Infrastructure

Gov Makinde Inaugurates Agodi Gate Adegbayi Road Project

By Web News 434

By Funmi Ojo/ Iyabo Adebisi

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his landmark achievement on infrastructure upgrade of Oyo state, calling on South West states to deepen development partnership.

Speaking at the commissioning of the dualised Alakia-Adegbayi-Iwo road, Governor Adeleke described Governor Makinde as “an uncommon Engineer of good governance”.

He commended the efficient management of little resources to achieve so much by the Oyo State government, noting that South-West Governors are running a competitive race to regain the region’s leading position in good governance.

“The old Western Region was reputed to be the leading zone in the areas of innovations, infrastructure and good governance. We lost that rating for some time now.

“But I want to put it on record that the South West has regained its momentum. The Oyo State governor is a trailblazer. From Lagos to Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Ogun states, South West is witnessing infrastructure upgrades. Our roads are being fixed, our schools and health centres are undergoing rehabilitation.

“ As a Governor of Osun State, I watched with keen interest the positive development in Oyo State. I do peer review, I must say that Oyo State is lucky to have Governor Makinde at the helm of affairs. We are proud of him” he said.

Earlier, Governor Seyi Makinde said his infrastructural agenda is premised on expanding business opportunities and creating multiple zones of development in Oyo State.

He noted that his administration prioritized inter-city roads to widen the net of development even with limited resources.

Governor Makinde reiterated his commitment to providing good governance to the people of the state, saying his administration would continue to prioritise projects that would bring the best value to the people of Oyo State.

The governor stated that the inaugurated road would ease traffic congestion at the popular Iwo Road as motorists coming from Osun State will use the road as an alternative route.

“We plan to upgrade cities and towns in Oyo State to places that we can all be proud of, we do not want to leave any community behind.

“So if we have all the resources at our disposal we will do more at a faster rate as we all know that our wants and needs are infinite but the resources to meet them are limited,”.

 “The pressure on the state infrastructure is increasing and there’s a need to upgrade them, this is why we have chosen to keep investing in infrastructural development”, he said

Former Ondo, Osun and Oyo States governors: Olusegun Mimiko, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Omololu Olunloyo,  former Senate President and PDP BoT chairman, Adophous Wabara and Senator Abiodun Olujimi witnessed the event.

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Human Angle

Abiodun Condoles Oyo Govt Over Explosion 

By Web News 400

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described Tuesday’s explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a monumental tragedy.

In a condolence message to his Oyo State counterpart, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of the state, Governor Abiodun regretted that the wanton loss of lives and the destruction of properties was due to neglect and criminality.

The governor praised the swift response of the Oyo State government, which promptly dispatched first responders to the scene, thereby saving more lives.

This was just as he expressed absolute confidence that the Oyo State government would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were apprehended and prosecuted, saying that the government is on top of the situation.

He said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday. 

“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident. We stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time and offer our full support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“The quick response by the state government, no doubt, saved more lives, and this is commendable.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured find strength and healing. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger.”

Governor Abiodun added that Ibadan is strategic to every Yoruba person given its historic importance, adding that the governments of the South-West states would not be deterred by the tragic incident, but would “jointly intensify security across our states to ensure that our people are safe and secure.”

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Human Angle

Steer Clear of Explosion Site Makinde warns Residents

By Web News 391

By Iyabo Adebisi

Following the Explosion which rocked Old Bodija, Ibadan, the state Capital, Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has cautioned residents and property owners to stay away from the vicinity for structural assessment so as to prevent further damages.

He stated this while addressing a press conference on the ugly incident at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan 

Governor Makinde while attributing the incident to the storage of explosive devices by illegal miners assured that the perpetrators would be brought to book. 

The governor said the number of casualties has not changed but there are three fatalities while 77 people were affected.

Governor Makinde also noted that President Bola Tinubu has sent condolences to the people of the state over the Bodija blast adding that the president had asked the National Emergency Management Agency {NEMA) to support the state.

Earlier, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed had disclosed that 58 houses have so far been damaged. 

The DG NEMA explained special operation is still ongoing urging relevant regulatory agencies to be more Proactive to prevent recurrence. 

In the meantime, Oyo state government has opened an Emergency Operation Centre for the victims of the unfortunate occurrence to register for palliatives and compensation. 

Present at the press conference were the Special Adviser on security to the Oyo state Governor, Fatai Owoseni, The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebola Hamzat, The leader of the state emergency response team, Professor Temitope Alonge and some other security chiefs.

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Politics

OYHA Gives Nod for Two Additional Commissioner Nominees

By Web News 394

By Mosope Kehinde

Oyo State House of Assembly has screened and approved the appointment of two commissioner nominees, Professor Musibau Babatunde and Mrs Toyin Balogun as requested by the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

The two commissioner nominees who were absent at the first batch of the screening of Commissioner nominees were asked to take a bow after responding to questions asked by the lawmakers

Speaking with journalists shortly after their confirmation by the house, Professor Babatunde, a former commissioner for budget and planning and Mrs Balogun, Director General, women mobilization, Omituntun 2.0 expressed readiness to put their best in any portfolio assigned to them by the governor.

Earlier, during the plenary presided over by the speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, the house granted approval to Governor Makinde’s request to appoint 20 Special Advisers.

The approval was sequel to a letter of request forwarded to the House of Assembly by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The letter read in part ” I wish to bring to the attention of the House that since the assumption of this administration, I have made only few appointments.  However, there is a need to get other appointees on board to assist the Executive Arm in the implementation of its policies.

” It is as a result of this that I seek the legislatures kind approval to appoint twenty Special Advisers to occupy strategic portfolios. It is pertinent to inform your Honor that my request is in line with Section 196 Subsection 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended”

The Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin said the approval was granted to give Omituntun 2.0 a stronger footing.

In another development, the state house of assembly has asked the chairman, Akinyele local government, Mr Taoheed Adedigba to step aside pending investigation into alleged gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds.

The house however directed his vice, Mr Funso Kayode to take over the council while the secretary should take over the LCDA 1 and the assistant secretary should head LCDA 2 in acting capacity

The assembly also directed the chairman, Ibadan North local government, popularly Mr Shuabu Oladayo to step aside.

Mr Oladayo was also alleged of impunity, abuse of office and misappropriation of local government funds in a petition read on the floor of the house

The house however constituted an adhoc committee headed by Mr Peter Ojedokun to investigate the allegations.

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Religion

Oyo Declares Wednesday Public Holiday

By Web News 1131

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as a public holiday in the state in commemoration of this year’s Hijrah 1445.

Wednesday, the first day of Muharram 1445AH, is the beginning of Islamic New Year.

The announcement was made in a circular signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the New Year, the governor also enjoined them to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of the state in particular and the country in general.

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Politics

Lawal to Act as Governor as Makinde Embarks on Leave

By Web News 707

Oyo state house of assembly has acknowledged the receipt of a letter from the Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, notifying the house of a one-month vacation.

At a plenary presided over the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, the house commended the governor for the prompt notification.

Governor, Seyi Makinde forwarded a letter to inform the state House of Assembly of his plans to embark on Leave from work.

This was as the Governor has also officially transmitted his executive power to his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal to act in his absence for the period of his Leave.

The Governor had in the letter explained that his Leave will last for a period of 30 days.

The Leave, according to the letter read on the floor of the house, begins Thursday 11th of August and ends on 3rd of September, 2022.

Mosope Kehinde

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Religion

Oyo Hajj Pilgrims Take off Wednesday

By Web News 526

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde will on Wednesday morning bid farewell to Muslim Faithful performing this year’s holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia from the state.

The Chairman State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim’s Wing), Professor Sayed Malik hinted this in a chat with newsmen.

Professor Malik explained that the farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims will hold at the State Hajj Camp in Olodo Ibadan.

According to him, the first batch of the state-contingent will depart Ibadan on Thursday 16th June 2022 for Lagos, where they will be airlifted to Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Friday 17th June 2022.

Professor Malik enjoined all the intending pilgrims from the state to make themselves available at the State Hajj Camp on Thursday morning.

About 779 Muslim Faithful are performing the Hajj from the state.

Nafiu Busari

Lifestyle

Gov. Makinde Condoles with Late Alaafin’s Family

By Web News 653

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has paid a visit to the palace of Late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola to condole with the family of the monarch and people of Oyo state over the demise of the first class traditional ruler.

Governor Makinde, who was accompanied by top government functionaries while speaking at the palace, said Oyo State had indeed lost the last encyclopedia of tradition and history.

Governor Makinde while pointing out that the vacuum Oba Adeyemi left would be difficult to fill, enjoined people to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled and impactful life.

He urged the Oyomesi, which is the kingmaker of the ancient town after the completion of the necessary rites, to hasten the process of installing a new king in order not to create a vacuum in the highly significant town.

The Oyo helmsman expressed the readiness of his administration to accord the late monarch a befitting burial.

Welcoming the governor on behalf of the royal family, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu appreciated the governor for the visit, describing Late Oba Adeyemi as an articulate king who brought Oyo town to the limelight for the rest of the world which knew less about it in the past, to see Oyo as the greatest empire. 

Also speaking, the eldest son of the late monarch, Prince Babatunde Adeyemi equally thanked the governor for identifying with the family over the demise of his father.

Radio Nigeria reports that eminent Nigerians have been still trouping to the palace of the late Alaafin to commiserate with the family.

Among the dignitaries were the Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams.

Iyabo Adebisi

Environment

Gov. Makinde Flags off 360 Unit Housing Scheme at Ajoda

By Web News 755

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has flagged off #2.5 billion construction of a 360 housing unit scheme at Ajoda New Town Estate to ensure adequate housing provision for people of the state.

The housing project spread on 13 hectares of land in Egbeda Local Government is a public private partnership arrangement. 

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Governor Makinde said the initiative is in fulfilment of his campaign promises.

Governor Makinde added that the need for affordable housing scheme in the capital city was evident with statistics showing that the population of the city has been growing at over 2% since 2018.

He promised that all pending housing schemes in the state would be revived, with a promise that investors would be guaranteed a safe and secured state.

Earlier in his address, the chairman of Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Bayo Lawal affirmed that the current administration remain committed in alleviating the suffering of the people through mass provision of decent homes.

In a remark, the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Abiodun Abdulraheem enjoined investors and residents of the state to key into the landmark initiative.

Iyabo Adebisi

Environment

Gov. Makinde Flags-off Construction of LG Service Commission, Pension Board Office

By Web News 778

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has flagged-off the construction of an ultra-modern office for the state’s Local Government Service Commission and Local Government Staff Pension Board. 

The office project is located behind Water Corporation Building Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Flagging-off the project, Governor Makinde said the edifice would be completed before his second year in office.

He explained that fifteen million naira has been released to each ministry of the state government as renovation cost.

In a remark, Chairman Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Mr Remi Ayodele promised that the commission would fulfill its mandate. 

In their separate remarks, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioner (NUP), Oyo State chapter, Mr Olusegun Abatan, and the state NLC chairman, Mr Bayo Sodo commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts at alleviating the suffering of pensioners and creating a conducive working environment for civil servants in the state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Transportation

Governor Makinde Orders Contractor To Resume Work On Circular Road

By Web News 712

The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has rescinded a stop-work order earlier issued on the Ibadan Circular Road project.

The Governor, in issuing the fresh order, said that the decision came after a review meeting held between officials of the state government and the ENL Consortium Limited.


A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, says despite slow pace of work and a number of identifiable irregularities, Governor Makinde wants the company to deliver the contract in line with the original contract they signed in 2017.

The statement cautions political interests who are jumping into the fray of arguments on the 32-kilometre road contract to desist from playing to the gallery.

It notes that opposition in a democracy is meant to be constructive and reasonable and not a set of characters that defend underhand dealings and shady activities.

The statement notes that the Ibadan Circular Project is a 32-kilometre road contract awarded by the immediate past administration under a Build Operate and Transfer concessionaire arrangement at the cost of N67 billion.

It would be recalled that Governor Makinde had last week ordered ENL Consortium Limited to stop work after an inspection tour of the project.

Iyabo Adebisi.

Governor Makinde recieving the IUFMP Team
Environment

Makinde Lauds IUFMP, Promises to Tackle Flooding

By Web News 745

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed the readiness of his government to take proactive measures to end flooding in the state.

Governor Makinde said this in Ibadan at a workshop tagged “Ibadan Flood Forecast, Early Warning and Implementation”.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun said his administration would readily support the implementation of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, IUFMP and other ongoing intervention projects in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, lauds the IUFMP on the flood forecast initiative, which he said will furnish the people with prior alerts about impending flood disasters.

The statement describes the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (lUFMP) as a people-oriented project set up to change the narrative of incessant and ravaging flood disasters in the state.

The governor stated that the state would be expecting value for its investment in the project, which he noted should be in terms of immediate gains in the area of safety of lives and properties, as well as measurable capacity building for homegrown technocrats and public servants who would be required to sustain the initiative, post-IUFMP.

Governor Makinde also called on the operators of the project to ensure that the advantages of the project were transferred to other communities in the state through a form of knowledge transfer.

Iyabo Adebisi