Lifestyle

Makinde Mourns Passage of Sheikh Ajokidero

By Web News 402

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed his sadness over the demise of the Chief Imam of Oyo Town, Imam Sheikh Mashood Abdul Ganiyy Adebayo Ajokidero, saying that the death was a huge loss to the people of the state.

The governor expressed his condolences to the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Town and Oyo State over the loss, noting that the late Imam would be greatly missed.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as describing the departing Islamic cleric as a peacemaker, who worked peacefully with the Oyo Mesi, and the sons, and daughters of Oyo as well as all segments of the society.

The statement further quoted the governor as saying that the late Chief Imam played his part well in the development of the state and the growth of Islam.

He prayed to Allah to grant him Aljanah Firdaus and also grant the Muslim Ummah, the family of the Chief Imam and the entire Oyo community the fortitude to bear the loss of the revered Islamic leader.

The governor said: “I received the news of the death of our Baba, the Chief Imam of Oyo Town, Imam Sheikh Mashood Abdul Ganiyy Adebayo Ajokidero III, with total submission to the will of Allah.”

“His death is a huge loss to the state because he contributed immensely to the growth of Islam and the development of Oyo State.”

“I condole with all Oyo Mesi and  the entire people of Oyo and the Muslim Ummah in the state.”

“It is my prayer that the Almighty grants the late Chief Imam Sheikh Mashood Abdul Ganiyy Adebayo Ajokidero III, Aljanah Firdaus and gives everyone he left behind the strength and courage to bear the loss.”

Iyabo Adebisi

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Politics

We approved four years promotion arrears – Makinde

By Web News 607

Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has stated that the residents of the state are in for a better life and greater times if he is re-elected as governor of the state in the March 11, governorship election.

The governor added that his administration has done quite well for civil servants and pensioners, noting that his government approved four years promotion arrears left by the immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) and also paid three years leave bonus arrears.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, on behalf of the Media Committee of the Seyi Makinde 2023 Governship Campaign, indicated that the governor stated this while speaking at Erunmu, Egbeda Local Government area of the state.

He called on the residents of Egbeda Local Government to vote for him and other candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the National and State Assembly elections on February 25 and March 11.

The governor informed hundreds of party faithful that his administration has successfully lifted people from poverty to prosperity by sustaining the prompt payment of salaries and pensions to civil servants and retiress for 44 straight months.

He said: “I thank you for the support you are giving to this government since inception. Under Omituntun 1.0, I made some promises on Education. I promised to scrap the N3,000 education levy and I did. I promised our children will be given notebooks, textbooks and kept to it. “And I vowed to organise special extra tutorials for those writing WAEC exam, and we carried that out as well.

“I promised that I would take our people from poverty to prosperity and protect lives and property of our people, because there can be no meaningful economic activities without security, and today, you can feel the impact of Amotekun.

“I am sure you call for their intervention when in distress and they cooperate with you. They have also been cooperating with the federal security agencies.

“This government has awarded the road from Academy through Erunmu junction to Odo-Oba. All of these are being executed under Omituntun 1.0.
“We will fix the road from that junction to the internal part of Erunmu under Omituntun 2.0.”

The governor had earlier campaigned at the Bola Ige International Market, Gbagi, where market men led by the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass and the Babaloja of Gbagi, Alhaji M.A. Adebayo, hailed the governor for several laudable achievements including the security of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the market men and women, Abass lauded Makinde’s efforts on security, education, health and other critical area.

He, however, asked for the support of the government in the area of the setting up of a revolving loan system to assist his members.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Atiku Promises Inclusive Govt, Make Southwest Industrial Hub

By Web News 400

The Southwest Presidential Campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party  Atiku/Okowa has been concluded in Ibadan, Oyo State capital with a  commitment to peace and security of Nigeria.

This is just as the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar promised to make the Southwest the industrial hub of the nation if elected.

He stated this while addressing the party loyalists at the ancient Mapo, Ibadan, and the venue of the rally.

However, the incumbent governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, who is a member of the G-5 governor, was absent at the event

Addressing the crowd, the Presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said his government if given the opportunity would control the security situation in Nigeria as no development could take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

Alhaji Abubakar said his government was committed to the unity of Nigeria through the inclusion of every zona of the country in governance.

Said he “Southwest is going to be a business centre, that’s why in our economic programs, we are committed to making sure that industrialization of the Southwest is achieved and has the support of the Federal Government.

“This is our commitment. There are five major commitments to the people of this country. We must make sure there is unity; we must make sure there is inclusion. Every part of this country will be represented in our government, not like what the APC government is doing.

“We will also make sure we take control of our security situation so that there is peace, law and order in every part of this country. 

He expressed gratitude to the state governor, Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment and providing the needed support for the peaceful rally.

Also speaking, the PDP vice presidential candidate and the Governor of Delta state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who urged the electorate in Oyo state to vote for all PDP candidates from top to bottom, said the PDP was poised to rebuild Nigeria. 

In a remark, the national chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu stated that the PDP had a dream for the country which he said was gradually bringing to bear.

The chairman urged all aggrieved members including the G-5 Governors led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to return to the party to collectively take the country to greater heights.

Other notable party bigwigs who spoke at the rally and canvass votes for PDP from bottom to the top included the Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, Governor Ademola Adele, Alhaji Atiku’s wife, Mrs. Titilayo Abubakar, Senator Dino Melaye, and former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide, and others.

Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that the ancient Mapo, Ibadan, venue of the rally recorded a large turnout of members of the PDP across the Southwest region.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Politics

I’ll do more for Ogbomoso if reelected – Makinde

By Web News 481

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says the state will experience more positive developments under his Omituntun 2.0 mantra if re-elected.

The governor, who stated this while addressing party faithful in Ogbomoso-land, maintained that he has delivered on his promises to the people of Ogbomoso, adding that he will consolidate on the achievements so far recorded when re-elected on March 11, 2023.

He urged the residents of Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire local councils to vote for him and the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogbomoso-land in the National Assembly and State Assembly elections.

The governor told the PDP faithful that while campaigning in 2019, he promised to ensure that LAUTECH is solely owned by Oyo State and his administration has achieved that.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (right); addressing the people of Ogbomoso during his campaign in Ogbomoso North and South for the second term held at Oja-Igbo, Ogbomoso. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

He equally explained how the government’s infrastructure development drive has touched Ogbomoso-land, with the rehabilitation of LAUTECH-Under G Road and the ongoing construction of 76 kilometres Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin Road, among many other achievements.

He said: “When I came here to flag off our campaign in 2019, I promised you that we would work on ending the crisis in LAUTECH by ensuring that it is solely owned by Oyo State. Have we not achieved that?”

“We promised to build infrastructure that targets our economy. You can see that LAUTECH-Under G Road that we constructed and the Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin Road”. 

“You can also see the evidence of our infrastructure building in the education sector, as we have built model schools, classrooms and other facilities as part of our agenda to improve the sector.”

Iyabo Adebisi

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Politics

Makinde Reiterates Commitment to Welfare of Workers

By Web News 502

Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has assured the State Civil Servants that the remittance of deduction of Cooperative due, leave bonus and other bonuses from salaries would be addressed.

He gave the assurance at the Interfaith prayer session with the State Civil and Public Servant to usher in the new year held at the Agodí, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde said two out of the five months’ deductions would be paid immediately.

He noted that his administration in the last 44 months did not sack a single person but brought back those wrongfully dismissed based on the principle of fairness, equity and justice.

Governor Makinde, therefore, urged civil servants to rededicate themselves to their duties for effective service delivery.

Earlier, Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola, while describing disloyalty to government, embezzlement and other unethical conduct as undesirable and anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law, enjoined the civil servants to shun immorality

In their goodwill messages, the union leaders, appreciated the state government for reinstating civil servants who were dismissed by the previous administration, prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and pensioners among other successes.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Religion

Gov. Makinde Promises Continuous Support for Muslims Pilgrims Board

By Web News 526

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will continue to support the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Board in its bid to have hitch-free Hajj exercises in the state. 

The governor, while receiving the 2022 Hajj reports from the chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Board, Professor Sayed Malik, at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, admonished the board to double up its efforts by ensuring that standard was maintained.

He called on the Board to constantly engage the pilgrims, saying that regular and early preparations were quite important and key.

Governor Makinde also pledged to complete the projects abandoned by the previous administration at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.

He said: “We want to say thank you to the Board. We know the challenges you faced before, during and after the pilgrimage. Some of them, as you said, is not peculiar to Oyo State. But what I will say is, for us, we don’t make excuses and we don’t say that because something is happening in another state, it should happen here. No. We are proactive and we try to see our things through.

“So, I will advise the board members to double up their efforts to ensure that the standard is maintained and that we start early. If I take the issue of the Basic Travel Allowance as an example, it is something that we should have handled a lot better if those who are supposed to be on top of the situation are actually there.

Earlier, the state chairman of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Muslim Wing)Professor Malik, who recounted various challenges encountered before, during and after the 2022 Hajj operation, appreciated Governor Makinde for his moral and financial support.

Professor Malik also revealed that the governor had approved the funds for the completion of the abandoned projects at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, which were neglected by the previous administration in 2015.

He equally announced that the board has refunded the sum of Sixty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred Fifty-Six Naira, Sixty-One Kobo, (N62, 556. 61k) to each of the pilgrim that performed the 2022 Hajj in the state, adding that the total amount refunded to all pilgrims was Thirty-Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Five Naira and Sixty-Six Kobo (N37, 909,305.66). 

Iyabo Adebisi

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Lifestyle

I am grateful for the privilege to serve- Makinde

By Web News 582

Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to the good people of Oyo State for the privilege to serve them in the last 43 months.

He stated that the last three years and seven months had been a testament of his commitment to serving the people.

The governor stated this in his New Year message to the people of the state.

He noted that his administration did not take the support given to it for granted.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor equally maintained that his administration was able to prove to the people that it was possible to focus on infrastructural development while at the same time, meeting other obligations to the people.

Governor Makinde, who expressed the confidence that he would be re-elected for another term of four years on March 11, 2023, added that his administration had been able to place the state on the path of sustainable development..

He said:”Without your mandate and support, we would not have succeeded in placing our dear state on the path to sustainable development. All the work we did under the roadmap to accelerated development in Oyo State 2019-2023, was leading up to this moment.

“The past 43 months are a testament to our commitment to serving our people. We have shown our people that it is possible to focus on infrastructural development while at the same time, meeting our other obligations to the people.

“We have shown empathy in decision-making. Our policies have always been ‘people first’ because you, the good people of Oyo State, are the most important stakeholders in governance. We may not always get it right, but we have always accepted our errors and made amends where possible.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Politics

Makinde Pledges Religious Fairness if Re-Elected

By Web News 379

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will remain truthful to the people of Oyo State, if re-elected.

He said this while speaking with the Oyo State League of Imams and State Rabith’s Acquaintance at the Rabitot-ul-Aimmat Wal Ulama South West office, Bodija,Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who said his administration has been handling issues relating to religious bodies in the state objectively since assuming promised to continue to be fair to all religious faithful in the state. 

According to him, his administration has been maintaining the policy instituted on the use of Hijab in the public schools of Oyo State by the previous administration in the state.

He charged the electorate to cast their votes based on merit, saying that there won’t be any room for those that want to divide the people through religion.

The governor said: “I have noted all the things you have said and if I summarize everything, what you mean is that I am returning as the governor of the state. “And I can assure you that the next government will be better than what we currently have.

“I agree that there are some misconceptions and if I did not address them, people may not be well informed about certain things. 

“You talked about appointments into the pilgrim’s welfare board and Education Secretaries. We appointed the education secretaries about two days ago and we have 10 Muslims out of 33 of them. 

“The current Commissioner for Education is a Muslim and you know education is one of the major pillars of this administration. Let me repeat it again, if our elites want to cause division with religion, it won’t be possible. As we speak, we have more Muslims holding top positions in this government and I am the only Christian in this echelon.

“What is important is to ensure that those we have appointed deliver dividends of democracy. “We have been trying to balance appointments but must be careful with the way some critics are manipulating data for us. When this government came in, we said there is a gap in our secondary schools and the standard has become low. That was why we recruited 5,000 teachers. I met with stakeholders and said if we must reverse the rot in the sector, 80 per cent of the teachers must be recruited on merit, and 20 percent can be given special consideration. 

 “On hijab wearing, there is a policy we met on ground and I have not changed it because it has served us well. If there is a need to review it, we will go through that process. I am the first sitting governor that has gone to greet Baba at home and played with him. I will still come back to greet him.

“On the pilgrims welfare board, when I got into government, I was told it is the government that is in charge of the appointments. But I did not do that. Instead, I consulted Baba and he did the needful.

“Now, let me tell you, if I have the opportunity to serve you again, I will remain truthful to you. “And most of the things you pointed out are challenges for us to look at. There are things they said would not be achieved by our administration when we made the promise, but today, we have achieved them.

Earlier, former Oyo state muslim Pilgrims Board,Professor Kamil Oloso and other representatives of the Imams, Commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his magnanimity towards the Muslim community in the state, as they charged him to be more diplomatic in handling religious issues. 

In his sermon, Imam  Mufasir Okunmebo, charged Governor Makinde and other political leaders in the state to be unbiased and just in managing the affairs of the state.

The programme featured special prayers for Governor Makinde and the state by the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheik Abdul-Ganniy Agbotomokekere.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Education

Makinde Inaugurates GCI Board

By Web News 921

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has called for more support from voluntary individuals or groups that are ready to give back to society through collaboration with the government in order to ensure the quality standard of education in the state.

Governor Makinde made the call while inaugurating the board of trustees of Government College, Ibadan, GCI at the executive chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who emphasised that government alone could not fund education echoed that the activities of GCI remain subject to regulation by the state government, and divulged that the board deliverable would be reviewed in 2024.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Education, Abdurahman Abdulraheem said the inauguration is another landmark achievement of the state government stressing that the template would help to solve major challenges in the sector, as well as inspired critical stakeholders including old students associations of various schools to be actively involved in the management and funding of education in the state.

While applauding Governor Makinde, the President, Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association, Dr Wálé Babalakin, assured the government that the gesture would be the beginning of great things in the state with a remarkable difference within a year of taking over.

The board of trustees of Government College, Ibadan GCI inaugurated comprises of seven representatives of GCI, two from the state government and two others from the parents-teacher association,( PTA) while the rest from the old Students.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Agriculture

Food Security: Oyo Govt. Trains 66 Facilitators, Desk Officers

By Web News 489

Oyo State government has trained its 66 desk and facilitators across the thirty-three local government areas of the state to assist small-scale farmers in cushioning the effect of Covid-19 towards boosting food security.

The training which is with the support of the World Bank is to scale up the intervention that would help the farmers to increase food production in the state.

Addressing the trainees via -Zoom at the programme held at the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA, Headquarters Saki, the Director General of OYSADA, Dr Debo Akande noted that the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) programmes are an Oyo State Government/World Bank Assisted Project with the objective to enhance the food supply chain.

Dr Akande who is also the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness explained that desk and facilitators would be a soldier in supporting all these farmers and young people in all the 33 local government areas of the state to identify the beneficiaries who needed the support.

Akande said, “N-CARES is expected to support the farmers that were attacked by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the young farmers that are into small-scale farming but deeply involved in the agricultural and agribusiness value chain”. 

He further said, “one of the reasons why many of you were selected as facilitators to be part of this agricultural scheme is because you are young, vibrant and dynamic, few of you I’m aware completed training at Nasarawa State under the state Youth Employment Agribusiness Project, YEAP, initiative, and I’m also aware that only a few of you like 20 out of over 3,000 that attended the training were selected for this program, this means that you are ICT guaranteed and you must adopt the use of technology a lot in driving this project at hand”.

“Don’t allow people to tell you that this is not how we used to do it during the days of FADAMA, or OYSADEP, this is not a FADAMA nor OYSADEP program, we are looking for new technology, new ideas, new innovations, we cannot continue to do things in the same way and expect a different result, there must be new approaches to deliver things for the development of our dear state, and we are counting on you people to provide all these platforms and knowledge on farm approaches.”

Earlier, the Result Area 2 Project Coordinator in the state, Mr Abimbola Bamgbola said, “N-Cares programmes are designed to restore the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable, maintaining food security and facilitating recovery of Moses which are some of the key objectives set out in the government’s economic sustainable plan to respond to the current economic crisis in Nigeria”.

He noted that the orientation and training of the facilitators and desk officers in the state is to acquaint them with the implementation procedures and guidelines for the project. 

Mr Bamgbola commended the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the commencement of the intervention programmes for the affected farmers in the state even before the Federal government intervention project.

In an interview, two of the participants, Mr Ogunyanju Akeem Babatunde, a desk officer from Atiba Local Government and Moses Odigie, a Facilitator from Ibarapa Local government described the training as worthwhile.

They also promised to make good use of the training for the development of the state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Oyo Govt. Fits Adeoyo Hospital with Renal Dialysis, Diabetes Facilities

By Web News 1078

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Renal Dialysis Unit, High Dependency Unit and the Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centre built inside the Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan.

The projects were built and equipped with the support from Global Fund, the Afolabi Family of Kaderu Compound, Ibadan and the Lions Clubs International, District 404 B1, Nigeria.

The governor, while inaugurating the facilities at the Ring Road State Hospital, thanked the two organisations for the support given to the state to improve health care delivery in the state.

Governor Makinde equally inspected six Primary Health Care Centres out of the about 200 already renovated PHCs across the 351 Electoral Wards of the state.

He pledged that he would personally pay for One Thousand (1,000) enrollees at the Ikumapayi PHC in Olodo and Five Hundred (500) enrollees at the Elebu PHC in Ido, Ibadan.

The renovation and remodelling projects are according to the state government, aimed at improving health system at the grassroots.

While inspecting the Primary Health Care Centres at Ikumapayi in Olodo; Irefin; Oke Are in Beere in Ibadan North LG; Odo-Ona, Elebu in Ido LG and Ring Road, the governor said the facilities would be run by the Oyo State Health insurance Scheme(OYSHIA).

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

PDP Primaries : Makinde Congratulates Atiku on Victory

By Web News 410

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has congratulated the winner of the PDP presidential primaries, former Vice-President Abubakar Atiku on his victory at the primaries.

Governor Makinde noted that the result of the primaries was “the will of the majority

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, indicates the congratulatory message was contained in governor Makinde’s weekly newsletter.

Governor Makinde who supported Atiku’s closest challenger in the presidential primaries, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, said “we will play our part to ensure that the PDP’s Operation Rescue Nigeria is a resounding success.”

He said: “As you already know, we had the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in which we again demonstrated two things to Nigerians:
“One, that the PDP is serious about ensuring that we make the right decisions for Operation Rescue Nigeria.
“Two, that the PDP stands head and shoulders above the rest in coordinating primaries at the state and national levels.

“We all saw and watched the primaries play out, and a winner emerged. The result was the will of the majority, which is what democracy is all about”.

Governor Makinde, who on Wednesday, embarked on a tour of the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road and the 500,000 Litres Aviation Fuel depot at the Ibadan Airport, said his administration is determined to deliver the two projects to Oyo State residents.”

“On a governance note, we visited the Ibadan Circular Road project yesterday and assessed the impact it would have on the ongoing Ajoda New Town Estate. From our assessment, a few of the constructed houses will be affected, and we are having conversations with the contractors about how to navigate the disruption.

“Let me end this newsletter by saying that if you want to come into politics and make a change in the system, the time to do that is now. “Join a political party and be part of the process of building the structure. 2027 is not as far away as you may think,” he added.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

Oyo Govt. Reiterates Commitment to Civil Servants Welfare

By Web News 490

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his government will continually maintain a system of orderliness and growth in the state public service by placing premium on education, hard work and merit for public and civil servants in the state 

He said this during the swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted Permanent Secretaries, Inspector General of education, Tutor General and Surveyor General held at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde explained that the era of promotion based on political consideration was gone in the state public service. 

The governor noted that the process for the promotion exercise was conducted by an independent body following standard rigours and procedures so as to instill a culture of merit-based reward system in the service.

He urged the newly promoted civil and public servants who have reached the peak of their careers to embrace their new position with trust and discharge their duties diligently without fear of favour.

Governor Makinde added that his administration would ensure constant flow of money in the state economy through regular payment of salaries and other emoluments

Earlier, the Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola disclosed that about 648 officers shortlisted for the promotion, only 28 eventually got promoted after a rigorous process to ensure merit with additional 2 officers earlier promoted in April 2021. 

The newly sworn-in civil and public servants comprised 7 Permanent Secretaries, 10 Inspector General of Education, 10 Tutor General, 1 Surveyor General and 2 Permanent Secretaries promoted since last year 

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Tell us where you think we are wrong, we’ll adjust – Makinde

By Web News 706

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared that his administration will continue to sustain the religious, and ethnic harmony being enjoyed in the nooks and crannies of the state.

The governor, who stated this while hosting Muslim faithful to Iftar at the Presidential Lodge of Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, said the state would not allow anyone to create religious disharmony between Muslims and Christians in the state.

He called for citizens’ participation in government business adding that if anyone observes mistakes of government, he or she should call his attention to such mistake and would be promptly looked into and corrected.

Governor Makinde also pledged to address contending issues raised by the Muslim community about the management of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), adding that he is satisfied with the work of both the commissioner and permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education.

“In Oyo State, the spirit between Christians and Muslims shows that no one can succeed in creating religious disharmony in our midst. I will say once again that despite being the governor, I am not the richest, wealthiest or all-knowing. It was only the will of God that came to pass, which brought me here.”

“So, what this means is if you observe the government is making a mistake, point it out genuinely to us and we will look at it together. There are some people who are hell-bent on spreading fake news to cause disaffection in the public. I can assure everyone that we will not shy away from correcting any mistake we are making. If whatever decision we take is wrong, we will correct it. So, I beg you to always call our attention to whatever mistake you think we are making.”

“I have also noted what you said you observed about TESCOM. Most times, I try to balance things out but in certain instances, I try to look at what some people have to offer our government. The Commissioner for Education and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry are both Muslims. They are doing what is expected of them and I am happy with them.”

“I was reviewing some of the things we have done and I have seen instances where a Muslim was pushing for balancing in a particular area. So, since the issue of TESCOM is a concern to the Muslim community, we will address it. There is religious and ethnic harmony in Oyo State despite the confusion some elements are trying to create for us.”

“When the clash at Sasa happened, it would have snowballed into a serious crisis that would have even consumed Nigeria if God had not taken control. So, I want us to be circumspect. If anything bad wants to happen to Nigeria, it will begin from South West, particularly Ibadan.”

“Let me remind us that “Operation Wetie” started here and gradually snowballed into civil war and we are still battling the challenge till today because it was the civil war that led to the over-centralisation of power at the federal level.”

“Also, the restructuring we have been clamouring for can be traced back to all these past events. So, when some people think they can create confusion and cause disharmony so that they can take over power by force, sometimes, generation yet unborn can later suffer from the outcome of such act.”

Earlier, in their separate goodwill messages, representatives of the Imam and Alfas, from Ibarapa, Okeogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibadan, commended Governor Makinde for being fair and just to all religions.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

We will recover funds looted by past administration – Makinde

By Web News 468

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that there would be no place to hide for looters of Oyo State’s funds.

The governor, who was speaking on a radio programme in Ibadan said that his administration was determined to retrieve every kobo of the state’s resources stolen by some members of the immediate past administration.

Governor Makinde noted that his administration has been able to bring about a turnaround in the infrastructure of the state and other key sectors because it blocked loopholes and wastages in resources.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that his government is on the track of some chieftains of a political party in the state, who used a certain company to siphon between N12 and N15 Billion of Oyo State’s money.

He added that the government would go after them and retrieve the looted funds for the people of Oyo State.

He maintained that his administration took the bold step of plugging every hole through which the state’s funds could be siphoned, adding: “Without blocking loopholes, we could not have been where we are today.”

He further stated: “First, we did verification for the workers and ghost workers, ghost pensioners were removed from the payroll. They were there before we came in but we decided that, as an administration, we would not spend our time on chasing shadows.”

He said: “Let me give you an example – when I came in, I looked at how some monies were spent and I believed it was Paris Club refund they moved, which was about N7 Billion to N8 Billion to OYSROMA. “This is an agency that operates normally on a budget of about N40 Million to N45 Million every month but this money came in around November 2017, and in early 2018, they started spending the money.

“When we came in, we discovered they finished spending the money within one year on nothing. They stole the money and I know those behind the stealing and I am also after them right now.

“There is a company called Chinese Global. They said they are Chinese people but we know the people behind it. The company has been shut down as we speak.

“I asked the General Manager in charge of OYSROMA and said, look, your budget is N44 Million every month and, in a year, it is less than N500 Million. Did you employ new people? He said no. Did you give out contracts? He said no. But how were you able to spend about N7 Billion in eleven months without employing new people?

“But he said the company supplied asphalt. And I said if the company did, was the asphalt used to repair roads without employing new people and giving out contracts? He said the money was moved from OYSROMA to Chinese Global and two other companies without any supply from the companies.

“As a result of that, I wrote to EFCC and reported the matter about what we are facing here. “Chinese Global is also the company they awarded the Bembo-Apata road contract to, and the same company got the Ido-Eruwa project. But I said to them, ‘guys, you have Oyo State money with you. Go ahead and use the money to finish up the roads and they promised to do it.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Ramadan: Pray for an end to insurgency – Makinde

By Web News 537

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated Muslims in the state and across the country for witnessing the commencement of yet another Ramadan fast.

The governor, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, urged the Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly during the fasting period.

He specifically asked Muslims to beseech the Almighty Allah to show mercy on Nigerians at this time.

He said Muslims must embrace the piety demanded of them during Ramadan and ask Allah to put an end to the insurgency which has been ravaging the country.

Governor Makinde enjoined Muslims in the state to use the month-long fasting period to pray for peace in the state and the country.

According to him, sacrifice and increased prayers are important and critical at this time, when the country is fighting insurgency and banditry.

Governor Makinde also admonished Muslims to tune their minds to the messages of love, brotherliness, and peaceful co-existence inherent in the messages of the Holy Prophet, while also being their brothers’ keepers.

“I am happy to see that Muslims in the state and across Nigeria are able to join their counterparts across the world to observe this year’s Ramadan fast.” 

“It is a thing of joy to note that our Muslim brothers would be able to gather for Tafsir, Iftar, and Tarawih prayers, unlike the recent past when they were prevented by certain restrictions as a result of global health concerns.”

“I enjoin you to use the opportunity of this month of blessings to seek Allah’s forgiveness to make insurgency  a thing of the past in our country.”

The statement further reads: “As our Muslim brothers and sisters are expected to adhere strictly to abstinence from food and other things during the month of Ramadan, I wish to enjoin them to extend their hands of fellowship to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

BESDA: Oyo Inaugurates Environmental Safeguard Team for Out-of-School Children

By Web News 889

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated Environmental and Social Safeguard teams in the State, with an aim to ensure that out-of-school children captured and re-enrolled in the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme are taught in child-friendly environment without any form of threat.
Speaking at a 2-day orientation training for the newly constituted local environmental and social safeguard teams in Ibadan, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran outlined that, part of the team’s priorities under supervision of the board is to strategize to consolidate on the gains of ongoing Better Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA programme in Oyo State.
Adeniran listed some of the priorities of the team to include promotion of children’s right in the locality; report cases of any form of child abuse in schools; report adults vulnerable to radicalization and enhance compliance to safeguarding procedures and effective use of Grievance Redress Mechanism boxes, among others.
He said the members selected across the 21 BESDA Focus Local Government Areas, will help reduce adverse socio-environmental impact that may arise in the implementation of development projects.

The OYOSUBEB Boss hinted that the State Government hopes to motivate and retain “these innocent children into the formal school system for a functional education”, emphasising an all-inclusive participation in the educational sector.
Dr. Adeniran charged members of the team to face the challenges ahead with courage, sincerity of purpose, so as to merit and foster the high expectation of the people.


“The idea of Environmental and Social Safeguards was conceived in BESDA as an operational procedures designed to mitigate and minimise adverse environmental and social impact that may arise in the implementation of development projects. Environmental and Social Safeguards also have pro-active dimensions to try to increase chances that development projects deliver better outcomes for people and the environment”, he said.
“Your assignment demands a high sense of responsibility, a large heart, total loyalty your communities, local governments, the Board, the State and Nigeria, as a whole”.
Speaking further, Adeniran said, “We see you as leaders in your assigned duties. We therefore expect you to discharge your duties with good sense of judgement, strong will and dedication”.
He therefore reiterated that Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to ensuring that out-of-school children in the State are reduced to the barest minimum, as they access qualitative education.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Culture

My administration restored Ibadan’s traditional system – Makinde

By Web News 938

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has said that his administration has been able to put Ibadan’s traditional system back on track.

He stated this while speaking at the Church Service marking the beginning of the 2022 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week’ held at the St. Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan.

The governor said that if his administration did not resolve the crisis surrounding the stool, Ibadan would continue to experience the same challenges each time a new Olubadan is to be installed.

“Yes, it took us some time to install the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. If not for the challenges we faced, the Ibadan traditional system is such that the process of installation would take only one or two weeks.
And when we critically looked into those challenges, we discovered that if we did not resolve them just as we have done, we will continue to experience the same challenges every time we have to install Olubadan.
“So, with your support, we have been able to put Ibadan’s traditional system back on track.”
While urging the people to participate in election processes by voting wisely, he added that votes would count with the new law in place.
Governor Makinde also called on clerics and residents of the state to continue to pray for his administration.
Speaking on the occasion, the CCII president, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, appreciated the Governor Makinde for the way he settled the issues surrounding the Olubadan stool, saying that Ibadan would never forget his administration.
Earlier in a sermon, titled “Jesus: Man of Sorrow,” the provost of the Church, Very Reverend Adewale Adebiyi, said that Jesus suffered for the existence of mankind and the Children of God.
He charged the CCII to ensure unity among the people and work towards sustaining a peaceful and violence-free environment, most especially among the youths within the city of Ibadan.

Iyabo Adebisi

Sport

Makinde Appoints Former Deputy Speaker As 3SC Administrator

By Web News 717

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Chief Babatunde Olaniyan, a former Deputy Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, as the Sole Administrator of the Shooting Stars Football Club (3SC), Ibadan.

In the appointment letter signed on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, the governor congratulated Chief Olaniyan and urged him to discharge his duties with absolute loyalty, dedication, and diligence.

”I am delighted to inform you that the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has graciously approved your appointment as a Sole Administrator for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) with effect from 24th February 2022,” the letter read.

Chief Olaniyan, who holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Kinetics and Health Education from the University of Ibadan, is a Nigerian Football Grade 1 Referee, who has also occupied the seat of the Chairman, Oyo State Football Referee Academy since 2004.

He has also served as Premier League Football Match Commissioner since 2010.

The newly-appointed Sole Administrator of 3SC was first elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1987, representing Constituency 1, Ibadan North State.

He was re-elected to represent the same Constituency as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2004, while he was also elected to the House of Assembly from the same Constituency in 2011 on the ticket of the Accord Party, during which he served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly till 2015.

Culture

Makinde Visits New Olubadan, Holds Closed Meeting

By Web News 780

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has paid a visit to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.

The governor on arrival at the Alarere residence of the new Olubadan had a short closed-door meeting with him. 

Our correspondent reports that the governor was welcomed with praise singing by Olubadan traditional singers and drummers.

Ridwan Fasasi

Education

Oyo Government Wants More JAMB Intakes at Lanlate College

By Web News 1409

Oyo State government has urged the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to increase the number of offers of admission to the State College of Education in Lanlate, in Ibarapa East local government.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abiodun Abdu-Raheem gave the charge when the JAMB Zonal Director, South/West, Alhaji Aliyu Kolawole Jubril and his team paid him a courtesy visit in his Office.

The commissioner affirmed that Engineer Seyi Makinde has recently approved the release of fund for the upgrade of the institutions’ facilities which also included the increment of its capital grant and minimum wage payable to the staff.

“We are using this occasion to call on JAMB to increase the allocation of candidates to the College of Education, Lanlate, it is necessary as the State government has recently upgraded the facilities in the institution.

“There has been an increment of the minimum wage of workers there among other inputs needed.”

The State Government also lauded the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over reduction in form fee and sensitization of prospective candidates willing to write the examination in the State.

Mr Abdu-Raheem while receiving the Zonal Director of JAMB, Alhaji Aliu Kolawole Jubril and his team over the sensitization drive for the upcoming examination scheduled for Saturday.

He however enjoined the body to ensure an hitch free registration process for candidates willing to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Responding,the Zonal Director of JAMB , Alhaji Aliyu Kolawole Jubril, appreciated the efforts of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the Education Commissioner towards the positive drive and priority for education in the state.

Alhaji Aliyu disclosed that at present, Oyo State has remained in the first position among other States in the list of registration.

He confirmed that the state also remained in the forefront with sixty-nine (69) higher institutions that process admissions annually with the board.

The Zonal director clarified that Thirty-seven Computer-based Test (CBT) Centres were approved for the examination in the state, saying that the 2020 UTME/DE registration would commence by 19th February, 2022 and end by 26th March, 2022.

Alhaji Aliyu admonished the candidates to create a profile, using only one phone number by sending their NIN by SMS to 55019 or 66019.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Alao-Akala contributed immensely to Oyo State’s development – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 1435

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has eulogised the former governor of the state, late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala for his contributions to the development of the state.

Governor Makinde spoke through his deputy, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan during the Lying-In-State in honour of the deceased.

He lauded the contributions of late Alao-Akala to the development of the state and the political arena.

Governor Makinde also stated that the state government would continue to support the family he left behind especially at this trying period.

In a personal remark, the Deputy Governor, Engineer Olaniyan while describing late Alao-Akala as a person with a large heart said he ruled the state with absolute fear of God and served the state meritoriously to the best of his capacity. 

“One of the unique attributes of him is that he kept with every agreement, his great attributes indeed, he never shifted goal post when the game has started,” he stated.

Also, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin described the late Alao-Akala as a thoroughbred politician, a team leader, a community man, and a grassroots mobilizer in all ramifications.

He said” Our late governor was no doubt a great leader. His benevolence, love for the people coupled with his all-inclusive and encompassing political ideology gave him large followership and undoubtedly made him one of the most accessible, approachable and celebrated political leaders in Oyo State”.

“Late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala unequivocally etched his name in gold and made indelible marks as the Governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011, he was the people’s Governor and Oyato Governor,” He said.

Top government functionaries in Oyo State, friends, families and political associates across party lines attended the lying-in-state organized by the government of Oyo state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Prioritize the safety of people – TMC Charges Governor Makinde

By Web News 618

The Muslim Congress, TMC has called on the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde to take the safety of lives and property as a top priority of his administration. 

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan signed by Coordinator (Waali), TMC, Oyo State, Engineer Daud Oladosu which followed three different crimes that happened between 10th and 12th February 2022 in the state.

The association believed that the major responsibilities of the governments at all levels are first to see to the safety and welfare of her citizenry, “hence, we as concerned stakeholders advise the peace-loving governor of Oyo State,  His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde to take the bull by the horns in stemming the tides of insecurities in our dear state”.

“The spate of insecurity in Oyo State has become a quagmire that seems to have evaded permanent solution in the recent times. These occurrences led to more than three different crises that have happened within a week in our dear state”. 

The statement listed among other crimes the Idi-Ape bullion van robbery which led to the loss of 4 lives as well as the alleged clash between hoodlums and members of Oyo State Park Management System at Oremeji-Agugu, Ibadan. 

“The lead among the scenarios was that of Idi-Ape bullion van robbery that claimed not less than four lives. Two policemen, a commercial motorcyclist, and Ustaz Mubarak Suleiman, a technocrat-cum-Islamic scholar and a personal aide to the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Professor Ganiyu Raji lost their lives in this ignoble incidents. There were dozens of people that sustained varying degrees of injuries at the robbery scene. Some of them are still receiving treatment in different hospitals within Ibadan metropolis without any evidence of welfare attention from the government”.

“Another set of crises brewed up among the hoodlums and the members of Oyo State Park Management System at Oremeji-Agugu which eventually snowballed to that of Soka, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The two fracases did not come to an end without having claimed two lives in the shootout between warring factions of the commercial transporter unionists”. 

The association suggested different security mechanisms to check the ugly trends of crimes and criminality in the state. 

“The security architecture of the state be reviewed and re-jigged so as to contain the current spate of insecurities in the state. His Excellency should call a security stakeholders’ meeting to ventilate pragmatic ideas on the security of lives and property in the state”.

“Government should bring to book all unscrupulous individuals igniting pockets of violence and insecurity in the state irrespective of political, religious or social affiliations of the individuals”. 

“The government should design a sustainable economic revolution among youths to strategically nip in the bud, the economic problems propelling youths into violence and criminal acts threatening lives and property in the state”.

“As a well-meaning Nigerian and number one citizen of Oyo State, we believe, our governor will pick whatever pragmatic from our recommendations and firm it up with suggestions from other quarters to give us a state worth living in. “Boode o dun, bi igbe ni’luu ri” (Where domestic challenges are overwhelming, it appears life isn’t worth it).” 

TMC commiserated with the Oyo State government and especially the family members left behind by the victims of the crimes and prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses. 

Ridwan Fasasi

Culture

Aliiwo Family Lauds Makinde Over Approval of Oba Lekan Balogun as Next Olubadan

By Web News 1190

The Aliiwo family has appreciated the Governor of Oyo State,  Engr Seyi Makinde for the approval of Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan signed  by the head of Aliiwo family,   

Engineer Daud Balogun ( Mogaji Agba).

The statement notes that Aliiwo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora were delighted over the development, thanking the Governor for making the family rekindle the history again after seventy years of the reign of the first Olubadan from the lineage,  Oba Memudu Ejalonibu Okunmade Aliiwo 1.

The family also lauds the Olubadan-in-Council for its support, the display of solidarity and insistence on the sacredness of the tradition of succession to the stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

The statement appreciates the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII for its roles in dousing tensions at the appropriate time and necessary interventions to ensure that the widely respected traditional system to the throne of Olubadan is intact.

The family commended the overwhelming support for Oba Olalekan Balogun by sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in diaspora promising that the monarch will not disappoint them and would ensure total transformation of the ancient city. 

The statement adds that with the support of all and sundry, Ibadan will witness peace , progress and development during the reign of Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

Pr/Ridwan Fasasi

Culture

Breaking; Senator Lekan Balogun Becomes 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland

By Web News 946

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Senator Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The approval follows a recommendation made by the Olubadan-in-Council and which was communicated to the governor.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde wishes the newly confirmed Olubadan a peaceful and eventful reign.

The governor said: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“The appointment is in line with the Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, as well as the unique and time-tested tradition of our people.  

“On behalf of the government and good people of Oyo State, I wish the newly confirmed Olubadan a successful reign blessed with peace and unprecedented progress.”

On a similar note, Governor Makinde has also approved the revocation of the amended Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which regulates the selection to the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy stool.

The statement indicated that the governor made the revocation order, dated February 11, 2022, in line with the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), in view of the Judgements of the Oyo State High Court on February 1 and 10 as well as Sections 7, 20,26 and 30 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.

The four separate laws/White Papers approved for revocation were made public by the immediate past administration between 2017 and 2018.

The statement listed the laws/white papers to include the amended declaration regulating the selection to the Olubadan Chieftaincy stool, published in August 2017; the implementation of the White Paper on the review of the existing Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other chieftaincies in Ibadan, Published in August 2017; the approval of the appointment of beaded crowns for the Olubadan in Council published March 2018 and the appointment of Beaded crowns and Coronet Wearing Obas published in March 2018. 

Pr/Iyabo Adebisi