Politics

Makinde Announces Segun Ogunwuyi as CoS, Sulaiman Olanrewaju as CPS

By Web News 816

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has re-appointed Mr Segun Ogunwuyi as the Chief of Staff, CoS.

The governor has also announced Mr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju of Nigerian Tribune as his new Chief Press Secretary, CPS.

He made the announcement shortly after adopting and signing the report of the Ogunwuyi-led transition committee held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office, Secretariat, Ibadan. 

Mr Olanrewaju until his new appointment is the Group Business Editor of the Nigerian Tribune.

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Environment

Makinde Dissolves Oyo State Waste Management Task Force

By Web News 651

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has ordered the dissolution of the State Task Force on Waste Management.

The State Chairman, Transition and Inauguration Committee, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, who disclosed this in a statement, said the dissolution is with immediate effect.

According to the statement, the Task Force is by this directive required to officially hand over and submit all government properties to the Transition & Inauguration Committee.

The statement adds that Governor Makinde appreciated members of the task force for their tremendous contributions to the development of the State.

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Education

NYSC: Gov Makinde, Adeleke Urge Corps Members to Be Patriotic

By Web News 614

By Adenitan Akinola/ Dayo Adu 

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has enjoined corps members serving in the state to disregard all security scares while carrying out their national assignment in their respective host communities.

Governor Makinde stated this while declaring the three weeks orientation course for 2023 Batch A, Stream 2 closed at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Seun Fakorede, who noted that the orientation course had fully equipped and motivated the Youths for positive changes in their respective places of primary assignments and host communities, challenged the corps members not be scared to live as role models and positive agents.

“As you are moving into the nooks and crannies of Oyo State, you to make your impact felt in your host should be ready

communities by embarking on projects that would add value to their lives. Endeavour to leave a legacy in your various host communities by rendering selfless service to the people.”

“I wish to inform you that Oyo State people are very hospitable and accommodating. There is no cause to entertain any fear because Oyo State is peaceful. Feel free to interact with the people of your host communities to enable you share in their dreams, hopes and aspirations for a better life. Be role models at your Places of Primary A ssignment especially those of you that are posted to Schools. The younger ones have a lot to learn from you, please make sure you influence their lives positively. “

Earlier in a welcome address, State Coordinator, NYSC,  Mr Abel Oche warned the corps members against absenteeism, truancy, corruption and unnecessary journeys, saying any corps member caught would be sanctioned.

“You should start to exhibit and nurture the leadership traits in you by beginning to dream big and create visions that will outlast you in the community you find yourself. I want to admonish you to relate cordially with the people of your host communities and steer clear of any act of indiscipline or anti-social behaviour.”

“You should avoid unnecessary journeys and if you must travel ensure that you obtain written permission through the appropriate channel of communication. Let me warn you that any act of absenteeism, truancy or indiscipline on your part will be met with appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the NYSC Bye-laws.”

A total number of Two thousand, One hundred and twenty-nine (2,129) corps members trained during the three weeks camp orientation course, were deployed across the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the state for their national service year.

Similarly, The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has appealed to Corps employers in the state to treat Corps members deployed to their employment with hospitality, care and a sense of patriotism for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.

Senator Adeleke made the appeal while declaring close the Orientation course for the Stream Two Batch A participants of the NYSC posted to Osun state at the permanent orientation camp, Ede.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, the Governor charged them to make the place of primary assignment and the entire state a home for the Corps members as a major step towards promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

He also admonished the Corps members to be conscious of their roles in promoting Nigeria’s unity, peace and progress at all times.

“Do only those things capable of promoting peace and unity in the communities where you are posted to. Do not look down on the people of your host communities but rather love them and do them good at all times. Do not get involved in activities capable of jeopardizing your security and your peaceful co-existence in your community.”

Earlier in an address, the Osun State coordinator of NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma Obim urged them to be the beacon of change and hope they were trained to be to the people.

“As you have actively participated in the Orientation programme, I urge you to take the Primary Assignment and Community Development Service seriously. Your commitment and unalloyed participation in them will determine your participation in the fourth cardinal programme which is the Winding up and Passing out Parade.”

Mr Obim noted that as a way of creating an impact on their host communities, the corps members should identify a project that addresses the need of the people and mobilize to meet such need 

He warned them against night journeys and unauthorized travellings, saying that they should seek refuge at military formations or police stations once it is six o’clock during any journey.

Culture

Oyo Assembly Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment to Chiefs Law

By Web News 725

By Mosope Kehinde

Members of the traditional institutions in Oyo State, Ministries and Agencies of Government, other Stakeholders and members of the public on Friday converged on the Oyo state secretariate for a public hearing on the proposed amendment of the Oyo State Chiefs Law.

In their separate Contributions, representatives of the olubadan in council, Otun Balogun of olubadan, High chief Tajudeen Ajibola, Onpetu of Ijero land, Oba Sunday Oyediran, Bashorun of Oyo, Alhaji Yussuf Akinade commended Gov seyi Makinde for the initiative, urging the 9th assembly to ensure all view are considered when passing the bill into law

In a welcome address, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Muhammed Fadeyi said the public hearing became necessary as enshrined in the law after the bill passed through the second reading.

Mr Ogundoyin also stressed the need for the assembly to gather, collate and use the views of the stakeholder as a legislative process required for the amendment of the Chiefs law.

Chairman, House Commitee on Local Government, chieftaincy matters and state honours, Mr Akinjide Akintunde and commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the public hearing will avail them the opportunity to have robust deliberation on section 28 subsection (1) of the chiefs laws to which amendment is proposed by the Executive Arm of Government

Mr Akinjide and Barrister Olaleye assured the Stakeholders that their inputs will be duly considered on the amendment process

It would be recalled that, the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde sought an amendment to the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State through an Executive council letter he forwarded to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, and the bill which was read for the second time was committed to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The part sought to be amended is subsection (1) of Section 28 of the Principal Law.

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Economy

FG Inaugurates First International Gemstone Market in Ibadan

By Web News 1578 2

By Iyabo Adebisi

Federal Government has inaugurated the first international gemstone market in Nigeria, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The International Gemstone Market under the economic sustainability plan of the federal government is situated at Ojoo in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite said the project was in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to anchor his economic diversification agenda on two key sectors of Mining and Agriculture.

According to him, the ministry designed six strategic artisanal and small-scale mining, ASM, Cluster Projects in the six geopolitical zones.

He said the choice of Ibadan as a location for the International Gemstone Market is predicated on the rich deposits of gemstones in the zone.

Mr Adegbite noted that the International Gemstone Market in Ibadan for the Southwest Zone would create employment and wealth for the country. 

On the sustainability of the place, Architect Adegbite stated that the market would be sustained beyond this administration as it would be run by the ministry.

The minister commended the Oyo State government for the donation of the land on which the market was sited.

He said: “These landmark projects are to create an enabling environment to support the Mining Industry through the formalization of the ASM Sub-sector as a major driver of the key growth parameters to engender the development of the Mining Sector since over 90% of the Mining activities in the country could safely be said to be ASM driven.” 

“Over the years, a thriving informal gemstone market has evolved in Ibadan. The informal nature of the market gave credence to poorly regulated trading of mostly unprocessed gemstones, leading to capital flights and job losses. It is in a bid to leverage on this long-standing trading experience that the decision to establish the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Cluster International Gemstone Market in Ibadan for the Southwest Zone was mooted”.

“This event has again provided an opportunity to highlight the efforts of the administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari to open some of the potentials available in the Mining Sector to serve as an alternative revenue source”. 

“The concept of the International Gemstone Market was a crafted policy to spur job creation and capacity development of gemstones mining operators in Oyo State and environs, through the Economic Growth and Sustainability Plan of the Federal Government”. 

“This project houses several Federal Government initiatives geared towards curbing smuggling of gemstones and other minerals as well as the development of the capacities of our teaming youths to actively participate in downstream gemstone and gold value chain”. 

“It will interest you to note that this project is designed based on the cluster concept which has become a global trend in industrial development to promote shared amenities, agglomeration of similar producers, customers etc. based on geographical proximity and mineral endowment of rare metals and gemstone pegmatites (whose belt trend from Wamba, near Jos, in North Central Nigeria to Ago-Iwoye area in the southwest, Oyo State) or access to complementary expertise to promote efficiency and increase specialization and production.”

“Some of the notable envisaged outcomes from the International Gemstone Market include but are not limited to the following: 

Creation of over 20,000 jobs along the gemstone mining value chain in South-Western Zone cluster; Improved revenue generation from ASM subsector for both operators and government.” 

Inaugurating the project, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Seun Ashamu lauded the federal government for the initiative.

Governor Makinde said his administration has designated solid minerals as a sector to grow the economy between 2023-2027 under the Omitutun 2.0 manifesto of sustainability.

The governor called on residents of the state and stakeholders in the gemstones market in the state to follow laid down rules.

In a message, the acting president of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Musa Mohammed who spoke through the Secretary, Dele Ayanleke commended different federal government’s efforts in the mining sector, appealing for facilitation of equipment leasing for members at various operation clusters.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, had intimated that the project was part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to boost the value-chain of the Minerals and Metals Sector and to cushion the effects of the pandemic on our artisanal and small miners in the country.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Mining equipment to mining cooperatives by the minister, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite.

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Judiciary

Makinde Swears in Yerima as Substantive CJ

By Web News 592

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has sworn in Justice Iyabo Yerima as substantive Chief Judge of the state.

At the ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Governor Makinde said that his administration would give Justice Yerima the support needed to carry out her duties diligently.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (right) sign; his deputy, Bayo Lawal (left); the newly swear-in Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (second right) and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Service, Governor’s Office, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

The governor said that the appointment of Justice Iyabo Yerima was based on her experience, capacity and her conviction to do what is right to build a strong judiciary institution.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (second right); his deputy, Barr Bayo Lawal (left); Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Muhammed Fadeyi (right) and the newly swear-in Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

In a remark, the newly sworn-in substantive Oyo CJ, Justice Iyabo Yerima pledged to take the state Judiciary to a greater height.

The CJ promised to complete the construction of the High Court in Ogbomoso and the renovation of the High Court in the state before the end of the first term of the present administration.

It would be recalled that a few months ago the new Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima was sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.

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Religion

Makinde Felicitates Muslims on Hijab Day

By Web News 495

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the promotion of religious freedom, harmony and tolerance across the state.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, Governor Makinde congratulated female Muslims across Oyo State on this year’s celebration of hijab day.

He said his administration would not discriminate against any religion in the state. 

Gov Makinde assured that he will continue to relate, interface and dialogue with all religious leaders, adding that they have not only been supportive of his administration but also prayerful.

He appealed to religious leaders in Oyo State to continue to educate their followers on religious harmony and tolerance.

The statement also indicated that the special Assistant on Islamic Affairs to the governor, Imam Wale Abdulrushid had held a brief ceremony at the secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan to commemorate the day.

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Education

NYSC Remains Inalienable to National Unity- Governors

By Web News 770

Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has urged corps members posted to the state to explore the unity of Nigeria in their various host communities

He gave the advice at the official swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘A’, Stream One Corps members held at NYSC permanent camp Iseyin

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Bayo Lawal advised the corps members to see their posting as a call to sacrifice, dedication, perseverance and humility.

Governor Makinde also reiterated his commitment to supporting the NYSC scheme with facilities to enhance the smooth running of the orientation programme and prompt payment of the allowance for corps members serving in Oyo state.

Earlier in an address of welcome, State Coordinator, NYSC Mr. Odoba Abel Oche, said over one thousand five hundred corps members were registered for the three weeks orientation programme and enjoined the corps members to take advantage of the activities so as to be better equipped for the one-year mandatory service.

The swearing-in ceremony had in attendance the Acting Chief Judge of Oyo state, Mrs Iyabo Yerima, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Ṣeun Fakorede, security chiefs and representatives of traditional chiefs as well as cooperate organisations.

Dayo Adu

Similarly, in Osun State, the governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says what binds Nigerians together is stronger than what divides the nation.

Senator Adeleke made the remark at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ede.

Addressing members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC posted to Osun State for the 2023 Batch A stream I, Senator Adeleke charged young Nigerians to let go of negative preconceptions and misconceptions capable of distorting their contributions to the path of uniting Nigeria.

The Osun Governor told the corps members that they had great roles to play in strengthening and expanding the capacity of Nigeria’s economy by embracing skills acquisition.

“Be creative and innovative as graduates. Do not only think of consuming but rather begin to think of what you can produce or offer as a solution to human needs and problems. Imbibe the mindset of an entrepreneur and toll the path of diligence, hard work and industry, which is the key to lasting success and prosperity.”

In a remark, the State Coordinator, Mrs Abdulwahab Olayinka reminded the corps members of their roles in the next month’s general elections, urging them to be on their best behaviour.

“Conduct yourselves in the most respectful and acceptable manner during your training and on the day of the election. The conduct and contributions of your predecessors in the electoral process have earned the scheme the love and respect of the people “. The coordinator said.

Mrs Abdulwahab appealed to the Osun State Governor, corps employers and other stakeholders for the review of the state allowance for corp members, renovation of the dilapidated infrastructure, expansion of the multipurpose hall and construction of additional camp for corps members as well as accommodation for officials at the orientation camp.

“It’s pertinent to note that NYSC Osun State lacks a befitting office accommodation since inception in 1991”

The Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, who was represented by Justice Matthias Agboola administered the oath of office and that of allegiance to the corps members.

A total of two thousand and fifty-nine corps members are to participate in the three weeks exercise.

One thousand, five hundred and nine of them were deployed to Osun State, while five hundred and fifty were dislodged from Lagos state.

Adenitan Akinola 

In Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has assured the NYSC that his administration will continue to support the scheme with available resources in the area of provision of facilities in the camp.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance at Orientation Camp in Ise/Orun/ Emure Ekiti.

The Governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Mrs Tola Faseluka urged corporate organizations, nongovernmental organizations and well-meaning individuals to join hands with the government in sustaining a good future for Nigerian youths.

He urged them to exhibit a high level of responsibility, integrity, patriotism, loyalty, dedication, discipline and commitment to the nation.

The Ekiti State NYSC coordinator, Mrs Mary Chikezie appealed to the corps members to pay attention to the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED lectures and other training to make them self reliance after the service year.

According to her, the orientation course was put together to equip the corps members with the necessary skills that would enable them to meet the challenges of service years and beyond.

The NYSC coordinator, who congratulated the corps members for graduating from their various institutions, described their mobilization as a clarion call for them to rise up to the task of nation-building and integration of its citizens.

Mrs Chikezie, however, warned the corps members against unruly behaviour such as wrong use of social media, cultism, drug abuse, gambling, drunkenness and other negative devices within and outside the camp.

She told them that NYSC management had put in place various reward platforms to appreciate all the outstanding ones and at the same time sanction those found wanting to serve as a deterrent to others.

Mrs Chikezie applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment for corps members to live peacefully in the state.

She equally thanked the Governor for subsidizing the meal of the last Orientation course in the camp, calling for the extension of the meal subsidy for the corps members currently at the orientation camp.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice John Adeyeye, represented by Justice Olalekan Olatawura administered the oath on the corps members, warning them against violating the rules and regulations guiding the scheme.

About one thousand NYSC 2023 Batch A stream One corps members deployed to Ekiti State have been sworn in, with an appeal to them to participate actively in all the camp activities both physical and intellectual.

The corps members comprise 455 males and 416 females drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Amos Ogunrinde

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Lifestyle

Makinde Mourns Passage of Sheikh Ajokidero

By Web News 476

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 666

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 445

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 543

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 540

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 600

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 625

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 423

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 969

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 563

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 1167

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 456

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 527

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 756

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 506

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 586

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 946

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