Lifestyle

We’re poised to build a bullying free society – Makinde

By Web News 105

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare, and future of children in the state.

He stated this atLekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan on the occasion of the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration.

Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said his administration is poised to build a society where children are protected against any form of bullying while pursuing their academic life in a safe, free, and healthy environment.

Commenting on this year’s theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Governor Makinde maintained that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.

He highlighted the state’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasised Oyo’s participation in national frameworks to end violence against children.

According to the governor, key initiatives include: Implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), ongoing review and strengthening of the Child Rights Act and other related laws to improve protection and enforcement mechanisms, and leveraging the cybercrime Act to curb cyberbullying and protect children in digital spaces.

The governor, however, called on all stakeholders to deepen their efforts, embed child rights into every policy, and ensure that no child is left behind.

Highlights of the event were a march past by various secondary schools and an award presentation to the winners of the display.

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News

Gov. Adeleke Gives Kudos to Makinde on Infrastructural Projects

By Web News 447

By Iyabo Adebisi

Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says Governor Seyi Makinde’s record in provision of infrastructure in Oyo state is worthy of emulation.

He stated this during a courtesy visit on Governor Makinde at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan. 

The Osun State Governor, who just ended a working vacation in Thailand said that his government has also embarked on infrastructural projects as Governor Makinde.

Speaking on the visit, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, hinted that, they deliberated on progress of both states as well as the affairs of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the Southwest.

Governor Makinde declared that contrary to speculations in the media, he and Adeleke, who he described as brother have aligned ahead of the peace talk within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the south west.

The governor revealed that he would embark on working vacation in February 2024.

Security

I will Revive Police Response Squad- Makinde

By Web News 395

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will revive the Police Swift Response Squad, PSRS,  in the first 100 days of his second term in office.

The governor stated this while hosting the new Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG in charge of Zone 1I, which covers Oyo and Osun States, AIG Sikiru Akande, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde, who said the step would deal with criminal elements in the state, commended the efforts of all the security agencies during the last general election in the state, 

Governor Makinde while lauding the security agencies for maintaining peace and order before, during, and after the polls, equally commended the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Adebowale Williams, and his team for their unrelenting efforts and commitment towards protecting the lives and properties of the people of the state.

According to the governor, his administration would continue to work with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to improve security in the state.

He said: “It is a homecoming for you. Let me use this opportunity to say thank you to the Commissioner of Police and his team in Oyo State. Whether my day will be good or bad usually depends on whatever message I receive from him at 6 a.m. Since he came on board, I have been having nil ugly incidents a sizable number of times. I believe you must have been receiving a lot of support from the zone. “Therefore, I appreciate the efforts of the officers and men of the zone.

“Also, let me officially commend the role played by the Nigeria Police during the election, especially in Oyo State. When I went out to vote, I observed the atmosphere was conducive as nobody was chasing after anybody. And by 4 p.m. of the following day, the official announcement was made and everything was over and none of the major parties went to court to seek redress. I can only thank you and other security agencies in Oyo State that gave us that conducive atmosphere.

“I have had comments from all around the country, telling me that this should be the model for electioneering and elections in the country. You all put in the hard work.”

Earlier, AIG Akande said the purpose of the visit was to formally inform the governor of his arrival as the new AIG Zone 1I and to also appreciate him and the citizens of the state for accommodating and supporting the Nigeria Police.

The new AIG was accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Williams and other officers of the Zonal and the State command.

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Politics

Breaking: Makinde Declared Winner of Oyo Guber Race

By Web News 551

Oluwayemisi Owonikoko/Mosope Kehinde

Governor Seyi Makinde has been declared the winner of the Oyo state Gubernatorial election.

Declaring the result, the returning officer for Oyo State, Professor Adebayo Bamire announced that Engineer Seyi Makinde of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP polled a total of 563, 756 votes to defeat his closest opponent Senator Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 256,685 votes.

675votes while Accord governorship candidate, Chief Bayo Adelabu garnered 38,357

Professor Bamire who is the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife gave the number of total votes cast to stand at 88,9592 and Rejected votes to include 14,920

According to the results as announced, Governor Seyi Makinde won thirty-one out of the thirty-three local government areas of Oyo state, while Senator Teslim Folarin won two local governments

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Politics

Makinde Promises Meeting Developmental Demands

By Web News 475

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared that he is convinced that the good people of Ogbomoso Zone are solidly behind his re-election bid.

Governor Makinde, who expressed confidence after he held consultative and Town Hall meetings with the stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogbomoso Zone said that the feedback at the meetings held with stakeholders was encouraging.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Ogbomoso Zone has benefited from many developmental projects and programmes of the administration as his administration is winding up

 Governor Makinde urged the Ogbomoso electorate to re-elect him in order to enjoy sustainable development, which is the mantra of Omituntun 2.0.

The governor equally promised to keep working on the developmental demands of every zone of the state based on the resources at its disposal, saying that he feels comfortable working with people from every zone of the state.

Governor Makinde, while speaking at the stakeholders meeting held at the Lagbami Osekun Hall, Ogbomoso, said that the essence of the meeting was to resolve the internal crises within the party in the zone so that the PDP House would be in order before the general elections.

Also speaking at the Ogunlola Hall venue of the Town Hall meeting, the governor maintained that all demands made by the people, including the appointment of a new Soun of Ogbomoso, would be addressed.

He, however, noted that he would only insist that due process must be followed in the appointment of the next Soun, stating that once due process is followed in the selection of the Soun, his government would give its support.

The governor had also used the occasion of the meeting to refund the nomination fees of all aspirants who lost out in the 2023 National and State Assembly elections as he did in Oyo Zone.

Governor Makinde however announced the immediate approval of furniture allowance to local government officials in the state, including council chairmen, secretaries, supervisory councillors and special assistants.

Earlier, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Mr Dayo Ogungbenro, described Governor Makinde as a promise-keeper, noting that he has done well for Ogbomoso zone despite losing the 2019 election in a majority of the five local councils in the zone.

He maintained that the meetings were scheduled so that the governor could make a fresh agreement with the people of Ogbomoso, urging them to re-elect Governor Makinde and to vote for all candidates of the PDP in the 2023 general elections. 

The governor also embarked on an inspection tour of the 76.67km Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin road which was recently flagged off by his administration, while he also opened the campaign office of the Oyo North Senatorial Candidate of the PDP, Mr Akinwale Solomon Akinwale, popularly known as Wolekanle.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Economy

Makinde Inaugurates Gas Infrastructure Development Project

By Web News 807

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has flagged off the construction of the Oyo State Government (OYSG)-Shell Nigeria Gas Ltd (SNG) project to create a new gas distribution infrastructure network in the state.

The governor while performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gas Infrastructure Development and Distribution Project, held at the Kilometre 10, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, said that his administration realised early enough that in order to engineer a modern Oyo State, it needed to engage the private sector and development agencies.

Governor Makinde said the gas infrastructure project when completed, would deliver gas to industrial, manufacturing and commercial companies.

He added that the project would also serve new emerging industrial corridors and industrial parks/zones, Independent Power Projects, and provide stable power generation for industrial and residential use within the state.

He said:”We knew that to engineer a modern Oyo State, we must engage the private sector and development agencies.

“And now, look how far we have come. We have run very inclusive governance. Whether in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo or even Ibarapa, you can point to state government projects in your zone.

“In fact, I have made it a point that when I meet people who say they are from Oyo State, I ask them where in Oyo. Once they name it, we can match their zone with a project.”

“Today, we are here to add another milestone to our achievements as we flag off the construction of the Oyo State Government (OYSG) and Shell Nigeria Gas Ltd (SNG) Gas Project. This project is for constructing a Pressure Reduction & Metering Station (PRMS).

“Through this project, we will create a new gas distribution infrastructure network in Oyo State. This infrastructure will deliver gas to industrial, manufacturing and commercial companies. “It will also serve new emerging industrial corridors and industrial parks/zones, Independent Power Projects, and provide stable power generation for industrial and residential use within the state.

“People might ask, how much is Oyo State spending on this? Well, the project will be funded by SNG on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis. SNG will transfer the infrastructure to Oyo State after 15 years.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Temilolu Ashamu, said the state would use gas to drive large-scale development and get Oyo state ahead of the curve.

The Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas, Mr Ed Ubong, told the gathering that the project will pump the first gas in the first quarter of 2024, adding that the company has already developed a gas master plan that would take gas to all corridors of Oyo State.

Iyabo Adebisi

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration

Politics

Be Alert Politically, Makinde tells Youths

By Web News 364

Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde says Nigeria has come to a critical turning point where youths and students must lead its rescue plans.

He said this during an interactive session with youths and students’ leaders held at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde said the youths must be alert politically and come to the forefront where they could take adequate part in steering the ship of the nation.

He warned the youths not to cave into pressure or pecuniary considerations during this period.

He said “It is a turning point for our country politically and you the youths have to come to the forefront. It has nothing to do with people giving you handouts. 

“When I look at everybody, I don’t see you as needy individuals, I see potentials that can turn things around. So, when people give you handouts here and there, it is only for a while but once you can take it upon yourselves and insist you want to build your own future. So, you need to stay together for me and all our candidates in the PDP.

“I can tell you that we have carefully selected people we know that will give opportunities to the coming generation. “Don’t let them come and entice you with money. For us, we will keep this relationship and together nudge our state in a direction of progress and prosperity for everyone.”

Governor Makinde also stated that his government would continue to encourage students and youths by creating opportunities for them.

The governor equally stated that the government would continue to support Law School students from the state with bursaries and consider means to support other students. 

He promised to reinstate the Omituntun Scholarship and Bursary Scheme, under which he, in his personal capacity,  supported thousands of students over the years.

He added that the government had already ordered buses for student union bodies across all 17 institutions in the state as well as the zonal bodies.

Iyabo Adebisi

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Culture

Monarch Lauds Gov Makinde for Respecting Traditional Institution

By Web News 708

The Alepata of Igboho, Oba Joel Olalere Olawuwo has reiterated the resolve of the Oyo State Traditional Council to support Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, saying he accords the monarchs’ utmost respect. 

 The Monarch, who spoke over the weekend, said Oyo Traditional Rulers are thankful to the Governor, for giving special attention to traditional rulers across the state.

 He stated this while addressing the foodstuff sellers association in Igboho town, Oyo State.

 Oba Olalere Olawuwo said Governor Makinde had continued to accord the monarchs utmost respect, adding that he allowed traditional rulers to make inputs in governance to fast track development and promote culture.

 The Monarch explained that the Yoruba nation could only be accorded due recognition in Nigeria if elites and the political class could emulate Governor Seyi Makinde by placing a high premium on the traditional institution.

 He further explained that Governor Makinde through his people-oriented projects had also developed various towns and communities, stressing that, for this, they would support the continuation of good governance in the state.

 Oba Olawuwo, who identified many infrastructure projects of the state government under the leadership of Governor Makinde stressed the need for every resident of the state to team up with the governor in his repositioning effort.

 Oba Olawuwo appealed to Gov Seyi Makinde to assist members of the association by giving financial aid to members of the group, so as to expand their various businesses.

 Also addressing foodstuffs sellers, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the current government led by Governor Makinde would not relent in giving people value for their votes at all times.

 The Commissioner stated that traditional institutions remained major stakeholders through which the state government is connecting with the people in meeting their yearnings.

 Members of the association, who were all at the Igboho city hall, the venue of the inauguration, with their permanent voters’ card (PVC), urged the state government to assist them financially so as to improve their socio-economic growth.

 Oluwakayode Banjo

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Culture

New Alaafin will be chosen in line with traditional process – Gov Makinde

By Web News 751

Oyo State Governor,Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared that the processes that would lead to the emergency of the next Alaafin of Oyo will be strictly based on the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration.
The governor, who stated this while speaking at the  state  burial ceremony organised for the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi said the late monarch lived an impactful life.
The governor said that the state has lost an irreplaceable king and an encyclopaedia of Yoruba history and culture.
He said: “Today is a day of celebration for us as we are celebrating a life that was well-lived and impactful.”Let me share one or two things with us on my relationship with the late Kabiyesi. 
“People may feel we were not in good terms before his departure but that was not true. In 2015 when I was campaigning to be the governor of Oyo State, he was one of the few people that told me the truth. 
“So, Baba was an Encyclopaedia of our history and culture. 

“I can only say that we have lost a king that is irreplaceable but we have to accept the fact that we cannot question God. “God was merciful to Baba because it is not easy to spend more than 50 years on the throne of your forefathers.
“So, it is celebration of life  for us today.”Let me also use this opportunity to let our people in Oyo know that the process to select a new Alaafin will not go beyond the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration.
Earlier, the Secretary to State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, had in a welcome address stated that the monarch was known for consistently blessing governments with quality advice on all issues. “In that wise, Alaafin Adeyemi  never shied away from making public comments on issues he believed could discomfort his people at any point in time.

“We will continue to celebrate your unforgettable contributions to the development of our people as we pray that the Almighty God receives your soul to eternal rest.”

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State,  Engineer Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, Osun State Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, Osun State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi and other prominent royal fathers from Oyo State.
Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Ambassador Sanu’s demise is a great loss – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 534

Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde has described the death of a former diplomat and chairman of Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Olusola Sanu, as a great loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, the diplomatic community and Nigeria.

The governor, who condoled with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, Ibadan Elders, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and the immediate family of the late Ambassador, said that the late Sanu gave his best towards the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Amb. Sanu’s commitment and passion for Ibadan’s growth and development were exemplary.

“I was saddened by the news of the passing of the chairman of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Amb. Olusola Sanu.

“While giving gratitude to God for the great life Baba lived, we cannot but mourn because his death at this time is a great loss to Ibadanland and Oyo State.

“Amb. Sanu’s passion for and commitment to the development and progress of Ibadan and Oyo State are exemplary.

 As chairman of Ibadan Elders’ Forum, he contributed immensely to sustenance of the premium values and ideals of Ibadanland and its growth.”

The governor added: “I express my heartfelt condolences to our Baba, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Lekan Balogun; the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and all well-meaning Ibadan sons and daughters as well as the immediate family of Amb. Sanu.

“It is my prayer that God grants repose to his soul.”

PR/Iyabo Adebisi

Environment

Evacuation : Oyo Govt Reiterates Commitment To Make Life Better For Destitute, Beggars, Others

By Web News 637

Oyo State Government says its plan is to rehabilitate all destitute, beggars and mentally ill persons evacuated from streets and give them better life.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Kafilat Olayiwola, stated this on Friday, in Ibadan, during the evacuation exercise.

According to Olayiwola, Oyo State Government is determined to rid the streets of destitute, beggars and mentally challenged persons to rehabilitation centre.

“The exercise is to ensure that the lives of the evacuees and that of the general public are safe and secured.

“Their presence in the society poses danger, as some of them could be agents for criminals.

“So we are going to profiling them, engage some of them in skill acquisition programmes aiming at enhancing the individual’s capacity to enable them build a better life.

“Those with mental health challenges will be moved to psychiatric section at the Adeoyo State Hospital, Ibadan, for medical attention.

The Commissioner said government had took a tough stance on the increasing number of destitute and beggars swarming around major areas, such as Mokola, Iwo road, new Gbagi market and Ojoo in the state capital.

She said the evacuation exercise would be a continuous one and that the well-being of all the evacuees would be adequately catered for.

Corroborating the views of the Commissioner, Mr Ademola Aderinto, the Special Adviser to the Governor, on Environment, noted that destitute, beggars and mentally ill persons were constituting environmental hazards on the streets and at strategic locations in the state.

Aderinto said the state government through the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Women Affairs and Social Inclusion ministry was intensifying efforts to address the menace.

He assured that all the evacuees would be adequately taking care and treated at the rehabilitation centre, thereafter engage them in what would add value to their life.

A cross section of Ibadan residents have commended the state government for evacuating the destitute and beggars.

Mrs Arinola Adedeji, a trader at Iwo road urged government to make the evacuation a routine exercise, so as to discourage the beggars from the acts.

Adedeji also appealed government not to allow those evacuees escape from the rehabilitation centre.

Another trader at Mokola roundabout, Mr Jude Oraka, said that government should make the rehabilitation centre condusive habitation for the evacuees so that they would not hesitate to leave the centre.

Nafiu Busari

Economy

May Day: Gov. Makinde Assures Workers of More Welfare Packages

By Web News 723

Governor Seyi Makinde has assured workers of Oyo State of more welfare packages.

Governor Makinde made this known at the commemoration of Workers Day held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said Nigerian workers deserve the best in terms of improved packages as they remain the engine room of governance.

He commended Oyo State workers for their dedication to duty.

Earlier, the Oyo State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mr Emmanuel Ogundiran and Oyo State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Kayode Martins appealed to Nigerian workers to assist the government in curtailing the spread of COVID 19.

Highlights of the programme were presentation of awards to Governor Seyi Makinde and also to outstanding Unions in the March Pasts.

Olaolu Fawole

 

Health

Oyo Receives 127, 740 COVID-19 Vaccines

By Web News 638

Oyo State Government has received Covid-19 vaccines.

This is contained in a Statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa.

TEXT

PRESS RELEASE

…to distribute vaccines in 33 LGs
The government of Oyo State, on Thursday, confirmed the receipt of 127, 740 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA), Abuja.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the vaccines were received in Ibadan by the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, who confirmed the development said that 127,740 doses of the vaccines were received by the state government as part of the first phase of vaccine distribution.
Dr. Olatunji maintained that the state government has commenced the training of health workers who would apply the vaccines, adding that the medical workers will also be trained at the local government levels.
Olatunji said that “the state has received 127, 740 COVID-19 vaccines dispatched from Abuja by the NPHDA on behalf of the Federal Government,” stating that the vaccines were received in good condition and that they have also been kept in appropriate cold rooms.
According to him, the state government has commenced the training of health professionals who will administer the vaccines to residents of Oyo State.
Dr. Olatunji said: “I can confirm to you that the Oyo State government has received a total of 127, 740 AstraZeneca vaccines from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency. The vaccines are in good order and we have warehoused them in appropriate cold rooms.
“We have very strong cold rooms and we cannot even use up to one-third of the capacity in the state.
“We have already commenced the training of health workers, who will administer the vaccines. Next week, we will equally conduct the training at the local government levels.
“We will push the vaccines to the 33 local governments where they will be kept under appropriate conditions.”
Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
March 11, 2021.

Religion

Hijrah: Gov. Makinde Felicitates with Muslims

By Web News 626


Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated with Muslim faithful in the state on  New Year Hijrah 1442 AH, which begins on Friday, 21 August, 2020.
The governor wished Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world a new year filled with blessings and benevolence of the Almighty Allah.

Governor Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state on the opportunity to witness a new Islamic year, urging them not to relent in praying for the state and the country.

He enjoined Muslims to continue to demonstrate good neighbourliness, love and dedication to the state.

According to him, the essence of Hijrah is that it is a process of transfer to a better situation, a search for an environment more favorable to continuous and constructive effort.
Governor Makinde commended the Muslim Ummah for the immense contributions they continue to make to the progress of the state and wish them a successful and prosperous Hijrah 1442 AH.

PR/Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

PDP Rally: Gov Makinde Takes Responsibility over Covid-19 Concerns

By Web News 673

Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has taken responsibility on the Peoples Democratic Party Zonal Unification Rally held in Ibadan following criticism in certain quarters.

This was contained in a statement issued by Gov Makinde on the COVID-19 situation in Oyo state and made available to newsmen.

The statement says government acted based on the information at that time. 

The statement also notes that the state government has set up the State Task Force on COVID-19, which is headed by Governor Seyi Makinde.

According to the statement, the task force will brief newsmen on all decisions reached so far after its meeting.

Governor Makinde said the Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday would continue and used as a vehicle for disseminating information about Coronavirus prevention and control.

Governor Makinde equally urged all citizens of the state to remain calm and observe all preventive measures announced by the State and Federal Ministries of Health and their agencies. 

Iyabo Adebisi