Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde wants the new Commissioner of Police deployed to the state, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko, to arrest and treat as criminal those igniting ethnic tension and heating up security situations in the state.
He stated this during a courtesy visit to his office by the new commissioner of police.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde (left) and the first female Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko, during her first official visit to the governor at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo State Government.
Governor Makinde maintained that his administration was not against any particular ethic group but to flush out criminal elements everywhere in the state.
: Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde (left); presenting an artwork to the first female Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko, during her first official visit to the governor at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo State Government
The governor said maximum support would be given to the Nigerian Police to synergy with other security agencies to ensure safety of lives and properties and economic prosperity of the state
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko has commenced visibility policing and re-jigging of the Special Rapid Squad (SRS) amongst other effort to ensure a secured Oyo state.
The commissioner of police urged the residents of Oyo State, particularly in Ibarapa region of the state to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses as the police would do all within its power to ensure their safety
Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Abubakar Lawal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass and other senior police officers were on the entourage.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reassured people that Nigeria would overcome its prevailing security challenges and become stronger.
He gave the assurance at the grand finale and laying of wreath ceremony to commemorate the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Government Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde on the occasion explained that the remembrance ceremony for the nation’s fallen heroes and war veteran was an opportunity to reassure the people of government’s unflinching determination to continue to guarantee peace and safety across the nation and Oyo state in spite of security challenges.
The governor also expressed hope that with commitment and sacrifice, Nigeria would rise above its many challenges and emerge a greater nation.
In a remark, the chairman of Nigeria Legion, Oyo State Command, Deacon Michael Fajimi implored government to do more in terms of welfare for families of ex-soldiers who had rendered meritorious service to their fatherland
Highlight of the ceremony was the gun salute, firing of rounds volley, and a symbolic release of white pigeon to herald peace for the nation.
Security heads in Oyo State, top government functionaries and representatives of widows and children of ex-service men graced the ceremony.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration is in talks with one of the major Covid-19 vaccine producing firms in the world to supply it Coronavirus vaccines to complement those booked for the state by the Federal Government.
He disclosed this during a press conference held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, who explained that the 1,800 Covid vaccines allocated to Oyo State by the Federal Government would not be enough considering the population, noted that the state government did not have the facilities to store the vaccines which required minus 70% centigrade.
He stressed that the government would explore other means of getting AstraZeneca vaccines suitable for Oyo State due to storage instruction.
Speaking on insecurity in the state, Governor Makinde said his administration would put necessary machineries in place to tackle the problem.
The governor, who admitted that there was friction between the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps and Police, said the state government would set up a committee to settle the frosty relationship.
Governor Makinde also warned the media against spreading fake news, pointing out that such act could cause political and ethnic tension in the state.
The state helmsman also warned that any village head found wanting of allocating lands to undocumented foreigners would be dealt with as part of measures to keep the state safe.
He also hinted that his government would reach out to the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN, Oyo State Chapter to register them so as to identify those hiding under the association to perpetrate crime.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his government is already investigating the alleged highhandedness of the Amotekun Corps in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, states that Governor Makinde made this known on his Twitter handle while speaking on the recent occurrence in Tapa Town in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident involved some youths and corps of the Oyo Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.
Governor Makinde noted that the issues would be addressed squarely in the interest of the security and well -being of residents of the state.
He reassured the residents of the state that the administration is doing everything it could to address security challenges in the state.
The governor, who added that Amotekun was introduced to check insecurity in the state, noted that the government would not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of any member of the public or any security agent.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo has admonished families of the fallen heroes to keep their hope alive and never let the labor of the heroes past be in vain.
Governor Makinde, who was represented at the special Jumat at Oja’ba Central Mosque to commemorate the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Abdul Mojeed Mogbonjubola, urged military men, who are still in service to keep defending the sovereignty of the Nation.
The governor, who sympathized with families of the fallen heroes who lost their lives during the course of serving the Nation, urged Nigerian soldiers to continue to enhance the unity of the country.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik AbdulGaniyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, acknowledged the sacrifice of the fallen war veterans and urged those who are still in service not to relent in protecting the lives and properties of every citizens.
He thereafter prayed for the families of the fallen heroes and wished the dead eternal rest.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says residents of the state and Nigerians should be thankful to God for surviving 2020.
The governor stated this in his New Year message made available to newsmen.
Governor Makinde stated that though many would describe the year as a tough one, God’s grace saw them through the various challenges that characterized the year.
He maintained that despite various events that set the state back economically, the government was still able to record a huge reduction in the infrastructure deficit.
According to the governor, the efforts of his administration in fixing the health, education and security sectors have yielded positive results, while the administration was also able to grow the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state.
Governor Makinde, who urged residents of the state to maintain a positive outlook for the New Year, said the state was open for business and that his government remained committed to its promise to uplift the state, stating that it would never take the support of the people for granted.
Registration for the maiden edition of Governor Seyi Makinde, GSM Tennis Championship closes today.
The Championship is slated for next week Tuesday to Thursday at the Ibadan Recreation Club, Sabo.
According to the Special Assistant on Sports to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Tobi Oyewumi, who is organizing the event, there have been massive turnout of registrants for the Championship and enjoined interested members of the public to obtain forms before the end of today.
According to Mr Oyewumi, the event would be in three categories.
The Junior Category will be for children under sixteen years, the Pro Category is open to all Tennis Players, while the Super Veteran Category, is for Senior citizens above sixty years.
The Special Assistant on Sports noted that amazing prizes await winners of each category of the tournament, which will be held annually in Oyo state.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says that the Southwest chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will continue with efforts aimed at uniting its members to ensure a stronger party in the zone.
The governor, who addressed newsmen after a meeting with members of the Zonal Working Committee of the party held at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan said that leaders of the party would continue to support reconciliatory efforts of the former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led Reconciliation Committee.
He added that the Prince Oyinlola team would work with the committee set up by the national leadership of the PDP to unite the party in the South-west geopolitical zone.
Governor Makinde maintained that leaders of the party in the geopolitical zone would not be deterred or discouraged in their efforts to reconcile all parties in the Southwest PDP and called on certain individuals behind the crisis rocking the zonal chapter to have a change of heart .
The governor declared that the alleged suspension of the zonal chairman of the party, Mr. Dayo Ogungbenro, as null and void.
He stressed that members of the zonal executive who announced the suspension of the chairman lacked the power to do so since they did not constitute two-thirds of the executive committee as guaranteed by the party’s constitution.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has flagged off the first phase of E-governance with 1,108 computers and other digital facilities which include fiber-optic cables for the use of ministries, departments and agencies in the state.
The flag ceremony took place at the ICT Centre located inside the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, while inspecting the newly purchased computers and other gadgets for the take-off of first phase of E-governance in the state, explained that the focus of his administration was to switch from the conventional way of conducting government businesses in the state to E-governance.
The governor said the flagging off of the first phase of E-governance backed with necessary tools would reduce the stress of passing files from one ministry to another.
Conducting the governor and his team round the facilities, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communications Technology, ICT, Mr. Bayo Akande gave an assurance that the state was officially ready for the commencement of E-governance.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commissioned thirty-three operational vehicles and 396 motorcycles for the state Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed “Amotekun” for effective security coverage of the state.
The presentation of the vehicles took place at the premises of the State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Makinde said restructuring Nigeria was the only option which would address most of the challenges facing the nation, especially security with every zone of the country developing at its own pace than a clamour for presidency in different zones of the country.
Governor Makinde lauded the Amotekun corps for its security effort in the state, urging them to work even harder for a secured environment for the state to expand its economy.
Governor Makinde enjoined the people to assist the corps with useful security tips to boost their effectiveness.
The chairman of the state Amotekun corps, Brigadier General Kunle Togun, Retired, gave an assurance that the security outfit would do its best not to disappoint the people as the expectations were high.
Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Bayo Lawal said the security mobility provided would be increased when necessary.
Chief Lawal harped on the need for maintenance culture of the operational vehicles and motorcycles.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has slightly adjusted his cabinet with the deployment of the newly sworn-in commissioner, Alhaji Ayansiju Lawal to the Ministry of Establishment and Training.
With this development, Professor Daud Sangodoyin is now the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport.
Governor Makinde, who disclosed this at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office Ibadan after the swearing of Alhaji Ayansiju Lawal, said the cabinet reshuffle was aimed at strengthening the government towards achieving its agendas.
The governor, while urging the new commissioner to embrace the spirit of teamwork in the discharge of his duties, encouraged those who are yet to get appointments to be patient, promising that they would also benefit.
In an interview, the newly sworn-in commissioner, Alhaji Lawal promised to key into the template of Governor Makinde-led government for a better Oyo State.
It would be recalled that Professor Raphael Afonja was sacked as the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport four months ago.
The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has forwarded the name of Alhaji Lawal Ayansiju as Commissioner Nominee for the state’s Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport.
Recall that the appointment of the former Commissioner in the Ministry, Prof Raphael Afonja was terminated by the State Government on August 10, 2020
The governor forwarded the name of the new Commissioner to the State Legislature in a letter sent to the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The governor said the appointment was to fill the vacuum created in the Ministry since the termination of the appointment of Prof. Afonja.
Reading the letter at the floor of the House, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin said the screening of the Commissioner designate would be done before the House proceeds on recess.
Mr Ogundoyin thereafter directed the Commissioner Nominee to appear before the legislature on the 14th December, 2020 for screening.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will address the growing youth unemployment in the state by engaging a teeming number of them through a direct labour system for public works and infrastructure.
The governor stated this while inspecting an ongoing road project at Jankata-Bembow-Apata Road, via Akala Express, Ibadan, saying the government needed to engage the youths, as, according to him, an idle hand is a devil’s workshop.
This step, he noted, would reduce the number of unemployed youths and keep them occupied and able to make ends meet.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that the governor made the position against the backdrop of youth restiveness in the last few days, stating that his government has heard the youths and that it will design a sustainable way to engage them so as to make them self-reliant.
He said: “Well, I will still say to the people of Oyo State that we have listened to the youths. We are designing a sustainable way to engage them, because I will continue to say that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. We have to engage our youths. We will design means.
“One of the things we are currently considering is a direct labour agency that can absorb some of the youths, even if it is just for fixing our roads, putting our drainages in place. We just have to engage them one way or the other.
“Also, from the agriculture standpoint, we want as many of them as possible to be attracted to agribusiness.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has again appealed to
#ENDSARS protesting youths to sheath their sword and allowed government to work on their requests.
He stated this in Ibadan while addressing the protesters who were bent on razing Testing Ground Police station, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.
Addressing the angry youths, Governor Makinde sued for peace and appealed strongly to them with a promise that the government would look into their requests.
Governor Makinde explained that his administration had opened a register in Ibadan North East Local Government to register their grievances on the cases of police brutality to the local government.
He said government also had created email for lodging report about police excesses.
The governor assured the protesters that he would meet with the state Commissioner of Police, Joe Nwachukwu to ensure police officers were taken off the road and necessary security measures put in place for the safety of all.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has ordered the release of one hundred million naira to the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi for renovation of the palace following invasion of the palace by hoodlums in the wake of ENDSARS protest.
He gave the directive during an on the spot assessment of the ugly incident to the palace.
Governor Makinde explained that beyond the ENDSARS protest, most Nigerians have become frustrated over prevailing harsh economic reality in the country and called on government to address youth idleness.
The governor while noting that his government was not against peaceful protest said the state government would work more at ensuring that youths in the state were meaningfully engaged.
Governor Makinde equally directed the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Bayo Lawal and caretaker chairman of Ogbomosho North local government to evaluate the vehicles and other items destroyed for necessary actions.
In his response the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi lauded governor Makinde for the visit and enjoined government to wake up to it numerous duties.
Oba Oyewunmi however assured that the traditional institution would continue to play its role accordingly for a better society.
The Governor later visited the families of the Jimoh Isiaka that was killed during the ENDSARS protest in Ogbomosho.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has suspended the board of the Oyo State Waste Management Authority, OYWMA over failure to effectively carry out its waste management responsibility.
He disclosed during an interactive session marking the nation’s 60th Independence at a media house in Ibadan.
The governor stated that the suspension became necessary due to refuse which littered the medians, streets, and roads in Oyo State.
According to the governor, the state government spends #37 million monthly to manage waste contractors and evacuators towards clearing refuse off the street.
Governor Makinde said government has set up an Ad-hoc committee to take over the responsibility of collecting and managing waste generated in the state with the provision of skip bins at specific locations across the state pending the time the board of Oyo State Waste Management Authority, (OYWMA) would correct its wrongs.
Governor Makinde appealed to residents of the state whose action and inaction of the state’s Waste Management Authority (OYWMA) has affected for the past one month to bear with the government and expect changes soonest.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says the proposed renovation and remodelling of Agbowo Shopping Complex, Ibadan will be on concession for fifty years with a significant stimulus to the state economy.
He stated this at the flag off and symbolic handover ceremony of Agbowo Shopping Complex, Ibadan to the contractor, noting that the project would gulp #4.9 billion.
Governor Makinde, while restating his administration’s commitment to creating conducive environment for private enterprises to thrive, noted that the project would be executed through a public private partnership arrangement with necessary social structures including a 4-star hotel would be completed within 24 months
The governor also explained that former occupants of the shopping complex would have the right of first refusal upon completion of the project while a scheme would be developed to assist those initial occupants who might have difficulty in paying rent.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman of Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Bayo Lawal commended the governor for not neglecting the social contract with the people.
A representative of former occupants of the complex, Mr Olajire Agboola commended Governor Makinde for keeping his promises to uplift Agbowo shopping facility for the benefit of all.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of all retired judicial workers’ outstanding emoluments since 1999.
The State Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, disclosed this on Friday at an event held in Ibadan.
Professor Oyewo said Governor Makinde had also directed that the judicial subvention should be paid.
The Commissioner for Justice noted that Governor Makinde had approved the repair of road networks at Iyaganku and Ring-Road courts.
The commissioner explained that approval had also been given for the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and refurbishment of dilapidated court structures across the state.
Proffesor Oyelowo, however, assured the serving judicial officers of better working conditions and urged them to live up to expectation.
For the past few days, apprehension has been heightened around Oba Adebimpe Road, Dugbe Ibadan over the suspected outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 in an establishment in the area.
The area is an industrial environment which accommodates offices with high human traffic including government and private agencies.
Popular among establishments in the area are; Cocoa House, which houses not fewer than ten businesses, Cocoa Mall, one of the biggest malls in the state, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, commercial banks, the former Kingsway building, which also accommodates no fewer than five business establishments as well as other road side outlets.
Head of the Oyo COVID-19 Task Force, Governor Seyi Makinde earlier announced a total number of those who have tested positive in the said organization as thirty.
A subsequent release added another eight to those who have tested positive to the virus while the latest record has another nineteen people in the same establishment positive to the virus making a total of 57.
The government, though had not disclosed the identity of the establishment, stated that the company was located in Ibadan South West Local Government.
It was gathered that the organization has over 300 members of staff including some foreigners, who work on morning, afternoon and night shifts, and several of them are conveyed in the same staff bus.
Since the news broke, many residents of Oyo State have been curious to identify the company.
And such curiosity had led to series of permutations, based on the little information given by the task force on the said organization.
However, the curiosity narrowed down on Monday when two Ambulances of the NCDC drove into one of the building structure that houses many businesses under Ibadan Southwest Local Government in the said area and took away an appreciable number of members of staff of a business outlet.
The NCDC had earlier on Sunday fumigated the entire building.
A worker in the organization in an informal WhatsApp chat with our reporter said ‘although the people on isolation now are staff in second floor, that’s where they have confirmed cases’.
Information has it that samples of members of staff who resumed for morning duty on Sunday had been taken for testing by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in collaboration with officials of the Oyo COVID-19 Task Force.
Meanwhile, some residents of Ibadan have called on the state government to embark on immediate fumigation of Dugbe area to prevent an uncontrollable spread of the dreaded disease.
They also urged the state government to be proactive in the fight against coronavirus.
It would be recalled that Radio Nigeria had on the 28th of March alerted the government on the need to control operations of companies with many workers to forestall the spread of corona virus but the government appears not to have promptly yielded to the warning.
