Beneficiaries of farm assets materials from the Oyo State government have lauded the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government for assisting them with needed materials that will enhance their food production.
The smallholder farmers in Ogo Oluwa and Afijio Local Government Areas of Oyo State, comprising genuine local farmers and the Nasarawa-trained Youth in Agribusiness Programme, YEAP gave the commendation while receiving farm assets materials from the state government.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with journalists in their separate remarks could not hide their feelings as they all commended the state government over the intervention project.
In Afijio Local Government Secretariat at Jobele, no fewer than ten poultry farmers went home with ten bags of feed for their birds, while 20 went home to their various homes with knapsack sprayers and farm protection kits.
Also, the Director of Agric of the local government in Ogo-Oluwa, Prince Bello Ajibola after the distribution of pumping machines, knapsack sprayers, and farm kits at Ogo Oluwa Local Government Secretariat, Ajawa, Ogbomoso, thanked Governor Makinde for the intervention.
Prince Ajibola said the beneficiaries should see the development as an avenue to do more for their immediate communities by providing more food for society.
The Oyo State Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, (Oyo N-CARES) Project under Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) in the last few weeks have commenced the distribution of farm assets to farmers that were negatively affected by Covid-19 to mitigate the effect of the pandemic.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has assured the people of Ibarapaland that, Ido-Eruwa Road, linking the area to Ibadan, the state capital would be completed before the end of the year.
He made the declaration at the burial thanksgiving service of the matriarch of the Ogundoyin Family, Mrs Justina Ogundoyin, which took place at First Baptist Church, Anko, Eruwa.
He thanked the people of Ibarapaland for voting massively for his re-election, pledging that the project would not be delayed.
Governor Makinde also eulogised the late Mrs. Ogundoyin, who was the mother of the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Debo Ogundoyin for living an impactful life, adding that it is not how long one lives but how well.
He admonished the Speaker and his siblings to have faith in God in spite of the passing of their mother.
The governor thereafter made a personal donation of N1 million to the Church.
Speaking on behalf of his siblings, the Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde and the entire people of the state for standing by them throughout the funeral programme of their later mother.
Earlier in his sermon, the presiding Pastor, First Baptist Church Anko, Eruwa, Reverend, Michael Ayoola, who read from Philippines Chapter 4 verse 20, said that only Almighty God is worthy of praise in any situation.
He described late Mrs Ogundoyin as a highly dedicated personality who really sacrificed to serve the lord in his vineyard during her lifetime.
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde says his administration will award the project for the construction of the 8.3 kilometres Ojurin-Olorunda-Abaa Road in Lagelu Local Government Area before the expiration of the first term of his administration.
The governor stated this while commissioning the Olorunda-Abaa Divisional Police Station built by the Agbaakin of Olorunda-Abaa, Oloye Benedict Akika.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as explaining that the award of the contract will be in tandem with his administration’s commitment to continue working for the people of the state till the end of his first term in the office.
It will be recalled that the administration had earlier completed the first phase of the project on the Basorun-Idi Ape-Akobo-Ojurin axis as well as the General Gas Flyover.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Police Station, the governor said: “Let me use this opportunity to say thank you for your support on my re-election. You really spoke loud and clear not only on Oyo State but also on Nigeria.”
“My message is very clear; you know security is one of our major pillars. So, this Division Police Station is in line with that security leg of the roadmap. One very important thing is that the builder is not holding any political office; he is just a friend of this government. I want to thank him for giving back to his community from the little he has gotten from government.“
“Let me also appreciate the Commissioner of Police and the officers and men of the Oyo State Police Command as well as other security agencies. You did well for the people of Oyo State during the election and I pray that this country and state will acknowledge your efforts.”
Governor Makinde, who maintained that he was aware of the bad situation of the Ojurin-Olorunda Road, said the project would be awarded and mobilize the contractor to the site in a few weeks.
“On my way here, I observed the bad situation on the road. We have done the construction from Idi-Ape to Akobo Ojurin, and the next phase is the 8.3km, which will cover from Ojurin to here in Olorunda-Abaa.”
In a remark, the donor of Olorunda-Abaa Divisional Police Station, Oloye Akika while thanking God for making him actualise his dream of building a police station for his community appreciated Governor Makinde for his support towards the project.
He added that he built the station because he was after the security of the people in the community as well as to contribute to the governor’s efforts in the area of security.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams, commended the donor, noting that his effort is in tune with Governor Makinde’s body language, which is zero tolerance for crime.
The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, says the 2023 National Population and Housing Census will be conducted digitally to ensure credibility and efficiency.
He made this known when he featured on a programme in Abuja on Sunday.
Abari, who is a member of the National Publicity and Advocacy Committee on Census, said the exercise would be facilitated by the use of digital technology, contrary to previous census conducted in the country.
He said, ‘’This is one census that is going to be different from previous ones. To enhance the credibility of the exercise, this census is going to be digital.
‘’In the house listing and numbering, the National Population Commission has perfected the space and got the point much beyond what google has done in the mapping.
‘’In terms of specificity and the correctness of the capture of every house and hamlet in Nigeria, the NPC has gone far beyond what google has done.
‘’We may not say that we are absolutely 100 per cent correct, but 99 per cent of all houses, structures within the enclave of Nigeria’s territory have been captured digitally, far beyond what google can provide in terms of specificity.’’
The NOA boss explained that the digitisation of the exercise would enhance credibility, ensure accurate data and respond to modern technology, in line with global practice.
He said, ‘’Digitalisation will enhance the credibility because there is a common template for
the exercise and that is all that will be sent to the cloud.”
He said previous census exercise was looked at from the prism of one region was larger than the other; one state was bigger than another, one local government was bigger than another, and one senatorial district was bigger than another.
‘’And in the process, you miss out the most important element of the programme, which is getting sufficient data for planning.”
He said the 2023 census would be a scientific census, a digital census that would respond to the reality of today, respond to the information and technological revolution; a census aimed at bringing in credible, acceptable, open and transparent force.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has called on the Nigerian Army to continue to remain professional before, during and after the coming elections.
The governor stated this when he hosted the new General Officer Commanding, 2 Mechanised Division, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Major-General Takuti Usman at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor, who pledged the continuous support of his administration to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state, commended them for the maintenance of peace and order in Oyo State.
The governor lauded the Army for the important roles it has been playing in ensuring peaceful polls in the country, urging the Army to play its part and ensure that the elections are free and fair and that the votes of Oyo State people count.
Governor Makinde promised to maintain a cordial relationship with the new GOC.
He equally assured that his government would not relent in its efforts at providing adequate logistic support to the Division for its smooth operation in the area of security of lives and property.
He said: “Oyo State has been calm security-wise and I will like to use this opportunity to say thank you to the officers and men of Operation Burst and their DG because we used to have crime and criminalities around December and we were all apprehensive but they stood up to the challenge.
“When the Lagos-Ibadan expressway kidnapping became an issue, they also came up with other sister security agencies. They devoted the time and energy needed to quickly nip that in the bud, and the area now is well-dominated by the security agencies led by Operation Burst. So, I am happy that it is one of the major areas that you are paying attention to.
Earlier, the GOC, Major-General Takuti Usman, sought the Governor’s support in order to make the Division achieve the maintenance of peace and harmony in the state.
He assured the Governor of the readiness of his Division to continue to participate fully in creating an enabling environment for the government, so that it could continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Implementation and Secretariat Committees for the newly established Emmanuel Alayande University of Education.
The two committees were inaugurated at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan with the mandate to lay a strong foundation for the smooth and effective take-off of the new institution.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Makinde pledged to leave a legacy of sound and qualitative education with the people.
He said the new university of education would soon become a topmost institution in Nigeria for the acquisition of degrees in the field of education.
The governor who is optimistic that the committees are up to the task to deliver their responsibilities urged them to develop a pathway for the institution to realize its objectives.
On the issue of staffers of the old institution, Governor Makinde assured that his administration would look at the existing structure to factor them in, promising that the review would be a win-win situation for the parties involved.
In a remark, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Omole Ayodeji appreciated the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, adding that the committees would discharge their duties with courage and integrity.
The Implementation Committee for the newly established Emmanuel Alayande University of Education is headed by the Pro-Chancellor of LAUTECH, Professor Ayodeji Omole while the Secretariat Committee is led by Professor Adelaja Adekoya.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared that the next five years will bring about a huge transformation in the fortunes of Akinyele Local Government Area in the state.
The governor declared that this would come to pass because of the various landmark projects and infrastructure being put up in the area.
Governor Makinde, who stated this while campaigning across the council, maintained that ongoing projects such as the Inland Dry Port, the African Development Bank’s Agro-processing Zone, the Oyo State government-initiated Ilutuntun City as well as the multifarious infrastructure projects put in place by his administration, will make Akinyele the richest local government in the state within the next five to 10 years.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, on behalf of the Seyi Makinde 2023 Campaign Media Team, quoted the governor as noting that lands will become gold in Akinyele Local Government, warning traditional rulers to avoid the indiscriminate sale of lands.
The governor, who met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, at the First Baptist Church, Alade, Moniya; the League of Imams, Akinyele Local Government at the Central Mosque Moniya and the traditional worshippers at the Isese Temple, Moniya, urged the religious leaders to support the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidates in National Assembly, State Assembly and governorship elections.
Speaking with traditional rulers in the council, during a meeting held at the Award Hall, Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, the governor declared that he will be ready to approve any internal reform on chieftaincy issues so far such reforms emanated from the Olubadan-in-Council.
He equally promised to review the 5 per cent allocation to traditional rulers in the state, saying that he will never work against the interest of the traditional institution.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Dr. Ajibola Sikiru Adetona as the Rector, Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki.
The approval of the appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun and made available to newsmen stated that the tenure shall be five years in accordance with the terms and conditions of the office and status, as spelt out in the relevant laws of the institution.
The governor, through the SSG, congratulated the new rector and also urged him to discharge his duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and professionalism, towards ensuring the enhancement of the institution’s current status.
The letter reads: “I am delighted to convey the approval of the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde on your appointment as Rector, The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Sakl, with effect from 14th December 2022.
“The tenure of your appointment shall be five years, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the office and status, as spelt out in the relevant laws of the institution.
“While heartily congratulating you on your appointment, the government desires the discharge of your duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and professionalism, towards ensuring the enhancement of the institution’s current status.
“You will also ensure the sustenance of peace and further developments of the institution, in line with the vision of the state government on behalf of His Excellency, please accept our hearty congratulations.”
Former president, Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on the occasion of his 55th birthday.
The former President, in a letter addressed to the governor, which was dated December 21, 2022, declared that Makinde was a patriot and service-oriented leader.
He said Makinde had been deliberate in providing hope and development to the people of Oyo State.
Former President Jonathan urged Makinde not to relent in his purposeful strides in the state.
The letter titled “Goodwill Message on your 55th birthday” reads:
“On behalf of my family, |celebrate with you, the government and people of Oyo State on the occasion of your 55TH birthday.
“You are a patriotic and service-oriented leader who has been deliberate in providing hope and development for the people of Oyo State. “As you celebrate, I urge you to remain committed in service and pursuit of peace and development and the common good of your people.
“On behalf of my family, I wish you God’s wisdom, peace and more glorious strides in nation-building.”Happy Birthday Your Excellency.”
Traders and shop owners who were victims of the last week Thursday evening fuel tanker fire incident at the Apata axis of Ibadan have appealed to the government for a special loan to enable them to restart their lives.
They made the appeal during Radio Nigeria’s assessment visit to the area.
Our Correspondent, Dayo Adu, reports that the sharing formula for the 10 million naira palliative donation by Governor Seyi Makinde during his visit to the victims on Tuesday to gladden them for the yuletide season generated ripples between the affected traders and the landlords.
They later came to a compromise as the traders later smiled away with cash ranging from twenty thousand to one hundred thousand naira per person.
Some of the victims who lauded the governor’s gesture in relieving their grief appealed to both federal and state governments to assist them with loans to enable them to bounce back from the loss.
Radio Nigeria’s inventory on the effect of the incident revealed that 71 traders, 20 units of shops, a public water tank and two transformers were affected by the fire.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says with its many strategic advantages particularly in areas of agribusiness, the state remains open for business and meaningful collaboration.
The governor, who stated this when he received the Deputy High Commissioner, Government of Canada in the company of his Trade Commissioner Assistant to his office expressed optimism that Oyo State has a lot of areas which Canada could leverage on for partnership.
Governor Makinde explained that with the state’s vast arable land, significant solid mineral deposits and tourism potentials, the prospects of doing business in the state remains enormous especially with recent incentives from the World Bank on the ease of doing business.
Earlier in his speech, the Deputy High Commissioner, Government of Canada, Teshome Nkurumah hinted that the team was coordinating an agricultural outreach and trade promotion in Oyo State to understand areas of prospects as well as opportunities to facilitate partnership.
The Trade Commissioner Assistant, Ms Benedicta Emovuon was on the entourage for the courtesy visit.
The team later held a roundtable with private sector players to see ways of partnering with manufacturers and farmers in different ways and in the area of exportation.
The meeting which was facilitated by the Director General, Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency, OYSADA, Dr Debo Akande was held at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan.
Speaking with journalists, Dr Akande was optimistic that the meeting would be fruitful as there was a commitment between Oyo State and Canadian government in terms of understanding on what is required from agro-companies and farmers for certification of products so as to export them to Canada.
The DG, OYSADA explained that Oyo State is now known to be attractive to international countries, businesses and companies, as evident by the investment of the French, Netherlands and others foreign governments.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe has commiserated with the family, friends and associates of Olugbade Ojelabi over the death of the party’s Vice-Chairman and Senatorial Chairman, Oyo South.
In a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo South PDP candidate also condoled with Governor Seyi Makinde and the entire PDP family in the state on the passing away of an astute politician and grassroots mobiliser.
He said that he received the news of the death of Ojelabi, who was also a member of Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe Campaign Council, with shock and disbelief.
The senatorial candidate described the sudden death of the Oyo South Senatorial Chairman as disheartening, sad, unfortunate and devastating, stressing that it was a personal loss to him, as the deceased was an active and committed member of his campaign council and pillar of support to him.
Consequently, he announced the suspension of all his activities and those of his campaign council for three days as a mark of honour to the deceased.
“It was with rude shock and utter disbelief that I received the news of the death of Hon. Olugbade Ojelabi, the Chairman of PDP in Oyo South Senatorial District, and the Vice-Chairman of the party in Oyo State.
“His sudden and untimely death is disheartening, sad, unfortunate and devastating. Indeed, it is a personal loss to me, as Hon. Ojelabi was, until his death, a very active and committed member of the Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe Campaign Council.
“I must say that his unwavering commitment, unflinching support, wise counsel and useful advice have helped greatly in the support we have received so far from our people in Oyo South senatorial district, particularly in Ibarapa land where he hailed from.
“I commiserate with the immediate family of Hon. Ojelabi, my brother, the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the State Executive Council of PDP, the entire PDP family, his friends, associates and the entire people of Ibarapa land on the unfortunate loss of our brother, Hon. Ojelabi.
“It is my prayer that God grants his soul eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” Tegbe said.
Oil prices have risen after major producers agreed to continue to cut output and the G7 and its allies agreed to cap the price of Russian oil.
Brent crude rose by about 0.6% to above $86 a barrel on Monday morning.
On Friday, the G7 agreed to cap the price of Russian oil at $60 a barrel to raise pressure on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, oil producers’ group OPEC said at the weekend it would stick to its policy of reducing output.
OPEC is a group of 23 oil-exporting countries, including Russia, which meets regularly to decide how much crude oil to sell on the world market.
“This decision by OPEC to keep the quota where it is is by itself an implicit sort of support to the oil market,” Kang Wu of S&P Global Commodity Insights said.
Analysts said oil prices had also been boosted by the easing of Covid restrictions in some Chinese cities, which could lead to an increase in demand for oil.
More cities in China, including Urumqi in the North-West, have said they will loosen curbs after mass protests against the country’s zero-Covid policy.
Governorship candidates in Oyo State have agreed to allow a level playing ground before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
The candidates made the pledge while signing a peace agreement in Ibadan, organised by the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams.
While briefing the candidates on the importance of peace, the chief convener of the Peace Accord committee and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja said they should all eschew violence and embrace peace before, during and after the coming elections.
Senator Ladoja cautioned them against a campaign of bitterness which he said could create rancour in the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde who is running for a second term on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party signing the Peace Accord
Accord Party Gubernatorial Candidate in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu signing the Peace Accord
He admonished them to focus on issue-based campaigns for the betterment of all the citizens.
Senator Ladoja noted that the candidates should remember that life would continue after the elections, hence the need for free and fair campaigns and elections.
On his part, the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Raman Tella, said the peace agreement signed by the candidates indicated that the elections would be conducted in a peaceful manner.
He said INEC was ready to deliver and put all necessary machinery in place to ensure that the elections were free, fair and balanced.
The REC, therefore, called on the residents of Oyo State who were yet to collect their PVCs to do so as INEC had 743,690 uncollected cards with them.
He added that INEC in Oyo State had extended their polling units to 6,390 to reduce the stress people go through while trying to exercise their rights on election days.
One of the governorship candidates in Oyo State and the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde said the signing of the peace agreement among the candidates would go a long way at ensuring and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after elections.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams said the signing of the peace accord became imperative as the nation navigated towards the general elections.
Mr Williams noted that there was the need for repeated emphasis on peaceful electioneering before, during and after the exercise to enable members of the public to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation from anyone.
The parties, their candidates and their supporters were therefore enjoined to be guided by the guidelines for political rallies recently released by INEC.
“So far, the command and indeed the security space is concerned about the disturbing extremities and desperation displayed by some political gladiators. Recently, Oyo State witnessed needless destruction of billboards and defacing of posters of opposing aspirants to stir up provocations and bloody reprisals but for the prompt intervention of security operatives.”
“Hence, the need to reach out to leaders wielding diverse degrees of influence within and outside Oyo State was inevitable for the purposes of guidance and preservation of the state’s relative peace from agents of anarchy and mischief.”
The Commissioner of Police stated further that this process would encourage issue-based campaigns at all levels, devoid of religious, ethnic and tribal incitement by political actors or their supporters acting in the capacity of their principal.
“Dissuade aspirants and any other persons, acting in the capacity of their principals from inciting violence through provocative utterances and hate speeches.”
“Support all institutions of government including INEC, police and other security agencies towards ensuring that the electorates exercise their franchise without fear of harassment or molestation.”
While assuring the electorates of their safety before, during and after the elections, the Police Commissioner also promised to leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with any individual or group that planned to disrupt the process regardless of their interests or affiliations.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has urged the electorate to vote for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming general elections.
Governor Makinde stated this at Consultative and Town Hall meetings with stakeholders of the PDP in Oyo Federal Constituency.
The governor said the PDP has become stronger in the constituency following the resolution of the internal wrangling among its members.
Governor Makinde said he was confident that the PDP would win all elections in the zone, because according to him, he has fulfilled over 80 per cent of his campaign promises to the people.
Speaking at the Town Hall meeting, held at the Atiba Hall, Oyo Town, Governor Makinde declared that if he is re-elected, there would be an upgrade of good governance, hence the campaign theme Omituntun 2.0.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle) acknowledge the people during a town hall meeting with PDP stakeholders in Oyo geopolitical zone, held at Atiba Town Hall, Oyo. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.
The governor also reeled out the achievements of his government in Oyo zone as including; the building of the ultramodern Akesan Market; construction of Gedu-Oroki-Sabo Road; the renovation and equipment of Primary Health Care Centres and the Light-up Oyo Project, among others.
Governor Makinde equally used the opportunity to refund the nomination fees of all PDP aspirants for National and State Houses of Assembly positions in Oyo zone, adding that similar gesture would be extended to all PDP aspirants across the state.
The Town Hall meeting had in attendance all the party leaders and stakeholders in Oyo zone as well as all the party’s standard-bearers for the National and House of Assembly elections.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says until Nigeria is able to diversify its economy by moving away from petroleum to agro-exports and agro-processing, which would increase foreign exchange coming into the system, it would continue to grope in economic hardship.
Governor Makinde stated this when he received the management team of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, a business conglomerate owned by the South-West states, led by its chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru at the Courtesy Room of his office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said what the company has been doing is central to his government’s vision to create wealth in the state and move the people from poverty to prosperity.
Governor Makinde also expressed his administration’s readiness to support the company to succeed in its mandate and in its plan to expand the business and in effect the economy of the state.
He equally commended the Odu’a team for what it has done with the landmark heritage of the Yoruba states, even as he charged them to remain focused on the business.
Governor Makinde, who charged the management of the company to stay focused, said his government would be available to offer every necessary support to them with regards to some of the ventures they are embarking upon, including the Premier Hotel and SWAgCO Limited, an independent subsidiary of Odu’a, with interest in agricultural investment.
Earlier, the chairman of the OICL, Otunba Ashiru, said the OICL management team has been working hard to bring back the glory days of the conglomerate.
The OICL team included its Group Managing Director, Mr. Adewale Raji; its Director, Mr. Seni Adio, SAN and Otunba Debola Osibogun as well as well as the Group Executive Director, Mr. Olugbolahan Mark-George.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will continue to collaborate with development partners and the private sector to promote economic growth.
The governor, who stated this while receiving the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn -Jones, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan said his government alone cannot develop the state’s economy.
Governor Makinde expressed happiness at having a sit down with representatives of the British Government to discuss opportunities with development partners and the private sector.
Earlier, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones told the governor that the essence of the meeting was to talk about some areas his country and Oyo State could collaborate for development.
He said: “Thank you your Excellency for making time to see me. I know how busy you are. “It is my sixth year in Nigeria and third year in Lagos. My role is to promote UK trade, investment and economic growth across Nigeria. “I have come to see your Excellency to talk about some of the possibilities here in Oyo State.”
He also said that his team will be meeting British Companies as well as officials of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and will also spend some time to discuss partnerships with the University of Ibadan.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will continue to promote the independence of the Judiciary in the State.
The governor maintained that his administration has created the enabling environment for the judicial arm of government to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, because it recognised that it is the bastion of hope for the common man.
The governor stated this at a reception organised by the Oyo State Government in honour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
At the event held at the Manhattan Hall, Eleyele Road, Jericho, Ibadan, which had in attendance four other state governors, Justices of the Supreme Court, Oyo State Judiciary, top lawyers and other eminent dignitaries, Governor Makinde expressed delight at the fact that the State produced Nigeria’s Number 5 Citizen.
The governor, who explained that it was the first time in the history of Nigeria that Oyo State would produce the Chief Justice of Nigeria, said that the development has heralded many pacesetting achievements for the State.
He said: “I like to specially recognise my brothers – Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State); Samuel Ortom (Benue State) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State). “When my Lord, Justice Amina Augie JSc., was talking, she said ‘our own Justice Kayode Ariwoola, but more of their own.’ So, the CJN belongs to everybody and to nobody.
“I thank God for tonight and for the fact that the Supreme Court was powerfully moved to Oyo State, and what you see here is Nigeria. We have my Lords from different states and geopolitical zones of this country. “Most times, they come together, align and make decisions in the interest of this great country. We are glad you are here with us and feel highly privileged to have you here.
“For me, this is a turning point. For the first time in the history of Oyo State, we have produced the Number 5 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, old things have passed away and things have become new.”I am just glad and overjoyed that we are able to have this get-together to celebrate one of our own. I am short of words. I am thankful to God Almighty for this day and I see it as the beginning of many Pacesetter things that will be happening in Oyo State.
“The Judiciary will be allowed to continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ariwoola, appreciated Governor Makinde for honouring him and pledged that he would not let Nigerians down.
Justice Ariwoola equally admonished politicians to allow the Judiciary to perform its function, while he also warned the Judiciary to leave politics for politicians.
The event had in attendance Justices of the Supreme Court, the leadership of Oyo State Judiciary, legal luminaries, top officials of the Oyo State government, traditional rulers, among others.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration has been able to deliver accelerated development to the state in the last three and a half years, adding that his performance justifies his re-election bid. The governor stated this on a radio station in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde stated that with the achievements recorded by the administration across the four service point areas of education, security, health and economic expansion through agribusiness and infrastructure, he deserved to be re-elected by the people of the state.
The governor said that if re-elected in 2023, he would go on to deliver Omituntun 2.0, which he said would centre on delivering sustainable development to the people of the state.
He said: “When I was campaigning for election in 2018, I brought out a roadmap and promised the people that it was meant for accelerated development of Oyo State. Now, based on what we have experienced, we have brought another roadmap, but this time round, it is for sustainable development 2023-2027.”
Speaking on how the administration has been able to deliver infrastructure that targets its economic expansion programme,Governor Makinde said that his government’s idea of infrastructure development has seen over 500 kilometres of road either completed or being constructed.
The governor equally explained how his administration has worked assiduously to expand the economy of the state by improving the Ibadan Airport, with the building of a 500,000 litres Aviation Storage and Dispensing Facility.
Speaking further on how the administration has been able to improve the economy of the state through agribusiness, the governor maintained that through several policy initiatives and encouragement of a business environment that is agribusiness-friendly, the state has been able to attract massive investments including the designation of the state as one of the Agro-processing Zones by the African Development Bank and the building of the second largest Sorbitol Plant in the world by Psaltery Ltd.
The governor assured that the state will get the NUC approval for the upgrade of the institution anytime soon.
The governor, who also used the opportunity to address questions on the environment and waste management system said the government has continued to search for a sustainable solution to the agelong problems associated with the environment.
On the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level, which has seen him and four other PDP governors boycotting the campaign activities of the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Makinde said he would only support Atiku if the party does the needful, as according to him, the party must demonstrate that it can ensure fairness and justice within its system before seeking to implement same on the nation.
In a bid to promote regional integration, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have jointly inaugurated the 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road reconstruction/rehabilitation for economic development.
The flag-off ceremony held opposite Aje International Market, Iwo Road, Ido-Osun State was witnessed by government functionaries, traditional rulers and party supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde stressed that the two states had led a revolution in thoughts and ideas, noting that politics or party affiliations should be set aside to really address the needs of the citizens.
Governor Makinde said the road when completed would allow people to travel with more ease between the states, thereby enhancing trade and commerce.
He said: “Today, I want to talk to you about the word “revolution”.
I know, when people hear the word revolution, they often think of bloody wars that lead to change in the political order. Well, don’t be alarmed, I am not here to preach violence. Rather, I am here to talk about a different kind of revolution that is happening in Oyo State.”
“You know, revolutions always bring to birth a new order, a new way of doing things. And so, the revolution in Oyo State has led to us changing the former ways of doing things. In the past, every state used to mind their own business and operate in their own little corners. But with this new way of doing things, we are pursuing collaborations with our sister states.”
“When we just came in, we started on this path with one of the biggest collaborations in the history of Southwest states. We all came together and decided on creating the Western Nigeria Security Network code-named Amotekun. And in 2020, we operationalised the Oyo-Amotekun. As I have said on many occasions, our people cannot imagine life without Amotekun.”
“Also, just about two years ago, we celebrated another win that resulted from this revolution. My brother, our host for this flag-off, His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola, the Executive Governor of Osun State, was a big part of that history. He benevolently acceded to granting us sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), which made it possible for me to fulfil a campaign promise to the good people of Oyo State.”
“I mentioned earlier that in Oyo State, we are leading a revolution. We are saying politics should be left to those few months when INEC says we should begin campaigning either for elections or re-election. Even then, we must practice politics of justice and fairness without bitterness and rancour.”
“The revolution we are leading in Oyo State is a revolution of thought. Again, we are saying, governance must always trump politics. When we make decisions, we must always put the interests of our people first.”
“Of course, you already know that my brother, the Governor of Osun State is from an opposing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), while I belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this difference, we have accomplished things that people from the same party were unable to do. This is the revolution we are talking about.”
Earlier, Governor Gbeyoga Oyetola of Osun State who noted that the road is one of the internal roads of the old Oyo State that links Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, to Osogbo, the Capital of Osun State said the project was in fulfilment of his electioneering promises and his administration’s resolve to provide quality roads on an equitable basis and entrench sustainable economic development.
He added, “I urge the road users within and outside Osun and Oyo states to make judicious use of the road by desisting from any act capable of undermining its desired purpose”.
“Let me use this medium to appeal to all the citizens of Osun to be mindful of acts that can provoke flooding in the State. We should avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainages and on our waterways. Let us collectively protect our environment and infrastructure for our collective good”
In their separate remarks, Oyo state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin and his Osun State counterpart, Remi Omowaiye while highlighting the features of the road project, agreed that it would be of great benefit to the people when completed.
In the 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo interstate road project, the Osun State Government would execute 55.4km while the Oyo State Government would handle 35.6km.
Iyabo Adebisi
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Oyo State government has urged the National Population Commission, NPC, to be thorough, factual and realistic in the conduct of next year’s population and housing census.
Governor Seyi Makinde stated this during the stakeholders’ summit organized by the NPC to sensitize the public, with the theme, “Getting the people involved In the 2023 Census”, held in Ibadan.
Represented by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde, without mincing words, said Oyo State was marginalized in previous census exercises, urging the population commission to ascertain the actual population of the state and the nation at large.
He pledged the support of the state government towards ensuring a reliable census.
In his remarks, NPC Federal Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji asked the state government to constitute a committee to collaborate with the commission for the successful conduct of the 2023 population and housing census.
Speaking on the imperatives for the 2023 population and housing census, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Tunji Babatunde, emphasized that the census would be beneficial to the state as it was currently working on a 20-year development agenda.
In their goodwill messages, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao and Okere of Saki, Oba Kalid Olabisi reiterated the need for the NPC to improve on its logistics to avoid political colouration and ensure that the census figures are not manipulated.
The monarchs charged Nigerians to wake up, be vigilant and participate in the census processes.
Royal fathers, among whom was the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, local government chairmen, top political functionaries religious leaders, and representatives of various interest groups attended the summit.
Blessing Okareh
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As Nigeria marks its 62nd independence anniversary, the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has challenged Nigerians to rise above the tide of discord and collectively work towards raising the bar of development in every sphere so as to make the country and Oyo State great in all ramifications.
He gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamansingba to commemorate the 62nd Independence Day celebration of Nigeria.
Governor Makinde represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal explained that the Independence Day celebration should afford Nigerians another opportunity to brace up and work together to ensure national rebirth.
Governor Makinde assured residents of Oyo State that his administration would continue to take steps to ensure the people have a meaningful life in various human endeavours.
A highlight of the celebration was the tug-of-war competition between the men of the Nigeria Army and the Police which the police won.
Scenes from the Oyo State 2022 Independence Day Celebration at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex
Cultural displays by the Oyo State Cultural Troupe, march past by students, voluntary youths organization, and paramilitary corps, amongst others, added glamour to the Independence Day celebration.
Top government functionaries and various security heads in Oyo State graced the Independence Day celebration.
Iyabo Adebisi
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Oyo State Government has begun the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation, BEME, on not less than 255 roads across the state within the 33 local government areas for rehabilitation.
The Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Mr Busoye Soladoye stated this on Friday while on inspection of some of the roads earmarked for rehabilitation across the state.
He said that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved a sum of 750 million naira for the agency in order to ensure zero potholes on the roads across the state.
Mr Soladoye said the roads are grouped into three zones, namely: Ibadan, Oyo/Ogbomoso/ Iseyin and Ibarapa/Oke-Ogun zones.
He stated that the eleven local government areas in Ibadan have been covered, while the remaining two zones are still being worked on.
The OYSROMA chairman stressed that on the assumption of duty, he made an extensive inspection of roads across the state, to ensure that rehabilitation of deplorable roads commence speedily.
He urged the people of Oyo state to desist from dumping refuse on drainage which may block waterways and result in water spillover, causing the destruction of roads.
Some of the roads rehabilitated in Ibadan city include Dugbe to Mokola roads; Femi Johnson Junction along Oke-Ado road; Molete-Fire Station-Challenge Road; Adeoyo Hospital Junction, (Ring Road); ANCE Roundabout, Dugbe and Railway Frontage, Dugbe, Ibadan.
Oluwakayode Banjo
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Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde assures that his administration is set to make Iseyin, located in the northern part of the state the solid minerals development capital of Nigeria.
Governor Makinde, who made this known at the 41 Days Fidau Prayers for the late Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinese held at the Iseyin District Grammar School, said that his administration would focus on tourism and solid minerals development if re-elected into office in 2023.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that his administration would work out how to derive benefits from the Ikere Gorge Dam and other tourist attractions across the state.
The governor described the late Aseyin as an individual who loved Iseyin and did his best to attract development to the town.
Governor Makinde, explained that his administration’s decision to connect Iseyin to all other zones of Oyo State through road infrastructure was part of the plan to make Iseyin a solid minerals development hub in the country.
He noted that the administration has completed the 65 kilometres Moniya-Iseyin Road, while the 76 kilometres Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road has gone beyond 50 per cent.
He said: “We need to thank God for a day like this, because we are celebrating the life of our departed Kabiyesi.”
“I don’t think I have come across any individual who loved Iseyin like the departed Aseyin of Iseyin. The last time I came here for a condolence visit, I stated that it was on the sick bed that he signed the land document for the LAUTECH Faculty. “I can also remember that when I came to deliberate with him on how we can have Iseyin as the centre of Oyo State, I told him that we want to link Ogbomoso to Iseyin because Saki is already linked to Iseyin and he was very happy. He showed interest and said the road we are talking about, which is Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso, was the route his forefathers passed when they were trading with other places. I told him how serious we are and promised that it won’t become an abandoned project.”
“Now, I am happy that, as of today, we have done beyond 50 per cent of that project.”
Earlier, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr Ahmed Raji who welcomed and appreciated Governor Makinde and other dignitaries on behalf of Iseyin Community, lauded the governor, noting that his tenure, which coincided with the era of the late Aseyin, brought tremendous developments and progress to Iseyinland.
He, however, stated that the community would still want the governor to address some of its areas of needs, including the fixing of the Ikere Gorge Dam, which he said is capable of generating electricity for the people, giving potable water and boosting agriculture.
Mr Raji added that the government should also kindly give attention to fixing the Iseyin General Hospital and the potholes that were beginning to appear on the Iseyin Township Road built by the immediate past administration.
The event had in attendance by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola; the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Bayo Lawal and many government functionaries.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed his heartfelt condolences to his Ondo State counterpart and chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the death of his mother, Mrs Grace Akeredolu.
Governor Makinde, who condoled with the governor of Ondo State and his family, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the late Madam Akeredolu, whom he said, lived a good life.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as also commiserating with the government and good people of Ondo State over the death of the governor’s mother.
Governor Makinde, who paid a condolence visit to the Orogun residence of the late Madam Akeredolu, described her as a woman of virtue and a great woman.
He said: ‘”I commiserate with my Egbon, who is also the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on the death of his mother, Mama Grace Akeredolu.”
“I equally express my condolences to the government and good people of Ondo State and I pray to God to grant repose to Mama’s soul and to grant the entire Akeredolu family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
“No matter how old our loved ones are, we never would love to see them leave us. But in the programme of God, there is a time to be born and a time to die. “So, we can only submit to God’s will and cherish the memories our loved ones leave us with.”
“I am sure that Mama left a bundle of good memories because she was a woman of virtue and a great mother. So, I encourage Governor Akeredolu and everyone Mama left behind to take solace in the great life Mama lived.”
The governor also wrote in the condolence register opened in Mama’s house: “Mama lived a happy and fulfilled life. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.”
