Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others, including Oyo State-born Flight Lieutenant Taiwo Asaniyi, as a huge loss to Nigeria.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, commiserates with the families of the deceased soldiers, praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the losses.
Governor Makinde equally condoled with the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, who all lost men to the air accident in Kaduna.
The governor described the death of Asaniyi as a personal loss to him and Oyo State, urging the family to take solace in the Almighty, while praying to God to console the family.
He said: “The deaths of Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others in a plane crash in Kaduna came as a rude shock.
“The deaths are painful and a great loss to our nation at this time when concerted efforts are needed to tackle insecurity.
“It is my prayer that God will console the families they all left behind.
“I particularly commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Armed Forces and especially the family of our brother, Flight Lieutenant Asaniyi, who is an indigene of Oyo State.
“Asaniyi’s passage to glory represents a personal loss to me and to the state, because he was one of the many professionals giving wings to Oyo State to fly to its premium place as a Pacesetter State.
“It is my prayer that God will console the families Asaniyi and others left behind and avert sad occurrences such as this.
“I also bid farewell to the gallant men who served their country in wars but lost their lives outside the battlefields.
Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the establishment of a modern healthcare center for the elderly in Oyo State to complement the present administration efforts at providing healthcare to the people from pregnancy to the old age stage.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello stated in Ibadan while answering questions from newsmen on the success of the present administration in the health sector within the first two years of the incumbent administration.
Dr Bello hinted that the Geriatric center, with the focus to promote the health of the elderly by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities would commence operation by August 2021, as medical professionals like nutritionists, consultants among other medical practitioners have been trained in readiness for the operation of the center.
He said the legal backing for the establishment of the center is currently being fine-tuned by the State Ministry of Justice, while renovation work was already ongoing at the center at Jericho in Ibadan.
The commissioner reiterated that the center will begin operation towards the end of the year, as all foundation elements have been put into place.
“The administration thinks of how our elders are going to age gracefully, so the Ministry is packaging a Geriatric center for the elderly, already this has been endorsed by the State executive council and currently being finalized by the Ministry of Justice for an onward movement to the State House of Assembly.
“So we are having the support of almost all arms, including especially the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for installation of alternative power facilities in our health institutions, especially the PHCs and this new Geriatric center at Jericho in Ibadan”.
“The center is like the Nursing Home in the United State of America, we want our elderly, who might be retired administrators, businessmen or women or of whatever status in the society, to come there in the morning, get medical attention, recreate among themselves and towards evening, their families will come and take them home, this will add more to their happiness and they will not just be aging, but be aging well.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has charged secondary school students to imbibe healthy competition in their academic endeavors in order to succeed in life and take active part in repositioning Oyo State and the country.
The governor who spoke through the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, while addressing secondary school students’ participants at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Inter-Senior Secondary School Debate Competition of the South-West zone, held at Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan.
Some of the student participants at the flag-off of the South-West Zonal Competition of the President’s Schools’ Debate Nigeria, at Ibadan
He stated that quality debate is the staple of democracy in the modern world, stressing that without quality debate, electorates would never be able to engage politicians with whom the collective destiny of the people are entrusted for a period of time.
The governor noted that as a responsible government, the paramount concern to his administration has been of turning around the dwindling educational sector which he inherited from the last administration.
He added that within two years, several measures and reforms have been put in place, part of which are free, accessible, and quality education for all, with free text and notebooks for students in public schools to promote sound education, which have placed Oyo State on good ranking in terms of performance and delivery.
“In addition to the annual State quiz, debate and Spelling Bee competitions, the government is also promoting the participation of Oyo students in national competitions with the intention of sponsoring deserving students for international competitions, to boost their talents, skills and as well, inculcate qualities of sportsmanship, teamwork and cooperation among the students who are the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Debating is one of the best tools available to a student for development of his or her oratory skills as well as the confidence to express themselves effectively, so it should be promoted by the government, private organizations and individuals, so that we can put our education quality where we desire.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the National Coordinator, President’s Schools’ Debate Nigeria, Elder Dare Oritu, opined that the importance of debate to the country and the world cannot be overemphasized, adding that debate has been widely used across the world as a tool for dialogue between conflicting interests.
He maintained that the significant role of debating in democratic nations includes the resolution of conflicts among diverse groups, which has made some levels of impact in Nigeria, despite her numerous challenges.
Governor Makinde however expressed hope that the competition would achieve the desired success, while admonishing the Judges to discharge their duties without fear or favor, urging them to encourage debaters to play according to the laid down rules and regulations.
Also in attendance at the occasion were the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, Alhaja Aminat Atere and other top government officials at the Ministry.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo state has alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde and the leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, were out to waste the state’s scarce resources and also make a mockery of democracy and the rule of law with their plans to go ahead with the conduct of the local government election slated for Saturday, May 22, without the APC and other registered political parties.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Oyo state, Chief Akin Oke, stated this at a press briefing held on Wednesday, at the party’s new state secretariat, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
Chief Oke said it became compulsory for him to once again address the press on the deliberate and unconstitutional acts of OYSIEC which has excluded the APC from the local government election.
The APC Caretaker Chairman recalled that the court action of the members of ALGON in Oyo State challenging the unconstitutional dissolution of the duly elected executives of the 33 local governments and 35 local council development areas in the state was finally laid to rest by the Supreme Court judgment of May 7, 2021.
He said: ”One of the reliefs granted at the High Court among others was a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants in that case among which is OYSIEC or anybody whatsoever from conducting elections into the 33 LGs and 35 LCDAs and their councilors during the three years constitutionally guaranteed tenure of the chairmen.”
“It would also be recalled that the All Progressives Congress was the political party through which platform the chairmen and councillors contested and won the elections in 2018 and it therefore stands logic on its head for the chairman of OYSIEC who is a senior lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria for that matter to assert that APC cannot seek to benefit from a pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and we have to wonder why cases are being cited in court or what do lawyers mean by the doctrine of judicial precedent.”
“It will be a situation of approbating and reprobating for the APC to field candidates during the pendency of a litigation instituted by its members and what the lawyers call subjudice which should tell the OYSIEC chairman who is a lawyer that parties are supposed to know that nothing should be done with respect to a matter already submitted for the adjudication of the court.
“It must also be noted that OYSIEC had in its guidelines imposed a nomination form fees of N250,000 and N100,000 to be paid by the chairmanship and councillorship aspirants respectively. These fees are illegal because election processes cannot be monetised. OYSIEC having realized this illegal imposition of fees have now decided to refund the candidates but not after OYSIEC had closed every avenues for participation in the electoral processes thereby shutting out so many citizens of Oyo State who would have participated in the election by seeking for political office but for the illegal imposition of the nomination fees.”
“The question is, is it fair on the people for OYSIEC to refuse to extend the election period and allow those already shut out from participating to also have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights to seek elective offices? We hope that Oyo State Government and OYSIEC will have a rethink and allow reason to prevail.”
Chief Oke revealed that APC has prepared its originating processes and same forwarded to the Chief Judge of Oyo State through party’s lawyers.
Oyo State government is set to unveil not less than fifty mobile toilets to be placed at strategic locations in the state with the aim of eradicating open defecation.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Abdulateef Oyeleke stated this while addressing newsmen in Ibadan.
Dr Oyeleke said the mobile toilets would be situated at locations for the conveniences of pedestrians, passengers and travellers in an attempt to ensuring that the environment is not polluted.
He added that the step would not only stop the spread of diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid and Diarrhoea, but also check other ravaging diseases that are threats to human existence.
The Commissioner enjoined the people of the state to support the policy of clean and green initiative of the present administration, as the Environmental Health Officers and Task Force Team would soon be directed to arrest and prosecute anyone caught defecating in the open.
In the same vein, not less than ten tricycles were received by the Ministry of Environment for evacuation of recycle waste within local government areas in the State.
In a remark, the Managing Director of the company, Mottainai, Mr. Ade Adewuyi stated that the concept of this initiative is to start paying for recyclable waste materials, while also engaging youths in the state in the process termed circular economy.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed his condolences to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and his wife, on the demise of their son, Pastor Dare Adeboye.
The governor who described the young Adeboye’s death as shocking and sad, encouraged the Adeboyes and the RCCG family to continue to draw strength from God, who knows all things and cannot be questioned.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa says the governor prayed God to grant the family the strength and grace for this period.
“The news of the death of Pastor Dare came as a shock and it broke my heart. But as believers, bound to demonstrate absolute trust in God and faith for all times, we accept the passage of our brother and pray God to grant him rest.”
“I condole with my father, Papa E.A. Adeboye and Mama, Pastor Dare’s wife and his siblings as well as the RCCG family.”
“Assured that the family will continue to draw strength from God, who remains unquestionable and all-knowing, I pray God to continue to be the source of comfort for everyone and to give them the strength to go through this period.”
“Please accept my condolences with the highest of regards.”
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has congratulated Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world, on the commencement of the 2021 Ramadan fasting.
The governor also urged Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly for the peace and development of the country during the fasting period.
He specifically asked the Almighty Allah (SWT) to show mercy on the state and Nigeria in general during this season and beyond.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa urges Muslims across the world to embrace piety as demanded of them during the Ramadan fast.
Governor Makinde also prayed the Almighty Allah (SWT) to put an end to insurgency and insecurity which he said has been ravaging the whole country in recent years.
He wished Islamic faithful a successful fasting period, while also praying to God to grant them the strength needed to sustain them throughout the Ramadan.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde had described the death of the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Prince Wasiu Adetunji Gbadegesin , as a painful blow to the state, the Ministry of Justice and especially the judiciary in the state. Governor Makinde, who described the late permanent secretary as a hardworking and efficient civil servant, who gave his best to the state, adding that his wealth of experience and expertise will be greatly missed.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that the governor equally commiserated with the family of the late Gbadegesin, staffers of the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary family in the state.
Governor Makinde prayed God to grant prince Gbadegesin Aljanah Firdaus and give his immediate family, the royal family of Oyo, civil servants in the state and members of the judiciary family in the state the fortitude to bear this loss.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has visited the burnt Agodi Gate Auto Spare Parts Market in Ibadan to assess the extent of damage done by the fire incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday 3rd April.
The governor inspected the market alongside top government functionaries, expressing shock and sadness over the loss of goods worth millions of naira.
He said that he would hold a meeting with leaders of the market to find common grounds on ways of resolving the travails of the market.
The governor also promised that his administration would come to the aid of victims of the inferno by providing palliatives within the shortest possible time.
He asked leaders of the market to start compiling the list of shop owners who were affected by the fire, adding that within the next one or two weeks, the state would make a decision on the market generally.
The President of the market traders, Mr Moruf Olanrewaju took the governor and his entourage round the market to see the level of destruction.
It would be recalled that the auto spare parts market in Agodi, Ibadan, was razed by fire in the early hours of Saturday April 3, 2021.
The maiden edition of Oyo State Junior Golf Clinic will take off in Ibadan, the capital on the 12th of April, 2021.
Special Assistant on Sports Development to Governor Seyi Makinde, Honourable Tobi Oyewumi made this known while speaking with newsmen in his office.
He described the event as a clinic and also a competition, which would introduce teenagers to the game at a younger age.
Honourable Oyewumi, who is the organiser of the Golf Clinic, assured that the tournament would discover talents among children between the ages of nine to seventeen.
“Talents to be discovered at the Golf Clinic would be given opportunities to develop themselves and become professional Golfers, that is the main goal”
He disclosed that apart from regular trainings to nurture the talents to limelight, winners in the children category would go home with mouth watering gifts which would be presented to winners in the pro category.
“This is going to be an annual tournament and it is in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s agenda to develop sports and check youth restiveness”, Honourable Oyewumi added
He maintained that Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration had been working round the clock to promote and develop sports in the state.
The office of the Special Assistant on Sports Development to Governor Seyi Makinde had last December held the first GSM Tennis Championship where talents discovered are representing Oyo State at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Edo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, as a personal loss of a good brother and a great loss to the Yoruba race.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa says Mr Odumakin’s death has created a huge vacuum in Yoruba land and Nigeria.
Governor Makinde who stated that the news of Odumakin’s passage came as a rude shock that had left him in a sad mood, commiserated with Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, wife of the late Afenifere chieftain, the Odumakin family, members of Afenifere and the entire Yoruba nation.
He described the late Afenifere spokesman as a true Yoruba son, who embodied the ethos of Omoluabi, a dogged and true fighter of the Yoruba cause and an advocate of good governance.
Governor Makinde said the values and ideals that late Odumakin fought for in his lifetime had not died with him.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commended the Peoples Democratic Party National Working Committee (NWC) for deciding to go ahead with the Southwest Zonal Congress.
The congress has been scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2021.
In a statement made available to the media, Governor Makinde praised the PDP NWC for its decision, stating that he was glad that the NWC bowed to superior reasoning regarding the congress.
Governor Makinde, however, warned the NWC against allowing divisive elements within the party to unduly influence party decisions at the national level.
The Governor said any attempt to shift the date of the PDP National Congress from April 10 is a signal to party loyalists that the hierarchy had been compromised, an action which he said would lead to dire consequences.”
Leaders at the new Akinyele Pepper Market have assured residents of Oyo state of peaceful co-existence to improve the socio-economic situation of the state.
The chairman of the market, Alhaji Usman Yakko stated this in the market during an interview with Radio Nigeria correspondent.
Alhaji Yakko who spoke through Alhaji Sulaiman Adewale regretted the Sasa crisis and noted that their relocation to Akinyele was to allow peace to reign among all the traders.
Alhaji Yakko commended Federal and state governments for their relocation as the development would not disrupt activities at the Sasa Major Pepper Market.
Some of the traders and buyers, Mrs Morufat Oladejo, Mrs Mariam Abd-rosheed, Musa Shuaib and Lawale Kotangora explained that the partial movement of some pepper sellers would aid the development of both the state and Akinyele Local Government.
They appealed to the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to fulfill its promise of reconstructing the Sasa Market adding that the amenities at the new Akinyele Pepper Market should also be put in place.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says plans by his administration to make Ibadan Airport a regional transportation hub are on course.
He made this known while receiving the Air Officer Commanding, AOC, Logistics Command, Ikeja, Air Vice Marshal Olaonipekun Makinde on a courtesy call at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The governor said his administration would improve social services and expand infrastructure at the airport to enhance the economic growth of the state.
Governor Makinde explained that his government was poised to expand the runway so that bigger aircraft could land at the airport, which according to him should be a true alternative to Lagos.
Governor Makinde appreciated the Nigerian Air Force, especially the NAF Detachment, Ibadan for its contribution to the security architecture in the state.
He congratulated Air Vice Marshal Makinde on his appointment as the AOC, Logistics Command, Lagos.
Also, he commiserated with the entire Air Force over the loss of officers and men in the air accident which occurred in Abuja recently.
Earlier, Air-Vice Marshal Makinde appreciated the governor for supporting the Air Force.
He assured the governor that NAF would continue to be committed to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.
Below is the text of a Press Release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Taiwo Adisa
PRESS RELEASE
Plan to turn Ibadan Airport to regional transportation hub intact – Makinde
…..’We’ll expand airport’s infrastructure for Oyo’s economic growth’
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said that plans by his administration to make Ibadan Airport a regional transportation hub are on course.
The governor added that his administration will improve social services and expand infrastructure at the airport to enhance the economic growth of the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, stated that the governor made this known while receiving the Air Officer Commanding, AOC, Logistics Command, Ikeja, Air Vice Marshal Olaonipekun Makinde, at the Courtesy Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The governor congratulated Air Vice Marshal Makinde on his appointment as the AOC, Logistics Command, Lagos.
He said: “We want to use this opportunity to send our greetings to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Dayo Amao. We congratulate him on his elevation and wish him well.
“Let me also commiserate with the entire Air Force on the loss of your officers and men in the air accident in Abuja. One of them actually happened to be from Oyo State and we are trying to reach out to the family to give the support required.”
Governor Makinde, who appreciated the Nigerian Air Force, especially the NAF Detachment, Ibadan, for its contribution to the security architecture in the state, said: “They have been very active, even in this trying time of security challenges. They have always been there not only in Oyo State but for the entire country. So, we are grateful for that support.”
Speaking further on the plan of the Oyo State Government for the Ibadan Airport, Governor Makinde said his administration is trying to expand the runway so that bigger aircraft could land at the airport, which, according to him, should be a true alternative to Lagos.
“We believe that the Airport in Ibadan should serve as a true alternative airport to Lagos if it has the capacity to take the 747 aircraft. So, we have a project that we are incubating right now. We are trying to expand the runway so that bigger aircraft can land in Ibadan.
“We are also looking at Ibadan as actually becoming the hub for regional air transportation. We are trying, even within the shortest possible time, to see if we can have a connection between Ibadan and Port Harcourt.
“We are talking to Air Peace and they should be starting an operational flight from Ibadan to Abuja in the next two weeks. And Ibadan to Port Harcourt should commence once we have finalised the discussion that we are having with them.
“It means that with all these activities we are bringing to the state and the Ibadan Airport, we will need more cooperation and collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.
“I discussed with the Chief of Air Staff when he visited me here. We talked about the Air Force Base here in Ibadan and our House of Representatives member, Hon. Abass Agboworin, who is the Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, is making efforts to bring some of these projects into fruition.
“One thing that we will surely want to have is more presence of the Nigerian Air Force here in Ibadan. And as a government, we are ready and willing to make that happen.
“I have asked them to look for land very close to the airport and if you go there now, you will notice that coming out of the airport, we are building a road all the way to Ife Express Road. We will pass through Ajia and come out at Ife Express Road, but you will also have a spur to your right that will also come out at Akanran.
“About three days ago, I spoke with the Governor of Ogun State and we both agreed that we can fix the 11-km road that will take one from Akanran(in Oyo State) to Ijebu-igbo, Ogun State. So, what that means is that from the airport, anyone coming from the Ijebu axis would not have to even think about going to Lagos to fly.”
He added that the government will equally assist in the upgrading the Airforce School at Iyana-offa and help in connecting the school to the national grid.
The governor equally explained that the state has been fixing the road leading to the Air Force Headquarters in Akobo, Ibadan.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Makinde appreciated the governor for supporting the Air Force, saying: “It is an honour for me this morning to be here to visit the governor and it is good to share that wonderful surname [Makinde] with you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
“I bring you greetings from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, who asked me to expressly tell you that he is most grateful to you and the good people of Oyo State for the hospitality you have continued to give to members of the Nigerian Air Force.
“I also want to thank His Excellency for having me and my team visit him at a very short notice. Let me also thank His Excellency for the visionary leadership, the huge infrastructure ongoing across the state.
“I want to thank you for the support you have been giving to military and other security agencies in the state, especially the Nigerian Air Force. This has been unprecedented.
“The Executive Governor has promised to ensure our Air Force Comprehensive School is connected to the national grid. When I visited the Unit this morning, the Commander assured me that whatever the governor says he will do, he will definitely do it. “So, I am thanking you in anticipation for that promise you have made to the Unit.”
Air Vice Marshal Makinde assured the governor that NAF will continue to be committed to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.
“NAF is ready to assist you in any way and any area that you require assistance to be able to provide the much-needed security for the people of Oyo State and this concerns all areas you might think of,” he concluded.
In an effort to find lasting solution to the growing insecurity in Ibadan, the association of Mogajis in Ibadanland has advised Governor Seyi Makinde’s to engage Mogajis and Baales to promote peaceful coexistence in their domains.
Speaking on behalf of the association in Ibadan during a news conference, secretary association of Mogajis, Dr Adeniji Adetunji expressed confidence that the current security crisis in some parts of Ibadan could be reduced with the effort of the Mogajis who are heads of various family compound.
Dr Adetunji also appealed to the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly to come up with legal framework that would increase the current membership of the local government traditional council from the current fifteen members to twenty five, to accommodate more Mogajis.
He said the traditional leaders in communities were in better position to checkmate youthful unwholesome behaviours, which government should leverage on.
He said Ibadan Mogajis’ commended Governor Makinde for setting up the state committee on security.
Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde has described the death of Professor Oluwakemi Ayoola, wife of the late Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in the state, Kehinde Ayoola as sad and painful. In a statement he personally signed,Governor Makinde said Mrs. Ayoola’s death came as a rude shock, stating that the exit of the academia is a great loss to the state.
The statement indicates that the death of Professor Ayoola, a teacher at the Obafemi Awolowo University’s Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, Ibadan, came months after her husband and immediate past Commissioner for Environment, passed on. The governor, who commiserated with the Ayoola family of Apaara Quarters, Oyo town, especially the two children of the late professor, prayed God to grant repose to the souls of the couple. He said: “I received the news of the death of Professor Oluwakemi Ayoola, wife of my friend and brother, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, who died in active service to the state, and I must say that it is painful and sad. “The death of Mrs. Ayoola is particularly painful because it happened at this time when her two sons and the entire family need her the most as a bulwark and support following the death of her husband. “Her death is equally a loss to the state, because she has risen to the peak of her career as a professor and her wealth of experience would have benefited the state immensely. “While commiserating with the family, I also pray to God to grant repose to the soul of Professor Ayoola and her husband, Rt. Hon. Ayoola.” PR/Iyabo Adebisi
Oyo State government has expressed its determination to focus on building infrastructures across public schools in the state and renovate dilapidated structures.
Governor Seyi Makinde stated this during a symbolic presentation of free exercise books to students of selected secondary schools in the state.
He urged stakeholders in the education sector to shun politics and complement government’s effort at ensuring a secured and guaranteed future for students in the state.
Governor Makinde noted that a portion of the school grant has been signed off for payment for effective running of public schools in the state with a promise that government would not relent in providing necessary funding to the state’s education sector.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the gesture was part of the government’s free education policy noting that about 2.7 million exercise books would be freely distributed across schools.
Residents of Stadium area of Ogbomoso in Oyo State were dazed by the influx of people who struggled to catch a glimpse of a petty farmer who gave birth to a set of quintuplets in a small maternity centre located in the area.
The Quintuplets
The people were there to confirm the news of the multiple births for themselves.
Mother of the children
Adedayo Adelowo has rest of the story.
The entire Stadium area in Ogbomoso was agog as hundreds of people walked shoulder to shoulder to gain entry to the maternity house.
The atmosphere at the maternity centre at that point was more of a picnic and donation centre rather than a health centre.
The newborns, four girls and one boy were kept in a room while the mother was in another room receiving treatment as prayers were said by the crowd. Funmilayo Oluwadara, a petty farmer, mother of the five children, is yet to comprehend what has happened to her.
Concerned with how to take care of the children, Mrs Oluwadara explained that the family actually made preparations to recieve triplets in line with ultrasound results, saying taking care of five newborns was an enormous task for a family who was struggling to make ends meet.
Father of the Quintuplets, Idowu Oluwadara
The dazed husband, Idowu Oluwadara woke on the morning of 4th of March, 2021 a father of five but who suddenly became the father of ten pleaded with the government at all levels and other well meaning Nigerians to come to their aid in bringing up the children.
Medical Director of the maternity centre, Sikirula Afolabi said the birth was natural, saying after the delivery of the third born as presented by the ultrasound, he noticed that the procedure was not done and thereafter brought out the fourth child, a girl and the fifth who is a boy.
Some of the sympathise who spoke to Radio Nigeria appealed to the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Umar Farouq to assist the family.
Radio Nigeria reports that the newborns have been exposed to an unhygienic atmosphere as people who trouped into the clinic had the opportunity to touch the babies.
Rural women in Oyo state as well as victims of Shasha market crises have been given cash grant and relief materials to boost their business and social life.
The event which was flagged-off at the Western Building, State Secretariat, in Ibadan witnessed a large turnout of physically challenged, persons with special needs, people living with disabilities and the poorest of the poor rural women.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Rural Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq said 5,280 people are targeted in Oyo State while 150,000 people would benefit from the scheme.
The minister who said 992,715,000 million naira had been disbursed to Oyo State in the Social Investment and Social Inclusion Programme of President Muhammadu Buhari said the cash grant was initiated last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in her address of welcome, Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni said the Oyo state government had been supportive of various Social Investment Programs designed to alleviate poverty and suffering of the poor of the poorest in the state.
Alhaja Sanni who commended the minister for making Oyo State a true pacesetting state through the launch of the programme, said the state being the political headquarters of the old Western region had played host to a number of first institutions in the country.
Alhaja Faosat noted that efforts of President Buhari to prevent the poor of the poorest from become more vulnerable were being noted and appreciated.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, said it is the responsibility of the government to provide for the welfare and ensure the security of the people, stressing that the ability of government to fulfill the responsibility largely depends on the resources at the disposal of the state.
Governor Makinde said his administration had taken proactive steps to provide succour to women and other vulnerable groups in the state by enacting Violence against Persons Law, empowering women through capacity building, discouraging violence against women in public and private life through the reduction of female genital mutilation and encouraging increased involvement of women in politics.
Farmers in Oyo State have been assured that all measures are in place to secure their lives as the State government would not allow individuals masquerading as herders to halt the pace of development in the agricultural sector of the State economy.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle, gave this assurance while addressing farmers from Ijaye Farm Settlement, at the Ministry’s conference room after a peaceful demonstration conducted within the State secretariat complex by the aggrieved farmers.
The farmers have protested the destruction of their farms by cattle herders which has led to loss of their investments in the farms within the Ijaye Farm Settlement.
The Commissioner noted that the Engr. Seyi Makinde-led administration is a government of the masses which holds farmers in high esteem, urging farmers to bear in mind that economic expansion through agriculture and its value chain is one of the four point service agenda of the administration.
Hon Ojekunle said the government understood the plights of the farmers and would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that farmers enjoy the fruits of their labour and secure their lives as well.
Earlier, the Chairman, Ijaye Farm Settlement Farmers’ Association, Dr. Tunde Tairu while stating their grievances, said that herdsmen and their cattle have invaded their farmland and have turned farmers to slaves on government land for which they paid rent yearly.
Tairu said further that the herdsmen could not be challenged because they were armed with sophisticated weapons and farmers were being threatened with guns anytime they challenge the herders.
“In fact two days ago, one of our farmers that challenged them on his own farm got his left arm amputated right in our presence,” Tairu added.
He noted that Fulanis have been terrorizing farmers for a long time but the situation has become precarious, as the herders have continued to rape and kidnap their family and community members.
The protesters requested for massive presence of security personnel on their farmland and also appealed to the government to create an office for Amotekun officials in the community, with the belief that it would scare criminals among the herders away.
Members of Ijaye Farm Settlement Farmers Association thereafter expressed gratitude to the State government for the privilege given them to express their grievances without prejudice, while also commending the Commissioner for the native intelligence he employed in handling the situation, noting that no government has ever given them such listening ears and opportunity for dialogue.
They pleaded with the Commissioner to ensure that action is taken and promises made by the government are fulfilled in earnest.
The peace meeting also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Bolatumi Oloko, Director of Crops and Farm Settlement, Mr. Opawusi, Director Animal Husbandry, Mr. Odedele and other members of the management team.
Signed:
Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),
Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan.
…pledges infrastructure upgrade for NYSC Orientation Camp in Oyo
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has asked the Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to reform the scheme to bring it in line with modern realities.
The governor, who gave the charge while receiving the Governing Board led by its Chairman, Ambassador Fatimah Bala Abubakar, at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, equally urged the members of the NYSC Governing Board to make the scheme more relevant to National realities.
He also pledged to continue to provide infrastructure uplift for the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Iseyin, Oyo State.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Makinde said that his administration would continue to provide facilities that would make operations at the permanent orientation camp conducive.
He also urged the members of the NYSC governing board to introduce more initiatives to modernize the scheme and make it remain relevant with modern realities.
He said: “We believe so much in the NYSC programme. I never had the opportunity to go outside of this region until I went for my NYSC in 1990. The programme has brought a lot of people together and it has helped in fostering national unity.
“There should have been a lot of modifications to the programme. So, I will encourage the National Board to look at those things we can modernise so that the programme will remain relevant to our situation right now as opposed to when it was founded in 1973.
“I am aware of all of the things listed here as challenges because I have had the opportunity to meet with the NYSC state coordinator and she has made some requests. We are looking at them. We could not do some last year because it was obviously a tough year for everybody in this country and for the whole world.
“We hope to support NYSC in Oyo State, despite the pandemic and other challenges the state is being faced with and we will support them with some of their requests this year.”
Makinde noted further that the NYSC scheme had continued to be a source of personnel for the state, especially from the health and medical sector.
“I must add quickly that NYSC in Oyo State has been a source of personnel for the state, especially from the health and medical sector. They have played vital roles for us. So, we want to support them and ensure that all the protocols and requirements imposed on all of us by COVID-19, they are able to meet up and adjust their facilities accordingly,” he said.
The governor added that he had directed the Commissioner for Finance to factor the NYSC into the state’s COVID-19 support funds, adding that his administration would continue to improve the standards of the NYSC in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman Governing Board of NYSC, Ambassador Fatimah Bala Abubakar, said that the team was on visit to inspect the State’s NYSC permanent orientation Camp.
She appreciated the state government’s numerous interventions in improving the situation of the Camp, saying that the increment of Corps members allowance from N4,000 to N5,000 was a welcome development.
She equally commended Governor Makinde for approving the construction of additional Hostel accommodation in the camp.
She also thanked the governor for approving the purchase of additional bunk beds and mattresses for use of corps members in the NYSC camp.
She, therefore, appealed to the government to assist in upgrading other facilities at the permanent as well as the office accommodation being used as the state secretariat of the NYSC.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated a steering committee for COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme for Result (CARES) to provide necessary intervention and support for the people in the state.
The CARES initiative is a World Bank programme across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The 9- man steering committee to be headed by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo was inaugurated at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan,
Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde said the focus of the World Bank assisted project was basically to mitigate the damages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic with the aim of caring for the poor and vulnerable, guarantee food security and support MSMEs.
While reeling out several interventions of his administration to cushion the effect of Covid-19 and sharing of palliatives, the governor noted that the CARES programme was not for mere money sharing but to ensure measurable results was achieved.
Earlier, the chairman of the steering committee and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo explained that the World Bank facilitated programme Nigeria CARES (NCARES) had earmarked 750 million dollars for a two-year financial support to states.
Mr Ojo pledged that Oyo State would access maximum grant from the programme in line with the current administration’s vision of moving the people from poverty to prosperity.
Also the state coordinator of the programme, Mr Kikelomo Adegoke assured that the state on its part would ensure a thorough implementation of the programme in accordance with its mandate.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the security situation in the state, declaring that his administration remains resolute about fighting bandits, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers.
Governor Makinde, who addressed State House Correspondents in Abuja, said the real enemies of the state are the criminal elements.
He equally sought for greater synergy between the state and the federal security agencies, noting that collaborations are required for the state’s security plans to work effectively.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Goveror Makinde told the newsmen that he was in Abuja to brief the President on the security situation in Oyo State.
The governor said: “I came to brief the President on the security situation in Oyo State. There has been a lot of fake news all around and I wanted to be sure that the President clearly has first-hand information from me, which I did.”
“We also exchanged ideas about what we need to do better; some of the programmes we have put in place to ensure that this security issue is tackled. So, that’s basically why I came here.”
“The issue that I discussed with Mr. President is the fact that Oyo State landmass is quite big. Oyo State is close to 29,000 square kilometres. And the state right now only has two Mobile Police Squadrons.”
“So, I requested for more Mobile Police Squadrons to be deployed to Oyo State and also asked for support for the joint security outfit because the underlying issue here also has to do with limited opportunities.”
“The tension will definitely go down if a lot of our youths are gainfully employed. So, I briefed the President on what we are doing in that regard.”.
“We have a history of living together peacefully among all the ethnic groups that are present in Oyo State. For instance, what triggered all of these was that Dr Aborode was brutally murdered; that is criminal. But on the other hand, the Seriki, Alhaji Kabir, has been staying in that same place for 40 years.”
“So, quite frankly, the people we are after are criminals – they are the bandits, hoodlums, armed robbers, kidnappers. Those are the true enemies of the state and those are the people we will go after.”
“The constitution of Nigeria guarantees that you can live in any part of Nigeria. You just have to be law-abiding and obey the local laws in such areas. That is what we are pushing and will continue to push as a government.”
Signed Taiwo Adisa Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde January 27, 2021.
Residents of Adogba Area, Iwo Road, Ibadan have commended Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise to rebuild the demolished Adogba Mosque and the Arabic School in the area.
They stated this while speaking with newsmen who went on an inspection tour of the New mosque and the Madraasat Islamic School which is under construction.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdulrasheed AbdulAzeez indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde had last year promised to rebuild the mosque and the Arabic school, when the old structure gave way for the construction of Bus Terminals in Iwo Road.
The governor also kickstarted the construction of the new mosque with a donation of 10 million naira from his own pocket.
The Imam of Adogba Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ustas Muhammad-l-Awwal lauded the governor for fulfilling the promise and prayed God to crown his efforts with success.
Other residents of the area who appreciated the governor for redeeming his pledge urged the people to team up and support him in making the state better for all.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdulAzeez described the gesture of the governor as unique and very commendable.
He gave an assurance of speedy completion of the the mosque and the Arabic school project and urged the people to continue to support the governor with their prayers.
Alhaji AbdulAzeez described the governor as a leader who has the fear of God at heart and understood the concept of justice and would always be fair to all regardless of religious affiliation.
He also stressed that the governor’s policies had no religious colouration.
The Special Assistant who urged the people to cooperate and be patient with the governor on his quest to deliver more dividends of democracy across the state, admonished them to embrace peaceful coexistence to move the state forward.
In another development, the League of Imams and Alfas in Oke Ogun axis of the state have lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for the high leadership prowess exhibited in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and stopping its further spread across the state.
The chairman League of Imams and Alfas in Oke-Ogun, Sheikh Ahmad Adedigba gave the commendation during the visit of the governor to Oke Ogun and other parts of the state recently.
Sheikh Adedigba who is also the Chief Imam of Tede also commended the governor for his gesture and robust relationship with Muslims in the state, just as they assured him of their support in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdulAzeez has commenced visits to Islamic organisations in the state with a view of ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the development of the state through sound religious activities.
He urged them to consciously promote peaceful co-existence among various religious adherents in the state.
The organisations visited included Ibadan Muslim Community, Hajj Camp Olodo of Oyo State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yusrullaah Association of Nigeria, Irorun Oluwa Loni Alasalatu and Quareeb Family.
Others are Alhamdulilah Islamic Society, Annual Ijtimah of Jamaatu Tableegh at Aba Dada in Ido local government, Ansarud deen Society of Ibadan Central , Ojoo Central Mosque, Elemu, Ibadan and Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas.
In a bid to restore lasting peace to troubled areas, Oyo State government has come up with a security strategy including deployment of additional Operatives of the Amotekun Corps to the affected zone.
Governor Seyi Makinde on his official Facebook page stated that government has resolved to redeploy 200 members of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed “Amotekun” to kidnapping/banditry hotspots in the state, especially in the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones.
According to Governor Makinde, the operatives would launch missions to rid the forests of criminals and present daily reports of the activities him in the short run and periodic reports in the long run.
He said government would continue dialogue with communities pointing out that town hall meetings would be held within few weeks to bring together residents and security agencies to talk about any issues of immediate concern and resolve them through dialogue and more effective community policing.
The governor equally said his government would continue to enforce the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
He added that his administration would proceed with the documentation of foreigners, especially those who are working in mines at ensuring that only foreigners who have legitimate interests in Oyo State remained within the territory.
Governor Makinde thanked residents of Oyo State who complied with the directive to remain peaceful, and call on all residents to stay vigilant and always contact the security agencies empowered by law to deal with security issues.
“Collaboration with Federal Security Agencies”
Our administration will continue to support the police and other federal security agencies posted to the state in the discharge of their duties”.
“We are aware that some farmers have been killed and/or lost their livelihoods to criminal trespass and damage by pastoralists. And so, the State Executive Council is considering the possibility of compensation payments to families of victims or victims of this criminality who can prove their claims”.
“We have started the process of prosecuting all suspects arrested for criminal activities in Ibarapa and the Oke-Ogun zones of the state in connection with the ongoing tensions in the area”.
