Legislature

State Assemblies Partner FIRS on Tax Reform

By Web News 172

By Mosope Kehinde 

In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s fiscal framework, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, led a delegation on a working visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between the FIRS and state legislatures to improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and align tax reforms with state-level fiscal policies. 

The discussions also emphasized the need for a unified approach to tax administration to drive economic growth, accountability, and efficient service delivery across Nigeria.

“Today in Abuja, I had the honor of leading a delegation of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria on a working visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zaccheus Adelabu Adedeji. Our discussion centered on fostering a stronger synergy between the FIRS and State Houses of Assembly in enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) across the country.

“As Speakers of State Legislatures, we remain committed to advocating for effective financial frameworks that strengthen governance and uplift our States.”

Mr Ogundoyin commended Dr Adedeji for his leadership in implementing comprehensive tax reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes and expanding the taxpayer base without introducing new taxes or increasing existing rates. 

He highlighted the importance of these reforms in creating a more transparent and efficient tax system that benefits all tiers of government

“I personally, and on behalf of the Conference, commend Dr. Adedeji for his forward-thinking leadership and express our deep appreciation for his support towards the legislative reforms and initiatives we are advancing under my chairmanship.”

Responding, Dr Adedeji reiterated the FIRS’s commitment to partnering with state assemblies to achieve shared economic objectives. 

He emphasized that the ongoing tax reforms are designed to reduce the number of taxes paid by Nigerians, streamline tax collection, and enhance compliance through the adoption of technology-driven solutions.

Politics

Speakers Forum Condemns Alleged External Interference In Rivers, Lagos Assemblies

By Web News 219

By Mosope Kehinde

Nigeria’s Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures has condemned what it alleged as external interferences in the Rivers and Lagos State Houses of Assembly crises, emphasizing the importance of respecting legislative independence.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of the Conference held in Abuja.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin.

The Conference specifically highlighted the need for adherence to constitutional provisions and enabling laws in the removal of presiding officers, rather than external interference.

In the case of Rivers State, the Conference acknowledged court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Mr Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and called for recognition and engagement with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress.

“The Conference notes the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. We call on the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders to recognize and engage with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress. Respect for judicial decisions and institutional harmony is essential for effective governance.”

Similarly, in Lagos State, the Conference condemned external interference in the House of Assembly’s affairs, stressing that such actions undermine legislative independence.

“The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers but insists that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws. We condemn external interference in the Lagos State House of Assembly’s affairs, as it undermines legislative independence. All stakeholders are urged to respect the Assembly’s autonomy and ensure internal matters are resolved without external coercion.”

On economic matters, the speakers commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for pushing forward critical tax reform bills currently being reviewed by the National Assembly.

While acknowledging concerns raised by citizens, the Conference expressed optimism that the reforms would strengthen fiscal federalism and grant states greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration.

“If enacted, these reforms are expected to boost infrastructure development and enhance public services across the federation,” the communique reads partly.”

The Conference, however, reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening democracy and upholding legislative independence, while ensuring that good governance thrives across the 36 states of Nigeria.

The communiqué was signed on behalf of the body by the leadership of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.

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Entertainment

Oyo Speaker Graces Davido’s Wedding

By Web News 513

By Mosope Kehinde

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin was among high-profile guests and personalities who attended the wedding of the Nigerian Music star, David Adeleke popularly called Davido and his wife, Chioma Rowland in Lagos.

Other notable figures in attendance included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja the First, and businessman Obi Cubana among other notable guests.

The Speaker attended the society wedding alongside his amiable wife, Olamidun Ogundoyin

Mr. Ogundoyin expressed his joy at witnessing the union of the couple, stating that their love is a beautiful thing to behold.

“What a joy to witness the union of two amazing souls, David Adeleke (Davido) and Chioma Rowland (Chef Chioma) @ CHIVIDO24. That was an incredible celebration and an unforgettable experience.”

He also congratulated the newly-wed, wishing them a lifetime of happiness, togetherness, and joy.

“Wishing the lovely couple a lifetime of love, happiness, and togetherness. May your bond continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations once again, Davido and Chioma! #CHIVIDO24 #WeddingBlessings #LoveWins”

Politics

Oyo Assembly Passes 2022 Appropriation Bill Of #294.7 Into Law

By Web News 684

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the sum of #294.7 as the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law.

This followed the third reading of the Oyo State Appropriation and Finance Bill 2020 at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin.

According to the reports presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Akeem Mustapha, the sum of #139.5 (one hundred and thirty-nine point five billon naira was approved for recurrent expenditure while #155.1 (one hundred and fifty-five point one billion naira was approved for capital expenditure.

The state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde had on 29 September, 2021 presented a budget of N294.5 billion to the State House of Assembly for the 2022 fiscal year, indicating that the budget passed by the House of Assembly was jacked up by over #188 million naira.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin said the lawmakers made frantic effort at ensuring that the budget review was done in line with the reality of the state revenue base.

Mr Ogundoyin assured members of the public that the state’s legislative arm of government should be held responsible should the budget is not used for what it is supposed, which is for the growth and development of the state.

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

OYHA Confirms Appointment Of Justice Mashud Abass As Appeal Court President

By Web News 1280

The Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, has confirmed Justice Mashud Abass of the Oyo State High Court as the new President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

The confirmation followed a letter forwarded by the state’s governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and read by the Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin during the plenary.

Justice Mashud Abass will replace Justice Aderonke Aderemi who is retiring from the active service.

The nomination of Justice Abass was sequel to his recommendation to the National Judicial Council, NJC, by the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission according to the governor.

The letter reads, “Consequent upon the request, the National Judicial Council has recommended Honourable Justice Moshood Akintunde Akinfemi Abass as the new President of Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal. It is in view of this, that I am requesting the Speaker and other lawmakers to kindly deliberate and confirm his appointment as requested.”

Shortly after his confirmation, Justice Abass thanked the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, and the entire lawmakers for the opportunity. 

He assured to give his best in the discharge of his duties when eventually sworn-in.

Justice Abass, who was born over 60 years ago, was appointed as a judge of the state High Court in 2001 after he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983.

He has attended several workshops and seminars within and outside the country. He is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

[UPDATED]Oyo Governor Presents 2022 Budget, Tags It Budget of Growth, Opportunity

By Web News 699

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has presented the 2022 budget proposal before the state House of Assembly, tagging it budget of growth and opportunity.

Addressing the House, the Governor used the opportunity to give account of stewardship in accordance with his campaign promises and the 2021 budget performance.

Our correspondent reports that Governor Makinde presented budget of 294-billion naira for the year 2022.

While reacting, Speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin said with the early budget presentation, the House is surely going to have enough time to scrutinize and consider it.

The speaker added that the early budget presentation would help Oyo State to keep to the January to December budget circle.

Presenting the 2022 budget tagged: Budget of growth and opportunities” Governor Makinde said the capital expenditure would gulp over #156bn while 138.5 has been earmarked as the recurrent expenditure representing 52.7% and 47.3% of the budget. 

According to Governor Makinde, education sector in line with UNESCO standard takes 18.3% of the budget followed by health with 5.9% which agriculture an alternative means to create wealth in Oyo state received 3.8% of the total budget.

While Infrastucture takes the largest share of over #75 billion which represents 21.19 percent of the total budget

Governor Makinde explained that Infrastructure which takes the highest allocation  was to ensuring that  people have higher purchasing power pointing out that a major project which would be carrying out in 2022 is 110km Ibadan Circular Road. 

Kehinde/Adebisi

Politics

Ibarapa PDP Caucus Hails Makinde For Good Governance

By Web News 614

The caucus of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP in Ibarapa Zone has passed a vote of confidence on the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde on his mission to raise the bar of good governance in the state.

The PDP Caucus also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for the laudable projects he approved for Ibarapa Zone.

They particularly commended the governor for approving the total reconstruction of Omi-Adio/Ido/Eruwa Road, Eruwa Farm Settlement, replacement of old water pipes to boost water supply in the zone among others. 

The vote of confidence was moved at the zonal meeting of the PDP held in Eruwa by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin.

Moving the Vote of Confidence, the speaker said Governor Makinde has justified the trust reposed in him by the people of the state who overwhelmingly voted for him in 2019.

Mr. Ogundoyin stated that the governor has promised that no zone will be left behind in his design to ensure all round development of the state.

In his remarks, Mr. Peter Ojedokun (Ibarapa Central/North) commended the governor for placing priority on people-oriented programmes and projects.

Other attendees at the meeting include former Oyo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi, Mr. Ojoawo (Member Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission), Chairman Ibarapa East LG, Mr. Gbenga Obalowo, Chairman Ibarapa North LG, Mr. Lawal Lateef, Chairman Ibarapa Central LG, Mr. Adedoyin Adeoye, Former Oyo Assembly member, Mr. Akingbade, Mr. Gabriel Olayiwola (PDP Leader) and Mr. Biodun Labiyi (PDP Leader). Mosope Kehinde

Politics

Oyo Speaker Presents Bursary to 100 Ibarapa East Indigenes

By Web News 633

The speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin has presented cash to another set of one hundred students drawn from Ibarapa East State Constituency.

The event held at Eruwa Town Hall, Eruwa, was the second bursary award program by the speaker this year. 

Each of the one hundred students who are currently attending various higher institutions of learning received ten thousand naira cash at the ceremony.

The speaker said the bursary award was part of his Education Support Initiative aimed at boosting the morale of youth in his constituency especially in terms of their educational pursuits. 

“Education is no doubt the bedrock of socio-economic development of a nation. It is critical and pivotal, hence all hands must be on deck to encourage our students to give their study all the attention it deserves. I am happy that we are supporting another one hundred students of Ibarapa East descent with cash. We were here in June this year to flag-off the Bursary program and now the second set is benefiting. We promised to make it a quarterly affair and to God be the glory.”

“This is another testimony that we are fulfilling our election campaign promises. I want to assure that the last set of one hundred students for the last quarter of the year will be attended to in December this year.  May God continue to support our party and its lofty agenda for the people of Oyo State”, Mr. Ogundoyin prayed.

He urged the students to shun all vices capable of bringing the name of their families and their communities into disrepute.

“As youth, we are the future hope of any nation. No nation can neglect its youthful population. But I must warn us to avoid drug and substance abuse, cultism, sexual abuse, examination malpractices, internet fraud, kidnapping and armed robbery as these are ungodly activities which could lead anyone to the path of doom” He added.

In his remarks during the event, the Chairman, Water Corporation of Oyo State, Dr. Adebayo Adepoju urged the students to strive to reach the pinnacle of their educational careers.

It will be recalled that the speaker was in Lanlate a fortnight ago where he presented deep freezers and generators to constituents in the area as a way of boosting their socio-economic activities. 

Another fourteen people had earlier received motorcycles while thirty people got twenty-five thousand naira each to support their businesses.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

OYHA Passes SMSEs Funding Bill Into Law

By Web News 859

Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, has passed the State Enterprise and Employment Trust Fund Bill into law.

The bill sponsored by the lawmaker representing Afijio State constituency, Mr. Seyi Adisa, was passed into law after scaling through the third reading.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria Correspondent shortly after the passage of the bill, Mr. Adisa said the law was aimed at providing training for youths and residents of Oyo State for them to become fit for employment opportunities.

He said the law would also help Small and Medium Scale Enterprises get funding and support for their businesses.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin commended the sponsor of the bill and said it would be transmitted immediately to the governor for executive assent.

Mosope Kehinde

Environment

Open Defecation: Homeowners Face 3 Months Jail, 50,000 Naira Fine

By Web News 656

Any house owner who fails to comply with the provision of open defecation law in Oyo State is liable on conviction to three months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 or both.

This followed the passage of the law by the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, at its plenary presided over by the speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin.

The bill also makes it an offense for anyone to defecate in the open or deposit faeces indiscriminately in the state while anyone caught and prosecuted is liable to a fine of N5000 or an option of non-custodial punishment of one week.

Speaking shortly after the passage of the Oyo State Open Defecation Prohibition Bill into law, Mr. Ogundoyin described open defecation as an uncivilized practice which must stop in communities of the state.

He expressed joy that the bill was passed, which he said makes it eighty bills that have been passed by the house within the space of two years.

“This is a new development in our dear state.  The idea of our people throwing their faeces about must stop. This habit spreads some diseases and it is unhealthy hence the new law is meant to discourage this harmful practice. Our companies and associations need to also assist in erecting and providing toilets in public places”. Mr. Ogundoyin counseled

“With the passage of the bill, it is now compulsory for house owners and companies to make provision for toilets facilities”.

The speaker said the passage of the bill into law is in conformity with the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari while signing executive order 009 titled “the open defecation free by 2025 and other related matters order.

Mosope Kehinde

News

OYHA Approves 50 Billion Naira Supplementary Budget

By Web News 602

Following the resolution of the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, for its adhoc committee to consider the 2021 State Supplementary Appropriation Bill, the house has unanimously passed the bill into law.

The Assembly passed the supplementary budget of fifty billion naira after presentation of report by the chairman, adhoc Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Akeem Mustapha and a clause by clause deliberation on the bill. 

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the plenary presided over by the speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, chairman of the adhoc committee, Mr. Mustapha said the budget was for infrastructural development of the state. 

Meanwhile, the House had earlier screened and subsequently approved the appointment of Mr. David Okedeji as the chairman, Oyo State Audit Service Commission. 

Mr. Okedeji who hailed from Oyo Town thanked Governor Makinde for the appointment and promised to discharge his duties for the development of the state. 

Mr. Okedeji said the establishment of the Oyo State Audit Service Commission was long overdue considering its importance to the smooth running of governance.

Mosope Kehinde

Lifestyle

Oyo Assembly Advocates Aggressive Campaign On Discrimination Against Albinism

By Web News 1040 Post a comment

Oyo State House of Assembly has stressed the need for more sensitization against the discrimination of the People with Albinism.

The call followed a motion presented before the house by the lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North state constituency, Mrs. Olawumi Oladeji.

Mrs Oladeji, while presenting the motion, disclosed that the genetic formation and impaired vision of people with albinism are major stigmas putting them in a disadvantage position to have access to proper health care.

The lawmaker said Oyo State is the second highest of the states discriminating against People with Albinism with 26 percent, following Plateau State which is maintaining the first with 34 percent.

While calling on the state government to extend the application of Oyo State Person Living with Disability Law, 2017 and other relevant international treaties to cover People with Albinism, Mrs. Oladeji prayed that People with Albinism should always be considered whenever there is opportunity for employment in any government establishments.

The lawmaker also emphasized on public enlightenment programmes through primary healthcare centers for parents with albino children.

While passing the resolution on the motion, the Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, urged the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and National Orientation Agency (NOA) to begin sensitization campaign against discrimination of People with Albinism especially in the rural communities.

Mosope Kehinde

Health

Oyo Speaker Advocates More Punitive Measures To Curb Drug Abuse

By Web News 573

Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin has described effective control of illicit drugs as a huge step towards ending kidnapping, banditry and other insecurity challenges facing the country.

Mr. Ogundoyin who spoke as a key note speaker at the symposium to mark the 2021 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking lamented the continuous rise of drug abuse among youths, 

He said the menace has become a serious public health concerns in the country.

According to him, lot of crimes committed by the youths and older offenders were committed under the influence of hard drugs. 

He charged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to advance sophistication in the war against hard drugs and trafficking of harmful substances like Opioid, Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin, Codeine, Tramadol, Blue Pills, Amphetamine, Colorado (also known as Black Mamba, Amsterdam, Gold, Devil’s Weeds, Mary Joy, Tai High,Legal High), 

Mr. Ogundoyin called on all stakeholders in government, individuals, parents, religious bodies, community leaders, NGOs and corporate organizations to support the fight against drug abuse and trafficking of illicit substances.

“Unfortunately, females are not left out of this menace. Thus, Implementation of more punitive measures to discourage this habit may be necessary at this stage. 

Mosope Kehinde