Economy

Makinde Puts Smile on Pensioner’s Faces

By Web News 437

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved a Christmas bonus of N10,000 for every pensioner in the state. 

The governor, who approved the bonus said the action was taken to assist retired workers, who served the state meritoriously, to have a good Yuletide.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the bonus, tagged Christmas Turkey Bonus, is coming days after the government paid December 2022 salary to the workers and pensions.

The government had also approved the payment of 13th month’s salary, which Governor Makinde said would be paid on or before December 31 2022.

The statement read: “His Excellency has approved the payment of N10,000 to all pensioners in the state as a Christmas Turkey bonus. “It is a flat rate for all pensioners.

“The bonus is coming days after the state government paid the December 2022 salaries to workers and pensioners. The governor had equally approved the payment of 13th month’s salary, which is expected to be paid on or before December  31, 2022.

“His Excellency wishes that all retirees will enjoy a Merry Christmas.

“The bonus is a token of His Excellency’s appreciation and assistance to our aged and retired citizens, who had served the state meritoriously for decades.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Lifestyle

Ibarapaland, Oyo state government would miss Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi – Makinde

By Web News 734

Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde described the death of the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi Aribiyan II, as another sad loss to the state.

He commiserated with the family of the late Oba and the people of Igangan on the death of Oba Adewuyi, who he said loved his community and worked hard to bring peace and development to the domain.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa says governor Makinde commiserated with the immediate family of the traditional ruler, the entire people of Igangan, the people of Ibarapaland and the traditional institution in the zone and Oyo State.

According to the governor, the entire people of Ibarapaland and, indeed, the Oyo State government, would miss the late royal father, whom he said collaborated with his government to restore peace to Igangan.

The governor said: “I received the news of the passing of the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi, who joined the pantheon of the gods today.

“Oba Adewuyi’s demise is another sad loss among the ranks of our royal fathers. I express heart-felt condolences to his family, the people of Igangan and the traditional council in Ibarapa and Oyo State.

“Kabiyesi will be remembered for his love for his community and his readiness to cooperate with the state government to restore peace to Igangan, which has been yielding positive results.

“May Allah forgive his sins and grant repose to Oba Adewuyi’s soul.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

Oyo Govt. Reiterates Commitment to Training of Its Workforce

By Web News 813

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has urged the civil/public servants in the state to be committed to their work and sustain ethics of the service.

The governor, who was speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said that his administration has trained over 9,000 civil/public servants to enhance service delivery.

A statement by the Chief Press to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa says the present administration will continue to train and retrain the state’s workforce in order to enhance its performance for high productivity.

The statement indicates that Makinde gave the charge while speaking at the training workshop organised by the ministry of establishments and training for civil/public servants, held at the Ibadan Business School, old Bodija, Ibadan.

He said: “When I took over the mantle of leadership on May 29th 2019, I assured the good people of Oyo State that I will bring governance to the doorstep of all and sundry. One of the ways in achieving this is through the State Civil Service, which is in charge of the implementation of policies for the State Government.

“In effect, over 9,000 Public/Civil Servants have been trained to date in various fields since the inception of this administration in May, 2019. Today again, I am sure, is another milestone in the training packages of the Ministry of Establishments and Training. As I was told, the training modules at this occasion cover Effective Time Management, Emotional Intelligence and Effective Customer Service in the Public Sector.

“Also, we shall ensure the continuous payment of monthly pension to the retired workers the same time those in active service receive their salaries. It is a commitment we have pledged to fulfil. By God’s grace we shall not fail.

“In reciprocating this gesture from government, therefore, I enjoin you all to be committed to your work, sustain the ethics of the State Public/Civil Service and put in your best towards ensuring the development and growth of our dear State.”

Earlier, Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Alhaji Ayansiju Lawal, said that a total number of 195 staff were drawn from all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to train them on Effective Time Management, Emotional Intelligence and Effective Customer Service in the Public/Civil Sector.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Don’t deny government your land – Governor Makinde

By Web News 679

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde wants indigenes of the state to stop protesting the takeover of land for developmental purposes saying the government will always pay compensation for any land acquired.

The governor, while speaking at the 1st year remembrance of Late Chief Theophilus Akinyele, held at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ajia, Ibadan, said the indigenes needed to emulate Pa Akinyele, whom he said donated his own land for use of the state.

He told the congregation that he was ready to do everything within his power to develop Ajia Village into a city in line with the dream of Pa Akinyele.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes the governor as declaring that he would name the Information Communication Technology Institution to be cited in Ajia after Pa Theophilus Akinyele. 

He also revealed that the state has received a commitment from the Nigerian Air Force to set up a base in Ajia, noting that it would fast track the development of the village.

The statement appealed to those who have been protesting government acquisition of lands for the public good to stop so as not to be a clog to the wheel of progress.

He said: “I want to say that Ajia will be the host of an Information Communication Technology Institute, and it will be named Chief Theophilus Akinyele ICT Institute, Ajia to honour the memory of Baba”.

“Very soon, in another three to four months, you will be able to go to the Airport from here. So, indeed, Ajia is on the rise.

Earlier, while delivering a sermon at the church service, the Diocesan Bishop of Ibadan North and Archbishop Ibadan Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, admonished the congregation to always live their lives with the fear of God.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Eid-Ul-Maulud: Gov. Makinde Celebrates Muslims

By Web News 1200

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Maulud celebration, advising that the unity of purpose, virtues of kindness, humility, and peaceful co-existence exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) be emulated.

The governor explained that on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Maulud, which is observed annually by Muslims all over the world to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad.(SAW), Muslims must reflect on the life of selflessness and piety, which the Holy Prophet lived.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes him as saying that “peaceful co-existence is part of Islamic ethics taught by the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). As a leader in Medinah, he did not only live peacefully with others but was just to them irrespective of different tribal and religious affiliations.

“One of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is good neighbourliness, as neighbours remained the closest allies, and being kind to them would bring about harmonious living.”

The governor, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of the Holy Prophet’s birthday, also explained that the virtues of service and exemplary leadership as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed (SAW) should be imbibed by all mankind.

He commended the Muslim community in Oyo State for their continued support, peaceful co-existence, tolerance and support for his government, even as he urged them to use the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s birth to reflect on the essential lessons of his life.

He also urged them to pray for the continued wellbeing of Oyo State and the nation in general.

Iyabo Adebisi

Judiciary

We Will Continue To Prioritise Welfare Of Judiciary- Makinde

By Web News 798

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has swore-in four judges of the Oyo State High Court of Justice, saying that the process of their appointments was based on merit.

The governor, while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-appointed Judges of the High Court of Justice of Oyo State and the Customary Court of Appeal of Oyo State, held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, urged them to contribute immensely to the Judiciary.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes the governor as equally vowing that the state government will continue to prioritise the welfare of the members of the Judiciary.

The judges of the High Court of Justice, include Mrs. Olusola Adebisi Adetujoye, Beatrice Folabimpe Segun-Olakojo, Prof. Elijah Taiwo Adewale and Dr. Kareem Adeyimika Adedokun, while Mrs. Olubukola Omolayo Ajadi was sworn-in as a judge of the Customary Court of Appeal.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Senator Ladoja is a model in political, traditional leadership – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 1157

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has described a former Governor of the state and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as an exemplar in traditional and political leadership.

The governor, who stated this in a congratulatory message to the Osi Olubadan, whom he described as his father, said Senator Ladoja’s contributions to the progress and development of Oyo State and the country are immeasurable and exemplary.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes Governor Makinde as adding that Ladoja is worthy of celebration for the different roles he has played in different spheres as an achiever in business, a worthy model in politics and a committed community leader.

He said: “Our father, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, I rejoice with you as you add another year today”.

“Your life of service, your people-oriented leadership and your immense contributions to the progress and development of Oyo State are exemplary”.

“As you mark another birthday in your eventful life, I pray to God to grant you good health and more wisdom to make more impact on humanity”.

“Happy Birthday, Baba!”

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Chief Busari Adebisi Was A True Democrat: Governor Makinde

By Web News 816

Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde has described the death of a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Busari Adebisi, as a huge loss to the state at this critical time.

Governor Makinde who commiserated with the family, friends and political associates of the renowned politician, prayed to Allah to grant him Aljanah Fidaus.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes the governor as describing Adebisi, a prominent member of the Coalition of Political Parties that collaborated for his victory in the 2019 election, as a true democrat and statesman.

He added that his death has created another gap in the state and the country, as according to him, the country needs elder statesmen with wealth of experience in different areas now, more than ever before.

Iyabo Adebisi

Environment

We’re committed to serving the people’s interest – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 638

In upholding his pledge to continue to serve the interests of the people of Oyo State, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has expressed his avowed commitment to the timely completion of the World Bank-backed Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP).

The governor has also appealed to the World Bank not to withdraw its conditional no objection for the Second Pool of Long Term Investments (PLTI2) BERs, and make available funding for the contracts.

The contract was reportedly cancelled over the failure of the state government to conclude the contract award of the successful bidders for the four lots (3A,3B,4A & 4B) under the bank’s international Competitive Bidding Process.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that the state also rejected insinuations that the World Bank had withdrawn its commitment to IUFMP due to display of undue interests by the governor.

The commitment of the governor and Oyo State Government “is coming at a time when World Bank, in its correspondence of July 30, 2021, to Governor Makinde, pointed out administrative issues and strengthening of the safeguard team.”

“The Bank, nonetheless, expressed a recognition of Governor Makinde’s unwavering support to the important project.”

The World Bank said it recognised “…Your Excellency’s unwavering support to this important project for the safety and well-being of Ibadan’s citizens.”

The statement noted that while a correspondence from the World Bank, signed by Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, Country Director, Nigeria, Western and Central Africa Region, had conveyed the determination of the status of its support for the project, the said decision was not as a result of undue interference by Governor Makinde.

“The government of Oyo State remained committed to its letter of undertaking submitted to the Bank in May 2021,” the statement said.

The statement continued: “Already, Governor Makinde’s appeal has been forwarded to the World Bank with six strategic and critical progress milestones comprising Activities, Proactive Steps and Status.”

The statement further quoted the governor as drawing the attention of the World Bank to the “proactive steps already taken and the commitment of the Project (IUFMP) in the last two months,” while the governor also outlined areas of alignment with the observations made by the financial institution.

Indeed, the statement noted that of strategic importance is Governor Makinde’s revalidation of an earlier written undertaking that “the state will continue to fund and complete works post-June 2022 project completion date, should project works at all Lots extend beyond the end date”.

The statement further read: “Contrary to insinuations in some partisan quarters about interests and lack of continuity, only last week, IUFMP awarded dredging of forty-five (45) streams within and around Ibadan metropolis, as part of its palliative measures”. 

“The dredging exercise is ongoing, helping to provide instant relief to residents of flood-prone areas where structural interventions are yet to take place”. 

“Work on the long-term investments is on-going on the channels of Agodi, Kudeti, Ogbere, Orogun, etc. as earlier launched, barring the occasional drawbacks by the inclement weather”.

 “Nowhere in the letter from the World Bank were issues of personal interest or insistence on some contractors mentioned”.

Iyabo Adebisi

News

Makinde Commiserates With Abiodun Over His Father’s Passing

By Web News 707

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commiserated with his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun, over the death of his dad, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun, at the age of 89.

The governor who expressed his heartfelt condolences to his brother-governor and the entire Abiodun family of Iperu Remo, Ogun State, prayed to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear Papa’s exit.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes Governor Makinde as stating that “though the death of one’s loved one is always painful, Pa Abiodun deserved to be celebrated for the good life he lived and the great legacy he left behind”.

He urged Governor Abiodun to take heart and solace in the indelible marks Papa left on earth as a teacher and nation-builder of many decades, and as a devout Christian, who sowed worthy seeds that have continued to bear good fruits in the society.

Iyabo Adebisi

Yoruba

Ijoba Ipinle Oyo Sawari Awon Osise Ayederu Mokanlelogoji

By Web News 718

Igbimo to n mojuto yiye iwe owo wo ati eto atunto n’ileese ijoba nipinle oyo fun odun 2019/2020, ti da laba ki won yo awon osise ti won pe ni ayederu mokanlelogoji kuro lenu ‘se.

Igbimio naa tun fun awon osise miran ti won le ni aadorun niye, ti iwe akole ise won ko baramu, lanfani, lati momo kowe fi ise sile.

Iko alamojuto yi lo fie sun kana won osise to le ni egbeta niye, ti won si da laba lati yo won kuro, lori ate gbigba owo osu, a mo ti igbimo to n wa fun eto atunto, fese awon osise ayederu mokanlelogoji mule, awon mewa to ti papoda ati awon to fee woo igba ni won ni ko lo feyinti.

Ninu atejade eyi ti Oludamoran pataki si gomina lori oro iroyin, Ogbeni Taiwo Adisa, fi sita so pe abo iwadi ni won ti fi sowo ti won yo si je kawon osise to kan mo pato on ti ijoba fe, ki won se.

Iyabo Adebisi/Alolade Afonja

Economy

Oyo Govt. Staff Audit Uncovers 41 Ghost Workers

By Web News 743

…341 others with irregular records opt for voluntary retirement
…indicted officers to be deleted from the payroll

The Implementation Committee of the Oyo State 2019/2020 Civil/Public Servants Audit and Payroll Re-engineering/Validation Exercise has recommended the removal of 41 staff classified as “No Show” (ghost workers) by the consultants.

The consultants had indicted 602 officers and recommended them for removal from the payrolls but the Implementation Committee affirmed 41 ghost workers; cleared 40 others of any infraction; uncovered 10 deaths; 170 systematic retirements; and affirmed the option of voluntary retirement by 341 others with irregular records of service.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Implementation Committee had examined the report submitted by the consultants and also interacted with the affected officers before finalising the implementation model.

Messers Sally Tilbot Consulting was, in 2019, engaged by the Oyo State Government to undertake employees and pensioners’ verification/validation and payroll re-engineering, tagged 2019/2020 staff audit.

Following series of reconciliations, the report of the consultants was received by the government on April 30, 2021, after which an Implementation Committee was put in place to fashion out the final implementation model.
The 13-member Implementation Committee, headed by Mr. D.O. Olatunde, Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, affirmed that “forty-one (41) officers established to be “No Show” should be removed from government payrolls immediately.”

The committee recommended that an administrative investigation be undertaken by the government to determine where the salaries of the “No Show” officers had been going.

The statement added that of the 341 who indicated their decision of voluntary retirement to the Implementation Committee, 290 officers had turned in their voluntary retirement letters, while the 24 officers who failed to take advantage of the two-month window have now been retired by the concerned agencies of government.

The Implementation Committee had put together its report in May 2021.

Messrs Sally Tilbot Consultants had, earlier in its report submitted to the government, indicted 602 workers and advised that they be removed from the payrolls.

The Implementation Committee, however, recommended that the government should affirm the resolve of 341 officers who opted to retire voluntarily following the discovery of irregular records of service in their files.

The affected officers are to be “helped to port into the pension payroll not later than two months after their respective notices of retirement,” the report stated.

According to the statement, the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde had, in a painstaking effort, set up a number of reconciliation meetings to review the report of Sally Tilbot Consultants, which undertook a forensic analysis of civil/public servants between 2019 and 2020.

Afterwards, the 13-member Implementation Committee, headed by Olatunde was further put in place to fine-tune the final processes of its implementation.

The Committee, according to its report submitted to the government, had, however, recommended that 170 officers, who were found to have “retired systematically” (retirement according to age or years of service) be removed from the list of 602 earlier recommended for sanction by Tilbot Consultants.

Ten (10) others who were found to have died were also removed from the list prepared by the Consultants, while another 40 officers were cleared and absolved of any offence.

The report read in part: “From the above, it is observed that from the 602 alleged officers, one hundred and seventy (170) had already retired systematically due to no particular influence of the screening exercise and ten (10) deceased.
“Consequently, the Committee agreed that out of the 602 officers involved in the report: Forty (40) officers should be absolved and allowed to remain on government payrolls; one hundred and seventy (170) officers who had retired systematically should be allowed on pension payrolls; and ten (10) deceased officers should be paid their due entitlements.

It also agreed that: “three hundred and forty-one (341) officers that opted for voluntary retirement should be allowed to do so; forty-one (41) officers established to be “No Show” should be removed from Government Payrolls immediately; while the list of affected officers from Tertiary Institutions should be forwarded to their respective Governing Councils for necessary action.”

Besides the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, who chaired the Committee, other members include the Special Adviser, Economic Matters to the Governor, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Special Adviser, Labour Matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo; Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Akin Funmilayo; Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, F.N Oladeinde; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. A.A Fasina; Acting Solicitor-General of the State, Mrs. Folabimpe Segun-Olakojo; Executive Secretary, State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Mr. O.J Adeniyi; Representative of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade (Mrs.) K.F Aiyedun; Representative of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kola Badmus; Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Olusegun Abatan; Director, Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Goke Adenrele and the Deputy Director (EMR&P), Office of the Head of Service, Idowu Mashopa.

Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
July 21, 2021.

Politics

We will complete Circular Road before 2023 – Makinde

By Web News 978

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will complete the 32-kilometre stretch, First Phase of Ibadan Circular Road, before the end of his tenure on May 28, 2023.

The governor who stated this during a tour of the project said his administration had to sack the contractor inherited from the previous administration due to unsatisfactory slow pace of work.

According to him, the contractor would be unable to deliver the road in another 20 years if allowed to continue at the slow pace. 

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, stated that the governor, however, promised to pay the sacked contractor for evaluated work done.

As at the time of the governor made the on-the-spot assessment, only two kilometres of the 32-kilometre road had been tarred at the level of wearing cost by ENL Consortium Construction Company.

He added that his administration would make sure that the road is completed and delivered within his tenure, adding that the road would be concessioned with government involvement in it.

While speaking on the Old Ife/Airport/Sawmill Road, the governor said the contractor has just revised his schedule and that the job will be completed in October 2021.

He declared that his government will continually inspect and push contractors hard on infrastructure projects.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

We will not deviate from Anti-Open Grazing Law – Makinde

By Web News 662

The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, has declared that the state is not about to deviate from the provisions of its anti-open grazing law contrary to insinuations in a section of the media.

A statement by Mr Adisa says a section of Nigerians misinterpreted Governor Makinde’s submission on the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan, NLTP, in the state.

According to him, the governor only announced the desire to implement aspects of the NLTP that are compliant with the anti-open grazing law of the state assented on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Makinde’s reference to Oyo State’s desire to implement the NLTP refers mainly to aspects of the plan that are compliant with the anti-open grazing law of the State.

“Section 6(1-7) of the law provides the processes by which a livestock owner shall secure land for a ranch, while sections 7(1-4) stipulates the approval process by which a herder or livestock owner can secure a permit to operate the ranch.”

“The law stipulates that a livestock owner shall apply in writing to the landowner or the family in possession of the land meant for ranching; the family shall forward the application to the Ministry of Agriculture, which will forward the same to the Ministry of Environment to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment.”

“A report of the EIA will be forwarded to the Governor, who may grant the approval if he (finds) the report suitable.”

“The Oyo State’s anti-open grazing provides punishments for open grazing and child herding, while it also provides that ranch owners must mandatorily fence their ranches.”

Mr Adisa added that Governor Makinde had while hosting his Kwara State counterpart, Governor Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman, made it clear that the Oyo State Government would only take advantage of “lateral learnings” in the livestock programme being implemented in Kwara State with a view to collaborating on security and the economic aspects. Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Ban on religious gathering still in force – Governor Makinde

By Web News 690

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Governor Seyi Makinde says it is yet to relax the ban on religious activities and the curfew imposed as a result of the pandemic.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa indicates that the Task Force made its position public after a two-hour online meeting.

The statement adds that the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force is still evaluating the situation in the state.

It explains that the position was informed by the ongoing risk, situation analysis being undertaken by a team of experts.

According to the statement, the ban on religious gathering remained in force in the state from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew earlier imposed on the state as a result of the ravaging pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Task Force will commence the community testing for COVID-19, with the aim of determining the behaviour of the virus in the state.

The statement indicated that the exercise, which is scheduled to hold in 10 locations, will kick off in three different sites in Ibadan.

Iyabo Adebisi