Culture

By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

The Sabiganna of Iganna Kingdom and Permanent Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in Iwajowa Local Government  of Oyo State,  Oba Soliu Oyemonla Abdul-Azeez, Ayefemiloye 1 has called for the inclusion of all stakeholders to ensure overall development of Oke-Ogun geo-political zone of Oyo State.

 Oba Abdul-Azeez made the  call in Ibadan at a  special celebration in honour of distinguished Academics of Oke-Ogun origin tagged, ” Oke-Ogun Celebrates The Academics”.

The event, organized by Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum, ODCF was held at Onosode Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Oba Oyemonla commended Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum, ODCF for the inclusion of the Academia in the concerted efforts to achieve vibrant and virile social, economic and political development of Oke-Ogun zone.

 The Agunloye 1V who is the 18th Sabiganna of Iganna , stressed the need for ODCF to also facilitate the inclusion  of the political class,in addition to the existing traditional class and strata of distinguished Academics, towards meaningful development of Oke-Ogun area.

The highly revered monarch who is a  graduate of English Language from the University of Ibadan, spoke eloquently  with spices of diction and catchy extemporal injections as he expressed gratitude to ODCF for honouring the  distinguished Academics of Oke -Ogun origin.

Clad in shining white Agbada traditional Yoruba attire, the revered Royal Father held his audience spellbound with his oratory prowess, describing the development as one that would stir  strategies for robust growth in Oke-Ogun.

According to Oba Abdul-Azeez, “We are happy today that we are on the right track because Oke-Ogun as a geo-political zone is in dire need of development and to achieve this we must strategise.I thank ODCF for being at the vanguard  of development of Oke-Ogun”.

 in the annals of history of the agrarian city,  regarded as one of the ‘food baskets’ of the nation, lauded ODCF for the inclusion of the Academia more than before,describing the development as a value addition to the existing class of Traditional Rulers.

The 18th Sabiganna of Iganna however, stressed the need for ODCF to balance the tripodal equation of Yoruba proverbial “Aro meta ti kii da obe nu” (three — stone cook stove that doesn’t spill the soup) by co-opting the political class into the platform.

” This will ensure the trio of traditional, academia and political class, among other stakeholders, join hands to provide well-grounded and seated development for Oke-Ogun.

His words, “ODCF has taken the bull by the horns by co-opting our revered academic class into Oke-Ogun development drive more than before and in addition to the existing traditional class. The next thing to do now is to co-opt the political class for the progress and development of Oke-Ogun “, he added.

The monarch who is a reputed product of Iganna High School and former President of National Association of Kajola Students reminded the people of Oke-Ogun that development was elusive in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.

He therefore called on  stakeholders and indigenes of  Oke-Ogun, to foster synergy and unity of purpose, in order to collectively better the lots of Oke-Ogun.

The occasion peaked with presentation of award plagues to deserving distinguished Academics of Oke-Ogun origin. 

Notable among the erudite scholars is the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture and Technology,Okeho (FUNATO), Prof.Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, a renowned Animal Scientist and former Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan.

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Agriculture

By Iyabo Adebisi

Two hundred and fifty farmers from the Oke Ogun region of Oyo State have benefited from 1000 bags of fertilizers distributed by the member representing Oyo North Senatorial District, AbdulFatai Buhari.

Each of the 250 beneficiaries who belonged to different farmers association and local government areas across the 10 councils which made up of Oyo North received four bags of fertilizers each at the Senator Buhari’s residence in Ogbomoso.

The project was facilitated by the senator with aim of supporting farmers in the district towards improving their agricultural output as this year’s raining season commences very soon.

Prominent among the farmers associations that benefited from the empowerment were: All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Oyo North, Oke Ogun Oluwaseun Farmers Association, All Females Farmers Income Generating Association and Oke Ogun Youths Association of Farmers.

While distributing the fertilizers to the beneficiaries, Senator Buhari who was represented at the event by the chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo North Senatorial District, Mr Tunde Oloyede charged the beneficiaries to make best use of the items to increase their productivity.

Senator Buhari expressed the hope of seeing Oyo North as the Senatorial District with the most contributions to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of Nigeria.

Our correspondent reports that in the last five weeks, Senator Buhari had empowered 550 of his constituents via different entrepreneurship training with a start-up package of 100 thousand naira and certificates of participation so that they can all become employers of labour.

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Security

By Olawale Asake

The Oyo State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Michael Adaralewa has reiterated the Corps’ readiness to build on the existing relationship with other security agencies in the State to ensure continuous protection of lives and property of all the residents.

Dr Adaralewa made this known in Saki, Oke Ogun Area of Oyo State as part of his familiarization tour of the town and meeting with the stakeholders in the community.

 The Commandant who paid a visit to the Chairman, Saki West Local Government, Mr  Sarafadeen Omirinde in his office, expressed his happiness and appreciation to the community for creating an enabling environment for his personnel to operate within the ambit of law. 

Dr Adaralewa explained that the collaboration of NSCDC with other security agencies had brought about the existing peace and harmony being enjoyed by all the residents in the Area.

Responding, Chairman, Saki West Local Government, Saki, Mr Sarafadeen Omirinde, commended all the security agencies within the Local Government Area for always responding swiftly when called upon and emphasized the need for intelligence sharing. 

He called on the Commandant to ensure that the indigenes of the town are employed into the service to aid in curbing youth restiveness as unemployment plays a key role in it. 

The Chairman expressed his continuous support for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps through information that will make the agency perform optimally.

The tour continues as the Commandant is currently meeting other stakeholders at the Saki City Town Hall, Saki.

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Security

Frantic efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the poultry farmers kidnapped in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state as the suspects and local security operatives engaged in a gun duel.

One of the suspected gunmen was reportedly killed in the process while an injured local hunter is said to be receiving medical attention at a facility in Kajola Local Government Area.

A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN who is taking part in the operation said they got to know the location of the bandits through a local farmer who stumbled on them in a forest where he went to check some traps he set for bush animals.

The Vigilante who pleaded anonymity also said it was the gunmen who started the firing when they were cornered in the forest somewhere in Kajola Local Government.

He added that the bandits were still on the run with gunshot wounds and with the gun, they hurriedly retrieved from their fallen gang member.

Oyo state commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, Sunday Olajide confirmed the development from Iseyin where he was monitoring the operation.

Police reaction is yet to be obtained at the time of filing this report.

Kayode Oguntona.

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Lifestyle

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and illustrious son of Iseyinland, Mr Ahmed Raji has declared that the entire Oke Ogun region will miss the pivotal roles of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr Abdulganiyy Adekunle Salau, JP, DVM, Oloogunebi-Ajinese I towards having a modern zone in Oyo State.

Mr Raji stated this in his condolences to the Aseyin Royal Dynasty, Aseyin-in-Council, sons and daughters of Iseyin at home and abroad and the entire people of Oke Ogun over the demise of the royal father.

According to Mr Raji, Oba Dr Abdulganiyy was traditionally a special ruler whose reign brought tremendous developments to his territory and Oke Ogun in general.

He added that Aseyin left a vacuum that may likely expose Iseyin to surmountable challenges that may take time to overcome.

He hinted that the city of Iseyin was by the grace of God during the reigns of Ajinese migrated to an urban city that featured laudable legacies in terms of infrastructural and human developments.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria described Ajinese as a worthy royal father, Leader and Patriot the entire people of Oke Ogun will forever be proud of.

He prayed to God to be with the immediate family of the late monarch, Aseyin Royal Dynasty, Aseyin-in-Council and the generality of the people of Iseyin and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Mr Raji prayed for forgiveness of all the shortcomings of Ajinese and reward all his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.

PR/Nafiu Busari

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Sport

A member house of representatives, representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju,Kajola and Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Mr Shina Peller has unveiled football competition across the ten local governments in Oke-Ogun.

Mr Shina Peller in his speech at Okeho town-hall in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State highlighted that, the purpose of organizing the competition is to promote unity among Oke-Ogun people, especially between the youths.

He explained that the plan was not in connection with politics, but bringing his people together for sustainable peace as well encourage youths in their talents.

He also advised all and sundry of Oke-Ogun to imbibe with the spirit of sportsmanship as it expands man’s lifespan.

Dosu joseph, the former Super Eagles goal-keeper who saluted Mr Shina Peller for encouraging all in sportsmanship, donated a trophy for the competition.

Also Onjo of Okeho, his royal majesty, Oba Abdulrafiu Osuolale advised the participants to participate with fear of God for the development of the Oke-Ogun region.

Bashir Suleiman

News

A giant elephant was on Monday sighted roaming the forest in a boundary community between Oke Ogun in Oyo State and Kwara state

It was sighted by farmers in Gobo who were clearing land in preparation for the next planting season.

Gobo also shares boundaries with the Benin Republic.

Villagers said they had been seeing the animal around in the last three months.

A farmer, Adesope Habeeb Olamide told National Insight that the elephant was likely to have strayed from the Benin Republic or another neighbouring country.

National Insight/Adedayo Adelowo

Economy

Volumes of fuel reduced to prevent illegal exportation – IPMAN

Residents of Saki in Oke-Ogun Area of Oyo State have started experiencing fuel scarcity. 

Motorists, both private and commercial as well as motorcycle riders were Wednesday morning disappointed when majority of the filling stations in the town were met closed.

Our Correspondent reports that the few filling stations at Barracks Road, Ajegunle and the one along Ago-Are Road out of scores of stations visited in the town were selling fuel while there were a lot of motorists on queue.

One of the commercial motorcycle riders, Mr. Segun Ibiyemi lamented the effects of the fuel scarcity claiming it has affected his business making it difficult to feed his family. 

Other residents appealed to the government to address the situation to reduce the hardship the fuel scarcity has caused.

Commenting, the Coordinator, Independent Petrol Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Saki Branch, Alhaji Nescotech Salami said the number of petrol tankers to the town was deliberately reduced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, that claimed that the volume was more than what was needed. 

He said the decision according to NNPC was to prevent transporting the fuel to neighbouring countries.

Suleman Basheer

Security

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has warned against any action that could lead to the forcible removal of anyone from the state.

The warning is coming on the heels of a recent clash between herdmen and farmers in Oke-Ogun area of the state.

Governor Makinde in a state wide broadcast, said any individual or groups planning attacks on the people should desist from taking such action, reiterating that government would not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone trying to disrupt the peace of the state.

The governor maintained that his administration was determined to preserve the right of every resident in Oyo state as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.

Governor Makinde equally directed the local government chairmen across the state to collaborate with the traditional rulers and officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state.

He urged the residents of the state to report any criminals and criminal activities they notice and allow the authorities to take action.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

As people the world over still bask in the euphoria of the New Year, a former governor of Oyo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala has felicitated with the entire people of the state.

Otunba Akala in his New Year message congratulated the people of Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Oyo and Ibarapa zones for enjoying God’s mercy to witness another year.

 Former Governor Akala also wished traditional rulers in the state, religious and socio-political organisations as well as market men and women groups a happy and prosperous new year.

He however appreciated the support of his party, APC, and his political associates, praying that the New Year would bring about enviable achievements for all.

Chief Akala also urged Oyo state residents to stay safe and be hopeful for better days.

Mosope Kehinde

Culture

Traditional rulers in Oke Ogun are of Oyo State have been commended for their determination in the pursuance of developmental projects in the area specifically towards the approval of Federal University of Agriculture by the federal government.

Gegun of Ayetoro Oke, Oba Najeemdeen Afolabi gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen.

Oba Afolabi noted that traditional rulers in Oke Ogun are united in their resolve for the growth and development of the region.

The monarch applauded the efforts of the state, Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde in the establishment of Amotekun Security Outfit.

He also commended the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for his leadership role as a custodian of Yoruba culture and the preservation of its heritage.

Oba Afolabi submitted that traditional rulers have the responsibility of protecting their jurisdiction and avoid taking steps beyond their statutory functions.

Gegun of Ayetoro Oke emphasized that Obas in the past had traditional means of securing their territories without the use of physical weapons.

Nafiu Busari

Health

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has flagged off Free Health Mission for residents in all the 33 local government areas of the state with a call on council chairmen to channel 7.5 per cent of their fund to Primary Health Care service. 

The medical mission which is to cover all local government areas of Oyo state was kicked off at Local Authority Primary School, Agede, Kisi in Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo state.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Makinde noted that the decay in the health sector over the last few decades necessitated the need to embark on a free health intervention accessible to the grassroots.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello, stated that the ongoing recruitment of healthcare workers would help in achieving a hitch-free medical mission.

The Iba of Kisi, Oba Lawal Arowoduye the 2nd who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun said the presence of the governor at the occasion indicated that Governor Makinde led administration has the well-being of the people of the state at heart.

The governor later inspected the ongoing construction project of Moniya-Iseyin road and declared the work level satisfactory.

The governor equally inaugurated the Police Mobile force No. 72 Squadron headquarters at Ago Are, ATISBO local government.

Iyabo Adebisi

Transportation

Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Local Governments, LG and Local Council Development Authorities, LCDA, administrations in the state on road rehabilitation in order to foster accelerated execution of road repairs in the rural areas.

The Chairman of OYSROMA, Mr. Kamil Akinlabi made this known during tour of the zonal operational offices at Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ogbomoso zones.

Mr. Akinlabi said the cooperation and support of the local government areas and Local Council Development Authorities, as well as the local communities, could not be underestimated in the planning and execution of road rehabilitation programmes.

The chairman added that the state government would procure necessary equipment to facilitate road rehabilitation in all the zones, noting that personnel would be deployed to all the zones for ease of operation.

The OYSROMA boss, therefore, called on all the caretaker chairmen, community leaders and the people in all the zones to see road facilities as theirs, stressing that their cooperation and support would go a long way in making the operations of the agency a hitch-free one.

Iyabo Adebisi

Environment

In a bid to prevent flooding, Oyo State government has taken a sensitization campaign to the Oke-Ogun area of the state as part of its efforts in stemming the effects of global warming in the area.

About 75% of charcoal production in Oyo State is from Oke-Ogun area which were for export or domestic use but with direct effect on the climate, as trees were felled to produce charcoal.

The state government over the weekend, organized the awareness campaign program to call the attention of residents of the area to the effects of deforestation due to felling of woods for industrial purpose, saying the government was poised to do all it could, to reduce risks caused by these commercial activities.

The state’s Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan who disclosed this at the One Day Sensitization Program held at Saki, Saki West Local Government, said the present administration has been factoring disaster risk reduction into her developmental strides, so as to curb loss of lives and properties to natural disaster.

The deputy governor who was represented by the Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Agency (OYSEMA), Alhaji Luqmon Aransi urged the people of Oke-Ogun to imbibe the culture of safety and work together alongside the state government to avert disasters.

Iyabo Adebisi