News

Oyo Govt. Orders Traders to Vacate Roadside

By Web News 173

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo state government has directed roadside traders and those selling in containers along Airport Road, Old-Ife road and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan to relocate their business activities.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the governor, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju indicated that the traders have two weeks to put an end to roadside trading on the axis which terminates on October 27th 2025.

The government said having built markets and other closed environments in various parts of the city, it could no longer tolerate trading on roadside or placement of container shops on drainages.

It notes that roadside traders are exposed to serious dangers and avoidable environmental hazards, adding that as a responsible government, it has a duty to protect the citizens from all manner of danger.

The statement also adds that trading on walkways could lead to damaging public infrastructure, blocking drainage system and putting the state at the risk of flooding.

It said that roadside trading would deprive the state of benefits of its investment in the promotion of tourism, stating that such sights turn off tourists.

The statement urges all affected people to comply with the directive, stressing that failure to do so would result in the enforcement of extant rules in the state which might lead to not just the confiscation of wares but also the prosecution of offenders.

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Health

Stakeholders Brainstorm to Address Maternal Mortality in Oyo

By Web News 253

By Iyabo Adebisi

Stakeholders in the health sector have converged on Ibadan to design Implementation strategy as a way out of maternal and neo-natal mortality facing the state. 

The week long programme under Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, Mamii, is an initative of the Federal Government to tackle the menace of maternal health mortality in Nigeria. 

Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that the workshop  seeks to address the five delays that contribute to maternal deaths such as delay to seek care,  to reach care, to receive adequate care, delay in institutional accountability, and in coordination of interventions.

In Nigeria, available statistics revealed that the maternal health mortality rate is prevalent in 172 local government areas in Nigeria while it is rampant in four local government areas in Oyo state.

The affected local governments are Ibadan South-West, Afijio, Oriire and Iwajowa. 

To reduce the maternal mortality, Federal government in November, 2024 launched Maternal Health and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative Mamii to eliminate stage 1 and Obstectric transition by December, 2026 targetting 30 percent reduction in maternal mortality rate and 60 percent increase in health facility utilization in high burden area by year 2030.

The National Cordinator of Sector Wide Approach, SWAP, Dr Muntaga Sodiq-Umar who spoke through Omoruyi Iyahen said the co-creation of Mamii was concluded in 31 states of the country.

Dr Muntaga explained that the worshop would provide an opportunity for the team to carry out field assessment of the affected areas to design implementation strategy to nip the problem of maternal health mortality in the bud. 

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, noted that the gathering symbolize collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes in Oyo state and across Nigeria.

Dr Ajetunmobi said the state government under Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap to sustainable development, had made maternal and child health a top priority through strengthening primary healthcare systems to improving referral mechanisms, expanding access to skilled birth attendance, and advancing digital health innovations. 

Dr Ajetunmobi commended the Coordinating Minister of  Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate and his team  as well as technical partners for bringing this initiative to life.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Akintunde Ayinde said the ‎Mamii Initiative provides a unique opportunity to align Oyo State’s strategies within a National framework of one plan, one budget to localize proven interventions, strengthen community and facility linkages, and leverage data for decisive action.

‎Participants  at the event includes traditional rulers, religious leaders, representative of UNICEF and market women. 

News

Oyo Govt. Issues Quit Notice To Illegal Occupants Of Properties

By Web News 699

The Oyo State Government has frowned at illegal occupants of government properties, adding that those in such acts should desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Tpl Olusegun Emmanuel Olayiwola, who made this disclosure during his visit to some of the GRAs in the week warned that the state government will deal decisively with anyone found or caught illegally occupying any of the state government properties.

Speaking at the Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja GRA along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which according to the Commissioner covers about 100 hectares of land not far from the Lagos-Ibadan Toll Gate, Tpl Olayiwola said the facility provider at the GRA will move to site any moment from now.

He said the state government was already making holistic assessments of the state government’s GRAs in Ibadan with a view to commence proper planning and development.

Olayiwola added that the Oyo State Government is already putting measures in place to commence the development of undeveloped Government Residential Areas GRAs, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He said this is part of efforts of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to provide affordable housing for the increasing population in the State.

“By December anyone that comes around here in this GRA will know that Governor Seyi Makinde is working hard to urbanize Ibadan. From what you saw on the signpost, you could see that something entirely different is already happening here and by the grace of God by December you will be impressed with what would have been done.”

“You know a GRA is a quiet, serene, and secluded environment.

This GRA is such a beautiful place that mobility is very convenient for residents of this place either going to Lagos or going to the city from here. And I can assure you facilities such as the road, drainages, electricity, etc. for the GRA will be provided even before construction starts, that’s why we are first and foremost, engaging facility providers before we start building.” Tpl Olayiwola said.

While addressing residents of Ajia community in Ona-Ara, the Commissioner stated that the state government has put in place measures proper relocation of the market in the area to enable the government to develop the site to a modern residential area.

The Commissioner maintained that the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde-led Government towards urbanizing Ibadan to a 21st-century standard remains unwavering noting that critical infrastructures of a modern society being put in place by the present administration was strategic and deliberate.

The Commissioner who was in the company of the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, Tpl Ademola Ajibola, Oyo State Surveyor-General, and other top government officials in the ministry during a visit to Lere Adigun GRA behind the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State BCOS, in Bashorun had a brief stop at Oyo Free Trade Zones and Omololu Olunloyo GRA, Ibadan.

Nafiu Busari

Economy

We Employed 6,134 Youths in the Past Year- Oyo Govt.

By Web News 605

Oyo State Government has said that it employed 6,134 people into the state workforce in the last budgetary year.

The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, made this known during the community and stakeholders’ town hall meeting held at Saki earlier today.

He said the Oyo state workforce has 5000 new teachers, 600 education officers and 534 medical and healthcare workers to increase efficiency in government service delivery.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, said the recruitment was based on the drive to gainfully engage and employ the youth population while reducing the unemployment numbers.

He said, as at the half of the year budget evaluation, the budget performance stands at 60% while the target stands at enhancing it up to 75% before the year ends based on improved revenue performance.

The state’s helmsman asserted that the scarcity of resources will make the government prioritize based on the most pressing while considering other requests in the next year’s budget.

The Governor highlighted that his administration has started various projects in the Oke Ogun zone and are at various completion stages, including the reconstruction and remodelling of OYSADA, reconstruction of Saki township road, reconstruction of Saki-Ogboro-Igboho road to mention but a few.

He therefore urged the people to let their voices be heard as the government is set to relieve them at their pain points by heeding to their requests.

Earlier in her open remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Budget and Economic planning, Mrs Foluke Adebiyi said in spite of the paucity of funds, the state government is accommodating all the needs of the people but attending to them in order of priority one after the other.


‘Seye Ajagbe,
Media Officer to the Deputy Governor

Transportation

Oyo Govt. Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Okada, Tricycle Loading Points

By Web News 786

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has inaugurate two units of ultra-modern Okada and Tricycle loading points to ease conveyance of people to their different places of destinations. 

While commissioning the project stationed at the Agodi Gate’s junction in Ibadan, Governor Makinde stated that the points would be equipped with infrastructure facilities and also with roofing for people’s convenience during the rainy season.

The governor noted that the points were facilitated to further address insecurity challenges in the state.

Governor Makinde said the loading points are expected to contain 20 tricycles and 90 bikes at once.

Public transporters expressed joy at the loading points and promise judicious use of the parks which were done to ease challenges of their daily dealings.

Iyabo Adebisi

Sport

We will provide sports facilities, reward athletes – Oyo Govt.

By Web News 957

Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede has stated that the present administration would do everything possible to provide basic amenities, welfare and facilities for the promotion of sports and progress in the state.

Mr Fakorede said this while presenting an award to Tawakalitu Yekeen, who won gold at the just concluded 7th Edition of African Continental Track Cycling Championship in Cairo.

While appreciating Tawakalitu for representing the state well at the tournament, Fakorede also appreciated her coaches whom he described as power house that were behind her success. 

He noted that it had become a norm, since the inception of the present administration in Oyo State to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletes publicly, so as to serve as motivation and inspiration to others.

“For you to have achieved so much in just one tournament, it shows that there are more achievements waiting for you and I use this moment to assure Miss Tawakalitu Yekeen here and other youths that are making us proud in the field of sports and other areas in this state of our backing.

“The present administration in Oyo State will not relent in supporting people that will bring sporting glories to the State, facilities are already being turned around to make training and preparations for athletes to succeed,” he assured.

The General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council, Mr. Gboyega Makinde assured that more athletes were being discovered for national and international competitions.

In her response, Tawakalitu thanked those who had contributed to her achievement, most especially her mother who had been her source of inspiration.

PR/Olaolu Fawole

Crime

Oyo Govt. Clears Air on Palliatives Looted at Warehouse

By Web News 1018

Oyo State Government has denied ownership of the palliatives looted by hoodlums.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Taiwo Adisa, made this known in a statement in Ibadan.

                                        TEXT

PRESS RELEASE

Palliatives looted by hoodlums not owned by Oyo govt, say Commissioner, Gov’s Media Aide

…’state to proceed with 5th round of palliatives distribution’

…as CACOVID rice supplier clears air, counts losses

The Government of Oyo State has explained that the palliatives looted by hoodlums in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2020, at a warehouse located in Akobo area of Ibadan, the state capital, did not belong to the state government.

The Oyo State Government maintained that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde would never short-change the people, urging members of the public to discountenance the allegations and misinformation being spread on social media.

The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and chairman of the Food Security and Palliative Committee of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, Chief Bayo Lawal, stated these at the weekend, adding that the state is set to proceed with the fifth round of palliative distribution, which he noted was slowed down as a result of the nationwide protests.

A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, quoted Lawal as explaining that the bags of rice looted at the private warehouse in Ibadan were not the property of Oyo State.

He said that Oyo State was not supplied rice as part of the palliatives from CACOVID and that it did not distribute rice as part of the palliatives distributed to the people so far.

Adisa, in the statement, explained that some hoodlums had mistaken a private warehouse belonging to a company that operates in Ibadan, as belonging to the state government and had attacked the property and carted away bags or rice, which they erroneously thought were being hoarded by the government.

He said: “One, investigations at the moment eventually reveal that there was nothing that concerns the Oyo State government in that warehouse. 

“Two, the warehouse belongs to a private individual who operates in Oyo State and was given a valid contract by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), a coalition of private organizations that have been helping states and the federal government to fight COVID-19, to supply them to a certain number of states. 

“So, it was the rice that he procured on his own for repackaging that was mistaken to be Oyo State’s, that hoodlums looted.”

In his own explanations, the Commissioner stated that the state government could not hoard what it did not have, explaining that CACOVID only supported the state with cash, medical items and food items including Indomie and Spaghetti.

According to Lawal, the looted palliatives at the private warehouse, which consist of mainly packaged rice, did not belong to Oyo State, adding that the remaining items meant for the next round of palliatives in the state are stored at government’s designated warehouses.

He said that none of the state’s food items is stored outside the Secretariat.

He said: “It was really a big shock earlier this morning [Friday morning] when I started receiving calls alleging that food items meant for distribution to the masses were being hoarded. But when I enquired further, I was told that the bags of rice were looted in one of our warehouses in Ibadan, in Lagelu Local Government, to be precise. But I said it was not possible, because we don’t even have any warehouse outside the secretariat. 

“All the palliatives given to us were stored in our warehouses within the secretariat, not outside. Whatever is being circulated that Oyo State was hoarding CACOVID-donated rice is wrong and baseless allegation. Though the Coalition wrote and promised to give us 62 trailer loads of rice, up till today, 23rd of October, 2020, we have not taken delivery of a single bag of rice from them. We discussed it at a recent exco meeting and the Oyo State Governor is aware of this too. So, we don’t maintain any warehouse outside the secretariat.

“We want the public to know that though CACOVID gave us indomie, spaghetti, there was nothing like rice. We are still expecting their rice up till today. 

“The rice, which was looted, belonged to a private company that happens to be a CACOVID vendor for other states. The supply comes from various vendors just like our indomie came from Lagos and the supplier also is from Lagos. There are other items too. Some even came from Edo State. So, I am not surprised that we have some of their vendors here too, but the bags of rice were meant for other states, not Oyo State.

“So, the public should be aware that the allegations and all the information being circulated about the state on the internet are not correct. We have the interest of our people at heart and we even used our own money. If we can use our money to ensure that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people got palliatives from their government, why should we deprive them if there is any donation from any organization? Why should we deprive them of the benefit of enjoying it?

“We are law-abiding citizens. We did not even buy rice. Among the items we gave out, the Oyo State Government did not give rice. All that we packaged were garri, yam-flour, beans, things we produce locally. We did not buy rice at all. So, if we did not buy rice and CACOVID that has been helping did not supply us rice, where is the rice now coming from? 

“This misinformation about the Oyo State Government hoarding rice is the work of the opposition to damage the reputation of the government. They are the ones spreading the rumour that the Oyo State Government is hoarding rice. You can’t hoard what you don’t process.”

Earlier,  the CACOVID vendor whose warehouse was vandalised, Mr. Alabi Femi Adeoye,  decried the untoward situation, stating that the looted rice at the warehouse were meant to be supplied to Abia, Cross-Rivers, Plateau and Taraba states.

He said that his company, which has been operating in Oyo State in the past five years, lost millions of Naira to the attack.

“Oyo State Government was not part of the states we were asked to supply by CACOVID,” he said, explaining how the looters swooped on his warehouse, vandalised it and carted away the food items especially the 1,850 bags of rice he procured.

He said: “On 30th of September, they(CACOVID) contacted us if we could handle the supply of rice for them. We have an interest in farming. We are farmers and we have a good network with every state. We told them we could handle it, which we were able to get the purchase order. 

“After that, we instructed our team to manage it from Ibadan, simply because we believe we can also generate revenue in Ibadan and create more jobs. We have farms in Ibadan and it has been profitable for us. And we have been able to employ a good number of the indigenes to manage our farms for us. So, these are the reasons why they gave us the job.

“Last week, we commenced this job to supply but, to my surprise, Ibadan was not captured as part of the states we should supply. We were asked to supply Abia, Cross-Rivers, Plateau and Taraba States. Other agents were given different states. I am sure one of the farmers was given Oyo State. So, we were asked to bring our rice from Kebbi and a part of Niger State. 

“We have been operating in Ibadan for quite some time. We have two warehouses in Ibadan; there is one on Iwo Road and the other is at Lagelu, which we have been managing for like five years. We have never witnessed an invasion like this because we have been so good to the community. Recently, we tried to construct about 500metres of road for them. So, I was surprised to see this kind of attack.

“But our facility was vandalized and food items worth millions of Naira were carted away. This is not a big concern to us, though we believe that these food items are meant for Nigerians but we were unable to get them to the appropriate quarters. However, property that was vandalized was worth millions of naira.”

He thanked men of the ‘Operation Burst,’ whose intervention, he said, helped to stop the total destruction of his company.

Signed:

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde

October 24, 2020.

Environment

Oyo Govt. Inaugurates Borehole Projects for Ire-Akari Estate Residents

By Web News 1613

Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA, has commissioned new borehole projects for the residents in Ire-Akari Estate, Asolo Area in Ona-Ara Local Government and Irepodun, Maku community in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State.

The electric-powered borehole projects were constructed and donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ibadan, in collaboration with Oyo State Government and are estimated to provide up to 10,000 liters of clean potable water per day

Commissioning the projects, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Yemi Aderibigbe stated that the water projects were one of the means by which the present administration intends to make life easier for the people of Oyo State.

While appreciating the Latter-Day Saint Charities for her benevolence and support to Oyo State, Mr Aderigbigbe urged the communities to put the boreholes to effective use by imbibing high maintenance culture and nurture the projects with sense of ownership and responsibility.

He reiterated that water and sanitation are not only important but are in correspondence with Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goal 2030. 

In a remarks, the Chairman Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engineer Najeem Omirinde stated that the State government’s policy was geared towards ending open defecation by 2025, saying that Governor Seyi Makinde was keenly interested in providing portable water to every community in Oyo State.

While addressing the gathering, the State President of the Latter-Day Saints Charities, President Peter Olubukola Apantaku, said the aim of the body was to assist Governor Makinde’s Government to alleviate poor water conditions in the State and fulfill the people’s needs in that regard.

He further gave the assurance, that the NGO would cater for the maintenance of the facility for the next six months, adding that the borehole was financed by LDS charities with the use of world class, quality equipment.

In their responses, the people of Ire-Akari community led by Alhaji Isiaka Adeyemi Olosupa and Irepodun/Maku communities with excitement expressed profound appreciation to Oyo State government, LDS Charities and Oyo RUWASSA for putting an end to their long time suffering for water in their communities.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Ban on religious gathering subsists – Oyo Govt.

By Web News 1494

Oyo State Government says the ban on the religious gathering still subsists in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this while addressing journalists on the emerging situations on the coronavirus pandemic at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan.

The governor, who explained that the state had received different requests from religious leaders to ease the ban, said government would meet the leaders this week on the modalities to lift the order based on experts’ advice.

Governor Makinde, however, said the state would unveil the identity of the company with thirty-eight confirmed Covid-19 cases in Ibadan Southwest for those who visited the place to present themselves for test.

Also, a member of the Task Force and Coordinator of the state isolation centres, Professor Temitope Alonge reaffirmed the treatment procedures and regiment for patients at the centres.

He added that within 48 hours, twenty five patients had been discharged in the state isolation and treatment centres.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

UCH Working out Collaboration with Oyo Govt.

By Web News 951

The University College Hospital, UCH, is working out a collaboration with the Oyo State Government on the management of Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chief Information Officer of UCH, Mr. Toye Akinrinlola made this known in an interview with Radio Nigeria.

Mr. Akinrinlola explained that the institution being a teaching hospital follow laid down rules in ensuring the health of the people as swore to.

Also, Mr. Akinrinlola said the news making the rounds on the social media that twenty- five nurses have been placed on self-isolation because they were exposed to a Covid-19 patients in the hospital was not true.

Speaking on collaboration with UCH, on Covid-19, the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa noted that so far the state has been supporting the institution to the utmost capacity such as the citing of the only diagnostic laboratory, provision of reagents as well as procurement of personal protective equipment for the staff.

Mr. Adisa cautioned people who are playing with the lives of people to desist noting that covid-19 is a matter of life and death.

He stressed the need to focus more on how to end the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the world.

Anthonia Akanji

Health

Oyo Govt. Orders Compulsory Use of Face Mask

By Web News 862

Oyo State Government has ordered compulsory use of facemask to contain the spread of coronavirus, considering the increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Chairman of the State Covid-19 Task Force and the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde disclosed this while briefing journalists on the latest developments on the dreaded virus. 

Governor Makinde, who affirmed that it had become necessary for whoever was going to public places to use a face mask, said the government would produce one million face masks to test the new policy in Oyo State.

Governor Makinde said due to the four new confirmed cases, reopening of the State Government Secretariat would not be feasible next Monday but 27th of April, which he said was still subject to review.

Governor Makinde, however maintained that palliatives would be distributed to the poorest of the poor next week, noting that the challenge of credible data slowed down the process.

The governor equally announced the readiness of the state to increase isolation centres with focus on the state hospitals in Ogbomoso, Saki and Igboora.

Adebisi Iyabo