The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, has prepared comprehensive security protocols ahead of Eid-El-Kabir celebrations on Friday, 6th of June, 2025.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, made available to newsmen in Ibadan, says, the measures include protection of strategic locations, such as Eid grounds, public spaces, critical national assets, correctional institutions, media organisations, among others.
The statement also states that Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Tactical Teams have been instructed to implement a proactive security approach, leveraging intelligence-led tactics such as mobile patrols, strategic searches, surveillance, and targeted interventions.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, Mr. Joseph Adenola, therefore felicitates the Muslim community on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
A former member of the Federal House of Representatives who represented Iseyin,Itesiwaju,Iwajowa,Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State,Chief Shina Peller wants government to aggressively tackle corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks to move the country to greater height.
Chief Peller gave the charge during a lecture titled pacesetting in changing times,the dynamics of quality governance organised by Federation of Oyo state students union,fossu,national council.
He noted that government must strengthen anti corruption agencies and other institutions to effectively deliver on their mandate.
He called on the current administration of president Bola Tinubu to always highlight its programmes through the national orientation agency as people are not adequately aware of government interventions to alleviate their plight.
Chief Peller maintained that he would continue to advocate for good governance by contesting for a seat in the Senate in the 2027 general election.
Chief Peller who is the ayedero of Yorubaland tasked the youths not to only see themselves as leaders of tomorrow but to begin to take leadership position seriously by participating in how they are being governed.
In an address,Oyo state deputy governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal represented by his special assistant on administration, Alhaji Kunle Sanni stressed that Governor Makinde would continue to provide youth friendly policies to develop the state.
In an address of welcome ,the National President of FOSSU ,Ibrahim Alarape, while lauding the resilience of the state tertiary students commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and for fulfilling their five point requests,a gesture which he said was uncommon among political office holders.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of Award to Chief Shina Peller by FOSSU.
The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSDC Augustine Padonu has reiterated the commitment of the corps to prioritise the safety of farmers, agricultural assets, and food infrastructure.
He stated this while delivering his keynote address at the agriculture stakeholders seminar organised by the Agro-Ranger Unit of the Corps held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan.
The NSDC commandant while noting that agriculture , a vital sector for food security is being confronted with persistent clashes between farmers and herders expressed the corps’ mandate to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
He said the corps through its Agro Rangers Squad in Oyo State had remained steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between security and agriculture.
The NSDC commandant disclosed that the corps had settled six hundred and three disputes between farmers and herders from January to June this year.
In a goodwill message, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye reminded farmers that the anti-grazing law, environmental law among others are still in existing in Oyo state to regulate and forestall peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers.
Mr Olasunkanmi said the state would continue to train farmers on the best way to grow grasses to feed their animals.
Speaking on the topic, “Checkmating the Menace of Food Insecurity and Cattle Rustling;The Active Roles of the Agro Rangers Squad, Dr Atunwa Sunday advocated the establishment of mobile court by the federal government for quick prosecution of erring farmers and herders
Dr Atunwa also urged government to strengthen the Agro Rangers Squad by providing necessary equipment to the officers to perform optimally.
Some of the participants including Ade Odebunmi,Alhaji Yakub Bello, Abubakar Bani suggested ranches, establishment of grazing routes and de-arming of both herders and farmers as way out of incessant farmers/herders clashes in the country
Earlier, the Head of Unit, Agro Rangers, Alone Isaac said the seminar was organised to bring together stakeholders to forge partnerships and explore sustainable solutions between farmers and herders
The mandate of Agro Rangers Unit of NSDC is to protect farmlands and agricultural investments, safeguard farmers and agro workers, mediate and prevent violent conflicts, and support peaceful coexistence in agrarian communities.
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetomobi, wants the stakeholders in the education sector to provide an enabling environment for girls to ease the difficulties faced in disposing of a used sanitary pad.
Dr Ajetomobi made the call at a programme commemorating this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, organised by the office of the wife of the state’s governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde.
Dr Ajetomobi noted that a used sanitary pad, which was not changed at the normal time, could breed bacteria, which would affect the girl child later in life.
In a speech, the Oyo state Commissioner for Health, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, advised the girls to seek knowledge to counter the myth and misconceptions about menstruation.
The wife of the state governor, Mrs Makinde, called on the teachers to be friendly with the students, for them to open up to them whenever they faced any challenge during menstruation, especially during school hours
Highlights of the programme were a visual presentation of a playlet on menstrual hygiene and confidence during menstruation.
Sanitary pads, hand sanitiser and underwear were presented to the students who were drawn from the 33 local government areas of the state.
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The Oyo State House of Assembly Lawmaker, representing Ibadan North 1, Dr Olufunke Comforter, has called for the regulation of large gatherings in the state to prevent tragic incidents and ensure public safety.
The Lawmaker who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development made the call while presenting the report of her Committee during plenary of the House.
The report also urged the Executive Arm of Government to propose a Bill to regulate public gatherings in the state.
The report was in pursuant to the resolution of the House on Tuesday, 11th February, 2025 that the Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development interfaced with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a view to receiving inputs on the ‘Need for the Executive Arm of Government to regulate large Public Gatherings to ensure Safety and Prevent Tragic Incidents’.
Dr Comforter said during interactions with stakeholders, the Committee discovered that the Ministry of Health had established some guidelines for regulating public gatherings in the state, which must be adhered to.
She charged regulatory authorities and Security Agencies overseeing public gatherings to always adhere to the Public Order Act to prevent unforeseen circumstances.
The report highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework to guide the organisation and management of public events.
Dr Olufunke Comforter noted that the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework often led to avoidable tragedies and loss of lives in the past.
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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare, and future of children in the state.
He stated this atLekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan on the occasion of the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said his administration is poised to build a society where children are protected against any form of bullying while pursuing their academic life in a safe, free, and healthy environment.
Commenting on this year’s theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Governor Makinde maintained that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.
He highlighted the state’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasised Oyo’s participation in national frameworks to end violence against children.
According to the governor, key initiatives include: Implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), ongoing review and strengthening of the Child Rights Act and other related laws to improve protection and enforcement mechanisms, and leveraging the cybercrime Act to curb cyberbullying and protect children in digital spaces.
The governor, however, called on all stakeholders to deepen their efforts, embed child rights into every policy, and ensure that no child is left behind.
Highlights of the event were a march past by various secondary schools and an award presentation to the winners of the display.
The Nigeria Under-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, has defeated Team Kaduna 2-nil in the third-place match of the male football event at the ongoing National Sports Festival, NSF.
The Golden Eaglets who are also referred to as the Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, who lost to Team Ogun State in the semi-finals of the competition, went home with the bronze medal.
In the female category, goals from Damilola Adeyanju and Itunuoluwa Odediya in the first half of the match played at Remo Stars Stadium gave Team Ogun the victory over Team Osun to win the bronze medal.
The final matches in the football event of the festival will be played at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena, beginning from 4 PM.
Ogun State team will battle Kwara State in the male category, while the Flamingos will take on Delta State in the female category.
In Handball, Edo State defeated Kogi State by 32 goals to 20 to win the bronze in the female category.
In Abula, Oyo State defeated Bayelsa State to win gold in the women’s category, Team Oyo also recorded a gold medal in the male hockey event after defeating Kaduna State in the final.
The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Further Amendments Bill, 2025, passed its second reading on the floor of the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, during plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Our correspondent reports that the Bill has also been passed to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further scrutiny.
According to the bill, the amendment presents Alaafin of Oyo as the Presiding Authority while in his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadanland shall preside.
However, if both the Alaafin and Olubadan are absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso shall preside as the chairman of the council.
Deliberating on the bill, the majority leader, member representing Ogbomoso South State Constituency, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin, said the amendment was not driven by sentiments but to make the Council of Obas functional in the state.
Also speaking, the member representing Oyo East/Oyo West State constituency, Mr. Rahman Olorunpoto urged the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to be thorough in their assignment.
Meanwhile, the House also confirmed the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Akinwole as the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and other members of the board.
Stakeholders have been enjoined to make cultural activities and preservation meaningful and attractive to future generations.
This formed the submission of Speakers at the 2025 World Egungun festival symposium organized by Oyo state Ministry of Culture and Tourism, held at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
In a lecture, Director of African studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Sola Olorunyomi expressed concern about declination of indigenous practices and urged government to invest in cultural technology to prevent extinctions.
Professor Olorunyomi said investment in traditional practices would mainstream cultural references to generations in the new world.
Speaking with journalists,Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun noted that the state government aimed to make the festival adopted by UNESCO.
Dr. Olatunbosun said the tourism sector having been invested on through security and infrastructure, would improve economy as over twenty-five thousand participants is expected at the second edition of Egungun festival.
Other stakeholders at the symposium discussed ways to preserve and promote cultural heritage.
Corps members serving in Oyo State have been charged to live as change agents in their respective host communities.
Governor Seyi Makinde gave the charge while declaring the orientation course for the 2025 Batch A Stream One closed at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State.
The governor, represented by the Director of Sports Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alhaja Kudirat Mustapha, explained that society placed high expectations on the young graduates to serve as role models to the younger generation in their respective community of service.
He urged them to join hands with the government to stamp out corruption and deploy their expertise and ingenuity to fight the scourge of poverty and economic hardship currently militating against the country.
Earlier in an address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Abel Oche, enjoined the corps members not to deviate from the training instilled in them during the three-week orientation exercise.
Mr Oche tasked them to explore additional skills which would make them self-reliant to contribute to the economic fortune of the country after the one-year mandatory service.
While urging the corps members not to denigrate the tradition and culture of their host communities, the NYSC State Coordinator advocated provision of corps lodges in all the thirty-three local government areas of the state to ease the accommodation problem of serving in the state.
Christians are urged to imbibe the spirit of perseverance, sacrifice and harmony as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Reverend Father Emmanuel Adebisi of St.Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke Are, gave the charge while delivering a homily at St. Ignatius of Loyola, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Old Ife Road, Agodi Ibadan, Oyo State, at the mass to celebrate Palm Sunday.
The Reverend Father said Palm Sunday was a day when Christians reflect on their lives and strengthen their faith in the Lord.
He maintained that Jesus Christ did not enter Jerusalem on a horse as a warrior, but on a donkey, which was a symbol of peace and humility.
The cleric enjoined the congregants to believe in hope, which the day also signifies, assuring the people that challenges confronting the country would be overcome.
He appealed to the political office holders not to betray the trust and confidence imposed on them by citizens who elected them into power, but to work for their well-being.
Earlier, during a procession, the worshippers held palm leaves to symbolise Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem.
The Nigeria Police force ,Oyo state Command has arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the hijacking of a truck loaded with 45,000 liters of petrol belonging to NIPCO Ltd.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso made this known in a statement made available to the newsmen.
The release says the command’s Monitoring Unit recently received a report of a hijacking incident of a truck with registration number ADAMAWA YLA 575 ZY along Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road.
According to the statement, the preliminary investigations revealed that an armed group equipped with sophisticated firearms perpetrated the act.
The efforts of the special operatives of the command yielded result as the hijacked truck was later found at Lincoln Filling Station, Odo-Ona Kekere, Ibadan, where the suspects were in the process of siphoning the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The suspects according to the release says the hijacked truck was transferred to them by a third individual known as Femi, who allegedly masterminded the hijacking alongside his accomplices.
Mr Osifeso says the suspects had confessed to their roles in orchestrating the hijacking and provided details on how the truck was diverted after the crime.
The command’s spokesman assured the public of the command’s continued diligent investigations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and holding all individuals involved accountable for their actions.
He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities around them to the police
Justice Bayo Taiwo of Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan has adjourned till March 10th this year for continuation of trial between Oyo State and former Chairman of the Park Management System, PMS in the state, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi also known as “Auxilliary.”
At the resumed trial, Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr S. O. Adeoye called Inspector Felix Adegoke from the Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele to give evidence.
Inspector Adegoke stated that on the 29th of May, 2023, the command received a distress call that the residence of the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde at Ikolaba, Ibadan, was under attack by the defendant and some other hoodlums.
He noted that the police, after arriving at the scene, arrested nine members of the Park Management System, PMS, with the defendant escaping.
Inspector Adegoke further noted that the defendant was arrested on the 15th of May 2024 with various dangerous weapons including guns, machete, charms and bulletproof vest which were presented as exhibits in court.
The defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, opposed the submission of the exhibits stating that it violates section 14 of the Evidence Act, but was overruled by Justice Ojo.
Mr Ojo, SAN also objected to the submission of a video confessional statement of the defendants as exhibit arguing that it was obtained under duress and that the case was politically motivated.
Justice Taiwo, after hearing both counsels’ arguments, ordered trial within a trial to determine if the defendant’s confession was voluntary and adjourned the trial to the 10th of March this year.
Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as “Auxilliary” is standing trial on a 17-count charge bordering on armed robbery, attempted murder, murder and illegal possession of firearms.
The Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named, Amotekun in Oyo State has rescued four kidnapped persons, including the two wives of Baale of Alagbede.
According to State Commandant, Olayanju Olayinka, the rescue operation was a collaborative effort between Amotekun officers and local hunters in Ojutaye, along Oretu Road.
The victims were kidnapped from their residence in Alagbede village in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State at around 1 am on Tuesday.
The efforts however yielded as one of the suspects was apprehended.
Unfortunately, one of the local hunters, known as Ojo, lost his life during the rescue operation.
Efforts are still ongoing to arrest the rest of the kidnapping gang as the Amotekun officers and local hunters are still in their pursuit
Oyo State government has distributed fifteen brand new motorcycles to its agricultural extension officers.
The presentation took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
Distributing the motorcycles, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the first phase of motorcycles distribution to the agricultural extension officers would enhance the flexibility of its operations in the rural agrarian zones of the state.
Mr Olaleye noted that the present administration had succeeded in ploughing 6,090 acres of land last year through the tractorization subsidy initiative which benefitted 1500 farmers, saying the initiative is beginning to have a positive impact against the food inflation in Oyo State.
He said Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the state is poised for research, orientation of local farmers and boost food production.
Some of the beneficiaries including Azeez Zakariyau, and Adeniran Rotimi lauded the state government for prioritizing agric-business and agricultural development, promising to use motorcycles for its purpose.
It would be recalled that the state government employed 168 extension workers in 2024, with other recent engagement of 161 others.
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has urged the public to take precautions against the outbreak of seasonal diseases, including Meningitis, Lassa Fever, Cholera, and Measles.
As part of moves to strengthen its efforts, the NOA organized a Sensitization and Public Enlightenment Campaign at its Oyo State headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including health educators, religious leaders, market traders, youth representatives, and other community groups.
The agency emphasized the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of these illnesses in communities.
Representing the NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr. Olufemi Ayoola, highlighted key preventive measures.
These include maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, regular hand washing, and proper food storage to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
In their remarks, the Oyo State Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Olaoye Olarinde, and the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Iyabo Kareem, stressed the importance of a balanced diet for healthy living.
They also encouraged the public to prioritize cleanliness and regular health check-ups for early detection and treatment of diseases.
Participants at the event, including the Director of an NGO, Mr. Dare Adaramoye, and the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Amiringun, echoed the message, urging people to prioritize their health.
Mr Adaramoye and Alhaja Amiringun pledged to spread awareness about disease prevention within their communities.
Earlier, the Oyo State Director of NOA, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, explained that the campaign aimed to educate the public on disease prevention through child immunization and the adoption of healthy living practices.
The event concluded with a call for collective action to combat the spread of seasonal diseases and promote public health.
Oyo State Government wants miners to always make safety a priority to prevent explosions.
Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by the Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland Security, Mr Segun Adegoke stated this at a sensitization programme on handling of explosives in mining, organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, South-West, held at Federal Secretariat, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a welcome address, the South-West Zonal Mining Officer, Engr Gbenga Ajayi said the programme aimed to sensitize stakeholders in the mining industry on the importance of managing explosives and equipment as well as the environment.
The guest speaker, Head of Department, Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Muyideen Saliu, who lauded the organizer, said the sensitization was imperative.
Professor Saliu advised the government to take a proactive stand in ensuring monitoring of the mining sector as it would boost the Nation’s IGR and creation of job opportunities.
In a remark, the Oyo State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Augustine Padonu, represented by his Assistant, Mr Aluko Emmanuel stated that the programme had widened the scope of the stakeholder’s understanding of how to handle explosive and equipment for safety, urging them to put all they had gained into use.
Chairman, Miners’ Association in Oyo State, Mr Olubisi Ojeyinka stressed the importance of such sensitization and urged all stakeholders to abide by the rules and regulations of the mining industry to ensure their safety and environment.
To tackle the problem of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM and other sexual and Gender-Based Violence, GBV, the Oyo State government has inaugurated a 20-man steering committee and a 55-man technical working group for effective and sustainable management of gender-related issues.
The committees, which had three months to come up with the Oyo State Action Plan on how to nip the issues in the bud, was inaugurated by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion at a special programme in commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM held at the secretariat, Ibadan
The steering committee include Commissioners for Justice, Health, Trade and Education while the technical group has representatives from NGOs as its members.
Inaugurating the committees, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, said Oyo State is committed to building a society where gender-related issues are effectively and sustainably managed through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach that transcends ministries, agencies and departments.
In a remark, Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and Chairperson of the Steering committee, Toyin Balogun, said the strategic platform is not just to tackle FGM but holistic gender-responsive governance and interventions that would ensure inclusive, just and equitable society.
According to her, ending FGM and tackling gender-based violence requires a full commission of government agencies, civil society, development partners, community leaders and the media.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of partner agencies and groups, including UNICEF and Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi expressed optimism that the effort would drastically reduce FGM and Gender-based violence.
Oyo State is ranked 5th among States in Nigeria with the highest record of FGM practices.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to conduct a comprehensive audit on the Integrated Agricultural Silo Complex Project at Awe in Oyo East Local Government.
In a motion presented to the house by Mr Olorunpoto Rahman, the call became necessary to assess the current status of the project, the total amount expended, and to take appropriate action based on the findings that emanated its abandonment.
Mr. Olorunpoto noted that the purpose and critical roles of the Integrated Agricultural Silo in curbing the menace of food scarcity in Oyo State and Nation at large call for urgent attention that will yield positive influence to ensure its aim of food surplus.
“This infrastructure was intended to reduce post – harvest losses, stabilize food prices, and support farmers by ensuring that surplus produce could be stored and made available during periods of scarcity”
“Given the current skyrocketed prices of food in Nigeria, completion of this project would go a long way to boost food supply and guarantee food security in the State and the Country at large.” The motion stated
He lamented that the Project, with a planned capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes was envisioned to be the largest and first of its kind in Nigeria.
The lawmaker added that the project has been abandoned despite the expenditure of over #1.5 billion and over 11 years of work on – going.
House however directed its Standing Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to engage all stakeholders on the way forward and report back their findings to the House.
Oyo State Government has registered 12,128 hospitality outfits for proper monitoring and coordination of their activities.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, stated this during a press conference in Ibadan ahead of the celebration of Lovers’ Day tagged “Valentine Cruise”.
Dr Olatunbosun noted that the number of registered hospitality ventures comprising hotels, nightclubs, event centres, eateries/restaurants and tour operators rose from over one thousand in December 2019 to twelve thousand in 2025.
He maintained that the rise was achieved due to the conducive and enabling environment created for investors by the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
Speaking on the programme tagged ‘Valentine Cruise‘ scheduled to be held on Friday, 14th February 2025, Dr Olatunbosun said the event would promote peace, love, friendship, admiration and tolerance among residents and visitors in the state and also promote aquatic tourism, create employment opportunities as well as boost the income and economy of the state.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Entertainment Cruise, Dr Sanni Bamidele, lauded the efforts of Governor Makinde in developing and promoting culture and tourism in Oyo State.
Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal has declared that the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to back Rt. Hon. SKE Ude-Okoye remained valid, noting that the party would come out stronger from its crisis.
The Zamfara governor stated this in Ibadan when he paid a condolence visit to the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, over the death of his brother, Sunday Makinde.
Governor Lawal maintained that the PDP needed to learn lessons from certain mistakes, noting that the resolution of the governors’ meeting in Delta showed that the party is making efforts to come out stronger to lead Nigeria to the promised land.
He said: “Concerning what is currently going on in the PDP; in politics, there are always issues. With what happened in Delta two days ago, it shows we are making waves to be back to the people to lead this country.
“We [governors] are the leaders of this party. We have a say and whatever we say is what would be implemented.
“There is nothing really wrong with the PDP. The ongoing crisis is normal and it happens like that in other parties too. So, it is nothing new. It is one of those things.
“This will make us even stronger because we need to learn from certain mistakes and that will be a learning process.”
Governor Lawal, who visited Makinde with some members of the cabinet, said: “Governor Makinde is my very good friend and it is an obligation for me to come and commiserate with him and his entire family on the loss of his older brother. I am also here with my team.
“Death is inevitable and we are here to comfort and tell him that we are with him in this trying moment.”
Governor Makinde also received the African Development Bank (AfDB) president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha and the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Livestock Development, Mr Idris Ajimobi; the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau and some members of the Board.
Addressing newsmen shortly after visiting Makinde, Dr Adesina, commiserated with the governor and his family.
He said: “He [Makinde’s older brother] passed away at such a young age. So, I came here to be with the governor and I pray that God would give him the strength and fortitude to bear the loss over the tragic loss. I just pray everything will go well.
“I also conveyed the condolences of my wife and the AfDB because he is a partner. May the soul of his brother rest in perfect peace.”
The NFF president, Gusau, equally commiserated with Governor Makinde, saying: “My words of encouragement to Governor Makinde is just to pray for him that God will give him the ability to contain this loss. To lose a senior brother at the age he died and at a moment like this is not something easy”.
The NFF president hinted that the Federation had been working with the Federal Ministry of Education with a view to restoring some tournaments towards developing football from the grassroots.
By Rasheedah Makinde/Abisola Oluremi/Olawale Asake/Adewumi Faniran/Oluwakayode Banjo
Oyo State has joined its neighbouring states like Lagos, Ekiti and Ogun in witnessing the first rain of 2025.
Rain was witnessed in some parts of the State Capital, Ibadan, such as Ayegun Oleyo, Odo Ona Elewe, Oluyole, Apata, Idi-Ishin, Jericho, Mokola, Dugbe, Oje, Agodi gate, Iyana church, Olodo, Amuloko, and its environs.
The rain which started around half past four in the morning was heavy in some areas and light in other places and lasted between ten to thirty minutes.
Residents who spoke with Radio Nigeria expressed relief and believed that the rain would reduce the current heat and dust.
One of the residents of Ayegun Oleyo, and Odo Ona Elewe, Mr Ademola Daniel noted that the rain would significantly reduce dust emanating from the ongoing road rehabilitation in the area.
While speaking with our correspondent in Olodo, the residents said they stepped out of their houses to allow the first rain to drop on them and prayed, describing it as a positive sign for the remaining part of the year.
Meanwhile, residents of some areas like Omi-Adio, Akobo, and Ojoo, said, there was no sign of rain in their areas but optimistic that it would rain in their environments very soon.
There had been signs of imminent rain in the city with cloudy weather and breeze, especially in the evening.
On Sunday, the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital, was blessed with its inaugural rainfall of the year.
As morning broke, the heavens opened, releasing a gentle shower that quenched the thirst of the dry, cracked ground.
In a surprise turn of events, a sudden shower swept through Ibadan, bringing immense relief to residents in neighbourhoods such as Odo Ona Kekere, Soka, New Garage, Akala Expressway along Àpáta Orita Challenge, Ring Road, Akobo.
Radio Nigeria gathered that this unexpected rainfall echoes the recent experience of Akure, which similarly witnessed its inaugural rainfall of the year.
The rainfall was enjoyed by all, as it became a topical issue amongst neighbours, families and friends.
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, on Friday met with Tanker Drivers in Akinyele Area of Ibadan, Oyo State in an effort to reduce requent tanker accidents in the country.
At the meeting ,Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu urged the drivers to always ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before travelling.
He also told them to always obey traffic rules and avoid consuming alcohol while driving.
Mallam Issa-Onilu, however, gave the drivers assurance that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to fixing all the failed portions of roads in the country to reduce road crashes and preserve the sanctity of lives.
,DG, NOA,Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
The NOA Director-General also warned Nigerians to desist from the act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noting that, scooping of fuel had often resulted to loss of many lives and property.
He expressed the President ‘s grief over recent tanker explosions in some parts of the country, including Enugu and Niger States where many lives were lost.
Mallam Issa-Onilu appealed to Nigerians to always be their brothers keepers by rendering assistance to the people in need, instead of looking for ways of looting from scenes of any unfortunate incident.
He raised the hope of Nigerians that policies being put in place by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of economic hardship would soon yield positive result.
Earlier, Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Oyo State Directorate, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, promised the Tanker Drivers Association that the Agency would always be in touch with them to get their complaints, commendations and requests across to the Federal Government
R-L Dir. NOA, Oyo,Olukemi Afolayan,DG, NOA,Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
Responding, some of the members of the Tanker Drivers Association in Akinyele, Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State, commended the National Orientation Agency, NOA, for the meeting.
They called on the government to build Trailer Parks with Modern Facilities for them to relax anytime they embarked on long journey, to help their physical and mental fitness for the journey ahead of them.
In a groundbreaking move, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin has officially launched Nigeria’s first Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Units in both the State Legislature and the Ministry of Justice.
This pioneering initiative aims to strengthen legislative oversight, ensure accountability, and enhance the impact of laws passed by the Assembly.
The Speaker performed the official inauguration of the pioneer PLS units on Wednesday at the Western Hall, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat Ibadan
According to Mr Ogundoyin who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Muhammad Fadeyi, the introduction of the PLS unit into the legislative framework is a testament to the assembly’s commitment to deepening democracy, fostering inclusiveness, and ensuring that the voices of the people we serve resonate in the decisions that shape their lives.
Mr Ogundoyin added that the PLS unit is designed to provide a structured approach to reviewing the performance of laws, identifying gaps, and making necessary improvements.
“Our duty as lawmakers does not end with the passage of laws; we must ensure that these laws are effectively implemented and remain relevant in addressing societal needs. With this unit now fully established in Oyo State, our Assembly is positioned to lead in ensuring that laws passed by this House translate into real benefits for our people“. Oyo Speaker said
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Olubunmi Aare said the Post Legislative Scrutiny, PLS unit would contribute to better legislation.
The establishment of the PLS unit was made possible through the partnership between the National Institute for Democratic and Legislative Studies (NILDS) and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
The Country Representative of WFD, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, praised the Oyo State House of Assembly for making history with the launch of the PLS unit.
“The careful selection of the OYHA as a pioneer for piloting the establishment of a PLS unit is strategic, not only because of its position as one of the first legislative bodies in Nigeria but also due to the laudable interest and commitment that the leadership of the House has shown towards the project. Though we recognise that the knowledge of PLS and its practice across the globe is still budding, the establishment of PLS unit in Oyo State will serve as a model for other state legislatures in Nigeria as it symbolizes a commitment to fostering a democracy that is responsive to the needs of the citizenry”.
In his remarks, Professor Adewale Aderemi of NILDS said the importance of PLS in improving the quality of legislation could not be underestimated.
“PLS is important. Oyo State benefitted at the expense of the National Assembly. We urge the House to use PLS to test itself and ensure that laws passed are having the desired effects in terms of implementation and compliance“.
Another highlight of the program was the inauguration and induction of pioneer staff of PLS units in the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA and the State Ministry of Justice.
