Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the regularisation and integration of 129 floating staff members of the Defunct Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) into the mainstream of the state civil service.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade disclosed this at a media briefing after the Executive Council Meeting held at the Governor’s office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The commissioner for information said the reabsorbed 129 staff would also enjoy promotions and other entitlements for civil servants.
Also,the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musbau Babatunde said the council approved over ₦691 million to be invested in Wema Bank Right Issuance Program.
He said the investment would help the state government to prepare and secure the financial future of the state.
Professor Babatunde equally disclosed that the council has approved the sum of ₦10billion facility to provide counterpart funding for World Bank assisted projects in the state to access some of the world bank programs which are focused on the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents of the state.
On his part, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin said the state executive council has approved the sum of ₦3.5billion naira for the clearing of the 36.7km northeast segment of Senator Rashidi Ladoja Ibadan circular road.
Professor Sangodoyin explained that the project which runs from Badeku axis to Moniya axis includes 150metres width bush clearing through the 36.7km length, removal of topsoil, construction of selected culverts and limited provision of earthworks among others.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde says he will not support the candidature of Peoples Democratic Party member whose age is above 50 and 52 years in the 2027 general elections.
He stated this at the Adebo Ogundoyin legislative summit with the theme: Roles of Quality Legislation in Nation Building held at the International Conference Centre, U. I, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, while emphasizing the roles of youths in nation building, posited that Nigeria needed to catch the nation’s youths young to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
He called on the youths to dream better and be interested in the governance of the nation.
He said “I am here this afternoon the encourage the youths. If you go back to the history of Nigeria, after independence in 1960, in 1967, the person that became the maximum ruler was either 29 or 32 years of age, General Gowon. After him, during the Second Republic, former President Obasanjo retired as a general at the age of 39.
“We should dream big. People have ruled this country at a very tender age. So, for us, don’t think at 29 or 30, you are too young to rule ad I am glad because this is almost like catching them early. You have the students here and in about three years, some of you will be out there to move on. If I were you, I won’t have to start looking for work but start doing my own thing at a very early age of 24 or 25. With the kind of energy you still have, you can pull down the kingdom of Satan.
“For the Honorable Speaker himself, the opportunity came in 2018 to replace a former Speaker from his Constituency and, at that particular time, he came, I looked at him and felt he was a spoilt chid. That was why I did not support him initially. But, along the line, he became a member of the House of Assmebly.
“From the data available to us, Oyo State people will give us the opportunity because they wanted to try something totally different. We were coming from a background of no-godfather and the people wanted a change. I told him that was their mood and he agreed with money. So, I predicted that he would win. The election came and turned out to be what we predicted and he became the Speaker. I can see that Osun State is following our footstep. Our people just want us to deliver for them.
“I am glad that with Debo’s trajectory and this summit, we are moving towards the trajectory where young leaders are now thinking in terms of bridging the leadership vacuum in our country.
“And also for the students, coming around, seeing young people they can relate with in a position if authority, I think that is enough motivation for them already. It is enough to let them know that they can be responsible. For the students in oyo State, I have signed all the documents that will allow your busary to paid. So, let us just keep pushing so as to ensure that they release the money and you have it physically or I your bank account.
“The examples I gave about our leaders who led this country as Generals at the age of 29, they are still around up until this moment. But what we need to do is part of what the Honorable Speaker is doing with this type of Summit; bring leaders, look at topical issues and see how we can stimulate ad produce the next step of leaders.
“So, I am eagerly looking out for the outcome of the Summit and supporting the entrenchment of this initiative so that Nigeria can be better in terms of leadership. If you go to advanced countries, they have a culture of how leaders evolve.
“For us here, we have seen the common situation where ‘who is your father’ was the order of the day but we have been able to break that in Oyo State. My father was a nobody and the Oyo Stye people still gave me the opportunity to lead.
“This may be an happenstance but how can we become deliberate in choosing leaders? It is by exposure. Now, the leaders are being exposed and talking to themselves. I made a promise and aired it on radio last December where I said that when I am leaving in 2027, God sparing my life, I will not support anybody that is above 50 – 52 years of age. I know people will fight me because they are being excluded right now.
“We may not be able to prepare the future for the youths but we can prepare the youths for the future. So, please, don’t see this event as an opportunity to look at the issue of leadership in this country. And, in me, Seyi Makinde, the youths have an ally and we will prepare the leaders of the next generation amongst the youths.
“We have tried it in Oyo State and it stabilized the House of Assembly and the government as a whole. So, take proper advantage of this kind of gathering and ge prepared for leadership.”
As part of sustained measures towards boosting the immune system of children for healthy growth, a second round of polio vaccination exercise tagged: “Outbreak Response Two” has been flagged off in Oyo State.
The Outbreak Response Two targeting children from zero to five years old is a collaborative project between the Oyo State government, the World Health Organization, WHO, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF and other partners.
Performing the official flag-off ceremony at the Oke Apon Health Care Centre, Total Garden, Ibadan, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, OYSPHCB, Dr Muideen Olatunji said polio melytis is a deadly ailment posing an impediment to the healthy growth of children as well as terminating the life of children.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization of the Primary Health Care Board, Dr Johnson Osoku said it is important for mothers to present their children for the immunizations to protect them against diseases.
Dr Olatunji who said the exercise is more important than palliatives being clamoured for by the mothers advised them to shun any misconceptions from individuals and report noticeable adverse reactions and complications to the primary health centres
The OYSPHCB executive secretary who claimed that there was no outbreak of polio in Oyo State however said traces of the disease were noticed from samples collected from dump sites.
While emphasising the need for timely presentation of children for immunization, Dr Olatunji said early vaccination of children would give children the required immunity against diseases.
Oyo State coordinator of WHO, Dr Phillip Zorto and representatives of UNICEF Mr Samuel Olatunji stressed the need for mothers to ensure proper positioning of children for breastfeeding and presentation of the children for the vaccination.
Earlier, the Public Health Coordinator, Ibadan North Local government, Mrs Olatunbosun Aderoju who said the first round of the exercise was carried out in early March this year noted that the current exercise would last between today 20th of April and Monday 23rd April.
Mrs Aderoju urged mothers to maintain proper hygiene and cooperate with the vaccination team who she said would be moving from house to house to administer the drugs on children.
Some of the nursing mothers who were present lauded the programme describing it as timely and worthwhile.
Despite the directive of JAMB for Parents to stay away from CBT centers, many parents still throng the Examination venues in support of their children and wards sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME which commenced Nationwide today.
Radio Nigeria correspondents who monitored the exercise in Ibadan Oyo State, report that parents were seen waiting patiently for their children writing the Examination.
Some of the parents who spoke with Radio Nigeria said it was practically impossible to allow their children to go to the CBT Centers alone for the Examination.
Two parents Mrs Olufunke Owofadeju and Mr Tosin Bakare noted that many of the Candidates were below the age of accountability and as such could not be left alone “Why i followed my daughter is that we come long distance. We are from Oyo and i cannot allow her alone to come from Oyo.Infact, in the morning the CBT officials addressed us that we should stay away.”
Similarly, Mrs Oluwadamilola Ayinde said, “I have child and we also come from long distance.That is the reason i followed him here and he cannot go back home without may be , i followed him back.All those people invigilating them did not allow us to stay here at all “.
Speaking on the age of students writing the examination, one if the parents said’ 17 years was better because 15,16, i think the age is still small for them.My child is 17 years
Mr. Tosin Bakare who is a business man said ” The directive of JAMB to parents not to be at the venue of the test, I don’t think they thought it through.There are some children that are not of that age that you can leave them alone. it behoves on parents to guide their children.Where i will agree with JAMB is that some unruly parents tend to take such opportunity to disrupt the examination.They should be handled appropriately”. On the age of students, the opinion of Mr Bakare is that, “The legal age for the independence of a child is 18 ,in some countries 21.So, when a child is still 17, he is not up to.that age of full responsibility.But 17 to.me is still ok”.
Some of the candidates said the examination was hitch free.
Radio Nigeria however observed that the exercise was very orderly.
The 2024 UTME is holding across the Nation in over 700 CBT centers.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has signed into law an Executive Bill for the establishment of the rule of law enforcement authority for speedy justice dispensation in the state.
Signing the bill into law in the board room of the Governor’s office, the governor explained that the agency was necessary to help enforce many state laws ranging from environmental, traffic, indiscriminate dump of refuse and street trading laws amongst others.
He assured residents that his administration meant well for the state with the establishment of the agency, stressing that the rule of law must be duly maintained to thoroughly sanitize the environment, expand the economy and move the people from poverty to prosperity.
Governor Makinde equally noted that there would be mobile courts at every corridor in the state and anyone apprehended violating any of the state’s laws would be swiftly arraigned and duly prosecuted.
The Governor announced the appointment of Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi Rtd as chairman of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo says there are no issues with the Olubadan traditional stool ascension as against the controversy trailing the revered seat of the Olubadan following the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun.
He stated this while speaking with newsmen after hosting the delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal who paid homage to the governor for Eid-Fitr.
Governor Makinde urged those spreading unfounded rumour to desist pointing out that the Olubadan in council is yet to send the government an official letter on its decision on who is to ascend the throne.
The governor assured that the government would make the best decision in the interest of Ibadan land and Oyo State at large when the Ibadan-in-Council finally made the nomination
On the forthcoming local government election in the state, Governor Makinde, while stating that the poll was not a do-or-die affair, enjoined the PDP candidates to intensify the campaign for the election victory in the April 27th poll.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Bayo Lawal appreciated the governor for his love for the Muslim community in the state since his assumption of office in 2019.
The Hausa community in Ibadan the Oyo State capital joined other Muslim faithful in the world to celebrate Eid el Fitri marking the end of the Ramadan fast.
At Agodi Government Arcade where the prayer was held today, the Chief Imam of Ibadan Hausa Community, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad led the worshippers in the two raqat prayers
Addressing newsmen after the prayer, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad said Muslims should imbibe the fear of Allah, which he said was the basis for the Ramadan fast.
The cleric explained that the absence of the fear of God had led to myriads of socio-economic problems confronting the nation
Speaking in the same vein, the Seriki Hausawa of Ibadan land, Alhaji Alid Zungeru, who said Nigeria was too complex to govern, lamented the get-rich-quick syndrome among the people, saying it has led to needless bloodshed in the country.
In an interview, the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Abiodun Fadeyi said comfort was currently returning to the country and urged all and sundry to intensify their prayers for the nation.
Mr Fadeyi admonished Muslims in the country to continue to imbibe the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast with the demonstration of peace and love for one another
High point the event was a special prayer for a member of the Hausa community who died during the prayer.
As Muslims in Oyo State join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s EidEl-Fitri, the Oyo State House of Assembly has felicitated with Muslims in the state, while enjoining them to internalise the lessons learnt during the Holy month of Ramadan to have a better society.
In a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Media, Public Affairs and Information Communication Technology, Mr. Waheed Akintayo, there is a need to be more prayerful for the State and ensure that nothing truncates the peaceful co-existence already in place and enjoyed by all and sundry.
Mr Akintayo urged everyone to continue in the Spirit of love, tolerance and oneness as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Also speaking, the Clerk of the House, Mrs Yetunde Oludara Awe said the Ramadan period inculcates devotion, patience, humility, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness and other virtues which should be maintained before, during and after fasting.
Oyo State Government has begun the third phase of the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers in the state with the distribution of two bags of 50kg feeds and two bottles of disinfectant to 1,000 pig farmers.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said this in Ajaawa, Ogo Oluwa Local Government during the flag-off of the third phase of the farm inputs distribution to farmers in the state.
He said the phase would also witness the free vaccination of at least 120,000 cattle with anthrax vaccine and CBPP vaccine, while another 250,000 cattle, goat and sheep would also be vaccinated by the state government.
Mr Olaleye added that 1,000 sheep and goat farmers across the state would equally receive two bags of 50kg wheat offal each.
The effort, he noted, is in continuation of measures introduced by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative to cushion the effect of economic hardship on residents of the state.
Mr Olaleye who is also doubles as the chairman, SAfER Food Security Sub-Committee, recalled that thousands of poultry and fishery farmers in the state had benefited in the first and second phases of the inputs distribution exercise.
He lauded the state governor for sustaining agricultural activities in the state through the SAfER initiative, adding that the initiative, which targets crop, poultry, fishery and livestock farmers, is aimed at supporting small and medium scale so as to relieve them of the current economic hardship.
Olaleye said: “We are flagging off the third phase of SAfER interventions for the food security sub-sector with the distribution of feeds and disinfectants to pig farmers across Oyo State.
“Here, 1,000 pig farmers will benefit from the distribution we are doing at the moment. They will get two bags of 50kg of PKC each with two bottles of disinfectant.
“120,000 cattle will also be vaccinated with anthrax vaccine and CBPP Vaccine, 250,000 cattle across the state will also benefit from free vaccination of anthrax vaccine. We are going to give out two bags of 50kg wheat offal feeds each to 1,000 sheep and goat farmers as well.
“This is just the beginning of the exercise and it will go across all the local government areas we have in the state.
“It is part of the SAfER initiative introduced by Governor Makinde. In the next few days, we will proceed to the stage of giving seed, cassava cotton, herbicides and knapsack sprayers to crop farmers across the state.
“The programme is aimed at reducing the cost of food in Oyo State and I want to assure you that by the next harvest season, you will see that prices of goods and food would have gone down.”
The commissioner added that as part of efforts to support farmers in the state, the governor recently pronounced a N600 million subsidy on land clearing, which would see farmers pay only N15,000 per hectare instead of N30,000 being charged earlier.
“I would like to urge the farmers to be faithful to the government and to also support our people. If they are getting free things from the government, they should also ensure they reduce the prices of goods in a corresponding manner as well.
“The governor has said that for the next six months, no farmer should pay tax on farm produce in the state. And he has promised to support farmers with 50 per cent payment on the tractor used on their farmlands.
Earlier, the chairman, Piggery Farmers Association, Mr Tope Oye-Alamu, expressed gratitude to the state government for the inclusion of pig farmers as beneficiaries of the state government initiative, noting that his sector had never benefited from such effort before.
Oyo State Government will host the first International Tourism Summit 2024 (#ITSOyoState2024) in Ibadan between April 17 and 18, 2024.
This event, organized by the newly established Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aims to attract local and international stakeholders to explore tourism opportunities and potential investments in the state.
While addressing members of the press at the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, stated that Governor Makinde’s commitment to promoting the tourism sector was initially demonstrated through his Executive Order no 2 of 2023, which led to the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
He noted that # ITSOyoState2024 will serve as a platform to facilitate dialogue, with talks, symposiums, panel discussions, and presentations highlighting areas for collaboration and investment.
According to him, the two-day summit, to be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, is expected to attract representatives from embassies, tourism leaders, financial institutions, and the international community.
Dr Olatunbosun added that by showcasing the state’s tourism potential and attracting investors, the government seeks to elevate the state’s tourism industry and drive sustainable economic growth.
He said: “Right now, you can access the programme on our website, https://tourism.oyostate.gov.ng/itsoyostate2024/. We will also have exhibitions of Oyo State arts and culture. On that website you will also find the names of speakers that have confirmed attendance and other details of the programme.”
“A key feature of the programme that I must highlight is the Keynote Address which will be delivered by His Excellency titled, “Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Oyo State through Public-Private Development Partner Collaborations.”
“This summit will also give the State the opportunity to, for the first time, award individuals and organisations that have contributed to tourism in Oyo State through a Governor’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony.”
“To ensure that this event runs smoothly, the government is working with Slvr Wlf Digitale as the communication and marketing partner for this event. # ITSOyoState2024 is envisioned as a no-holds-barred- conversation between government and stakeholders.”
“It is Oyo State’s way of saying, “Our doors are wide open for investments in tourism, and we are here to guide investors and make things easier for them within the State.”
“As Nigeria faces economic challenges, one of the key things we have to do is export more and earn more foreign exchange. And this is what we plan to do with this event.”
“I will now give the consultant for this event a few minutes to talk about what more you can expect and then we will take your questions,” he said.
Meanwhile, a committee has been set up for the summit which includes Mr Akinola Ojo – Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr Debo Akande – Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju – Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media Mr Tilewa Folami – Director General OYSIPA
Others are Dr Morohunkola Thomas – Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters, Ms Abigail Anaba – Head of Content Marketing, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd. and Dr Wasiu Olatubosun – Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism who is the Chairman of the committee.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi as Acting Rector of the Ibadan Polytechnic.
This is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu.
The statement states that Dr. Taiwo Lasisi is to serve in an acting capacity for six months with the effectiveness of 25th March 2024 to 25th September 2024.
The governor explained that the appointment became imperative following the expiration of the tenure of Prof Kazeem Adebiyi on 24th March 2024.
He said that the government looks forward to his hard work, diligence, and professionalism in realizing its mission for the institution.
Dr. Lasis,is a committed academic with wide experience in applied sciences with special skills in Statistics for national development.
He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Statistics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Statistics (Time Series Analysis) from the University of Botswana, Botswana, South Africa.
He has very significant experience working in the administration of academic units in tertiary institutions.
He was a former Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Academic Planning and Control Unit at the Polytechnic Ibadan, among other administrative responsibilities that he has upheld in my academic career.
He lectured at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology as an acting Head of the Department of Statistics to date.
He belongs to two foremost social cultural groups in Ibadan, the Ibadan Solidarity Group(ISG) and Ibadan Action Council(IAC), both are affiliates of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes(CCII).
In a bid to stop street trading in the state, Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has announced the decision of the state government to allocate free stalls to about 700 street traders at the Agodi-Gate junction in Ibadan.
He made the announcement during the inauguration of the Agodi-Gate , Civic Center and Idi-Ape junction improvement projects in Ibadan.
The governor, who directed that the allocation be carried out with immediate effect, said the decision would go a long way in taking traders off the streets and improve free flow of traffic.
Governor Makinde enjoined the people of the state to maintain the facilities
“We are commissioning these three junction improvement. Some people might sat this is a small project why am I commissioning it.
“These junction improvement reduce the man power spent in traffic another three is coming, U I road, Polytechnic road, and Eleyele. junction
“By completing and commissioning these junction we are making a clear statement of sanity. These project is significant in our quest in omi tuntun 2:0 which is the rule of law.
“The shops will be given free of charge to traders in gate They will allocate it 2-1 and by so doing take 700 traders out of the street into the stall.
They won’t give it to civil servants. They would be given immediately.
“Street trading and illegal dumping of refuse are two uncivil are that we must do away it as citizens of oyo state.
I have given directives that anyone caught carrying out such acts will face the brunt of the law.
“We have placed a billboard right here at gate so no one will say they are ignorant of the law.
“In the next few weeks we will be welcoming local and foreign investment to the state. We cannot decouple tourism promotion from a clean and safe environment
“As we celebrate these accomplishments and pledge to do more, it’s our believe that the good people of oyo state will use these facilities carefully and protect it from wear and tear.”he said
In a goodwill message, the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo who described Governnor Seyi Makinde as an uncommon and visionary leader said the event is about urban regeneration to develop Ibadan City.
Earlier,the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin said the junction improvement projects would enhance the safety of both motorists and pedestrians, reduce congestion, and improve the overall flow of traffic in the axis of Ibadan metropolis.
Governor Makinde and his Anambra state counterpart, Professor Charles Soludl later flag -off the road Infrastructure component of the 32.2km out of the 110km circular road in Badeku area, Embedded local government.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP, Adebola Hamzat, On Thursday, said necessary measures will be put in place by the command to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents of the state during and after the Local Government Council election, scheduled for 27th April 2024.
CP Adebola Hamzat, gave the assurance while speaking with journalists shortly after meeting the leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) , who were on a courtesy call to his office, Eleyele, Ibadan.
He explained that attaining a peaceful election requires an inclusive security architecture, noting that the command will work with concerned government and security agencies to ensure the election is devoid of rancor.
CP Adebola, who revealed that the command has enough and better resources and manpower to deploy for the poll, enjoined residents of the state to be part of the electoral process and be law-abiding in their conduct.
He said the visit of OYSIEC was long overdue and promised continuous engagement with the Commission to have a successful election.
He described local government as the most impactful government in which citizens can enjoy many dividends of democracy.
“We have discussed, we have been able to determine some places that have gaps. We will still discuss further so that the election tentatively put for 27th April 2024 will be successful, devoid of rancour and insecurity”
“We have enough and better resources, intelligence, we have about 100 patrol vehicles, 20 special patrol units. We will work with the likes of Operation Burst, Amotekun and, if the need be, police officers in sister states because the Nigeria police is one, and our participation in the election is not negotiable “
Earlier in his remarks, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, said the visit was to formally inform the command of the intention of members of the Commission to conduct an election that is peaceful and free of intimidation.
Aare Olagunju noted that the people of the state are always afraid of not being secured on the day of the election; hence, there is a need to collaborate with the command to have a conducive environment, before, during and after the election.
He called on the Command to assist in maintaining law and order across the polling units on the day of the election and ensure no life is lost.
He also sought the cooperation of the command in the signing of undertaking by political parties ahead of the election.
Oyo State House of Assembly has stressed the need for the Executive arm to immortalize the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun
The House during a special Yoruba plenary presided over by the speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin said Oba Balogun was a respected politician, scholar and custodian of culture who had made his footprint on the sand of time.
The House described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland as a first-class monarch whose reign was impactful and peaceful.
Presenting the motion, lawmaker representing Ibadan North East Constituency 2, Mr Abiodun Babalola said Oba Balogun has made history and would never be forgotten.
While contributing, other lawmakers, including Mrs Comforter Olajide, Mr. Gabriel Babajide and Mr Sunkanmi Babalola commiserated with the immediate family of the late monarch, the Olubadan in Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes as well as sons and daughters of Ibadan land.
Also during the plenary, the house stressed the need for the executive to provide more support for farmers in the state as the planting season sets in, to ensure an abundant food supply in Oyo State
Similarly, the lawmakers, following a motion brought before the house by Mr. Gbenga Oyekola, Atiba state constituency, also appealed to the executive to empower Local Government authorities to enable them to embark on the rehabilitation of bad roads in their local councils
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has expressed its readiness to involve the traditional rulers in the administrative affairs of the state.
He said this during an interactive session with the traditional leaders held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde represented the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal noted that failure of the Abiola Ajimobi to fully implement the year 2000 Chieftaincy Law section 3 sub-section 3, 28 and 37 as amended by Late Christopher Alao-Akala in May 2011 has not enabled regular chairmanship and deputy chairmanship rotation among Alaafin, Olubadan, Soun and Onileegbon, Aseyin, Okere and Eleruwa respectively every two years.
The governor pledged to accept advice submitted by the Obas for a careful inclusivity for due co-partners in the progress of the state against banditry, insurgency and illegal mining.
Reacting, member representing Lagelu State Constituency and House Chairman on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Akintunde Olajide expressed the readiness of the state Legislature to amend the year 2000 chieftaincy ACT when received from the state executive.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Segun Olayiwola said the meeting would no doubt strengthen synergy between the traditional council and the state government.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has presented 28 18-seater buses to tertiary institutions in the state
Governor Makinde, while presenting the buses at the car park of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan said his administration would continue to give its best to the people of the state despite the challenging times.
The governor, who noted that the country was passing through a tough period, assured that the period would soon be over, adding that his administration would never relent in giving the best to the state and its people.
Governor Makinde explained that he was sensitive to the hardship foisted on the students as a result of the tough times and encouraged them to endure as the hardship would soon become a thing of the past
He had just signed the state scholarship and bursary awards for 2024, stressing that he would ensure that the disbursement is done seamlessly and with integrity.
While enjoining the students to cooperate with the leadership of their institutions, he also expressed his appreciation to them for the uncommon support he had been enjoying from them right from the inception of his administration.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede, commended Governor Makinde for the donation of the buses, describing it as unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.
He said that no governor had ever donated buses to all tertiary institutions and student bodies at the same time in the history of the country.
Other leaders, who spoke on behalf of the students, also commended the magnanimity of Governor Makinde towards the state students, describing him as the most student-friendly governor.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has threatened to withdraw all its candidates from the forthcoming local government council election if the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) failed to guarantee the usage of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the poll.
Most of the registered political parties in the country have indicated their readiness to participate in the election slated for April 27 with OYSIEC assuring the public that it would be fair in its conduct against the background of insinuation that the electoral body was set up to do the bidding of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued at the weekend and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC expressed concerns over what it described as a “game of deceit being played by OYSIEC over the need to deploy BVAS machines for the April and also show the whole world that it was not out to do the bidding of the ruling PDP as it happened the last time when candidates of other parties were denied their earned victory, particularly in Ido and Ibarapa East local government councils.
“We have watched with dismay the lip service being paid, by OYSIEC, to the issue of BVAS required for the smooth conduct of the poll. The Commission is apparently under pressure to jettison the usage of BVAS because the ruling PDP is averse to it even as the powers-that-be in the state are prepared to compromise the April poll in their bid to ensure all the candidates of the PDP win at all cost.
“It is a height of insincerity on the part of OYSIEC to hide the status of any request made to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the release of the machines for the planned poll even as we have been reliably informed that INEC does not have any reason to turn down such request if properly and genuinely made. Apart from the fact that the devices are owned by Nigerians, INEC is committed to the conduct of credible elections and the Commission is ever ready to assist the cause within and outside Nigeria.
“Oyo APC took a bold decision to field candidates in this election basically for two reasons; to deepen our democracy at the grassroots level and also to rescue the third tier of government which has been rendered useless by the current PDP administration. Consequently, that PDP is paranoid today is understandable and we use this medium to restate our commitment to the cause of constitutional democracy and good governance. However, we are concerned about the palpable desperation in the camp of the ruling party in their bid to sustain the status quo which does not augur well for the masses.
“As a matter of fact, we have observed that the Chairman of OYSIEC might not be able to be fair to all parties as he is wont to do for obvious reasons. The fact that the PDP elements are averse to BVAS is responsible for the failure of OYSIEC to announce to the world that the machines would be used for the election. At this juncture, we are stating it categorically that Oyo APC would not be a party to any sham or charade and should the election body fail to guarantee the usage of BVAS for the April poll, they should count us out.” Sadare added.
Chairman, Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency, OYACA, Retired Justice Eni Esan has disclosed that legislative and legal processes are ongoing to enable the agency to prosecute offenders.
She said this while responding to questions from journalists after a sensitization and advocacy programme for the 2024 Batch A, Stream One of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members at their permanent site in Iseyin on Friday.
Retired Justice Esan informed the reporters that OYACA had written to the Oyo State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Abiodun Aikomo for the amendment of the law that established the anti-corruption agency, for it to have the legal autonomy to prosecute.
The retired Justice added that has already gotten permission from the Attorney-General of the State to send OYACA’s legal officers to court for prosecution of its cases.
“Efforts are ongoing for the agency to get autonomy to prosecute offenders under the State’s anti-corruption laws, we have written to the Honorable Attorney General of the State to help us go through the process of amending the OYACA LAW, to give us the power to prosecute our matters.
“But right now, the Honorable Attorney General has given us permission to send our legal officers to court to prosecute OYACA cases, this will help in speeding up the legal process and we will be able to cover many cases after our usual investigations.”
In her address to the corps members, the OYACA Chairman harped on the effects of corruption on the local communities, the State and the nation at large, saying that the common vice was the cause of the entrenched poverty in Nigeria.
She called on them to join the force against graft in the State by speaking against it and reporting the same to the agency for investigation and prosecution of those involved.
“The citizens of most developing countries like Nigeria have continued to wallow in poverty, not because there are no deliberate government programmes to improve their standard of living, but because of sheer greed and selfishness of some individuals.
“Corruption and all related crimes should not be tolerated as the devastating effects of corruption can no longer be ignored, hence the fight against it must be taken as a personal challenge,” Eni Esan told the corps members.
The OYACA Chairman later led his team to inspect the new office of the agency at Iseyin which was under renovation and will be opened for use soon.
In his response, the State’s NYSC Coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel appreciated the intent of the State government to establish the anti-corruption agency, assuring OYACA that the corps members will be the advocates of anti-graft campaign at all the areas of the State where they will be posted.
As the Federal Government has taken steps to consider the implementation of the Steve Oransanye report by merging some agencies and departments, workers at the Federal level have been assured of the security of their jobs.
The President, the National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishment, Agencies and Departments, NAFOHEADS, Oyo State chapter, Dr Stephen Adewuni gave the assurance in an interview with Radio Nigeria after the monthly conference of the association held at the Federal Secretariat, Ikolaba, Ibadan.
Dr Adewuni, who said that the step taken was meant to reduce the cost of governance, explained that the merging of agencies and departments would not translate to job loss for federal workers as anticipated by some individuals.
While encouraging Federal workers to consider investing in agriculture as the farming season commences, Dr Adewuni noted that the era of total reliance on salary for survival had gone as prices of food commodities continued to rise in the market.
The Oyo state NAFOHEAD president, who enjoined other members to prioritize monthly meetings of the forum, said the association had made numerous resolutions which included a visit to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, restructuring of the forum executive in line with the forum’s constitution and sensitization of absenting members on the importance of attending the NAFOHEADS meetings, among others
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remained strong and united in the state and would win the forthcoming local government elections as a result of his government’s people-oriented programmes.
He stated this in Iseyin while welcoming the senatorial candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo North Senatorial District and former member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC, Shina Peller, into the PDP.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal called on new and old members of the party to work in unison to deliver candidates of the PDP in the local government polls.
The governor urged PDP members, especially in Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso to support and welcome the defectors with a large heart for the party to continue to wax stronger, as according to him, there is enough room for everyone to operate.
He said: “I want to greet our party leaders and elders who are here at this event. Being progressive without power is zero but we want power in Iseyinland, Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso and Oyo State in general. This is why Shina Peller is joining the party that gives power to the people.
“When you are looking for something within a particular place and you don’t get it, won’t you leave the place and go to another place where you can find it?
“I want to assure Peller that he and other followers won’t regret joining the PDP and a lot of benefits will come to them, undoubtedly.
“I want to also greet the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Kabiyesi Oba Sefiu Oyebola. There has been progress in this land during his reign. The developments that each zone in the state has witnessed since Governor Makinde came on board are remarkable and I believe we all want all of these to continue.
“I want to urge the PDP members to join hands together with Peller and his followers for the progress of our party. Let us integrate and support them as we welcome them into our fold.
“We know the local government election is forthcoming and we want the PDP to win in all the polling units.
In a remark, Mr Shina Peller pointed out that the developmental strides and the visionary leadership of Governor Makinde were the reasons for his and his followers’ defection into the PDP.
He pledged their unalloyed support for the continuity of dividends of democracy in Oke Ogun and the state in general through the governor, commending the governor for his laudable project and linking all the zones together through road infrastructure.
Earlier, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbero, who was represented by the Deputy State Chairman, James Olukunle, described the defection of Peller and his followers as a step in the right direction, charging the new entrants to remain loyal and faithful to the party.
The Oyo-Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted fake pharmaceutical drugs worth one billion seven hundred and thirty-nine million naira at Bakatari area of Oyo State.
The drugs include seven sacks of 625 mg augmentin tablets, twenty-two sacks of ampiclox and twenty-four sacks of 500 mg amoxicillin capsules.
The Area Controller of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo stated this while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the command in February 2024 at his headquarters in Ibadan.
Doctor Oramalugo explained that the drugs were tucked in a truck loaded with electronics en route to the northern part of the country.
The Area Controller noted that other seized commodities include foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, Indian hemp, used tyres, and vegetable oil totalling over one billion naira.
DrOramalugo, while appreciating the efforts of traditional rulers, officials of local government, officers of Customs Service and other sister security agents, said the command would not relent in contributing to the economic stability of the nation.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, has paraded a sixty-four-year-old man for allegedly raping his sixteen years old granddaughter.
The suspect was paraded alongside six other suspected criminals arrested for child trafficking at the NSCDC headquarters, Agodi Ibadan.
Speaking with journalists, the sixteen-year-old rape victim said he first forced himself on her when she was seven years old. She said when it first happened, she reported it to her parents but they did not believe her.
The suspected rapist, John Umeh, who hails from Abia state, confessed to have been having canal knowledge of her for the past nine years. He said it was the devil’s handiwork but pleaded for leniency and promised to turn a new leaf if pardoned.
Other suspects were paraded for various offences ranging from child trafficking, engaging in harmful traditional practices and other criminal offences.
Parading the suspects, NSCDC Commandant in Oyo state, Mr Augustine Padonu (MRM) said the command was committed to protecting the citizens of Oyo, especially children and women from all forms of violence and abuse.
He reiterated the command’s efforts to continually work tirelessly to combat heinous crimes and bring perpetrators to book.
The NSCDC boss called on members of the public not to relent in giving out useful information to collectively wage war against crime.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar has enjoined all and sundry to close all ranks and allow peace to reign across the country, regardless of religious, tribal and political dichotomies.
Alhaji Abubakar made the call in Iseyin during the inauguration of Iseyin Central Mosque which was renovated by Alhaji Ahmed Raji, A senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto who is also President Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, advised Nigerians to emulate selfless service as exhibited by Alhaji Ahmed Raji SAN.
He added that the renovation of the mosque has turned it into an edifice which they can be proud of anywhere they are.
“I want to appreciate the Governor for being with us here today. We thank the Almighty Allah for this beautiful blessing given to us on the day. We thank God for giving us a Muslim humanitarian Nigerian, who has been supporting Islam and other religions to the best of his ability.
The renowned legal luminary, who doubles as the chief host, Alhaji Ahmed Raji SAN in his opening remarks noted that the inauguration of Iseyin Central mosque brought all together regardless of religious, tribal and political differences for the unity of all Nigerians.
He thanked Sultan of Sokoto, the Governor of Oyo state and other eminent personalities who attended the programme without minding the distance and current situation of the country.
Alhaji urged citizens to always pray for their leaders no matter the challenges they are facing
“Islam has been here for some time and still growing. With the support of Sultan, we hope Islam will grow more and more. Your coming is a testimony showing us that we are all one nation.
“As citizens, no matter the challenges we are faced with, let us always pray for our leaders. Wherever you have noticed as a challenge, pray to God to lessen the burden for them.”
In his own remarks, the Governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde lauded the legal luminary for his efforts towards the beautification of the edifice, betterment of the state.
“What we have demonstrated by the presence of the Christian community is that in Oyo State, we are one. For those who want to destabilise us in this state, I want to tell them that it will not work.”
Oyo State Government wants Nigerians who studied abroad to return home after acquiring knowledge for the betterment of the country.
Governor Seyi Makinde stated this at the maiden International Study Abroad Forum held at the Thomas Oritsejolomi Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abdulwaheed Adelabu said there was nothing bad for Nigerians to travel overseas to study, but the knowledge acquired should be at building their society.
Governor Makinde explained that Nigerians have consistently input to countries around the world’s gross domestic products,(GDPs), through education however urged education stakeholders in the country to provide a suitable environment for students while scholarships, and fellowships, among others, should be prioritized.
Commenting, Vice Chancellor, the University of Botswana, Professor David Norris stated that Africans should switch away from strengthening its challenges rather than embrace the quest for breeding solutions through globalizing education.
Oyo State Government has officially inaugurated the new executive members of the Park Management System (PMS) eight months after the appointment of the former secretary of the PMS, Mr Tomiwa Omolewa, as its new Chairman and Mr Kasali Lawal as secretary in the State.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Segun Olayiwola at the swearing-in ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, secretariat, Ibadan, warned the newly inaugurated executive members that the state government would hold them responsible for any act that was capable of jeopardizing the peace and progress of the state.
Mr Olayiwola stated cy that the State will not condone any unwholesome acts, drinking of illegal substances and other nefarious activities in the various parks.
His words “May I seize this opportunity to advise that the Oyo State Government as your employer will forthwith hold you responsible for any act inimical to the peace and progress of Oyo State.
“The effort of the government is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Park Managers in the discharge of their duties at the various parks
“The implementation of the new management system is a pointer to the fact that the present administration brings to bear its all-round experience in the area of governance.
” It is noteworthy to observe that our parks serve as vital space for recreation, relaxation and community gathering, hence the need to hold accountable the managers of the various parks across the nooks and crannies of the State and to streamline park operations.
” Let me state categorically that the State will not condone any unwholesome acts, drinking of illegal substances and other nefarious activities in the various parks.
” At this juncture, it is pertinent to note that the administration of oaths being administered today by the State Government is meant to provide sanity to the system and to inculcate the culture of accountability in our various parks.
Mr Olayiwola, while affirming that all factions of the motor unions have been incorporated in the newly constituted executive, however, urged any faction who felt omitted in the new arrangement to approach the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for necessary action.
In a remark, the new Chairman of the PMS in the state, Alhaji Tomiwa Omolewa expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for the gesture, pledging to instil sanity in the transport sector of the state
Earlier in their seperate goodwill messages, the state Chairman of Associations of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Oyo state chapter, Sikiru Sanda represented by Chairman, Ibadan Northwest local government Rahman Adepoju and Oba Hamidu Ajibade both solicited the cooperation of members of the PMS with the state government towards ensuring peace and progress of the state.
The newly inaugurated members of the PMS are Alhaji Tomiwa Omolewa, ( Chairman), Alhaji Kasali Ajisafe ( Secretary), Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh ( Vice Chairman) Alhaji Kamorudeen Idowu ( Treasurer) and Alhaji Adeniji Tirimisiyu( Financial Secretary) among other state executive members
It would be recalled that the state governor, Seyi Makinde, hours after he was sworn in for a second term in office, ordered the dissolution of the disciplinary committee of the PMS led by Mr Mukaila Lamidi, popularly called Auxiliary.
