Politics

The media office of Governor, Seyi Makinde has described as fake news item purportedly promoting Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as a presidential hopeful in the 2023 election.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa  disclaimed the alleged promo, describing it as one of the antics of fake news promoters.

The statement reiterates that Governor Makinde has no hand in any such campaign for the Presidency, as he has always stated that tomorrow only belongs to God.

It urges members of the public to ignore the fake news and see it as the handiwork of the opposition which continues to show its desperation to retake power at all cost.

The statement read: “This is clearly the antics of purveyors of social media lap dogs, who are merely seeking to distract well-meaning people of Oyo State from the joy occasioned by the well-deserved promotion, to the Premier League, of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

“We believe that this fraudulent post alluded to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde is the handiwork of opposition elements, as APC’s social media lap dogs widely posted the fake news on their social media accounts.

“It is the usual practice of naysayers and detractors to seek to mix sour grapes in the basket of fruits, at a time when well-meaning citizens are celebrating.

“It is unthinkable that the governor, who has cautioned supporters against mounting a second-term campaign for him, would launch a 2023 presidential campaign at this period. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, Makinde will not change his belief that power belongs to Almighty God and that only God knows the direction He is taking every of his creation.

 Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Oyo state governor,Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has described the death of the Captain, Ibadan Golf Club, Ola Ibironke also known Dudu heritage as a sad loss to the state.

A statement by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to the governor, Moses Alao, says the deceased contributed immensely to the development of the sport and entertainment sectors and the economy of Oyo State.

Governor Makinde commiserated with the immediate family of Ibironke and all the members of the Ibadan Golf Club, praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the late golfer’s demise.

The governor who described the late Ibironke as a brother and friend said that the sudden demise of the golf chief is a personal loss to him and the people of Oyo State.

He added that the late golfer’s interest in the development and upliftment of Oyo State is top-notch, stating that the commitment and patriotism he demonstrated are immense.

According to governor Makinde, the marks the late Ibironke left on the entertainment industry and golfing will forever remain indelible.

He said: “My friend and brother, your death is a great and personal loss to me and the people of Oyo State.

“It was unexpected and definitely unbelievable that you have left this side of the divide after such a short but eventful life. 

“Your commitment to the growth and development of the sport and economic sectors of both Oyo State and Nigeria is immeasurable. “So, also, was your patriotism and interest in the development of Oyo State.

“Captain, who would have thought that you would exchange mortality for immortality so soon? But we submit to the will of the Almighty and pray to Him to grant your soul rest, and stand by all your family and all the members of the Ibadan Golf Club.

“I condole with the entire Ibironke family and all the members of Ibadan Golf Club on this painful loss.

“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late brother and grants everyone related to him the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Iyabo Adebisi

News

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has mourned the death of a former military administrator of the Oyo State, General Adetunji Idowu Olurin.

Governor Makinde who described the death of the late former MILAD as painful, condoled with the people of Oyo State over the demise of “one of the past administrators who shaped our great state”.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that Governor Makinde equally commiserated with the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the people of Ogun State and the Olurin family.

He said: “I learnt of the death of former Military Administrator of Oyo State, General ‘Tunji Idowu Olurin”.

“It is sunset for another great man and one of the first set of leaders that providence gave to Oyo State at its earliest stage”.

“Through the efforts and contributions of Gen. Olurin and other leaders, the foundation for the shaping of the Pacesetter State, which has become a first among equals, was successfully laid”.

“General Olurin’s death at this time when his wealth of experience in leadership can be of immense help to the current crop of leaders is painful”.

“But since the Holy Bible reckons that man has been given 70 years and he lived beyond the granted three scores and ten, we can only celebrate the good life General Olurin lived and the great contributions he made to our dear state”.

“I commiserate with the entire Olurin family of Ilaro and the government and people of Ogun State and pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Muslim faithful have been implored to rededicate themselves to Allah (SWT) by emulating the holy virtues of Prophet Mohammed.

S.A to Oyo state Governor on Islamic affairs, Imam Abdulrasheed Abdulazeez gave the admonition in a congratulatory message to the faithful on the occasion of Hijrah 1443 A.H.

Imam Abdulazeez, who rejoiced with Muslims in Oyo state for witnessing the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, admonished them to always reflect on the life of Prophet Mohammed.

“Despite the persecution, oppression and victimization suffered, Prophet Mohammed (SWT) endured and held on to his belief in Allah”

“As Muslims, we should be able to hold on to our belief like the Prophet in whatever situation we found ourselves, especially during this difficult time in the world”

Imam Abdulazeez also urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of patience, love and peaceful coexistence, while shunning any act that could cause division in the country.

Imam Abdulazeez specifically appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for identifying with the Muslim Ummah and declaring a public holiday to mark Hijrah.

He emphasized that Governor Makinde had continued to demonstrate his unbiased love for the Muslim ummah and other faiths in the state.

The Governor’s aide finally called on the Muslim faithful to intensify their prayers for the state, Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as, Nigeria in general.

Kayode Banjo

Religion

Oyo state government has declared Tuesday,10/8/2021 as public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic calender year, 1st muharram (Hijrah) 1443 AH.

This is contained in a circular letter signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun.

According to the circular; Governor Seyi Makinde enjoined all  to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of the state in particular and the country in general.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo state house of Assembly has received a list of seven commissioner nominee forwarded to it by state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde. 

Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin while reading the letter from the executive at the plenary said the nominees should appear before the house this Thursday with their plan of actions and achievements while in office as commissioners. 

Radio Nigeria reports that the seven commissioner designates were in the cabinet of the present administration from inception. 

The nominees are Mr Akinola Ojo, ministry of finance, professor Oyelowo Oyewo, Justice, Chief Bayo Lawal, Local government and chieftancy matters, professor Daud Shangodoyin, ministry of public works. 

Others are Barrister Temilolu Ashamu, ministry of energy, Mrs Fausat Sanni, Women affairs, Alh Ayansiju Lawal, establishment and training.

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

Political Awareness Group has called on Oyo State Government to immortalize three Muslim lawyers who were claimed to have been selected as judges of high court but died while awaiting approval.
Vice-Chairman of the Association,  Dr Moruf Yusuf made the call in Ibadan at a news conference . 
He said apart from immortalizing the deserving lawyers who were denied the prestigious promotion from the bar to the bench, their families should also be adequately compensated by Oyo State Government.
“It is painful indeed that the three Judges-denied had eventually, consequentially and miraculously given up the ghost. Now that they have all passed on, it will be of utmost important to  immortalise them and compensate their families.”
Dr Yusuf  said out of the 36 applicants each of the three lawyers emerged first from State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice and  Nigeria Bar Association after rigorous examinations and wondered why their confirmation from National Judicial Council, was stopped by the state government .
He also enjoined the State Government without any delay to install the new Eleruwa of Eruwa whom the Supreme Court  has declared as the authentic monarch.


Dr Yusuf appealed to Governor  Makinde to exhibit fairness to all irrespective of religious affiliations.

“PAG calls for equitable appointment of commissioners, government functionaries and fairness in employment opportunities.”
He enjoined socio-cultural organisations to avoid making derogatory comments about a religion in order to prevent  heating up the polity.

Ridwan Fasasi

Politics

The Government of Oyo State has Kick-started a training programme for three hundred and fifty one councilors and thirty three clerks of Local Government Legislative Councils.

The training is centered on good governance at the local government levels and effective replication of the Four Point Service Agenda of the Seyi Makinde administration.

Flagging off the training, the Special Adviser on Legislative matters to the Governor, Mr Samuel Adejumobi said the training was initiated to update them on the relevant laws and reforms of the federal and state governments, as well as  the Four Point Service Agenda of the Makinde’s administration.

He admonished them to truly represent the interest of their various communities and key into four pillars of this administration.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Segun Ajekiigbe, maintained that the Ministry has put together a 3-day training to address a serious lacuna observed in the series of researches conducted on local government administration in Nigeria.

He charged the legislative arm in the local government system to work with their executive chairmen to bring a paradigm shift that would engender a workable strategic development plan at the council level.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration is doing everything to make Amotekun more professional by giving its operatives necessary training.

Governor Makinde said this while speaking at a function in Ibadan.

He said his administration has been able to strengthen the security architecture of the state by streamlining operations between Amotekun and other security agencies.

Speaking on the state of security in Oyo State, Makinde said that his administration has tightened security by ensuring a seamless relationship between Amotekun and other security operatives.

He explained that Amotekun was established to complement the activities of other security agencies, saying that its impact has been felt in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

“Sometime ago, in this part of Nigeria, we only hear about killings, kidnappings from faraway places but now, we are experiencing it. “Yes, we will do our part, put things in place like we have done here in Oyo State.

 “Before the advent of this administration, there was nothing like Amotekun but we set it up, equipped the outfit and the operatives are all over the place now. People cannot imagine Oyo State without Amotekun.

“Now, we are making the agency more professional, giving its operatives more training. When Amotekun was established, the Police thought it came to take over their jobs but we have been able to streamline between Amotekun and other security agencies and they are now working together in unity.

“We have the emergency contact number, 615. The number is our magic number for security. You don’t need credit on your phone to call it. You can put it on your phone as speed dial. You only need to witness somebody or the house close you being attacked before you dial it.

He said:  “Let me also assure the people of Oyo State that we will continue to work to ensure that our communities are safe and secure. You know we cannot have a perfect system but we will continue to perfect the system for the benefit of all of us.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

Oyo State Governor,Engineer Seyi Makinde Seyi has appointed the Emir of Katagum, Azare in Bauchi State, His Royal Highness, Umar Faruq Umar II, as the Chancellor of LAUTECH.


A letter of appointment signed by Governor Makinde, which conveyed his appointment as the 5th Chancellor of LAUTECH, indicated that the University would benefit from his rich experience as an administrator, community leader and first-class monarch.


Governor Makinde congratulated His Royal Highness, Umar Faruq Umar II,on the well-deserved appointment.
The Emir of Katagum, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the Bayero University, Kano, served in various capacities in the State and Federal Civil Service.


He rose to the position of Federal Permanent Secretary and served at different times as Permanent Secretary, Special Duties at the Presidency; Ministry of Youth Development; Water Resources and Solid Minerals Development and retired after 34 years of service.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said that his administration will collaborate with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on physical development and capacity building for its relevant workforce in the state.

Governor Makinde said this while receiving the CIBN team led by its President, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

He said that his administration is planning to equally integrate banks’ Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), into the state’s security network to improve security within and outside the banking environments.

The governor commended the efforts of the institute and indeed the banking industry for its various contributions to the development of the state, 

He promised to make land available for the institution to build its Secretariat in Oyo State so as to allow CIBN contribute to the expansion of the economy of the state. 

Earlier, the CIBN President, Mr. Olugbemi, explained that the banking industry would continue to partner with the state government towards achieving its goal of taking Oyo State to greater heights.

He reiterated CIBN’s readiness to collaborate with the government in organising a yearly seminar on banking and allied matters for the Oyo State Judiciary.

Adebisi Iyabo

Politics

Similar to the way the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was divided, division within the ranks of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, became obvious on Thursday.
According to reports, some leaders of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, took what they described as bold step to salvage the party.
The stakeholders and elders’ meeting took place at Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

Leaders of the party, who took turns to express dissatisfaction about the way the party is managed in the state, said they now have two factions- one led by Governor Seyi Makinde and other by leaders and stakeholders across the 33 local government areas of the state.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE PDP STAKEHOLDERS MEETING HELD AT JOGOR EVENT CENTRE, IBADAN ON THURSDAY, 10TH JUNE, 2021.
1. The Stakeholders condemn in the strongest terms the spate of insecurity in the State and calls on the State Governor to wake up to his primary responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizenry.
2. The PDP stakeholders commiserate with the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in Ogbomosho, Ibarapa and other parts of the State. The body prays that God should comfort their families.
3. The Stakeholders have resolved to save the PDP from mismanagement and egoistic tendencies of the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
4. The Stakeholders frowns at the Governor’s attitude of giving Party patronage to non Party members as against genuine Party members who laboured to bring the PDP back to power in Oyo State as demonstrated during the last Local Government election where the Governor ‘ donated’ 4 chairmen and vice and 48 Councillorship seats to his friends in ADC.
5. Today is to alert the leadership of PDP and members of PDP across Nigeria and general public that Oyo State PDP has been factionalized into two – one is headed by the Governor and the other by the leaders and stakeholders across the 33 local governments as evidence at this meeting.
6. This is due to governor’s highhandedness, recalcitrant attitude and lack of leadership within the party as expected of a governor.
7. We are calling on the National Leadership to dissolve Oyo State PDP Executive who are stooges of the governor and have no interest of the party at heart ahead of congresses coming up later in the year so as to give a sense of belonging to our teeming members and supporters in Oyo State. The caretaker committee should be put in place to reorganize the party ahead of the congresses to allow for free and fair congresses.
8. The Stakeholders call on the national leadership of PDP to urgently step in to rescue the Party in Oyo State from the grip of the Governor who is running the Party like his personal estate. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Signed on behalf of leaders and stakeholders by the duo of Mogaji Nureni Akanbi And H.E. Hazeem Gbolarumi

Politics

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has identified true federalism and restructuring as necessary ingredients that could sustain Nigeria’s democracy in view of challenges facing it.

He stated this at the opening ceremony of Seyi Makinde 2021 National Democracy Summit held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan with the theme “The Future of Democracy In Nigeria”,

In a keynote address, Governor Makinde called for devolution of powers at the center to the federating units in order to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

The governor who lamented dwindling economic resources at state levels due to inability of states to control resources said true federalism and restructuring would bring economic development to Nigeria and tackle security problem.

On the scenario which played out at Igangan, in Ibarapa axis of the State, Makinde said, it has become imperative to further entrench state policing in each state to prevent further attacks on innocent citizens. 

Speaking earlier, the Governors of Ondo and Osun State’s, Rotimi Akeredolu and Mr. Gboyega Oyetola represented on the occasion said the summit would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. 

Speaker Oyo state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin assured citizens of Oyo State of the commitment of the 9th Assembly to more quality legislation for the growth of our nascent democracy. 

Earlier, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyewo Oyelowo said the theme of the summit “The Future of Democracy in Nigeria” was informed to fashion way out for problems the country.

Adebisi Iyabo

Politics

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said that Nigerians must imbibe peaceful coexistence and religious harmony to enhance development in the country.
The governor, who spoke at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, during a visit by the former Emir of Kano, Sheikh Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who now leads the Tijaniyya Islamic Sect of Nigeria, said that without peace, justice and harmonious living, development may elude the country.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the  governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, lauds the former Emir for being courageous to champion the course of peace, unity and harmonious existence at this critical time in the nation’s history.
He urged the new leader of the Tijaniyya society to always preach religious harmony to all parts of Nigeria.
The former Emir of Kano, Sheikh Sanusi, in his speech, told the governor that he was in the state to meet with members of the Tijaniyyah sect.
He said that he has taken it as his duty to do everything within his powers to preach peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
According to him, the Tijaniyyah sect, which he now leads, has a 70 million strong population, adding that the sect would continue to work for peace, unity and development in Nigeria.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has promised not to relent until all zones record meaningful development with the people enjoying good roads, quality infrastructure and business expansion.
He stated this during the commissioning of the reconstructed headquarters facilities of Oyo state Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and launching of youth enterpreneurship in agribusiness project (YEAP) at Saki.
Speaking at the commissioning,Governor Makinde explained that the effort was in line with his roadmap to expand the state economy through agribusiness and reposition Saki town to contribute in Oyo state economic revolution
Earlier, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agricbusinsss, Dr Debo Akande said about 1000 youths have been engaged in the youth entrepreneurship in agricbusiness project and that the project would surely bring economic change with an expected 37% increase in crop production.
The Governor later held town hall meeting in Saki, where people of Oke -Ogun zone across various sectors and associations gave an appraisal of government programmes and demanded support from the state government.
The Governor assured the people of his commitment to their welfare and promised better days ahead.

Iyabo Adebisi

Environment

Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has flagged off the construction of the Saki- Ogboro-Igboho 45.3km road project at a sum of #8.7 billion naira.
Flagging off the project, governor Makinde said the road construction was part of his campaign promises made to the people of Saki.
Governor Makinde added that the road when completed would boost food security in the state.
In a remark,the state Commissioner for Public Work, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin, said the road would be completed within 18 months.

Iyabo Adebisi

Education

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state says his government would continue to ensure that funds are made available to build infrastructure and reposition the education sector to guarantee qualitative education in the state.
He gave the assurance at the commissioning of a model school building at St Paul’s Anglican basic school, Okutapemo, Iseyin as part of activities to commemorate his two years in office
Governor Makinde explained that his concern for qualitative education necessitated the raise in budgetory allocation for education to over 20%.
While noting that within two years, his administration had executed about 600 projects in the education sector,the governor explained that the model schools were not spread across the state.
Earlier, the chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr. Nureni Adeniran said the edifice was one of the sixty model schools extended across thirty three local government areas.
In her goodwill message, the state Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Lydia Gbagi commended the governor for prompt payment of counterpart fund which contributed to actualization of the model school project.

Iyabo Adebisi

News Yoruba

ómìnà ìpínlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́, onímọ̀ ẹ̀rọ Seyi Makinde ti sèlérí àti ró àwọn àjọ elétò áàbò lágbára síì láti léè sisẹ́ dójú àmìn láti léè jẹ́kí àláàfìa jọba nípinlẹ̀ yi.

Ó sèlérí ọ̀rọ̀ yí níbi ìsìn ìdúpẹ́ láti fi sàmì ayẹyẹ ọdún méjì rẹ̀ lórí ipò Gómìnà èyítí ó wáyé nínú ìjọ Peteru mímọ́ tó wá l’áremọ nílu ìbàdàn.

Gómìnà Makinde tẹnumọ́ọ̀ wípé àwọn àjọ elétò áàbò nílò àwọn irinsẹ́ ìgbàlódé láti léè sisẹ́ tí wọ́n gbé le wọn lọ́wọ́ lórí dídáàbòbò ẹ̀mí àti òun dúkia, tó wá rọ àwọn ènìyàn láti tẹramọ́ àdúrà fún àseyọ́rí ìjọba tó wà lóde báyi.

Nínú ìwásù rẹ̀, Àlúfà ìjọ Peteru mímọ́ Aremọ, ẹniọwọ Adewale Adebiyi sàpèjúwe ìdúpẹ́ gẹ́gẹ́bí mímọrírì Ọlọ́run tó wa rọ àwọn ènìyàn láti mu àsà ìdúpẹ́ lọ́kunkúndùn láti réè ri ànfàní tó pọ jẹ.

Lára àwọn èèyàn tó pese sí ibi ètò ìdúpẹ́ náà láti ri akọ̀wé ìjọba ìpínlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́, arábìnrin Olubanwo Adeọsun, olórí àwọn òsìsẹ́ lọ́fìsì Gómìnà, Olóyè Bisi Ilaka, igbákejì rẹ̀, ọ̀gbẹ́ni Abdulmjeed, Mogbonjubọla, olori àwọn òsìsẹ́, arábìnri Amidat Agboola àti àwọn lọ́galọ́ga lẹ́nu isẹ́ ìjọba.

Adebisi/Dada

Sport

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says the state will key into the FIFA Connect Programme in order to discover upcoming football talents in the state.

Governor Makinde who stated this while hosting the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick said his administration was ready to work with the Nigerian Football Federation, to develop the sport in the state.

He expressed the determination of his administration to ensure that Oyo State got a share of the 600 billion dollars for sport sector for the massive investments on sports development.

The governor stated that his government would like to explore the opportunities available in the FIFA Connect Programme to discover talents in the state.

In a remark, the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, said that the remodeled Lekan Salami Stadium would be a destination for many football activities, assuring Governor Makinde that with the facilities the NFF team saw at stadium, it would get all the necessary accreditations.

Mr Pinnick tasked the state on proper office and IT systems to be part of the FIFA Connect Programme pointing out that the ongoing remodeling of the Adamasingba stadium is an added advantage for the state.

Our correspondent reports that Football Association chairmen from some neighbouring South-West states and former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju were part of the NFF visiting team to Governor Makinde.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state voted at ward 11,unit 1,Ibadan North East local government area of the state.

Speaking with journalists after the voting,governor Makinde expressed satisfaction  with the conduct of the election.

He called on the electorate to come out enmasse and perform their civic responsibilities.

Iyabo Adebisi

Transportation

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has expressed the determination of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration to complete Ibadan dry port project before the expiration of his tenure.

He stated this in Ibadan during a visit to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan while on assessment tour of the port.

In March 2006, the Federal government approved plans for six dry ports to be developed under public-private partnerships using a build-own-operate-transfer model.

It therefore, chose eight locations within the country which would have the same functions as seaports, including the ability to process cargo and clear it through Customs.

The ports are expected to boost the economy of the nation.

The minister of transportation while speaking on factors militating against the project explained that the federal government only has access to 40 acres of land out of 90 donated by the state government for the Ibadan dry port project. 

Mr. Ameachi stressed the need for the present government in the state to create a road between Moniya and Old Oyo road to reduce pressure within the city when the port became operational.

Responding, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state said the state would partner the federal government to make the port fully operational.

Governor Makinde pledged that the state would fulfill its part on 15 percent equity agreement on the project.

The minister’s team was later accompanied by governor Seyi Makinde to inspect the ongoing Ibadan dry port, Moniya, Ibadan,in Akinyele local government area of the state

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming local government election not to take the electorate for granted.

The governor who said this during a meeting he held with them said they must work hard for victory.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quotes the governor as urging the candidates to ensure adequate service delivery when elected.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, a representative of the Chairmanship Candidates, Pastor Oluwole Alawode, said that the candidates were ready for the polls.

Pastor Alawode who is the chairmanship candidate for Ibadan South-East Local Government, explained that Governor Makinde, at the closed session, enjoined the candidates to work assiduously to secure victory in the coming election.

He said that the candidates have resolved to work very hard the same way the PDP worked to secure victory in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state says his administration will not spare any effort in keeping the people safe and secured in view of security challenges facing the nation. 

He made this known when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of police (AIG) zone 11 Olasupo Babatunde to his office on a courtesy visit 

Governor Makinde while pledging support to the police at all times, agreed that community policing is a better approach to tackle insecurity but said the creation of state police would be the best solution to addressing security challenges in the country.

The new AIG zone 11, Olasupo Babatunde said the zone would be repositioned to focus on policing with the people to curb crime and criminality. 

The new AIG while lauding the diligence of Governor Seyi Makinde in ensuring a reasonable atmosphere of peace in the state called for synegy with government and the people in the fight against insecurity. 

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says the Joint Security Post, set up at Mamu village which is a border between Ibadan and Ijebu Ode is to complement efforts of the security operatives aimed at nipping insecurity particularly kidnapping in the bud.
He stated this during an inspection tour to the border area.
Engineer Makinde said the Mamu Joint Security Post was set up to secure the entry and exit points in the state, adding that the Mamu post was a pilot project that would soon be replicated in all the borders with other states.
According to the governor, there was CCTV camera at the post being monitored from the Security Control Room in Ibadan, to deal with any breach of insecurity promptly.
Governor Makinde assured the people of the state of his administration’s committment towards provision of adequate security of lives and property.
He added that his administration, in collaboration with the security agencies in the state, were working round the clock to ensure that residents of the state were secured.
Heads of security agencies in the state; Ngozi Onadeko – Oyo State Police Commissioner and Iskilu Akinsanya – Oyo State Commadant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC) took part in the inspection tour.
The governor later handed over nine patrol pickup vans to the Police and NSCDC; five pickup vans for the Police and four pickup vans for NSCDC

Economy

The governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the State government would ensure that pensioners in the State would never be owed their pensions and gratuity.
The governor also vowed that his administration would have offset the #56billion accumulated gratuities the past administration owed pensioners before his tenure of office lapses.
These promises were made at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) that was held at Abuja recently, where the governor was honoured by the body as the Pensioners’ Friendly Governor and conferred with an Award of Excellence in Governance.
While appreciating the gesture of NUP, Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Executive Assistant, Administration and General Services, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe said the award was an encouragement for the governor to commit more, to the welfare of pensioners in Oyo State.
“When we came into administration in May 2019, we promised the people to serve them with sincerity, probity and accountability, we promised to run a government of inclusiveness and we are very mindful to let the people know the challenges we were facing when we came into office, we had quite a huge liability of arrears, pensioners’ gratuity was amounting to about #56billion and we did not want to give any excuse for non-performance.
“We decided to start off-setting these gratuities and as of today, we have paid out of that amount, #11.7billion, which translates to an average of over #500million naira every month, we desire to do more because it is our firm belief as an administration that you do not muzzle the mouth of the horse that trash the corn, our pensioners deserves the best, they have used their active years to to serve the State, now that they are out of service, we owe them the responsibility to ensure that they live a good life.
“Our desire is to ensure we clear all the backlog as soon as it is possible and to ensure that we do not leave any outstanding gratuity to future administration, to date, we ensure that all our pensioners are paid on the 25th of every month, just like every other government worker in Oyo State civil and public service, when we came in, initially, a sum of #100million was committed towards payment of pension monthly, we increased it to #180million in June 2019 and as at January 2021, it has been increased to #235million monthly, we plan to do better.”
The Chairman of the occasion, who is former governor of Kano State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, while presenting the award, said governor Makinde has shown sincerity in leadership and was worthy of the honour from the pensioners.
The event which was packaged by the national executive council of NIgerian Union of Pensioners had in attendance, the President of Nigerian Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba and his members of executive, States executive members of NUP, invited political office holders, among whom was the Special Adviser to governor Seyi Makinde on Labour Matters, Comrade Titilayo Sodo.
In his comment, The Secretary, Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Comrade Olusegun Abatan said the present administration in Oyo State has done enough to be celebrated as the friend of the pensioners in the State.
He called on his members to give their support to the government of Engr. Seyi Makinde so that the people would continue to benefit from dividends of democracy accruable from the programmes and policies of the State.

Kayode Banjo