Lifestyle

Oyo Govt, Stakeholders Explore 16 Tourism Sites

By Web News 690

By Olukayode Banjo

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism led a multi-sector team on a 4-day tour to about sixteen Tourism locations in Oyo State.

The team, led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Oyedele Oyesola, the Conservator of National Park, Sepeteri, Mr Adeniyi Kareem and other Tourism stakeholders in Oyo State, expressed optimism that the sites could generate huge revenue for the state.

The 4-day Domestic Tourism tagged “Know Your State, Enjoy Your State and Feel Your State”, took tourists to some historical sites at the National Park, Igbeti, Sepeteri and Ibadan.

Speaking on the significance of the site visits, Mr Oyesola said the visits were with a view to enhancing Oyo State’s Tourism products and carefully harnessing their potential.

He added that Oyo State is endowed with unique integrated culture and heritage as inherited from its fore-bearers.

Oyo State’s unique cultural identity is known worldwide as evident in many of the tourist sites visited, he said.

He noted that the hills in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State must be given wide publicity, considering their heights and the amazing views one can experience from that vantage point.

Oyesola added that most of the historical sites have ancient stories that accompany their existence, dating back to the Old Oyo empire.

He said the Tourism sector of the State shares the view of local tour operators that the sites would be awesome for visitors, adding that they could be money-spinning potentials.

Oyesola said, “we look forward to working with all of the relevant agencies to make this a reality”.

“Oyo state is amply endowed with unique tourism potentials scattered in its nooks and crannies in all 33 local governments which are unquestionable”, he said.

“Tourism is money-spinning, if we go by retrospect you will be able to learn from past experiences considering the Irefin palace we visited today, nobody knows when the Oba that reign in Irefin was reigning in Ibadan and we are told that it has 200 rooms it’s shown there is a cohabiting nature for 200 women to live within same roof successfully, it’s something that requires in-depth learning to see our forebears that they have native intelligent.”

Speaking, the Conservator of National Park, Adeniyi Karim called for a partnership on eco-tourism and its facilities with relevant authorities.

He said the Park has facilities that have blended the past with nature, with about 6 ranges containing historical/archaeological sites.

Some sites visited were Ali-Iwo palace, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan; Irefin Palace which belongs to one of the Royal families of Ibadan land; Bowers Tower.

Others visited were African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre, Adeyipo Village, Ibadan; Old Oyo-Ile in Igbeti; Mejiro cave; Kosomonu hill; Ibu-iya lake; Agbele hill; Iya-Mapo hill; and the Agbaku cave.

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News

Security Agencies Wade into Fuel, Naira Crises

By Web News 636

By Rasheedah Makinde

As part of efforts to reduce challenges posed by the scarcity of fuel and new naira notes, the police in Oyo State have met with some stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the menace.

The security summit held at police headquarters, Eleyele comprises representatives of all security agencies, CBN officers, IPMAN and other security personnel.

Oyo state Commissioner for Police, Mr Adebowale Williams said the security summit became imperative as part of measures to reduce the crises caused by the non-availability of cash and fuel before they escalated to a bigger problem.

Mr Adebowale who said the duty of the Police was to enforce laws, peace, and arrest perpetrators of crime and prosecute them, noted that, the recent events in the country call for an extension of the cooperation and understanding being enjoyed in Oyo State to help improve upon the duties of protection of lives and property and as well as preserve law and order.

” Today, as a family we collectively have pressing issues at hand which undoubtedly needs our highest level of attention for consideration and action in order not to engulf our socio-economic existence of the Pacesetter State, top of which has been induced by the Scarcity Of Fuel & Paucity Of Cash For Dispense, hence the need for this strategically planned pally”.

“It is worthy to consider that while the Police and other Security agencies have the mandate to maintain law and order, “the public” her right to peaceful assembly, bankers and other law-abiding residents of the State reserve their rights to the dignity of their labour”.

“No one is allowed under the ambits of the law to deny another of his/her rights and conscious efforts must be made to prevent the societal disposition from becoming a “State of War for all and against all”.

He added that though people have the right to protest peacefully, there are times when people crossed certain lines, especially when given into agents of violence and anarchy to hijack the process for obvious reasons of criminally profiting from the situation and unknowingly handing these unscrupulous elements undeserving relevance.

” while appealing that we all exercise mutual respect and understanding for ourselves at these troubled times, it is important to re-iterate that attacks on Policemen and other law enforcement shall not be tolerated, especially when law enforcement has intelligence that the process is a “deliberate scripted strategy” by agents of mischief to provide misleading narratives on the social media space in order to unnecessarily heat-up the polity”

” In conclusion, let us all have a clear understanding that we are all Stakeholders in Oyo State. We must say no to agents of disintegration in our midst and continue maintaining our renowned reputation as a State with a relatively peaceful ambience. Remember we are always stronger together and whenever the need arises, don’t be a Stranger as “the Police remain your friend.”

On her part, the State Zonal Coordinator of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mrs Foluke Oluduro said it was sad that people were facing a lot before they could have access to their money.

She noted that the CBN was doing all it could to reduce the hardship citizens are battling with every day. 

Mrs Oluduro who urged people to remain calm said the Apex Bank has re-strategised its plans to ensure more money is released to the public.

The Chief of Staff of Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria, IPMAN, Ibadan depot, Mr Bayo Adeyemo said they have to rely on Lagos State depot before they could get petrol which has not been easy for them.

He said all the heads of IPMAN in Oyo state were in Lagos struggling to ensure the availability of premium motor spirit, PMS for members of the public 

On his part, the Oyo State Chairman of point of sales, POS, and operators, Mr Adeyemo Sherif said they use money commission to buy cash from bankers and this was why they charge their customers before they could give out money.

The POS operators, therefore, called on the banking industry to ease their pain by reducing the commissions they collect from them before they could dispense money.

The event was graced by representatives of other security agencies, the National Orientation Agency, Baba and Iya Loja, the Association of Okada riders, Artisans and the Police Community Relations Committee PCRC. 

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Security

NSCDC Seeks Public Support against Criminal Activities

By Web News 583

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has called for the support of community stakeholders at reducing criminal activities at the grassroots level. 

NSCDC Commandant in Oyo state, Mr Micheal Adaralewa stated this during a stakeholders forum held at the area ‘B’ Command of the Corps at Moniya, Akinyele local government area of Oyo state. 

Mr Adaralewa said the purpose of the meeting with some community leaders, youth associations,  market women and religious leaders at the area was to sensitise them on how to Police their environment effectively as they are closer to the grassroots. 

He said, that the security agencies were working assiduously to reduce criminal activities in the society, hence the need for collaborative efforts of some stakeholders to collectively wage war against insecurity bedevilling the nation. 

He urged them to always give out useful information whenever they see any unusual movement or character in their environments for maximum policing.

The NSCDC boss stated further that against this view, security agencies in Oyo state have synergized to ensure that the issue of security challenges becomes a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, Mr Adaralewa also urged the community stakeholders to caution their children against hooliganism, especially as the country is in the era of political campaigns.

On his part, the area B commander, Mr Sunday Adeliyi said the jurisdiction was a cosmopolitan metropolis and they witness the daily movement of residents and influx of travellers into the community.

He noted that despite the condition, the command had been striving to elevate the status of the Corps with the support of gallant officers as well as the community stakeholders’ assistance. 

Reacting, some of the stakeholders who appreciated the effort of NSCDC promised to spread the message among their people so that society could be relatively calm for all and sundry.

Rasheedah Makinde

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Security

2023 General Election: Stakeholders Task Nigerians on Security

By Web News 565

The need for attitudinal change by Nigerians, family stability and readiness to collectively realize a hitch-free 2023 election formed the central discourse of the lecture organized by the National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishment, NAFOHEADS.


In her paper entitled: Insecurity: a threat to domestic peace”, the Oyo state chairperson, of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Mrs Shola Sulyman said insecurity is a national problem rooted in the failure of families to foster the moral and ideal culture in the children who on the long run assumed a leadership position in the country.


 “Even as exert our political will to the nation to elect credible and effective leaders, we should not renege on our duties as husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncle’s to foster stable, safe and secured families and homes for our children.

The advantage will be that more of the candidates we have to choose from to lead us will surely stable minded and we’ll breed individuals. They will lead a right and give us the peace  that our founding fathers envisaged in the last line of the national anthem: …one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”


Mrs Sulyman represented by a FIDA member in the state, Mrs Olubusayo Ayegbusi said despite several billions of naira spent on the security of citizens had not been justified in view of the numerous security outfit put in place by the state government.


Speaking on the topic, Insecurity:  a threat to domestic peace and effective election, the chairman of, independent national electoral commission, INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu represented by the head of publicity, INEC, Oyo state, Mr Olayiwola Awolowo said the commission has made sufficient provision to ensure a hitch-free 2023 poll.

 ” We have sufficient materials that will give us hitch-free election”
“once the national assembly says diaspora voting has been passed into law, the commission has no right to reject it.”
Chairman on the occasion, who is also The Maye of Olubadan Chief Lekan Alabi, represented by Chief Femi Olaore appealed to Nigerians to collectively secure the country.


Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Balogun represented by Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Abiola Arulogun expressed optimism that insecurity in the country would soon become a thing of the past stressing the need for NAFOHEADS and representatives of federal agencies to continue to live up to their responsibility in the state.

Earlier, the chairperson, of NAFOHEADS, Oyo state chapter Mrs Omolara Esan said the two topics were chosen in view of the current socio-economic crises in the country.
  
Rotimi  Famakin

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Lifestyle

Peace Day: Stakeholders Call Opinion Leaders to Action

By Web News 529

In commemoration of World International Peace Day, Oyo State Government has challenged opinion leaders to re-orientate youths on the need to embrace peace at all times, even as the nation marches towards the 2023 general election.

The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe stated this at the International Peaceful Day interaction organized by the Oyo State Government, tagged “Peacebuilding against terrorism, banditry and electoral violence with religion-mask in Nigeria” held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Reverend Ogedengbe, while stressing the need for stakeholders to co-habit peacefully, urged the people to respect one another’s beliefs as an ingredient for progress, prosperity and development of the society.

Also speaking, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya, (retired) who noted that many were perpetrating evil under the disguise of religion emphasized the need for intelligence policing in preventing crimes.

He also advised youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians as the nation is preparing for the next general poll.

The convener of the interactive session, Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-faith affairs, Olufemi Ibikunle, urged religious leaders to let peace reflect in their sermons, behaviours and dealings with their congregation and society.

Stakeholders at the forum sued for peace, tolerance, equality and harmony among the religious body in order to maintain peaceful co-existence.

The Chairman, traditional worshippers in Oyo State, Árábà Ifalere Odegbami, however, emphasized the need for government to grant the traditional worshippers every 20th of August as Isese day.

Iyabo Adebisi

Agriculture

Population Growth: Stakeholders Task Government on Livestock Development

By Web News 661

As the population of Nigeria continues to improve, participants at a one-day workshop have identified tax reduction, livestock census, capacity building, and adequate security as panaceas to improve livestock development in the country.

They took the position at a conference organized by the Oyo state Agricultural  Development Agency, OYSADA with the theme: Developing Evidence-based plans, policies and investment options in the livestock sector held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan.

The participants decried a situation whereby the country imported livestock from neighbouring states to feed its people called for commercial livestock production.

A lecturer at the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Professor Olugbenga Ogunwole and a general manager of a diary-producing company, Adekunle Olayiwola lamented the totality of various levies charged at different levels of government, saying overtaxing of food items would unnecessarily push up the cost.

Professor Olugbenga and Mr Adekunle also stressed the need for finance and data for proper planning, and good roads and urged the government to bring in extension officers for the improved livestock sector.

Speaking at the forum, Director General Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency, Dr Debo Akande said the programme was put together to design a strategic plan for Oyo state to improve its livestock sector.

Dr Akande hinted that the action and direction of the present government are yielding results as statistics recently released by NASE, indicated that between 2019-2020, the crop production is higher than what has been doing since 2013 while the size of the land the state is cultivating for five crops cumulatively has grown by 40 acres of land.

Earlier, the Deputy Director General, IITA, Dr Ken Dashiell represented by Sore Zaina described the conference as timely in view of population growth, calling on the government to put Infrastructure in place and the right technology for the livestock sector to meet the needs of the people.

The programme which had in attendance academia, livestock farmers, investors, researchers, policymakers, Miyetti Allah association provided an opportunity for stakeholders to rub minds together and fashion out ways for better livestock production.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Stakeholders Advocate Adequate Welfare for Children

By Web News 1069

Some Stakeholders have appealed to government at all levels and relevant agencies not to pay lip service to the welfare of every Nigerian child.

They made the appeal while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the plight of children in commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day.

Oyo State coordinator, Child’s Protection Network, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe said laws for the welfare and protection of children will remain ineffective if government fails to implement them.

Mrs Ogedengbe, who commended the Oyo State Government for the establishment of family court, said more still needed to be done for children.

A lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Dr Oluwakemi  Aremu decried the poor state of education and infrastructure decay in primary schools, calling for safe environment for children to thrive.

Also speaking on the day, Headmaster, I.D.C basic school, Ibadan, Mr Olaolu Adegoke challenged teachers, parents and guidance to re-double their efforts at raising children in a conducive environment.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of the day, the Oyo state Child Protection Network sensitized the pupils on the Child Rights Law and health related matters

Similarly, Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has urged parents and guardians to perform their roles as expected to ensure a glorious future for every Nigerian child.

Represented by the Head of Service, Dr Olowogboyega Oyebade, Governor, Oyetola expressed the need for parents and guardians to inculcate the values of honesty,, dedication and love for their nation in children..

Governnor Oyetola assured the children of government’s commitment to continuously protect their rights and sustain every obligation to ensure their well being.

Earlier in a welcome address, Commissioner Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Barrister Mrs Bukola Olaboopo had stressed the need to treat children’s affairs with utmost seriousness to guarantee them good living.

Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that the celebration was characterized by match past by school children, special rendition and presentation of gifts to best performing schools in the march past.

Mosope Kehinde/Abiodun Adeoye

News

Makinde Seeks Continuous Support Of Stakeholders For Less Privileged

By Web News 671

The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has called on individuals, corporate organisations, philanthropists, public spirited groups and other actors in the organized private sectors to support the state government in its efforts to improve the livelihood of the less privileged in the state.

Governor Makinde further stated that creating an enabling environment for the less privileged people in the society give them a better future.

The governor, who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Christiana Abioye, at the handing over ceremony of the renovated boys’ hostel and administrative block facilities of the Oyo State Juvenile Correctional Institution/Child Care Unit, Ijokodo, Ibadan and donations of mattresses, by the Fidelity Bank PLC as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Describing the act as philanthropic in nature, Governor Makinde said giving back to the communities through contributed patronage is a laudable initiative.

“Oyo state government, in its drive to deliver a number of people oriented and social services to the teeming population of the state, has been able to reach out to many individuals, organisations and corporate groups to partner with it in the achievement of these mandates through the running of an open and sincere administration.

“I am glad that the management of this financial institution was able to avail itself of one of such opportunities offered by this administration to discharge its Corporate Social Responsibility in the state and in particular in this very special welfare institution.

“The journey of this occasion started in the early part of this year and today we are all living witnesses to a new dawn in Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the state and this kind gesture will go a long way in cementing the emerging partnership which promises to be mutually beneficial, he said. “

Earlier in his speech, the Regional Bank Head, South West, Mr Folaranmi Jemirin noted that the initiative is a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to continually partner with the Oyo state government led by Governor Seyi Makinde on ideals that better the state of the society stressing that it is in furtherance of the financial institution’s long standing commitment to giving back to the society from which made them responsible financial organisation.

Mr Jemirin noted that, government cannot single-handely fix the society urged corporate bodies and individuals to do more in collaborating with government at all levels so as to address concerns that mutually affects all restated their commitment to continue to work with Oyo state government in identified areas that will make the dream making come through.

He said, “Putting a facility of this kind in proper shape goes a long way in ensuring that opportunity is given to young people who are already influenced by the ills prevalent in the society to be retained and helped to changed the course of their lives.”

In his vote of thanks, the Director, Social Welfare, Mr Tayo Ayoade appreciated Fidelity Bank for the kind gesture and assured of better use of the facilities.

Ridwan Fasasi/PR

Politics

INEC Tasks Stakeholders On Proper Channel Of Electoral Requests

By Web News 729

Request for delineation of more constituencies, early display of voters register, decentralization of ongoing Continuous Voters’ Registration, CVR to ward level by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC formed a major part of the discussion at a stakeholders election meeting, Oke-Ogun zone at Iseyin, Iseyin local government area of Oyo State.

The stakeholders including politicians, religious and traditional rulers who made the pleas during the meeting affirmed that addressing the identified demands would put an end to marginalization and allow for improved political representation of people in the geo-political zone.

Responding to the demands, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Dr Mutiu Agboke urged the stakeholders to channel the requests to the national assembly, stressing that most of the issues involve the commission and the National Population Commission, NPC.    

Dr Agboke called on political parties, traditional and religious leaders to support INEC in mobilizing their people to collect Permanent Voters Card, PVCs and enrol for a fresh application.

 The REC hinted that INEC has introduced Voter Enrollment Drive, IVED to facilitate physical registration of CVR and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS to check multiple registrations and verification of voters identity.

Earlier, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Salaudeen promised to augment INEC sensitization efforts to ensure people exercise their civic responsibility for dividends of democracy.

In their goodwill messages, the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Dr Abdulfatai Buhari represented by Prince Semiu Azeez and the member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency at the house of representatives, Mr Shina Peller represented by Mr Bello Kolawole advised people of Oke-Ogun to be more active in the political process to ensure participatory democracy.

Nasirdeen Sherifdeen

News

National Conference: Stakeholders Want Journalists To Operate More Efficiently

By Web News 647

The Seventh National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, has opened in Umahia,  Abia State with a call on Journalists across the Country to set standards for the profession and operate strictly within the professional framework.

Speakers at the official opening of the delegates conference were unanimous in their call on Journalists as members of the fourth estate of the realm to effectively perform their roles as the society’s watchdog.

Presenting a paper on the theme, “The Role of the Media in times of National Renewal, The Managing Consultant, True Vision Newspapers, Gavinta and Associate, Abuja, Mr Emma Agu noted that Journalists must live above board in discharging their duties to enable them to hold the governments at all levels accountable to Nigerians.

Mr Agu added that, Journalists needed to be true to their professional ethics there must be entry qualification and create a code of conduct and Sanctions through designated regulatory bodies necessary for the operations of the Journalism.

The Veteran Journalist Called for a platform that would engage stakeholders constructively to ensure oneness, equity and balance in governance thereby reducing disharmony and agitations in the nation. 

The Chairman of the Occasion who is the Chief Executive Officer of Reagan Groups, Mr Ochiagba Reagan Ufomba in his remarks, urged Journalists to Always stand by truth and Justice even if it means standing alone.

A Veteran Journalist and the Chairman Isuikwuato Traditional Rulers Advisory Council, His Royal Highness, Eze Uwadiegwu Ogbonaya appealed to members of the pen profession to work together towards the Success of the Journalism Profession.

Ealiers the National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo said the Union would take a critical look at the issues of quackery, fake media practitioners, abuse of journalists by politicians and poor remuneration.

Chief Iziguzo also noted that the Union would no longer accept the abuse of constitution and court processes by desperate members of the Union hence the need for immediate review of the NUJ constitution after the Election.

Modupeola Sobukonla

  
 

Health

Self-Care Health: FG Wants Support Of Stakeholders

By Web News 661

The Federal Ministry of Health is seeking the support of state and Local Governments as well as other health care providers in Nigeria to promote the self care health mechanism to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

This was the outcome of the orientation meeting on National self care guidelines between the Federal and Osun State Ministries, health Partners and Local Government Family Planning Coordinators in Osun State.

From explanation at the meeting, the self care programme enables individual, particularly women to administer the DMPA-SC self-injection on family planning on themselves as well as conduct simple test to determine their reproductive health status.

In his address, the Director of Reproductive Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Kayode Afolabi explained that the self care delivery was a new innovation to enable women attend to their health by themselves, without requiring the service of any healthcare provider.

Dr Afolabi announced that the National Guidelines for the Introduction and Scale -Up of DMPA-SC self – Injection has four objectives which include”to provide country specific guidance and tools to roll out facility and community-initiated self injection service delivery to ensure DMPA-SC reaches new users and expand access for women in hard to reach areas”.

Represented by a Deputy Director Reproduction Health, Mrs Remi Bajomo, he remarked that states and local governments had enormous responsibilities to ensure that the message of national guidelines on self care was taken to the rural areas where people with limited literacy resided.

The Osun Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Issamotu hinted that government state was committed to ensuring the spread of the message of self care delivery to the nooks and crannies of the state considering its capacity to help in taming uncontrolled pregnancy and child birth among young girls.

Dr Isassamotu contended that many sexually active young girls got pregnant prematurely with high tendency to procure illegal abortion which might result in mortality, while others who eventually deliver of the child lack the psychological and material requirements of raising a child, thereby resulting in poorly raised individuals who become menace to the society.

Speaking on the initiative, the country coordinator of John Show Incorporated,one of the partners, Dr Adewale Adefalu explained that the self injection of DMPA-SC, one of the self care products, provided women of reproductive age the choice of three additional months of contraceptive coverage while removing the barriers associated with facility -based care, such as cost,access, and stigma.

Dr Adefalu said self care interventions included information,medicine,diagnostics,products and technologies that could be self directed to allow people become agents of their health, especially in sexual and reproductive health where stigma,distance or overburdened healthcare facilities might prevent them from seeking care.

Similarly, the Director of Communication for Pathfinder international, Mr Bayo Ewuola added that the self care delivery covered areas such as Ovulation predictor, HIV testing kit, Cervical self testings, HPV sampling kit and the DMPA self injection among others.

Mr Ewuola said his organization and other partners are collaborating with the Federal and state governments in Nigeria to build health systems by supporting them in the area of policy and safe environment for reproductive health services.

Osun state is one of the states benefiting in the first batch of the programme which is supported by the World Health Organizations, PATH,SHF, Association for Reproductive and Family Health and the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria among others.

Adenitan Akinola