Igbeti youth hail Abiodun Oni appointment as Director-General of the Mineral Development Agency of Oyo State and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company.
The Igbeti Youth under the ages of Igbeti Youth Progressive Movement (IYPM), has congratulated Hon. Abiodun Oni, on his appointment as the Director-General of the Mineral Development Agency of Oyo State and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company.
The coordinator of the group Adesina Julius has expressed how delighted Igbeti Youth was when they hear the news of the appointment of the noble son of the soil Okunrin Jeje Abiodun Oni.
While commending the Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde for the appointment , Adesina Julius said the honor bestowed on Hon. Abiodun Oni goes beyond him as an individual and is for the entire community.
Adesina Julius affirm the confidence the Igbeti youth have in Abiodun Oni, as they had no doubt that he would bring his wealth of experience, extensive contacts in the public and private sectors as well as managerial skills to bear on the new assignment as he had always done.
“On behalf of Igbeti youth and good people of Igbeti community, we say a big congratulation to our very own man of honour Abiodun Oni and we wish him a successful tenure as Director General and as a strategic player in collective efforts at taking our dear state to the next level of sustainable development.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of the immediate past Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Abiodun Oni, as the Director-General of the Mineral Development Agency of Oyo State and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company.
Similarly, the governor approved the appointment of four other aides.
The governor, through a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, indicated that Mr. Olorundare Olamide Wilson has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant on New Media, while Oluwadare Daniel Aleshinloye, has been reappointed as Special Assistant on Photography.
The duo of Mr. Timilehin Olubiyi and Miss Mobolaji Dada were announced as Special Assistant (New Media I) and Special Assistant (New Media II) respectively.
The unavailability of Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun of the Yaba Magistrates’s court has further stalled the trial of Afrobeat Musician, Seun Kuti.
The registrar, Mr Babalola, in the absence of the chief Magistrate, Olatunbosun, adjourned the case till September 27, 2023, for the continuation of the proceeding.
Magistrate Olatunbosun was said to have resumed her administrative leave and was thus absent in court today.
According to Punch report, the Lagos State Police Command arraigned the Afrobeat musician, on May 16, 2023.
The defendant was charged with assault on a police officer, an offence contrary to Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
Meanwhile, on May 24, Magistrate Olatunbosun in her ruling stated that the police cannot be the complainant and also the prosecutor of the case. She, therefore requested the DPP’s advice to continue the prosecution.
She said, “I need the advice of the DPP to know whether he should be prosecuted or not.”
She thus adjourned the case till July 3, 2023, for the DPP’s advice.
However, today the case was further adjourned for the continuation of proceeding following the absence of Magistrate Olatunbosun
The Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State has suspended its four weeks Industrial action embarked upon since 18th May, 2023.
This was disclosed by the Association executives after the state Congress held on 19th June, 2023 where all Members unanimously agreed to suspend the partial strike on the following conditions ;
In the interest of the citizens of Oyo state who have been afffected by the industrial action.
As a mark of respect to the workers friendly Gov. Engr Seyi Makinde who responded by setting up a committee to look into their demands.
3.To give the said committee time to sort the lingering issues and demand a better resolution.
The suspension will stand for six weeks as requested by the negotiating committee.
A Total strike to commence by July 31st 2023 if no headway from the said committee.
It was reported that the committee set up by the Oyo state government assured all issues will be resolved in a few weeks.
The Association executives salute the doggedness of its members and look forward to a speedy resolution of all lingering issues in a good time.
They further restated their loyalty to the govt of Oyo state under the Leadership of worker friendly Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Background: Few months into the first term of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the State government instituted the Light Up Oyo Project, which was targeted to cover over 240km of roads throughout the State.
According to the design and roadmap to the implementation of the project, it was aimed at improving the economy of the state by ensuring that the state economy does not go to bed at sunset. This initiative, when it was first introduced was said to be under the Ministry of Works and Transport in the state, and was highly commended by the people immediately the project kicked off and various towns began to be lit. The project, if successful, will not only improve the economic activities of people in the State, but also helps to address challenges of insecurity confronting the State.
The Project: The 240km street light project tagged Light Up Oyo was aimed to cover all the geopolitical zones in the State, from Ibadan to Oyo to Oke-Ogun to Ogbomoso and to Ibarapa for the good people of Oyo State. There is no gainsaying in the fact that this laudable project will bring economic development to the state. However, poor implementation of the project has been a major setback holding down its progress.
The funding arrangement was on Independent Power Producer IPP with the contractor providing larger percentage of the funding and Oyo State government fulfilling its own part too till the project is finally handed over to the State government after the agreed number of years.
According to findings, the street lights were to be powered by tribrid energy source grid, gas and inverter, with diesel as the first means for test running of the project.
What Went Wrong? After 2years of the project, darkness has returned to the State, most especially in key areas where the project has been carried out. As the darkness looms, it is not out of point, if people begin to ask questions as regards the setback of the project and its failure to meet up with expectations.
Findings further reveal that the project started to fail immediately it was moved from Ministry of Works to Ministry of Energy, as it was alleged that those who were appointed to be in charge at the new ministry didn’t study the already-prepared contractual document developed by the Ministry of Works on the roadmap to implementation of the project via-a-vis transition from diesel to gas and Inverter.
It is a fundamental defect for a project of this magnitude to be allowed to go through its life cycle, without a designated dedicated champion. It is even problematic, if not chaotic, when one observes, that the implementation that goes with rigorous supervision is, in this case, left in the hands of inexperienced politicians, who too, possess no clue or any background knowledge of the complexities that normally come with managing such engineering technicalities necessary to pilot the project to a successful execution.
The idea of entrusting a handler and negotiator without requisite knowledge to champion this gigantic project, instead of assigning such role to a seasoned and tested professional engineer, detracts from the excellent merit the government pontificates about.
Another disturbing aspect of the detected flaws in the Light Up contract, is the project’s heavy concentration on “low hanging fruits”, that is, some noticeable short term hurriedly carried out meeting arrangements culminating into quick-fix problems and challenges, the solution to which could give a shot in the arm, to the prevailing problem.
The Issues: The rising cost of diesel during the early implementation stage (2019 to 2020) hindered the effective functioning of the street lights making some people in the state to speak up and ask questions as regards the project. The government agreed that the project wasn’t meant to be placed on diesel and that they are doing all possible best on its transition to gas.
In 2022, the government successfully started transition from diesel generator to gas generator, still the lingering issues still persist.
In April 25th, 2023, the Honorable Commissioner for Energy, Barr. Seun Ashamu confirmed the speculation going around that there’s disagreement between the contractor and that the state government has rendered the project ineffective. According to further findings, the disagreement between the contractor and state government is based on funding, the state government is owing the contractor almost N20bn. While this figure of debt seems to be daring, owing a state contractor to that amount is not palatable for a state that is struggling to be financially viable in the comity of the states. Hence, the government’s decision to audit the project infrastructures to ascertain the veracity of the claim by the state handlers of the project.
Nonetheless financially, it was also revealed that the stealing and theft also responsible for the failure of the project, as cables were alleged to have been stolen by some hoodlums, including vandalization of street light materials. While this has been brought under control by security agencies, the disagreement between the contractor and the state government over payment remains unresolved or partially solved.
Way Out: The project if successful will be one of the legacies of the Seyi Makinde’s administration, and for this, it’s in the best interest of the governor to make it work.
Conclusively, those in charge of the project at the Ministry of Energy are not doing enough. Either attributable to inexperience or lack of political will. All what Oyo State citizens want is that there is need to review operational guidelines and that value is given to every penny spent from the tax payers’ money to the project.
It is our suggestion that once the project is restored, committed hands should be put in charge with oversight supervision and all hands should be on deck to ascertain certain areas of key performance indicators.
This is monthly editorial of ODUDUWA NEWS and for more info you can reach out to oduduwanews1@gmail.com
A PDP stalwart in Ibadan North Local Government, and a former house of assembly aspirant, Hon. Makanjuola Oluwatosin Taofeek(AMOT) aka Tosin Gboye has sent his birthday anniversary felicitation message to the PDP southwest Women Leader, Alhaja Abosede Adedibu.
In his birthday message, Tosin Gboye described yeye Abosede as not only a political godmother, but a mother figure who’s always passionate about the growth of those under her.
“Happy birth anniversary to a wonderful woman who has taken me like her own child from my early age, i hope you have an incredibly beautiful 🎂 ma….. Love from Tos Tos ” ❤️❤️
TRIBUTE TO LATE SENATOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI ( THE ARCHITECT OF MODERN OYO STATE)
As stated in the scripture, “Sweet is the memory of the righteous”, you may be gone but you are never forgotten.”. On June 25, 2020, the eagle flew home in a blaze of glory and the world literarily stood still.
Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi was an architect of a new order, an erudite leader, a consummate politician who served the pacesetter state with utmost dedication, love and focus to make Oyo State greater than he met it in his eight years of remarkable achievements and giant strides.
He was indeed a multitask development expert with profound intelligence which made him an accomplished administrator of human and natural resources for the betterment of the people of the state and Nigeria in general.
Despite his death, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will continue to live in our hearts and in the memory of Oyo State people for his unusual and exceptional unique style of governance that brought peace, growth and development to the state.
In the last three years of his glorious transition, many people are still testifying to his good naturedness and how he brought hope into their lives, even when everything seemed hopeless. Such people are still trusting, that his illuminating spirit lives with them at this end.
May the soul of “oga wa” our courageous and highly intelligent leader continue to rest in peace. God grant him Aljanah Fridaus.”
PRINCE AYODEJI ABASS-ALESHINLOYE MDII FORMER ALGON CHAIRMAN OYO STATE CHAPTER
An indigenous body in the University of Ibadan Chapter, Federation of Ibadan Students Union (FIBSU) on Saturday honored a one-time National President of the union, in the person of Aare Alao Olalekan.
Aare Alao Olalekan who is the Special Assistant on Student, Youth and Sports in Ona-Ara Local Government and also a leading Chairmanship aspirant of Ona Ara local Government is said to be awarded by the University students based on his steadfastness, forthcoming and supportive both moral and financial to the entire Federation of Ibadan Students Union.
While presenting the award, the Guest Speaker, Dr Adams Akewula of the Faculty of Islamic Studies said he was meeting Aare Alao for the very first time but he has been hearing Alao’s good deeds and kind gestures to the Students Community over the years while he encouraged Alao not to relent effort, as the sky is his starting point.
While appreciating the students for the honor bestowed on him, Alao thanked the University of Ibadan FIBSU for finding him worthy to celebrate, he thereafter dedicate the award to the Almighty God and Ibadanland.
Speaking further, Alao hinted to the students about the student bursary recently rolled out by the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, while explaining, Alao, the Ibadan-born young politician urged the students to be patient as shortlisting is ongoing, said all qualified Oyo State Students in various tertiary institutions both in Nigeria and abroad will be beneficiaries.
Alao also promised all students from Ona Ara Local Government to watch out for continuous payment of bursaries to all and adequate empowerment for the youth of the local government if he got the opportunity to be the Council Chairman of Ona Ara.
“I shall be the first Council Chairman in Ibadanland to pay bursary and continuously to indigent students of Ona-Ara Local Government under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of Omituntun,2.0,” Alao promised.
The process of appointing a new Aseyin of Iseyin in Oyo State has been advised to be halted. This comes after a motion for injunction regarding the chieftaincy title is pending before an Iseyin High Court. The previous Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Adekunle passed away in July 2022 and his successor is yet to emerge.
In a letter dated June 20th, 2023, Makinde was notified to call on the descendants of Ogbolu, the founder of Iseyin, to present the next candidates for the throne. The family has produced the first eleven Aseyins of Iseyin and is optimistic that Governor Seyi Makinde will heed to them.
Speaking on behalf of the family, A.G. Adeniran Esq, said, “We also applied for an order of injunction, so they should not appoint another Aseyin now until the court has heard our motion for injunction and the court has decided whether to grant it or to refuse it. Because if they are to go ahead and appoint another Aseyin while our motion is pending, it is like disrespecting the court and the governor is a gentleman, and so he should not be seen as disrespecting the court.”
According to the lawyer, whenever an injunction has been applied for and the same is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction, it is apposite for all concerned not to do anything that will affect the subject matter of the injunction until the motion for injunction has been heard and determined by the court.
The descendants of Ogbolu are claiming that under the Native Law and Customs of Yoruba land, and of Iseyin also, it is the descendants of the founders that are entitled to produce the king of that town. As a result, they are beseeching Governor Seyi Makinde not to appoint anybody as Aseyin pending the time the court will listen to their motion on Notice of Injunction.
It is a year since we lost a sister, friend, mother, and colleague at the University of Ibadan. Dr. Afusat Jagun-Jubril transited this world on 20 June , 2022.
Undoubtedly, we are creatures of Allah, and unto Him, we shall return. When the time comes, every soul will experience death. It makes no difference how old or young someone is. Running from that reality is not an option!
The sudden death of Dr. Jagun-Jubril at a young age was a traumatic experience for all of us. In all the places where they had the benefit of her services, she impacted positively. At the UI Research Cafe where we both served, she was noted for her bluntness and passion for excellence. Even if you didn’t agree with her opinions, you could always tell she was sincere because of the conviction in her voice.
The enormous turnout for her funeral and eulogies revealed the kind of person she was.
Jagun-Jubril was a lecturer at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She was also a Registrar at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the same University. She held a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, and an MVSc and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology (Clinical Pathology) from the University of Ibadan. She was building a research profile in Clinical Pathology and Ecotoxicology as an extension of her doctoral research. She was actively involved in experimental and field research. Dr. Jubril had over 30 published and presented scientific papers and projects. She attended and presented at several local and international conferences on different continents. She had to her credit, several travels, training grant awards, and fellowships. A recent grant was the CRDF Global Bio-risk Management Enhancement grant for Biosafety and Biorisk Management training aimed at boosting the competence of Nigerian researchers which she executed in 2016. Dr. Jubril was a reviewer for several local journals which included (but are not limited to) Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Science, Nigeria Veterinary Journal, Tropical Veterinarian, and Journal of Agriculture, Technology and Environment.
She served as a member of various veterinary medical and scientific societies and was the past Financial Secretary of the local chapter of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Oyo State, Nigeria. She also served on several committees in her Faculty and the University.
At the time of her death, she was a Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement (CIRCLE) post-doctoral candidate of the Africa Academy of Science at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, where she was undertaking one-year research on the “Assessment of the pathological effects on tilapia caused by endocrine-disrupting chemical and global warming effects in Lake Naivasha.”
Her areas of interest were Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Pathology, and Ecotoxicology.
May Allah recognise her innumerable good deeds, overlook her flaws, and have mercy on her soul. May He also bring us all together in Aljanah Firdaus. Aamin.
Olatunji Oladejo Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)
