The Former First Lady of Oyo State, and wife of the Current Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja on Tuesday was decorated as the Grant Ambassador of Ibadan Cultural.
According to the Chairman of Ibadan Cultural Festival Central Committee 2022 Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, the award was part of activities marking the yearly Ibadan Cultural Festival organised by the Central Council of Ibadanland Indigiens (CCII).
Speaking at the event, the CCII President General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga noted that the award was to appreciate the former First Lady for her contributions toward upholding Ibadan culture and tradition.
He added that CCII, which consists of over 300 clubs deem it fit to bestowed the award on Ladoja for tourching lives of the poor and less privileges in Oyo State particularly Ibadanland.
He said Ladoja’s pedigree and anticedent qualified her for the award, which was the first thing that has ever happened in the history of Ibadanland.
“Before we could have single out someone for an award, he/she must have been someone that transverses in Ibadan culture and heritage, which shows her as true Ibadan daughter, she always promoted our culture.”
In her remark, the former first lady expressed her gratitude to CCII for counting her worthy for the award, promising to continue to uphold Ibadan tradition in high extreme.
Other Personality Presents Includes; Elder Brother of Governor Seyi Makinde, Barr. Muyiwa Makinde, the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs Iswat Ameringun, Ekeefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, Local Government Chairmen, Representatives of Ibadan Prime Youths Forum, and Government Appointees Among Others.
A bill to establish the Oyo State Local Government Staff Loans Board has passed through first reading at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
This was sequel to the reading of a letter sent to the House by Governor Seyi Makinde requesting the Lawmakers to pass the Oyo State Local Government Staff Loans Board Bill.
Governor Makinde said the bill which will provide loan for Local Government staff is aimed at enhancing their productivity and boosting their morale.
According to him, this is another effort of his administration to fulfill his election campaign promise to the state workers.
The bill shall be under the supervision of the State Local Government Service Commission.
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin who read the Governor’s letter at the plenary commended the Oyo State Government for exploring all avenues to make life comfortable for the state workers.
” The bill will bring about a new dawn in the local Government administration in Oyo state. Ever since the inauguration of Local Government in Oyo state, the Staff only access car refurbishing loan. However, with the new Oyo State Local Government Staff Loans Board Bill, the staff will now have access to both Car and Housing loans just like other State workers.” The Speaker said.
In line with the provision of the bill once passed, any sum of money released for disbursement as loan facilities will be disbursed amongst staff of LG, Public Primary Schools and the Primary Health care.
On Saturday, (February 5, 2022) a total of eight schools participated in the quiz competition organised by the Education Committee of CCII’s Ibadan Cultural Festival, 2022 edition. The schools included:
Basorun High School, Basorun;
Community High School, Sawia;
Elekuro High School, Elekuro;
Ibadan City Academy, Oluyoro Academy;
Itesiwaju Community High School, Alapafon Ibadan
Our Lady of Apostle, Odo Ona;
Queen of Apostle, Oluyoro; and
Urban Day Grammar School, Old Ife road, Ibadan.
Each school had a student representative in the hot seat, with all the participants taking questions drawn from three subjects, Mathematics, English and Yoruba.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, Abdul-Qoyum Olajide of Muslim Grammar School came first with 30 points, Timileyin Akinloye of Community High School came second with 27 points while Mariam Adekola of Our Lady of Apostle came third scoring 18 points.
Earlier, in his brief and inspiring speech, the President-General of CCII, Prince Yemisi Adeaga welcomed the students and their teachers to Ibadan House and congratulated them for their participation. Other dignitaries in attendance at the competition included Elder Lasun Kolade, Balogun Gafar Ojetola (ICF Chairman), Alagba Dipo Gbenro, Dr Niyi Adegbenla, Mrs Adenike Adefioye and Mogaji Dr. Amusa Rasak.
The awards ceremony for the three winners of the quiz competition will take place on a special date during the Cultural Festival programmes.
TECH-HUB, a tech company based in Ibadan is set to train Ibadan Indigenes who are students on different internet soft skills.
According to a statement by their National President, Aare Fakolade Anuoluwapo said:
“I wish to inform our esteem members throughout Nigeria and abroad that we have perfected our Partnership with TECH-HUB Ibadan, and they are set to train our members on different internet soft skills.”
“The deal was confirmed during a dinner with the management of TECH-HUB which take place at Oluyole Extension in Ibadan.”
“Confirming the Partnership, the COO of TECH-HUB Lord Smith Chukwuemeka Eze said that aside the training that he will also promote our members business.”
“Also, in attendance was the Special Assistant on Youth & Sports to Engr. Seyi Makinde, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa.”
“The training slot is for 20 members, those who will be committed and meet up with the training schedule. Interested members who message me register free of charge.”
“We appreciate Mr Emeka for the gesture and pray that God will continue to bless his ways.”
“Lastly, I want us to utilize this information and give this the widest information it can get so it can reach our members who need it most, as we rise by lifting others.”
Signed: Aare Fakolade Anuoluwapo.o Aare fakolade 06/02/2022
The Joint Action Committee, JAC of the three Trade Unions in Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate has written the a Save Our Soul letter to the Oyo State House of Assembly to intimate the Legislature of the state of Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate and the plight of the staff and students.
According to the letter duly signed by COEASU, NASU and SSUCOEN Chairmen, the college appreciates the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly for passing the bill for the change of the name of the College to “Oyo State College of Education”, Lanlate and the other areas of the College law, which has given the College an autonomy.
The Statement read ” Since its establishment the College has been battling with series of problems and challenges which have necessitated this letter.
” The issues are itemised below:
(1). Non-Release of Take-off Grant : The College was not given any take-off grant by the state government when it was pronounced autonomous, and it has not received any till now. This has led to the poor state of facilities at the College. Of all the state-owned tertiary institutions, it is only our College that has not been given any take-off grant and this has negatively impacted the growth and development of the College.
(2) Infrastructural Deficit: The non-release of take-off grant to the College has compounded the infrastructural deficit in the College. . There are no enough offices for staff hence some of them sit under trees. There are virtually no toilet facilities as the few available are in a state of disrepair. Staff have to go to the bush to answer nature’s call.
(3)Damaged Bridge: The bridge on the only road to the College was destroyed by flood about three years now. The College Management and the staff unions have written letters to the State Government requesting for the bridge to be fixed but nothing has been done as we write this piece.
(4) Abandoned Project: The state government awarded the contract for the construction of the School of Education Complex to a contractor some years back. The contractor abandoned the project and absconded. Recently, the state government was said to have mobilised the contractor again with about #20 million to complete the project. Unfortunately again, the contractor has refused to return to site. We are appealing to the state government to prevail on the said contractor to come and complete the work. If the project is completed, it will ease the problem of shortage of office accommodation. More importantly, the College is preparing for accreditation and the building is required for the accreditation of all its courses.
(5) Staff Welfare: We commend the state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his worker-friendly programs. However, our annual salary increments for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, which has October 1 as its effective date are yet to be effected. Apart from this, the staff of the College are also owed promotion arrears of 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 all of which have run into several months now. Even, the 2021 promotion exercise is still hanging.
(6) Non-payment of Arrears of the consequential adjustment on minimum wage: Recall that the State Government under Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde graciously approved the consequential adjustment on new minimum wage in January, 2020. It may interest the house to know that it is only our College that is yet to pay the arrears as agreed and signed by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the trade Unions of the six Oyo State owned Tertiary Institutions and the government representatives. For your information, the staff is being owed 9months of the arrears up to date. Because of this, we have commenced an indefinite strike since January 24, 2022. We are also owed arrears of Hazard and Medical allowances of 16months between 2014 and 2015. All efforts to get the College management to pay has proved abortive as they always complain of non-availability of funds
(7) Issue of accreditation: The issue of accreditation is another area of concern. Be informed that since the College became autonomous in 2016, no accreditation of courses has been done. This is very dangerous for the College and her students.
As we round off this letter, we want to passionately appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to come to our rescue. His midas touch is being felt everywhere across the state. Ours should not be an exception. These problems are too much for the College to bear. Needless to say Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate is at a precipice , and may collapse completely if urgent steps are not taken.
Responding to the appeal, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin noted that his recent evaluative visit to Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate showed him clearly the unimpressive state of infrastructure and the general condition of the College.
“I toured round the facilities, listened to the staff, students and other stakeholders on ground. We are calling for massive repair of infrastructures and approval of more fund for facilities and accreditation activities.
“We are calling on our Governor to kindly prioritize this college in all educational projects for this year. The students, staff and stakeholders are trusting us on this and there will definitely be a turn around,” The Speaker added.
The Olubadan-in-council on Thursday, nominated the Otun Olubadan of Ibadaland, High Chief Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The decision was arrived at on during at a meeting at the residence of Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Olakuleyin
According to the Inside Oyo, the meeting was moderated by the state government representative in the person of Director of Admin and General Services of Ibadan South East local government.
In attendance were otun Ibadan High Chief Lekan Balogun (Olubadan elect), Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Owolabi Olakuleyin, osi Olubadan High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, otun Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, Olubadan High Chief Eddy Oyewole, Osi Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief kolawole Adegbola, and Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Dada Ishioye.
Following a request by The lawmaker representing lseyin/ltesiwaju/ Kajola/lwajowa Federal Constituency in Oyo State at the House of Representatives, Shina Peller that the Nigeria Police should take up the responsibility and NSCDC while the properties of the Security Agency should be transferred to the Police, this was contained in a proposal to the House via the National Security And Civil Defence Corps (Repeal and Transition) Bill 2022, which passed first reading on Tuesday.
Responding to the development on Wednesday, the Commandant General of NSCDC through the State Commandant of Oyo State Instructed that Personnel attached to the Honorable Member should be withdrawn with immediate effect.
The statement reads “Following the directive of the Commandant General on the necessity of the deployment of the Command personnel for an urgent National security assignment”
“On behalf of the State Commandant, I hereby withdraw all the personnel attached to you, this is to meet up with the urgent National need”
The Statement was signed by DCC Sottyo Igbalawole for the State Commandant.
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC says it has identified key areas that are due for amendment in the law guiding the conduct of Local Government elections in the state.
To this end, the Commission is seeking the support and cooperation of the Oyo State House of Assembly for the review and amendment of the electoral law.
The OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN, disclosed this when he led other members of the Commission on a working visit to the office of the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin.
” When we think of making and amending laws, we talk of the Legislature. This is why we are here to intimate the leadership of the Oyo state House of Assembly of our plan to amend the state electoral law. The present law was passed 22years ago. To us amendment is due. Some areas need urgent review and amendment to meet modern voting trend. We need to upgrade our electoral process even at the Local Government level. I am happy that the Oyo State House of Assembly has shown its readiness to work with us towards amending the law. We are looking at the possibility of getting this done by the second quarter of this year ” Aare Olagunju said
He explained that the amendment being sought will help to reposition the commission for better performance in future elections.
” We are also looking at the possibility of using another means of identification peculiar to Oyo State alone like Oyo State Resident Identification card to complement the use of Permanent Voters Card issued by INEC”
In his response, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin described the move to amend the State Local Government electoral law as a good development.
The Speaker noted that election conducted into the Local Governments in the state last year had given the Commission an idea of what and what to do to improve such exercise in future, and one of such is the vital need to review the election law
According to him, the House will work expeditiously on the draft copy of the proposed amendment once it gets to the members.
” On our part , we are ready to work on the amendment in order to improve on the electoral process. This will be in line with the resolve of Governor Seyi Makinde to upgrade and improve all Government departments, ministries and agencies. There are surely new practices and evolving trends in the conduct of elections and OYSIEC cannot afford to be left behind. Even, INEC is trying to advance the voting process. ” Oyo Speaker added
The Marketing, Contact and Resources Mobilization Sub-Committee of Ibadan Cultural Festival 2022 today visited Bola Ige International Market, PKA Gbagi Market as part of the Pre-event of the Cultural Week that is starting by March 3rd of next month.
On the entourage were the Iyaloja of Ibadan land, Chief Mrs Isiwat Ameringun, and other members of the committee and were received at the Market by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji YK Abass, and other Market Chiefs.
The Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Sunday Gbenjo appreciated Babaloja General for his kind welcoming and extend his greetings to the Market executives and all marker women and men, including the buyers.
While responding to the visit, the Babaloja General of Oyo State assured the committee that the market traders will support the committee financially and ensure that Gbagi Market top the list of Markets in Ibadan that will donate towards the Celebration.
Chief Mrs Isiwat Amerinkun, the Iyaloja of Ibadan land also appreciates Alhaji YK Abass and pray for the continuous growth of the market.
The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, on Tuesday, declared that there is no court proceeding delaying the selection and installation of the Olubadan of Ibadan again, adding that parties can proceed in the process leading to the selection of a new king.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, Justice Abimbola made this known after dismissing a suit filed by Senator Lekan Balogun and seven other Ibadan High Chiefs, contesting the validity of a consent judgment given by a state high court on November 19, 2019 in suit M/317/2017.
The Chief Judge in his brief judgment on the suit declared that the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 stands unmoved like the rock of Gibraltar and is unaffected by any step taken so far.
He added that he was dismissing the suit and not striking it out as requested because issues have been joined and argued in the matter which he said was a result of the order of the appellate court pursuant to Section 16 of the Court of Appeal Act 2004.
According to him, “The Appellate court held that the judgment of the lower court delivered on 19 January 2018 is set aside, and the case is submitted back to the Honourable Chief Judge of Oyo state for retrial before another judge. Parties are to file pleadings; the case was referred to another judge but instead of filing pleadings, consent judgment was entered into and this case arose from that.
“However, the claimants brought this application to discontinue the suit and predicated it on the interest of peace and there was no objection to their application. In my own view, since the court of appeal has set aside the judgment appealed against and in this case, there was a specific order of re-hearing; the judgment of the Court of Appeal stands and remains in perpetuity until reversed by a superior court.
“Now, the suit had been applied to be withdrawn, I will not hesitate to grant the withdrawal application and leave is hereby granted for the case to be withdrawn. “But since judgment of the trial court had been set aside, the status quo before the commencement of all proceedings stands, therefore, it means there was no change in the provisions of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 since there is a ruling that composition of the Commission of Inquiry was not determined appropriately and therefore it is vide and irregular.
“The case is hereby dismissed but there is no order to cost,” Justice Abimbola held, explaining that nothing is stopping the Olubadan selection process again when parties raised the issue of getting a copy of the judgment immediately.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, Kehinde Eleja (SAN), counsel to Senator Lekan Balogun, had informed the court that he has an application dated January 31, 2022 and filed on February 1, 2022 for the discontinuance of the suit, adding that he had served the process on all parties and was ready to move it before the court.
The application was supported by a four paragraph affidavit deposed to by a counsel identified as Grace Asaolu and a written address. He said he was ready to move the application and prayed for an order granting leave to discontinue the suit.
Eleja added that there was no counter affidavit filed against the petition and urged the court to grant his prayer in the interest of peace and justice of Ibadanland, praying to the court to strike out the case.
In his submissions, Sanya Akinyele, counsel to the state government and its agencies, informed the court that he is not opposing the application and appreciated the applicant for the line of action he had taken to withdraw the suit. He however asked that the court dismiss the suit and did not ask for any cost.
On his part, Kehinde Owoade, the counsel to former governor Rashidi Ladoja confirmed that he had been served the process and he had no objection to the application for discontinuance. He however urged the court to direct the applicants to pay the sum of N500, 000 to each of the respondents.
