• Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was born in October 15th 1938
• He was a successor to Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II • His Father, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II was disposed in 1954 • He was a boxer before ascending the throne • Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, Former Military Governor of Old Oyo State presented his Staff of Office on Jan. 14, 1971 • He the longest serving Alaafin in history • He hold many honorary Doctorate degrees from different countries across the world. • Olori Abibat Adeyemi remains his senior wife.
It was another awesome afternoon on Wednesday 13th of January,2021 when Honourable Dapo Lam Adesina,handed over a brand new sewing machine and a cash prize of Fifty thousand Naira (#50,000) to a female entrepreneur, courtesy of his Omo Oloore Foundation.
The foundation through its social media page ‘IG: @omooloorefoundation’ had requested that a fashion designer who truly needs a sewing machine signify after which a winner was carefully picked.
You would recall that Honourable Dapo Lam Adesina launched the foundation in October, 2020 and vowed to make the medium an avenue to reach more people who truly needs help.
While chatting with the beneficiary yesterday during the presentation,Omo Oloore as he is fondly called requested that she show evidence to back up the fact that she is truly a fashion designer which she did by showing her certificate.
“During empowerment, recipients do have different mindsets but here, the only thing we want is to see you thrive with what has been given to you.We frown at those who sell items given to them”……He said
Omowumi who became emotional while showing appreciation said “I just started my fashion business this year but I have no shop, so I manage with my boss.This is a huge one for me, I didn’t see it coming.Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, for choosing me without knowing me, for the cash to get a shop. I’m grateful sir”…..She concluded
Omo Oloore Foundation is a one set up by the founder to support young entrepreneurs and also come to the aid of the less privileged in the society.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has felicitates with his Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, has the First class monarch clocks 50years on Throne.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Speaker also rejoice with the Monarch, as the 50years on throne comes with a sound 82nd Birthday Anniversary.
“Kabiyesi Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III is one man that believes in the unity of his people and the entire nation. This much he has guided his people to achieve in the last 50 years.
“I am particularly delighted that the 50th anniversary of the Alaafin of Oyo is happening during my lifetime.
“I believe every Yoruba son and daughter, irrespective of where they are, should be proud of the Alaafin for the kind of leadership he has been providing in the past 50 years.
“We cannot forget in a hurry how the Alaafin used his good office and leadership style to make the Oyo kingdom a reference point. He is indeed a man blessed with abundant wisdom.
“To think that the Alaafin is marking his 50 years on the throne at the age of 82 in sound health is another source of joy.
“I join millions of Nigerians, especially the sons and daughters of Yoruba land, in wishing the Alaafin God’s protection, blessings and wisdom,” Hon Gbajabiamila said
Mr Ismael who was the Guest Speaker at the event organized by National Association of Science Education Students’, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, stressed the need to invest more in Digital Economy if the Nation is to attain true development. In his opening address, he said “The developed nations; United States US, United Kingdom UK, Germany and Japan were able to attain present level of development through the deployment of high technology.”
While explaining the values of Digital Economy, especially in regards to expanding businesses and creating more opportunities, he said “The expansion of the digital economy creates many new economic opportunities. Digital data can be used for development purposes and for solving societal problems, including those related to the SDGs. It can thus help improve economic and social outcomes, and be a force for innovation and productivity growth. Platforms facilitate transactions and networking as well as information exchange.”
Read full lecture below.
BEING THE LECTURE DELIVERED BY COMR. ISMAEL TAIWO MNIM, ECONOMIST, DIGITAL MARKETER, AND A FORMER STUDENT LEADER, AT THE 1ST ANNUAL DAY LECTURE OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE EDUCATION STUDENTS (NASES) HELD AT EMMANUEL ALAYANDE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AFFILIATED WITH EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY, OYO, OYO STATE TODAY 13TH JANUARY, 2021 TOPIC: DIGITAL ECONOMY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All protocols are duly observed.
BACKGROUND
DIGITAL ECONOMY This topic is timely, particularly this time the world is being ravaged by COVID-19 pandemic where some countries that had earlier prepared for digital inclusion are not caught in the web of stagnancy. As the world is shifting towards knowledge-driven economy, Nigeria and some African countries cannot be left out in the drive towards digital inclusion. Globally, awareness is on the rise about the usefulness of Information Technology to promote and enhance growth and development. Business and economic experts have realized that no nation can have competitive advantage in terms of trade, industry, manufacturing, and services without utilizing ICT.
The developed nations; United States US, United Kingdom UK, Germany and Japan were able to attain present level of development through the deployment of high technology. In addition, Brazil, China, Russia, India and other Asian tigers’ economies are rising due to integration in innovative technology. Consequently, developing nations are beginning to realize that any development that is not technologically based is likely to fail.
What do we understand by digital economy? Without much ado, the coinage is two words joined together, digital and economy. This is a linkage of economic development with digital inclusion by using advancement in computing, internet and other information technology to drive general development. Lexicon defines it as an economy which functions primarily by means of digital technology, especially electronic transactions made using the internet .
THE VALUE IN DIGITAL ECONOMY The expansion of the digital economy creates many new economic opportunities. Digital data can be used for development purposes and for solving societal problems, including those related to the SDGs. It can thus help improve economic and social outcomes, and be a force for innovation and productivity growth. Platforms facilitate transactions and networking as well as information exchange.
From a business perspective, the transformation of all sectors and markets through digitalization can foster the production of higher quality goods and services at reduced costs. Furthermore, digitalization is transforming value chains in different ways, and opening up new channels for value addition and broader structural change.
Within the ICT sector, computer services are the largest component, with a 40 per cent share of total value added. The global computer services industry is dominated by the United States; its share of that industry’s value added is almost as big as that of the combined total of the next nine largest economies. India has the largest share among developing countries in this context. Computer service, which is the only subsector that is growing across all regions, is one of the main drivers of employment in the sector. Value added in ICT manufacturing is highly concentrated in East Asia (led by China), and the scope for more developing countries to extract value from this sector is likely to be limited.
In the past decade, global exports of ICT services that can be delivered digitally grew considerably faster than overall services exports, reflecting the increasing digitalization of the world economy. In 2018, digitally deliverable service exports amounted to $2.9 trillion, or 50 per cent of global services exports. In LDCs, such services accounted for an estimated 16 per cent of total services exports, and they are more than tripled from 2005 to 2021.
NIGERIAN DEVELOPMENT IN PERSPECTIVE Today, Nigeria is lagging behind in innovative-driven-economy, while the LDCs which Nigeria is part of cannot boast of higher concentration of digital economy. There is lack of adequate ICT infrastructure (computers, internet and broadband) in Nigeria. UN Online Service Index (OSI) and e-government development index (EGDI), ranks Nigeria below top ten in Africa. In addition, Nigeria ranks 75th in Global Connection Index (GCI). It is a known fact that Nigeria does not have a competing tech giant, Africa as a whole has been put behind the desk in the world of global digital competition as can be seen in the following statistics. US and China contribute to 90% of market capitalization of the world’s largest digital platform. US accounts for 68%, Asia (China) 27%, Latin 0.2%, Africa 1.3%, and Europe 3.8%. However despite infrastructural deficiencies, there are several opportunities for the teeming youths in digital world. Solving digital problem requires creativity and monumental investment in youths. It must be noted that digital platforms are increasingly important in the world economy. The combined value of the platform companies with a market capitalization of more than $100 million was estimated at more than $7 trillion in 2020 – 67 per cent higher than in 2015. Some global digital platforms have achieved very strong market positions in certain areas. For example, Google has some 90 per cent of the market for Internet searches. Facebook accounts for two thirds of the global social media market, and is the top social media platform in more than 90 per cent of the world’s economies.
Amazon boasts of almost 40 per cent share of the world’s online retail activity, and Amazon Web Services accounts for a similar share of the global cloud infrastructure services market. In China, WeChat (owned by Tencent) has more than one billion active users and, together with Alipay (Alibaba), its payment solution has captured virtually the entire Chinese market for mobile payments. Meanwhile, Alibaba has been estimated to have close to 60 per cent of the Chinese e-commerce market.
Harnessing potentials in digital economy for national development While we discuss national development which is the outlook of general wellbeing of the citizens, we must be specific and conceptualize our discourse on human capital development that is directly related to knowledge-driven economy as this topic set to explain. Nigerian economy before recession was slumbering around 2% far below the population growth of 2.5%. The implication of this is that the population grows geometrically while the resources are growing arithmetically. The population growth could be a blessing to us if we tap from it and launch ourselves into the globally competitive digital economy. Here, the emphasis shall be laid on Nigerian youths that contribute larger percentage of African youth population.
The general expectation is that rising youth population relative to other age group stimulates economic development as could be seen in Asian continent. This is based on the assumption that young people are more productive. However, this is not automatic. Infact, rather than being a facilitator of economic development, a youth bulge in Nigeria could present major problems if key challenges facing young population are not addressed.
Despite several challenges confronting young population, a serious minded youth must define his mission before and after school. Life after school is not that rosy and that is the reason why you must prepare ahead of challenges posed by saturated labour market. There are several opportunities in digital world that could be a major source of revenue. While I was an economics undergraduate in IFE, we used to ruminate on how we could weather the storm of saturated labour market after graduation but I always remember one thing one of our professors of development economics used to tell us – ‘RESIDUAL INCOME’. As small these two words are, very loaded! They drive creativity, passion and determination for survival.
Do not let anybody tell you that you cannot make ends meet with investment in digital economy, Nigeria has huge gap in digital inclusion and this is an avenue for Nigerian youths to take over the digital space for their economic advantage. There are many young Nigerians that are successful in digital economy. The multimillionaire CEO of Nigerian leading social interactive space, NAIRALAND, Seun Osenwa was an undergraduate in IFE before he dropped out and focused on digital invention. I have always been asking a question, why is it that dropping out of school or half education is common to virtually all richest men in the world. Bill Gates of Microsoft, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and others? Although, it might be a coincidence because we have several billionaires who ensured the completion of their higher education. Example is the current richest man in the world who had two degrees in Economics and Physics, the CEO of Tesler, Elon Musk.
Young Nigerians are now building Apps relative for local consumption and they making cool money, you can tap from the growing e-commerce, coding, programming, digital marketing, SEO management, and website and graphics designs. Young population contributes immensely to development of software and mobile apps in Indian, China and other Asian countries. There are several phone apps that can create graphics designs. Seek for knowledge, go back to the RESIDUAL INCOME I said earlier. Even, if u see opportunity in white collar job, always make it as primary source of income. The secondary source which is knowledge driven and investment drive can only catapult you into rich.
Several investments you can make on social media, there are some people that blog for money, they create a better SEO and they are getting paid in dollars. Always have penchant for knowledge. Our generation does not have excuse to be jobless, we have internet at the tips of our fingers, opportunity most of our fathers did not enjoy. While still in school, don’t be a lone ranger, be versatile and develop additional skills.
Conclusion No doubt, ICT can be a strong drive for economic growth and development. However, transforming vision into reality that fits Nigeria local context is not an easy task. Since, there is no even level of economic and social development within Nigeria, there is need to have realistic Nigeria’s e-readiness to participate in the digital economy.
Emphasis on certificate must be reduced in engaging labour force, focus should be shifted to skills if the nation must catch up with development. Many developed and developing countries such as China, United States and Morocco are paying more attention to skills rather than certificate, many of them had established skills centres that have contributed immensely to national growth. This is not to say certificate is not important but secondary to skill and that is why we must pay attention to skills in our journey to digital economy.
The digital literacy and skills pillar recognizes the fact that citizens are the greatest assets in any economy, including the digital economy.
Nigerian government should develop a policy framework that enables Nigerians receive training in diverse digital skills as this will support the development of a large pool of digitally literate and digitally skilled citizens. There should be paradigm change that lays emphasis on skills, in preference to merely having degrees without skills”.
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde has disclosed that based on credible facts and verifiable data there were no evidences of COVID-19 second wave in the state
The Governor who made this known in a press briefing held at the government house, however stressed that adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols must be strictly complied with as government would not relent in its funding and synergy with health institutions in the continuing effort to reduce further spread of COVID-19 in the state
While reeling out data on numbers of COVID-19 test already conducted by the state, numbers of positive cases and recoveries, Governor Makinde explained that though the federal government had promised to distribute about 100,000 vaccines across states with Oyo state getting about 1,800 vaccines, the state would consider contacting a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing company to get sufficient quantity for the state
Speaking on insecurity in the state, Governor Makinde admitted that there are frictions between the Oyo state Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun and the Nigerian Police, adding that a committee would be set up to resolve the possible frictions and foster cordial work relationship between the security outfits
Governor Makinde also expressed regret that there were plans in some quarters to ensure the state security outfit Amotekun fail and cautioned the media against report that might incite public tension, noting that a security communication channel for Amotekun would be set up to reduce spread of false information on the activities of the corps
In a bid to further address insecurity in the state, the Governor restated that government would duly register members of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN, and other affiliate associations to properly regulate their activities in order to identify those hiding under the association to disturb the peace of the state. [1/13, 22:04] Ajani Kayode: Okay.
It is disturbing that as a country, we are still lost in the debate of school reopening despite the fact that we are in the 21st century. It needs to be made known that the fact that we are debating school re-opening shows governmental inefficiency and, it exposes, yet, again, the hypocrisy of this ‘change’ government, because, academic activities should not have been suspended if it were to be a government that is prepared for governance.
Considering the fact that this government rode in on the promise of ‘change’, one would have thought that genuine change will be witnessed in the country, but, unfortunately, the change has been from darkness to doom which is a testament to the fact that the change we were promised as a people is a cosmetic change of name, face and colour characteristics. Major General Buhari claims that education is a priority for him, but since he came to power in 2015, budgetary allocation to the educational sector has been reducing and he is now proposing a paltry sum which is less than 6% for this year, this has already been passed by the National Assembly. Meanwhile, this is pale in comparison with the UNESCO set-standard of at least 26% of a government’s budget to be devoted to education.
I have said it on many platforms that we should discontinue fooling ourselves with that ignominious misnomer by regarding the country as “the Giant of Africa” because ours is only a Giant in reverse order. Ours is a country which has seen over two score years and is still unable to stand upright, let alone walk, much less run. Meanwhile, during the time of the departure of the British colonial masters, the country was considered as one of the emerging great nations of the world like the proverbial child of great promise. Unfortunately, Nigeria under today’s dispensation has no worthy heritage to protect as our ‘dealers’ would want us to believe, what we have are merely corruption, kidnapping, bloodletting, banditry, legislative paedophiles, executive rascality, unemployable breeds of graduates amongst others.
With the evident failure of successive governments in the country to massively invest in the educational sector which would have prepared us for a time like this, it is going to be easier for the proverbial camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for this country to sustain any form of virtual learning because there are no such provisions on our campuses before this time.
I have read quite a number of press texts against the Academic Staff Union of Universities even by our much-celebrated heads of Nigerian Ivory Towers and I shook my head in disdain. It would have been permissible if such aggressive campaign were to be coming from the younger generation, because, many of them are yet to wake up to the reality that their beloved country is not just starting to wobble and fumble, it has been like that for decades. I find it pathetic that while many of us are trying all we could to educate the ill-fated younger generation in order to find a way out of the woods we have found ourselves as a people, we are getting more and more entrenched in it due to the collaboration between the State and their agents which include some persons in the academia that are agitating for school re-opening when it is evident that the government has not shown any commitment to ensure safe reopening of schools.
Indeed, the woes that hampered Nigeria’s progress are not unconnected with our resolve as a people to keep quiet when we need to jaw-jaw and take decisive actions in terms of governance and our blind loyalty to party politics. Sanity is now being slaughtered on the slab of party affiliation and our people now throw dangerous narratives all in the name of political correctness to justify governmental failure.
It is not a gainsaying that government exists for the State and not the State for the government. Ironically, this government has neither for once being responsive nor responsible and all efforts to bring it to account has always been futile most especially with the activities of those conceited around the rocky height as sycophants.
The call for school reopening is an attempt to endanger the lives of both students and staffs on our campuses because, as it stands today, there is no safe haven that could serve as shelter for us against covid-19 except for each and everyone to take necessary precautionary steps which include but not limited to avoiding crowded place(s). And, in reality, there is no higher institution of learning in the country that can boast of not having over-crowded lecture theaters to the extent that students now have to sit on bare floor while receiving lectures. This is not to talk of inhabitable halls of residence.
In fact, it is not in doubt that the call for school reopening poses serious threat on both staff and students on our campuses and all assurances in the contrary by this government cannot be trusted, because this is a government that has failed to fulfil its electoral promises with the people of Nigeria. This is also a government which underfunds education and promotes policies of privatisation and commercialisation which is not unexpected from an anti-poor capitalist government which sole aim is to enrich itself and other members of the ruling class.
So, in order to avoid a situation whereby we would be made guinea pigs by this useless government, we must resist every plan to expose the citizens to danger of contracting covid-19 which school reopening poses. In fact, we must start an increased agitation for shutting down of public places while government make provision for palliatives.
To wrap it off, this is not a position against the dear need for resumption of schools, rather, a call to focus attention on how quality of education has been in jeopardy for decades and begs for fixing. The ASUU drama has been a pointer. We are in a delicate dilemma between choosing to resume physical classes amidst unguaranteed safety from the ravaging pandemic and a virtual class that would obviously lack technical know-how cum qualitative resources. The former is looking suicidal while the latter is further guaranteeing mass failure or poorly-baked graduates. However, the both conditions point to a common thing or cause, that is, a terribly underfunded education, and this is where Nigerian students should choose their fights wisely.
Kazeem Olalekan Israel (GANI) writes from Ibadan, Nigeria.
•Urges Lagos Judiciary To Remain Example Of Equity, Fairness
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the Lagos State Judiciary, to remain an example of equity, fairness and do their work with integrity at the highest level.
The Governor, who promised that his administration would not be deterred or shy away from its responsibilities to make life more comfortable for judges in Lagos State, reassured members of the judiciary that his government would continue to accord them the necessary support required to discharge their duties diligently to the people of the State.
Speaking during the swearing in of a 51-year-old Deputy Chief Registrar (Special Duties) Lagos Division, Mrs. Olubukola Florence Aigbokhaevbo and 40-year-old legal practitioner, Mr. Rahman Adesola Oshodi, as High Court Judges in Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the judges earned their nominations and appointments to the High Court of the state based on their sterling credentials and experience in their respective areas of engagement.
He said: “We have enjoyed tremendous support from the judiciary led by the Chief Judge who constantly brings forward leadership that is second to none. And the least we can do is to continue to ensure that we give that arm of government all they require to continue to administer justice, to be the voice for the voiceless and to continue to let our citizens believe that Lagos State Judiciary is working well for all of them.
“We will continue to ensure that we give our judicial arm of government all they require to continue to do what they know best, which is to serve our citizens. Our government realises and appreciates the services and sacrifices of our judges, even at these difficult times as they continue to respond to the needs of our citizens.
“I want the new justices to use this opportunity to reassure our citizen and the judiciary that you would continue to remain an example of equity and fairness, doing your work with integrity at the highest level. Those are the things that delight us and what we want to hear. I wish the Lagos judiciary all the very best.”
Speaking earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), said swearing in of the two judges was one of the constitutionally recognised functions of Lagos State Governor to oil the wheels of the judiciary.
He said the newly appointed justices were the two that top the selection process.
In his remark, the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Kazeem Alogba said the occasion was another testimony of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the judiciary and administration of justice in the state.
He informed the Governor that seven justices would retire this year and therefore stressed the need for their replacement.
Giving a vote of assurance on behalf of the newly sworn in judges, Justice Olubukola Aigbokhaevbo assured that they would administer justice with integrity and fairness in order to take the judiciary to higher heights.
Justice Aigbokhaevbo, who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his efforts and passion for justice in the state, promised that they will not disappoint the governor and people of the State.
Governor Makinde has assured Citizens of the State that Major Projects embarked by his administration will be completed this year, he made this known while delivering his speech at the 2021 interfaith prayer held at the state Secretariat, Ibadan on Wednesday 13th January.
The governor also commended the state workforce for their performance and efforts towards a successful year 2020 and urged them to renew their commitments in the current year with a view to achieving better results.
Governor Makinde made this known while delivering his speech at the 2021 interfaith prayer held at the state Secretariat, Ibadan on Wednesday 13th January.”
He said, “First, let me thank God for the gift of life and His protection over us all in the past year.
“2020 has been described in many quarters as a tough year. We did not survive last year because we are tougher, we survived only by His Grace. And that is why it is good that we are holding this inter-faith service in gratitude.
“Gratitude is something that a lot of us take for granted. Somehow, a lot of us feel that we can only express gratitude when everything is fine.
“But we know that as far as this world is concerned, everything cannot be great all the time. So, we must be grateful for what we have. In showing gratitude, we will receive even more. We are starting this year in good spirits. We are confident that this year, the seeds we planted in the previous year will yield good fruits. We are looking forward to commissioning various projects that we started last year. For example, the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road, will be commissioned this year.
“Also lined up for commissioning are The 21km Airport- Ajia-New Ife Express road with a spur to Amuloko; The 12km Apete-Awotan-Akufo road; The 3km Under G Stadium-LAUTECH-2nd Gate road; The 5km Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa road; The 12.5km dualisation of Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Apata road and The 10km Saki Township road dualisation amongst others.
“Asides these, we will also be commissioning the remodelled Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the four bus terminals at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge and Ojoo in Ibadan as well as the bike and bus terminal at Agodi Gate, Ibadan. The Akesan Market razed down by an inferno in January 2020 will also be commissioned this year.
“We heard some people wondering last year if we will continue paying salaries promptly given the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic meltdown. Well, by the grace of God, we are not owing any salaries.
“We even surprised them more by paying 13th month salaries for the second time running at a time when other states are owing their workers. In fact, we have spent about N9.3 billion to pay pensions and gratuities owed by the previous administration so far and we will continue to pay to clear up the backlog. Also, as you may be aware, there is a backlog of outstanding promotions from 2016.
“This will be addressed this year. Furthermore, deserving civil servants will have the opportunity to get up to grade level 17 under our watch. Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise the welfare of the civil servants in Oyo State.
“Yes, we are expecting that 2021 will come with its own challenges. Two things that are making the headlines right now all over the country and indeed Oyo State is the COVID-19 pandemic which started last year and cases of insecurity.
“I want to assure you that our administration is on top of the matter. Shortly after this, I will be holding a press conference to address some of these issues. I will be sharing some of the steps we are taking to make things better in 2021.
“Once again, let me thank you all for the support you are giving our administration despite all odds. The general consensus is that we have started well. I have heard people say, we hope he continues like this. Well, let me remind you that when our administration took over just about one year and six months ago, our promise was to serve.
“We remain unwavering in that resolve. We shall continue to serve the people of Oyo State and put their interests first. For those of us in government, let us not forget this pledge that we made to the people of Oyo State.
“I give the same advice as I did during the inter-faith service to usher in 2020. As you begin this year, 2021 ask yourself: in what way will I be a better person at my job this year? This honest self-examination and appraisal and acting on this appraisal are what will make 2021 better than 2020.”
The Ilero Community of Kajola Local Government area of Oyo state hosted PDP leaders across the ten Local Government areas of the state on Tuesday, 12th January, 2021where they unanimously endorsed Governor Seyi Makinde for a 2nd term in office.
The party gave justification for its decision as it lauded His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde’s infrastructural strides in the oke ogun zone ranging from the almost completed reconstruction of Moniya/Iseyin Road, the Contract for Award of the Iseyin/Ogbomoso Road, the reconstruction of the OYSADA headquarters in Saki, the contract award for Saki/Igboho Road, upgrade of the General Hospital, Saki to a Specialist Hospital status, the construction of Sporting stadia in Saki and Iseyin, amongst others.
The Party also seized the opportunity to appreciate the Governor for the recent appointment of Alh. Siju Lawal as the Commissioner for Establishments as well as other appointments given to the zone by the State Government. This, coupled with the quarterly relocation of the State apparatus of government to the oke ogun zone.
The party leaders concluded by calling for unity and cohesion amongst the various interests in the party as progress can only be sustained when various individual tendencies unite to forge ahead under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde.
The meeting had in attendance Chairman State Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola, the former Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Alh. Alli Oyedeji Dodo, the South West PDP Chairman, Mr. Dayo Ogungnenro, Hon. Akeem Mustapha, Kajola Constituency, Hon. Surveyor Dele Adeola, Iseyin/Itesiwaju Constituency, Engr. Muda Ogunsola (Former Chairman Saki East), Alh. Ismail Adedeji (Former chairman, Atisbo), Hon. Sheikh Mudasiru Sekoni from Igboho, Hon. Abass Olopoeyan from Kajola, Baba Saka and Alh. Anibiire from Iwajowa Local Government.
Also at the meeting were appointees from the zone such as, Hon. Siju Lawal, Commissioner for Establishments, Rt. Hon. Dr. Musah Abdulwasi, Chairman House of Assembly Service Commission, Elder Debo Adejumobi, Chairman Culture and Tourism, Barr. Bayo Lawal, Housing Corporations (represented), Alh. Afees Tijani, Mr. Lukman Adisa Adamawa and Mr. Ajibike Lateef (S.A. Federal Constituencies)Alh. Isiak Kolajo, Civil service commission, Alh. Mudasiru Awujoola, TESCOM, Mrs. Nike Arewa, Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Hassan Ogundoke, House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon Obaniyi Aremu, BCOS, Mr. Fasasi Adeagbo, OYSTROMA, Mr. Shittu Jimoh, WCOS. Mr. Tajudeen Olori, Sports Council and Alh. Muritala Salaudeen of the State Pension Board. Members of the Tertiary institutions’ Governing Council in attendance are Hon. Lukman Balogun, OYCARTECH. Alh. R.O. Muslim, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Alh. Alliu Tajudeen, Lanlate, Barr. Jide Ojolowo, IbadanPoly, Mr. Adedope Elijah, OYCARTECH and Alhaja Alhassan Sakirat, EACOED
Local government caretaker Chairmen present at the meeting are Mr. Mufutau Abilawon, Iseyin, Ojo Akintola, Itesiwaju, Jelili Oyinloye, Iwajowa, Mrs. Adeniran Ramat, Saki East, Omirinde Sarafadeen, Asabari LCDA, Ogunleke Timothy, Araromi LCDA, Mr. Afolabi Salimonu, Kajola and Oyediran Gideon, Iwa LCDA.
Other leaders at the meeting are Arch. Bash Lawal, Chief. Doyin Babalola, Alh. Yakubu Oladoja, Alh. Alani Alwajud, Mr. Tajudeen Adeniran, Chief Gbola Adeleke, Chief Isaac Oke Agada, Mr. Mutiu Badmos Adesoji, Baba OwoOkola, Alh. Jimoh Olajide (Oro), Alh. Ganiyu Opeloyeru, Chief Adedokun Adelani, Chief Oladoja Oluko, Alh. Sikiru Ikuogbogun, Alh. Nasiru Salami, Alh. Yekeen Owoade, Alh. Yisau Awoke, Alh. Ganiyu Okearan.
Others are Chief Ajala, Mr. Owolabi Ganiyu, Jagunmolu Abbey, Councillor Rasaq Aderenle, Joseph Olaniyan Oosa, Alh. Nasiru Ayinde Ogede, Alh. Yinusa Insha Allah, Mr. Jimoh Rewire, Alh. Abdullah Oje Owode, Alh. Mumini Ibiposi, Mr. Moshood Ishola.
Local government Party Chairmen present include: Mr. H. O. Oladosu, Itesiwaju, Alh. Adeoti Azeez, Orelope, Alh. Wasiu Ayesoro, Saki West, Mr.Muftau Soliu, Iseyin, Mr. Ojeniyi Johnson, Kajola.
Many local and ward executives of the party were also in attendance including prominent members of coalition parties.
The Students of the Polytechnic who were supposed to write their exam this morning were seen standing in twos and threes while some didn’t leave their house following the released by the Institution Joint Union Committee to commence and Industrial strike action over non compliance of the State Government in implementing the new minimum wage.
You will recall that at a general meeting of academic and non-academic staff convened by a Joint committee of all Staff Unions, it was reiterated that the governing council, and by extension Oyo state government has repeatedly refused to implement the minimum wage for workers in the institution.
The Chairman of SSANIP, Abiodun Abegunde in his opening remarks commended the workers for their steadfastness so far and noted that the issue must be fought to a logical conclusion.
The Chairman of NASU, in his submission, noted that the Governing Council itself was incapacitated by the overreaching activities of the Consultant. He wondered why the management was willing to follow a directive from the NBTE to lock down the school, but unwilling to implement the wage structure approved by the same NBTE
The representative of academic staff, Nurudeen Akinade noted that the activities of the consultant is a clear negation of the edict setting up the institution and asked that such be rejected outrightly. He noted that no form of sabotage would prevent the achievements of the demands.
After which the Unions unanimously agreed to embark on Indefinite strike, which commence on the 11th of January 2021.
Among the affected students of the Institution who were affected are the HND 1 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Students, who were scheduled for an exam this morning.
At the point of filling this report, the students await official statement from the management.
