The Nigerian Army has vowed to probe into what led to the death of a Police Officer allegedly beaten by Soldiers in Lagos State.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo, Ibadan
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Defence Headquarters as read in part;
“The attention of the 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a story online over the unfortunate incident that occurred between some soldiers and policemen around Ojo in Lagos resulting in the loss of the life of a police officer.
“The Division is already in touch with the Lagos State Police Command to resolve the matter. This incident is highly regrettable given the Division’s disposition and zero tolerance for any misconduct.
“Accordingly, the Division has instituted a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstance surrounding the unfortunate incident At the end of the investigation, anyone found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the disciplinary provisions.. Consequently, the Division wishes to commiserate with the Ojo Police Division and members of the family of the victim”.
The management of Ekiti State Government-owned Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti has proscribed all the staff unions in the institution.
The acting Registrar, B.S. Momoh, said the step was necessary as the unions, through their actions, were distracting the university from its development vision and mission.
Momoh, in a memo to the university community, titled, ‘Proscription of staff unions in BOUESTI,’ listed the affected bodies as Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities.
He said that the situation in the university had been “one day one trouble” since June 2, when the unions protested against the activities of the instruction’s Governing Council.
Momoh stated, “The management views these acts as unbecoming of and unexpected of responsible staff members hiding under the guise of union activism.
“BOUESTI, being a new university, certainly does not need these distractions if it must develop properly to fulfill the vision and mission for which it was established. It has, therefore, become imperative to ensure that irresponsible acts like these are avoided in our university.
“After a review of the incidents and in line with the directive of Ekiti State Governor and Visitor to the university, the three trade unions in BOUESTI – ASUU, SNANU and NASU are hereby proscribed with immediate effect.
“Members of staff are hereby enjoined to go about their normal duties without fear and desist from getting involved in unlawful activities.”
The Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has given his approval for the Governing Council of the Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, to be dissolved.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, signed a memo containing the dissolution on August 4, 2022.
The concerned board members were instructed in the memo, which was sent to the Chairman of the Governing Council and copied to the Honorable Commissioner for Education and the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, to turn over all government property in their possession to the Acting Rector.
In a statement, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the governor’s chief press secretary, cited Adeosun as saying that the dissolution is effective right away.
“I wish to communicate the permission,” the memo begins.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.
The dissolution was contained in a memo dated August 4, 2022, which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun.
The memo, which was addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Council and copied to the Honourable Commissioner for Education as well as the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, indicated that the affected board members are to hand over all government items in their possession to the Acting Rector.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Adeosun as stating that the dissolution takes immediate effect. The memo reads: “I wish to convey the approval of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde on the immediate dissolution of the Governing Council of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.
“Consequent upon the above development, you are hereby directed to hand-over all government items in your possession to the Acting Rector of the institution. “I am to add that your contribution within the time of your service is appreciated and commendable, and therefore, wish you success in your future endeavours.”Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.
The dissolution was contained in a memo dated August 4, 2022, which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun. The memo, which was addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Council and copied to the Honourable Commissioner for Education as well as the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, indicated that the affected board members are to hand over all government items in their possession to the Acting Rector.
There is palpable tension as a traditional head of Iku Quarters, the Oniku of Iku in Ikare-Akoko, high chief Mukaila Bello and three other indigenes of the town were kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
Report says they were abducted on thursday evening at ago panu axis of Owo-Ikare road on their way from Akure to Ikare-Akoko.
Agopanu is in owo local government area of the state while Iku area of Ikare-Akoko is popular for hosting awara dam and ikare stadium among other symbolic facilities.
other victims are another chief from ikare, Yèyé Gbafinro as well as a former state house of assembly candidate for akoko north-east constituency and apc chieftain, Hon Adeniran Adeyemo and a community leader, Bashiru Adekile, while driver of their car was matcheted and now receiving treatment at undisclosed hospital in owo.
The kidnappers are yet to contact families of the victims as at the time of this report, but a family member of one of the victims confirmed the incident to our reporter.
JUST IN…INSECURITY IN NIGERIA. .
GUNMEN ABDUCT TRADITIONAL RULER,TWO OTHERS IN ONDO.
There is palpable tension as a traditional head of Iku Quarters, the Oniku of Iku in Ikare-Akoko, high chief Mukaila Bello and three other indigenes of the town were kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
Report says they were abducted on thursday evening at ago panu axis of Owo-Ikare road on their way from Akure to Ikare-Akoko.
Agopanu is in owo local government area of the state while Iku area of Ikare-Akoko is popular for hosting awara dam and ikare stadium among other symbolic facilities.
other victims are another chief from ikare, Yèyé Gbafinro as well as a former state house of assembly candidate for akoko north-east constituency and apc chieftain, Hon Adeniran Adeyemo and a community leader, Bashiru Adekile, while driver of their car was matcheted and now receiving treatment at undisclosed hospital in owo.
The kidnappers are yet to contact families of the victims as at the time of this report, but a family member of one of the victims confirmed the incident to our reporter.
Police in Ondo state are yet to react to the development.
Police in Ondo state are yet to react to the development.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, commissioned the first Cassava-based Sorbitol Factory in Africa owned by Psaltery International Limited and located in Alayide Village, Ado-Awaye, Oyo State.
The governor declared that his government will continue to prioritise the safety and security of lives and properties, while providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Governor Makinde, who also announced the approval of the reconstruction of the 48- kilometre Ido-Eruwa Road, during the commissioning exercise, said that his administration’s commitment to reducing the infrastructure deficit in the state remains a top priority.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that building infrastructure needed for businesses to thrive is a top function that governments must continue to undertake.
The governor promised the people of the state that the present administration will continue to ensure development that targets the economy of the state.
He added that apart from the planned reconstruction of Ido-Eruwa Road, the state government will also embark on the rehabilitation of feeder roads across the state.
He said: “Today, Psaltery International Limited is making history as we commission the first cassava-based sorbitol factory in Oyo State, in Nigeria, in Africa and the second in the world.
“Each time I am privileged to attend an event like this, I am again reminded that the decision we took in the early part of our administration to create the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, separate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, was a solid strategy.
“We took the decision and we chose to be deliberate about our actions. Seeing you all gathered here today to celebrate this agribusiness milestone at Psaltery International, we know that we made the right choice to be deliberate.
“We needed to move away from the years of government thinking they could run the business of agriculture. “Now, this is a private sector-led initiative but the government is in full support.
“Our strategy is based on one principle, and the principle is that there cannot be agricultural transformation without rural transformation. If you look at our communities, there is no water, no good road. That was why one of the first projects we awarded was the 65km Moniya-Iseyin Road. So, our model has achieved great success for us.”
“In the last three years, Oyo State has attracted over N23 Billion in agribusiness investment and about $125m in development partners-blended finances for rural roads, agro-logistics, markets and industrial hubs in investment into this sector.”
“We have also been very strategic about how we apply the funds to accomplish our goals. So, the market had to drive the demands. And I promised our people that our infrastructural development will hunt our economy.”
“Apart from Moniya-Iseyin road, we moved on to Apete-Akufo to take advantage of the Akufo Farm Settlement. We are not done, as we are presently constructing the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin road.”
“Lastly, we are constructing the 76.76km Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin road. So, the catchment area for Psaltery is not just around Iseyin, Ado-Awaye and Ibarapa axes, you can go to other parts of Oke-Ogun and also get to Oyo zone.”
“You can also connect to Ogbomoso zone. All the zones of Oyo State are connected with the hub now being Iseyin.”
“Well, we will not stop here. “The Speaker (of Oyo State House of Assembly) has been on my case for the Ido-Eruwa road. “I am making the promise to you again that we will soon start reconstructing the 48km Ido-Eruwa road, because all of these will reduce travel time, which is essential to agribusiness success.”
The governor maintained that the administration will shift its focus to rehabilitating feeder roads so that the people of the state would have ease of movement within the cities, towns and communities and across the state.
“Our next focus is to rehabilitate the feeder roads across the state under the RAAMP. “Although we paid to access the counterpart funds in 2019 as soon as this administration came in, we have just received funds few months ago from the World Bank.”
“So far, we have sent 3,000 youths to an integrated farm in Nasarawa State.”
Today, we can confidently say that agribusiness is taking hold in Oyo State.
“My request is, some of those youths we have trained should be accommodated here and we will support you to settle them in. You can sleep here with your two eyes closed if you are sure this place is safe and secure.
“And as a government, we will continue to prioritise the safety and security of all the citizens and residents of Oyo State. If you are doing what you are not supposed to be doing, we will remove you from this state.”
“So, the last request was that you want pipe water from Eruwa dam to this place. This is one of the pet projects of Mr. Speaker, and he has been putting pressure on me to reactivate the Dam.
Now, you have given me a good reason to accede to the request of the Speaker. So, we will look at it and I will say that you should consider it done,” the governor said.
In his remark, Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, commended Governor Makinde for implementing policies that encourage agribusiness.
He equally charged the governor to continue to encourage mechanised farming.
The Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun on Wednesday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution his Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola over his anti-party conducts, aimed at grounding the party in the State.
The Osun APC said the Minister has become a liability and a political virus to the party as seen in his inward and outward dispositions in recent times.
Addressing a Press Conference at the APC State Secretariat, Osogbo, the APC State Youths Leader, Mr. Goke Akinwemimo, noted that the former Governor was on a vendetta move to destroy the party in Osun on account of ego tripping and self aggrandizement.
He said the unscrupulous conduct and attitude of the Minister is becoming worrisome, retrogressive and least expected from a serving Minister and former Governor who has risen to prominence with the support of the party structure.
The Osun APC Youth Wing alluded to the clandestine approach of Aregbesola to mobilising both financial and human resources, including security agents under the supervision of his Ministry to harass and oppress the teeming members in a bid to aid the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the State as manifested in the outcome of the recently-conducted gubernatorial election.
The concerned APC Youth Wing further expressed displeasure at the inhuman dispositions of the former Governor not only to kill the structures of the party but also to relegate its members as seen in his anti-party conduct and the support given to the opposition parties, particularly the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party to emerge.
According to the Youth Wing, it was in the public knowledge that some political marauders and unscrupulous elements sponsored by the Aregbesola, under the auspices of The Osun Progressives (TOP), embarked on what can be best discribed as public charade and disgrace in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Tuesday, to blackmail the state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As the youth wing of the party, we are compelled to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the Minister on his callous and vendetta move to destroy our party in Osun on account of ego tripping and personal self aggrandizement.
“The conduct is becoming worrisome, retrogressive and worst expected from a serving Minister and Former Governor who has risen to prominence with the support of the party structure.
“Apart from the fact that the former Minister openly sponsored splinter groups to reduce the winning chance of our party to win the just- concluded Governorship Election in the state, he openly declared support for opposition party and moved further to mobilise, including security agents under the supervision of his Ministry to harass and oppress our teeming members to aid the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
“The PDP candidate openly stated the he received support from the allies of the former governor. Also, the leading figures of his splinter group have since decamped to the PDP. This is aside the fact of using his widely uncirculated newsletter, Osun Defender, to attack our party and Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
“Least to say, Rauf Aregbesola has become a liability and a political virus to Osun APC with his conduct and appears to be on mission to ground our party in the state in aid of the PDP. At this moment, we can not remain silent as youths who have strong confidence in the prospects of APC and capacity to win future elections.
“To understand the dexterity of his political impotency in Osun, the just-concluded election is the first election that APC recorded 375, 027 despite the fact that the minister and his allies openly worked against our party, the highest we recorded during his regime when he was Governor and portrayer as ALL MIGHTY, Governor was less than 300,000 votes. It was under his leadership that we lost Osun West Election to Senator Ademola Adeleke during the 2017 Senatorial by election ridiculously, because we lost 9 out of 10 local governments in Osun West.
“While we are still studying the results of the election with a view to challenging same at the Tribunal, it is important to mention that the over 28,000 votes that were announced as difference for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win the election were harvested from Ede North and South alone.
“As at the time of addressing this conference, Aregbesola and his allies are still pursuing a litigation at the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, challenging the Ward Congress we held in Osun. He and his splinter group did not challenge the Local Government congress as well as the State Congress that produced the Prince Gboyega Famodun led state executive of the party.
“It also on record that they contested all the party positions during the last congress and participated in our party primaries where they lost woefully, therefore, the demand of Aregbesola and his allies for dissolution of the party structure is not only ridiculous but also exposes his ill-wish for our party.
“In the last two years, Aregbesola and his allies have confronted our party with lies and deceit far more than the PDP, which clearly explained that the Minister and his allies are on a mission to destroy Osun APC and limit our wining chances, including the coming presidential election in February next year.
“Aregbesola has declared war on our Presidential Candidate in Ijebu-Jesa in one of his public outings. At that outing, he publicly declared his mission to strategise the political fall of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May Allah reject his evil wish. Also viral was the video on his birthday dancing with some of his acolytes that our party’s candidate would be defeated at the governorship election! What kind of reputable and self-dignifying leader does that?
“If the Minister is truly patriotic and sensitive to the plight of the people of Osun and our party, his and his allies’ concern should be how to join our party leaders who are currently reviewing the result of the last governorship election. When he contested in 2007, it took him Three and Half years of a rigorous electoral litigation to reclaim his mandate, and for those who believe in the party how to bounce back should be of priority.
“As stakeholders in the party, we are bold to say that Aregbesola’s stand against our party is not a substantial factor that led to our TEMPORARY SETBACK in the just- concluded election but rather Aregbesola has become a virus that must be removed for our stability and better positioning to win future elections. We are courageous and Osun APC is better positioned without Aregbesola who has become a deadly opposition masquerading as part of our party.
“We consider this intervention as important and inevitable to make our party stronger, viable and responsible to the yearnings of the good people of Osun beyond the grandstanding and hullabaloo of Rauf Aregbesola and his allies.
“We are saying these to alert the national leadership of our dear party that Aregbesola and his allies are no more with APC. Apart from the fact that their previous actions have shown that they are working for opposition, they are equally determined to ensure that we lose other future elections, including the presidential election. They are out to spell doom for our party. But we are prepared to resist them and they will not succeed”, he added.
Speaking on some of the factors that contributed to the ‘temporary setback’ of the party in the last governorship election, the concerned APC youths, said it is on record that the 30 months backlog of half salaries owed workers and pensioners by former Governor Aregbesola became the party’s albatross.
But rather than support the party, Aregbesola and his allies, the APC youths noted, sold out.
“For this alone, the Minister and his allies have lost every moral ground to even claim membership of our party. In fact, if it were to be in a saner clime, he ought to have resigned as our party member and relinquish his ministerial position because his heart and soul are no longer with our party. If the minister has any wish for our party, it is total collapse, but he will fail in his sinister mission”, the youths added.
Reacting to the protest of some members of the splinter group of the party called ‘The Osun Progressives’ (TOP), the concerned youths noted that the purported street demonstration was co-sponsored by Aregbesola and PDP’s leadership to prepare grounds for their unholy alliance ahead of the future election by taking over Osun APC completely and conveniently hand it over to PDP to ensure the defeat of the Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as earlier boasted by Aregbesola and his allies. ” But by the Grace of God, the plot will fail,” the APC youths said.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, commissioned the first Cassava-based Sorbitol Factory in Africa owned by Psaltery International Limited and located in Alayide Village, Ado-Awaye, Oyo State.
The governor declared that his government will continue to prioritise the safety and security of lives and properties, while providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Governor Makinde, who also announced the approval of the reconstruction of the 48- kilometre Ido-Eruwa Road, during the commissioning exercise, said that his administration’s commitment to reducing the infrastructure deficit in the state remains a top priority.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that building infrastructure needed for businesses to thrive is a top function that governments must continue to undertake.
The governor promised the people of the state that the present administration will continue to ensure development that targets the economy of the state.
He added that apart from the planned reconstruction of Ido-Eruwa Road, the state government will also embark on the rehabilitation of feeder roads across the state.
He said: “Today, Psaltery International Limited is making history as we commission the first cassava-based sorbitol factory in Oyo State, in Nigeria, in Africa and the second in the world.
“Each time I am privileged to attend an event like this, I am again reminded that the decision we took in the early part of our administration to create the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, separate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, was a solid strategy.
“We took the decision and we chose to be deliberate about our actions. Seeing you all gathered here today to celebrate this agribusiness milestone at Psaltery International, we know that we made the right choice to be deliberate.
“We needed to move away from the years of government thinking they could run the business of agriculture. “Now, this is a private sector-led initiative but the government is in full support.
“Our strategy is based on one principle, and the principle is that there cannot be agricultural transformation without rural transformation. If you look at our communities, there is no water, no good road. That was why one of the first projects we awarded was the 65km Moniya-Iseyin Road. So, our model has achieved great success for us.”
“In the last three years, Oyo State has attracted over N23 Billion in agribusiness investment and about $125m in development partners-blended finances for rural roads, agro-logistics, markets and industrial hubs in investment into this sector.”
“We have also been very strategic about how we apply the funds to accomplish our goals. So, the market had to drive the demands. And I promised our people that our infrastructural development will hunt our economy.”
“Apart from Moniya-Iseyin road, we moved on to Apete-Akufo to take advantage of the Akufo Farm Settlement. We are not done, as we are presently constructing the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin road.”
“Lastly, we are constructing the 76.76km Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin road. So, the catchment area for Psaltery is not just around Iseyin, Ado-Awaye and Ibarapa axes, you can go to other parts of Oke-Ogun and also get to Oyo zone.”
“You can also connect to Ogbomoso zone. All the zones of Oyo State are connected with the hub now being Iseyin.”
“Well, we will not stop here. “The Speaker (of Oyo State House of Assembly) has been on my case for the Ido-Eruwa road. “I am making the promise to you again that we will soon start reconstructing the 48km Ido-Eruwa road, because all of these will reduce travel time, which is essential to agribusiness success.”
The governor maintained that the administration will shift its focus to rehabilitating feeder roads so that the people of the state would have ease of movement within the cities, towns and communities and across the state.
“Our next focus is to rehabilitate the feeder roads across the state under the RAAMP. “Although we paid to access the counterpart funds in 2019 as soon as this administration came in, we have just received funds few months ago from the World Bank.”
“So far, we have sent 3,000 youths to an integrated farm in Nasarawa State.”
Today, we can confidently say that agribusiness is taking hold in Oyo State.
“My request is, some of those youths we have trained should be accommodated here and we will support you to settle them in. You can sleep here with your two eyes closed if you are sure this place is safe and secure.
“And as a government, we will continue to prioritise the safety and security of all the citizens and residents of Oyo State. If you are doing what you are not supposed to be doing, we will remove you from this state.”
“So, the last request was that you want pipe water from Eruwa dam to this place. This is one of the pet projects of Mr. Speaker, and he has been putting pressure on me to reactivate the Dam.
Now, you have given me a good reason to accede to the request of the Speaker. So, we will look at it and I will say that you should consider it done,” the governor said.
In his remark, Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, commended Governor Makinde for implementing policies that encourage agribusiness.
He equally charged the governor to continue to encourage mechanised farming.
Mustapha Balogun, a former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), is dead. Family sources confirmed the death of Balogun, who became IGP in March 2002.
Born on August 8, 1947 at Ila-Orangun in Osun State, Tafa Balogun, was the 21st Inspector-General of Police. He was a member of cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Course 3. Having worked in various Police commands throughout the federation, and earning his promotions as at when due, Tafa, was at a time, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammadu Gambo, Deputy Commission of Police Edo State, the pioneer Commissioner of Police in Delta State. He was also CP in Rivers and Abia states.
Tafa, a fellow of the premier highest military institution in Nigeria, the National War College, later became the Assistant Inspector General of Police A.I.G Zone One, Kano, from where he was named the 21st IGP of Police on March 6, 2002.
His infamous trial drew global attention in 2005. On April 4, 2005, Tafa Balogun was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja for stealing and laundering of over $100 million in his three years as Inspector General of Police from the Police treasury.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Nuhu Ribadu brought 70 charges against him, covering the period from 2002 to 2004 when he was the Inspector General of Police. He made a plea bargain with the Court in exchange for returning of most of the properties and money. He was sentenced to six months in jail.
Judge Binta Nyako said her sentence reflected that Balogun was a first offender and had shown remorse. He was directed by the Court to pay N500, 000 on each of eight counts charges totaling N4 million.
His trial was full of drama. One of such was when he collapsed on his seat on June 29, 2005, at the Abuja High Court.
The former police boss, who pleaded guilty to eight of the 56 count-charges directly affecting him, was convicted and sentenced to six months in each of the charges, which is however to run concurrently.
He was released on February 9, 2006 after serving his sentence, part of it at Abuja’s National Hospital.
The All Progressives Congress and the Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola have concluded plans to drag the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke to the elections petitions tribunal.
Chairman of the party in the state, Gboyega Famodun disclosed this at a press conference held at the Party secretariat in Osogbo, on Thursday.
Senator Ademola Adeleke was the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the July 16, Osun gubernatorial election where he defeated the APC candidate and incumbent governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Famodun said the counsels to the party and that of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola have concluded plans and will be approaching the court.
He added that the lawyers have told them that “we have a strong case and we believe we will win at the court.”
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and the Minister of Industry, Trades and Investment, H.E. Adeniyi Adebayo on Thursday launched a new ride-hailing service in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Codenamed: ‘AFRICAR’, the ride-hailing service was launched at a well-attended ceremony with over One-Hundred and Fifteen vehicles.
Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State appreciated AFRICAR, noting that choosing Ibadan as its first base in ride-hailing service, attests to the business-friendly atmosphere for investors, made possible by his administration.
Governor Makinde said the introduction of the service into Ibadan is in line with his administration’s goal to invite new investors into the State.
Governor Makinde, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, also said he is delighted to witness another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to make life comfortable for residents of the State.
“I am very delighted to be at the event of today which is a further demonstration of our administration’s commitment to making life comfortable for our people and thereby improving the socio-economic activities of the citizenry and the state at large”, he said.
Noting that transportation is evidently important for economic activity and social life in a state, the Governor added that the current economic status of Oyo State is due to many factors, chief among these factors is the development and continuous improvement of our public transport system.
“The State has witnessed and as a matter of fact still witnessing a tremendous growth in the Transport sector since the inception of this Administration in the areas of Transport Infrastructures and procurement of Vehicles for Mass Transit”, he said.
Makinde said as part of his administration’s efforts to improve the transportation sector in the State, he has purchased 109 buses for mass transit tagged ‘Omituntun Bus Mass Transit’.
He also said he has constructed four (4) Bus Terminals at Iwo road, Challenge, and Ojo to ease commuting in the State capital.
Congratulating Stallion Group, owners of AFRICAR, the Governor expressed hope that the launch will birth more interesting fruits as the Group collaborates with his Government for the well-being of the people of Oyo State.
Also speaking, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, H.E. Niyi Adebayo appreciated Stallion Group, a home-grown conglomerate, commending them for adding value to the economy of the country for the past 52 years.
The Minister also thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for the welcoming environment that has been provided to Africar.
He added that Africar’s platform has the potential to transform the transportation industry in the state, providing both employment opportunities and low-cost rides.
According to the CEO, AFRICAR, Mr. Sahil Vaswani, all of the cars being used for this project are assembled in Lagos at Stallion Group’s Von Plant.
He said Africar, in Partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has developed the Bajaj Qute cars used for the new ride hailing taxi.
“This car is assembled in Nigeria by Nigerians and is environmentally friendly, with 50% lower carbon emissions than the average car”, he said.
The event was also attended by the State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, who hailed the infusion of a new ride-hailing service into the transportation system in the state.
Other dignitaries at the event were the top Government functionaries and the Executives of AFRICAR.
