Governor Biodun Oyebanji has authorised a 50% subsidy on oil palm, cocoa, and cashew seedlings for distribution to farmers in Ekiti State this planting season. The initiative aims to revitalise tree crop production, generate employment, and restore Ekiti’s prominence in cocoa cultivation.
According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, the subsidy seeks to replace ageing trees in old plantations and those lost to bushfires with improved seedlings, ensuring shorter gestation periods for enhanced productivity.
Also, this initiative will help the farmers benefit from the current price surge in the global cocoa market, with commodities reaching $10,000 per metric tonne.
Legacy farmers and newcomers are urged to seize this opportunity, with additional government support in the form of agrochemicals to combat fungal diseases and pests, leading to improved yields.
Interested farmers can obtain payment details from the Tree Crops Department of the State’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The screening exercise for the 2024 Psaltry Foundation Scholarship Scheme, named ‘Brilliant Students Scholarship Programme’ will hold on Saturday 25th May, 2024.
The exercise, targeting brilliant but indigent children of farmers willing to gain admission into higher institutions of learning will hold at the main hall of Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS), Iseyin in Oyo State.
According to the Chairman of the Psaltry Foundation Scholarship Scheme, Alhaji Saheed Alaran during a parley with journalists in Iseyin on Saturday, the screening was put in place to ascertain those in real need of higher education, as the foundation was poised to cater for the children of farmers with no financial power to give support.
The former Chairman of Iseyin local government added that the scheme will cover hundred beneficiaries to study in courses in Law, Medicine, Agronomy, Engineering and sundry courses, with support for feeding and accommodation.
“This scheme was planned to benefit the children of mainly farmers who are willing to have academic achievement and get to management positions at Psaltry Farms Limited and other organizations.
“This screening will only help to pick those who are willing to work for the scholarship, it is part of the measures to give the beneficiaries opportunity to sit up and make better decisions about their futures,” he told reporters.
He went on to inform reporters that the registration forms for the scholarship scheme were still open to beneficiaries to obtain and submit till Friday 24th May, 2024.
Ogun State Government has demolished some illegally constructed buildings, that are shanties in the state. It’s part of the effort of the government to ensure that unapproved structures are not in the state.
Most of the shanties are under bridges and some other places across the southwest state. Online Parrot News had reported that Lagos State Government is also seriously demolishing shanties across the state.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, Farouk Akintunde said the demolition became necessary after the expiration of the deadline given to the traders and people living there. He led the exercise.
Akintunde said, “We have issued them a notice since last year, but they refused to leave. The notice has expired. That is why we are here to demolish all makeshift, shanties, and illegal structures.
“These shanties have become a hideout for criminal elements, and the government won’t tolerate such. It is a continuous exercise.”
Our correspondents reported that the exercise took place in Abeokuta, the state capital.
President Bola Tinubu will commission the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso road, which is the latest of the road construction revolution embarked upon by Governor Seyi Makinde.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
According to the statement, the commissioning ceremony will hold at Randa area, Ogbomoso on Thursday 30th May, 2024, by 10am.
The Information Commissioner said the uniqueness of the latest road named after the late former governor of Oyo State Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Expressway is that it was constructed on a rocky, water-infested virgin land that was used mainly by traders and Fulanis who traversed the path by trekking from Oke-Ogun interland to the North and vice-versa.
Prince Oyelade reiterated that the road has joined the long list of inter-zonal and intra-zonal road projects completed by the Seyi Makinde administration which runs into over 300km with many others under construction.
The information commissioner recalled that the Ibadan-Iseyin 65km road was commissioned on June 3rd, 2021.
With the commissioning of the Alao-Akala Memorial Express road, motorists can now ply the 142km Ibadan-Iseyin-Ogbomoso road on exclusively State road.
In another development, Prince Oyelade revealed the official date for the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun.
The commissioner said all is now set for the final burial rites taking place on the 8th of June, 2024 at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
He said that the burial committee set up by Gov. Seyi Makinde is chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, while other members include the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun and the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Other members are the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, a former Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu who is also the Bobajiro of Ibadanland, the Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye, representing the Baales and Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, representing the Mogajis and representatives of the family of late Olubadan.
E-signed Prince Dotun Oyelade Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation Oyo State 18th May, 2024.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes through the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival paid a working visit to the Office of the State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps, Oyo State, Mr. Odoba Abel Oche.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes team was lead by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Central Committee.
Delivering the goodwill message of the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola stated that the exceptional leadership style and the good work the NYSC State Coordinator has reached the hearing of the President-General, and the Ibadan people, most especially Ibadan being the only Megalopolis city within the Southern Sahara with an Indigenous Secretariat where issues that concerns both Indigenes and residents of the city are been attended to.
The Chairman highlighted the activities that make up Ibadan Cultural Festival, which aimed at celebrating the cultural heritage and upholding the legacies of our ancestors, which has been modified to feature other developmental activities like Youth Empowerment and Development, which was what necessitated the visit, to commend the State Coordinator on the good work he’s doing in the State, and also for possible future collaboration between Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and the State NYSC on Youth Employment and Development. The Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola on behalf of the President -General, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole informed the State Coordinator that despite being a non-indigene, he has been nominated for special recognition and award of honour during the Cultural Festival in recognition of his tremendous contribution to youth development in Ibadanland . It will be recalled that this is the first time such honour will be bestowed on the NYSC and her State Coordinator in the history.
The visiting team were received by the State Coordinator alongside Mrs Christy Olatoye; Assistant Director on Press & Public Relations, Dr. Solomon Babalola; Assistant Director on Protocol, Mr Kola Oladele – Media Officer, and other NYSC State official.
In his response, Mr Odoba Abbel Oche profoundly appreciated the Council for finding him worthy of the visit, and most importantly the conferment of award, as he reiterated his commitment to the welfare and development of corps members in the State. “I profoundly appreciate you for this visit, my appreciation goes to the leadership of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes. People are remember for what they contribute and not what they consume” “Ibadan deserves a State, I have being to many places but I can say that Ibadan stand out, including the people, they are accomodating which makes our work here easier, different Ibadan people have been supporting us in the welfare of corps members, as we have being receiving donation of buildings for the use of corps members”
In his closing remark, the State Coordinator affirmed that Ibadan is peaceful, and he has being enjoying robust cooperation from both the Staff and the host community, and stated that his door is open anytime for issues concerning the city as it relate to his office.
On the entourage of the Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola were Engr. Musa Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Mogaji Ismail Sodeinde; 1st Assistant Secretary-General of CCII & Chairman Market, Contact & Resource Mobilization Sub-committee, Mr. Adebisi; Immediate past Auditor General of CCII, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant Sub-committee, Mrs Oluwatoyin; Member Market, Contact & Resource Mobilization & ‘Kayode Ajani; Member Media & Secretary, Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Sub-committee.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring the highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Awujale of Ijebuland, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Prince Abiodun, who visited the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday evening, also commended the President for directing the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, to take over the operations and management of the Sikiru Adetona School of Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
Governor Abiodun also spoke on the commitment of his administration to the ‘Renewed Hope’ vision of the Tinubu-led administration to ensure a better Nigeria.
Prince Abiodun said: “I had the honour of meeting with our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to express my deepest appreciation on behalf of Kabiyesi, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, and the government and good people of Ogun State.
“I conveyed our gratitude for the honour accorded to His Royal Majesty by the high-powered Federal delegation that attended the commissioning ceremony of the Sikiru Adetona School of Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in celebration of the 90th birthday and 64th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba II, the Awujale, and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
“During the meeting, I thanked His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the presence of His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, at the event, which added grandeur and importance to the occasion.
“Of particular significance was the announcement made by His Excellency regarding the conferment of the National Honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Kabiyesi, the Awujale of Ijebuland, and the directive for the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, to take over the operations and management of the Sikiru Adetona School of Governance. We expressed our appreciation and humility for His Excellency’s display of magnanimity with this announcement.
“I highlighted the kind remarks and encomiums showered on His Royal Majesty in a tribute letter addressed to Kabiyesi by His Excellency, which were indeed heartwarming.
“As Governor of Ogun State, I reaffirmed our commitment to aligning with His Excellency’s Renewed Hope vision for a better Nigeria, as evidenced in his socio-economic transformative initiatives and policies aimed at putting our nation on a sound footing.”
Oyo State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has graciously approved the recruitment of 7,000 teachers to the Public Primary School as well as 100 caregivers for special schools across the 33 local government areas.
The announcement was made by Dr. Nureni Adeniran, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), during a press conference in Ibadan.
Dr. Adeniran revealed that the first stage of the recruitment process has already begun.
“The preliminary work has commenced, and we have made the details public. This recruitment is essential to address the vacancies in our primary schools and special education centers,” he stated.
Emphasizing the state’s commitment to equitable distribution, Dr. Adeniran explained that the recruitment would be localized to ensure that people work within their respective local government.
“Applicants must be residents of the local government where they intend to work. Those who falsely claim to belong to a different local government will not be considered,” he clarified.
Dr. Adeniran also issued a stern warning to potential applicants to be cautious of scammers.
“All necessary information regarding the recruitment process will be made public. We urge applicants to come directly to the SUBEB office for accurate information.
“No one has been authorized to collect any money from applicants during this process,” he warned.
He reiterated that the recruitment would be strictly based on merit.
“We are committed to ensuring that this recruitment is transparent and based solely on qualifications and abilities.
“The goal is to improve the quality of education in Oyo State by hiring the most capable individuals,” Dr. Adeniran concluded.
Dr. Adeniran added that special consideration will be given to people with disabilities.
“Inclusivity is a priority for us, and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are adequately represented in this recruitment process,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of computer literacy for recruits.
“In today’s digital age, it is crucial that our teachers and caregivers are proficient with technology. Computer literacy will be a key requirement for all applicants,” he added.
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, on Monday, April 14, sentenced a 47-year-old secondary school teacher, Ojo Ezekiel, to life imprisonment for raping a seven-year-old girl.
Ojo Ezekiel, who was first arraigned on July 1, 2022, was convicted on a sole count of rape contrary to section 3 (1) and punishable under section 3 (2) of the violence against persons (prohibition) law of Ogun State 2017.
Ezekiel is said to be a teacher in the secondary school, which shares the same compound as the primary school that the victim attended.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr Olusegun Olaotan, had told the court that while the victim’s mother was bathing her seven-year-old daughter, she observed that something was wrong with her private part
The minor, however, after persistent questioning, revealed to her mother how she was sexually abused by the convict
Olaotan, in his final submission, said, “While giving her evidence in court, the second prosecution witness (PW2), who is the victim, said that the defendant used to pull aside her pant before inserting his finger into her vagina
Evidence of the third prosecution witness (PW3) (medical doctor) corroborates that of the second prosecution witness. She testified that in the course of examining the (PW2), she discovered that the hymen of the PW2 was not intact. it was opened by 2cm.
He said that PW2 evidence is corroborative of the fact that she was sexually abused indeed, and the same was further corroborated by exhibits two and three as well as the evidence of (PW1), the mother of the child who noticed while bathing her that something was wrong with her private part.
Olaotan, further revealed that the victim mentioned the name of the defendant as the only person who repeatedly four times inserted his finger into the private part of the under-age girl
The victim reportedly told the court that the defendant usually carried out this heinous crime inside his car, parked under a tree after school hours, after which he would instruct the victim not to tell anyone, or else she would be beaten.
Olaotan thereafter urged the court to go ahead and punish the defendant for his misdeeds as evidence before the court was quite overwhelming and weighty enough to hold that the defendant was guilty of rape and should be convicted accordingly.
The judge, Hon. Justice Abiodun Akinyemi said the prosecuting counsel had established the case of rape against the accused and thereafter sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the report of the House Committee set up to review the integration of SUBEB-seconded teachers into the Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM.
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin gave the commendation on Tuesday shortly after the letter of approval from the Head of Service was read by the Clerk, Mrs. Oludara Awe at the floor of the house.
The Speaker said it was a cheering news that the issue which started during the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi had eventually been resolved by Governor Seyi Makinde.
” I will like to appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for this resolution. We need to recall that not less than 2000 Primary School teachers in Oyo State were seconded to the Post-Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM in 2017 during the era of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. This was a very complicated issue but we are happy that with the political will of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, the issue has been resolved. I will also like to appreciate the Governor for responding to the yearnings of the people especially the affected teachers” Oyo Speaker said.
The letter reads in part ” I wish to refer to the above subject matters, and inform you that the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has graciously approved the report of the Committee set up to review the integration of SUBEB-seconded teachers into the Post Primary School Teaching Service Commission in line with the public service procedures on secondment of staff for efficiency and effectiveness. Consequent upon this development, the Governor has approved (1) That the 54 SUBEB-seconded teachers to TESCOM who had expressed their desire to return to SUBEB should be allowed to do so considering their qualifications and willingness.
“(2) That only the SUBEB seconded teachers with relevant teaching subjects at the secondary schools level should be considered for integration into TESCOM. Therefore, the 20 SUBEB staff whose certificates are relevant to teaching only at the primary schools should return to SUBEB.
“(3) That the 509 SUBEB seconded teachers on Grade Levels 14 and above should return to SUBEB to promote efficiency and effective service delivery except those already assigned duty posts in TESCOM and are willing to remain in TESCOM. (4) That the remaining 1123 seconded SUBEB staff not included in the above-mentioned three categories should remain in TESCOM and enjoy seamless career progression.
“The certified list of all the affected teachers in the three categories have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ministry of Finance, Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB and other stakeholders for implementation, and strick compliance.”
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have invaded a State High Court sitting in Ilaro, Ogun State, arresting two defendants.
Our correspondent reports that the development has generated outrage.
The defendants , Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, were trial in a suit marked HCP/IC/2023 between the State vs Awode Oladosu & 13 others.
The court was presided over by Justice A.A. Shobayo.
The case bordered on an allegation of arson reported by one Chief Akeem Adigun (aka Socopao) against Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero and 12 others.
Agosasa community in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state was recently enmeshed in crisis, with property worth billions of naira destroyed and one life lost over an Obaship tussle in the town.
But there was a pandemonium when operatives of DSS stormed the court premises and took away the suspects.
Counsel to Alhaji Isiaka, Kehinde Bamiwola, in a statement , alleged that men of the DSS operatives used weapons on the two, stressing that “Alhaji Isiaka Fatai was beaten, slapped, man-handled, rough-handled and molested.”
The Principal Registrar of the High Court and Sectional Head of High Court, Ilaro, Comrade Omololu Olusanya, who confirmed the incident, described it as shocking and disrespectful to the rule of law.
He noted that even after the judge had ordered the operatives not to make any arrest within the court premises, they still proceeded to arrest the two persons.
“They still went ahead and did the act to the extent that they assaulted one of our staff members, Mrs. Fadina, while doing that act. It’s a very sad issue that caused a lot of noise within the court premises.
“It was from the source that we heard they were DSS agents. If anybody sees them, one would think they were armed robbers.
“They did not wear anything that identified them as DSS, but they came to my lord this morning and said they had some people to arrest. That was when we knew they were DSS officers.
“They approached the judge before the court session began. The honorable judge advised them that if they wanted to make an arrest, it must not be done within the court premises.
“They could stay outside and do whatever they wanted, but they refused that advice and carried out the arrest within the premises.” he said.
Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, did not answer calls or reply a text message sent at the time of filing this report.
