A group of cattle breeders in Nigeria, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has said no one has the right to evict herdsmen from the forest reserves in Ondo state because all the land in Nigeria belong to Fulani.
Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, the national president of the association told the Sun newspaper in an interview that herders will not obey Akeredolu’s directive mandating them to vacate the forests reserves. Bello Abdullahi Bodejo has said the order by Governor Akeredolu is illegal. do not need anybody’s permission to use a forest for grazing so far as it provides the nutrients needed by their cattle.
Bodejo said: “All the lands in this country belong to the Fulani, but we don’t have any business to do with land if it doesn’t have areas for grazing; if the land doesn’t have cow food, we won’t have any business with it. We don’t sell land, we don’t farm.
What we consider is the areas that have cow food. If the place is good for grazing, we don’t need anybody’s permission to go there.” He said the group had filed a legal action challenging the legality of the Ondo state governor’s order. Bodejo distanced herdsmen from kidnappings, armed robberies and other violent crimes reportedly being carried out in parts of the country.
“I Walked All Night In The Forest, Now In Ogun State”—Seriki Fulani Says After Youths Sets Ablaze His Abode In Oyo
Following the Friday night unrest in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government of Oyo State, the Seriki Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir, on Saturday morning, said he trekked through the forest to Ogun State from Oyo State.
He said that many of his family members were shot by the angry youths. He said none of his family members was killed in the fracas.
Abdulkadir further revealed in Ibadan that he, his wives and children were sent out of the settlement by the youths, adding that 11 vehicles and houses were burnt in the process.
He said despite assurance by the police and the people of the state, his house was burnt in the presence of security agents.
He said, “As we speak, we are in the bush. Our cars, numbering about 11, have been burnt. Some of my children sustained injuries, and we are looking for a way to get them to the hospital. My children have left their houses for the bush. We need the government to help us. Police, Operation Burst and other security agencies were there when they set my house ablaze.”
…We‘ll digitalise educational system in Oyo – Makinde
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, said that his administration remains committed to digitalising the educational system in the state with a view to bringing about qualitative education and enhancing teaching and learning.
The governor equally stated that his administration is ready to partner with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on quality education service delivery in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor stated this while receiving a delegation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission led by the KOICA Country Director, Mr. Woochan Chang, at the Courtesy Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The statement added that the KOICA delegation was in Ibadan to inspect on-going construction works on a Smart (Model) School Project being constructed by UBEC in Sogunro Village, along Moniya-Oyo Road, Akinyele Local Government Area.
While welcoming the delegation, Governor Makinde explained that as part of his administration’s determination to improve the standard of education in the state, his government has budgeted 21 to 22 per cent for education in the 2021 budget.
The governor said: “We have 21 to 22 per cent for education in our budget and it is unprecedented.”
He added: “I personally take special interest in the smart school project. I went to the project site and we will ensure that the quality meets international standards. I am glad that you are looking at interventions in ICT because e-governance is something we have also been looking at.
“With the pandemic, the challenges for us to take knowledge to our students became really compounded. So, what we have done in Oyo State, even at this secretariat, is to move towards e-governance. We have laid fiber-optic cables all around. We have bought computers and we are in the process of ensuring that our processes are moved towards e-governance where we are not going to be carrying files all over the place.
“We are doing the same thing at the primary and secondary school levels. We will prepare people for e-governance. The importance of moving everybody – both the students and teachers – to have appreciation of ICT became really hectic.
“You have our commitment as we have the SSG and Chairman of SUBEB to take you to our ICT Centre here. Before we came in, it was just a dream in the pipeline but we are now executing.”
The governor, who maintained that the on-going construction work on the Smart (Model) School project in Ibadan will be ready for commissioning in the next 8-10 weeks, said his administration has always put its money where its mouth is.
“In terms of putting our mouth where our money is, the budget performance for last year, close to 60 per cent is a clear departure from the past where budget performance was always around 35 or 36 per cent.
“I believe that this particular model school will start soon and we will be monitoring them. Like the chairman of SUBEB said, hopefully in the next 8-10 weeks, we should have the project ready for your intervention.
“This is me having the responsibility to ensure that our programmes for the improvement of education in the state are executed. I am here with you this morning, which is to demonstrate enough commitment at the highest level in paying attention to one of the major pillars for us.
“Again, for me personally, I am not an elite as I did not come from the Upper Class. I came from the lower-middle class and the only thing that brought me to the table was the fact that I got educated.
“So, you can rest assured that if you need to see me, it will be arranged quickly and we will do everything within our power as a government to ensure our students get the best in terms of education,” the governor said.
The governor added that his administration would like to collaborate with the South Korean government in the area of vocational and technical education in the state.
He said: “Quite frankly, we will love to have intervention programmes in our vocational and technical education as well, because we have a lot of our graduates either riding Okada or roaming the streets.
“Yes, they get a formal education but there is still a gap in terms of responsibility, and how they can easily just roll into the economy and make their contributions.
“I know that South Korea has been at the fore-front of technology. So, soft areas such as vocational and technical will be a good curriculum for us. These are areas that if we have partners willing and able to support us, we will demonstrate the seriousness that is required.
“In anything that you are doing with us, please feel free to carry out an audit to come back and see the sustainability of some of the things that you will do with us. You can rest assured, we will do everything within our power to give back confidence and to have that openness such that you also will be assured that your money is not being wasted.”
Earlier, the Country Director of KOICA CA), Mr. Chang, said that the agency is partnering with UBEC on the provision of multimedia equipment and facilities to the model school.
He said: “We are here on assessment. We’ve met the governor, SUBEB chairman and other education officials in the state. We are here for an on-the-site visit to the school construction area. We need to see how much the government and SUBEB are eager to utilise the investment for the future education in the state.
“We are representing the South Korea Government. We have supported many countries in the world. KOICA is supporting many countries in social and economic development. Basically, we promote digital performance and digital education in Nigeria. On the other hand, we have an interest in promoting ICT, digital education in Nigeria.”
The Inspector General of Police has ordered Oyo State Commissioner of Police to arrest Sunday Igboho and bring him to Abuja.
Confirming the order, Presidential spokesman, Garba Sheu told newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
Shehu reportedly said the IGP informed him of his directive to Ngozi Onadeko, the Oyo commissioner of police, to arrest Igboho and transfer him to Abuja.
Frank Mba, police spokesman, did not immediately respond to newsmen inquiry on the order of the IGP.
Igboho had asked herdsmen in Igangan in Ibarapa north local government area of Oyo to leave within seven days following reports of the killing of some Oyo citizens.
He had blamed herders and Fulanis, including Saliu Kadri, the Seriki Fulani, of being behind the rising insecurity in the area.
The quit notice generated tension in parts of the state, prompting Seyi Makinde, the governor, to ask the IGP to arrest those fomenting trouble under the guise of protecting the interest of Yoruba people.
“For people stoking ethnic tension, they are criminals and once you get them, they should be arrested and treated like common criminals,” the governor had told the police commissioner.
ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) have declared an indefinite strike beginning from February 5.
Announcing the decision on Friday in Abuja, the spokesperson of the joint action committee of SSANU and NASU, Peters Adeyemi, explained that the Federal Government has reneged on their October 2020 agreement where all parties agreed to address the issues leading to the strike.
The striking non-teaching staff is demanding that their members be taken off the government’s Integrated Personnel Payroll Information (IPPIS) as well as review the sharing formula for the universities earned allowances between the teaching and non-teaching staff of the universities.
“The joint action committee of SSANU and NASU hereby resolves as follows: That members of NASU/SSANU shall embark on an indefinite, comprehensive and total strike with effect from February 5, 2021,” he said.
“Two weeks’ notice effective from today, Friday, January 22, 2021 is hereby given to the government and relevant stakeholders of this development.
“The October 2020 memorandum of understanding (MOU) resolved that the compliance of SSANU/NASU with respect to IPPIS would be corrected within two weeks.
“But three months after, there has been no correction of these anomalies leading to a high level of restiveness among our members who have been short-changed on account of the problem caused by IPPIS.”
Sunday Adeyemo, an agitator for Oodua Republic, better known as Sunday Igboho, has visited some Oyo communities to confirm compliance of Fulani people with the vacation order he gave last Thursday.
Speaking with newsmen early Friday morning, he affirmed his decision to visit the communities despite the threats by the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, to arrest him.
In a video shared online, Igboho was well received during his visit to the Igangan community as scores of people converged for his reception.
The people were seen jubilating; dancing and singing.
Addressing the people, Igboho said, “The Fulani have gone, we have sent them out of our land and they cannot come back again. Kidnappers cannot rule over us, they can’t take over our land from us. It belongs to us; they should stop threatening.
“Those who live with us peacefully; we are not fighting them but how will a visitor claim one’s house from him. If you live with us in peace, we have no problem with you but if you decide to kidnap and kill us, we don’t want you here. I assure Yoruba people, particularly those in Oyo State, that there is no danger.
“This one we have started here in Oyo State will not end here. We are going to other parts of the South-West. Tell Fulani herdsmen in Ekiti State, Ondo State and Osun States; in fact, in all South-West states that they should get ready for us because we are coming.”
In an interview with newsmen on Friday, Igboho had alleged that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had not brought anything good to the people of the South-West except social vices.
Igboho, therefore, called on the president to take the Fulani out of Yorubaland.
“Buhari should come and evacuate his people from our land, we don’t want them again. They are just punishing the youths; they have turned us to nothing, why? The educated youth don’t have jobs, nothing, the gain now is to kill and kidnap us. We are still on the unemployment issue, we have accepted our fate, should we not be in peace and enjoy security again? It’s enough,” he said.
I have never been timid or shy of my total support for the success of your administration to deliver the country to the Promised Land.
My confidence had always been based on Your Excellency’s ability, fitness and competence in leading the country to the Promised Land, where Law and Order prevail, individual liberty is guaranteed, economic well-being of the citizens is assured.
That my confidence in Your Excellency remains unshaken to date. In recent time however, I am worried about the security situation in the country, especially in the South West geo-political zone, nay the entire Yoruba-speaking area of the country including Kwara, Kogi and Edo states.
This has to do with the incessant and increasing menace of Fulani herdsmen that have laid siege in almost all the highways of Yoruba land. Whether in Owo, Akure, Ilesa/Ife-Ibadan road or Ibarapa zone and Ijebu area of Ogun state, the story is the same.
I have held series of consultations with opinion moulders and eminent Yoruba leaders across board about the menace of these cattle herdsmen with such assault like raping of our women and in some occasions, in the presence of their husbands. That is apart from massive destruction of our agricultural lands; which ultimately points to imminent starvation.
On top of it all is the menace of professional kidnappers usually in military uniforms. What is more worrisome about the kidnapping notoriety is what looks like impunity which these kidnappers enjoy their nefarious activities.
After due consultations with Yoruba leaders and as the pre-colonial head of the Yoruba nation, we are worried by the audacity of these lawless people in effecting their illegal acts in broad daylight on our usually bushy highways without any arm of security being able to do anything.
Worse still is the confidence with which they demand ransoms and collect such illegal levies atthem designated spots without any arm of security being able to lay siege on them as it was the practice in the recent past.
Now, we cannot even talk of parading suspects, when in actual sense, no major arrests have been made in this part of the country. Without arrests, we cannot talk of their facing of the law.
Unfortunately, and painfully indeed, in the face of the apparent helplessness of our security agencies, where do we go from here?
It is at the wake of this manifest frustration of our people that our people have found it unavoidable, even though reluctantly to resort to alternative measures to safeguard their lives and property.
Suffice to say that is most part of Yoruba land, their pre-colonial military structures have not been totally collapsed. Hence, such structures like Odua People’s Congress, Agbekoya and other vigilance groups.
Having stated the above, and having established my premise as a stakeholder in your administration in the firm belief that we all believe in the Nigeria project, kindly permit me, Mr President, to make the following points and submissions as the Alaafin of Oyo, the King and Head of all Yoruba at home and in the diaspora and the Chief Custodian of Yoruba culture and values.
The people of Yorubaland in the traditional six State of the South-West geo-political zone and extending to some parts of Kogi, Kwara and Edo State live in palpable fear because of new wave of insecurity of life and property they now witness on a daily basis and which is alien to them. This new uncomplimentary development is not unrelated to the new wave of criminal activities usually associated with banditry, armed robbery and lately, kidnapping and rape of genuinely innocent and law abiding citizens.
I remember when these nefarious activities were first noticed in Oyo/Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, I took proactive steps to stem the tide and to amicably normalize relations between farmers and herders. Our initiative succeeded because we were dealing with genuine farmers and herders who had a commitment to Nigeria and who were interested in promoting their economic activities in a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.
However, it is becoming obvious that the nature and character of banditry and kidnapping today are different from what they used to be.
Today, it is not merely infraction in the course of doing business, but blatant and criminal violation of the constitutional right to life and liberty of innocent citizens of Yoruba land. A few publicly known instances will suffice.
Certain individuals were kidnapped along Erio-Aromoko road, Ekiti State. They were tortured and exposed to danger in the forest for upward of two weeks.
These victims included the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikole Branch, Adeola Adebayo whose decomposing body was eventually found after a ransom price of four million Naira had been paid.
Two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps both Yoruba were picked up along Ilesa-Akure highway. In the process of this kidnap, an unnamed individual died.
Musibau Adetumbi, a legal practitioner based in Ibadan was going to attend an Appeal Court session in Akure when he was kidnapped along Ilesa-Akure highway. Professor Adegbehingbe, a surgeon at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife was adopted along Ibadan-Ile-ife highway. Dr. Muslim Omoleke, the Administrative Secretary of the National Electoral Commission was kidnapped around Ilesa, Osun State.
Mr Ayo Oladele, an employee of Guinness Nigeria and an Old Student of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti was adopted and taken away and lately, Dayo Adewole, son of a member of your 2015-2019 executive council and Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole was kidnapped on his farm at Iroko, a village along Ibadan-Oyo road.
There are many other instances of kidnapping, raid, rape and banditry not publicly known but which were reported to the Police and other law enforcement organizations.
As ugly as the picture above seems to be, the people of Yoruba land have remained generally peaceful and have resisted concerted efforts to push them into civil disobedience or adopting self-help mechanisms to protect themselves in their homeland.
They have demonstrated confidence in you and in your ability to stem the tide of these criminal activities. Yoruba have been restrained from believing the new found Islamization or Fulanization theory.
I am therefore writing to you, as a concerned stakeholder in your administration, to alert you and demonstrate to you, the urgency of the need to quickly respond to these and other issues concerning Yoruba land.
There is a general impression among opposition group that you are not known to take decisive and proactive steps in many matters of national interest and that you are not usually too disturbed about the gale of insecurity in Yoruba land.
May I also share with you the outcome or product of my wide consultations in Yoruba land to let you know, beyond what official security reports will make available to you, that there is a growing feeling of frustration, disappointment and despondency among our people, which if not immediately addressed, could lead to other serious national catastrophes and security challenges.
The present state of insecurity is posing enormous challenges to people’s engagements in other economic activities. The incessant and increasing menace on our highways and farms in Yoruba land is making farming and other economic activities hazardous and dangerous.
I recall with sadness that the Old Oyo Empire disintegrated because the slave trade introduced insecurity that made all other economic activities which had supported and enhanced the prosperity of Oyo to decline. It is never my wish that any part of Nigeria will ever go through this harrowing experience again.
Apart from massive destruction of farms and crops planted on them, the new wave of Fulani, pretending and disguising as herders have unleashed a reign of terror on Yoruba land.
They destroy crops, they kidnap men and women, violate and rape our women, right in the presence of their husbands. What this portends id definitely more than the simplistic interpretation of farmer/herder clash but the deliberate acts of hostility and criminality.
What makes it worrisome is the fact that for reasons best known to the Police establishment, they have not been apprehending or pretend to be in the defence of victims.
There is always a tendency to blame the victims and demonstrate helplessness in apprehending and bringing perpetrators to book to face the full wrath of the law.
It is even said, Mr President that these criminal pseudo herders go about their nefarious activities in broad daylight and many times in military uniform. They carry sophisticated weapons, the likes of which are only available to state actors.
There seems to be no doubt that the security apparatus of the country is both overstretched and rustic.
The philosophy of policing the State, protecting life and property and ensuring the existence of atmosphere that is conducive to life and living in Nigeria is lost on the security personnel. In Yoruba land, we are scared and worried about the outrageous audacity and effrontery of these criminal elements in carrying out their activities and without any challenge by security operatives.
In situation where money exchanged hands, the Police are adequately equipped to trace every paper money issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Intelligence gathering concerning money paid as ransom should lead, finally to these criminals since they would eventually make transactions with the proceeds of their illicit and criminal activities.
As no major arrest of Fulani pseudo herdsmen has been made till date in Yoruba land, suspects cannot be paraded, let alone arraigned.
Even threatened a sitting traditional ruler and asked him to comply with certain directives go about as if they are indeed above the law and beyond arrest. It is unheard of that the State could be seemingly helpless in the face of these criminal assaults on its integrity and capacity to carry out the most sacred of its mandate; preserving life and property.
Mr President, let me assure you that the Yoruba people traditionally have what it takes to defend themselves and interests against all enemy attacks. What is of immediate concern is the possibility of these traditional self-help mechanisms of defence to conflict with legal and constitutional framework of the security organizations.
This is indeed my greatest fear, recluse the situation is fast degenerating into what could trigger complete breakdown of law and order under a constitutional state arrangement. Thus latent frustration must be nipped in the bud to avert a breakdown of the state system in Yoruba land.
I am aware that members of the Odua People’s Congress scattered all over the world are already being mobilized to stand in the defence of their land and are ready, willing and able to raise an army of volunteers as was done in 1968 by the Agbekoya.
It is trite saying that a stitch in time saves nine. For me, and relying on ancient wisdom, the dilemma of a possible breakdown of state authority and power could still be manages and the slide to anarchy arrested.
Historically, and even now, ethnic relations between the Yoruba and the Fulani had been managed adroitly through excellent statesmanship and participatory administration of inter-ethnic group relations. I have had many instances of settling farmer/herder disagreements in my Palace to the extent of instituting workable modalities for inter communal conflict management and peace building.
What is strange is the new wave of criminally minded Fulani groups. What is again disappointing is the ease with which these criminals will leave our country should there be anarchy in the land.
They have other places to return to, but Nigerians don’t have another country apart from here.
This is a serious national emergency, when Fulani herdsmen are engaged in criminality all over the country and the sitting federal government seems helpless and generally unperturbed by what is going on in the security organizations. There is no doubt that some leaders of these security organizations are either incompetent or bankrupt of ideas. Some are even compromised to take any decisive actions against criminals.
What we are witnessing in Nigeria is an anomaly because it is inconceivable that in the 21st century, when the whole world is making appreciable progress in providing enhanced standard of living, Nigerians will be living under the fear of banditry, brigandage, rape, kidnapping and terrorism.
Insecurity is posing a direct threat and imminent danger to living in Nigeria. It is capable of de-robing the country in the comity of nations and passing it off as uncivilized and barbaric.
As more and more countries issue travel restrictions to Nigeria and parts thereof, it is just a matter of time for Nigeria to lose whatever gains it has made in repositioning itself for more decisive participation in the international system.
I trust that you will not allow this to happen and will quickly and decisively take immediate steps to re-established confidence in your government and demonstrate the capacity of the state to protect all legitimate interests.
I wish you God’s guidance, courage and wisdom to do what is right, appropriate and necessary to build the Nigeria of our dreams, where no ethnic group is oppressed or taken for granted.
While urging you to take out time to read and consider this letter as coming from a stakeholder in your administration, I wish to assure you of the warmest regards of the Royal stool.
In the early hours of 19th January, 2021, political party stalwarts and members of Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP thronged in hundreds to grace a year in office, projects commissioning and empowerment programmes embarked upon by the Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon. Ojo Bolaji Akintola.
The event which was held at the local government premises had several items such as feedmills, Cash gift, hundreds of 5kg cooking gas, bags of rice, clippers and generator sets distributed by the chairman to empower the youths, women, widows, poultry farmers, market women and men across the ten wards.
The caretaker chairman expressed his gratefulness to Almighty God who made him witness the special occasion and used the medium to welcome all and sundry to the gathering. He opined that the programme was in triplicate, marking of a year in office, projects commissioning, as well as empowerment programmes for the people of Itesiwaju Local Government.
Chairman while speaking at the event used the avenue to commend his great mentor/political father, a seasoned politician, Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola who according to him has been the brain behind the successful implementation of his activities as chairman.
He said, economic recession that has eaten deep into the fabrics of individuals actually informed his action to bring succour into the families of average citizens of the local government. Hon. Ojo gave kudos to the executive governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his unrelenting and immeasurable efforts to ensure the state is crime-free by joining his colleagues in the Southwest to establish Amotekun corps to beef up security in the State. He maintained that he shall be grateful forever for the trust reposed in him to serve his people as such opportunity cannot be forgotten in a jiffy.
He further stated that despite the paucity of fund in the Local Government treasury, the party’s blueprint has always been a guidance which must be fulfilled to meet the four cardinal points of the present administration in the state and local government areas.
The council boss while speaking further used the occasion to narrate parts of his scorecard to the people, he said since the inception of his administration he has been able to ensure that six motorized bore-hole were sunk, one at Baba-Ode, Ona-Iwa Mimo, Koomu, Otu, Okaka and Oke-Amu.
He said, about 141km roads were graded across the local government areas, installation of transformers and connection to National Grid at Baba-Ode, Igbojaye, Oke-Amu and Otu were carried out, free jamb coaching, gifts to babies of the year, relief items donated to the ailing people. He averred that he had touched virtually all sectors especially Agric and health.
In further commemoration of his one year in office, the caretaker chairman, Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon Ojo Bolaji Akintola officially commissioned motorized boreholes sunk for the betterment of his people. He reiterated that his administration within a year had brought rapid development to the council with the provision of six motorized boreholes across the council area including the ones at Jagun Compound, Okaka and Agelu Area. The council chairman emphasized, that his administration will continue to prioritize the youths, widows, aged, vigilante group as well as market men and women among others.
Among the beneficiaries were Ayansola Micheal, Adeagbo jamiu, Adepoju serifat, Oguntayo Elizabeth and Ayandokun Ibrahim among others and they all joyfully thanked the council boss for deeming fit to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic particularly at a time when most of the families had been seriously hit economically.
The council boss however charged the people of his council area to be law abiding and abstain from unlawful acts, capable of hindering the progress of the council and to support Seyi Makinde led-administration with a view to achieving rapid development and benefiting more dividends of democracy in his council.
Among people that graced the events were traditional rulers, PDP political stalwarts, religious leaders, all the caretaker members, directors and units heads. The event was held on Tuesday the 19th of January 2021 at the council Secretariat Otu.
The opposition party in oyo state, All progressives Congress converged in Idi-Ape Ibadan on thursday 21 January for a stakeholder meeting to map out strategy to reclaim the state in 2023.
The APC in Oyo state returned to opposition side after the 2019 general election that favored People’s Democratic Party’s candidate Engr. Seyi Makinde.
During the course of the meeting, strategic leaders of the party in the state tool rounds to bring ideas and express their readiness to work in harmony to return the party in 2023.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting, signed on behalf the Meeting Conveners and Communique Drafting Committee by Alhaji Adesina Alabi, reads:
“Conveners posited that the Meeting was the brainchild of some concerned members of Oyo APC who feel the need for Progressive family members across the eleven Local Government Areas of Ibadan Land to channel a new course and mobilize for unity, harmony and cooperation with a view to repositioning the Party.
“Conveners emphasized that the Meeting was not at the instance of individual, group or bloc of aspirants or those seeking to hijack the Party for selfish reasons. More so, efforts were made to reach out to all gladiators and prospective aspirants without any exception as they all pledged their support for the bold initiative.
“Conveners regretted the step taken by some faceless people to discredit the Meeting through sponsored noise in the mass media which was aimed at discouraging genuine members/delegates from attending the Meeting. However, stakeholders again appealed to those behind the futile call for boycott of the Meeting to have a rethink and join others to rebuild Oyo APC if they were genuine in their claims as members of the Party.
“Stakeholders at the Meeting were, therefore, unanimous in their call for more commitment, team spirit and love for one another among Party faithful as the 2023 general election beckons. “At the Meeting, it was reported that Progressive elements from Ibarapa axis expressed their desire to be carried along in the efforts to reflect Ibadan Land/Ibarapa land Agenda for the APC. “Stakeholders re-echoed the need for oneness and togetherness as this was considered very essential for the APC to bounce back and reclaim its lost glory and thus emerge stronger and more virile.
“Stakeholders welcomed briefing from the National Headquarters of the APC ahead of the forthcoming membership registration and revalidation exercise which the promised to accord all necessary support to ensure that a good population of existing and new members are captured in the exercise.
“Stakeholders lauded conveners for the efforts made towards strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.
“Conveners expressed gratitude to eminent party leaders especially former governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, who was represented at the Meeting by Chief Wale Ohu and also the State Caretaker Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, “The Meeting adjourned for another day which Conveners promised to announce to the general public as soon as possible.”
Earlier, in his wecome address, the acting secretary of the party in the state, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, explained that the stakeholders meeting became pertinent in a bid to address some of the issues that led to the loss of the party at the 2019 guber polls in the state.
He noted that it is important for the party to form a united front in the state.
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, described the death of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Public Infrastructure and Transportation, Architect Adebowale Kizito Balogun, as painful and a sad loss to the state. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, condoled with the family of the late permanent secretary, civil servants in the Ministry, and the entire workforce in the state, describing him as a man who dedicated his life and times to the development of the state. According to Makinde, losing Architect Balogun to the cold hands of death few days after after the loss of the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Simiyu James Adepoju, has left a huge vacuum in the state’s infrastructure reformation drive. “The news of the death of our hardworking Permanent Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Works, Arch. Balogun, has dampened our morale. It is one death too many. “Arch. Balogun’s exit at this time is painful and shocking, because he left the stage at a period that his wealth of experience is mostly needed. “Only a few days ago, we lost the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Adepoju to the cold hands of death and we thought that the experience and expertise of individuals like Arch. Balogun would continue to be available in the ongoing massive efforts to reduce the infrastructure deficit of the state. “But we cannot query the Almighty who allowed his departure at this time. “Architect Balogun is a hardworking Permanent Secretary, who is ever ready to contribute his quota to the development of the state and the success of the administration in the Public Works and Infrastructure sector. “We can only condole with his family, friends and colleagues in the Oyo State Civil Service, and pray to God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this loss. “We equally pray for an end to sudden deaths in the state. “May God grant Arch. Balogun Aljanah Firdaus.”
Signed Taiwo Adisa Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde January 21, 2021
