Nothing But Fact
2. Chief Mrs Ambassador Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC investiture.
3. Courtesy visit to Ososa residence of Dr. Adegunwa makers of Bigi Cola and Bigi products.
The moving train of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee berthed at the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan on Monday 26th February, 2024.
The visiting team were received by the amiable Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, Mr. Joel Ajagbe the Permanent Secretary, Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs Mary Olajiire, Director of Local Government Matters, Mr. O. T. Akanji , Mr. Odesina and the PEO, Mr. K. K. Ishola.
The Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee eulogised the Honourable Commissioner for mobilising all the Ibadanland local government Chairmen in supporting the new Olubadan Palace project which is almost completed in a space of six months. He emphasised in his address that Ibadanland will forever remain grateful to the Honourable Commissioner for this laudable intervention.
Furthermore, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola highlighted the programs of events of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival activities and solicited the support of all the Ibadanland local governments through the intervention of the Honourable Commissioner. Particular areas of interest and expected support are on the Ibadan local governments parades from Mapo Hall to the Olubadan Palace , Amala Festival and Indigenous musicians Carnival, interlock governments Education and Sporting competitions, Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant, Stage Play on Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun, Business Luncheon where both formal and informal business sectors will play active roles and finally at the grand finale at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Oke-Ado where her excellency, the wife of the governor will receive a befitting award.
The Chairman also used the opportunity to inform the Honourable Commissioner of an appropriate award to be conferred on the Honourable Commissioner during the week-long Ibadan Cultural Festival activities. By extension, the honourable Commissioner was to nominate two of his members of staff for appropriate awards in recognition of their hardwork and dedication to work.
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola appreciated the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola for his detailed and well presented message to the Commission. The Commissioner also reiterated the commitment and support of the State Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE DSC GSSRS to this year Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration. In the same regard, the Honourable Commissioner promised and assured the Chairman and his visiting team of the fullest support of his office and personality in ensuring a more successful cultural festival in history. The visiting Ibadan Cultural Festival registered their appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner through Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal, a member of CCII Board of Trustees and Chairman Culture and Historical Tours while prayer was said by Dr. Mrs. Monsurat Ayo Alaga, Vice Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee. Other members of the visiting team were Alhaja Folashade Olayiwola, Social Secretary CCII, Mr Kola Olomide, PRO CCII, Engineer Musa Akere Secretary of the Committee, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde, Chairman Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant Sub-committee, Chief Olaide Tijani Baale Oniyefun and member Venue and Security Team, and Bola Sunshine, member Business Luncheon Team.
In conclusion, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola presented the program of events of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival activities to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole through the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planing Committee under the chairmanship of Balogun Gaphar Ojetola on Sunday, 25th of February 2024 decorated Chief Mrs Alhaja Basirat Alao Arisekola as the Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture.
The ceremony which held at the Oluwo kekere villa of late Alhaji Arisekola Alao had in attendance family, friends and well wishers of the awardee.
Before his welcome address, the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola offered prayers for the soul of the Late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States Alhaji AbdlAzeez Arisekola Alao citing numerous philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives of the Aare Arisekola Alao. He prayed that Allah would continue to increase His mercy on Arisekola Alao.
According to the Chairman, the decoration is part of the pre-activities of the Ibadan Week programs which is opened to sons and daughters of Ibadanland as well as Ibadan settlers who have contributed immensely to the development and progress of Ibadanland by any measure, hence the decision of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes CCII to confer the honour on Alhaja Bashirat Arisekola Alao.
Similarly, the President-General of CCII, Chief Barr. Adeniyi Ajewole also acknowledged the contributions of late Aare Arisekola in the development of Ibadan land and Nigeria at large.
In her response, Chief Mrs Basirat Alao Arisekola expressed her appreciation, and stated that the honor is for her late husband, Aare Abdulaziz Arisekola Alao, and appreciated the CCII for finding her worthy for such prestigious title.
She also promised to mobilize her diaspora friends to support the cultural festival.
Presents at the ceremony were the son of the awardee; Hon. Umar-Faruk Arisekola; Mogaji Agbaje; Chief Babatunde Adebisi Oshingbade; Chief Mrs Kofo Aluko; Chief Mrs Fasoranti; Olori Tinuade Agbede( wife of Igbara oke King); Chief Kunle Abass; Mr Lakunle Lawal; Chief Mrs Adebayo; Alhaja Bola Ajunwon; Chief Mrs Ronke Alasaro and many others numerous to mention.
As part of the activities of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival week is the Primary School Quiz & Spelling Bee Competition which commenced on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall.
The first round of the competition had in attendance representative of schools drawn from all 11 local government councils of Ibadanland.
The kick-off was witnessed by the President General, CCII (Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole) and the Chairman of the Festival Week (Balogun Gaphar Ojetola).
The students were accompanied by their teachers and local government representatives.
Other officials present at the programme were Educations Secretaries of LGs the Chairman of the Association of Head Teachers of Primary Schools, and other executive members.
At the end of the keenly contested competitions, the panel of moderators came up with the final results:
Representatives of 5 local governments failed to proceed to the next round.
The 6 first round winners include
Ist: OLUYOLE LG
2nd: LAGELU LG
3rd: IBADAN SOUTH EAST LG
4th: IBADAN NORTH EAST LG
5th: EGBEDA LG
6th: IBADAN NORTH WEST
In similar event, the President-General of CCII under 15 Male Football Tournament commenced yesterday, Thursday 22nd 2024 at the Wesley College Field Elekuro Ibadan.
The kick-off ceremony was performed by the Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, and had in attendance members of the Sports Sub-Committee and other members of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
The Chairman of the Cultural Festival, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola appreciates the Sports Committee for putting this together and equally charged the contestants to exhibit the true spirit of sportsmanship that’s in Football.
Following the matches that have been played, the following are the result: Ibadan North qualified due to unscreened player used by Ona Ara LG. (2) Ibadan North East defeated Oluyole LG by 2 Goals to One (3) Ibadan South East defeated Ido Local Govt by One Goal to Nil. (4) Walkover against Ibadan North West Local Govt , Lagelu Local Govt qualified to Semi final
The official flag off of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival held on Monday 19th February 2024 at the Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo.
The flag off ceremony was colorful and had in attendance the representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Ali Okunmade II, Including
Alhaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Council of Ibadan Mogajis and the Ibadan Mogajis as well as Baale Folorunsho Bamitale Durojaye Ige, the Chairman of the Association of Ibadanland Baales and the Ibadan Baales were also in attendance.
Also in attendance were Chief Wole Akinwande, former President General CCII was the Chairman of the occasion while Chief Bayo Oyero, Emeritus President General CCII was the Special Guest of Honour.
Alhaja Adijat Adeoye, President , Oluyole Diamond Sisters’ Club UK was the Chairperson while Chief Mrs Simiat Adeleke Larodo was the Special Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes specially appreciated the 2024 Central Planning Committee headed by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, he expressed the delight of the CCII for the efforts the committee has been making and the progress they have made so far.
He stated that the choice of Balogun Ojetola wasn’t a mistake, and he’s glad that he’s putting in his best to ensure that he deliver beyond expectation.
Furthermore, the President-General stated that one of the things that has never happened in the history of CCII& Ibadan Cultural Festival Week is to have a dedicated account for the festival, which this current committee has made possible by opening a separate account for the festival for proper accountability.
The President-General further appreciates other sponsors and partners of the Cultural Festival.
During his presentation, the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Balogun Gaphar Ojetola acknowledged the support of the State Governor, His Excellency Oluseyi Makinde and announced that in line with the tradition, The Governor has graciously approved April 14th to April 20th for the festival.
The program will commence on Sunday 14th April for a week long packaged activities with he grand finale on Saturday 20th April, 2024 at Liberty Statdium, and The Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engineer Sir ‘Dotun Sanusi and Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland will be the Chairman at the Grand Finale on Saturday 20th April, 2024.
The Programme of events for the week are as follows:
DAY 1
Sunday 14th April, 2024
DAY 2
Monday 15th April, 2024
All Local Governments Street parades from Map to
the Olubadan Palace.
Amala Festival and Indigenous Musician treat at
New Olubadan Palace Pavillion.
DAY 3
Tuesday 16th April, 2024
S.mole U-18 Female Footbal Final at llaji Sports Arena
Business Luncheon at the llaji Resorts.
PG Inter Local Governments Football Competition
Finals at llaji Sports Arena.
DAY 4
Wednesday 17th April, 2024
Ibadan All Youths Day Symposium
Medical Outreach and Products Exhibition / Shop for free
at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House
Fellowship Award at Civic Center, Idi-Ape.
Table Tennis and Ayo Olopon.
DAY 5
Thursday 18th April, 2024
Finals of O.O Bello All Education Programmes at
Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House.
Ibadan Conference (JBC) at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall,
Ibadan House.
Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant Finals at
Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House.
DAY 6
Friday 19th April, 2024
Special Jumat Service at Central Mosque Oja’ba and all
Central mosques in Ibadan.
Stage Play (Balogun Osungbekun) at Department of Theater Arts,
Ul ibadan.
Golf Competition Finals at Ibadan Golf Club.
DAY 7
Saturday 20th April, 2024
Grand Finale: Parades of all Clubs, Cultural Display by the
Warlords, Parades by Baales and Mogajis, Homage to the
Olubadan of Ibadanland, The Executive Governor of
Oyo State and the lyalode’s at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium,
Oke Ado Ibadan.
Finally, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola appreciates the President-General, Chief Barrister Niyi Ajewole for the opportunity given to the committee and assured Ibadan that the committee will give their best and more to the success of the festival with the support of all sons and daughters of Ibadan land.
Other important dignitaries at the occasion were, the representative of Baameko of Ibadanland Chief Saheed Oladele, President , Ibadan Progressive Union, IPU Alhaji Yinka Alli, Chairman BCOS, Mrs Dotun Olaitan and her BCOS management team, journalists from Nigerian Tribune, Agidigbo FM, IBR and iFlier FM. Others include the Presidents and Secretaries of all CCII affiliate clubs including the Association of Warlord families of Ibadanland.
The occasion was made colourful by the presence of all the members of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
The National leadership of Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union under the leadership of Comr. Alarape Ibrahim has appealed to His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Makinde on bursary award for indigene students of the State.
Read full letter below:
His Excellency
Governor Seyi Makinde
The Executive Governor,
Oyo State Government,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
Open Letter: Urgent Appeal for Fulfillment of Promises to Oyo State Students
Your Excellency,
We are writing on behalf of the Entire Indigenous Students in Oyo State to bring to your attention the promises you graciously made to our association during various occasions.
We greatly appreciate your commitment to the betterment of education in Oyo State, as expressed in your promises on Students Bursary, the establishment of FOSSU National Secretariat, and the provision of Students Union Bus. Your assurances, conveyed on the 17th of October, 2022, at the Government House; 17th of November, 2022, during the International Students Day at ICC Ibadan; and 29th of January, 2023, at the Fresh FM town hall meeting in Ibadan, have been a source of hope and optimism for our students.
While we acknowledge and commend the approval of a bursary sum of #500,000 naira for every Law Student of Oyo origin attending law school, we are compelled to express concerns about the potential divisive impact of such a gesture. We believe in fostering an inclusive society that values all fields of study equally. The current national challenge of brain drain, particularly in the health sector, calls for a balanced approach to educational support.
We humbly request that you reconsider and ensure a fair and balanced distribution of resources, promoting an egalitarian society. Allocating a reasonable bursary that reflects the economic realities of our country will undoubtedly alleviate the burdens faced by students grappling with their studies amid a critical economic downturn.
As concerned stakeholders, we implore you to expedite the fulfillment of the promises made to the Federation of Oyo State Students Union. We understand the challenges faced by your administration, but the education and well-being of the future leaders of our state are paramount. Failure to fulfill these promises may regrettably force our members to engage in a peaceful protest to express our legitimate demands in any time soon.
We trust in your commitment to the betterment of Oyo State and its citizens, particularly the student community. Your prompt attention to this matter would not only demonstrate your dedication to education but also solidify the trust and confidence reposed in your leadership.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Signed.
Sen. Alarape Ibrahim
National President
Federation of Oyo State Student Union
The Oyo State House of Assembly has advocated the ban on the use of styrofoam in the state.
The Assembly premised its call for a ban on its usage on research that using styrofoam for food packaging accounts for health issues like kidney failure, liver failure, and brain damage.
This was contained in a motion presented at Thursday’s plenary of the Assembly by Hon Adebayo Babajide (Ibadan North 2 constituency) and Honourable Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South).
The lawmakers argued further that styrofoam was also harmful as it takes hundreds of years before it degrades in the soil just as it is harmful to farming and to microorganisms.
The motion argued that the use of styrofoam as a food packaging container and for other domestic usage is hazardous to human health and dangerous to the environment.
Also held was that styrofoam, a non-biodegradable plastic, widely in food service for takeout and delivery was being substituted for reusable plastic containers.
Due to its non-biodegradable nature, the motion added that styrofoam blocked drainages and polluted the environment.
The Assembly pointed to the ban on styrofoam in Lagos, Abia and other developed countries as a development that the state should take a cue from as it is hazardous to both the environment and human beings.
Ruling on the motion, Speaker of the state Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin tasked the state executive council to put necessary machinery in motion for a total ban on styrofoam in the state.
This is as he tasked the state Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation and other information dissemination organs to begin sensitisation on the danger of continued use of styrofoam.
In another motion by Honourable Adebayo Babajide, the Assembly urged the state Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) and Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government to give succour to victims of the recent fire incident at Sango market.
While calling for the provision of immediate palliatives to the victims, the Assembly also noted the need to sensitise the people of the state on measures to avert fire incidences.
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday called on the State Commissioner of Police to order the immediate arrest of a Fulani Leader in Iwajowa Local Government, popularly called Seriki Chumo for allegedly masterminding the killing of a farmer, two members of Odua People’s Congress, OPC and a personnel of the Amotekun Corp during a crisis that engulfed Iwere-Ile in October, 2023.
The call was contained in the report presented by the House Committee on Security and Strategy that investigated the incident which occured on Sunday 15th October, 2023 at Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa Local Government area of Oyo State, and read at the floor of the House by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Daud Al-Ameen Olalere (Ibadan North West).
According to the report, the call for the arrest of Seriki Chumo became imperative following the discovery of used cartridges in his house.
The Seriki is also said to be engaging in a gun running business.
Recall that member representing Iwajowa State Constituency, Hon. Ogunsola Anthony Oladejo had brought the incident before the Oyo State House of Assembly under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
” Trouble reportedly started on Sunday,15th October, 2023 when some Fulani herdsmen whose cattle invaded a farm in Apakolo village in Iwere-Ile killed the farm owner, Mr. Kege Mayowa when he challenged the invaders.
” On Sunday, Mr. Kege Mayowa, an Ohori farmer was murdered on his farmland at Apakolo village by yet-to-be-arrested Fulani herdsmen, after the late farmer challenged his killer when the herders were feeding cows on the farm.
” After the killing, a team of joint security agents comprising Operation Burst, Police, Amotekun LG Vigilante, and members of Oodua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, were alerted and immediately mobilized to the scene.
” But on sighting the team of security operatives, the herdsmen opened fire and this resulted in the death of Mr Ojo Yakubu (Amotekun operative), Mr Wasiu Salau a.k.a Federal, and Mr. Akeem Iroko.
” The herdsmen also wounded another Amotekun officer, Mr Kazeem Hammed; Mr Muraina Jamie, a resident at Apakolo while leaving many others receiving treatment at different undisclosed hospitals.
” The crisis escalated on Monday 16th October, 2023.” The report read
The House while commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident called for full investigation into the matter in order to bring all suspects and criminals involved to justice.
It equally appealed to security agents especially the Amotekun corps to engage in regular patrol of identified hideouts of criminal herders and Fulani bandits in the Local Government and the neighbouring settlements to forestall future occurrence.
Other recommendations include ” That the Oyo State House of Assembly should put necessary machinery in motion towards coordinating a security summit so as to proffer lasting solution to the incidences of security breaches and criminalities in the State.
” Traditional rulers particularly in Okeogun axis of the State be urged to always conduct proper investigation and documentation before allocating lands to strange herders.”
In their contributions, Oyo State lawmakers condemned in strong terms the incessant attacks and killings of innocent farmers by Fulani herders in local and agrarian communities in Ogbomosho, Oyo, Ibarapa and Okeogun areas of the State.
They called on Governors of South West States to put measures in place towards empowering and equipping the Amotekun Corps to enable them to deal with the excesses and criminal activities of the Fulani herders and bandits across Yoruba land.
Oyo State House of Assembly will leave no stone unturned in curbing the disgusting act of attacking and killing of innocent citizens by Fulani herders in Oriire Local Government and other parts of the State.
The Lawmakers unanimously declared this while reacting to a motion sponsored by the Honourable member representing Oriire State Contituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Ogundele maintained that two incidents of attacks and killing of innocent people by Fulani herders occurred within a spate of nine days in Oriire Local Government , describing both incident as absolutely inhuman and barbaric in a civilised world like ours.
Citing example of the evil act perpetrating by herders in Ogbomosho communities, Hon. Ogundele said “I have also visited the victims in the Hospital for on the spot assessment and it is disheartening to inform the House that one of the victims, Mr.Amusa Kareem got his left hand cut off completely by the herders”
In his comment, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who presided over the plenary stated that the leadership of the House will meet and look for parameters to be adopted to curb the menace of insecurity in the State.
“To tackle the challenges, there is need to engage the various State and local security agencies , Monarchs, farmers and other relevant bodies base on zones inorder to identify way forward.
The House however urged Ministry of Justice and all Security Agencies across the State to see to the strict enforcement of Oyo State Open Rearing and Anti – Grazing Law under Omituntun 2.0 in Addrressing the menace and reoccurrence of attacks on citizens by Fulani Herders.
Members of the Iyalode Chieftaincy Title line have declared their support for the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
This declaration was made when members of the committee led by its Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola paid a courtesy visit to the Council of Iyalode of Ibadanland.
The Otun Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs.. Amdalat Adekunle who spoke on behalf of others assured that members of the Iyalode line would support the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee individually and as a group.
” We want to give our blessings to this Committee. Be assured that we are behind you. As mothers of Ibadanland, we pray you make a huge success of this assignment. This year Ibadan Week will be a colourful and memorable occasion .”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola eulogised members of the Iyalode line for the collaborative role they are playing in ensuring peace reign supreme in Ibadanland.
According to him, “members of the CCII are very appreciative of your motherly roles in ensuring growth and stability in Ibadanland. We have come to seek your blessing for us to succeed”.
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