Tag: Oyo State

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OYO STATE APC: MRS OMOLOLA ODEKUNBI, AN AGENDA OF HOPE FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS

As the State Congress of the All Progressive Congress draws nearer, we present to you, a mother, community developer, and an advocate of good governance, who has been at the forefront of developing human capacity for the transformation of the society.

The All Progressive Congress women wing is safe and secure with Mrs Omolola Odekunbi, this is evident in her tremendous services to human development through the various position she has occupied in the past, and still occupying. There is no doubt, that she has paid the price, and there is no other person who can perform the work better than her.

On behalf of other well-meaning APC Women in Oyo State, we hereby solicit support from delegates for our mother and leader, Mrs Omolola for the position of Oyo State APC Women Leader.

Mrs Omolola Odekunbi believes that politics is a very powerful tool and should be used to better the life of all and sundry. This continues to drive her interest and passion for politics.

The below information speaks of our candidate, kindly read through.

Mrs Omolola Odekunbi is an indefatigable and erudite educationist who is an indigene of Oyo state.

Omolola Odekunbi attended St Paul primary school Yemetu Ibadan, for her primary School Education. She proceeded to Baptist High School, Iwo before she bagged her National Certificate in Education (NCE) at College of Education, Abraka, and then advanced to Delta State University, Abraka, for her B.Sc(Ed).

Mrs Omolola Odekunbi is a woman of honor, and a reputable tutor in the field of education. She worked as a tutor in the following educational institutions:

  1. Women Teachers’ College, Maiduguri, Borno state.
  2. Fiditi Grammar School, Oyo State.
  3. Christ Apostolic grammar school, Ibadan.
  4. Owena community grammar school, Owena-Ijesa.
  5. Holy Trinity grammar School, Old- Ife road, Ibadan.

Rising to the peak of her educational career, Omolola Odekunbi, a renowned administrator, became the vice principal of Queen of Apostles School, Oluyoro, Ibadan. Also, she was the principal, Lagelu junior model school, and equally Principal, Bashorun high school, all in Ibadan.

Having given her best in tutorship and didactic service to the betterment of the coming generations, she happily retired from active teaching service at the peak of her career as a principal.

Omolola Odekunbi, because of her ability to organize, control, and manage human resources, became the first female president of Agbeni Methodist church Ibadan. She was an executive member of Torch bearer’s society of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church (BAMAC), Iwo road, Ibadan.

She’s an Associate member, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators ( I.C.M.C.); Member, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. (T.R.C.N.)

She is an active member of the Mother’s Union and Women’s Guild of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Iwo road, Ibadan. She is still a delegate to Ibadan North Diocese Anglican communion

Mrs. Omolola Odekunbi is the national president of Ibadan Linker’s Club ’95. She was once the National social secretary, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Her meticulousity and accountability earned her the position of the 2nd National Auditor, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

A woman of many firsts, Odekunbi was the first female president, NUT CICS Ltd, Agodi, Ibadan. She was the former branch vice chairman, N.U.T, Ibadan North East local government. The former President, Holy Trinity Grammar School mini-cooperative society.

She was a delegate member during the Zero party election in Nigeria.

She was a full time female member of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

She was installed as the Otun Iya Ijo of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Ibadan.

  • She is a functional and current member of Nigeria Union of Teachers’ Elders’ Forum.
  • Mrs Omolola Odekunbi is the founder, Frontline Ladies’ Club of Ibadan, an affiliate of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes(CCII).
  • She is the initiator and founder, APC Teachers’ Forum in Oyo state.
  • She was national resource person, Nigeria Union of Teachers’ study circle program.

Mrs. Omolola Odekunbi has always been a trusted hand; very cooperative in nature, and an amiable and respectable philanthropist.

She loves being in the midst of people, irrespective of their cultural, tribal, religious and political affiliation. In her leisure, she enjoys writing, travelling, and spending time with her family.

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Makinde receives new Inspector of Police, requests another Mobile Police Squadron in Oyo

…. promises continuous support to Police, other security agencies

…Police will soon.recruit 20,000-IGP

Oyo State governor, ’Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, requested the approval of another Mobile Police Squadron Base to be cited in Oyo town in the state.
He said that the development would help nip security challenges in the state in the bud.
Makinde, who made the request while hosting the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba in his office, stated that the immediate past IGP had given a verbal approval for the Mobile Squadron before his retirement.
He added that his administration will always remain committed to supporting the Police and other security agencies in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo indicated that the governor equally commended officers and men of the Oyo State Command of Nigeria Police for helping to stem the spate of insecurity in the state.
Makinde said: “I came to your predecessor a few months before he left. He granted us the approval to set up the MOPOL unit at Ago-Are, which we did and they are working well.
“It has assisted us to look at all the security challenges around the Northern part of Oyo State but we felt we still require another MOPOL Squadron. I think he verbally approved another Squadron to be cited at Oyo town.
“We discussed with the traditional institutions out there and also the people of Oyo. They are ready to give us land and, as a government, we are ready to provide the basic infrastructure to enable them to move in there.
“So, I will use this opportunity to make that request and we hope we will find favour in you to execute this new Mobile Police squadron to kick it off.
“We are not afraid to try new things here. We know that if we are faced with any type of challenge, if we have a go at it and solve it, it will disappear. But if we don’t, it will come back and we have another go at it. So, whatever we need to do will be done.”
Governor Makinde, who welcomed the new IGP and also congratulated him on his appointment and commended the Oyo State Police Command for trying its best and cooperating with other security agencies in securing lives and properties of Oyo State residents.
He pledged to keep supporting their efforts at the state or zonal level, saying: “I want to acknowledge the fact that the Police Command in Oyo State has been trying its best. “They have cooperated with our people and all the security agencies.
“When we started Amotekun, it was a hostile venture because the Police felt we were getting people to come and take over their jobs and responsibilities. But over these few months, with the leadership of Police in the state, we have had serious cooperation and the inter-agency rivalry or skirmishes is to the barest minimum in Oyo State.”
He equally explained that his administration will keep going after criminals no matter where they come from or any ethnic background.
“Also, when these crises started, people were trying to stoke ethnic tension, we all rose to the occasion and the message to everybody was very clear.
“In Oyo State, we are after criminals and we don’t care about where they are from. And we know that criminals abound in every ethnic group. In Oyo State, we even have a situation where people went to rob a bank at Okeho and when those people were eventually caught, we discovered they were from Kogi State.
“So, we don’t profile anybody based on their ethnic background but, like you mentioned that you served at Igbo-Ora, Ibarapa happens to be a frontier local government for us. From Ibarapa, all the way to Oke-Ogun, Saki, we share an international border with the Republic of Benin. So, that makes this place unique and peculiar. But, we have all cooperated and tried our best to keep the peace.”
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Alkali, said the visit was to go round the 36 states including the FCT to talk to men and officers in the states and request for the cooperation of the chief security officers and the traditional institutions in the states.
He said: “My vision is part of the engagement I took upon myself, which is to go round the 36 states even in the FCT where I have worked for a very long time, in talking to my men and also visiting the police officers in the states, the traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
“This is because I know they are in control of maintaining law and order, the same thing that requires collaboration, synergy and cooperation.
“I want to talk to other stakeholders on the issue of community policing, which is an adopted strategy. It has not been effectively used by both the government and members of the public and we have two versions of it. We have embarked on it and my predecessor has done much in looking into policing programmes. And I need to continue from where he stopped, by getting people and your continuous support.
“It is believed that it is a programme that we can use people of a community who know their counter value in policing, who know the nooks and cranny of the place to ensure that law and order are to be abided by the community and control it to the barest minimum.”
The IGP said that the Police will soon commence the recruitment of men from all of the 774 local governments across the country in line with the mandate earlier given by the Federal Government to recruit 10,000 policemen annually for six years.
According to him, the Force had issues recruiting in 2019 and 2020, adding that all approvals have now been secured to commence the backlog of recruitment amounting to 20,000 men.

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Shooting Stars Football Club (3SC) Promotion, A win for all Oyo State Youths ~ IPYF

Ibadan Prime Youths Forum celebrate with the team, fans and good people of Oyo State on the success recorded by our very own and their promotion into the Nigerian Professional Football League.

We would like to say that this victory won’t be possible without the support of the State Government through its investment in sports, as Ibadan Youths, we appreciate this and give kudos to the State Government under the leadership of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde.

The victory against Ekiti United is a glory for all Oyo State Youths and an encouragement that the Club will be better in consequent matches, we believe in their ability to deliver and maintain their place to the very top.

Yours Truly,
Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo, MBBS, MPH, MHPM
National Coordinator, IPYF

12th September, 2021

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The Imperativeness of Schools’ Sports In Oyo State ~Lekan Badmus

Schools’ Sports entails all sporting activities that take place within and amongst school children. It encompasses intramurals and extramural competition.

Intramurals involves all sporting events that are performed within the four-wall of; and exclusively for the students of a school. On the other hand, extramural competition is a contest in which many schools are made to engage in a competitive healthy rivalry. By health rivalry, such contest should devoid acrimony and chaos. It must not degenerate to the level of violence and thuggery. The minds of the students should be dissuaded from win-at-all cost syndrome.

The goals of both types of school’s sports are warped to promote conditions that could facilitate the three domains of education of a child. These are the cognitive, affective and psychomotive.

The objective of school sports is the enrichment of the high school experiences of students within the context of the educational mission of schools. As such, school sports should be educational and contribute to the overall education of all students.

The precise intent of education is the development of a “whole man”. It is erroneous to restrict education to reading and writing. The concept transcends mere literacy and numeracy. Rather, it is the development of a child in all ramifications.

The stereotyped programmes of contemporary school seems to have become monotonous. Teaching-learning activities in Oyo State schools nowadays are tailored towards a direction where everything bothers on classroom activities without any recourse to extra or co-curricular activities. This was unlike seventies and eighties when schools sports and Literary and Debate were component parts of education. The effect of that dynamism was evident in both moral and academic performance of the students of that period.

Things have however changed ! What we now have is ceaseless and marathon teachings in a compacted time table. We seem to have forgotten the fact that; all works and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. I quite agree that the primary objective of schooling should not be jettisoned but we must as well not forget the potency inherent in a diversification that embraces other aspects of life. Learning becomes monotonous when the environment is conservative. This has an adverse effects on the attention span of the students. Potentials abound in the students. They are like treasures hidden beneath the soil. The only way they could sprout is through extra-curricular events.

Sports is an agent of socialisation. It is a veritable tool to curb social vices which are prevalent amongst students. Researches have shown that these students dissipate so much energy on frivolities and immoral acts. This may not be unconnected with their youthful exurberance. Such restlessness could be channeled to something profitable.

A stable mind and body are antithetical to comprehension and assimilation which education seeks to achieve. Indeed, a symbiotic relationship exists between Sports and Education in this regard. Examples abound: Blood circulation is enhanced by engaging in sporting activities, pulse rate is increased and excretion of toxic waste is enhanced. The constant circulation of oxygenated blood that conveys oxy-haemoglobin to the brain promotes students’ cognition and sense of judgement. Reasoning, value- judgement and brilliance have their roots in the cerebrum which is a part of the brain.

The effect of sports is more pronounced on health. Sports offers a therapeutic remedy to certain metabolic disorders such as obesity, postural defect and diabetes. Aside this, students’ immunities against diseases are developed and the cardio-vascular respiratory endurance becomes more efficient. All these disorders could militate against effective learning. Verily, sports is an antidote to sedentary lifestyle and stress.

Globally, sport has a unifying appeal. The sports industry boasts of a dynamic appeal that many others, even bigger industries look at with envy. It has the power to define a nation as a whole. Social interaction and cultural integration are promoted through sport fiesta which has students from different socio-cultural backgrounds converging on the sports arena. This increases level of tolerance and respect for one another.

From the above, sports is a sine-qua-non to educational excellence.
Although, Physical and Health Education is an integral part of the syllabus but this is taught as theory as a result of dearth of equipment and implement. Whereas, the subject is both theoretical and practical. Based on this premise, it is apt to conclude that the recognition accorded sports ends there as this inclusion is just for the sake of a formality.

Sports culture needs to be resuscitated at our schools along with quality education.
The realisation of the negative impact that today’s lifestyle brings on the school children is enough to spur us to action and be proactive in the search for options.

Sports not only builds physical stamina but also instills qualities such as obedience, determination, willpower, and discipline.

In summary, there is the need to regurgitate sporting activities in Oyo state schools. The presence of physical and Health Education experts in our schools is an advantage in respect of management and organisation of sports. They posses the technical know-how and this is an a avenue for the teachers to explore the opportunity and display their organisational skills.

Sports organization may be money-spinning. The state could partner with various organizations and companies in this regards.

One thing to guide against while staging sports contest is the use of machineries. This is impersonation and it should be dealt with decisively. Otherwise, the goals would be defeated.

With motivation and reward in forms of scholarship and material gifts, students would strive hard to put in their best. These best might become the state athletes at the National Sports Festival and form the bulk of the nation’s contingent at International age-grade competition and Olympic Games.

On a finality, the ministry of education and the state government are enjoined to consider the proposal herein contained with a view to reviving the moribund schools’ sports in Oyo State.

Comrade Lekan Badmus is a freelance writer, Education cum Sports Consultant.

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PHOTOSTORY: Ongoing construction of Ojoo Bus Terminal, Ibadan, Oyo State

Here is an update and the pictures of the ongoing construction of Ojoo Bus Terminal by Governor Seyi Makinde’s Administration in the state capital, Ibadan.

It is one of the four(4) Bus Terminals being constructed simultaneously by the Oyo State government as part of plans to modernize the transportation system in Oyo State.

The Bus Terminal will features; Administrative Offices, Restaurants, CCTV cameras for security purpose, Shops, public toilets among other Facilities.

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Makinde swears-in 7 commissioners, assigns portfolios

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, swore-in the seven commissioner nominees who were reappointed into the cabinet, charging them to keep raising the bar of governance.

The governor, while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, stated that names of the remaining commissioners would soon be made public.

He equally charged the reappointed commissioners to explore more innovative ways to deliver on their mandate and positively touch the lives of the good people of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the composition of the whole cabinet will be completed in the next few weeks.

The statement added that six of the reappointed commissioners retained their former Ministries, while the immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaja Faosat Ajoke Sanni was deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties.

The newly sworn-in commissioners include Mr. Akinola Ojo (Finance); Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN (Justice); Chief Bayo Lawal (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters) and Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin (Public Works).
Others are Mr. Ayansiju Lawal (Establishment and Training); Mr. Temilolu Ashamu (Energy and Mineral Resources) and Mrs. Faosat Sanni (Special Duties).

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde said: “Two years ago, I inaugurated the first State Executive Council with 14 members initially and the number eventually grew to 17. The cabinet was dissolved about a month ago. All of you here who have been reappointed Honourable Commissioners were members of that cabinet.
“Well, as they say, ‘you don’t change a winning team.’ Yes, that is true. But they didn’t say that we should not reassess our team. In fact, regular assessment and reassessment are important to keep teams working optimally. So, to all seven of you here today, I will say welcome back.

“I hope you have used the time to get enough rest and you are fully reinvigorated now for the task ahead. You have just under two years left to make even greater marks in your various Ministries.”
Governor Makinde, who maintained that his administration will continue to take development to all the nooks and crannies of the state, said his government has done massive works along the four pillars upon which the roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo State 2019-2023 is built.
“Our administration has become known for sustainable development in all sectors, with no communities left behind. We want to continue to do even more than what we have done before.

“I meet people and once they tell me they are from Oyo State, I ask them the geopolitical zone they are from. And once they tell me, I ask them if they have seen so and so projects in their communities. So, that is what we are known for. It is even development all across the state and that is where we really want to be.
“Two years ago, I spoke to you about the key roles you will play in ensuring that our people partake of Omituntun. “Today, there is clear evidence of the massive works we have done in the four pillars upon which our Roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo State 2019-2023 is built.

“Yes, we have done so much already but this is not the time to rest on our oars but think of more innovative ways to deliver on our mandate and positively touch the lives of the good people of Oyo State.

“When we complete our tenure in office, we will have set a new bar of governance in Oyo State and I believe that by that time, I would have one or two things to learn from yourselves. You have taken a break and now you are back.
“I remember that over a year ago, they said everything we were doing was audio. Then, I actually enjoyed being the ‘audio governor.’ For me being audio, they are acknowledging the visuals and by the time we are done, they will understand that we have set a new bar on governance.

“I was recently talking to a brother-governor and he said to me that, first, they called you audio. Now, they are saying we are seeing what you guys are doing. But then, they ask if those things are sustainable. We have sustained payment of salaries for our workers and pensioners in the state for over two years. So, they will constantly be shifting their position until they have nowhere else to shift to,” the governor added.

He equally stated that the new commissioners will all need to play their part in ensuring that emphatic and service-oriented leadership becomes the norm in the state, saying: “The people of Oyo State will no longer be dragged down to the days of mediocre leadership. You all have a role to play in ensuring that ’emphatic’ leadership becomes the new normal in Oyo State and, by extension, Nigeria because the whole country is watching. We should not relent but keep raising the bar.
“Of course, we have provided the channels to ask questions. I will also continue to ask questions to ensure we remain on the path to sustainable development in the state. So, when I am holding you accountable to a very high standard, it is because some of you will go beyond the current leadership role to something even higher.
“So, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to your positions. We have presented your scorecard before the state House of Assembly, which was a prerequisite to your reappointment. I want you to look at that assessment and ask yourselves if that was indeed your best. Are there ways you can serve the people better? Ask yourselves how you want to be remembered. Revisit the answers quarterly and measure your activities against your goal.
“This is a sure way to self-correct any inadequacy you may notice.

“In the next few weeks, we will have the whole cabinet once more. Our goals will remain the same. We will do everything in our power to move Oyo State from poverty to prosperity. So, I congratulate you on your appointment. Let us do it again.”

Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde
August 6, 2021.

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Makinde inspects on-going Akobo flyover, Lekan Salami Stadium, Ajia-Airport-Ife Expressway projects

…says govt ‘ll continue to improve sport facilities to empower youths, develop Oyo economy

Oyo State governor, ’Seyi Makinde, on Friday, inspected on-going infrastructure projects in Ibadan, including the Akobo-General Gas Flyover, the 21-kilometer Ajia-Airport-New Ife Expressway road, with spur to Amuloko and the Lekan Salami Sport Complex remodeling project.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of the works being done by the contractors, saying that he was excited with the pace of work done so far.
He added that the scope of the projects has been well covered, while the schedule is being followed.

Speaking with newsmen at the Lekan Salami Sport Complex, Adamasingba, shortly after inspecting the projects, the governor said that his administration will continue to improve sport facilities in the state to empower youths and develop the economy.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Lekan Salami Sport Complex has been upgraded to FIFA standard, with four world class Changing Rooms, capacity for 25 players and Wet Areas with capacity for 11 players at a time.

Others were the Doping Control Room, Clinic, Referee’s Room, Match Officials Room and a Youth Centre/Ball Boys Rooms.
The statement added that the stadium has also, in line with FIFA requirement, been equipped with state-of-the-art Studio, including CCTV facilities that can monitor five kilometre radius of the stadium and also the Ibadan Airport, as well as world class gadgets that will enable the linking of the stadium to a minimum of four stadia.

The statement also noted a new training pitch, a multipurpose hall for Basketball, Volleyball and Handball, a new Squash Hall and a 50 by 30 Metres Multipurpose Hall completed with a centre court, for gymnasium, boxing, judo, kickboxing will also be delivered at the facility.
In his speech, Governor Makinde said: “Well, I will say so far, so good, the scope is well covered and we have made quite some progress. Also, the schedule is being followed.
“I will say I am excited and I look forward to the official opening, which has now been pushed to the 1st of September. I also look forward to seeing our darling team, Shooting Stars, beat the foreign Team.

“When I was campaigning, people asked me questions about job opportunities for our youths and I said discovering sporting talents is one way of engaging our youths. And this is one of such projects that can enable us to achieve that.
“Also, we want to be on the map internationally by hosting international sporting events, not just football. We have seen the centre courts for the Tennis, Swimming Pool project and the facilities for volleyball, boxing, kick-boxing and the rest.”

The governor promised to utilise sports to develop the economy of the state, saying: “So, we want to utilise sports to also develop our economy. We want to keep coming here every week by God’s grace to watch Shooting Stars play in the National Premiership League and to also play competitions in Africa.
“We also want Shooting Stars to go on and play the World Club Cup competition, which I know is not beyond us.

“We have to bring development to our people, to our city and our state. That was why we were elected in the first place.
“Some of those projects should be nearing completion right now. We wanted to check and be sure that, indeed, what we have on ground matches the report I have been getting. And I can tell you that I am quite impressed with the contractor.”

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South-West PDP: Makinde receives Oyinlola-led reconciliation committee report



Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, received the report of a five-man reconciliation committee, led by a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The committee was instituted to reconcile all aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West Zone.

Governor Makinde, while receiving the report in his office, said that the report of the committee came at the right time, stating that the PDP needs to get all the tendencies together, not just in the South-West but across the country.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor appreciated the members of the committee for the job and for their selflessness, noting that the report would be implemented in the overall interest of the PDP in the South-West zone and nationally.

The governor said: “I want to thank the Reconciliation Committee for presenting the report. This is a confirmation that when elders are somewhere, they do not do their job halfway but they complete it. Actually, we have quite a bit to learn from our elders and from how you have done things in the past.

“Yes, the Congress has basically come and gone but our party is still in need of getting all the tendencies together, not just in the South-West but even nationally.

“Between when this committee was set up and now, I believe two governors from the party’s platform have defected to the APC. A number of our lawmakers at the national level; senators, members of the House of Representatives are defecting.

“So, this report is coming at the right time for us to go ahead, look at it and still try to pull our people together irrespective of the outcome of the zonal congress.

“The country, as a whole, is in dire need of men and women of conscience, who are thinking progressively about this country. That is why, a few days ago, the governors from the southern part of the country came together and, without thinking of party affiliations, we took far-reaching decisions in the interest of this country; in the interest of fairness, equity and justice for everybody in the country.”

The governor maintained that the report would be handed over to the zonal executive of the party, who, according to him, are now the rallying point for the party in the zone, saying: “As of the time this was put together, I was acting as the rallying point for our party in the South West. “But now, we have the zonal executive members in place and they are now the true rallying point for the people within the South-West.

“They will be invited; we will hand this over to them and we will probably call an expanded zonal meeting where leaders of thought can come together and put a plan in place for the South West and how we are going to interact with other zones in the country, because we know that the National Convention is practically upon us.

“Two days ago, they brought out the proposed timetable for the activities leading to the National Convention of our party. We also have to come together, look at the position to take, relative to other parts of the country and what are our aspirations in the South West. So, this is just the starting point. We will still come together and try to articulate our position, which we will sell to the other geopolitical zones in the country.”

He added that the solutions suggested by the committee will lead to an “implementation that will lift our party in the zone and in the country.”

Presenting the report on behalf of the committee, Prince Oyinlola appreciated the governor for giving the committee the opportunity, saying the committee has been able to collate the problems and possible solutions.

According to him, the committee was put in place by the stakeholders of the South-West zone with the mandate to go round the six states of the zone and identify the areas of problems within the party, adding that the committee did all it could to reconcile the warring factions in all the six states within the zone.

He pleaded that the governor and party leaders should look into all recommendations made in the report, as, according to him, they will go a long way to keep the party in good stead in the South-West zone.

“I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to come and present to you the reconciliation report of the committee, which was set up around November, 2020.

“We have been able to collate the problems and possible solutions. This team was put in place by the stakeholders of the South-West zone with the mandate to go round the six states of the zone and identify the areas of problems within our party and we did all we can to ensure we reconcile the warring factions.

“We were able to achieve that by visiting all the six states within the zone.

“We plead that you look at the report and execute the recommendations we made as it will go a long way to keep our party in good stead in the South West zone.”

The members of the committee who were present at the event include, Prince Oyinlola [chairman], Barr. Olayinka Kukoyi [secretary], Chief Saka Balogun and Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru.

Oyedeji Ahmed 8 July 2021

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Oyo PDP federal lawmakers pass vote of confidence in Makinde

…we are making progress in dealing with insecurity ~Gov

… ‘govt’ll continue to collaborate with federal establishments’

Members of the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Oyo State, on Monday, passed a vote of confidence in Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, praising him for the unprecedented achievements of the government in the last two years.
They equally commended the efforts of the government in tackling the wave of insecurity in the state.
The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Kola Balogun, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues during a courtesy call to the governor in his office, said that the visit was meant to congratulate the governor on his tremendous achievements in the last two years in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the senator as saying: “Your Excellency, on behalf of my colleagues from the National Assembly, we have come to officially pay this courtesy call, and to use the occasion to congratulate you on your tremendous achievements in the last two years as the governor of this pacesetter state.”
He explained that the present administration in Oyo State has moved the state forward in terms of performance ranking and surpassed the past administration in terms of regular payment of the salaries of the civil servants, teachers, pensioners as and when due; provision of instructional materials to schools and other infrastructural development in the state.
“I have the mandate of my colleagues and brothers to let you know that we are aware of what you have been doing and to congratulate you for it. We know that before you came into office, in this state, pensioners and teachers were not being paid as and when due. Instructional materials were not given to schools.
“So, with these efforts, you have been able to move Oyo State in terms of performance ranking, because we know that, going by the record, the last administration, in WAEC, was 26 or 28. That has improved a lot.
“This is because of your commitment and passion for developing the education system in Oyo State. After all, education is the foundational bedrock of human development. So, we commend your efforts in that regard,” Balogun said.
He added that the governor has been able to bridge the trust deficit between the people and the government, adding that Oyo State has turned to a sort of London where everywhere is lit, particularly the capital city.
Balogun assured the governor that the people of Oyo State will continue to support his administration and that those of them at the National Assembly will equally continue to make the government proud by complementing the efforts of the state government.
In his response, Governor Makinde explained that his administration is making progress everyday in dealing with insecurity in the state, saying that all hands must be on deck to secure lives and properties in the state.
He maintained that his administration would continue to collaborate with the federal establishment to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the state, urging the federal lawmakers not to be far away from their constituencies, adding that he is looking forward to interacting with the Oyo State Caucus of the National Assembly.
He said: “I want to thank you, distinguished senator, and honorable members of the House of Representatives, for this visit. Next time, come with your APC colleagues so that we can share our thoughts also with them. We can share some of the things we are doing with them so that we can reduce the amount of misinformation going on.
“Yes, you all belong to the PDP but I always say that players will come and go but our state will remain.
“I especially want to thank you because it is not about party affiliation. But in terms of providing that bridge between the state government and the federal establishment, you have done very well. It is only PDP senators and House of Representatives members that I know are doing things to bridge that gap.
“You have the interest of our people at heart and I want to commend you and urge you to continue in that direction. For me, we will continue to provide the environment for our state to thrive. We will continue to cooperate and collaborate with the federal establishments.
“The issue that I know is a little bit touching is on security. I said last week that, even if you want to rule Oyo State in 2023, you don’t destroy the state you want to rule. It is very similar to somebody wanting to draw water from a well to drink and decided to, first of all, pollute the well. By the time you draw out the water, you are going to be drinking polluted water. “So, we should not destroy our state.”
Governor Makinde, who maintained that his government has been doing a lot to attract investments into the state, said: “We are doing a lot to attract investments into our state, expand our economy and we know that investments are cowards as they will only go to where they feel secure.
“So, if you are going out there to say our state is not secure; if you are telling the truth, we don’t have any problem with that. But when you go out there to blatantly peddle lies or you even go to the extent of doctoring videos to show the world that your state is not secure, you are damaging the state. Say things as they are, come to us to ask questions if things are not clear.
“We are dealing with the issue of insecurity in Oyo State and we are making progress. I can say that with all sense of seriousness and responsibility. And I want to plead with you, I may go out and take responsibility for the security situation in the state but the truth is we all have to take collective responsibility.
“We all have to play our own part – distinguished senator and honorable members, traditional rulers, the Mogajis, local vigilantes, voluntary policing sector, town unions and the rest – must play our part to secure our state. We don’t want to keep passing the buck and that is why I always claim responsibility. It is not because I am super-human but because I don’t want buck-passing. I want to be held accountable.
“We have to share the responsibility and that is the only time that we can beat our chest that the issue of insecurity in the state will be a thing of the past.
“When we came in, we strengthened all the things we met on the ground. We bought patrol vehicles for the SRS, Operation Burst, and others. There is no federal security agency that operates in the state that we have not done one thing or the other for them to be more effective.
“So, we are ready to cooperate with the federal agencies. And as you are there in Abuja as our representatives, please do more with the federal establishments. “We may be in opposition to the party in power at the federal level but we are not out to politicise the issue of insecurity. “We are ready to find a lasting solution to this problem. So, we are partners in progress.”
The governor, who stated that Nigerians are already waiting for the PDP to retake power at the centre, appreciated the lawmakers including Senator Balogun; House of Representatives members representing Ibadan North-East/South- East, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; Ibarapa East/Ido, Hon. Adewale Oluyemi Taiwo; Ibadan North-West/South-West, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide.

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OPINION: 2years and Still Counting; An Assessment of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde’s Administration.

The recent insecurity in the State is unfortunate, uncalled for and inhumane, I want to state unapologetically that while more attention has been given, especially in recent times, to the security challenges facing our State, those challenges are fleeting and will not define the success of his Excellency. Though, his actions are towards quenching the fire that burn us which was a result of a failed central administration.

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In view of this, I wish to commend Mr Governor on his swift response to security issues and at this same not to be overwhelm with praises as we still have a long way to go, and all eyes is on the “super star”.

Within two years of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the State has witnessed high level of transformation, from infrastructure to human development, Welfare of the people, beautification of the environment among others.
While some will argue that it’s too early to assess the performance of this Government, I make bold to say while this administration might not be there yet, it’s important to evaluate their current performance to determine what the future hold.

In truth, one wonder how Governor Oluseyi Makinde is able to perform wonder in the State Internally Generated Revenue with 42% increase in the last one year at a time the Country witnessed the highest economic lockdown in recent time, without putting much burden on tax payers. I wish to commend the governor on this, and do hope that the fund won’t be embezzled by its official. There’s no doubt, that judicious use of the fund will contribute to the development of the State, and expand its economy.

The administration also takes pride in celebrating its achievements in agriculture with obvious evidence. This obviously in the construction of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Fasola, Oyo West Local Government Area that will be ready for Commissioning in a year’s time. Proper funding of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Ageny (OYSADA) for the youths in the State. Construction of Apete to Akufo road. Upgrade of Akufo farm settlement to Agricultural estate, among others. It’s important to note, that this heavy investment in agriculture by his Excellency is also accompany with Infrastructure to aid direct flow of farm produce to the cities.

In Education, despite the success recorded by this administration, which is also evident in the abolition of fee level by secondary school students, subvention to State Owned Institutions, 25% reduction in Lautech school fee, construction of model schools across the State, among others, despite all these, the Government has refused to honour the agreement with the students body in the payment of Scholarship and Bursary, it’s important to note that the students constituency, where I belong contributed immensely to the victory of H.E in 2019, and we will continue to talk until the agreement is honoured.

I’m aware of the several meetings with students representatives, while the agreement is yet to be fulfilled, either intentional or unintentional we hope that next year during the 3rd year anniversary, we would have a course to appreciate the Governor in fulfilment of this agreement.

I have also read in different quarters that the administration is playing politics with it that it’s been delayed intentionally towards 2023 election, I want to belthe ieve this is a rumor and not the thinking rumour Excellency. Oyo Students deserves the dividend of your good governance without prejudice to 2023 Election.

Furthermore, I commend his Excellency on the job well done on the rebuild of Akesan market. I will request at this juncture, that we need more modern market, and we have to wait until one burns before converting it to a modern market.

It might also Interest you to know that the Spare Parts market in Ibadan North Local Government need a relocation, the people might resist it at first, but it has been said that a good leader take his followers to where they ought to be not where they want to be. It’s on this note that I request you meet with the market heads and see how we can relocate the spare parts dealers, the place is congested and we should not wait till any bad thing happen before we do what is right. For a start, 30% of them can be moved.

Lastly, I wish your Excellency success in the remaining of your 2years, I do hope that you will be able to sustain your good work as the people decide come 2023.

Ajani ‘Kayode writes from Ibadan.
ajanikayode2@gmail.com.

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