The wife of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, visited hospitals in the state to welcome newborns and their mothers with gifts on Christmas day.
The gesture was part of her efforts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and Governor Seyi Makinde’s birthday, which also falls on December 25.
During her visit, Mrs. Makinde presented cash gifts and various baby items to the mothers and their newborns.
The hospitals were State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, and Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo.
The first Christmas baby, a female, was born at 12:40 am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, weighing 2.5 kg. Her mother is Mrs. Suliat Salawudeen.
The second baby, a male, was born at 4:17 am at Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo, weighing 2.4 kg. His mother is Mrs. Aisha Tijani.The third baby, also a female, was born at 6:22 am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, weighing 2.4 kg. Her mother is Ikimot Enitan.
Mrs. Makinde emphasized the importance of proper parental care and upbringing, stating that it is crucial for building a better and safer society.She also encouraged parents not to let prevailing challenges in the country hinder them from giving their children the best possible care.On the Entourage of the First Lady were Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner Budget and Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Chairpersons of Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba local government and Pastor Victoria Wale Oke, wife of PFN President.
Ajia-born certified civil engineer, Seyi Oyebamiji has joined numerous well-wishers across the globe in celebrating Governor Seyi Makinde’s 57th birthday and recognizing his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of Oyo state.
In a heartfelt message, Oyebamiji praised the Governor’s people-oriented policies and leadership skills, which continue to uplift the lives of the people of the state.
“Your Excellency, your continued success is a testament to your steadfastness, dedication and vision for a prosperous Oyo. Your transformative leadership style and commitment to the actualization of the accelerated roadmap is an inspiration. On this special occasion of your 57th birthday, I wish you endless joy, divine wisdom and continued success as you lead Oyo State to greater heights,” Engr. Oyebamiji stated.
In the spirit of the festive season, Oluseyi Oyebamiji also extended warm Christmas greetings to the good people of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency. He emphasized the importance of unity, love and community development, urging all constituents to embrace the season’s message of hope and generosity.“May this Christmas season bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to every home in Egbeda/Ona-Ara. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more united atmosphere for all. Wishing you all a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” he added.
Engr. Oyebamiji reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Governor Makinde’s vision for a better Oyo State and encouraged all citizens to remain steadfast in their support for good governance and community progress.
The Osuntoki Royal Family, under the auspices of Oloye Muritala Asamu Oyelami (Mogaji Baale Osuntoki Olosun Compound, Agbeni, Ibadan) and Osuntoki-In-Council, extends its heartfelt appreciation to:
1. The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) under the leadership of Oloye (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole.
2. The entire 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival team led by Oloye Abiola Alli.We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the rich history of our progenitor, Baale Osuntoki, through the forthcoming stage play at the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
Your attendance at the presentation of Baale Osuntoki’s history is deeply appreciated.We also commend the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords Families (Warlords) under the leadership of President Oloye Adewale Ibikunle for their invaluable support during the presentation.
Thank you for your continued support and recognition of our family’s heritage.
The 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes led by Chief Abiola Alli on Sunday, 22nd December, 2024 visited the family compound of Osuntoki to receive the story of the great Ibadan warlord, Baale Osuntoki.
You will recall, that stage play is that of the long week activities of the Ibadan Cultural Festival, and as 2025 won’t be an exception, it’s the tradition of the committee to visit the next warlord family whose story will be stage-played to collect real and authentic story of their hero from the family.
The Osuntoki Royal family led by Mogaji Muritala Asamu Oyelami received the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee with joy, and gave the team the story of Maye-Balogun Osuntoki of the Olosun compound Oke Agbeni of Ibadanland.
The family promised to give all other necessary support for the success of the cultural festival, particularly the stage play. In his remark, the Chairman,2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee,Chief Abiola Alli appreciated Mogaji Muritala Asamu Oyelami, Baale Tirimisiyu Gbolagade Olaoye, Elders and the entire members of the family for the warm reception accorded the Committee members present .He also intimated them that the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival will be the 35th edition and is scheduled to hold between Thursday 8th and Sunday 18th May ,2025.He reminded the family that the Stage play is embedded in the Cultural Festival programmes to showcase the immense contributions of the respective Warlord families to the making of Ibadanland to the whole world to straighten the history and records and also serves as a veritable avenue for research work by the history students in tertiary institutions within and outside the shore of the Country. He therefore enjoined the family to take ownership of the Stage featuring Oshuntoki by partnering with the CCII for the sponsorship of the programme.
In the entourage of the Chairman were Engr. Musa Busari Akere – Secretary, 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, Prof; Lasisi Basiru – Chairman, Stage Play Sub-committee; Chief Olaide Oniyefun* – Vice Chairman, Stage Play Sub-committee; Chief (Mrs) Omogunsoye – Member, Stage Play Sub-committee; Mr. Nathaniel – Member, Stage Play Sub-committee; Saheed Oyebamiji- Asst. Secretary, 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Committee.
Representatives of Warlords Families who were present at the event are: Chief Adewale Ibikunle – President Warlords Families Chief Amusat Alesinloye – Vice President 2 Chief Abass Ikunika Balogun – Fin sec warlords and other execitive members.
From the Osuntoki Royal Family, the following were present: Mogaji Muritala Asamu Oyelami- Mogaji Osuntoki (Olosun) family Baale Tirimisiyu Gbolagade Olaoye – Baale Osuntoki Village Chief Hamzat Oyebode – Olori Ebi Osuntoki Family Alh. Rahmoni Oyebamiji – Elder in the family Asiwaju Muritala Oyegoke- Asiwaju Odo Osuntoki family Saheed Oyebamiji – Member Oloye Tanwa Oyelami- Iya Osun Aishat Oyegoke Olosun Alhaja Alake Oyemuyiwa Asamu- Secretary, Osuntoki family and others
The Iyalode Ibadan in council under the leadership of Oloye Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi – the Iyalode of Ibadanland and the entire members of the Iyalode in council are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 35 young lives at the Ibadan children’s funfair at Islamic High school Basorun in Ibadan.
We commiserate with Kabiyesi, HIM Oba Owolabi Ige Olakulehin 1, the Olubadan Of Ibadanland, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde, the Government of Oyo State, the families of the victims, the Conveners of the event, and the people of Ibadanland.
This unfortunate incident has left us in a state of shock and grief. As mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers, we can not imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims and the conveners of the event must be going through. We pray that the Almighty God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.As traditional leaders, we recognize the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and to take immediate action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.In particular, we recommend that:
1. The government and event organizers ensure that all public events, especially those involving children, adhere to strict safety protocols.
2. Regular inspections and monitoring of public events be conducted to prevent overcrowding and ensure compliance with safety standards.
3. Emergency response plans should be put in place to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an incident.We also call on parents, guardians, and caregivers to remain vigilant and ensure that their children are aware of basic safety precautions when attending public events.
Once again, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Ibadanland. May the souls of the departed children rest in peace.Signed, Oloye Dr.Ayo AlagaAjia Iyalode of Ibadanland.Secretary For: Iyalode in council.
The Omo-Ajorosun Club of Ibadanland has identified with the government and people of Oyo State, particularly Ibadan over a stampede that occurred during a children fun fair on the 18th December, 2024 leading to deaths of over 35 children and many hospitalised.
The President of the Club, Chief Engr. Sunday Gbenjo described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable one and call for investigation into the matter.
“We received with rude shock the incident that occurred at Islamic High, Basorun Ibadan in the early hours of yesterday which involved the former queen of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi as the convener of the funfair to celebrate children in this festive season, which led to a stampede leading to the death of about 35 children as at press time and several others receiving treatment. While we are aware of the swift response of the State Government in investigating the matter, we commiserate with the families of those involved and demand justice” Bashorun (Engr) Sunday Oyekanmi Gbenjo further stated that to avoid future occurrence organizers of big events of such nature must plan properly and invest in crowd management and security of the events.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has announced Tuesday 17th December,2024 for the grand commissioning of the multi-million naira energy station project donated by Mogaji Basorun Fajimi Compound, Chief Oladiran Abiodun Alabi (Yerombi).
The energy station built inside the new Olubadan palace at Oke-Aremo is to power the Palace and Ibadan House by extension.
To do the commissioning is the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who’s also the Special Guest of Honour, the Royal Father of the day is His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, Olubadan-in -Council members are the Special Guests while Chief Barr. Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, President Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes is the Chief Host.
The President-General, Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole appreciated Mogaji Basorun Fajimi Compound, Chief Oladiran Abiodun Alabi Yerombi for the kind gesture as the energy project will address power issue in the palace, promising that it will be judiciously used and properly maintained
The Royal Group also known as Egbe Omo-Oba Alade Ile Ibadan, an affiliate club of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has concluded plan to induct new members into the club in a grand style.
According to a statement made available by the Public Relations Officer of the clubs, Omo-oba Adeniran Ayodele on behalf of the President, Prince Kamikum Akewula stated that the ceremony has been scheduled to take place at the Conference Room, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo on the 21st of December, 2024.
The ceremony according to the club will also be the end of the year meeting and has been planned to be glamorous and eventful. The intending members to be inducted include: Fasina Oyewole Kazeem, Alimi Saheed,Kolade Shakur, Rasheed Adewale, Oyediran Taiwo, Basiru Abiodun Asimiyu and Kayode Ajani.
According to the tradition of the club, all inductees after being formally admitted to the group can start adding the prefix “Prince or Omo-Oba” before the mention of their names at meetings and public functions.
The stakeholders in Oja Agbe, Fiditi, Baba-ode( Akinmorin), Isale Alawe (Awe), Isale Osun and Okediji (Ilora) communities in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo state have reached an official agreement on Saturday, December 7, 2024 to put a total end to female genital mutilation in their domains.
This was the major highlight of the grand-finale of consensus building with Oyo state government community leaders and law enforcement agencies in Afijio Local Government as regards war against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Speaking at Jobele Secretariat, the Headquarter of Afijio Local Government, venue of the programme, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Center for Comprehensive promotion of Reproductive Health, Mr Oluwole Emmanuel Yelotan, said the programme which had begun since few months ago was set up to ensure that the practice of female genital cutting is gotten rid of in the society.
Mr Yelotan, who stated that the programme of eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in the prominent communities in Afijio Local Government started with a stage of dialogue and sensitization, expressed satisfaction that the programme reached an agreement stage among the community stakeholders.
While lauding the leaders of the five communities in Afijio Local Government, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Center for Comprehensive promotion of Reproductive Health, however, reminded the community leaders that, it is now a criminal offence for anyone to engage in female genital mutilation in their domains.
According to him, female genital cutting now attracts six month imprisonment, saying both the parents who took their girl child for genital cutting and the person that helped them with the genital cutting would henceforth face the wrath of justice, as stipulated in the laws of Oyo state.
Also speaking, one the facilitators of the programme and a member of Peace Wonderful Women of Impact International, Pastor Christianah Omonike Aderibigbe, thanked the stakeholders of communities in Afijio Local Government for their cooperation to ensure the success of the programme.
Mrs Aderibigbe noted that as signposts signifying an end to Female Genital Mutilation have been mounted in all the areas in Afijio Local Government of Oyo state, there is no more excuse for cutting girl child genitals in the Local Government.
In her reactions at the event, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer/FGM Coordinator, Oyo state Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Bilikisu Olawoyin appreciated the community leaders’ perseverance during the programme.
Mrs Olawoyin also urged them to comply with the agreement reached on exterminating Female Genital Mutilation, saying Afijio Local Government should lead by example in Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole in putting an end to cutting the genitals of a girl child.
While thanking the Oyo state government and their co-organizers of the programme, the community leaders, among whom were; Chief Bamiji Faremi, the Otun Oniware of Iwareland and Chief Mrs Rachael Adefunmike, the Iyalode of Fiditiland, described the programme as an eye-opening event.
They also promised to go and disclose what they learnt during the programme to the people in their communities by educating them on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation.
Parts of the highlights of the event were; issuance of certificates on eradication of Female Genital Mutilation to community leaders and community leaders’ signing of agreement with security agencies to wage war against Female genital cutting.
At the event to witness the epoch-making programme organized by Peace Wonderful Women of Impact International in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Oyo State Government as well as Center for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health were; health officials, security operatives and pressmen.
Honourable Kolawole Arowolo, the councillor representing Ward 9 Egbeda Local Government, demonstrated his commitment to grassroots development and the well-being of his constituents by empowering over 80 residents during the Ward 9 PDP general meeting yesterday.
The empowerment initiative, which cost over ₦2 million, included cash gifts and essential items distributed to various groups in the ward. Each beneficiary received a ₦10,000 cash envelope alongside a gas burner valued at ₦30,000. This impactful gesture was aimed at supporting small businesses, households, and the general livelihood of Ward 9 residents. The beneficiaries included: Ward 9 PDP members, Members of the Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT) and the Nigerian Society of Professional Tailors (NSPT), Hairdressers, Community leaders, including Baales and other members of Ward 9.
During the event, Honourable Kolawole Arowolo assured beneficiaries that this initiative was only the beginning. He pledged that similar empowerment programs would be held consistently throughout his tenure under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
“This is a promise fulfilled, and it will not be the last. I am committed to ensuring that everyone in Ward 9 benefits from this administration,” he said. The empowerment program was attended by the acting PDP chairman of Egbeda Local Government, who commended Honourable Arowolo for his dedication to the party’s values and the development of his ward. The Ward 9 PDP executives were also present, expressing their gratitude and encouraging members to continue supporting the party and its leadership. Beneficiaries lauded Honourable Arowolo for his generosity and vision.
“This is a rare act of kindness, and it has come at the right time,” said a member of the NUT. Another beneficiary, a Baale, described the initiative as a step in the right direction to bridge the gap between leaders and the people they serve.
