Category: South West

  • Ekiti recruits 500 to strengthen Amotekun, Agro-Marshals Corps

    Ekiti recruits 500 to strengthen Amotekun, Agro-Marshals Corps

    Ekiti State Government has begun the process of recruiting over 500 personnel into Amotekun Corps, Agro-Marshals and Anti-Gracing Task Force, to enhance security of lives and property.

    The recruitment process, which is geared towards reinforcing the state’s ability to curb criminal activities, protect farmers and enforce anti-gracing laws, began in Ado-Ekiti yesterday.

    Speaking with reporters during the screening held at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Ogundana Ebenezer (rtd), said the exercise was a critical step towards beefing up security architecture of the state and expanding personnel, aimed at addressing the growing security challenges across the country, particularly in rural communities.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: Will Oyebanji break succession jinx?

    Describing the exercise as a proactive step by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to step up security of lives and property, government infrastructures and agricultural development, General Ogundana said the move underscored the state government’s dedication to enhancing operational capacity of local security outfits to combat crime, protect agricultural sector and rural communities, as well as address the security concerns related to open gracing, thereby contributing to the reduction of farmers-herders conflicts.

    He said the recruitment drive was not only a response to security threats, but also a proactive step in ensuring the realisation of government’s vision for a robust agricultural sector by strengthening security around the farms and at the grassroots.

  • BBYDI trains Oyo LG officials on transparency, citizen engagement 

    BBYDI trains Oyo LG officials on transparency, citizen engagement 

    The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), with support from the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), on Monday, May 12 hosted a capacity development workshop for local government officials in Oyo State.

    The event, held at the Local Government Staff Training School in Agodi, Ibadan, is part of BBYDI’s LocalGov2.0 initiative, which aims to promote transparent, inclusive, and digitally driven local governance across Nigeria’s Southwest region.

    The workshop comes after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. 

    BBYDI says its goal is to ensure that councils have the capacity to manage autonomy effectively and accountably.

    “Autonomy without capacity only produces chaos,” said Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, Executive Director of BBYDI. “We are here to build that capacity, grounded in transparency, civic inclusion, and results.”

    The day-long event featured technical sessions on governance mandates, citizen participation, civic technology, and local policy alignment.

    Idowu Johnson, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Ibadan, led a session on constitutional responsibilities of local governments, urging officials to shift from routine administration to community-focused development.

    Kolawole Oyerinde, a retired director with the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, addressed the need for inclusive planning and structured citizen feedback.

    Risikat Ayodele Busari, Head of Local Government Administration in Akinyele LGA, facilitated a session on aligning mandates with measurable community outcomes.

    In another session, Ademuyiwa Adeyemi David, Southwest Regional Coordinator at Tracka, introduced participants to civic tech platforms like Budeshi and Tracka.ng, which allow communities to monitor public spending and report uncompleted projects.

    “The data exists. The problem is access,” Mr David said. “These tools help citizens follow the money and demand results.”

    Read Also: Oyo Speaker visits Lanlate, supports general hospitals

    The event also marked the unveiling of two major governance publications: A Factsheet and Issue Brief titled: “Strengthening Local Governance in Southwestern Nigeria,” which examines challenges and proposes policy recommendations.

    A Needs Assessment Report based on research conducted across 49 LGAs in Oyo and Ekiti States. The report identifies systemic gaps in transparency, planning, and citizen engagement. It includes a foreword by Prof. Olajide Akanji of the University of Ibadan.

    BBYDI also introduced civic infographics and an in-progress civic technology platform that will allow residents to track local projects, follow campaign promises, and submit real-time feedback.

    The LocalGov2.0 initiative is currently being piloted in six LGAs in Oyo State, with plans to expand to other parts of the region. 

    In addition to trainings, the programme includes townhall meetings, civic education forums, and live radio programmes to promote community dialogue on governance.

  • ‎LASPA set to regulate Valet Parking

    ‎LASPA set to regulate Valet Parking

    ‎The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has concluded plans to commence the regulation of Valet Parking Services across the State to guarantee a smoother and safer environment and eliminate all forms of indiscriminate parking.

    ‎This new initiative aims to standardise Valet Parking Services operating within Lagos State, including operations conducted on public roads, curb side spaces and private spaces.

    ‎According to the General Manager, Lagos State Parking Authority, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, under the new regulation, all Valet Parking Service providers in Lagos are expected to be duly registered with LASPA.

    Read Also: Lagos Mainland, LASPARK commemorate Tree Planting Day

    She highlighted some of the registration requirements for interested companies eligibility as Valet Service Provider to include; submission of a valid Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), registration documents, proof of insurance coverage for customer vehicles, a list of employees with valid driver’s licenses, as well as police background checks for all valet drivers.

    ‎She added intending Valet Service Providers must present approved operating site plans and comprehensive safety and traffic management plans.

    ‎She noted that all Valet Service Operators will be mandated to follow a standardized operational procedures which includes, issuing receipts containing essential service details to customers, ensuring their attendants wear clearly identifiable uniforms, and restricting parking only to legally approved locations.

    ‎While stressing that all Valet staff are expected to have their LASPA permit and certification from the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI), Adelabu, assured that LASPA will conduct a regular inspection to monitor compliance.

  • Lagos APC gets Election Appeal Committee

    Lagos APC gets Election Appeal Committee

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has set up an Appeal Committee to look into protests by aggrieved aspirants, who participated in the local government primaries.

    The panel is headed by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN).

    READ ALSO: Utomi’s search for vision of good society

    Other members are Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi (Secretary), Jokotola Pelumi, former Speaker of House of Assembly, Lanre Ogunyemi, ex-state lawmaker, and Chief Chukwudi Adiukwu.

    A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, advised discontented aspirants to submit their appeals to the committee not later than noon today.

  • Ogun NOA acting director hosts brigade executives

    Ogun NOA acting director hosts brigade executives

    As part of her engagement efforts, following her appointment, the newly appointed Acting State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ogun State Directorate, Mrs. Andu Oyebisi, has hosted the executive team of Citizens Value Brigade.

    The meeting focused on exploring ways to revive and strengthen the activities of Citizens Value Brigade across the state.

    READ ALSO: Utomi’s search for vision of good society

    During the visit, the state Commander of the brigade, Mr. Rotimi Adekunbi, congratulated Mrs. Andu on her new role and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue.

    Mrs. Andu lauded the brigade for its initiative and dedication. She described their visit as timely and significant, reflecting their genuine commitment to public service and nation-building.

    The state commander was accompanied by Mr. Tajudeen Olawumi (Intelligence Officer) and Mr. Oshobu Segun (Area Commander), both of who reiterated their readiness to contribute to the renewed vision of NOA in Ogun State.

  • Govt disburses N978.62m to deceased workers’ families

    Govt disburses N978.62m to deceased workers’ families

    Lagos State Government has disbursed N978.62 million in insurance death benefits to 510 beneficiaries, offering critical financial support to families of deceased public servants.

    At the presentation at Debt Management Office, Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, led the distribution of cheques, in collaboration with LASACO Assurance PLC.

    He said the initiative underscored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s dedication to the well-being of workers and their families.

    “Today, we are giving out cheques to over 510 beneficiaries, totalling close to one billion Naira,” the commissioner said.

    He acknowledged that while some beneficiaries experienced delays, government remained committed to ensuring no one was left behind.

    Oluyomi said Lagos State workers—active or late—were fully covered by state-backed insurance programmes.

    “This is not just a policy; it’s a moral duty we owe our public servants,” he said.

    The commissioner advised beneficiaries to apply wisdom in the use of the funds.

    READ ALSO: Awka: trader vs professor

    “This support is not meant for flamboyant spending. Please use it judiciously to support your families,” he said, adding that another round of disbursement was expected in the next three months.

    Oluyomi said the state had paid over N3 billion in insurance premiums this year, covering employees and public assets.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mahmud Alao, urged recipients to consider long-term financial planning.

    “This money should be a stepping stone, not a quick fix. Think of your children and future,” he said.

    Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Femi Saheed, emphasised the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring effective implementation of government insurance policies.

    He encouraged civil servants to explore personal insurance options, to complement the state’s coverage.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Constance Ajayi, who lost her husband, thanked the state government on behalf of the recipients.

  • Makinde to launch 2025 Omituntun Free Health Mission

    Makinde to launch 2025 Omituntun Free Health Mission

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will today launch 2025 Omituntun Free Health Mission at Ibadan North East Local Government Secretariat, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said this yesterday in her office.

    She said the comprehensive medical outreach was aimed at delivering free, quality health care services to residents across the 33 local governments.

    READ ALSO: Utomi’s search for vision of good society

    Ajetunmobi said the exercise was scheduled to last for six weeks, during which a team of highly skilled medical professionals would bring health care services closer to the people at the grassroots.

    She urged residents across local governments to take full advantage of the opportunity.

    Dr. Ajetunmobi hailed Governor Makinde for his dedication to the health and well-being of the people of Oyo State.

    She noted that Omituntun Free Health Mission was a testament to the governor’s people-centred approach to governance and his vision to leave no one behind in access to quality health care.

    Services to be provided during the mission include free surgical procedures, general and specialist medical consultations, dental services, ophthalmology (eye care) services, cervical cancer screening, breast examination, vital signs check, physiotherapy services, tuberculosis screening, as well as health talks and food safety education

  • Lagos to revive N3tr idle property to boost IGR

    Lagos to revive N3tr idle property to boost IGR

    • Buildings, land, bridges, roads to be securitised

    Lagos State Government has announced plans to revive idle property estimated to worth three trillion Naira, to boost Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

    Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, disclosed this while presenting the ministry’s stewardship at the state’s 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Oluyomi said the state was focused on harnessing idle assets to support its revenue drive.

    “In the second half of the year, we will securitise these assets. This is why the Office of Valuation is critical. We have identified the assets and we are valuing them.

    “Lagos State has over N3 trillion worth of idle assets. These are resources that can be put to productive use. Our plan is to securitise these assets to improve liquidity and fund infrastructure projects,” he said.

    The commissioner listed such property to include buildings, land, bridges and roads.

    READ ALSO: Utomi’s search for vision of good society

    “These will now be used to generate the credit needed for infrastructure funding through securitisation. We have not focused on this in the past. Revenue generation will no longer rely solely on traditional means.”

    He said the government would take a tougher stance on defaulters of property tax payment.

    He said the government had plans to publicise their names and pursue a legal action.

    “We have already started publishing notices in newspapers to warn defaulting property owners. Over the past three weeks, we have issued reminders in publications.

    “Within the next one to two weeks, we will begin publishing the names of property tax defaulters. Once published, those names will be taken to court for prosecution.”

    On flood risk insurance, Oluyomi said the scheme reflected Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the welfare of residents of Lagos State.

    “Lagos is below sea level, and flooding is a recurring issue during the rainy season. This affects lives and properties. We are introducing flood risk insurance to ensure affected residents are compensated,” he said.

    The official said the state was paying premiums on behalf of such residents so that when flooding would occur, the government would be prepared to support those who would suffer losses.

    He encouraged Lagosians to register with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and obtain the card.

    He described the registration as essential for planning and development.

    “Getting the LASRRA card is like participating in a census. Knowing how many people live in Lagos whether young or old, male or female helps the government to plan effectively. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. To plan effectively, we must know who resides in Lagos. Orderliness is key.”

    The commissioner announced that Lagos State had begun issuance of a N14.82 billion green bond.

    He said the bond was the first certified by the Climate Bond Initiative for any Nigerian sub-national government.

    He said proceeds from the bond would be used to fund sectors such as health, environment, housing, science and technology, agriculture and transport.

  • Group hits Primate Ayodele over prophecy against Adelabu’s gov ambition

    Group hits Primate Ayodele over prophecy against Adelabu’s gov ambition

    A group, Oyo State Voluntary Campaigners (OSVC), has knocked Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church Lagos, for prophesying against the 2027 gubernatorial ambition of Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

    The group described Primate Ayodele as an attention seeker who specialises in gambling prophecies.

    Ayodele in an interview said: “In Oyo, there’s growing unrest. Muslims are preparing for a political showdown. The people of Oke-Ogun will challenge Ibadan’s dominance. Adebayo Adelabu cannot become governor.

    But a statement by the chairman of the group, Dr. Paul Atiba said Primate Ayodele’s prophecies are always based on selfish interests.

    He statement said: “Evidence have it that the cleric prophecies is always targeted towards politicians whose Adelabu is not exceptional.

    “He had earlier prophesied that there were only three people that can challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, Nigerians, particularly people of Oyo State should not take him serious.

    Read Also: Adebanjo, Sunny Ade, others grace Primate Ayodele’s birthday

    “Primate Ayodele varies styles of cash and carry political gospel cum prophecies, his records of false prophecies are all visible even to the blind.

    “God is not man and definitely Primate Ayodele will never be his face in choosing his anointed for Oyo state.

    “Minister Adebayo Adelabu Penkelemesi remains an anointed candidate in God’s eye and 1,000 blackmailers at vineyard or society at large will never be able to stop the divine prophecy.

    “Come 2027. The voice of the people will definitely be the voice of God.”

    “We believe the mandate God has given to Adelabu in 2027 is sacrosanct, no prophecy can change it, with God on our side, we are good to go

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    Qualifications:

    A) Applicants must have B.Sc/HND or its equivalent in any discipline.

    B) The Candidate should be able to troubleshoot on Goss machine Circuit and more.

    C) Applicants must not be more than 45 years of age.

    D)  Preferably Male

    Method of Application:

    Interested candidates should send in their applications and CV to:

    hope.recruitment2019@gmail.com using the job title and Location as the Subject of the mail.

    Application closes May18, 2025

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    Management