Category: South West

The Republic of Czech has donated medical equipment to communities utilising a health facility in Ijebu East Local Government of Ogun State.

The donation of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by the Eastern European country was part of its partnership to assist communities impacted by the Corona Virus pandemic.

Czech’s ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Zdenek Krejei, said the country reached out to the Ogun community as part of its bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in expanding public health support

He said Nigeria and Czech Republic share common economic values of expanding business and trade relations for the benefits of their people in areas bordering on manufacturing of equipment, interventions on management of epidemics and other matters.

The intervention by the Czech Republic was in collaboration with the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of PrimePort Logistics Ltd, Otunba Femi Adewunmi.

The ambassador said the initiative by Adewunmi to attract international intervention to the communities in the provision of medical facilities would resolve the challenges associated with health care with more sophisticated equipment.

Speaking at the unveiling of the facility at the General Hospital in Ijebu – Ife, Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the intervention by the Czech Republic to deepen health services in the state.

Represented by his deputy, Niomot Salako Oyedele, an engineer, he described the gesture by the Czech Government as part of the harvest of public private partnership initiatives, which is needed to improve the quality of life of the people.

He said the government would push for such partnerships, which would improve health care delivery.

The governor spoke of plans to facilitate training for the personnel, who would man the equipment.

 

 

A group, the Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID), has passed a vote of confidence in Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his astute leadership and good governance that have brought economic growth to the state.

 

This is contained in a statement its spokesperson, Ayotomiwa Adebayo, who asserted that having assessed the laudable and sustainable projects executed within his two years in office, the body expressed satisfaction that Governor Makinde had performed well, in line with his campaign promises to the people of Oyo State, as his achievements were remarkable.

 

Adebayo, a lawyer, said that Makinde had succeeded in all sectors, namely education, health, security, economy, infrastructure, agriculture/agribusiness, youth and sports development, where past administrations had failed.

 

The group urged well-meaning Nigerians in the diaspora, local and foreign investors to embrace the great business opportunities the Makinde administration was offering to make Oyo State attractive as an economic environment for investment.

 

OID Coordinator in Hungary, Mr Adebowale Fafore, also commended Governor Makinde for the success recorded in the recent Agribusiness Summit held, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan which brought together the key actors in the agribusiness space globally to showcase the potential for agribusiness investment by private sectors, offers prospective investors and stakeholders a platform to better understand investment opportunities in agribusiness.

 

He added Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership has rejuvenated agriculture as an alternative revenue generation in the wake of dwindling oil revenue in the global markets, adding that, “As part of the effort to engage, especially the youths in agriculture, Governor Makinde set up Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness Programme (YEAP) to impact youths through agricultural value chains, addressing youth unemployment by channeling them towards productive ventures.”

 

Also, a member of the OID executive in Germany, Mr Tunde Olarinoye, extolled Governor Makinde’s achievement in the area of the education sector where massive investment has been put in place at all levels to revive education in the state.

 

“His vision of transforming Oyo State to education tourism hub in Nigeria is yielding positive results as over 50,000 out-of-school children are now enjoying qualitative education in the state. We salute Governor Makinde’s courageous abilities to take the responsibility to see that all children can get access to free qualitative education irrespective of their family income. We also appreciate him for the prompt payment of salaries to civil servants, while pensioners receive their gratuity as at when due.”

 

The OID Coordinator in Ireland, Mr Kehinde Oluwatosin, TPL, acknowledged Governor Makinde for addressing the ecosystem infrastructural deficit that hampered economic and sustainable development in Oyo State. Oluwatosin expressed his enthusiasm about the unprecedented construction of four gigantic world-class bus terminals, proposed construction of the Ibadan Dry Port project, the proposed development of a megacity called Ilu-Tuntun Business District, proposed upgrade of Ibadan Airport to International standards to boost transportation system are among many other sustainable projects embark on by Governor Makinde in the State, factoring the impact of global climate change.

 

The OID Coordinator in Australia, Mr Adeniyi Adetoro gave Governor Seyi Makinde a well over 85 per cent score to governor in his handling of economic transformation in Oyo State despite the COVID-19 pandemic which affected economic prosperity globally.

 

He further expressed his delight in Governor Makinde’s financial prudence and efficacious leadership virtue coupled with his transparency, accountability, and openness policies adopted, which resulted in the IGR rapid growth of 42 per cent, amounting to excess of N12 billion annually compared to what was being generated and declared by the past administration.

 

“This demonstrates Governor Makinde’s capacity and tenacity to proffer plausible solutions to various challenges confronting the state by meeting the needs of the citizens without mortgaging the future generations,” he added.

 

OID executive in the UK, Dr Dapo Babalola, stated that Governor Makinde is sparing no effort in ensuring that the good people of Oyo State have limitless access to a good healthcare system, noting that, “Adequate provision of world-class medical  and functional healthcare facilities have been provided in all zones to improve the health and well-being of the citizens in the state.”

 

He lauded Governor Makinde’s healthcare initiative in ensuring that everyone can access free healthcare within one kilometer in their various domains in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3) to achieve universal health coverage for all.

 

OID executive in Canada, Mr Oluwatosin Adegoke, salutes Governor Makinde’s effort in reviving sports development and his huge investment in sports. He indicated that the remodeling and rehabilitation of Lekan Salami Sports Complex Adamasingba, Ibadan, and other mini stadia and training pitches in all zones of the State have begun to yield good results.

 

He further expressed his admiration for Governor Makinde in taking as many youths as possible off the streets as another way of economic inclusion and expansion of good governance in Oyo State, empowering and giving millions of young people the chance to become entrepreneurs, and self-employed. The recent promotion of Shooting Stars Club 3SC to the Nigerian ‘Premier League’ is an attestation to Governor Makinde’s performance and commitment to promoting sports in the state.

 

OID executive in the UK, Barrister George Badejo-Adegbenga, described Governor Seyi Makinde as a promise keeper and a record-breaker in fulfilling his campaign promises to the good people of Oyo State, who are now enjoying the dividends of democracy since the resumption of office.

 

He said, Governor Makinde remains a role model in Nigeria, that is worthy of emulation and that his efforts of moving the state from poverty to prosperity within a short space of time in office, through his ‘Oyo State Roadmap Accelerated Development Plan 2019 – 2023’ that is tied to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are laudable.

 

Barrister Badejo-Adegbenga affirmed that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is displaying what can only be regarded as a remarkable example of effective leadership. “If 80 per cent of our leaders are like Governor Makinde in mindset and motivation, Nigeria will be an attractive country for many investors local and international,” he stated.

 

He then complimented Governor Makinde’s bold initiatives and decision-making policy to restore the state’s economic growth, reshape the public sector investment and rebuild public infrastructure services.

 

According to the group in the release, Oyo State Honourables and members of the State House of Assembly were highly commended for their support, backing, and believing in the leadership qualities of Governor Makinde to honour his democratic mandate, fulfill his campaign promises to build a strong economy, deliver first-class public services, put the citizens and their welfare first over politics.

 

The group salute Governor Makinde’s political will, wisdom, and noble instincts to make deliberate decisions that affect the lives of ordinary citizens positively and his can-do attitude to unite the State by delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

 

In the same vein, OID executive in the UK, Mr Samson Oloyede, celebrated Governor Makinde for his landmark contribution as the secretary of the national convention organising committee at the just concluded PDP convention that seamlessly produced newly elected national executive members of the party. He noted that Governor Makinde is undoubtedly PDP’s ‘star boy’ as attested to by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

 

Mr Oloyede also applauded Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership for the emergence of the Western Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps to complement the effort of conventional security agencies in tackling crimes and criminalities in Oyo State.

 

“We acknowledge Governor Makinde for making Oyo State streets safer by fixing the security architecture crisis with a clear plan to protect lives and property of the citizens in the State. We sincerely thank him for giving investors, businesses the security assurance and confidence to invest across the state,” he added.

 

Mr Oloyede indicated that the recent Leadership Excellence Award on security and youths empowerment voted by Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora won by Governor Makinde justified his outstanding performance in the area of security in the state.

 

OID executive, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mrs Rashidat Ajayi-Adegbola, stated categorically that the group is very confident that Governor Makinde is fulfilling his campaign promises, delivering his people’s mandate and the dividends of democracy for the betterment of all, urging all citizens of Oyo State to continue to support Governor Makinde in his effort to transforming the state to an enviable height.

 

The spokesperson, Barrister Adebayo emphasised that as a result of Governor Makinde’s sterling performance, the group passed a vote of confidence on him and pledge their unwavering loyalty and support for his administration as he is working tirelessly in delivering his campaign promises to the good people of Oyo State.

 

“Governor Makinde is the epitome of a leader whose integrity, honesty, and selfless service to mankind have been a source of inspiration and hope to Nigerians both at home and abroad,” he added.

 

“Governor Makinde was commended for his effort to turn Oyo State into a number one investment destination in Nigeria, where investors are guaranteed good returns on their investments,” the spokesperson said.

 

A Kwara State first-class monarch, Alhaji Mohammed Kawu, at the weekend canvassed the establishment of a trust fund by private organisations and wealthy Nigerians, to tackle insecurity.

He urged private organisations and wealthy individuals to assist the government in tackling insecurity and unemployment, saying: “It is an open fact that government alone cannot do it.”

Kawu, who is the Emir of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government, said that such fund, when established, should be managed by people with incorruptible track record.

The monarch made the suggestion in Lafiagi at a security summit organised by Lafiagi Descendants Union.

He said that as traditional rulers and critical stakeholders, monarchs will do “all within their capacity to further maintain peace and stability in Lafiagi and Kwara State at large.”

 

 

 

Authorities of the Catholic Church-owned institution, Augustine University (AUI), Ilara-Epe, Ogun State, have announced its readiness to hold the third convocation of the institution on Thursday.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, who led the Registrar, Mrs. Margaret Aziba, and other top officials of the university to address reporters on the convocation, said the school was ready to produce another set of graduates.

He said the church and the institution’s management were optimistic to set a new record through the coming convocation and the growth it had witnessed in the last six years.

Odetunde said 45 students will graduate on December 2, adding that other activities, including, a public lecture by the keynote speaker, Edward Okpa, have been lined up to make the convocation, which coincides with the sixth year anniversary of the university, a memorable one.

He said faith-based and other private tertiary institutions have helped the Federal Government in the growth of education, especially by promoting morals among youths.

Speaking about the development of the school, Odetunde noted that besides the productivity of the students, AUI had augmented the effort of its proprietors by generating income through its farm unit, which produced the best gari in the country, fish farm and AUI bottled water, among other initiatives.

“On academics, AUI has experienced growth in the last six years. It began operation with 13 programmes across nine departments and got approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to run additional seven programmes in 2021, including Mass Communication, Political Science, Biotechnology, Fisheries, Cyber Security and Information Technology, among others,” he said.

 

Lagos State Government says it is elevating the prominence of the coconut product to showcase the huge cultural heritage of the Badagry people to the world through the annual Agunkefest festival.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu,

said this at the weekend at the 9th edition of Coconut Festival 2021 Agunkefest in Badagry, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the festival is: “Coconut Sufficient for Economic Diversification and Tourism Development in Nigeria”.

According to Bonu, the objective of this festival is to create increased awareness about coconut, its importance and viability in terms of economic value in addition to its huge tourism potential.

Read Also: Nigeria, others’ coconut revenue in mixed fortune

“The ministry realised that the coconut festival, which has its agricultural impact, can also be used as a veritable tool to market Badagry and Lagos as a destination of choice in the area of coconut plantation.

“The festival is also aligned with domestic tourism initiative, which is currently being driven by the ministry across different local government areas in the state in which Badagry is part of.

“The ministry realised the need to start marketing the arts, craft, festival, attraction and heritage sites that are peculiar to different communities in Lagos.

“The intention is to make all the communities in the state viable in the area of tourism, arts and culture through which they will be able to contribute to the growth and development of the state,” he said.

Bonu hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unending support to initiatives like this, which had the potential of contributing significantly to tourism through the ministry.

 

 

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has said his administration is working hard to exploit and develop the critical sectors of the economy – agriculture, tourism and mining – to rescue it from overdependence on federal allocation and turn Osun to economic hub of the Southwest.

He said that Osun was blessed with enormous potential buried in its soil, adding that the state government had begun efforts to exploit the resources and translate them to wealth.

The governor spoke at the weekend during a broadcast to mark the third year anniversary of his administration.

He noted that the government’s efforts were yielding positive results, with gold production set to begin soon, just as he declared that the government had maintained fidelity with its electoral promises.

Oyetola said the construction of Olaiya flyover in Osogbo had reached 85 per cent completion and would be inaugurated soon.

The project was launched in February to ease the growing traffic on the axis and reduce accidents.

The governor said the government was rehabilitating roads across the nine federal constituencies to improve road network, open up the rural areas and ease movement of people and their produce to ensure rapid socio-economic development.

He said that the government had sustained the building of major road projects inherited from the last administration, adding:

“We will continue to fund the dualisation of Gbongan-Akoda Dual Carriage Way, as well as the Old Garage (Osogbo)-Ikirun-Ila-Odo-Erinle, which, together, are federal roads spanning 66.8 kilometres.

“We have also rehabilitated and constructed many other roads across the state. Among these roads are: Ada-Igbajo road, Osogbo-Kelebe-Iragbiji road and Akindeko-Awosuru link road via Adejumo Street with Oremeji spur, Akinlade Street, Adewale Street with loop to WAEC road all in Osogbo; Army Barack (Ede)-Ara-Ejigbo township road, Moro-Yakoyo-Ipetumodu-Asipa-Ife/Ibadan Expressway Junction Road and Ereja Roundabout-and Ereguru-Isaare-Oke Oye-Sabo (Irojo)-Ilesa/Akure Expressway Junction.

“Others are Iloro/Aganun/Abiri road, Itaasin (St. Stephen Church)-Our Lady School-Police Divisional Headquarters, Famia Road, Nike Gallery-Ido-Osun Township airport with palace spur, Ikirun-Eko-Ende road and Gbogan Township road to mention but a few. We shall soon complete Eko-Ende road.”

Read Also: Oyetola releases N708m for pensioners 

To further enhance easy flow of human traffic, goods and services, and to deliver socio-economic development, Oyetola said the government had started the rehabilitation of  roads, including Lawyer Atanda road in Iwo, Ila-Arandun-Kwara Boundary road, as well as the construction of access road to Fountain University, Osogbo.”

He said the government had concluded arrangement to begin work on the construction/rehabilitation of roads in different parts of the state, including Iree, Inisa, Ife, Ijesa land, Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun, Orolu, Ikire, Oba Ile and Oba Oke.

“Our quest for rapid infrastructural development has enjoyed significant fillip through the creative adoption of the Alternative Project Funding model to execute projects. Efforts will continue on the rehabilitation of Osogbo-Iwo Road with a view to reconstructing it fully. We shall also be rehabilitating Oyan-Otan road soon. As soon as we have access to more funds, other roads will also be considered,” Oyetola said.

The governor said that his administration was collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure the timely completion of the Ido-Osun airport.

“Thankfully, our collaborative effort, through our Ministry of Works and Transport and the Nigerian Air Force, is yielding positive results towards developing the Ido-Osun Airport corridor. Work has already commenced for the setting up of an Air Force base in our state. Among other things, this base will house a research centre, an Air Force barracks and a hanger.

“The Nigerian Air Force is also establishing the School of Basic and Remedial Studies in our state through its Air Force Institute of Technology. We are indeed grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, for this kindness,” he said.

In the health sector, Oyetola said his administration had renovated general hospitals and also revitalised over 300 of the 332 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) spread across the state, which he said, are serving the people.

“The remaining ones are at various stages of completion and will be inaugurated very soon,” he added.

“The building of the 120-bed ward at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, is nearing completion, while that of the 30 units of doctors’ quarters have been completed and will soon be inaugurated. We have instituted the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) to deliver affordable health care to our workers while offering free health services to the vulnerable under the scheme,” the governor said.

Determined to improve the standard of learning and encourage academic excellence in the tertiary institutions owned by the Ogun State Government, Governor Dapo Abiodun has said his administration has approved N200million as Annual State Education Intervention Fund.

He endowed the best graduating student’s award for one million Naira annually in honour of his late father, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun, who died on August 2.

The governor spoke at the weekend at the 12th convocation of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijebu-Ode.

Abiodun, who stressed the importance of education and the need to fund it, said his administration had approved the rehabilitation of internal and access roads of tertiary institutions and the purchase of buses and other necessary things for the institutions.

He said: “We have approval of N200million as Annual State Education Intervention Fund for the development of infrastructure in state-owned tertiary institutions.

“We have approved the rehabilitation of internal and access roads of tertiary institutions and the purchase of buses and other necessary things for our tertiary institutions.

”We have also approved scholarships for outstanding students in Ogun State tertiary institutions, approval for the payment of bursary to Ogun State indigenes in tertiary institutions across the country, as well as approval for Ogun State Education Intervention Fund (OGSEIF), as a Special Intervention Fund for the education sector.”

The governor acknowledged the steady growth of TASUED, which, according to him, has grown to connote the state’s symbol of academic excellence, honour, nobility and the flagship of University of Education in Nigeria.This, he noted, was achieved by teaching the curriculum subject contents and the pedagogy for effective transfer of knowledge.

Read Also: AfCTA will enhance employment, wealth generation, says Abiodun

Abiodun noted that since transitioning from a College of Education and starting with only 25 PhD holders on its permanent academic workers’ list, TASUED has grown to about 250 and from no professor to 53 home-grown full professors running 33 PhD programmes and 43 undergraduate programmes.

He said the ongoing massive infrastructural rehabilitation of public schools in all parts of Ogun State was not only to provide a conducive ambience for the teaching-learning process, but also to make the teaching profession attractive and more professional.Pledging his administration’s commitment to education, the governor, on behalf of his late father, made a donation of N1million Endowment Fund for the overall best graduating student every year.

He urged the graduating students to see their achievements as the starting point for achieving greater heights in future, enjoining them to think outside the box of what they could do to become employers and not add to the growing rate of unemployment.

“As you go into the world to contribute your quota, you should remember that you are now transitioning into becoming shapers of other destinies.

By your graduation today, as teachers, you now have the responsibility towards ensuring that the younger generation is also well developed in character and learning. Be wise, responsible, industrious, dependable, humble and always portray positive character known of a worthy model,” Abiodun said.

The acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, said the school had embarked on restructuring to enable it produce high quality and well-rounded professionals that could be compared with their peers anywhere in the world.He said apart from sustaining the growth of the institution by ensuring accreditation of all programmes, the management has embarked on the construction 15 housing units, while the school has been designated as the health facility for COVID-19 for students, workers and the host community.

In a convocation lecture titled:  ‘Information and Communication Technology in the New World Normal, Envisioning Teacher Education in 2021’, the Group Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Africa PLC, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, noted that Nigeria missed out in the first two industrial revolutions, was still trying to catch up with its peers in Africa and Asia, adding that it was time for the nation to brace in the fourth revolution so as not to miss out in future.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the Best Overall Graduating Student, Mr. Adeniyi Ogunyale, thanked the institution for the undergraduate work study scheme, which had helped indigent students to realise their education aspirations.Highlights of the event included the conferment of honorary doctoral awards on the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde, Olugbenle; Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel PLC, Mr. Ogunsanya.

A socio-economic and community development advocate and President, Gbenga Akinwande Foundation, Engr. Gbenga Akinwande has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to stimulate the economy of the state to address the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country.

He made this remark while unveiling the five (5) zebras (pedestrians) crossings executed by Gbenga Akinwande Foundation, the first of its kind in Ayetoro.

He stressed that the fundamentals of Nigeria democracy today are in danger due to hunger and socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.

He implored Abiodun to do more to assuage the bitter feelings of the electorate who are hard hit by the economic hardship.

Akinwande, who attested to the numerous giant strides of the Dapo Abiodun led administration, applauded the governor for his foresight tackling a myriad of problems confronting the state”, he added.

He solicited the cooperation of all the good citizens of the state to support the government to achieve the onerous task of nation building.

 

Three persons have been found dead inside a toilet at their residence at Aralusi quarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The victims, two lovers and their friend, were believed to have been murdered.

Names of the victims were given as Ojo Akinro, his girlfriend, Mary lgwe and Lamidi Sheriff.

They were allegedly killed and their bodies locked up in the toilet to decompose by the killers.

Mary, a nurse, was said to be pregnant at the time she was killed.Bodies of the victims were discovered after several calls put to their cell phones went unanswered.

Witnesses said relatives of the victims broke the door and found their bodies inside the toilet.

According to the witness, “This is a case of murder, the victims must have been silenced over a failed deal. You know all these young boys and girls are into so many shady deals.

“ Their killers came through the back door, murdered them and decided to lock up their bodies inside the toilet to decompose. The back door was met opened. Their laptops , telephones and other gadgets were still intact inside their flat when some of their friends broke down the front door to enable them enter into their flat.

Spokesman for the Ondo Police Command, DSP Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the incident. According to her, “This is a case of murder and police detectives have commenced investigation.”