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Tag: Abiola Ajimobi

  • LG Polls: We won’t impose candidates – Ajimobi

    LG Polls: We won’t impose candidates – Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has assured members of the All Progressive Congress ( APC ) in the state that the party leadership would not impose candidates in the May 12 local government election.

    The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday in Iseyin at an empowerment programme organised by Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo North).

    He said that the party leadership in state would abide by the decision of the majority on the process to select party’s candidates.

    Some members of the party in the state had on Monday besieged the party’s state secretariat in Ibadan with placards, alleging plans by the leadership to impose candidates.

    “We won’t impose candidates for the forthcoming local government election. I am appealing to you at every local government council area to come together and work in unity so that we can present a common candidate.

    “There are types of primary election, which could be direct or indirect. The direct type allows party members to come together to choose, while the indirect allows the election through delegates.

    “I want you to talk to yourselves on your choice, I will be okay by your decision,” he said.

    Ajimobi lauded members of the senatorial district on the choice of Sen. Buhari as their representative, saying his qualities reflected in the standard of the empowerment programme he organised.

    Buhari, in his remarks, said that the effort was to ensure the people of the senatorial district benefit dividends of democracy.

    The lawmaker said it was the second of such empowerment programmes, apart from the various other projects executed in the district.

    He assured the people of quality representation, saying he been very active in the performance of his legislative duties in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

    Among the items distributed were cars, motorcycles, refrigerators, sewing machines and other equipments.

    Meanwhile, the party in the state has warned aspirants against blackmail, noting that such would do nothing good to the party.

    The party gave the warning in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olawale Sadare and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday.

    It described the allegations of planned imposition of candidates as a figment of the imagination of the protesters and their sponsors.

    The party urged the public to regard it as cheap blackmail antics to cause unnecessary tension.

    “We are indeed embarrassed at the level which decorum was thrown into the air by these set of people, whom we identify as APC members in the state.

    “Peaceful and purposeful protests are some of the essentials of democracy, but when cheap blackmail is involved, it becomes condemnable.

    “The allegation of planned imposition of candidates is not only a hoax but also something that should not feature in the present scenario,” it stated.

    The APC said that its state executive committee led by Chief Akin Oke has earned itself a reputation for upholding the sanctity of internal democracy as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

    It said that the governor has also demonstrated personal commitment to the ideals of the party.

    According to the party, “the delay in the release of guidelines by the party was caused by the new development explained to all stakeholders by OYSIEC at a meeting last Wednesday.

    “The stakeholders meeting indicated that the recent delineation of wards exercise done in the state would be implemented at the May 12 poll.

    “The implication is that additional wards have been created but they have not been made public.

    “It then became imperative to wait on OYSIEC which had promised to release the map and necessary documents this week to guide all participating political parties.”

    NAN

  • Aggrieved Oyo APC members protest alleged imposition by Ajimobi

    Aggrieved Oyo APC members protest alleged imposition by Ajimobi

     

    Scores of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo state on Monday,  protested against what they described as planned imposition of candidates by the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi ahead of the May 12th local government election in the state.

    The aggrieved members, who stormed the Oke-Ado State Secretariat of the party which also doubles as the campaign office of the governor since early hours of Monday, insisted that there will be no local government election in the party without free, fair and credible primary which will encompass all groups within the party from wards to local governments.

    However, the state party Chairman, Chief Akin Oke said there is no tangible reason why some groups in party could decide to protest an invisible list of candidates.

    Chief Oke while reacting to the protest alleged that those protesting were being misguided by some disgruntled elements in the party, those who do not wish the party well.

    But , adamant aggrieved members who claimed that list of aspirants were being manipulated , alleged that the governor has perfected plans to substitute the delegates’ list with his own people so that only those who are loyal to him can emerge as candidates of the party.

    Read Also: Hold APC liable for killings in Nigeria – Secondus

    The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions such as “Stop imposition of candidates Ajimobi”, “APC do not belong to SENACO alone”, “No  credible list, no election” etc .among other unprintable words .

    They blocked the popular Molete-Oke Ado- Dugbe Road for several hours , leading to traffic gridlock in the area.

    It took concerted efforts of the men of the joint state security outfit, code named “Operation Burst”  to bring the situation under control.

    Later, the State Secretary of the party, Mr. Mojeed Olaoya who was asked to speak on the protest accused two leaders of the party –   former Special Adviser on Political Matter to the governor,  Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle and  ex- Chairman, Caretaker Committee for Ibadan North West local government, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun of orchestrating the crisis in the party.

    The state scribe while speaking further said he was surprised that journalists have bombarded the secretariat to monitor the protest as he accused them of being biased.

    Olaoya said “When the governor was here to address party members on the proposed local government election, none of you were here, now that some members of the party that have benefitted immensely from the party, Fatai Ibikunke and Wasiu Olatunbosun who have benefited from the party are now sponsoring some people against the party. “

  • Ajimobi, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others celebrate Ayo Afolabi at 70

    Ajimobi, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others celebrate Ayo Afolabi at 70

     

    Governors, senators, political leaders, friends and associates poured encomiums on a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ayo Afolabi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital as he attained the age of 70 years yesterday.

    The event, which was organized by Afolabi’s friends, was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    Two serving governors – Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State – led the pack as they took turns to shower encomiums on the celebrator, who is the Director of Publicity of the party in Southwest. Their Ogun and Osun states counterparts were represented by Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Moshood Adeoti, respectively.

    Ajimobi described Afolabi as a lucky man who epitomizes progressivism politically and seamlessness socially. The governor pointed out that Afolabi is so accommodating and very humble, stressing that he is an exemplary man.

    As a strong member of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Ajimobi said Afolabi, like his other colleagues in the group, is a committed progressive who is godly.

    When he took his turn, Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the celebrator for his consistence in progressive politics, saying he never left the fold of the progressives for once.

    He commended him for his contributions to progressive politics and activism in Nigeria and advised him to slow down, now that he is 70 years old.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said Afolabi is dear to so many of them in progressive politics in so many ways.

    Read Also: Alaafin, Ajimobi’s wife,  Afolabi bags ACU honors

    He said the only way to summarize his personality is simply to describe him as a good person. Fayemi said no one who had the opportunity to work with him can deny that, adding that he is a beneficiary of Afolabi’s goodness.

    He further described him as a life-long leader of the party, a mentor, teacher and good friend.

    Delivering Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s goodwill message for the celebrator, Mrs Onanuga said Afolabi has always been a man to be emulated, stressing that he has contributed a lot to political development in Nigeria, especially, Southwest Nigeria.

    In a personal letter read on behalf of Aregbesola to the celebrator, the governor affirmed that Afolabi remains a national figure to be emulated, adding that he is a humble, enterprising and selfless man who lives an exemplary life and steadfast in his commitment.

    A lecture entitled: “Aging and the Future of Yoruba Race” was delivered at the event by Prof. Isaac Albert of the University of Ibadan.

    At the event were senators Monsurat Sunmonu, Babafemi Ojudu, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolurin, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, who was the chairman, Committee of friends, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, and chairmen of the APC in Southwest states among others.

    Afolabi expressed gratitude to God for attaining the new age. He said he was overwhelmed with the huge love shown him by friends, family and co-politicians within the progressive fold.

     

  • All set for Ajimobi’s son’s wedding

    All set for Ajimobi’s son’s wedding

    If the hope is for the country to one day become a nation of tribes united by love and complementing one another, then the families of Kano and Oyo state governors are playing their part to make this dream a reality. Fatima, daughter of Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Idris, the only son of Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, will be getting married soon.

    The two lovebirds from two ethnic divides only revealed their relationship to the public a few months ago. And since the revelation, they have been speeding at a thousand miles per hour on the road to matrimonial bliss.

    Their engagement ceremony in November was a grand affair witnessed by 11 governors. And just a few days ago, the Ajimobi clan was out in full force as they stormed Kano State Government House to perform the Lefe ceremony for the bride. They left no stone unturned in their bid to impress the bride and her family as they came fully loaded.

    The bride was a picture of bliss as she received 27 customised Louis Vuitton travel boxes from her imminent in-laws.

  • Only true federalism can liberate Nigeria — Ajimobi

    Only true federalism can liberate Nigeria — Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said that only the practice of true federalism can liberate Nigeria from its current challenges.

    Ajimobi said this on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at the Government House, Ibadan.

    He said that the nation would have achieved a lot in terms of growth and development, if true federalism was being practiced.

    “We are not practicing true federalism in Nigeria. The last time we practiced it was during the time of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “The issue of federalism has nothing to do with ethnicity but a fight between the wealthy and poor people.

    “The APC promised to practice true federalism but yet to do so. I believe that a continuous advocacy for true federalism will definitely yield the desired results soon.’’

    On the issue of cattle colony, the governor said his administration would only support ranching.

    “Today, many countries across the world do not engage in cattle herding any longer; they have all embraced ranching which has many advantages.

    Read Also: Oyo CJ to reassign Olubadan’s case against  Ajimobi

    “Herding is a business and everyone who engages in such should make adequate provision for his or her business to grow without involving the Federal Government.

    “If we provide land for cattle colony who will provide land for poultry and pig farmers?  In Oyo State, we won’t allow cattle to roam about.’’

    On the issue of state police, he noted central system of policing was a ruse, adding that most countries have state police.

    He decried a situation where governors were described the Chief Security Officers of their respective states but lacked control of of the security apparatus.

    Ajimobi thanked the Alaafin for being very supportive of his administration.

    Earlier, Adeyemi commended the governor for raising the bar of governance in the state, urging him to ensure the enthronement of a worthy successor.

    “We appreciate the governor for his forthrightness on the issue of standing for the right of the downtrodden, especially the people of his state.

    “Federal Government does not own land; it belongs to the state.

    “If truly we are practicing federalism, the Federal Government should not be collecting Value Added Tax on businesses in Ibadan while the state struggles to provide facilities for the same businesses.

    “Our own people are not cattle rustlers. We vehemently say now that we stand against cattle colony. We support our governor on his stand on ranching and against colony,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • PHOTO: Governor Ajimobi with the President George Opong Weah

    PHOTO: Governor Ajimobi with the President George Opong Weah

    BILATERAL HANDSHAKE: Governor Abiola Ajimobi with the new Liberian President, Ambassador George Opong Weah, at the Liberia House in Monrovia, earlier in the week.

  • No room for herdsmen/farmers clash in Oyo, Police warn

    No room for herdsmen/farmers clash in Oyo, Police warn

    The Oyo state Police Command yesterday called for peaceful coexistence between the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers, stressing that there is no vacancy for bloodshed in the state.

    The Police Command who read riot act to all who are planning to cause disharmony in the state, appealed to such trouble maker to either leave the state or be prepared to face unpleasant consequences .
    Addressing a security interactive forum  organised by the state Police Command, the state Commissioner of police , Mr. Abiodun Odude said ” we have to organise this meeting so that we can address some issues that are affecting our farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria and we have to take this proactive step in this state so that the existing peaceful atmosphere will not be hindered .”

    Odude said “Oyo state is a very peaceful state and we must make sure we do a lot of things in making sure we are having a peaceful society and that is the reason why we are here today.

    “We must make sure that we are doing  series of meetings with both the farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in the state so that we can address alot of things that could have cause  serious crisis within them, once we are meeting with them some serious issues that can affect both parties will be discussed and settled amicably and in a peaceful manner without shedding blood.”

    while speaking at the forum,  the special adviser to the state governor on security matters , who also represent governor Abiola Ajimobi at the event,  Mr. Segun Abolarinwa said “I commend the state police commissioner for organizing this kind of summit and it is because you are very proactive. The peace we are all enjoying in the state is a collective efforts of all the stakeholders in the state as led by the Oyo state police command.

    He further said “We don’t want what is happening in others states in the country to happen here and that is why this meeting is very crucial at this time. You can all see that we don’t have a problem with the NURTW and also the level of robbery and other crime have drastically reduced so, everybody are sleeping with their  eyes closed and we don’t want anybody to import what does not belong to us here and started creating problem for us, that is why I said this meeting is crucial and we must appreciate the organisers of the stake holders meeting.

    “I have the privilege to have lived within the Hausa/Fulani people in Ejigbo when I was so young then and people are living in peace together and it was the Gah fulani that we use to go and buy wara { Milk Cake}  and all sorts and we are all living together in peaceful environment,  so I don’t want anyone to bring or import any problem that is not ours here.

    “we just have to be living together in peace in  Nigeria because we are so many and we have to learn how to tolerate one another , for we have no where to run to,  God forbids if we have crisis. Our neighbours in right hand which is Benin Republic are just about four million ,  so, we with our population as many as we are,  where are we likely to run to if we have crisis within us? So we need to embrace peace within us and shun all forms of violence.

    “We must all allow peace to rein in Nigeria because if we all fail to make sure we have peaceful coexistence in our society our children will have us to blame for it and they will question us , so we must make sure we embrace peace in our society,  he said.

    In his contribution, chief Saliu Kadiri , Seriki Fulani of Ibarapa area of the state said ” its love that is lost in our society and that is what is resulting to all these killings we are witnessing in our society today and we must all start to embrace peace so that we can have a peaceful atmosphere. “

    Also, Elder Taiye Ayorinde,  the Baale of Ekotedo, Ibadan  said ” Nigerian security is not that strong enough and government must make sure we have a very strong and formidable security so that those people parading themselves as fulani herdsmen can be properly checked, we even heard that those fulanis invaders are not Nigerians and if that is true, what is the duty of our immigration officers and our Customs service too needs to brace up their tactics in curtailing those people.”

  • ‘Take care of NYSC members’, Gov. Ajimobi tells residents

    ‘Take care of NYSC members’, Gov. Ajimobi tells residents

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday urged traditional rulers, local council chairmen and other residents to ensure that National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) members posted to the state are well taken care of.

    Ajimobi made the appeal at the swearing-in of the 2017 Batch B, Stream II corps members in Iseyin, Oyo State.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Abayomi Oke, said that corps members posted to ministries, departments and agencies should not be rejected.

    He said that the corps members should be assigned to challenging responsibilities in their places of primary assignment, to make them nation builders and assets to national development.

    Ajimobi said the scheme is a beacon of hope and reference point, with regard to productive channelling of youthful intelligence, energy and skills for national development.

    He said that the orientation course was primarily aimed at inculcating discipline, hard work and integrity in the Nigerian graduate youths.

    The governor, therefore, advised the members to use the opportunity provided by the orientation to develop positive attitudes that would help them to surpass their predecessors’ achievements.

    Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, said the orientation course was unique, being the first time the state would host more than one state at its permanent orientation camp.

    Anidobi urged the 2,294 corps members to see their deployment  as the basis for national unity, which the scheme had championed since inception 45 years ago.

    She told them to contribute their quota to the unity and advancement of Nigeria in the course of their service year.

    “The government of the day, in her drive to engine the wheel of development, embarked on massive rural transformation.

    “As agents of change, your services will be required in most semi-urban communities, to make this mission a reality.

    “Work assiduously for the development of the country, and assist government to empower rural dwellers with your acquired knowledge and training, by raising the standard of living of the populace,” she said.

    The coordinator advised the corps members to make optimal use of the opportunities provided by the orientation course, such as skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme.

    “Remember that the era of white collar jobs has given way to self-development and empowerment programmes.

    “So, key into the system and strive to be job creators and not job seekers,” she said.

    Anidobi commended the Oyo State Government and the indigenes for their unflinching support to the NYSC scheme, and for being good hosts to the corps members.

    NAN

  • Ajimobi charges governing council of state varsities on value addition

    Ajimobi charges governing council of state varsities on value addition

    Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi has charged members of the newly inaugurated governing council for the six state owned tertiary institutions to come up with creative ideas that would add value and turn around the fortune of the institutions.

    The governor gave the charge at the Executive Chamber of his office while inaugurating the councils, following their appointment which was announced on Tuesday, January 9.

    The six government owned tertiary institutions including, The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, and College of Education, Lanlate have been on indefinite strike since November 2 over issues bothering on salary arrears and reduction of subvention to the institutions to 25 percent.

    Ajimobi urged the new appointees to demonstrate creativity and commitment aimed at adding value that would bring new lease of life to the institutions, saying “our institutions have been bedeviled by lots of challenges which are not from us as a government but the present challenges.

    “We have carefully selected you, having found you to be men and women of proven integrity to add value to our institutions.

    “I know all of you by your professionalism, value and competence. We believe in your ability to reposition the institutions. There is no doubt in my mind that you all are equal to the task and will make a difference”

    Clearing the air on the issue of salary arrears that have led to the closure of the institutions by the workers unions, Ajimobi said government was not responsible for the payment of salaries but has been “magnanimous in giving quarterly subventions to the institutions.”

    He urged the governing councils and management of the institutions to work out survival strategies by diversifying out of the traditional source of revenue.

    “We have employed KPMG Advisory Service to audit the institutions. KPMG in its report has advised that some institutions were unsustainable and some should be close down.

    “I charge you to come forth with ideas that will add value and bring a new lease of life to the institutions. We are hopeful that government could review its reduction in subvention as the economy becomes more buoyant,” he said.

    The governor said that the country today was training clerks and not technological staff or entrepreneurs, saying such was the reason for the establishment of Technical University, Ibadan to make a difference.

    Ajimobi said that the institution has commenced academic activities with much emphasis on technology and entrepreneurship.

    Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic Ibadan, Prof. I.A Adeyemi who spoke on behalf of the newly inaugurated councils appreciated the governor for the careful and meticulous selection assuring that they would not let the governor by putting in their best and more so to prove they were men and women of proven integrity.

    “We hope to build strategic idea to bring solutions to the challenges bedeviling the institutions. I assure you that we have already started the efforts here. We should be able to come up with a strategic plan for each institution that will bring about the desired development and expected difference,” he said.

    The event was attended by members of the state executive council and heads of the various institutions.

  • Osun govt hails Osinbajo, Ajimobi, others on Southwest’s youth summit

    Osun govt hails Osinbajo, Ajimobi, others on Southwest’s youth summit

    The Osun State government has hailed Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi for their high sense of commitment to the actualisation of Southwest’s development agenda.

    The state also lauded the impact Southwest governors have made on the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission, as well as stakeholders, youth associations and individuals on the success of the two-day Southwest Regional Youth Summit in Osogbo, the capital.

    In a statement by the Media Adviser to Osun State governor, Mr Sola Fasure, at the end of the weekly State Executive Council (Exco) meeting in Osogbo, the government expressed satisfaction with what it called the impressive participatory strength and large turnout of notable personalities within and outside the region.

    It described the presence of Osinbajo at the summit as “encouraging”.

    The statement said: “Council received the report of the successful hosting of the Regional Youth Summit in Osogbo by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the state government, between January 9 and 10, which attracted participants from all the states in the region.

    “Council commended the organisers of the summit and thanked the participants, particularly Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who delivered the keynote address; Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Governor of Oyo State; Ondo State government, ably represented by the deputy governor; Ogun State government, which sent a delegation, and the youth organisations and individuals that attended the programme.”