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Tag: Abiola Ajimobi

  • Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    An Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has fixed February 12  for hearing on a suit filed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, challenging the installation of Oba Saliu Adetunji, as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    Oyediji of Seriki chieftaincy line and three others, were challenging the installation of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    The other claimants in the suit were Chief Olalekan Fakunle, Chief Rasheed Abinupagun and Chief Gabriel Amao.

    Justice Moshood Abass on Wednesday fixed February 12 for hearing of the suit after the claimants’ counsel, Mr Sarafadeen Adebayo informed the court that all processes needed in prosecuting the case had been filed by both parties.

    Abass ordered that hearing notices be served on the counsel to the respondents because they were not present in court on Wednesday.

    The claimants’ counsel, Adebayo, had earlier informed the court that the counsel to Olubadan, Mr Michael Lana and Oyo State Government’s counsel, Mr Adegboyega Salawu were trying to delay the matter.

    He said that the respondents’ counsel were present in court on the last adjourned date of Dec. 15, 2017, where Jan.10 was agreed for  the closing of the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).

    Read Also: You can’t remove me, Olubadan tells obas

    The claimants are claiming that it was the turn of Seriki chieftaincy line to produce the next Olubadan after the death of Oba Samuel Lana, against the appointment of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

    The claimants are also challenging the consistent occupation of the Olubadan throne by the Olubadan chieftaincy line and Balogun chieftaincy lines while excluding the Seriki line.

    It would be recalled that the claimant’s counsel, Adebayo, had told the court that there was a subsisting court ruling restraining the occupation of any vacant position of high chiefs and that of Olubadan.

    The other respondents in the suit were the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Oyo State Government.

    NAN

  • Akeredolu expresses commitment to South West integration

    Akeredolu expresses commitment to South West integration

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State  says his administration is committed to the integration and  socioeconomic growth of the South West Zone.

    Akeredolu made this known at a  Youth Regional Integration Summit  in Osogbo on Wednesday.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, said  one of the cardinal programmes  of his administration was  job creation for the youths and women through sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.

    He also said his administration was committed to achieving the vision by creating an enabling environment that would  attract investors to the state and  across other south west states.

    Read also: Akeredolu approves committee on first year anniversary

    The governor revealed that his administration  had taken practical steps to make the dream a reality by signing an MoU with the NDDC for the construction of the road linking the southern senatorial district to Epe-Ibeju Lekki in Lagos State.

    “Other roads connecting our states to our neighbours in Ogun, Lagos and Edo States are receiving considerable attention,” he said.

    Akeredolu stressed that he had also put in place measures to  ensure  that the state  did not become a haven for miscreants and other deviants.

    He noted that the fresh amnesty programme had yielded positive result by reducing  the rate of crime in the coastal areas of Ogun, Lagos and Ondo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which  began on Tuesday,  ends  on Wednesday.

    Dignitaries at the event  organised by the Osun government included  Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as well as  representatives of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti governors.

    NAN

  • I washed dead bodies to survive as a student abroad — Ajimobi

    I washed dead bodies to survive as a student abroad — Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday said that he washed dead bodies as a youth to pay his tuition fees while schooling abroad.

    Ajimobi said this at a South-West Youths Regional Summit in Osogbo.

    The governor, while urging the youth to have a positive mindset toward hard work, said he spent eight years abroad washing dead bodies to survive.

    He said his parents only sent him 30 dollars all through his stay abroad, adding that he had to look for a way to survive.

    “I left Nigeria in 1963 to study abroad, but throughout my stay there, I was washing dead bodies to support myself to go to school.

    “When ever I got home from work, I will be weeping, remembering the number of dead bodies I washed.

    Read also: Ajimobi wife celebrates four newborns

    “My boss at work then said I should not be afraid or fear, adding that such feeling is normal for first comers.

    “He encouraged me to always see those dead bodies as iced fish.

    “But against all odds, I survived and that is why I am urging youths to see hard work as the only way to success.

    “I am saying this to challenge the youth of our next generation not to give up.

    “This is our chance as youths and as Yorubas to come together to chart a successful pathway for the country.’’

    Ajimobi, however, urged Yoruba leaders and governors to unite for the progress of the Yoruba race.

    NAN

  • APC Senatorial Caucus laud Senator, Ajimobi for sense of devotion

    APC Senatorial Caucus laud Senator, Ajimobi for sense of devotion

    The Oyo Central Senatorial Caucus of the All Progressives Party (APC) has lauded Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, for her practical wisdom in coping with ever-increasing number of complex issues.

    Sunmonu is representing Oyo Central Senatorial district at the National Assembly.

    Specifically, they commended the lawmaker for her perseverance in listening, thinking through issues raised by members and leveling with them to their amazement.

    These were the resolution reached Friday at the end of the meeting held in Oyo town.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting attended by leaders, elders and eleven local governments’ party chairmen, it described Sunmonu as ‘’a God-fearing, passionate and upright politician inherently committed to improving the socio-economic well beings of her people’’.

    ‘’As constituents, we do not always agree with her, but we respect the distinguished Senator for thinking through the issues and leveling with them. We have never had it so good and interesting like this before’’.

    Consequently, the meeting passed votes of confidence on Senator Sunmonu, and the State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, for their pragmatic representation and governance respectively, adding that these could be attested to through various unprecedented transformation programmes
    within the senatorial in particular and the State in general.

    Speaking with reporters, Senator Sunmonu said legislative service is one of democracy’s worthiest pursuits, adding that it is an important duty that deserves time, attention and dedication.

    According to her,’’ the meeting is aimed at appealing to the best instincts of the electorate, talk about what you stand for and what you have been doing, and still intend to do during your time in office, then work as hard as you can to fulfill those promises. I ran for office to make a difference, a difference for the better and I am doing just that for my people’’.

  • Oyo renews commitment to attract more investors

    Oyo renews commitment to attract more investors

    Oyo State Government has renewed its commitment towards sustaining its synergy with the private sector in the provision of enabling environment to further attract local and foreign investors.

    ‘Oyo now more business-friendly’, the state Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, said this at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN ) End-of-the-Year Get Together on Thursday night in Ibadan.

    The commissioner also commended the collaborative effort of the private sector in the state at boosting the economy.

    “Oyo State has become a haven for both local and foreign investors as a result of the massive infrastructure development.

    “Gov. Abiola Ajimobi’s administration in the state has evolved various initiatives and policies in the areas of security, investment promotion and environmental development.

    “All these culminated into influx of investors as well as the sustainable peace and security enjoyed in the state today,’’ she said.

    In another development, Chief Kola Akosile, the Zonal Chairman of MAN, has said that the Nigerian economy is steadily improving as the nation officially exits the recession in the outgoing year.

    Akosile made the statement in an interview in Ibadan.

    “The Nigerian economy has not been too friendly with our operations in the last few years as manufacturers but we thank God things are improving gradually.

    “Officially the country is out of recession and we are gradually feeling the impact. We pray that next year would be much better than the outgoing year,’’ he said.

    Read also: ‘Oyo now more business-friendly’

    Akosile said multiple-taxation was the major challenge facing his members, noting the pressure several agencies on the issue.

    “Several agencies come to disturb our members but we are trying to harmonise. We believe that Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) is good for economic development.

    “It would increase our capacity and government’s revenue. We believe that working closely would avail government the opportunity to achieve their aims.’’

    He also said that the association was evolving a strategy to reduce the members’ over-dependence on the epileptic public power supply, including the establishment of MAN Electricity Company that would enhance their operations.

    The chairman said that the association was also planning to free enough power for household use from confined power, for various industrial clusters in the zone made up of Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.

    “Our members are beginning to have clusters to generate power for themselves without relying too much on government. If we rely too much on government, it won’t get us anywhere,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Army to remain apolitical – Buratai

    Army to remain apolitical – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Thursday assured Nigerians that the army would remain responsive and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional duty.

    Buratai gave the assurance in Ibadan at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    He appealed for  the understanding of Nigerians as the army continues to  perform  its responsibilities as enshrined in the constitution.

    The army chief  also promised that the resolutions  reached at the end of the conference would be judiciously implemented.

    “As we enter 2018, the Nigerian Army identified the core values  of discipline, professionalism and responsiveness as the benchmark to reposition the service.

    “There is the need for maintenance culture and  continuous infrastructural development and welfare of personnel in the performance of their operation.

    “I promise to use all available resources that would encourage all officers and soldiers perform optimally in their various command,’’ Buratai said.

    Read also: Buratai: we’ve degraded Boko Haram

    He  said that the objective of the conference had  been achieved as the army performed creditably  well in 2017.

    Buratai  also said that the Official Secrets  Act of 1962 would be applied strictly in the conduct of future army operations.

    He  expressed gratitude to  President Muhammadu Buhari for  the successes recorded by the army.

    Declaring the conference closed, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State commended  the participants, saying the forum  confirmed the patriotism and unity of the army.

    NAN

  • Ajimobi commends army as Buratai visits Oyo

    Ajimobi commends army as Buratai visits Oyo

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday commended the army for its support in ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.

    The governor gave the commendation in Ibadan while receiving the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, who visited him in his office.

    Report said Buratai had led other senior army officers to Ibadan for the week-long Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    Ajimobi said the Nigeria Army had released some of its men to lead a special task force set up by his administration to restore peace and order  in the state.

    “The state before our assumption of office in 2011 was popularly known as a garrison where brigandage, thuggery and other criminal activities were the order of the day.

    “When we assumed office, we set up a special task force known as ‘Operation Burst’ which involved the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and  Nigeria Air Force which was  led by the Nigerian Army.

    “Today, Oyo State is one of the safest states in the country. We want you to help us commend your personnel for their support,” he said.

    The governor also described Buratai as a worthy leader who epitomises professionalism in status and character.

    Read also: Army restates commitment to protection of human rights

    Earlier, Buratai had said he was in Ibadan for the COAS Annual Conference where  senior officers meet to brainstorm.

    “The conference is an annual ritual where top brass of the Nigeria Army gather to brainstorm on what transpired during the year, analyse and focus on activities of the following year,” he said.

    He said the army had chosen the state after considering its strategic importance.

    “We are also here to rub minds and interact with stakeholders in the academia, civil society and government functionaries to have a very good background for subsequent years.

    “This would help us a lot in terms of training, operations and general administration,” he said.

    Buratai acknowledged the support received by the army, hinging this on the cordial working relationship with the state government.

    The programme featured exchange of gifts by the governor and the army chief.

    NAN

  • Oyo Assembly wants Ajimobi to pay pensioners’ entitlement

    Oyo Assembly wants Ajimobi to pay pensioners’ entitlement

    Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday appealed to the state governor, Mr Abiola Ajimobi, to consider the payment of pension arrears to pensioners in the state.

    The appeal followed a motion by the lawmaker representing Ona Ara constituency, Mr Azeez Biliaminu, on “passionate appeal for the payment of pensioners entitlements’’.

    In the motion, Biliaminu said some of the pensioners could not afford regular feeding and medical attention due to their financial constraints.

    “The children and wards of pensioners are already overwhelmed by nuclear family responsibilities while some of them are unemployed or under-employed.

    “I know the governor has been trying in the dwindling economy to pay workers salaries and pensioners entitlements.

    Read also: Gov. Ajimobi: Shaping the future of Oyo through collaborative efforts

    “The governor surprised everyone in his first tenure by paying 142 percent pension arrears which can’t be forgotten by Oyo State pensioners.

    “We know that as soon as the Federal Government increased pensions by six per cent and 15 percent, Oyo State under Gov. Ajimobi placed pensioners on these pension increase, ” he said.

    Biliaminu added that he was concerned that pensioners still had additional request and expectations from the governor.

    “I urge for a screening to be conducted just like that of the Federal Government to checkmate ghost pensioners.

    “These pensioners require adequate regular feeding and medical care which cannot be met without adequate financial strength,’’ he said.

    The Speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo (APC-Ibarapa East) directed its committee on Establishments, Labour and Productivity to liaise with state and local government pension boards.

    A Bill for a Law to amend the Oyo State Sports Council also on Tuesday passed second reading.

    NAN

  • Ajimobi seeks CBN support for Oyo agricultural development

    Ajimobi seeks CBN support for Oyo agricultural development

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has sought the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ) for the agricultural development of the state, particularly in cassava and maize production.

    The governor made the call on Wednesday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the State Project Monitoring Team and State Technical Advisory team of the Federal Government’s Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme ( AADS ).

    The Federal Government launched AADS, as part of its efforts to diversify the nation’s economy, boost food security and transform agricultural production.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said that Oyo State could develop to become the richest state in the country if its agricultural potential was fully harnessed and utilised.

    He urged the CBN, a principal partner in the scheme, to increase funding for the production of cassava and maize, in which the state had a comparative advantage.

    He also charged the committee members to put in their best in efforts to eradicate hunger in the country and create job opportunities for the youth.

    “The purpose of this inauguration is to quickly heed the call of President Muhammadu Buhari on the diversification of the nation’s economy from oil towards agriculture.

    “The president has made it clear to all that agriculture is our surest alternative to oil.

    “Our state is leading in the production of maize and cassava and with the support of the CBN; we can be the best producer of these and other crops in the country.

    “We want to call on the CBN to look into how to increase its budget for this scheme, especially in the South West (geopolitical zone) as the vegetation here is quite different.

    “Our farmers will have to clear thick bushes and trees to cultivate their crops,’’ he said.

    Mrs Tolulope Sadipe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects and Bureau of Investments Promotion ( BIP ), said that maize and cassava were picked for Oyo State because the state had in comparative advantage in the cultivation of the two crops.

    “The targeted commodities under the scheme include rice, maize, cassava, cotton, soy beans, wheat, cocoa, oil palm, fishery, poultry and dairy production, as well as tomatoes and piggery.

    “Each state is expected to identify a maximum of two commodities where it enjoys a comparative advantage.

    “Our state has identified maize and cassava as the two commodities of preference,’’ she added.

    Sadipe said that the newly inaugurated committee would ensure the sustainability of the state’s efforts to empower farmers and provide employment for the youth in the state.

    The special adviser commended the CBN for the visit and the inauguration of AADS Project Monitoring Team.

    Members of the State Monitoring Team include Sadipe, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Oyewumi Oyewole and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Victor Atilola,.

    Others are Mr Musibau Olatinwo, the Branch Controller of CBN, Mrs Fadekemi Akande, Mr Adegoke Adenrele, Mr Emmanuel Akinola and Mrs Titilayo Folorunso.

    Members of the State Technical Advisory Committee of AADS include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof. Segun Adekunle.

    Others are Mr Sikirullahi Fajimi, Ms Ganiyat Olawoore and Dr Morounkola Thomas.

    NAN

  • 11 governors storm Kano for Ganduje daughter’s marriage introduction

    11 governors storm Kano for Ganduje daughter’s marriage introduction

    The ancient city of Kano on thursday was agog, when 11 governors House of Assembly members and other dignitaries storm the state for the marraige introduction ceremony between daughter of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Fatima Baby Ganduje and son of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Idris Abiola Ajimobi.

    Among the Governors present at the ceremony include Alhaji Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), senator Abiola Ajimobi (Ogun), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Senator Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).

    Others include Abubakar Baguda (Kebbi), Hon. Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdullaziz Yari (Zamfara), Rauf Aregbosola (Osun), Kashim Shetima (Borno), Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina)and Abdulfatai Ahmed.

    The Nation reports that as early as 7 30a.m. large crowd conveyed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to welcome the visitors that came from far and near.

    Traditional music dancers of different tribes were at hand to entertain the crowd as the chanting of pro-Ganduje slogans enveloped the area.

    The host and the visiting Governors and other dignitaries are to visit the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi 11, business mogul and Islamic scholar, Alhaji Ishyaku Rabiu, among other Kano elders who are expected to play major roles in the introduction ceremony.

    However, it was learnt that,Fatima and Idris have been in love for a long time and have decided to make it real after receiving the blessings of their parents.