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Tag: Abiola Ajimobi

  • Ajimobi commends BOVAS boss over N16m building donation

    Ajimobi commends BOVAS boss over N16m building donation

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has commended Mr Bamidele Samson, the Chairman of  BOVAS and Company Limited, for donating a block of six classrooms  to Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora.

    The governor gave the commendation on Thursday  at  the handing over of the  classrooms  valued at N16million and containing   eight toilets and other facilities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  classrooms have the capacity to accommodate no fewer than 300 students.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology,  said that the donation was worthy of emulation by well-meaning Nigerians.

    He said that the donation was a commendable  contribution to the  educational advancement of  the state, urging the people to support government’s effort at transforming the education sector.

    The governor  said more money would be injected into the sector as soon as government completed the auditing of tertiary institutions in the state.

    Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, the Provost of the college, expressed joy that the company had in less than a year fulfilled its promise to the institution.

    He said that the donation would help the college  to introduce more programmes.

    Adewale, who commended Samson for the gesture, appealed  to well meaning Nigerians to contribute to the  infrastructural development of the institution.

    In his remarks, Samson said he was happy  that the project would impact positively on the  institution.

    Samson, who was represented his wife, Victoria, said the  company would  also furnish the classrooms.

    He added that the company would not relent in its Corporate Social Responsibility.

    NAN reports that Samson was honoured with a community service award in recognition of his contribution to  humanity and donation toward  the advancement of education in the country.

  • Oyo to support NIPC in promoting investment

    Oyo to support NIPC in promoting investment

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday said his administration would   support the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in its efforts at promoting investment in the country.

    The governor said this   in Ibadan on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the NIPC in his office.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NIPC delegation was led by Yewande Sadiku, the commission’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

    Ajimobi, who said the state would offer support to the commission whenever it was needed, added that Oyo has all the requirements to be a Centre of business opportunities in Nigeria.

    He stated that the latest effort of his administration was to make the state a hub of industrial activities in the country.

    “We recently established a Free Trade Zone and an industrial park around it to promote investment aimed at turning the state into an industrial hub of the nation.

    “The efforts were targeted at China as a country, because we believe that the Asians, especially the Chinese, have value for human dignity and respect for labour.

    “This is against the European’s style of robotic technology which derides human life,” he said.

    He said that the state government had secured the assurances of 154 Chinese investors, adding that seven had already commenced work in the Free Trade Zone.

    Ajimobi also stated that the ranking of the state by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as one of the first five investor-friendly states   in Nigeria from its   24th position in 2014 was a manifestation of his administration’s commitment.

    Earlier, Sadiku said that NIPC would soon commence a programme on “Domestic Direct Investment’’ to encourage local investment.

    She stated that the programme was aimed at encouraging Nigerians to invest in the country.

    Sadiku expressed the commission’s readiness to work closely with state governments, adding the agency was responsible for encouraging, promoting and coordinating investments in the country.

    “We are in this state to support your administration in its drive for investment promotion and industrialisation. We are seriously working hard to encourage Nigerians to invest in their own country,’’ she said.

    She stated that the commission would in October hold a summit in Abuja to bring together stakeholders in the country on the need to drive local businesses and make Nigerians invest more in their own country.

    “I want to inform your Excellency that we have come to serve and we cannot fully achieve our mandate without working closely with the states.

    “We have worked closely with Development Agenda of Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission on a National Investment Certification for south west states

    “Our mandate is to promote investment locally and support whatever attempts at making Nigerians locate their investments in Nigeria, to drive job opportunities and maximise growth,” she said.

     

  • Ajimobi inaugurates CBN projects at technical varsity

    Ajimobi inaugurates CBN projects at technical varsity

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State  on Tuesday in Ibadan inaugurated  an e-library and  administrative block built by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  at the Technical University (TechU) in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that the  university  located on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway is an initiative of  the Oyo State Government.

    Speaking at  the inauguration, Ajimobi expressed  appreciation to the board and management of CBN for the donation, promising that the facilities would be put  to good use.

    The governor said the institution will offer  degree programmes  of international standard through collaboration with relevant global institutions.

    “Our vision is to be a world-class institution for technical studies that are anchored on entrepreneurial practices, innovation and commitment to international best practices.

    “We plan to produce exceptional graduates who are not only socially conscious but technically competent enough to turn around the fortunes of the state and Nigeria,’’ he said.

    He stated that no government could  single-handedly bear  the huge responsibilities of providing qualitative education.

    The governor  said  partnership in repositioning the education  sector  in the state was desirable and appreciated.

    The CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele,  said  that the country  was experiencing acute shortage of high quality and world class educational institutions.

    Emefiele, who was represented by Mr Adebayo Adelabu, CBN Deputy Governor, Operations,  said that this  shortage informed the surge in the number of Nigerian students going abroad to seek quality education.

    “This has implications for the demand for foreign exchange and supply of qualified personnel to support the productive capacity of the country.

    “Our primary mandate at CBN includes maintenance of price and exchange rate stability, functional and stable financial system, effective payment system and credible currency.

    “We have a responsibility for development financing through regular intervention in critical sectors of the economy of which education is one to bridge the manpower and infrastructural deficits accumulated over time,’’ he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries, including staff and students of the university,  to make use of the buildings and derive the full benefits for which the project was intended.

    “I want to take this opportunity to express the hope that the university management will adopt the necessary maintenance culture to keep the buildings and equipment  for many years.

    “Government cannot fund education alone. The private sector equally has very important roles to play.

    “Tertiary institutions are supposed to be the drivers of research and innovation relevant to industry and commerce,’’ he said.

    The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, on his part,  described  the e-library as  one of the best in  the world.

    “We intend to work very hard to ensure that the minimum achievement of any student must be second class lower.

    “We are going to run the university as a scheme of 12 programmes,’’ he said.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,  and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji,  in their  remarks, commended  the governor for establishing the university.

    While Adeyemi said that the governor had  planted a legacy that would linger for many years, Adetunji, who was represented by High Chief Lekan Balogun, described  the institution as  a great innovation.

  • Power: Oyo signs MoU to generate 1,000 megawatts from wastes

    Power: Oyo signs MoU to generate 1,000 megawatts from wastes

    The Oyo State Government is to  generate  1,000 mega watts from wastes  following the signing of a  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some power-generating firms

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the state government on Wednesday in Ibadan signed an MoU with Siemens International, MRF1 and West African Energy on  conversion of waste to energy.

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi said that the project  would promote industrialisation and generate employment opportunities.

    He said that the project was anchored  on his administration’s developmental tripod of restoration, transformation and repositioning.

    Ajimobi stated that the objective of the present effort was to uplift the state from its civil service status to an industrialised one.

    “As part  of our development agenda of restoration, transformation and repositioning, we have come up with an agreement with these power-generating firms which had culminated into today’s signing of MOU.

    “These companies, Siemens, MRF1 and West African Energy,  are well-known companies in electronics, energy and ICT.

    “ The objectives of the project is to industrialise the state and create employment for the youths.

    “The power will be distributed across the zones in the state. We really want to take our youths off the street and get them fully employed,” he said.

    Mr Nasir Giwa, the representative of Siemens International,  said that the state on  completion of the project would be the first to sell or export power to the national grid.

    Giwa stated that the moment power was being generated  in the state,  many other developmental activities would naturally follow.

    “We believe that power generation is a fulcrum of commercial growth.

    “Once it is achieved, other things would naturally follow and Oyo State will be the first State to export power to the national grid,” he said.

    Also, Mrs Lolade Oresanwo, the representative of West African Energy,  said that the project would create employment opportunities in the excess of 10,000.

    “The success of this project is the importance of power to industrialisation. When there is power, there are  more employment opportunities,” Oresanwo said.

  • I will unveil my successor next year – Ajimobi

    I will unveil my successor next year – Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on Monday said he would unveil his successor in May 2018, urging the people to be patient.

    The governor stated this in Ibadan during an interactive session with journalists as part of activities marking the Democracy Day and his administration’s sixth anniversary.

    He said his administration has set the standard that makes the state governorship seat too big for just anybody to occupy.

    He insisted that Oyo is one of the best financially managed states in the country.

    Ajimobi said, “I am also the most prudent governor in Nigeria.

    “Our achievements are very glaring for the people to see.

    “Let me tell you that the standard we have set was a reason for 34 aspirants now jostling to succeed me under the platform of APC.

    “I have seen about five people who have the potentials to succeed me. I will let you know whoever will be my successor by May next year.”

    The governor said whoever that would succeed him must be fearless, intellectually sound, courageous and compassionate, adding that the person must be ready to give priority to the welfare of the people.

    The governor, however, said he might consider contesting for Oyo South Senatorial District after completing his tenure in 2019.

    NAN

     

     

     

  • Ajimobi promises NYSC members conducive environment

    Ajimobi promises NYSC members conducive environment

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to providing a conducive and secured environment for NYSC members posted to the state to engage in national service.

    Ajimobi, represented by his Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Abayomi Oke, made the promise at the swearing in ceremony of the 2017 Batch ‘A’ in Iseyin.

    The governor, however, appealed to local government councils and host communities to ensure that corps members were warmly received to motivate them to give their best.

    Ajimobi said that the NYSC had for decades remained a beacon of hope for national development and integration.

    The governor said that the orientation course for members was primarily to inculcate discipline in the youths by instilling in them a tradition of hard work, integrity and patriotism.

    He urged them to bring out their talents and acquire more through the NYSC skills acquisition programme.

    “It’s pertinent that you avail yourselves of all the activities of the orientation course, with the requisite attitude that will help you surpass your predecessors’ achievements.

    “I implore you to cultivate healthy relationships among yourselves and exploit the benefits of the programme because it will enhance your performance aimed at impacting positively on your host communities,” he said.

    Earlier, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, said a total of 2,212 corps members, including 1,275 females, were posted to the state.

    She said the members would be engaged in various orientation and empowerment programmes.

    The coordinator urged the corps members to make good use of the programmes, saying the skills acquired would be useful   during and after the service year.

    “You will have the opportunity to showcase your talents during drama and  other cultural displays,  so feel relaxed and adapt to the camp environment,” she said.

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to providing a conducive and secured environment for NYSC members posted to the state to engage in national service.

    Ajimobi, represented by his Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Abayomi Oke, made the promise at the swearing in ceremony of the 2017 Batch ‘A’ in Iseyin.

    The governor, however, appealed to local government councils and host communities to ensure that corps members were warmly received to motivate them to give their best.

    Ajimobi said that the NYSC had for decades remained a beacon of hope for national development and integration.

    The governor said that the orientation course for members was primarily to inculcate discipline in the youths by instilling in them a tradition of hard work, integrity and patriotism.

    He urged them to bring out their talents and acquire more through the NYSC skills acquisition programme.

    “It’s pertinent that you avail yourselves of all the activities of the orientation course, with the requisite attitude that will help you surpass your predecessors’ achievements.

    “I implore you to cultivate healthy relationships among yourselves and exploit the benefits of the programme because it will enhance your performance aimed at impacting positively on your host communities,” he said.

    Earlier, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, said a total of 2,212 corps members, including 1,275 females, were posted to the state.

    She said the members would be engaged in various orientation and empowerment programmes.

    The coordinator urged the corps members to make good use of the programmes, saying the skills acquired would be useful   during and after the service year.

    “You will have the opportunity to showcase your talents during drama and  other cultural displays,  so feel relaxed and adapt to the camp environment,” she said.

     

  • Ajimobi gives two newly born babies N200, 000

    Ajimobi gives two newly born babies N200, 000

    Two babies born during the launching of the “Free Medical Mission”, programme of  Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, on Monday, received cash gifts of N100, 000 each from the governor.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the babies were born within fifteen minutes interval from each other.

    The first baby, a female, was given birth to by Mrs. Odunyemi Akinwale, immediately the governor began his keynote address.

    However, the second baby, a male, was given birth to by Mrs. Monsurat Kamorudeen, as the governor was rounding off his speech.

    Dr Adeyanji Alaruru, Chief Consultant of Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, received the cash donation on behalf of the two mothers who were still at the lying-in ward.

    Alaruru thanked the governor on behalf of the parents of the two babies, adding that they were truly double bundles of joy to the Ajimobi administration.

    “Today’s ceremony is two-pronged; we have the flag-off of the “Free Health Mission”, and the Unveiling of Medical Equipment and Consumables by the governor.

    “This is a double blessing to the people of the state and to health care service delivery in Oyo as a whole,” he said.

     

  • Ajimobi promises to clear workers’ salary arrears

    Ajimobi promises to clear workers’ salary arrears

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has promised to spare no effort in ensuring that the state clears the four months outstanding salaries of workers in the state.

    He made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka on Sunday, ahead of the commemoration  of  2017 Workers’ Day celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state owes the workers four months salaries, having cleared the backlog till December 2016.

    Ajimobi urged the workers to continue to put in their best and key into the state government’s reform agenda aimed at enhancing productivity.

    “I congratulate the entire workforce in the state, including those in the private and informal sectors.

    “This year’s workers day has provided another opportunity for you all to take stock and assess your performance.

    “I can say without any equivocation that workers in the state are among the very best you can find anywhere in the country.

    “But, for the few yet to embrace the new order of hard work, accountability, dedication and commitment, I urge you join the trend,” he said.

    He said that the government was exploring many opportunities to enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, promising that no effort would be spared to clear the four months salary arrears.

    “No doubt, times are hard because of the pervading poor state of the economy.

    “I feel your pains and I’m optimistic that we shall soon sing a new song of prosperity and abundance. May none of you be missing by that time,.” he said.

    Ajimobi prayed for a hazard-free 2017 for workers in the state as the year enters the second quarter, and that God would give them good health to celebrate more workers’ days to come.

  • Adeleke’s death shocking, sad – Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State  has described the death of the first civilian governor of Osun  and serving senator, Isiaka Adeleke, as shocking, disheartening and sad.

    In a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr  Yomi Layinka, the governor said he received the news of Adeleke’s sudden death with shock and disbelief.

    Adeleke  died in the early hours of Sunday at a private hospital in Osogbo after succumbing to a protracted ailment.

    The governor described the late senator as a celebrated and committed politician, distinguished senator, grassroots mobiliser, socialite and great philanthropist.

    Ajimobi said:  “When the news filtered in that Sen.  Adeleke was dead, l was extremely shocked and amazed.

    “  I found it very difficult to believe, because he was bubbling with life when l saw him last.

    “Sen.  Adeleke was one person l admired for being a fine politician who committed his life to the service of humanity and his native Ede land.

    “Right from his days as the first elected governor of Osun State up till his death, he never wavered in stretching his helping hands to the poor and the needy.

    “His role in the dominance of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, from when he decided to team up with the progressives, till death, is noteworthy.

    “ Sen.  Adeleke was an asset to our party. He will be greatly missed.”

    Ajimobi also commended the late senator’s contributions to debates on the floor of the Upper Chamber, which, he said, contributed immensely to quality legislation by the National Assembly.

    The governor expressed the regret that Adeleke died  at a time  when  his wealth of experience was needed to salvage the country from its current socio-political challenges.

    “His sudden death is even more regrettable because the people of Osun State, members of the APC nationwide and indeed all Nigerians will henceforth miss his gregarious personality, his zeal for development as well as his great mobilisation skills,’’ he said.

    Ajimobi also prayed God to grant the soul of the late senator Aljanah firdous and the bereaved family and  friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Oyo road expansion projects for completion in 18 months- Ajimobi

    Oyo road expansion projects for completion in 18 months- Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State says road expansion projects across the state awarded by his administration would be completed in 18 months.

    Ajimobi gave the timeline while speaking with newsmen on Monday evening, during an inspection of some ongoing road projects across the Ibadan metropolis.

    Among the projects visited are the Agodi Gate-Idi Ape-Iwo road, Basorun-Akobo Ojurin and Eleyele-Ologuneru road.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had recently awarded the expansion and dualisation of the roads, alongside others across the metropolis.

    The governor said that all the road projects would be completed in 18months, as his administration had just 27 months to round up.

    “The people voted us for a second term based on our performance. This has never happened in the history of the state.

    “We promised our people during the electioneering campaign, and that promise we will keep.

    “We owe our people dividend of democracy; we owe them modernisation, likewise sustainable growth and development,” he said.

    Ajimobi said to fulfill his promise of sustainable growth and development, there must be infrastructure to support the state.

    “When we have good road network and infrastructure, it is the platform for development, and this is the beginning.

    “We are bold to say that no government in the state has matched our achievement in infrastructure. We have done same in Education, Agriculture etc.,” he said.

    Ajimobi promised to leave a legacy of good governance, which was about performance, value addition, service delivery and dividend of democracy.

    The governor solicited the support of the people, assuring them that the project would not only boost their businesses, but enhance economic growth and development of the state.

    NAN reports that residents of the various areas visited and some road users commended the governor on the project, pledging their unflinching support.

    Mrs Adebisi Akande, a trader at Akobo, told NAN that they were happy about the road project, adding its completion would ease traffic congestion on the road.

    “Every working day, we wake up at 5am in the morning to avoid traffic congestion on the road. We thank the governor for starting the project,”she said.

    Similarly, Mr Mutiu Afolabi, a commercial driver, told NAN that the road in the area, when completed, would enhance their business.