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Tag: Abiola Ajimobi

  • ‘Ajimobi has been unfair to Lam Adesina’

    Dapo Lam-Adesina is the member representing Ibadan North East/South Federal Constituency in Oyo State. The son of late Governor Lam Adesina told Sunday Oguntola that Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has been dismantling the political structure of his late father. He also explains his next political moves, among other sundry issues. Excerpts

    WHAT have you been doing at the lower chamber of the National Assembly for three years?

    First and foremost, you know the primary function of lawmakers is to raise motions and sponsor bills. As I speak with you, I have about three bills that I sponsored and ten motions.

    Some of them include a bill on estimated bills and excessive charges by DISCOs; there is also one on the abandoned prison at Olude, Ibadan and another on delay in issuance of drivers’ license by the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC).

    There is also one on the bad portions of Ibadan-Ile Ife express roads, leading to Ibadan airport. On bills, I have the fire admission bill and trustees’ investment bills, among others.

    Then, we engage in community developments via constituency projects and empowerment schemes. It would interest you to know that I am the first legislator in this dispensation to invite Tracka to inspect some of the constituency projects imputed into the budget from 2015-date.

    There is the belief out there that many lawmakers are idle just eager to collect allowances and constituency projects. Why is it different with you?

    I know my election was made possible by the people and I cannot afford to fail them. It is too early in my political career to start letting people down. They gave me all their support and I promised a lot of things that I must fulfill.

    It is important as a young politician to do whatever you tell your people you will do. So, I know I will still need them in the future for my career. So, I cannot afford to start disappointing them.

    Many dismiss you as a lucky chap who rode on the wings of his late father’s popularity to public office. What is your reaction to them?

    Well, thank God my father was not an armed robber or an assassin. If he was one, people would have been using that to deal with me now. I believe there is nothing wrong from benefitting from the good works of one’s parent.

    The onus is on me to safeguard that name and take it to the next level so that my children and the society at large can benefit from it in years to come.

    It is not a bad thing for a father to leave a good legacy and good name. It is in fact a good thing. But one must ensure the legacy goes on and that is the sense of responsibility that I feel.

    In Oyo State, many disciples and followers of the late Lam Adesina have left the All Progressives Congress (APC). In fact, all the real Lamites have left for the ADC.  Are you aware?

    Of course I am.

    Why did they leave?

    They left because they have been a lot of impunity in the APC and the governor has not treated them well. They have been a lot of victimisation since 2011.

    The governor has been trying to dismantle the structure left behind by the Great Lam. People have been trying to manage the situation for the past seven and half years. But they got to the point where they knew they had to leave.

    They thought it will change but it got worse. In terms of appointment, the governor has been trying to remove anybody that is a Lamist. At the beginning, he was trying to balance to make it not look obvious. But immediately after he won the second term, it has been getting worse and worse.

    At some points, I had to meet him to complain that these people should be given appointments so that it does not look like they have worked in vain. At some points, some people accused me of betraying them because of my loyalty to the governor and that I couldn’t help them to get their entitlements.

    So, you are not in good terms with the governor?

    I am not fighting with him but I am not impressed with the way he dealt with my father’s people. I am not impressed with how he had handled the party in the state. I am not impressed with so many things about him.

    Are you impressed with how he has governed the state?

    Well, this is not the time to talk about that. We will speak about that at the right time. He is still in charge. When he leaves, we would be able to talk about how he governed the state. But I am not impressed with how he dealt with our people. He has not been fair to us.

    So, when are you leaving the APC too?

    I am consulting and will round off in the next few weeks. Obviously, all our people have left and you cannot remain in a party when your people have left.

    The problem became aggravated after the state congress. You cannot have people who did not collect and submit nomination forms elected as party executives. It is unheard of.

    Our people collected forms from the bank, returned them and couldn’t contest as against those who didn’t collect the forms. It is impunity of the highest order. When you do that to people, you are telling them to leave, which they have done.

    But how can the Unity Forum, to which you belong, stand when those of you there are strange bedfellow?

    But you realised that most of the people in the forum have moved to the ADC. Are we still strange bedfellows? If all of them have moved to a particular party, it means they are a force to reckon with.

    It’s rather ironic to find Lamites and Ladoja as well as his disciples working together. Does that feel strange?

    In politics, there is no permanent friend or foe. That is what has played out. When the Late Lam was going around campaigning for Ajimobi even while he was extremely ill, do you remember the governor went ahead to form an alliance with Ladoja after he won?

    That was because he realised he needed Ladoja then. It was against the wish of Late Lam. Well, that is the good thing about politics. Today, we realise we need to work together with Ladoja too and we are in the same party and path.

    The same Alao-Akala that a lot of people fought because of Ajimobi is now working together with the governor. So, it is like a chess game. Politics is always like that. No permanent foe or friend.

    Are you going back to the House of Representatives come 2019?

    Very soon, you will hear from me. But I need to let people know I am not a desperate politician. In the next few weeks, you will hear from me because I am still consulting. There are so many people I have to consult to come to a decision.

    The Late Lam Adesina has children, surrogate kids, political associates and what have you that I have to consult to know what next to do. As soon as I am done, you will certainly hear from me.

    How is it trying to fill the shoes left behind by your late father?

    I cannot fill his shoes. I am just trying to do my bit to make sure I sustain the good name and goodwill of the man who did so much for his people.

  • I will not allow Oyo state be turned to banana island – Ajimobi

    Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi has reiterated that he will never allow the state go back to its gory state of brigandage and violence or let it to turned to what he described as ‘banana island’ of ‘animal farm’.

    He vowed that in the last seven years of his administration, he has served humanity rightly without persecuting anybody but with the fear of God and respect for rule of law.

    Ajimobi spoke, Tuesday while addressing journalists shortly after observing the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Agodi Yidi prayer Ground, Ibadan.

    The prayer which was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere in company of other prominent islamic leaders, faithful and scholars across the state held amidst tight security.

    Ajimobi while taking a review of his efforts at the helms of affairs as the governor in the last seven years and two months noted that he was not moved by the noises that trailed many development policies and efforts embarked upon by his administration, noting that many of those who abused and insulted him while introducing the policies are now praise singing and applauding.

    He cited the areas where he had brought developments to the state to include, education, socio-cultural, infrastructure, peace and security, agriculture, urban renewal, health among other, adding that he couldn’t have achieve the much without the help of God and support of the people of the state.

    Ajimobi said “But by the time we came in, we met a state at the precipices and we needed to have a turnaround and in turning it around, we decided to have as our tripod of restoration that is to restore the old glory. When you restore, you must now transform. We have restored. We have transformed. And now we are re-positioning and re-positioning is always work in progress. You can never stop repositioning. Wherever we stop, somebody else will pick it up from there.

    Read Also: Ajimobi charges INEC on efficiency and transparency

    “We have restored peace and security to the state and today, Oyo state is one of the safest states in Nigeria. Today, everybody could go through Iwo Road, Beere, Molete, Challenge and all these hot spots have now become very cool spot. All the red light areas are now the green light areas. So, for peace and security, we have achieved much.

    “And you will see that as a leader, anytime you want to make a change, some people, enlightened, unenlightened, ignorant, mischievous will play politics with them, but a good leader must have the courage to go ahead. If you remember the Great Prophet Mohammed, when he was talking about the Almighty God to the people, they sent him away from his home town.

    “So, anytime we, as leaders, head of government are trying to make changes, people talked but we forged ahead no matter what they say. We will never allow this state to become a banana state. We will not allow it to be an animal farm. If you see any state that is doing well in the world, it is that they have rule of law and they obey them. Everybody must obey the law. So, we thank God that we succeeded because we have adhered to law and order.

    “The lesson I learnt from the sojourn in the last seven years that we have been running the government is that, one needs to fear God. If one fears God no matter the curses placed on him, so long he is working for prayer, such curse can never have effect on him and if someone does what deserve curses and when people pray for such an individual, the prayer cannot work for such a person. For me, no matter the curses, it can never affect me because I know I am working for prayers and not curses and I am serving the people wholeheartedly and I am happy that God will give us success.

    “Finally, let me say that, what we are celebrating today is godliness and service to humanity. I believe, most sincerely that I have served humanity rightly as the governor of Oyo state. Never persecute people but follow the law and stick to it. Those who say you are wrong today, tomorrow they will see and let me end it by the world of Robert Thomas, he said, a good leader will take his people where they want to go but a great leader will take his people to where they ought to be and that is what I am doing for Oyo state.”

  • Demolition: Notice landed me in hospital for five days – Ayefele

    Contrary to insinuations that he dared the government by not responding to correspondents that eventually led to the partial demolition of Music House which houses his radio station, Fresh FM, popular gospel musician Yinka Ayefele, on Monday evening said he was hospitalised for five days when he received the notice from Oyo State Government to demolition his N800million worth building.

    He said he was on hospital bed from Tuesday August 14, till Saturday August 18.

    Speaking during a press conference at the hall located inside the partly demolished building, the gospel artiste disclosed that his wife was at the resident of the Oyo state governor Abiola Ajimobi, from around 11p.m on Saturday August 18, till round 4a.m Sunday August 19, pleading with the governor on her knees, not to allow the supposed demolition take effect.

    He said, he couldn’t go on the mission with his wife as he was at the time recovering on his hospital bed.

    Addressing the press conference, Ayefele in company of top officials of the organisation said: “Immediately, I got this demolition notice last week Monday, August 13, 2018, I started making moves on how we can overcome it. All I can see is the demolition taking place, after we have gone to court.

    “They were served with the court processes on Thursday and the case was fixed for Monday August 20, which is today. But before today, we saw that they have carried out what they said they were coming to do.

    Read Also: Oyo government demolishes Ayefele’s Music House

    “On Saturday, my wife was with the governor of Oyo State.  My wife was on her knees for almost five hours with the governor around 11p.m till 4a.m, in the governor’s house. I was on my hospital bed because I have been down since Tuesday that I got the demolition letter.

    “I would have followed them to the governor’s house, but I couldn’t go because I was on the hospital bed. So, I asked my wife to go there and solicit on my behalf. My wife was with the governor for almost five hours.

    “The governor said she should not worry, everything would be settled, resolved. As a matter of fact, the governor gave my wife $1,000 and two other people that followed her to the place, he told them everything was over. What we saw was the demolition on Sunday morning.

    “I don’t know precisely what went wrong.  What has been my offence to deserve this? I have close to 200 people that work with me here, and all my labour, what I have laboured for, for over 20 years in pain, was just pulled down in minutes.

    “So, I don’t know if there has been any way that I have wronged the government, I would have gone to beg or pray for forgiveness,” adding that he acted promptly on all the letters he received from the government and that before the demolition notice was served on him, he had asked for the way out and the government said “we should put up another plan for approval, which I told my architect to do. It is not a day job. It’s almost done when we get this demolition notice.

    “As it stands, we are going to abide by the ruling of the court. Aside this, we are also suing the government for unlawful destruction of our properties. We have relocated our studio and Fresh FM is fully back on air. It is only NBC (National Broadcasting Commission) that can stop us from broadcasting. They can only try but they can’t succeed.”

    Ayefele, however, insisted that he got approval from the government, saying: “In the approved plan of the music house, we requested an approval for a business complex, with proposed two studios, which was approved. This building is more than 10 years. Are you now saying that radio license, which costs several millions to obtain, is not a business venture?

    “They also alleged that we contravened the town planning law. How? We waited for the government to finish their road expansion before erecting the metal fence. They have concluded the road finished the erosion control, gully before we decided to fence it around.

    “We know this is beyond all the cook up stories. It is political and we are not seeking political solution to it. We believe we will get justice at the court as the last bastion of hope for the masses.”

  • Oyo denies knowledge of demolition of Ayefele’s music house

    The Oyo State Government on Monday denied demolishing the music house of gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, in Ibadan.

    The state government, through its counsel, Mr Yomi Alliyu, made the denial when he appeared before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Monday.

    Alliyu appeared for the first and second defendants, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and Mr Bola Abimbola (State Attorney-General), in a case instituted by Ayefele against the defendants.

    The counsel said his clients were shocked to read about the reported demolition on Sunday morning.

    According to him, the state government is planning to set up a panel of enquiry to find out those responsible for the demolition.

    ”My clients are men of honour that respect rule of law and constituted authority and will have no reason to demolish the said property,” he told the court.

    Alliyu, who had earlier denied that his clients were served with court processes, quickly reversed himself when the judge showed him evidence of actual service on the first and second respondents.

    Read Also: Oyo government demolishes Ayefele’s Music House

    The defence counsel, however, urged the court to adjourn the case pending the time the claimant would be able to file and serve his clients with notice of the ex-parte motion since the court was on vacation.

    He said that filing of motion on notice and letter of urgency alone by the claimant was not enough.

    But the claimant’s counsel, Mr Olayinka Bolanle, had informed the court that the respondents had gone ahead to demolish the structure in spite of a court’s restraining order

    “Even after the defendants had become aware of this proceedings, it is sad and unbelievable my Lord that the defendants in the wee hours of Sunday, Aug 19, went to the property in dispute and demolished it,” he told the court.

    The claimant’s counsel urged the court to reiterate its earlier order restraining the defendants from further demolition of the rest of the structure pending the determination of the suit.

    Justice Yerima adjourned the case until Sept. 12 for hearing of applications and urged parties to file necessary processes before the adjourned date.

  • Oyo to partner Lions Club to fight diabetes, paediatric cancer, others

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday said his administration is ready to partner with an international service organisation, the Lions Club, in checking paediatric cancer, hunger, diabetes, vision impairment and protection of environment among others.

    He gave the assurance while playing host to members of the Lions Club District 404-B1 Nigeria, covering Lagos, Oyo and Ogun State who were on a courtesy call to his Agodi Government office, Ibadan.

    The delegates, led by the District Governor, Mr Lekan Babalola were on the visit to solicit the support of the government in actualizing its vision and also invite the governor to the induction as the new District Governor at an event slated for today (Saturday).

    Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Dr Gbade Ojo, Governor Ajimobi said, “all over the world, there is no society or any human collectivity, where government alone can provide everything that we want. So, I can assure you that the Oyo State Government will willingly partner with the Lions Club. One thing that marks out the developed society with the developing ones like ours is the fact that the rich amongst us are not sufficiently giving back to the society. It is either they are evading tax, or they don’t have the required milk of human kindness.

    Read Also: UN, Oyo unveil SDGs in Yoruba

    “When you look at foundations in Europe and America like Ford Foundation and several others, they have gone far in taking care of people. Also, a number of former American presidents have global foundations, through which they either combat malaria, guinea worm or other health conditions. So, the rich among us need to do more people, either by joining the Lions Club, or whatever other ways. If they join such organizations, they will donate more in taking care of the society.

    “No doubt, at all levels of government, we need more influence and appearances of non-state actors. While the society is hungry for infrastructural provisions, which the government alone cannot provide, non-state actors are supposed to fill that gap so that we can live in a better society.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the new District Governor, Babalola, said the club was on the visit to solicit government’s support for its project such as an outreach to at least 10,000 people living with diabetes, free cataract surgery and distribution of eyeglasses, cornea transplant, eradication of hunger and provision of food, protection of environment, reduction of paediatric cancer among others.

    He thanked the government for pass support in various areas of interventions embarked upon by the international organization, noting that, the club has been growing in leaps and bounds because it has continued to give back to those in need, especially the poor and less privileged in the society.

  • Oyo SSG storms APC party secretariat with supporters

    The political permutations of who is likely to succeed the Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State was on Tuesday altered when the Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Mr Olalekan Alli, make good his intention by submitting his intent letter at the APC state party secretariat, Oke Ado, Ibadan, where he also declared his interest in contesting the governorship seat.

    Alli, who was accompanied by thousands of his supporters to the party secretariat however maintained that decided to join the 2019 governorship race in the state on the platform of the ruling party because the ideology of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most proficient and capable of transforming Nigeria.

    The SSG was received at the secretariat by the state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, who was accompanied by other state executives, leaders and elders of the party.

    While receiving the intent letter from the aspirant, Oke noted that a total of 13 members of the party have taken similar action by submitting their letters of intent to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    He promised that the party would provide a level-playing ground for all the aspirants

    Reading the letter, Alli, said, “I am proud to note that the APC ideology provides the most efficient platform that is capable of transforming our dear nation. Together, we will continue to see that Nigeria attains the required global recognition and relevance that is befitting of our size and diversity.

    “This desires cuts across all levels – from national to sub-national administration, even down to individuals. It is therefore with great pride that I proclaim my conviction in the party as the panacea for national and community development.”

    Read Also: Oyo govt warns land grabbers

    “In good governance, as we have observed in the last seven years, are the signals and symbols for safety, socio-economic welfare, poverty alleviation, human capital development, service reforms and reorientation, sound health, urbanisation, environmental uplifting, infrastructural growth and industrialisation and public engagement as manifested in Oyo State.

    “Indeed, the commitment to empowering women and employing the youth as well as other well-crafted objectives of the tripod agenda is our collective mission. These legacies must be sustained and taken to the next level.
    “In the history of Oyo State, the vision of a 25-year organic development master plan is unprecedented. To lock-in this history requires institutionalizing the execution of the master plan rooted upon transparency, commitment and professionalism.

    “Also, our solid upbringing in the ethos of the traditional and modern Yoruba culture calls for our continued total devotion to ethical paradigm as ‘Omoluabi.’ These are the values we shall continually espouse and which shall be our guide for the advancement of governance for the benefit of the citizenry.

    “Having been privileged to be part of the first-rated team of Governor Ajimobi, I am offering myself to serve the state as it’s governor in 2019.

    “My interest in Oyo State governorship project is to further the repositioning of agriculture as the basis of our industrialization, enhancing the fortune of our education, health, human capital, including staff development and welfare, industry,  commerce, youth development, engagement and empowerment of women, sports redevelopment, and other strategic potentials across the state.

    “My humble knowledge and modest participation in the rebuilding effort of the present government, under our leader, how ignited my interest in this ‘Continuity for Progress Scheme,’ required for further advancement of Oyo State.

    “It is for this reason that I seek your support as I formally declare my interest in the governorship position of Oyo State on the platform of our great party, APC, in 2019, in order to continue the next phase or our socio-economic master plan.

    “As we are set to further promote and sustain the current all-inclusive governance in Oyo State, together we shall progress, together we shall prosper, together we shall advance and together we shall triumph.”

  • 2019: Oyo SSG joins guber race

    As the 2019 general elections comes closer, the ranks of aspirants jostling to succeed Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi got swollen on Friday as the Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Alhaji Ismael Alli signified his intention to vie for the governorship seat.

    The SSG is to contest the position on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Alli said he decided to join the governorship race after what he described as “due and diligent consultations” with party leaders, elders, his principal, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, other stakeholders and his immediate family.

    In a letter of introduction to convey his intention to the stakeholders, Alli said his years of service jointly with other stakeholders in the Ajimobi administration had prepared him well enough to build on the unprecedented terms of the incumbent governor.

    The letter dated August 6th, 2018 reads in parts, “For half a decade, I have served, together with you, under the astute and architect-builder of modern Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Within this period, we have jointly gained tremendous knowledge about critical governance issues and become highly schooled in service-delivery to the citizenry. We have also actualised plans and projects to promote the socio-economic status of our state and our people.

    Read Also: ‘Oyo ranks second in human trafficking’

    “It is therefore with this sense of responsibility that I humbly convey my aspiration and offer my candidacy for the service of our state as its next governor. This shall be at the expiration of the unprecedented and highly impactful two-term tenure of our distinguished and acclaimed leader.

    “Taking off from the foundation load by our mentor, we shall ensure the continuous security, safety, welfare wellbeing and prosperity of the citizenry; as we further the engendering of inclusive growth and development of the state.

    “Consequently, I am seeking your support, prayers and partnership to successfully prosecute the project for the benefit of all, God willing.”

    Alli, a 61 year old graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, served in various capacities in the private sector before joining the Ajimobi cabinet as the SSG. He hails from Idi-Omo quarters in Oja’ba area of the ancient city of Ibadan.

  • Man pleads guilty for impersonating Olubadan’s aides

    A 78-year old man, Mr Gabriel Adejare, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to defrauding a man of N1.2 million while claiming to be an aide to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and therefore could facilitate a chieftain year title for him from the monarch.

    He also claimed to have the connection to influence Governor Abiola Ajimobi to approve same.

    Adejare pleaded guilty to the three-count charge during his arraignment in a magistrate court, Iwo Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Wednesday.

    Police prosecutor, Mr Sunday Aderemi, told the court that Adejare committed the offence in December 2017 at the Oyo State secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    The charge sheet read: “Sometime in the month of December 2017, at the State Secretariat, Ibadan in the Ibadan magisterial district, you obtained the sum of N1.2m from one Zacheus Bolatito Oladepo, male, with a pretence of giving chieftaincy title of Baale Aladigun of Adigun at the Olubadan palace and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 419 of criminal code cap 38 laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    Read Also: ‘I want to sustain Ajimobi’s legacy’

    “On the same date, time and place of the aforementioned magisterial district, you did steal the sum of N1.2m property of one Zacheus Bolatito Oladepo and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 390 (9) of criminal code cap 38 laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    “On the same date, time and place of the aforementioned magisterial district, you claimed to be representative of the Olubadan and the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under criminal code cap 38 laws of Oyo State, 2000.” He pleaded guilty to the offences.

    Adejare also pleaded for leniency.

    The Chief Magistrate, Taiwo Olaniran, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 and adjourned the case to September 9.

  • Ajimobi charges INEC on efficiency and transparency

    Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continually improve its operation by making it system driven rather than human-driven to forestall electoral malpractices in the country as well as improve the confidence level.

    The Governor gave the charge while receiving the Oyo state resident electoral commissioner Barrister Mutiu Agboke and top INEC officials who paid him a courtesy call at the Governor’s office Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.

    Governor Ajimobi who rated the confidence of the public in INEC at about 60 per cent called on the electoral umpire to raise the bar and ensure electoral transparency in the state. He said voting should not be an excruciating experience but an easy process that should not attract hardship to the people.

    Ajimobi said, “There is nowhere in the world that human being will not behave like human beings, that they will not want to cheat, that they will not want to rig, I think INEC system should continually be improved to make it a system driven exercise and organization, rather than individual driven.

    “The moment you put in place checks and balances in terms of electronic devices, workability and such others, I think the more people will believe in INEC. As at today, the confidence level in INEC is about 60 per cent while the confidence level of the people in government and governance is about 30 per cent, which means INEC is doing better than the government. But let us increase that level and the only way is to continue to make it system driven and make it as transparent as much as we can.”

    Read Also: INEC fixes Aug 18 for Taraba by-election

    While speaking on the issuance of PVC, Governor Ajimobi noted that he has been inundated with complaints from members of the public as regards the slow pace, long queues and other challenges confronting the commission.

    The Governor also stressed the need for the commission to engage more ad hoc staff that would expedite the process while assuring the commission of the government support in the areas of sensitization and mobilization, noting that the state government is already considering working out a mechanism that would allow workers take time off duty to go and register as well as collect their PVCs to reduce the volume of uncollected PVCs.

    “We already planned to make the last week of the registration a time off or giving some days off for our people to leave work to go and collect their PVCs. I don’t think there should be a work-free day for that, but we can work out allowing them to go in the morning and then report back to work. We could say, we will allow them to resume work at 8 am then we give them so hours off to go there and collect till 12noon and then come back to work.

    “We could do that three times a week or even a whole week just to ensure that people registered and collect their PVCs. And when we give people that excuse from duty, they must also come back with their PVCs and we will want to see many of them register and those who have not collected it to do so too”, the governor said.

    In his earlier remark, the Oyo INEC boss, Barrister Agboke said about 756,450 PVC are yet to be collected in Oyo state, appealing to the state government to encourage the civil and public servants in the state by setting a day apart for the collection of PVC through a public holiday.

  • FG, Oyo partner to empower women miners

    The Oyo state government has said that its partnering with the federal government to empower women engaged in mining activities across the state as part of plans by the government to diversify from crude oil to other economic activities in the country.

    The government said the programme is also been extended to other states in the South-West .

    It therefore urged women miners to form a registered association with the government in order to streamline and coordinate their activities as this will enhance government support.

    The state governor Abiola Ajimobi stated this yesterday while delivering his speech at the South-West chapter of Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMN) Workshop, held at the Conference Room, Federal Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Solid Minerals; and the Chairman, Mineral Resources Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Hon. Mathew Oyedokun stressed that efforts of women in mining in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized most especially now that the country is moving away from crude oil to agriculture.

    He added that government may not recognize individual but would recognize a group and the only way such can be achieved is for them to form a registered group which can also help them to solve problems emanating from their day-to-day activities.

    The governor pointed out that government at the state level has little control over mining sector, saying that government at the federal level has a higher control and could help them as a group.

    He called on government at all levels to make empowerment of women a priority as this is the only tool for the development of the nation.

    In his remarks, the Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Mines, South-West, Engr. Danatus Umaru commended women in mining for contributing their quota in developing the nation as well as providing livelihood for their family.

    Read Also: Oyo returns acquired land to the deaf

    He stressed that the only way Government can help them in the sector is for them to be in a group as this will strengthen them.

    Engr. Umaru then advised them to be using safety equipments always when they are at work.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the President, Women in Mining in Nigeria (NIMN) Hon. Janet Adeyemi, pointed out that the essence of the workshop was to empower and reposition women in the mining sector as well as to enlighten them on the need to come together for government’s assistance, stressing that over the years, women in mining sector died ignorantly as a result of low knowledge of hazard in the sector.

    He added that after the workshop, they will be enlightened and do things right to safeguard their lives.

    She noted that gone are the days when Nigerian government depended solely on crude oil but now everybody has realized that there is money in agriculture.

    Hon Adeyemi therefore called on government to provide opportunities  for women through affirmative policies to accommodate, promote and deepen women participation in the sector through easier access to mining titles, encourage the promotion of women and children wellbeing and livelihood, since WIMIN as an association   focuses on miners, and those living in mining communities and their children.

    She however urged government donor agencies to support WIMIN in building capacities of these men and women in critical areas as health and education to foster growth, overall development and sustainability of the mining sector for a holistic growth of the Nigerian economy.

    Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs Foluke Ademokun commended government at all levels for encouraging women participation in agriculture adding that women will do more if they were encouraged by rendering succor.