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Tag: Ajimobi

  • 12 years after, Ajimobi signs School of Hygiene Bill into law

    12 years after, Ajimobi signs School of Hygiene Bill into law

    A bill to upgrade the Oyo State School of Hygiene in Ibadan to a full fledged college of Health Science and Technology has been signed into law by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.The bill which had been in the making since 2003 has been swept under the carpet and abandoned by previous administrations in the state. But last year, Senator Ajimobi sent it to the State House of Assembly where it was passed by the lawmakers in November and was signed into law shortly after by the governor.

    But recently, the state governor,Senator Abiola Ajimobi sponsored the bill to the state house of assembly and it was passed by the lawmakers in November 2014, while the governor signed it into law barely two weeks ago.

    Speaking on the development, the Provost of the college, Mr Siji Ganiyu lauded the lawmakers and Governor Ajimobi for the initiative, stressing that what the past administrations in the state could not achieve in the last 20 years, the present administration has done it within year.

    According to him, the implication of this new development for  the College  is that it will now  be fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

    Ganiyu also stated that it will give the state additional manpower to ensure a healthy environmental delivery.

    “Since Governor Ajimobi came on board he has transformed the school tremendously, our facilities has been upgraded to meet up with international standards.  We have six courses before but now we have nine and we are still planning on introducing two move in the 2015/2016 session.

    “The courses offered now include ; public health nurding, environmental health technology, pharmacy technicians, community health extention workers, junior community health extention workers,  health information management, food hygiene and health assistants. “He said

    Listing some of the present administration achievements in the school, the provost said some of them include; “creation of additional staff offices and 54-bed-spaces hostel for students usage. Re-connection of school water system with the state water corporation, production and distribution of first ever student code of conduct handbook. Provision of additional books and journals in the school library. Beautification and landscaping of the school premises.

    Others are;”procurement of two additional 18 seaters departmental buses. Employment of six additional temporary lecturers and restoration of peace and tranquility on campus”

    Ganiyu also disclosed that the student’s performance has been encouraging, adding that it has increased from 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

    He said:” In one or two courses, the student’s performances were a bit above 50 per cent, while in the majority, the performances ranges between 85 per cent and100 per cent.

  • Who is afraid of Ajimobi?

    Several years ago, the only reason I visited Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, was to attend “compulsory” social functions…mark the word: “compulsory”! And hardly did I spend nights there. The only hotel l felt safe in was Premier Hotel. As a matter of fact, to me it was the only “correct” hotel in the city. A city I rather referred to as a large village. It was too sleepy for my liking. The roads were terrible and the sights were an eye sore. You needed to see the heaps of filth that had become hills and mountains.

    That was the Ibadan I knew. Today, I know a new Ibadan. The beginning of the new Ibadan for me, started last year when l grudgingly embarked on a journey to the city for another social event.

    Confusion greeted me right from the toll-gate end of the city on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway. In the past, I needed not watch out for signboards that greeted “Welcome to Ibadan”. I only looked out for the filth, the decay and blood red eyed young men. But on this day, I was confused because the “signs and sights” of “Ibadan” were nowhere to be found? I wondered if I had wandered into another city. Where is the Ibadan that I knew? Behold, it was gone! At that point I recalled what I had been hearing about the activities of the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Transformation, Restoration, Urban renewal, I thought it was all “politricks” but here it was, staring at me like “politruths”

    Ibadan was wearing a new look – clean roads, good roads, new structures, orderly parks and befitting markets. I thought I was dreaming- the same dream I saw happen in Lagos. After having a pleasure drive round the city, I attended my function and still decided to find out what happened or better still, find out who this man, Ajimobi was. I suddenly envied the people of Ibadan for being blessed with such a visionary leader.

    I never got to meet him then but the impression was that he was not popular with the people. What! Why? A man who had so transformed the state and instituted peace, security and development that had long eluded the people? Something is definitely not right here, I said to myself.

    My curiosity got the better of me and l began to grab every opportunity that would help me get a better and perhaps true picture of how people really felt about this man. l got a few but the most recent one got me thinking the more. I had the opportunity of observing at closer quarters, the people’s feelings and perceptions during the governors recent tour of local governments in the state. My findings jolted me.

    First was the reaction of a people who from findings were skeptical of the administration since inception only to witness magical transformation within two years. I am not talking about the very evident Ibadan now. I am talking about areas other than the city that were hitherto forgotten territories – Ibarapa, Oke Ogun, Ogbomosho, Ono Ara and all the places visited.

    During this tour with the governor, the people trooped out in their thousands to see him. Based on what I had read about him not being popular with the people, I expected that as they trooped out in their thousands, the governor would also get a thousand stones and missiles hurled at him!

    But no, the joy on their faces was priceless! They were clearly happy to see their Governor. Men and women, old and young, professionals and artisans, everyone seemed ecstatic to see the Governor.

    At nearly all the rallies too, there was a semblance of cooperation between the security men and the crowd. Even the crowds from the notorious Bere area to Mapo hall were not as unruly as they used to. Agreed, everything could not have been very perfect because we live in a complex and heterogeneous society. An example of that were few cases where over-excitement almost marred certain aspect of the occasion, but these were quickly curtailed.

    All that joy and happiness said a lot to me. Why are the people so happy? If they did not like Ajimobi, why did they come out in all the local governments to welcome him? Why did they not stone him and curse him for whatever reasons were cited by those who wrote in various media that Ajimobi was not liked by his people?

    I tried hard to justify the unjustifiable. I tried to separate Ibadan from the other towns. Quite right, Ibadan had been lavished with new roads, a new bridge and infrastructural development as well as aesthetics. So, these other towns, these hinterlands, what did they get in infrastructure because there was obviously no flyover bridge like the one in Mokola Ibadan? I realized that these people were happy because their narrow and bad roads had been repaired and widened, thereby facilitating their movement with their agricultural products. Farmers now had access to tractors. Their children – university and secondary school graduates had been employed into the civil service while others were part of the 20,000 engaged in the Youth Employment Scheme of Oyo state (YES-O).

    So, who is afraid of Ajimobi in a new Oyo State? Definitely not the same people who feel so lucky to have such a visionary leader. Not the people who never knew that succor could come to them. Not the people who can now sleep with both eyes closed. Not the people who love him so much that they would cast their vote twice for his second term bid, if voting more than once was possible.

    These are the group of people who I think are afraid of Ajimobi: Unrepentant hoodlums whom the security forces have caged; unscrupulous politicians who want a return to the old order where money meant for infrastructure were shared among them; enemies of the state, physical and spiritual, who want the state to remain in perpetual darkness and backwardness!

    Who is afraid of Ajimobi? I believe this governor has out-performed the rest and performed beyond the people’s expectation. Ahead of the 2015 elections, the people’s choices have been easier because they only have to choose between governors who achieved nothing for the state and a performing governor. They have to choose between inexperienced leaders and a vastly experienced Ajimobi. They have to choose between conservative personalities and a progressive governor.

    Who is afraid of Ajimobi? Not those who are enjoying the new lease of life in the state. Those who are afraid of Ajimobi are those worried that the governor is educating the people so much now that they are better exposed and now know what true leadership means.

    I believe these are the elements that are afraid of Ajimobi and they are shaking really bad because the people are set to return the governor for a second term.

     

    • Shokanmi, is a consultant with Olsphere Investment Limited, Lagos

  • Olubadan endorses Ajimobi, Buhari

    Olubadan endorses Ajimobi, Buhari

    The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, Thursday endorsed the candidature of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the April 11 governorship poll.

    The monarch declared his endorsement for the governor at the Yoruba Summit held at the Parliament Building housing the Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan, the state capital.

    The monarch, who spoke through the Eekerin Olubadan of Ibadan land, High Chief Eddy Oyewole, said Ajimobi’s accomplishments were outstanding, pointing out that his feat made him install him (Ajimobi) as the Atunluse (change agent) of Ibadan land in 2013.

    He said his conviction was still as strong as it was in 2013 because Ajimobi has since then increased the level of transformation of the entire state.

    The monarch recalled that members of the Olubadan in-Council used to think that the governor was only transforming Ibadan but that they were stunned to see similar transformation of other towns when they visited.

    Chief Oyewole said: “Come March 28, make sure you vote for Gen. Buhari. And on April 11, cast your vote for Abiola Ajimobi.

    “Ajimobi is developing other towns in Oyo State. We didn’t know Ajimobi can achieve this much. We have always heard that there is no money. So, when we saw how Ajimobi was building roads, beautifying cities and embarking on other laudable projects, we asked him where he was getting money.

    “Since he was installed as the Atunluse of Ibadan land, he has even done more. Let Ajimobi continue and let them not shift the election again.”

    The endorsement received a terrific applause from the audience.

  • Hausa youths hail Ajimobi

    Members of the youth wing of the Hausa Community in Oyo State yesterday hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi, saying the policy thrust of his administration had benefited non-indigenes.

    The youth, including Bureau de Change operators, motorcycle riders and others, who thronged the Governor’s Office in their thousands, said they came to support Ajimobi’s second term bid.

    Their Coordinator, Alhaji Danladi Garuba, said they were impressed with “the governor’s tremendous achievements in the area of peace and tranquility across the state”.

    “We are happy with what we have experienced in this state since Ajimobi became governor. Before him, our businesses had become paralysed due to incessant attacks by robbers.

    “Today, we are happy to inform Your Excellency that we are back in business because there is peace everywhere.

    “We are here to show our appreciation to you (governor) and to tell you that we will mobilise our members to vote for you and Muhammadu Buhari (All Progressives Congress presidential candidate).”

  • ‘Why Ajimobi ’ll be re-elected’

    ‘Why Ajimobi ’ll be re-elected’

    Notwithstanding the incessant blackmail by opposition parties in Oyo State against Governor Abiola Ajimobi, A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress in the State, Mr Ladi Oluokun has stated that situation will not affect the chances of Governor Ajimobi from been re-elected.

    “In Oyo State, we should be looking at the performance and achievements of elected public officers. The governor has done very well in almost four years. He has restored peace and security to the state. People can now go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation. This is why investors have been flocking to the state to create jobs and make life meaningful for the people.

    “Investment inflow has grown by about 69 per cent. People are beginning to realise the difference between a good government and a government that promoted brigandage and let loose dogs of war on the citizens’’. He went further that:”quite a number of industries and companies are springing up as a result of the conducive environment that Ajimobi has provided. More than 10 industries have been established and nobody will come and invest where he will not make profit. That has led to massive employment for the people and all those that are now engaged in thuggery  have shunned the unruly behaviour because they are engaged. So, there is peace, there is work, there is clean environment, there is infrastructural development and mass transit now operates . So, I don’t see why Ajimobi will not continue as the governor of Oyo State after the election”, he said

    Oluokun, who is also the council boss of Ibadan North East Local Government, while Commenting on the APC rally in the state,explained that the rally was a huge success and it is an indication that the APC is the party to beat in Oyo State.

    According to him,  Contrary to the speculations in certain quarters that our party is not in contention at all, the rally has rested such speculations and we are glad that all eyes are on our party and its candidates, particularly Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who will be re-elected by the grace of the Almighty by the good people of the state.

    Oluokun noted that what Ajimobi has done in terms of infrastructural development of the state, restoration of peace and the cleanliness of the environment, are unprecedented in the history of the state.

    “Artisans got interest free loans to re-capitalise their business and they are quite happy for this. Ajimobi’s victory in the coming polls is not in doubt.?” he said

    The council boss further said:”How many of his predecessors performed like him? How many politicians can pray that if they will not perform God should not allow them win, but Governor Ajimobi has said it openly that if he will not perform God should not allow him win.”

    Oluokun listed some of his own achievements over the last 10 months as:” construction of drains, earthwork asphaltic paving of Idera street yidi/ Agugu ,Akerele layout, Idi-Orogbo/Idi-Ibepe and Ayo Craig road. construction of pedestrian bridge at Labiran area of phase 1 and 2, sinking of Solar system borehole at Labiran areas and Construction ofa double cell box culvert at Ajegede and Onipasan areas. Construction of Olusegun Obasanjo road, Gerado road “

    The council boss also stated that he has impacted positively on the lives of the people of thecouncil through people-oriented empowerment programs. He said his administration will continue carry out a robust and all involving empowerment programme for the people of the council.

    He credited all his achievements to the financial and moral support he received from the governor.

    Oluoukn said though he might not be able to do all, but said all the people in the council area should vote for Ajimobi in order to ensure continuity in governance, adding the he would build on what he has done and provide more dividends of democracy to the people in each of the wards that make up the council.

  • Ajimobi orders payment of workers’ salaries

    Ajimobi orders payment of workers’ salaries

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has directed that all outstanding salaries be paid this week.

    Commissioner for Finance Zach Adelabu said salaries were delayed following the late payment of states’ allocation from the Federal Government.

    He said the state received the January allocation on February 26, which was a far cry from what was expected.

    Adelabu denied the opposition’s claim that local contractors were not being patronised.

    The commissioner said over 60 per cent of the contracts awarded by the administration were to local contractors.

    His words: “What did they know about capital flight? These people who are talking just ask them what they understand by the word capital flight. We have 33 local governments building roads that are having a direct and positive bearing on our people.

    “They are building schools; supplying furniture; yet they say that those that did these and are still working are not from here? The jobs that the local contractors cannot handle are the ones we are giving out to outsiders.

    “One of such projects is the Mokola flyover. And apart from that flyover and the one done by the military at Molete and Secretariat Bridge, no civilian administration has done such projects in the state.

    “We have expanded many roads in conformity with global standard and we are not stopping at that. Other areas as qualitative health care delivery, education, among others, are receiving attention.”

    Adelabu assured retired primary school teachers, who are yet to get their salaries, that the government was working to put smiles on their faces.

  • Ignore Akinjide, says Ajimobi campaign group

    Ignore Akinjide, says Ajimobi campaign group

    The Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the Ajimobi Campaign Organisation has condemned the statement that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would create Ibadan state, if President Goodluck Jonathan is elected.

    Describing it as evil and mischievous, the committee said PDP has failed Ibadan people in the last 16 years.

    A statement by the committee’s director, Wasiu Olatubosun, said the message could be best described as a package of lies, “used to play on the intelligence of sons and daughters of Ibadan land, who have been yearning for Ibadan state in the last 30 years.

    “If truly PDP is sincere in the creation of Ibadan state, why did it take this long to get it done and why has it used it as one of its cardinal campaign promises in the state since 1999.

    “After deceiving the good people of Ibadan, they are here again with the same old fable, thinking that Ibadan people would fall for their deceit.

    “The people, especially Ibadan people, should beware of the antics of ‘People Deceit Party’as deceit is the hallmark of  the Jonathan-led PDP administration and his state campaign coordinator, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, is using the Ibadan state creation to hoodwink the people.

    “It would interest the public to know that the creation of Ibadan state was not in the final document submitted to the President through the National Conference.”

    Olatubosun urged the people to ignore both the message and the sponsors.

    The committee also advised the public to be wary of the antics of some people, who were collecting Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from voters in exchange for money.

  • APC: Ladoja sponsoring lies against Ajimobi

    APC: Ladoja sponsoring lies against Ajimobi

    •Accord: it’s not true

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has accused the governorship candidate of  Accord, Rashidi Ladoja, of sponsoring the circulation of a “leaflet of concocted lies” against the Abiola Ajimobi-led administration.

    It said the electorate would not be swayed by such lies.

    In a statement by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, the APC said Ladoja has a penchant for fabricating lies and circulating same to mislead the public, especially to win undeserved electoral mandate.

    It claimed that the former governor was always at the forefront of attempts to institutionalise dirty politics in the state since 2002, when he succeeded to out-do other contenders to get the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The statement reads:   “The crude manner in which Ladoja secured the governorship ticket to contest the 2003 election remains fresh in the memory of the original members of the PDP.

    “The lies he told against the late Lam Adesina to dislodge him from the Agodi Government House were largely responsible for the failure of that administration to complete its well deserved two terms in office.

    “We recall that Ladoja also sponsored many lies against the Adebayo Alao-Akala administration in the build up to the 2011 elections but the effect was not in his favour as majority of the electorate knew what to do with their votes. He then sought to discredit the mandate given to Ajimobi by sponsoring infantile lies again.

    “Not satisfied with the “hand of fellowship” extended to him by Ajimobi who accommodated several nominees in his government, Ladoja used his loyalists within the corridor of power to obtain some classified information which he either doctored or twisted to mislead the public.

    “At a debate recently, he was confronted by the governor on some falsehood coming from his camp and he left no one in doubt of his character as one who thrives on perjury and mudslinging.

    “Ladoja has again begun to sponsor damaging publications, engage the services of rumour mongers and lie merchants to work against the governor and the APC after it became clear that the electorate would vote for the governor based on performance, promise and track record.

    “We came across a leaflet being circulated in Ibadan in which Ladoja and his sympathisers packaged some lies and tagged it ’50 reasons why Ajimobi should not be re-elected’.

    “We are also aware of a wicked rumour being circulated that scores of passengers disappeared with two Ajumose shuttle buses. These are the handiworks of the same disgruntled elements.

    “As we urge the public to verify every claim from politicians with a view to ascertain its genuineness or lack of it, we call on the Accord  leader to change his ways and turn a new leaf as politics should not turned to an instrument of character assassination, subterfuge and mudslinging.”

    But the Director-General of the Rashidi Ladoja Campaign Organisation, Adeolu Adeleke, denied the allegation.

    He said: “It is part of APC propaganda. If some people levy allegations against a government, and it believes that it is a lie, it should feel unconcerned.

    “We have more reasons than those stated in the leaflet on why Ajimobi should not be re-elected. That shows we are not behind it.”

  • Stop giving Jonathan credit, Ajimobi tells Akinjide

    Stop giving Jonathan credit, Ajimobi tells Akinjide

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has warned the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms. Jumoke Akinjide and the Accord Party governorship candidate, Rashidi Ladoja, to stop appropriating his administration’s effort to the Presidency.

    His statement followed the minister’s claim that the Federal Government helped the state secure a $200 million World Bank loan for the Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP).

    Ms. Akinjide had urged the people to vote for Jonathan because the Federal Government helped the state access the $200 million World Bank loan to combat floods;  Ladoja said the government  should complete the Apete bridge with the loan.

    But in a statement by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, who also doubles as the Government Team Leader for the IUFMP Credit, Abimbola Adekanmbi, the governor described Akinjide’s claim as akin to appropriating the state’s effort while describing Ladoja’s claim as “extreme and acute illiteracy” about government policy.

    Ajimobi said: “The Federal Government never facilitated any loan for the Oyo State government. It is a shame that Ladoja and his surrogate in the Goodluck Jonathan government, Ms. Akinjide, could connive to mislead the people to score cheap propaganda for the President.

    “As a direct result of the devastation from the August 26, 2011 flood in Ibadan wherein hundreds of lives were lost and property and means of livelihood worth several billions of Naira were destroyed, the governor personally approached the World Bank on September 6, 2011 for financial support to address the various infrastructural challenges that arose from the flood and to also mitigate against a recurrence.

    “He made a power-point presentation to officials of the bank who, impressed by his presentation, said they were pleasantly shocked that an Oyo governor could be that articulate, stating that they had long abandoned the state believing it had ‘left the radar of development.’

    “In line with the World Bank procedure, the state government had to formalise the request for the financing through the Federal Ministry of Finance as was the practice. The entire credit arose from efforts to mitigate effects of the flood and to prevent/lessen any  recurrence and should ordinarily be one that is insulated from politicisation, such as the junior minister is engaging in.

    “Having obtained the World Bank go-ahead to begin preparation of the project, the state government, among other things, spent over N50million to conduct several studies and other preparatory activities including the setting up of a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to secure the approval of the World Bank Board for the required credit facility.

    “The bank’s board approval was granted on June 17, last year, following the negotiation meeting between the state and the World Bank Team at the bank’s Country Office, Abuja, on May 6, last year.

    “The Federal Executive Council ‘s approval, which was granted on November 5, last year, was to formalise the credit as this is the practice when any state is obtaining such credit facility.”

    Providing the relevant credit data on the project, the governor said aside the total credit facility, which is $200million, the government’s counterpart contribution was $20million, stating that the project moratorium was five years.

    The statement also added that all credit effectiveness conditions had been met by the state and the project was waiting to be declared effective by the World Bank.

    According to the governor, the role of the Federal Government in the transaction was purely to provide sovereign guarantee as required by the World Bank and not a gesture of the love of the President for the people “as garrulously gloated on by the junior minister and in no way did the Federal Government provide a single kobo towards the credit”.

    Chiding Akinjide for this unbecoming act, Ajimobi said even a primary school pupil would be able to differentiate between the above developmental project and the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway quoted by Ms. Akinjide as achievement by the Federal Government.

  • Ajimobi and second term jinx

    SIR: In recent political dispensations in Oyo State, what started as a mere political routine was allowed to be turned to a jinx. Unfortunately, that jinx has almost graduated to a taboo. That is the so-called second term syndrome. It is very ridiculous that those who are now attempting to turn it into a taboo did not deify it until they themselves failed in their second term bid. If it was a taboo, why did they themselves seek a re-election bid the first instance?

    First of all, the record must be put straight. Between 2003 and 2011, the PDP had a second term in Oyo State. If because of his administrative ineptitude, Rasidi Ladoja failed to get the second term ticket of his party, should the gods of Oyo State be blamed for that? Should the burden of his inability to manage his success between 2003 and 2007 be put on the people of Oyo State? Certainly not. His political indiscretion at that time indicated his inability to manage a cordial relationship with the state House of Assembly.

    In the case of ex-Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala his successor, his priority was the consolidation of his grips of the party structure in the state. He did that bearing in mind the fragile nature of his emergence from the moment of Ladoja’s impeachment. This was further complicated by his sudden political orphanage with the death of Adedibu. Suddenly, he found himself in the forefront of the battle against Ladoja.

    At that stage, he had to resort to extraneous agencies of political pressure groups in order to fortify himself on the political landscape. The first port of call was the drivers union – the NURTW. That group was not only factionalized but polarized. The state of unease in which the state was thrown into can never be forgotten by the good people of Oyo State in a hurry. It was in that state of socio-political insecurity that the 2011 election took place. The people of the state who were eagerly looking for a respite from their heightened anxiety found solace in the then ACN and Ajimobi, its flag-bearer.

    The question to ask in respect of the much talked about continuity in Oyo State is what is it for Ajimobi to continue in Oyo State. The first and the most precious is the peaceful serenity across the state at the moment. The point must be stressed that it is this serene atmosphere in which the state has been breathing that gives room to the socio-economic stride of the state in the last four years of Ajimobi administration.

    There is also the need for continuity in the road networks which Ajimobi had opened across the state. This can be quantified in various dualizations and over-head bridges which he had embarked on. Another area where continuity is desired is in the attraction of business investments. The Technical University which remains a pet project of the Ajimobi administration also needs to be brought to fruition.

     

    • Agboola Sanni,