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Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ajimobi hails new e-passport

    Ajimobi hails new e-passport

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has hailed the 64-page newly approved international passport as an exercise that epitomises quality service delivery to the people.

    He made the remark after he was presented with the 64-page new international passport at the state headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Agodi, Ibadan, at the weekend.

    The governor, who had earlier undergone the necessary process of obtaining the passport, said the new document was of good quality and conformed to international best practices.

    He noted that the new passport would accommodate frequent travellers and reduce visits by Nigerians to immigration offices.

    The Comptroller of Immigration, Oyo State Command, Mr. Innocent Akatu, said the document would be issued to members of the public at the cost of N20,000, while the 32-page e-passport would continue to be issued to children below 18 years at the cost of N8,750.

    Akatu stressed that the elderly, who are above 60 years, would also have the 32-page passport at the cost of N8,750, while people within the age of 18 and 60 would have access to the same document for N15,000.

    The newly-introduced document is expected to reduce theft of passport, as the features such as fingerprint and others cannot be falsified based on the scientific fact that two persons cannot have the same fingerprints.

  • Workers hail Ajimobi over pay rise

    Workers hail Ajimobi over pay rise

    Oyo State government has announced a rise in civil servants’ salaries after a meeting with the state’s Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC).

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday broke the news to workers, who were queuing to board the free Ajumose buses at the Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    He said the union would brief the workers on the details of the salary increase, adding that the raise range  was between 10 and 30 per cent, depending on the grade level of each worker.

    Thousands were excited as the news of the salary increment got to civil servants.

    This came barely 48 hours after the governor approved the outstanding promotions of teachers.

    The governor, who expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, added that the 10 Ajumose buses would convey workers free.

    He noted that his administration had, since inception, introduced innovations into the civil service to improve the workers’ welfare.

    Ajimobi said the salary increment would boost their morale, and enhance their commitment and dedication to duties.

    The civil servants prayed for the governor and the success of his administration.

    Commenting on the  free buses, two civil servants, Mrs. Adejumo Janet and Mr. Iyanda Yekini, praised Ajimobi, stressing that the initiative had saved them money spent on transportation.

    A worker, who identified herself simply as Ester, said: “This is novel. We have never had it so good. New things happen successively for the civil servants in the past three years. There is no strike any longer as we used to have in the past because the governor has been doing what the workers asked for, even beyond our expectation.

    “We have promotions; no one is sitting over our promotions again. We have free buses to take us to work and drop us at the close of work. We enjoy good relationship with the government – our employer. What else will pitch the workers against the government?

    “And now, we were told that we are going to enjoy up to 30 per cent salary increment . We are very happy for this and we shall continue to give all our support to ensure that the governor succeeds.”

  • Workers hail Ajimobi over pay rise

    Workers hail Ajimobi over pay rise

    Oyo State government has announced a rise in civil servants’ salaries after a meeting with the state’s Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC).

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday broke the news to workers, who were queuing to board the free Ajumose buses at the Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    He said the union would brief the workers on the details of the salary increase, adding that the raise range  was between 10 and 30 per cent, depending on the grade level of each worker.

    Thousands were excited as the news of the salary increment got to civil servants.

    This came barely 48 hours after the governor approved the outstanding promotions of teachers.

    The governor, who expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, added that the 10 Ajumose buses would convey workers free.

    He noted that his administration had, since inception, introduced innovations into the civil service to improve the workers’ welfare.

    Ajimobi said the salary increment would boost their morale, and enhance their commitment and dedication to duties.

    The civil servants prayed for the governor and the success of his administration.

    Commenting on the  free buses, two civil servants, Mrs. Adejumo Janet and Mr. Iyanda Yekini, praised Ajimobi, stressing that the initiative had saved them money spent on transportation.

    A worker, who identified herself simply as Ester, said: “This is novel. We have never had it so good. New things happen successively for the civil servants in the past three years. There is no strike any longer as we used to have in the past because the governor has been doing what the workers asked for, even beyond our expectation.

    “We have promotions; no one is sitting over our promotions again. We have free buses to take us to work and drop us at the close of work. We enjoy good relationship with the government – our employer. What else will pitch the workers against the government?

    “And now, we were told that we are going to enjoy up to 30 per cent salary increment . We are very happy for this and we shall continue to give all our support to ensure that the governor succeeds.”

  • Ajimobi, Aregbesola, Kalu console with ex-governor

    Ajimobi, Aregbesola, Kalu console with ex-governor

    Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo State), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun State) and former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu were part of those who consoled with the former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja yesterday over the death of his mother, Alhaja Alimot Ladoja.

    Ajimobi, in his condolence message, said the death of Ladoja’s mother was unfortunate.

    He said: “Even though our dear mama, Alhaja Halimotu Ladoja, died at the ripe age of 94, we are still saddened with her demise.

    “She was a not only a devout Muslim, but also a quintessential mother, who was caring, loving and an epitome of motherhood.

    “Besides, mama was also a good example in philanthropy. She was always ready and prepared to share whatever she had with the less-privileged.”

    He prayed the Almighty Allah to grant her Aljanah Firdaus and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Aregbesola, in a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, expressed gratitude to God for the late Alhaja Ladoja’s  “enviable life style.”

    While praying for the repose of her soul, the governor extended his condolence to the Ladoja family, the government and the Oyo people.

    “Personally, I consider her as a mother-figure and source of inspiration, who remained a devout Muslim and committed to improving the lives of others up to the time she breathed her last. We will miss her a lot,” Aregbesola said.

    The governor noted that her death was not only a loss to her immediate family, but also to the people of Ibadan land and the state.

    Kalu urged Ladoja not to mourn, but rejoice that not only did his mother live long enough, she also lived a fulfilled life.

    Kalu, in the message by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, said what Ladoja needed now was to pray to God for strength to put the loss behind him and focus on contributing his quota to the nation’s development, especially with the 2015 general election in sight.

    He prayed for the repose of the soul of Alhaja Ladoja and the fortitude for her family to bear the loss.

  • Ajimobi gets support from Southwest APC

    Ajimobi gets support from Southwest APC

    THE Southwest Zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence in the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration.

    It said the governor had done the party proud through his brilliant performance in the last three years.

    The party also praised the governor for the outstanding leadership quality, which he demonstrated in the running of the state’s affairs.

    The APC National Vice-Chairman, South-West, Chief Pius Akinyelure, made the remarks when he led the party leaders on a visit to the governor in Ibadan last Tuesday.

    Akinyelure hailed Ajimobi’s achievements and his commitment to the growth and development of the state and its people.

    “Certainly, no governor had done what you have done since you came in. You have excelled in the area of exceptional leadership. You have demonstrated that you are very close to your people.

    “I was here during the last Ramadan and I witnessed the breaking of fast during which no fewer than 2,500 people were fed daily throughout the period. This is an evidence of your large heartedness and care for the people of Oyo State,” he said.

    The APC leader noted that there had been tremendous improvement in the provision of social infrastructure since the inception of the Ajimobi administration.

    “Under your leadership, the roads are better; communication has improved; education has also received a boost; children are now going to school in free buses; several markets have been built to cater for the traders removed from the streets while health care delivery has never remained the same again,” he said.

    Ajimobi, in response, said his administration had continued to make life worth living for the people through his restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda and provision of social infrastructure.

    “We have turned those roads built during the era of Macpherson and Lord Lugard in Oyo State into modern roads. We are not just doing roads, we are doing modern roads. We have achieved much in the areas of health and water.

    He praised the APC leaders for their effort at ensuring the unity and progress of the party.

    Ajimobi said with the victory of the party in Osun State, it would win more states and take over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the federal level.

    “With our performance in Osun State, notwithstanding all the efforts of the opposition, we have been able to show that our party is not only popular, but very strategic,” he said.

  • Ajimobi approves promotion of teachers

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has approved outstanding promotions of teachers in all the public primary and secondary schools in the state.

    The state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Kolawole Kayode, disclosed this while briefing reporters after his meeting with the governor at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan the state capital.

    He said the promotion, which is for 2010 and 2011, will take effect from September 1, stressing that promotion letters for those affected will be issued immediately.

    He said the governor had given a directive to the state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to ensure a speedy implementation of the promotion exercise.

    The state government, he said,   has also approved carrier elongation for primary school teachers with additional qualifications alongside the National Certificate in Education (NCE) from Grade Level 14 to Grade Level 15.

    He said Governor Ajimobi expressed displeasure over the stagnation of the affected teachers, all of whom are university graduates, on GL 14 for years. He directed that they should be moved to GL 15 with immediate effect.

    The state NUT secretary, Mr. Waheed Olojede, said the governor has approved the payment of outstanding planning grants to secondary school principals and primary school headteachers, adding that grants for primary schools had increased from N20 to N40 per pupil.

    He also said the state government has approved the gazetting of the appointment of teachers.

    While presenting a copy of the gazette approved for teachers in Saki zone, the NUT scribe said the government made provision for the document which contains teachers’ records of service.

    This, he said, would alleviate the stress of retiring teachers travelling to their last places of assignment to collate their records of service at the point of retirement.

    Olojede pledged teachers’ loyalty and support for the Ajimobi administration, assuring the governor that teachers would reciprocate government’s gesture through dedication, hard work and commitment to their duties.

  • Ajimobi’s wife empathises with Alesinloye traders

    The wife of the Governor of Oyo state, Mrs Florence Ajimobi has commiserated with shop owners at Alesinloye International Market over the loss they suffered in the fire outbreak that ravaged the market last Saturday.

    Mrs Ajimobi in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare, said she felt their pains over the loss of their goods worth millions of naira.

    She prayed that God almighty will grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

    According to Mrs Ajimobi, “it is true that such a disaster is a setback but God will in His infinite mercies raise divine help for all those affected by the fire.

    “This is indeed a sad occurrence which has negatively affected the lives of many families, their economy and the economy of the state.

    “However, I pray that God will meet everyone affected at the point of their needs and help them recover every loss.

    “We feel their pains and understand what they are going through, it is our sincere prayer that this unfortunate incident will not cripple their businesses.

    “We pray for God’s mercy and favour on everyone and it is our prayer that we will not experience such again,” the statement said

     

  • Ajimobi pledges to assist market fire victims

    Ajimobi pledges to assist market fire victims

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has pledged to assist victims of the Alesinloye market fire disaster within one week.

    The governor, who visited the burnt market in Ibadan twice in one day, made the pledge while inspecting its damage last Saturday.

    His first visit was at 2a.m on Saturday and later in the day to identify with the affected traders.

    Ajimobi expressed sympathy with the traders, describing the fire incident, which destroyed over 500 shops, as “very unfortunate.”

    He pledged that the government would provide succour for the victims.

    The governor recalled his experience when his Lagos private residence was razed in 1993.

    He prayed that God, who assisted him to overcome the incident, would also compensate the traders.

    He directed the affected traders to form a committee to meet with government representatives.

    The governor urged the leadership of the market to ensure equitable distribution of whatever assistance the government would offer.

    He pleaded that such assistance should not be politicised.

  • States lack autonomy, says Ajimobi

    States lack autonomy, says Ajimobi

     Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has bemoaned the lack of full autonomy by states, saying Nigeria is yet to practise true federalism.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, at the public presentation of a book on grassroots governance.

    The book, titled: “Grassroots Governance in Perspective: My Experience in Oluyole Local Government, Oyo State”, was written by the council’s Chairman, Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye.

    Reacting to the author’s call for local government autonomy, Ajimobi said even states are not “truly autonomous” because of the “lopsided manner” in which federalism is practised in Nigeria.

    He said: “The Nigeria of today is not practising true federalism. Even states are not autonomous. Political leaders must continue to strive to deliver best quality services to the people, so that our country will join the league of best nations in the world.”

    The governor lamented the negative impact of bureaucracy on good governance in Nigeria, adding: “Government is like a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which must provide quality services, such that set objectives are met timely and effectively. But bureaucracy makes governance tedious in Nigeria. However, as leaders offered the opportunity to serve, we must find every means to deliver qualitative services. A good leader takes people to where they want to be while a great leader takes them to where they ought to be.”

    The Chairman of the occasion and National President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, said Abass-Aleshinloye and the other 10 council chairmen in Ibadan were committed to the city’s development.

    Should the proposal by the National Conference to bring local governments under the authority of states sails through, Oyero urged governors to make councils the focus of their administrations.

    He warned them against using local governments as instruments of political oppression.

    The author, who thanked Ajimobi for giving him the opportunity to serve, said the book would not have been a reality without the opportunity to learn grassroots governance at the council.

    Abass-Aleshinloye said: “The writing of this book gave me opportunity to put together my experience in the line of duty and I hope the book will serve the purpose of intellectual debate and resource material for academic use.”

    At the event were House of Assembly Speaker Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu; a popular lawyer, Mr Bisi Adegbuyi, who was the chief launcher; and legal luminary Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), among others.

  • Chairmen advocate second term for Ajimobi

    Chairmen advocate second term for Ajimobi

    Eleven local government chairmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have solicited support from two artisan groups for the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The council bosses, through an initiative organised by the Association of Local Government (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, donated to two artisan associations – the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) and the National Union of Tailors (NUT), tools in an empowerment programme to boost their productivity.

    The event, which featured the distribution of items, such as breast drill machine, spraying kits, blow lamps, gloor turches, gas guages, socket wrench sets, sewing machines, tool boxes and generators, was attended by an official of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Busari Adebisi; the National Vice- President of NATA, Comrade Dele Odewale; the National Vice-President of the NUT, Chief Rasheed Ibitade; the Chairman, ALGON, Oyo State branch, Mr. Yekeen Popoola; the Chairman of the Oyo State Water Corporation, Mr. Bosun Ajuwon, among others.

    The Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Mr. Mobolaji Najimudeen, said they felt the need to empower the artisans with tools to boost productivity.