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Tag: Gov. Abiola Ajimobi

  • I’m leaving peace, security legacy – Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi on Friday disclosed that his administration is leaving behind a legacy of peace, security and development in the state.

    Ajimobi’s second term tenure expires on the 29th of May 2019.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari, he said that he does not owe workers’ salaries.

    He thanked the President for assisting state governments to pay salaries and meet other challenges.

    He said “I want to thank President Buhari for the support he has given all the states particularly during the period of scarcity of funds to execute our projects, to pay salaries, to meet the socioeconomic development demands.

    “He was on hand to help all of us. He supported us by releasing funds to all of us and as at today that I am talking most of the states including Oyo state is not owing salaries.

    “He also assisted us with social infrastructure that is extending the welfare nets to the states, that is why I am here to thank Mr. President because in another two days I am going for Umrah and by the time I come back I won’t be in office as Governor.

    “I am going to Umrah to thank God. When I came in, I pleaded with God to give me the opportunity to serve peacefully and that He did.”

    He thanked the people of Oyo State for letting him be the first governor to serve two terms in the state.

    “I also want to thank the people of Oyo State for allowing me to be the first governor to do two terms of eight years, it has never happened in Oyo State.

    “I am leaving a legacy of peace and security in Oyo. At a time Oyo State was seen as what you call a garrison state, today Oyo state is one of the peaceful states in Nigeria.

    “If our government has not done anything at all, we have brought peace and tranquility and development to Oyo state. It’s been a worthwhile venture.

    “Many of us could seat back and say I retired as an MD of a multinational but if we seat back and play the ostrich we will see that evil will always triumph when men of goodwill fail to act.

    “I want to say that Ajumobi came, brought peace to Oyo state and add value to the social economic development of the State and to Nigeria in general,” he said.

    He said that he regretted that he could not do everything he planned for the state during the eight years.

    “I think I regret the fact that I have not been able to do everything I wanted to do. I wish our people could be more understanding, could be more patient but they feel that any time you try to make a change, people resist change even if it’s good for them. I wish I had been in politics 20 years ago.”

  • Prioritise welfare of citizens, Ajimobi tells Ogun governor-elect

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has advised  the  Ogun governor-elect, Mr  Dapo Abiodun, to prioritise the welfare of the people of his state as compensation for their overwhelming support.

    A statement by Ajimobi’s spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, said the governor gave the advice when Abiodun visited the Oyo State governor in Ibadan on Sunday.

    Ajimobi thanked the people of Ogun for electing Abiodun, urging the governor-elect to see his election as a rare opportunity to serve his people and better their lots.

    The governor, who congratulated Abiodun, described him as gentle, kind-hearted and an epitome of humility.

    “When my brother, Dapo Abiodun, intimated me of his intention to contest for the Ogun governorship election, I told him that he should go ahead and that he will be victorious by the grace of God.

    “I therefore thank God that today he has become the governor-elect of Ogun.  I have every cause to glorify God on his behalf.

    “In the affairs of men, God has always been present. It is this divine presence that has brought him this victory.

    “Dapo is gentle, kind-hearted and an epitome of humility. All these he has demonstrated here today through this visit.

    “While I’m congratulating you on this victory, let me state that an opportunity to serve is an opportunity to be Godly.

    “You must do everything humanly possible to prioritise the welfare of your people as a compensation for the overwhelming support they gave you to emerge governor-elect,” he said.

    Ajimobi urged Abiodun to be ready and prepared to step on toes towards recording meaningful achievements as well as making the desired change during his tenure.

    “If you want to be a good leader and make a change, you must be ready and prepared to step on toes. When you step on toes, the toes will kick you back. Just forge ahead.

    “If you really want to make a change, study your environment; have courage, not only to envision but also to make a difference.

    “Put Godliness above all things and ensure that whatever you do is in the best interest of the people.

    “While I will tell you that you should not under-estimate your enemies, let me, however, say that you should not be deterred by their antics. You can lose a battle but you must win the war.

    “You will have sycophants along the way but you must remain focussed. I have no doubt that with the level of your intellectual disposition, you will succeed,” he said.

    The governor said notwithstanding his defeat at the Oyo South senatorial district election, he had not lost anything other than the opportunity to serve his people.

    According to him,”when I look at my life, I can say without any equivocation that God has been so kind to me.

    “He gave me the opportunity to serve as a senator and as governor of Oyo State for two consecutive terms.

    “For me, that I did not win does not mean that I have lost everything. In fact, I must say that I have not lost anything.

    “Rather, I have only lost the opportunity to serve my people again and give them good representation at the Senate.
    For us in Oyo State, it is joy.

    “God has been so good to us. We have served commendably. We have succeeded in not only providing peace and security, we have also promoted the socio-economic well-being of our people,” Ajimobi added.

    Earlier, Abiodun said the purpose of the visit was to thank Ajimobi for his support during the election and to seek his “wise counsel.”

    Abiodun said that ‘some forces’ did everything possible to scuttle his victory, adding that God, in His infinite mercy, had given him the grace to win.

    The governor-elect commended Ajimobi, whom he described as his very good brother, for staying with him since he started the journey.

    Abiodun said that he was extremely pained when he heard of Ajimobi’s defeat, saying his monumental achievements as governor would remain indelible.

    “Things like these happen some times which you find extremely difficult to explain. But, you are a good man. You are the father of modern Oyo state.

    “You have turned the fortunes of the state around and I am sure that posterity will judge you right,” he said.

    On Abiodun’s entourage were the deputy governor-elect, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Sen. Lanre Tejuoso and a former Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Segun Adesegun.

    Also on the entourage were Mr Tunde Osibodu, Mr Tunde Osinowo and Mr Afolabi Salisu, among others.(NAN)

  • Osun 2018: APC will emerge victorious – Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has expressed confidence that the APC candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, will emerge victorious in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

    He expressed the opinion in Ibadan on Wednesday while receiving Danjuma Ibrahim, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone II in his office.
    .
    The governorship election in Osun State will hold on Sept. 22.

    Ajimobi said that Oyetola would win the election, judging by the exemplary performance of the incumbent administration under Gov. Rauf Aregbesola.

    “We are confident that the APC will win the Sept. 22 election because of the exemplary performance of the incumbent administration in Osun State. One should have no doubt that the APC will retain Osun State,” he said.

    The governor, who described Ibrahim as an intelligent officer, expressed confidence that the leadership of the police in the zone was well grounded and competent to ensure a peaceful election.

    He assured the police authority of the state government’s readiness to assist the zone in ensuring a successful governorship election in Osun State.

    “AIG Danjuma Ibrahim is one of the most intelligent officers I have ever met and I can easily predict that he will get to the peak of his career soon.

    “It is very apparent, though, that APC will win easily because ours is the only party that is on ground and accepted by the people.

    “We are quite sure that the coming Osun election is going to be free and fair, and we shall provide necessary support towards this,” he said.

    Earlier, Ibrahim commended the governor for restoring peace and security to the state through the combined efforts of security agencies, which he said had spurred socio-economic growth.

    He appealed to the governor to extend the assistance to the police command by  refurbishing operational vehicles, provision of Armoured Personnel Carriers and other logistic supports to the zonal command.

    “You already know that policing is not easy, especially when you consider the logistics that must be put in place to achieve success. The zonal command needs operational vehicles to assist our operation.

    “On the coming Osun State governorship elections, we can assure you that we have more than enough personnel ready for the assignment.

    “We will do everything humanly possible to ward off intruders that might want to sneak in and wreck havoc on the election day. We know Osun State to be peaceful, but we do not want to leave anything to chance.

    “So we are soliciting your support to also help in spreading the gospel of peace to the people in Oyo State and to caution anti-democratic elements against coming to Osun State to foment trouble during the election,” he said.

  • Oyo NURTW chairman’s death depressing, tragic– Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the sudden death of Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, the state’s  Chairman of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers(NURTW), as depressing and tragic.

    This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr  Bolaji Tunji,  and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Oyerinde,  popularly known as ‘Fele,’ died at Zenith Medical Kidney Hospital, Abuja,  on Tuesday afternoon.

    NAN reports that Oyerinde,  until his death, was also the South West Chairman of NURTW.

    The governor said he received the news of Oyerinde’s death with a heavy heart and utter disbelief.

    Ajimobi also described the death of the NURTW  chairman as a huge loss to the family, the state and the South West Zone.

    He said that he was particularly pained because he had lost a dependable ally and purveyor of peace.

    The governor said that he was proud of Oyerinde’s emergence as the South West NURTW Chairman.

    Ajimobi stated that his emergence was in recognition of his sterling leadership ability and propagation of peace as well as orderliness among the drivers.

    “I am greatly saddened by the passing away of Fele.

    “ It is very unfortunate and disheartening. He has over time proved to be a dependable ally in our administration’s quest to restore peace to the land.

    “That the motor parks across the state are rancour and violence-free today can be partly attributed to his yeoman efforts to whip errant and rapacious drivers into line.

    “He commands respect among the drivers for his sterling leadership qualities.

    “ His death is indeed a big loss, not only to his family but also to the NURTW nationwide and the entire people of Ibadanland.

    “May the Almighty grant the family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss.

    “  I urge members to respect the new directive of the union’s national leadership which appointed his deputy, Alhaji Abideen Olajide,  as acting chairman,” he said.

    The governor urged them to respect the decision and go about their lawful activities without rancour.

    “I enjoin the good people of Oyo State to be vigilant around the motor parks and report any act capable of breaching the public peace without delay.

    “May Allah repose the gentle soul of the deceased and grant him the highest place in Jannah,’’ he said.

    Ajimobi sued for calm and admonished the NURTW leadership in the state to eschew violence and leadership tussle at this time, stressing that members must maintain sobriety in honour of the deceased.

    NAN recalls that the news of Oyerinde’s death was broken by the National President of NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin.

    Yasin, who spoke from Saudi Arabia, confirmed that  Oyerinde died at the Zenith Medical Kidney Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said: “With a heavy heart,  I announce the death of one of the leaders of this union, who was the Oyo State chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, popularly known as Fele.

    “Oyerinde, who is also the South West Chairman of the Union, died this afternoon at Zenith Medical Kidney Hospital, Abuja.

    “I am talking to you from Saudi Arabia. I am in Minna, Saudi Arabia,  when he died and was the first person the hospital informed about his death,” he said.

    Yasin said the corpse of the late Oyo NURTW boss was already in transit to his Elebu, Ibadan residence,  where he would be buried between 9 and 10 am on Wednesday.

    He prayed that God forgives his sins and grant the family the fortitude to bear the sudden loss.

    The NURTW president also approved the appointment of his deputy as the acting chairman, urging members to cooperate with him.

    NAN recalls that Oyerinde became the Oyo State NURTW chairman months after the emergence of  Ajimobi in 2011. (NAN)

  • Democracy Day: Abiola, others didn’t die in vain – Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday said  the late Chief MKO Abiola and others who paid the supreme price for the actualisation of  the  June 12, 1993 presidential election result  did not die in vain.

    This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr  Bolaji Tunji, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

    The governor said that the declaration of June 12 as the new Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari was a vindication of the 25 years  clamour for the recognition of Abiola’s sacrifice.

    Ajimobi congratulated the people of the state and all democrats across the country on this year’s commemoration of the June 12 annulment, saying  the struggle of many years  are beginning to yield the desired dividends.

    He said that this year’s occasion presented a veritable opportunity for the people to celebrate and also reflect on the ideals that Abiola and other pro-democracy activists lived and died for.

    The governor advised the people to continue to defend democracy and its institutions against anti-democratic forces no matter the odds.

    Ajimobi described the late politician and business mogul as a symbol of democracy, praising him for his strong conviction that bordered on the freedom of Nigerians from the shackles of oppression and poverty.

    “His conviction that Nigerian masses should be freed from oppressors and that the destiny of the whole nation should not be held to ransom by a cabal propelled him to stand by his mandate to the last.

    “Apart from Abiola, the democracy that we all are enjoying now was also made possible by the likes of Chief Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu among others.

    “We must continue to do everything to preserve the memory of June 12, which was the day that Nigerians shelved ethnic or religious biases to take their destinies in their own hands,” he said.

    The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of Abiola and other Nigerians who died  in the June 12 struggle. (NAN)

  • Ajimobi urges Nigerians to pray for Yusuf quick recovery

    Ajimobi urges Nigerians to pray for Yusuf quick recovery

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has urged Nigerians to pray fervently for the first family, particularly for the quick recovery of President Buhari’s son, Yusuf.

    This appeal was made in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

    Yusuf was on Tuesday involved in a bike accident around Gwarimpa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Ajimobi described the accident as unfortunate and depressing, praying that God Almighty would grant the president’s son quick recovery.

    Also read : We will pray for Buhari’s son’s recovery – PDP

     “The abiding grace of God that allowed the ebullient young man to survive the crash will see to his quick and complete recovery.

    “It is indeed heartwarming to hear that he is in a stable condition now and responding well to treatment.

    “In the African culture of being our brother’s keepers, I urge Nigerians to continue to remember the first family in their prayers and thoughts in this difficult period,’’ he said.

    The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Oyo State, prayed that Yusuf would soon be back on his feet.

    According to him, “the incident is a temporary setback and one of the vicissitudes of life. Yusuf will come out of it stronger and will live long to fulfill his destiny.’’

  • 200,000 living with HIV in Oyo

    200,000 living with HIV in Oyo

    Dr Sani Aliyu, Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) says an estimated 200,000 people are living with HIV in Oyo State.

    He made the disclosure on Tuesday in Ibadan during a courtesy call on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State at the executive council chamber of the governor’s office.

    The delegation was led by Aliyu, included representatives of World Health Organisation, other international donor and funding agencies.

    Aliyu stated that only 16,000 out of the estimated 200, 000 persons living with HIV in the state are currently on treatment.

    “We have a gap between the number of infected persons and those on treatment. We have a gap between infected pregnant women and those receiving treatment.

    “We also have issues with the number of new infections recorded,’’ he said.

    The NACA boss stated that 10, 000 pregnant women in Oyo State are living with HIV, adding that about 50 people contact HIV in the state on a daily basis.

    He stated that the state has a considerable figure in terms of new infections, commending the state government for running one of the best programmes on HIV/AIDS.

    Aliyu said that there are 1,060,000 people living with HIV in Nigeria, out of which only five percent were currently on treatment courtesy of the Nigerian government.

    The NACA boss stated that about one million Nigerians are currently on treatment on the bills of the international donor agencies.

    He said that NACA had proposed to the state government to contribute 0.5 or One percent of their federal allocation towards HIV/AIDS.

    Aliyu stated that such contribution by state governments would allow the states to put another 50 per cent of infected persons on treatment.

    “For instance, we have 16,000 already on treatment. If the state can put 0.5 percent of the allocation, the state will be able to put 8,000 on treatment,’’ he said.

    He assured the governor that they are willing to work with his government to ensure that people living with HIV across the state have access to quality and affordable treatment.

    In his response, Gov. Ajimobi assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to partner with them to bring the figure of infected people to a barest minimum if not totally eradicated.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo said his administration would support the donor agencies with funds and human capital towards the eradication in the state.(NAN)

  • Ajimobi condems violence at Olubadan’s palace

    Ajimobi condems violence at Olubadan’s palace

    Gov.  Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has condemned the alleged act of brigandage that occurred during a ceremony at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji on Monday.

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, the governor directed security agencies to ensure that the masterminds are swiftly arrested, interrogated and brought to justice.

    He vowed not to brook anyone or group of people desirous of bringing back the regime of violence and brigandage to the state.

    Ajimobi reiterated his commitment to the security and protection of lives and properties of all citizens of Oyo State, which he said that
    his administration laboured hard to restore and maintain in the last six years.

    News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN )   reports that  five yet-to-be identified gunmen invaded the Olubadan palace at Popoyemoja in Ibadan where the monarch was conducting an installation ceremony of newly appointed traditional rulers.

    The gunmen, who arrived the scene in a space bus, fired gunshots but  no casualty was recorded in the incident.

    One of the gunmen was said to have released volleys of gunshots into the air via the open roof of the vehicle, while others reportedly shot through windows of the vehicle.

    An eyewitness said the gunmen wore black clothes and tied red clothes around their heads displaying pump action rifles and
    A-K47 rifles.

    Men of the state joint security task force `Operations  Burst’ arrived the palace within five minutes of the incidence to restore normalcy.

    NAN reports that the incident had occurred at a time when the monarch was about to commence the installation of four new Baales (village heads) in his palace.

     

  • Ajimobi inaugurates N2.23bn Oluyole-Apata road, bridge

    Ajimobi inaugurates N2.23bn Oluyole-Apata road, bridge

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday in Ibadan inaugurated the 5.5km Mobil-Oluyole- Apata Road and bridge.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reconstruction of the road was awarded to M/S Adold Engineering Development Company Ltd in March 2015 at a cost of N2.23 billion.

    Ajimobi said the completion of the project was another fulfillment of his administration’s promise to decongest roads and ease intra-city transportation.

    “I am highly elated that we are able to convert our dreams into reality. We are building road networks because they are important for socio-economic development,’’ he said.

    The governor said that his administration had constructed several roads in Ibadan including Challenge-Toll Gate, Challenge-New Garage, Eleyele-Dugbe- Jericho- Aleshinloye, Iseyin and Ogbomoso.

    He said the Idi Ape- Bashorun-Akobo Ojurin, Ologuneru-Eleyele, Oke Adu-Iwo road, Gate-Adegbayi, Challenge-Orita Challenge-New Garage, Saki- Ilesha-Ibaruba roads were undergoing reconstruction, dualisation and expansion.

    “As we are doing these, we have been witnessing massive arrival of foreign investors in the state. We must develop Ibadan and Oyo State,” he said, commending residents and commuters for enduring the pains of  reconstruction.

    Mr Wasiu Dauda, the State Commissioner for Works and Transport, said the road which has pedestrian walkway and a three-span bridge over Alaro river, had considerably reduced travel time and raised the values of properties in the area.

    In his remarks, Oba Lekan Balogun, Otun-Olubadan, one of the 21 newly inaugurated traditional rulers, commended the governor for the execution of the project, describing him as a builder.

    Mr Gbenga Opaleye, the Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan South-West Local Government, also thanked the governor for reconstructing the  road.

  • FADAMA III empowers 660 rice farmers in Oyo with N121m farm inputs

    FADAMA III empowers 660 rice farmers in Oyo with N121m farm inputs

    No fewer than 660 rice farmers in Oyo State on Thursday benefited from cash and farm inputs worth N121.07 million under the FADAMA III Additional Financing project.

    Mr Oyewole Oyewumi , Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development disclosed this in Ibadan during the flag-off of fund disbursement and inputs distribution to rice production groups.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Oyo State FADAMA III Additional Financing Project.

    Oyewumi , represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Adewale Atilola, said the farmers, drawn from 15 local government areas in the state, would be supported with improved rice seeds, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and production assets such as sprayers, wheel barrows.

    “The farmers are being supported under the FADAMA III Additional Financing inputs support of 50 /50 cost of sharing arrangement between the benefitting production groups and the project.

    “The project supporting matching fund is a grant and not loan that will be paid back.

    “ I urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the good gesture of the state government by making judicious use of the inputs provided to boost agricultural production in the state,’’ the commissioner said.

    He appealed to the farmers to use the opportunity to improve on their livelihood through active engagement in agriculture both in dry and rainy seasons.

    Oyewumi said that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi placed priority on agriculture

    Earlier, Mr Nathanal Olayinka, Oyo State Project Coordinator of FADAMA III, said the aim of the programme was to encourage farmers and to let them see agriculture as a profitable business.

    Olayinka advised the farmers to make judicious use of the items, adding that they would be monitored to ensure compliance with the rules of the project.

    He commended the state government for providing  its own counterpart fund.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Amos Okunlola, commended the government and promised the judicious use of the cash and inputs.