Tag: Makinde

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has said that his government will do more for people of the State in 2025.

He noted that the administration would embark on decisive actions that would increase Oyo residents’ spending powers and ease the economic strains they are facing.

The Governor stated this in his New Year message aired on the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) on Wednesday.

Makinde, who also reiterated the position during the Crossover Service at the Livingspring Chapel International, Ibadan on Tuesday night, said he would remain focused and ensure that residents of the state get value for the mandate given to him.

He listed the upgrading of the Ibadan Airport, Alakia to an international status, the first segment of the Ibadan Circular Road and further education and enlightenment of residents as some of the projects the government would embark upon in the New Year.

He also added that his administration would enforce the rule of law across different sectors, noting that more stringent measures would be taken against traffic offences in the state.

The Governor maintained that 2024 tested the resilience of Oyo residents to the limit, as the state and people faced so many difficult situations including economic hardship and tragedies in Ibadan.

According to the Governor, the nation struggled with economic challenges throughout 2024 with inflation rates reducing the people’s spending power and dragging more people into poverty despite his administration working hard to lift people out of poverty through different policies and programmes.

He, however, noted that the people of the state still had everything to be thankful to God for.

Makinde declared that as a result of the economic difficulties, his government took further actions to move people from poverty to prosperity by investing in making Oyo State an economic hub and making the environment more ideal for the private sector to thrive.

Through these initiatives, the Governor said, the state attracted huge investors such as Africorp Consortium and Shell Nigeria Gas, completed and commissioned the first phase of its Independent Power Project and flagged off the second agribusiness industrial hub construction in Eruwa.

He added that the tragedies, the Bodija explosion and the Islamic High School stampede deaths, also made the administration to become more proactive and to take a second look at its strategies, policies and programmes.

Governor Makinde said: “What a year 2024 was! Our resilience as a people has been tested almost to the limit. We have faced economic challenges and social tragedies that have been a direct or indirect result of these challenges.

“We were shocked by the 16 January, 2024 Bodija Incident. We reacted by signing Executive Order 001, 2024 on the Safe Handling and Storage of Harmful Substances Within Oyo State. We also took steps to give support to those who were primarily affected by this incident. We will give them even more support this 2025.

“In December 2024, disaster again struck in our dear State as we lost 35 children to a stampede at Islamic High School Basorun. We are still mourning this great loss.

Read Also: Funfair tragedy: Makinde assures law will take its course on suspects facing trial

“Throughout the year, we struggled with economic challenges as a nation. Inflation rates reduced our spending power and dragged more people into poverty than we were able to help escape poverty.

“Our hearts are heavy. Still, we are thankful. These tragedies have forced us as a government to go back to the drawing board and take a second look at our strategies, policies and programmes.

“For example, following the Bodija Incident, we took actions that further secured the lives of our people. We are more determined to put further measures in place to ensure that incidents like these never occur again.

“The economic difficulties also spurred us to take further actions to pull our people out of poverty. We invested in making Oyo State an economic hub, making our environment more ideal for the private sector to thrive.

“We welcomed Africorp Consortium and Shell Nigeria Gas into Oyo State, completed and commissioned the first phase of our Independent Power Project, a public-private partnership with Elektron Energy and flagged off the second agribusiness industrial hub construction at Eruwa.

“Indeed, despite the pain we feel regarding the tragedies that befell us last year, we are thankful.”

Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to assure residents of the state that there would be a positive turnaround in the New Year, calling on the people to continue to support his administration.

“So, with this confidence we look forward to a 2025 that will be a turnaround for us personally and as a people.

“As an administration, we look forward to doing more for our people. We are determined to take actions that will increase your spending power and ease the economic strain you are currently facing.

“We commit to being less reactive and more proactive. That is why we have mandated appropriate agencies to sensitise our people more about their duties and responsibilities that will lower the possibility of these avoidable disasters.

“OYMASED is supposed to educate our people. If we have any policies, programmes, the agency has its job cut out for it and we will keep educating our people. We will also use technology.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to see the New Year. I wish you a happy New Year and a very prosperous 2025,” he added.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of 33 persons with disabilities as special assistants to the chairmen across local governments.

The Director General of Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ayodele Adekanmbi, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday.

He said: “This is a groundbreaking moment in our history. For the first time, significant priority and attention are being given to persons with disabilities in Oyo State, ensuring their rights and needs are addressed without delay.”

Adekanmbi added that the appointment reflected the generous spirit of a governor who believed in equality, ensuring individuals, regardless of their circumstances, enjoyed fair treatment and equal opportunities.

Read Also: Makinde appoints 33 PWD as aides across LGA

“It is not an exaggeration to declare Makinde as the best governor in Nigeria,” he said.

Adekanmbi expressed gratitude to the governor for his support and commitment to uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities since he assumed office.

“Recently, we celebrated the recruitment of approximately 510 persons with disabilities into the state teaching service, alongside 10 others who were enlisted into the civil service.

“This extraordinary support from His Excellency has not only empowered us, but has also instilled hope that we can achieve remarkable heights despite our disabilities.”

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a committee on the management/disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund.

He urged members to ensure transparency in carrying out their duties.

Governor Makinde, who inaugurated the 10-man committee yesterday, said its job was to oversee the management and disbursement of the relief fund to those who lost properties to the explosion.

Recall that on January 16, an explosion rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, which was later found to be due to illegal storage of mining devices.

He said the government was providing support to the people affected and not compensation, noting that his administration was interested in doing the right thing for the people of the state.

Makinde added that the road to Dejo Oyelese Street, scene of the explosion, would be fixed, while a monument would be erected around the area.

Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Oyo to prosecute three identified persons of interest

He thanked the professional bodies that worked with the state when the incident happened, for their support, enjoining them to incorporate people that would work efficiently with the committee and put the resources where needed.

The committee comprises Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal (chairman); former deputy governor of Oyo State and Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, chairman, Bodija Estate Residents Association; Alhaji Gafar Bello, executive assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning; Mrs Ojuolape Busari, secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.

The governor called on them to use the opportunity of the festivities to pray for the state and Nigeria and to also spread love among the people. He also prayed for those who were mourning.

Governor Makinde, who stated this in his Christmas message to residents of the state, urged the people to gather and celebrate responsibly by implementing necessary crowd control measures and, where appropriate, involving security agencies.

He called on the residents to remember those mourning the loss of their children during the recent stampede and charged them to be vigilant during the Yuletide.

Read Also: Makinde appoints 33 PWD as aides across LGA

He urged the residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies through the State Emergency Number 615.

Makinde said: “I wish all Christians and residents of Oyo State a Merry Christmas.

“Christmas presents another opportunity to spread love and to make supplications for our state and our country.

“We should remember those mourning the loss of their children in the recent stampede and pray that God will console them and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I also urge residents of the state to be observant and vigilant during this period. They should report any suspicions to security agencies through 615.

“As we always say, if you see something, say something, and the government will do something. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.”

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of 33 persons with disabilities as special assistants to the executive chairmen across all local governments in the state.

The Director General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ayodele Adekanmbi made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday. 

He said, “This is a groundbreaking moment in our history. For the first time, significant priority and attention are being given to persons with disabilities in Oyo State, ensuring their rights and needs are addressed without delay,”

Adekanmbi added further that the appointment reflects the generous spirit of a governor who believes in equality, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, enjoys fair treatment and equal opportunities.

Read Also: Christmas: Speaker Abbas, deputy seek prayers, national rebirth

“It is not an exaggeration to declare Engineer Oluseyi Makinde as the best Governor in Nigeria” 

He  further expressed profound gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support and commitment to uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities since he took office as the Executive Governor,  of the state.

“Recently, we celebrated the recruitment of approximately 510 persons with disabilities into the State Teaching Service, alongside 10 others who were enlisted into the Civil Service

“This extraordinary support from His Excellency has not only empowered us but has also instilled hope that we can achieve remarkable heights despite our disabilities.”

Adekanmbi urged the newly appointed Special Assistants, whose names have been published on the official website of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities to utilize the unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the sate. 

He also wished for God’s continuous guidance and blessings upon the governor in all his endeavors.

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the committee on the management/disbursement of Bodija explosion relief fund. 

The governor charged the members of the committee to ensure transparency in carrying out their responsibilities to those that were affected by the incident. 

Governor Makinde, who inaugurated the 10-man committee on Tuesday, said its job is to oversee the management and disbursement of the relief fund to those who lost properties to the explosion. 

Recall that on January 16, 2024, an explosion rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija Ibadan, which was later found out to be due to illegal storage of mining devices. 

Governor Makinde stressed that the government is providing support to the people affected and not compensation, noting that his administration is interested in doing the right thing for the people of the state.

He equally added that the road to the Dejo Oyelese Street the scene of the explosion will be fixed while a monument will also be erected around the area. 

The governor appreciated the various professional bodies that worked with the state when the incident happened for their support.

He charged them to incorporate people that would work efficiently with the committee and put the resources where needed.

The committee is made up of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal (chairman); a former deputy governor of Oyo State and Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Chairman, Bodija Estate Residents Association; Alhaji Gafar Bello, Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning; Mrs Ojuolape Busari, Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency. 

Others are nominee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Ibrahim Lawal; nominee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Oluseye Ojo; nominee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ibrahim Bello; nominee of Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, Mrs Arinola Olanipekun and the nominee of the Bodija Estate Residents Association, Mr David Afolayan.

Read Also: Stampede: Southern governors pay condolence visit to Makinde

In attendance at the inauguration were former deputy governor of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; wife of former Oyo State governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu; Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioners and Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal. 

Others were the special adviser to the governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese; and chairman of local government chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, among other dignitaries.

Governor Seyi Makinde has reassured residents of Oyo State that suspects arrested in connection with the Bodija explosion in Ibadan have not been exonerated, contrary to speculations. 

He emphasised that the suspects remain in custody, facing due legal processes, even if progress appears slow.

Makinde gave this assurance during a media chat over the weekend on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). 

Addressing concerns about the January 2024 explosion and the recent tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, which claimed the lives of 35 children, he described both incidents as avoidable.

During the live broadcast, the governor called for a minute of silence in honor of the children who lost their lives in Tuesday’s stampede, labeling it a monumental tragedy.

Meanwhile, The Nation reports that three suspects, Ramatu Camara, 47, Ganiu Malik, 20, and Abubakar Samasa, 64, have been charged by the police for conspiracy, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stockpiling radioactive materials, and dispersal of biological weapons. 

All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The suspects are facing trial before Justice E.U. Akpan of a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Recall that on January 6, 2024 massive explosions from suspected miners went off resulting in the death of about six people with close to a hundred injured. About 60 housed were also damaged.

Governor Makinde also used the occasion of the media chat to clarify his position on the controversial Tax Reform Bill by the federal government, noting that he was not opposed to the tax reforms. 

He said that the federal government needed to engage with a wider array of stakeholders to achieve a meaningful reform.

Read Also: Customs critical to achieving N35tr revenue in 2025 budget – Edun

The governor, who was part of those who briefed the media on the position of the National Economic Council on the bill, following which he was criticised by a section of the public for opposing the tax reform bill, said Nigerians should learn to focus on the message rather than the messenger.

“At the level of the National Economic Council, we asked the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force a question on the whereabouts of the bill and he said that it was already at the National Assembly. I said if that was the case, why are you just coming here for us to debate and give you the approval as prayed. It amounted to putting the cart before the horse.

“It was an agreement reached unanimously at the NEC meeting; withdraw this bill from the National Assembly, let us have a wider consultation. If people have reservations here and there, it is something that is national and you can seek alignment. And when you align, it may be in the original form, or you may have to tweak it to accommodate whatever the stakeholders are going to say.

“I was asked to be part of the people that would brief the press, and my bit was to explain our decision on why the bill should be withdrawn so that consultation could happen with stakeholders, but some people just focused on the messenger as opposed to focusing on the message.”