Tag: Makinde

…as southeast PDP leaders visit, commiserate with gov

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the death of some children in a stampede at a private funfare held in Ibadan, the state capital, last Wenesday, was sobering and could have been avoided if due diligence had been done by the organisers.

The governor stated this on Friday, when he received leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East geopolitical zone, who paid him a visit to condole with him over the deaths.

Governor Makinde declared that apart from cancelling a birthday lecture planned in his honour in Ebonyi State, he had decided to cancel his birthday party on 25th of December to honour the departed souls.

The governor appreciated the South-East PDP leaders led by the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Dr Adolphus Wabara, for their show of love and for letting the residents of Oyo State know that “they are not alone in these sad times.

Those in the South-East PDP delegation also include a former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Sam Egwu; a former National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Ben Obi; a former National Woman Leader of the PDP, Iyom Josephine Anenih; new National Secretary of the PDP, Chief SKE Udeokoye; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chief Ali Odefa; Chief Obasi Elebi and the Ebonyi State PDP chairman, Chief Onyema Nwele.

The governor said: “We flew into Abuja and planned to be on our way to Ebonyi, when the sad event started unfolding on Wednesday. First, we had to secure the place. I sent the security people in there.

Read Also: BUA chairman Rabiu endorses Tinubu’s economic reforms, urges patience

“The most painful part for me was that this incident could have been avoided altogether and the deceased are innocent children.

“By the time I got to Abuja and I got the full report, I said there was no way we could go on to Ebonyi. But I appreciate all the arrangements and commitment that we were able to see, from my able leader and former National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi.

“The love from the South-East is not lost on me and the people of Oyo State. I really want to say thank you for the love. You are the first set of leaders that came physically to commiserate with the Government and the people of Oyo State for that unfortunate incident.

“Yes, some people have called, reached out but in terms of physical presence, you are the first. That will not be lost on the people of Oyo State.

“This is not a day for long speeches; it is a day that is really sobering for me personally. Not only did I cancel the event in Ebonyi, I told everyone that I would stay indoors on my birthday. There is no party; I have sent the message out.

“It has been a difficult year, really. Early in the year, we had the Bodija explosion. We managed through quite a bit. But we are strengthened by the show of support for us, to let us know that we are not alone in facing all of these.

“So, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we want to appreciate you for coming to commiserate with us and to let us know we are not alone.”

Speaking earlier, Dr Wabara, expressed the condolences of the South-East PDP to Governor Makinde, noting that the governor is much loved in the South-East and the PDP leaders have chosen to visit to commiserate with him and the people of the state.

“Your Excellency, the people you see here this afternoon came all the way from Enugu, the political capital of the South-East, on hearing what happened to you and the good people of Oyo State two days ago.

“Yesterday, the entire South-East waited for you but as a statesman, a man who loves his people, you cancelled the meeting because fire was burning in your house.

“We, on our own, had to cancel the event and it was well-taken and everybody went back from Abakaliki crying. Not weeping because we didn’t have food to eat but because we know that once Oyo is crying, the entire South-East is crying, not to talk of the leader in your person. You are very much loved in the South-East.

“We decided that these elders here should come to clean the tears of the Oyo State people. As you are weeping, we are also weeping. So, we are here to commiserate with you, and through you, with the people of Oyo State. 

“It is going to be a very sad Christmas for us. The children that died; they are not just Ibadan people, they are Nigerians and we are Nigerians. So, we feel the pains just as much as you do. It will be a bad Christmas. If it is possible for the people of South-East to cancel Christmas, we would have done so. 

“What has happened is unprecedented and I am happy that you are following it up as you have ordered that a thorough investigation be carried out. You have gone through a lot but with your sagacity and understanding of governance, God has been seeing you through. 

“Generally, as Christians, when anything happens, whether good or bad, we give thanks to God. So, we want to, on behalf of the South-East PDP stakeholders, pray to God to grant you and the people of Oyo State, particularly the parents of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the loss.

“They are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow but unfortunately, this happened. God knows best.”

Governor Makinde also used the occasion to congratulate Chief SKE Udeokoye, who was affirmed as the National Secretary of the PDP by the Court of Appeal on Friday as well as the new chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi State.

He advised the new National Secretary to be firm and to provide leadership, saying: “For the newly-minted PDP National Secretary, I wrote to the BOT that fair is fair and we also said we should respect whatever it is that the South-East would love to have. I am glad that the court has made its pronouncement. That is the last hope of the common man. Congratulations.

“We hope that you will be firm and provide leadership. Thank God that you have Senator Obi right by you. So, there won’t be any excuse that you are faced with difficulties and you couldn’t get the right advice.

“I also congratulate the new state chairman of Ebonyi State PDP,” he added.

1: From right, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu and former PDP National Secretary, Chief Ben Obi, during a visit to Governor Makinde over the Ibadan stampede incident. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

2: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle); Chairman PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara (second left); former PDP National Secretary, Chief Ben Obi (second right); former PDP National Woman Leader, Mrs Josephine Anenih (left); PDP National Secretary, SKE Udeokoye (right) and others, during a visit Governor Makinde over the Ibadan stampede incident. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

The wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has brought festive cheer to women across the state by distributing food items and cash gifts in celebration of this year’s Christmas and New Year.

The initiative, aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by many families during the festive season, was warmly received by the beneficiaries, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support.

Held at the Presidential Lodge of the Oyo State Government House, the event brought together hundreds of women from the 33 local government areas of the state.

In her remarks, Mrs. Makinde stressed the importance of community support, particularly during challenging times.

She highlighted that the gesture was part of her ongoing efforts to uplift women in the state.

By providing food supplies and financial assistance, the First Lady seeks to ensure that families can enjoy the festive season without the worry of hunger. 

Read Also:Makinde, Minister for Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

This act of generosity reflects her dedication to improving the welfare of women and children in Oyo State, reinforcing the value of communal care for societal development.

In addition to food items, cash gifts were also distributed to help women meet other pressing needs.

Many beneficiaries praised Mrs. Makinde for her consistent efforts to enhance the welfare of women, noting that such initiatives not only offer immediate relief but also inspire hope and resilience.

The women described the First Lady’s gesture as a true embodiment of the Christmas spirit, centered on sharing and caring for one another.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde  has said plan is underway to launch 500megawatts solar power project in Itesiwaju Local Government, to boost power supply before the end of his administration.

The move, according to him, will enable the state to generate its own electricity locally and also be able to export same to other countries.

He called on investors in the energy sector to partner with the state, noting that there is a huge energy market in the state.

He spoke while inaugurating the first phase of the 11 megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, the state’s first-ever Independent Power Project, at the Power House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Read Also: Energy: Makinde targets 500MW solar power generation project 

The first phase of the project comprises 1 megawatt solar power and 4 megawatts of gas-fired power generator.

The power plant, a private investment under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, was started two years ago, as parts of the government’s effort at contributing to the overall development of the state.

Makinde said: “We are here to inaugurate the first phase of a project that I believe will serve as the fulcrum that is pivotal to the future development in our dear state.

“This power plant is 100 per cent private investment, because the government doesn’t have the money to do everything. But as a government, we provided an enabling environment for investors to know that we are serious people.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, held a meeting with the Commanders of the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, at the Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.

The meeting, part of the forum’s quarterly review, focused on enhancing the operational efficiency of the security outfit.

Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, Chairman of the Amotekun Commanders Forum and Commander of Ondo Amotekun, told journalists that the Commanders convene quarterly security discussions, which are rotated among member states.

He revealed that the discussions with Governor Makinde were productive, building on earlier deliberations about the security situation across the Southwest.

Adeleye emphasized plans for stronger collaboration between Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the region to ensure safety during the festive season and beyond.

He appreciated Governor Makinde and the people of the zone for their support over the years, saying: “What we had today is a courtesy visit on Governor ‘Seyi Makinde. Amotekun Commanders in the South-West have a security meeting, which is usually rotated among member states.

“Yesterday and today happened to be the turn of Oyo State and we had deeply deliberated on the security situation not only of Oyo State but across the Southwestern states.

“The Commanders of the Amotekun in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti are all here with me and we held useful discussions with the governor and we know that this will translate to security of lives and property in the Southwest.

Read Also: Don’t turn us into beggars, Ibadan petty traders beg Makinde over planned demolition

“On the yuletide, there is serious synergy among Amotekun Commanders and all other security agencies. We all collaborate towards ensuring that our end-of-the-year patrol is sustained and guarantees security for commuters and residents.

“We want to thank the Host Governor for this end of the year meeting. We also thank our people from the South-West for the support they have given us so far. We know and we appreciate the support we enjoy and we will continue to strive to enhance the security situation, such that the people can now sleep with their two eyes closed.”

Other Commanders in attendance at the meeting were Brigadier-General Adedigba Alade, rtd (Ogun State); Brigadier-General Ibukun Adewa, rtd, (Ekiti); CSP Isaac Omoyele, rtd (Osun) and the host Commander, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, rtd (Oyo).

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has said that plan is underway to launch a 500megawatts solar power project in Itesiwaju local government area of the state to boost power supply before the end of his administration. 

The move, according to the governor, will enable the state to generate its own electricity locally and also be able to export same to other countries.

He, however, called on investors in the energy sector to partner with the state, noting that there is a huge energy market in the state.

He made the disclosure while commissioning the first phase of the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, the state’s first-ever Independent Power Project, at the Power House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Nation reports that the first phase of the project comprises 1 megawatt solar power and 4 megawatts of gas-fired power generator.

The power plant, a private investment under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model was started two years ago, as parts of the governments effort at contributing to the overall development of the state.

Makinde said: “We are here to commission the first phase of a project that I believe would serve as the fulcrum that is pivotal to the future development in our dear state.

“This power plant is 100 per cent private investment, because the government doesn’t have the money to do everything. But as a government, we provided the enabling environment for investors to know that we are serious people. 

“We have invested in road construction, interconnecting all the zones so that development spreads across the state.

“We have focused on agribusiness so that investors come into our state through Private Public Development Partnership. We have invested in security so that we can see our dear state as one of the best investment destinations in Nigeria.

Read Also: Don’t turn us into beggars, Ibadan petty traders beg Makinde over planned demolition

“We have taken strategic steps to reduce our infrastructure deficit and the result has been the growth of our economy. Our GDP grew by about 90 per cent — from 2.75trn in 2019 to N4.05trn as of 2022.

“But as we speak to these investors, they always talk about one aspect of the economy that should be an absolute game changer, having reliable and uninterrupted power supply. It’s a big deal.

“I know where we ought to be as a nation in terms of capacity to generate and distribute electricity, but we are nowhere near that place. That’s why all over the place, we have generators. So, when we had the groundbreaking ceremony here, it became clear to us to go from growth to a game changer for our economy to go to scale, a point where you are just using what you have to stretch the envelope.

“The groundbreaking was done on Saturday, 11th of December, 2021. This was two years before the Federal Government gave the go ahead for states to have powers to generate, transmit and distribute their own power.

“Now, as a state, we can look at our own power requirements and bridge the gap without looking towards anyone else. And this is exactly the trajectory we are on in Oyo State.

“We took advantage of the changing times and worked with the House of Assembly. In February this year, we signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill into law. So, it is in force now.

“We wasted almost a year trying to get approval from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission for this power plant. But for the next power plant, it is now under our own control. It won’t take one month. I am saying to investors now that the coast is clear.

“So, today, we are here to commission the first phase of the IPP. I thank our partners for believing in us, because what you have done is to put in your money with the hope that you will recover it from our monthly payment. I give you the assurance that we will not default.

“With the completion of this phase, Oyo State has gone from producing electricity at the mini-grid stage to 5MW electricity with 4MW gas and 1MW of solar. You may be thinking that the 5MW is low but let us put this in perspective. 

“Oyo State receives an average of 80MWatts from the national grid. The 5MW is roughly 7 per cent. We may be going to 500MW but, today, we have taken a step.

“We are working as a government to launch a 500 Megawatts Solar Power Project in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state. This will enable the state to generate its own electricity locally and also be able to export same to other neigbouring countries.”

The governor described the IPP as a game changer, noting that there are, indeed, better days ahead for Oyo State economically.

He said, “This is an absolute game changer. We signed an agreement with Shell and they have welded the first pipe and the $100m investment is well on its way. This is a direct investment that is not going through anybody.

“Truly, there are better days ahead for the Oyo State economy and all of us here are playing a part in making history. As I said, we are not stopping here. Even if they want to stop us, we won’t stop because we are well on our way. So, we are seeking more investors in the energy sector from the state and there is a market for that.”

• Eight join State High Court, two for Customary Court of Appeal

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday swore in eight judges of Oyo State High Court and two judges of Customary Court of Appeal.

He urged them to carry out their duties with sense of responsibility and live up to the expectations of the office they occupy.

He said his administration would continue to provide support towards ensuring the Judiciary had the right environment to perform its duties.

Makinde said this after the oath of office and allegiance and judiciary oath were administered to the new judges at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

He said the process of their appointments was based on merit and without interference from the Executive.

The governor, who said there had been cordial relationship between the arms of government, making it possible for them to deliver dividends of democracy to the people, added that the Judiciary had an important part to play towards the achievement of the administration’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.

He said his administration was committed to enforcing the rule of law and ensuring the state continued to thrive into the future as a state with law-abiding citizens.

Read Also: Makinde reaffirms commitment to public service, institutional growth

Makinde urged the judges to discharge their duties without fear or favour, noting that the people would look up to them to protect their rights and get justice.

He said: “Less than a month ago,  National Judiciary Commission (NJC) approved the appointment of eight High Court judges and two Customary Court of Appeal judges for Oyo State. Today, we’ve just held the swearing-in of these judges. This was done in accordance with sections 211 and 281 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.’’

The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, enjoined the newly sworn in judges to be honest, steadfast and firm in the discharge of their duties and to be ready to take up the challenges ahead.

Noting that the appointments were made without interference from Governor Makinde, Justice Yerima said NJC even hailed the process that threw up the new judges.

Yerima, who lauded the Makinde administration for its support to the Judiciary, said the appointment of the 10 judges took the number of judges appointed by the administration to 15 and that the figure was the highest by any administration in the state.

She said the governor bought 38 vehicles for the Judiciary, the largest purchase for the Judiciary in the history of the state, adding that each of the 10 new judges would be assigned new vehicles.

Yerima also praised the governor for building court infrastructure, including High Court buildings in Egbeda and Ona Ara local governments, renovation of High Court complexes on Ring Road, Iyaganku and Ogbomoso, among others.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi; the lawmaker representing Ogun Central, Senator Shuiabu Salisu; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu and President, Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu.

Also in attendance were former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; representative of the National Judiciary Commission, Mr Yakubu Ismaila; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Sanda; Olu of Igboora,  Oba Jimoh Titiloye, among other dignitaries.

The New Gbagi Petty Traders Association at the Bola Ige International Market, Ibadan, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider his plan to demolish parts of the market, warning that the move could displace over 4,000 petty traders and endanger their livelihoods.

Led by their chairman, Engr. Kola Oyewole, the traders held a rally at the market, pleading with the governor to protect them from alleged oppression and leadership compromises within the market.

Oyewole urged Makinde to halt the demolition of containers and makeshift stands, cautioning that it could pave the way for developers to rebuild and lease spaces at unaffordable prices.

He noted that most of the traders are widows, widowers, and breadwinners who rely on loans from microfinance institutions with high-interest rates to sustain their businesses.

He said: “Going by past experiences in the market, those who had, had their shops demolished and rebuilt by developers lost everything and are now wallowing in pains, as they could not afford developers heavy money.

Read Also: Ondo federal lawmaker Makinde facilitates relief materials for flood victims

“We, the Petty Traders Association has passed vote of no confidence on the so-called Elders in the market. They are liars, oppressors and kil-joy people. We are now readyto discuss with our listening, peoples/masses oriented and forward-looking Governor Seyi Makinde. 

“The Governor should allow us to rebuild our shops by ourselves, if that is what they wanted, just for the authority to give us the prototype and other things shall follow. We don’t want developers to come and rebuild for us. 

“The Petty Traders are well over 4,000 in the market. Please and plea se, where do you want us to relocate? Even now, things are hard, tough and businesses are very dull.”