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  • Makinde and the 2027 calculations

    Makinde and the 2027 calculations

    With about 10 months to the commencement of the processes leading to the next general election across the country, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been weighing its options.

    After successive defeats in three presidential elections, PDP seeks a new direction as it marches towards 2027. Some party stakeholders have touted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the likely candidate to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

    Although Makinde’s bid for the presidency remains merely a speculation, indications are strong that not a few persons within the party agree with the potency of a Makinde ticket. Despite the internal bickering in the party, some stakeholders are convinced that the party’s pathway to success in the next general election is to field the Oyo-born businessman and politician as its candidate.

    Unlike the PDP’s choice of a northern candidate in the last presidential election, pundits say a southern candidate should fly the party’s flag in 2027. They said it would heal the wounds the southern flank suffered with the party’s gambling with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy in the last presidential election.

    Against this background, some stakeholders have recently begun the campaign for Makinde to contest the 2027 election. The group under the auspices of ‘Progressive Youth for Makinde Presidency 2027’ in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, asserted that Makinde has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to good governance, making him fit for the presidency.

    The campaign for Makinde’s 2027 aspiration began in June this year. Although it has been largely limited to social media, its message resonates with the leadership qualities of the Oyo State governor.

    One prominent supporter of Makinde, Olamilekan Kehinde, has not hidden his quest to see the governor contest the 2027 presidential election. He expressed confidence in the governor’s capability, saying he has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to good governance, making him fit for the party’s presidential ticket.

    The Oyo Renaissance Group agrees that Makinde has the credentials and pedigree for the exalted position. The group described the Oyo State governor as a committed party man who has never abandoned the goals and aspirations of the PDP.

    The group’s Coordinator, Comrade Dayo Adedoyin said in a statement: “Governor Makinde has demonstrated his leadership qualities and strong capacity to deliver on his promises and mandate to his people in Oyo State in the array of people’s-oriented projects and policies he has achieved over time as Governor of Oyo State from 2019 to date.

    “Governor Makinde is fully committed to the course of the party and will continue to work with his fellow governors elected on the PDP platform by implementing the manifesto and policy thrust of the party.”

    Read Also: Next NEC meeting will make or mar our future – PDP BoT

    Makinde has never shied away from being a committed party man. Indications are that the governor since he assumed office in 2019 has consistently supported PDP staff at the National Secretariat, as well as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT).

    He single-handedly funded the new office of the People’s Democratic Institute (PDI), the party’s think-tank, a project which ran into hundreds of millions of naira. To further show his unalloyed commitment to the growth and development of the party, Makinde singlehandedly built the PDP Southwest Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan and named it after the late immediate chairman, Soji Adagunodo, who died while in office. The building is set for commissioning soon.

    He recently paid the housing allowance of all the workers at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, which amounted to about N300 million.

    Assessing the PDP’s chances in 2027, the convener of Reset Lagos PDP, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, said: “Political pundits who think the PDP has a leadership problem are mistaken. The leadership positions at all levels of the party are intact. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the party’s presidential candidate emeritus, Senator Wabara is the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, and Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum is acting national chairman of the party.”

    Pearse, a former member of the PDP National Presidential Campaign Council (2023), said contrary to popular opinion, the party did not zone its presidential ticket during the last general election since nobody from any zone was barred from participating in the primary. He said the emergence of the national chairman determines the zone that would produce the presidential candidate.

    From all indications, he said the national chairmanship position will continue in the North and that the presidential ticket will go to the South in the next general election.

    Pearse said Makinde could emerge as the party’s flag bearer in 2027 because of the support he enjoys among stakeholders within the party.

    He said: “I think this perception is driven by Makinde’s sterling performance as the Oyo State governor, especially his amiable character and commitment to democracy and the rule of law. He runs an inclusive administration.

    PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi also believes Makinde can be the PDP’s political ace in the contest. 

    “Given the turn of events, zoning the 2027 presidency to the Southwest would be informed and strategic for the PDP with a formidable northern consensus in who becomes the running mate. This is to appease Southern sentiments on demographics of region and religion.

    “Governor Makinde could be the PDP’s joker in 2027. Ironically, however, the governor hasn’t shown any interest yet, as he seems engrossed in delivering people-oriented and socio-economic infrastructure for his people in Oyo State. He is one of the best performers as a governor in this republic.”

    Makinde is no stranger to overcoming political odds. In 2019, against all odds, he won the Oyo State governorship election. The PDP in Oyo State before 2019 was comatose. Ahead of the election, the only big shot in the party, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, dumped it for the Accord Party because he was displeased with the sharing of the party structure.

    A highly placed source at the heart of the politics of Oyo State said, “I remembered then that even the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was vehemently against Ladoja leaving the party, to the point that he (Atiku) called the former National Organising Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (now a senator), and erstwhile National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, insisting that under no circumstances must Ladoja leave the party.

    “Ladoja left the party a few months before the 2019 general election, and the only key stakeholder left was Seyi Makinde. The 2019 presidential election result showed that the PDP won in Oyo State and that Seyi Makinde also won the governorship election by a wide margin.

    “Yes, anyone can win elections, but truth be told, in Oyo State then, Makinde swam against the tide; he fought a sitting government, two former governors (Ladoja and the late Adebayo Alao-Akala) who were both on different divides, a sitting minister. Before 2019, the party had zero representation at the national level. However, in the 2019 general election, the PDP, a party hitherto tagged as dead, secured the governorship seat, a senatorial seat and five seats at the House of Representatives.”

    Before the 2015 governorship election in Oyo State, previous governors had failed to secure a second term. The late Ajimobi was the first to get re-elected for a second term in 2015. Due to factors such as the truncation of democratic rule and the people’s reluctance to renew the mandates of previous governors, nobody at that time had gotten a renewed mandate. Ajimobi broke the jinx with shrewd politicking and the hurricane Buhari factor, which propelled him to defeat Senator Teslim Folarin of the PDP to return to Agodi Government House for another term.

    Makinde accomplished the same feat during the last general election when he beatThe challenges facing the PDP are many and Atiku’s presidential ambition is not helping matters. The PDP succeeded in the past with its zoning or power-sharing agreement, which involves rotating key positions within the party among different regions. Zoning is meant to promote inclusivity and balance among diverse regions in the country. The failure to uphold zoning principles can result in certain regions feeling marginalized or excluded from key leadership positions. This can create disunity within the party and erode trust in its leadership.

  • Makinde presents N79.3b supplementary budget to assembly

    Makinde presents N79.3b supplementary budget to assembly

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has presented a supplementary budget sum of N79,337,000,000.00 to the House of Assembly under the 2024 fiscal year.

    The supplementary budget titled: ‘Oyo State Supplementary Finance Bill, 2024’, which was sent to the lawmakers for legislative consideration and approval, was presented to the house by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, while reading a message from the executive on the floor during yesterday’s plenary.

    Read Also: Makinde promises to pay N70,000 minimum wage

    The supplementary budget scaled through first reading and was subsequently sent to the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning for further scrutiny.

  • Makinde presents ₦79.3b supplementary budget to Oyo Assembly

    Makinde presents ₦79.3b supplementary budget to Oyo Assembly

    Governor Seyi Makinde has presented a supplementary budget sum of ₦79,337,000,000.00 to the Oyo State House of Assembly under the 2024 fiscal year.

    The supplementary budget which was sent to the lawmakers for legislative consideration and approval was presented to the House by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, while reading a message from the executive on the floor during Tuesday’s plenary.

    The supplementary budget scaled through the first reading and was subsequently committed to the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Budget, and Economic Planning for further scrutiny.

    Read Also: Makinde promises to pay N70,000 minimum wage

    The Nation reports that Oyo state currently implementing the 2024 Appropriation budget sum of over N438.4 billion which was approved by the House of Assembly and subsequently assented into law by Governor Makinde.

    According to the governor’s message to the House, the supplementary budget would enable realignment of the recurrent and capital expenditure for the services of Oyo State in the year ending on the 31st day of December 2024.

  • Makinde promises to pay N70,000 minimum wage

    Makinde promises to pay N70,000 minimum wage

    • Extends payment of wage award to workers, pensioners

    Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that his administration will commence the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to workers in Oyo State, once the issue of consequential salary adjustment has been addressed.

    This was as the governor announced the extension of the N25,000 wage award to workers and the N15,000 wage award to pensioners by another three months.

    The extension, the governor noted, is to cover the period that the negotiation on the consequential adjustment will last, noting that the payment of the wage award will stop upon the conclusion of negotiations to effectively implement the minimum wage.

    Governor Makinde made this announcement on Saturday during the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration with the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” held at the NUT (ENDWELL) Model College Sports Complex, Owode Housing Estate, Apata, Ibadan.

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    Makinde said: “On the minimum wage, negotiation will start next week and we will pay the N70,000 minimum wage. But the consequential adjustment is about to be negotiated. The NLC and our team will sit down to discuss it.”

    The governor, who lauded teachers in the state for their massive support to him during the last election and their immeasurable contributions to building the state, said his government will continue to prioritise the welfare of teachers and all civil servants in the state so that they would continue to be productive.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the NUT State Chairman, Comrade Raji Ismail, thanked the governor for his “unprecedented achievements in the education sector and for being mindful of teachers’ welfare through his encouragement of career progression for primary school teachers, regular payment of salaries, promotions, payment of leave bonuses and healthcare insurance, among others.”

  • I will have a say in who succeeds me, declares Makinde

    I will have a say in who succeeds me, declares Makinde

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he will have a say in determining whosoever will succeed him in 2027.

    He said although he might not have his way in the final choice and eventual occupier, he would still have his say, noting that the final decision on the successor lied with the people.

    He said members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state would have him to contend with in taking a final decision, adding that he was still the one controlling the party structure.

    Makinde spoke yesterday while receiving the report of the Committee on Review and Update of Public Service Rules and Other Regulations in the State Civil/Public Service.

    The ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, was attended by top government functionaries, party stalwarts, among other dignitaries.

    Read Also: Shettima: Tinubu committed to bridging infrastructure gaps, erosion menace in southeast

    The committee was headed by a former Secretary to Oyo State Government (SSG)/Head of Service, Chief Bisi Adesola.

    Makinde said: “So those people that are campaigning to be the next governor, they still have to wait because I still have till May 29, 2027. And I’ll also have a say in who is going to become the next governor.

    “I may not have my way, it’s Oyo State people that will decide, but I’ll have a say, especially those in PDP will have me to contend with because I’m still the one controlling the structure.”

    Justifying the government decisions to reverse the sack of some workers as done by previous administrations and reabsorb them, Governor Makinde said the effort was to avoid needless litigation by those that might feel cheated due to obsolete laws guiding the workings of the civil service.

    He said the review and update of public service rules and other regulations in the state civil/public service were imperative in view of the need to factor modern trends and situation into the operations of the civil service for increased productivity and efficiency.

  • Ondo Reps member Makinde inaugurates market scheme

    Ondo Reps member Makinde inaugurates market scheme

    Member representing Ondo East/West federal constituency at House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde and his wife, Rhoda Makinde, have launched a free open market scheme in Ondo.

    The initiative marked by distribution of foodstuff was targeted at the aged, vulnerable and other less privileged.

    Speaking at the programme at Adetunji Event Hall, Ondo, the lawmaker said it was established to give beneficiaries direct market shopping experience free of charge and to cushion effect of economic situation in the country.

    The lawmaker, who is also the Atunluse of Ondo Kingdom, explained the programme was to complement series of his food palliatives programme in a unique way and bond firmly with the people.

    Read Also: Makinde okays conversion of council ad-hoc workers to permanent staff

    His wife, who is the founder of ‘Dr. Rhoda Oluwatoberu Makinde Initiative’ (DROMI) said she supported the initiative out of sincere love for less-privileged and Ondo women in general.

    Speakers commended Makinde and his wife for always identifying with the masses.

    Beneficiaries at the event lauded effort of the lawmaker and his wife, describing them as God sent couple to Ondo people.

    Some foodstuff items shared included rice, beans, garri, pantries, vegetables, vegetable oil, groundnut oil, palm oil, plantains, fruits, noodles, salt, seasoning,eggs and many more.

  • Makinde okays conversion of council ad-hoc workers to permanent staff

    Makinde okays conversion of council ad-hoc workers to permanent staff

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the conversion of ad-hoc staff in the service of the 33 local government councils to permanent workers.

    He said the decision was taken to bridge the gap in the workforce at the local government level, noting that due process for the employment must be followed effectively and perfected within four weeks.

    Makinde spoke at the inauguration of the newly-built Local Government House and Staff Training School, held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

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    He said his administration would continue to seek innovative ways to support and collaborate with local government authorities for the benefits of the citizens, in order to actualise his vision for the state.

    He said: “We will continue to work with the local government so that our vision at the state level can also be sold to the local government administrators. When there is synergy, we can achieve more.”

    The governor said when he came on board in 2019, he met a local government system that owed salaries, pensions and gratuities.

  • I’ve no issue with LG autonomy – Makinde

    I’ve no issue with LG autonomy – Makinde

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed notions and insinuations about his views on the ongoing local government autonomy debate in the country.

    Apparently reacting to those who feels he’s not at home with the freedom and independence of the third tier of government, Makinde said he has no issue whatsoever with elected officials performing their constitutional duties but would continue to speak against lacuna created where none existed.

    Makinde spoke at the official commissioning of the newly-built Local Government House and Staff Training School inside the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    The Governor also approved the conversion of ad-hoc staff to permanent staff in the service of the 33 local government councils to fill the over 2,000 vacant spaces created by retirement and relocation factor among workers.

    According to him: “This building is a start of the renovation of the buildings within the Secretariat and turning our Secretariat into where productivity will reign supreme.

    “What I will refer as an irony is the fact that, it is the same local government that people are going around town saying Seyi Makinde is trying to destroy the local government administration. Is it not ironic that this building we are commissioning is the first modern building for the LG family to stay in?

    ” Is this how to destroy something? Well if that is the way to destroy something, we will continue to do this kind of a thing so that they will not have anything to say again around town.

    “Let me say this, in a country where there is a trust deficit between the leaders and the led, it is no wonder that some people will always take advantage of situation to fan the flames of disunity or choose to push unintended narratives and perceptions.

    “As I said in my last state broadcast, we must always remember who our real enemies are so that we do not turn against our friends.

    “I’m here to repeat myself unequivocally, I am not against elected representatives of the people carrying out their constitutional duties, but what I will speak up against is anyone trying to create a constitutional lacuna where none exists or to turn one arm of government against the other.”

    Read Also: Customs seizes three containers of illicit drugs at Lagos port

    He added: “Here in Oyo State under my watch, we will continue to make decisions that will bring the full benefit of democracy to the good people of Oyo state. And we are aware of the role that the local government authorities have to play in ensuring that democracy and its dividends reach people at the grassroot.

    “But, in design, this is supposed to be the function of the local government areas but in practice, there have been several factors that have militated against local government areas achieving this goal.

    “When I came in here, the NULGE President representative said we have ad hoc staff. they are pleading that about 2,000 local government workers have retired and they have not been replaced and they suggested that we convert some of these ad hoc staff to permanent local government staff.

    “Even with the autonomy, there will still need to be coordination. Who cares in Oyo State if a road is constructed by the local, state of federal government? Just construct road for people to pass on, that is what people are interested in.

    “So, we will continue to work and coordinate with the local government so that our visions at the state, we can also sell to the administrators at the local government level and when there is synergy we can achieve more.”

  • Bring your money to Oyo, Makinde tells investors

    Bring your money to Oyo, Makinde tells investors

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, October 1, assured both local and foreign investors that his administration will continue to provide adequate security for investments and businesses in the state.

    He called on investors to bring their money to invest in the state, noting that the state has an enabling environment to support their businesses, adding that his administration is ever ready to support investors who are ready to partner with the government to expand the economy of the state.

    Governor Makinde stated this while commissioning the JAGZ Hotels, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, noting that his government will continue to do everything to secure the lives and properties in the state, which according to him, are major prerequisites that investors look at before going into a state.

    He also used the opportunity to congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 64th Independence anniversary of the country, advising them to focus on things that unite the country rather than those that divide it.

    Makinde said: “I want to use this opportunity to greet everyone on the occasion of the 64th Independence Anniversary.

    “I also want to congratulate Engr. Kayode Adebulugbe and the entire team. I was glad when you told me that this is almost 100 per cent local content.

    “Not only that; you mentioned to me that you did not have any formal contract. To be honest with you, I have done business in millions of dollars just on handshake, yet, people say Nigerians are dishonest. Well, this is a validation that there are honest Nigerians; who would do what is right. So, I thank you for this investment in Ibadan and Oyo State.

    “The Oyo state government only provided the enabling environment for this to happen. We did not put any government money in it. So, this is a demonstration of the Oyo state model; we provide the environment, and the investment will come.

    “What we are commissioning today is the resilience that we are talking about when it comes to Nigeria and Oyo State. Some people may decide that they want to fold their arms and complain from today till tomorrow. But others who are serious would have an appreciation of the environment that we are in and would soldier on.

    “So, I want to say congratulations to Kayode and his team. I thank you for not being one of those people who would just sit back and complain.

    “You and the team were bullish to put this investment in here. And, as a government, I can tell you that we will do everything within our power to ensure that this investment is protected.

    “Under Omituntun 1.0, we focused on four major pillars including education, health, expansion of our economy, and security. For this to continue, people have to feel safe and secure in this environment. So, we will do everything to ensure that people feel safe and secure.

    “Under Omituntun 2.0, as part of a move to expand our economy, we added tourism and solid minerals development. So, this is a commitment to that ideal.

    “Every Friday, it is always difficult to get hotel rooms in Ibadan because people are coming from all over the state, especially Lagos. People should keep coming as we are happy. So, this is an edifice that we would protect at all cost.”

    Read Also: Ruling House hails Makinde for suspending Oniware

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, The JAGZ Hotels, Ibadan, Adebulugbe, lauded Governor Makinde’s developmental policies and infrastructural development drive in the state, describing him as a man of many parts, who has been toeing the footsteps of Pa Obafemi Awolowo.

    He added that the JAGZ Hotels is strategically located in Ibadan, the home of many ‘firsts,’ thanking the governor for creating an enabling environment for investors and creating opportunities to maximize profits.

    He promised to support the governor to achieve his vision of expanding the economy of Oyo State through tourism and hospitality development.

    The governor was accompanied by top PDP leaders and government functionaries.

  • Nigeria @64: Makinde extends subsidised transport scheme by six months

    Nigeria @64: Makinde extends subsidised transport scheme by six months

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has called on residents of the State to keep hope alive as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, noting that his government will continue to take decisions that serve the best interest of the people.

    He spoke on Tuesday in an Independence Day address relayed on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

    The Governor maintained that as part of decisions to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people, he has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers.

    According to him, instead of the requirement that allowed only civil servants to guarantee farmers seeking the loan, residents who seek to access the loan can now be guaranteed by community associations, farmers and artisanal associations.

    He also declared a six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which has seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun Buses subsidised by more than half, noting that he has also directed that a similar subsidy be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state.

    These measures, the Governor said, were introduced to reaffirm his government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country. 

    Makinde said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience.

    “Here in Oyo state, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity.

    “They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Rest assured, the sun will rise.

    “As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State.

    “This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations.

    “We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme. The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions.

    Read Also: Makinde seeks foreign aid, partners to develop agriculture in Oyo

    “Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends.

    “We will, as a government, continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations.

    “I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority. During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration.

    “So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past. Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”