Tag: Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has intensified efforts to develop agriculture and its value chain by embarking on trips to Finland and Sweden.

The governor met with top Nigerian business personalities and organisations in Sweden. One of such is Matajet Global Resources; Sweden based Nigerian International Agric Trade Organisation, which in 2022 and 2023 held agriculture seminar and exhibition in Ibadan, Oyo State as part of its contributions to the agricultural value chain and development in Nigeria.

Makinde, set to partner Nigerian business community in Sweden, hailed the organisation for its expertise and resourcefulness in agriculture.

The Nigerian-Sweden business community, led by Mary Brakner, founder of Matajet, and chief executive officer of Yeye Oge Fashion, thanked  Makinde for his visit.

Read Also: 8000 illegal refineries destroyed in six months, says NNPCL

She hoped the meeting would enhance efforts and cooperation between Nigeria and international business communities in promoting agriculture in Southwest.

On the invitation by SchoolTRY AB, a Nigerian company in  Sweden, Makinde was hosted to a business dinner in Stockholm by Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO-Sweden), with its President,   Halima Balogun-Amedu.

On the governor’s entourage was state political icon, Adebayo Lawal,  Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, first woman Speaker, Executive and Special Adviser to the governor, as well as Dr. Debo Akande, director general of Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency.

• Governor leads Independence Walk

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has urged Nigerians to pray for the country and seek its good, despite the challenges.

He hoped that Nigeria would get better, noting, however, that the citizens must do everything within their capacity to make the country better.

The governor spoke yesterday after Independence Day Walk held in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

Makinde, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, led the 2.5 kilometres walk, which took off from the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan en route Total Garden Roundabout and terminated at the frontage of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Describing the exercise as a “Prayer Walk”, the governor noted that Nigeria was not the only country faced with challenges, as other nations in the world were also experiencing trying times.

Read Also: Bobrisky: FG suspends four senior prison officers

He prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the leaders in taking the right decisions that would make the country great.

The governor said the walk was one of the activities lined up to celebrate the country’s 64th Independence Day.

He said: “We thank God for another opportunity to celebrate Nigeria.

“This is part of the activities lined up for the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and we are glad to be doing this just the way we do it annually. This is why we are here today, taking this walk.

“As Nigerians, we should continue to pray for our country. Even the countries that we think are better have their challenges. So, we pray to see the good of Nigeria in our life.

“We know we are going through some challenges right now and all the prayers are centred around the fact that God should take control of our leaders.”

“We pray that God will give them wisdom to make the right decisions for Nigeria to get progressively better and this is what we should be doing everyday for this country.”

The governor congratulated all Nigerians, especially residents of Oyo State, on the opportunity to witness another Independence Day celebration.

“Congratulations to everybody on witnessing another Independence Day. When there is life, there is hope. Because we are still alive, we hope that we will continue to see a better Nigeria.

“Let us also give our best to Nigeria. If you want to see a better Nigeria, you must also be doing something within your capacity at your own end. So, everybody should work towards making Nigeria a better place for us all.”

Top government functionaries that joined the Independence Walk were the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commissioners, other political appointees, permanent secretaries, executive secretaries, general managers, party stalwarts and the public.

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to keep praying for the nation and to work towards its betterment despite the ongoing challenges.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria will improve, emphasising that citizens must actively contribute to this progress.

Governor Makinde made these remarks on Thursday following the Independence Day Walk commemorating Nigeria’s 64th anniversary.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, he led a 2.5-kilometer walk that started at the Government House Arcade in Agodi, Ibadan, passed through the Total Garden Roundabout, and concluded at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

While describing the exercise as a “Prayer Walk,” the governor noted that Nigeria is not the only country faced with challenges, as other nations in the world are also experiencing trying times.

He prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the leaders in making the right decisions that would make the country great.

According to the governor, the Walk is one of the activities lined up to celebrate the country’s 64th Independence Day.

He said: “We thank God for another opportunity to celebrate Nigeria.

“This is part of the activities lined up for the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and we are glad to be doing this just the way we do it annually. And that is why we are here today, taking this walk.

“As Nigerians, we should continue to pray for our country. Even the countries that we think are better have their challenges. So, we pray to see the good of Nigeria in our lifetime.

“We know we are going through some challenges right now and all the prayers are centred around the fact that God should take control of our leaders.

“We pray that God will give them wisdom to make the right decisions for Nigeria to get progressively better and that is what we should be doing every day for this country.”

Read Also: Tinubu, Makinde, Adelabu, Ajanaku felicitate Ladoja at 80

The governor equally congratulated all Nigerians, especially residents of Oyo State on the opportunity to witness another Independence Day celebration.

“Congratulations to everybody on witnessing another Independence Day. When there is life, there is hope. And because we are still alive, we hope that we will continue to see a better Nigeria.

“Let us also give our best to Nigeria. If you want to see a better Nigeria, you must also be doing something within your capacity at your own end. So, everybody should work towards making Nigeria a better place for us all.”

Top government functionaries that joined the Independence Walk were the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioners, other political appointees, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, General Managers, party stalwarts, and members of the public.

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the people of the state will continue to look up to the wisdom, experience and leadership of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of the state, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

The governor stated this on Wednesday, when he paid a visit to the Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan home of the former governor, noting that despite everything the octogenarian had done for the state, he still had a lot of roles to play.

Makinde, who felicitated Oba Ladoja on behalf of the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, maintained that contrary to speculations that he had issues with Ladoja, he never had differences with the political leader, who played an important role in his (Makinde’s) political history.

Read Also: Makinde reabsorbs, promotes 1,800 workers, compensates state anthem composers

The governor also used the occasion to explain that though he had noticed how some individuals have been accusing him of converting everywhere to a housing estate, some developments have to take place even if they appear to be unpalatable at the moment.

He noted that the decisions being taken are in the best interest of the state, saying, however, that wherever there are challenges, his government remained open to addressing them and finding a lasting solution.

Makinde said: “Some critics have falsely accused us of land-grabbing. I even read somewhere on social media that the way Seyi Makinde is going, he might even convert the Lekan Salami Stadium and even the Secretariat into housing estates.

“Well, there has to be development. But if there must be development, it will follow a certain trajectory. Where there are challenges, I will say it again and again, we will address them.

“It is God that puts one in a position and it is not by one’s power or knowledge. So, this is just an opportunity for me to tell you to engage with us; wherever there are challenges, we can solve the problem together.”

Oyo state government has reviewed the promotion of 1,629 state workers including nurses who were adversely affected by administrative error during the 2017-2020 promotion exercise.

This is as the government also approved the prayers of the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni for the reinstatement of 47 civil servants who were wrongfully dismissed from the service during the last administration.

The decisions were parts of resolved reached at the State Executive Council meeting which held on Tuesday at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the government also pardoned 124 workers who were dismissed in 2012.

He added that 823 workers who were dismissed by the previous administration on the ground of fake certificates submission have their dismissal upheld while 180 workers who were employed at the twilight of the exit of the last administration in 2019 have their termination approved by the Council.

He furthe stated that the Council also approved N25million as compensation for the composers of the state Anthem “Asiwaju Ni Wa.”

He said, in approving the compensation, the President of Council and State Governor, Seyi Makinde, acknowledged the initiative and foresightedness of the wife of the former Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

“Additionally, the composers will be given a parcel of land each, have streets named after them, while the Ministry of Information and Orientation will produce a documentary on the history behind the State anthem.

“Asiwaju Ni Wa became the official anthem of the state about a decade ago without any form of compensation for the Composers which made the Council to set up a Committee last year”, Oyelade said.

Read Also: Makinde unveils Agenda 2040 for Oyo

The Commissioner also said that the Council approved the presentation by the Commissioner for Public Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, for road markings, kerbs painting and patching on designated roads in Ibadan metropolis through Direct-Labour Intervention adding that the kerbs will be painted in Oyo State colours.

He said the Council meeting also approved three bills for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly as presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Abiodun Aikomo.

They bills include: The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology Bill, 2024; The Oyo State Flood Management Agency Bill, 2024, and The Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency Bill 2024.

According to the Commissioner, the new bills are expected to have a positive impact on the state’s healthcare system, infrastructure, and overall development. 

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of conducive operational stations for the Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun) to enhance their efficiency and boost their morale.

This is as the House also called for the absorption of the staff of the security outfit into the mainstream of the state civil service.

The lawmakers made the call during Tuesday’s plenary sitting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi.

The calls were contained in the resolutions passed by the lawmakers on the motion moved by the member representing Ibadan North East state constituency 1, Hon. Abiodun Babalola on “Need for the Executive arm of government in collaboration with all local government areas to construct suitable stations across local government areas for the Oyo State Security Network Agency code-named Amotekun to enhance operations of the Agency”.

In the motion seconded by Hon. Olorunpoto Abdulraham from Oyo East/West constituency, Hon. Babalola said that Amotekun, since its establishment in 2020, has been instrumental to the reduction in the crime rates and more effective security operations in the state.

The lawmaker disclosed that Amotekun’s commitment to addressing security challenges including kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminalities cannot be over-emphasized, adding that its effective collaboration with other security agencies in the state has improved intelligence gathering, sharing, and crime prevention and bolstered the public confidence.

While calling on the state government to provide the agency with conducive, suitable, and well-equipped stations across the 33 local government areas in the state, Hon. Babalola eulogized the state governor, Seyi Makinde for his support in boosting the operational capacity of the Agency.

“The notable achievements of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in enhancing the security architecture of Oyo State include the provision of 100 operational vehicles, communication equipment, and logistics support as well as recruitment of additional 500 Amotekun corp members.

“The security outfit has been instrumental in addressing various security challenges and contributing significantly to the safety and well-being of the people. Despite its commendable achievements, the conditions of offices and stations, where Amotekun officers operate are often deplorable.

“Constructing modern, well-equipped stations for Amotekun within all local government areas is essential for their operations,” Hon. Babalola said.

The lawmaker also charged well-meaning individuals in various local government areas to support the initiative by joining hands with governments to ensure successful implementation.

Hon. Dawud Olalere, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Security, in his submission, maintained that the absorption of Amotekun Corp members will give them the confidence to perform their duties diligently.

As the Chairman of the Committee on Security in the state House of Assembly, the lawmaker said the House has been receiving lots of complaints bordering on the security of jobs of Amotekun corp members.

He, therefore, said that absorbing them into the mainstream of the civil service will guarantee their jobs and boost their morale to discharge their duties.

Read Also: Ondo federal lawmaker Makinde distributes 600 bags of fertilisers

Hon. Babajide Adebayo, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, and Hon. Monsuru Abiola, who also gave their submissions on the motion, commended Hon. Babalola, describing the motion as timely.

They acknowledged the commitment of Amotekun to fighting crimes, saying that providing them with suitable stations will enhance their performance and boost the security architecture of the state.

Passing the resolutions, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, stated that the Oyo State House of Assembly will continue to work with the executive arm of government to ensure that the state is secured.

Assuring the Amotekun Corp members of job security, the Deputy Speaker said the security outfit has come to stay in Oyo state.

He assured that the House will work on all the resolutions to ensure they are implemented, not minding amending the law that established the agency, if the occasion calls for it.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reassured residents impacted by the Ibadan Circular Road corridor that no additional demolitions of houses or properties will occur along the route.

He emphasised that all existing structures within the 150-meter corridor will be included in the government’s plans.

However, he cautioned that no new developments, including foundations or buildings, should take place on any land within the corridor.

Read Also: Oyo Accord chairman gets Makinde’s appointment 

Makinde provided this assurance on Monday while addressing thousands of affected residents who gathered in protest at the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.

The protesters carried placards, and banners and sang appeal songs to plead for the stoppage of the 500-meter corridor on the Ibadan Circular Road by the government.

Details shortly…