Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle.
The reshuffle saw the former commissioner for trade, industry, investment, and cooperatives, Ademola Ojo, move to the ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters.
Ojo is a former chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter.
Hon. Segun Olayiwola, who until the reshuffling was manning the ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters, has been moved to the ministry of establishment and training.
The erstwhile commissioner for establishment and training, Adeniyi Adebisi, will move to the Ministry of Trade, industry, Investment, and Cooperatives.
As part of his administration’s commitment to enhancing the standard of education in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has disbursed a N3.5 billion educational support grant to 105 primary schools in rural areas across the state’s three senatorial districts.
During the presentation of dummy cheques to representatives of the beneficiary schools at the Conference Room of the Secretary to the State Government, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor emphasized that, despite challenges, the government prioritizes education in all its policies.
The grant is part of a World Bank Project under Better Education Service Delivery for All – Additional Funding (BESDA-AF), aimed at increasing equitable access for out-of-school children, improving literacy, and strengthening accountability for results in basic education in Nigeria.
Speaking through the deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde explained that the grant is meant for the renovation of primary schools with critical attention, saying that the renovation exercise will commence simultaneously in all 105 schools.
While congratulating the schools benefiting from the educational support grant, he charged them to avoid doing shoddy jobs and ensure that all the projects are following the prescriptions, so that the pupils can benefit and appreciate government efforts in the education sector.
Makinde said: “This is in furtherance of the record of Oyo State Government at ensuring that education comes on the front burner in the activities of the state government.
“A couple of months back, it was in this conference room that presentations were made by representatives of the World Bank and other critical stakeholders as to how to assist in improving the standard of education in the state.
“I recall that the major requirement was for the state government to put in its counterpart funding, which has been done.
“This is to let all of us know that despite various challenges the state government is facing, the current administration still puts education on the front burner. Education is taking almost 21 per cent of the state’s annual budget.
“Education comes first always. Without education, you and I cannot be here. So, I have to congratulate the stakeholders – TESCOM, the Ministry of Education, and the driver of the project, who is the S.A Education Intervention.
“A huge amount of money is being put into this project and I am saying this to the beneficiaries that you must put your eyes into what is being done in your various schools.
“The standard must be in accordance with prescriptions, so that our children will take maximum advantage of the facilities the government is putting in place.
“We are starting simultaneously and if we have a commencement period, there must be a conclusion period. So, we will walk the rope, start and put a timeline for completion.
“The representatives here must spread the news to other places and there should not be excuses for non-performance. Representatives of schools from the Senatorial Districts will also be involved to carry the message. You have a lot to do, as the facilities are not good enough but we will catch up gradually and put our education system in proper perspective.
“So, on this note, on behalf of the governor of Oyo State, I appreciate BESDA and congratulate all the beneficiary schools.”
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner of Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Saliu Adelabu, explained that the project is a form of Educational Grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in collaboration with the World Bank and it involves three states in the country; Oyo, Adamawa, and Katsina.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser, (Education Intervention), Oloye Suraj Tiamiyu, said the renovation of approved primary schools in the rural areas across the Senatorial Districts will be done within six weeks of commencement, adding that the renovations will encompass thorough monitoring for effective delivery to standard and time framework.
The event had in attendance the Chairman of Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akin Alamu, and the chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, among others.
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland.
The Governor gave the approval in a memo dated June 14, 2024, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 as amended.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, the approval is a culmination of a series of processes stipulated by the extant laws of the state regarding ascension to royal thrones.
The statement added that the Governor congratulated the new Olubadan, praying that his tenure will birth greater developments in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, has faulted Governor Seyi Makinde on his comments on the health status of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He said the governor was wrong for saying Olakulehin would be enthroned when he was fit to be Olubadan, adding that only the town (Ibadan people) could enthrone Olubadan, not the governor.
It would be recalled that Governor Makinde at the state burial for the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, said Olakulehin would be enthroned when he was fit for the throne.
But Ladoja, a former governor of the state, speaking with reporters at his Bodija, Ibadan home, said Governor Makinde could only present staff of office and instrument of office to the Olubadan-designate, not enthrone him.
He said the role of government was just to give staff of office and instrument of office to the Olubadan- designate.
“The governor may have access to medical records of Olakulehin, or send his doctors to access his health or use artificial intelligence to do that.’’
Dignitaries from all walks of life on Friday stormed Kasumu village, Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State to pay glowing tributes and eulogies to the scion of the Wale Oke family, Mama Elizabeth Oke, who was laid to rest amidst fanfare.
The deceased who died at the age of 97 years was the mother of the Presiding Bishop, Sword of the Spirit Ministry, Francis Wale Oke.
The dignitaries including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) who was represented by his Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Corporative, Pastor Olusegun Aiyedun; a former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; a former Military Administrator of Ondo and Oyo States, Major General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); Oyo Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and top government functionaries from Oyo state.
Others were the National President of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), John Praise; Oyo CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju; Oyo PFN Chairman, Reverend Samson Ajetomobi; Primate Emeritus Sunday Akin Makinde and Evangelist Bola Are among others.
Delivering his short sermon at the service held at the James Oke Memorial Anglican Church, the Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Dr Williams Aladekugbe lauded the worthy virtues of the deceased, noting that each individual will bear the responsibilities for their actions, inactions, and the privileges they have received while on earth.
Drawing from the biblical tale of Lazarus and the rich man, Bishop Aladekugbe described what the judgment day will look like, where all will stand before Christ to give an account of their lives.
Regardless of status or circumstance, he reminded the congregation that the world’s unrest serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence. He instilled hope by assuring that death, for believers, is not the end but rather a transition to a realm of eternal bliss prepared by Christ himself, saying “death, is far from being a conclusion, but marks the beginning of a glorious resurrect for the believers.”
In his remarks, Governor Makinde said the occasion was not to mourn but to celebrate the virtuous life the deceased lived, going by the children she raised.
He said: “This is not time to mourn, it is time to celebrate a life well spent, it is time to celebrate Mama, so I am glad that I am here to be part of this celebration, even those people that don’t know our late mother, merely seeing Mama’s children you will all agree that Mama lived a well-fulfilled life.
“She was a fruitful woman, she has an impact on her environment, I am also from across the expressway, our village and this village were once in one local government area before it was cut into two, so we used to be the same people. So, I know a little bit about this place and the impact Mama has made; so I am happy to be here today to be one of the people celebrating a life well spent by Mama.
“We are grateful to God for the life well spent by Mama, it’s God’s blessings and we are grateful Mama didn’t use herself anyhow. She stayed in this environment and she became everything in life and she gloriously returned to this environment, so on behalf of my elder brother, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the government and people of Oyo State, I want to congratulate all of us that we are witnessing today, which is the celebration of a life well spent by Mama, and my prayers is that all of us will surpass our old aged parents.”
Appreciating his guests, Bishop Oke recounted how he left the village in 1973 and how God has used different people to help his life sojourn and how the virtues learnt from his mother had helped to shape his life.
He thanked Governor Makinde for his various support to the villages and towns through road infrastructure that opened up the village to become a big town.
The governor performed launched the document after presenting his State of the State address at a special sitting to mark the Assembly’s first year anniversary.
According to him, the legislative agenda is a good development which will help in giving direction to the Assembly on its set objectives. He said it will further enhance the activities and programmes of the 10th Assembly
He said: “I am happy to unveil the Legislative Agenda for the 10th House of Assembly. This is a good development for members of the Assembly under the leadership Adebo Ogundoyin. It outlines what the Assembly plans to do and achieve, and how it plans to go about achieving them.
“I commend the Assembly for working in tandem with the agenda of the present administration which is aimed at enhancing the living standards of the people.”
Ogundoyin told the governor that the Legislative Agenda was drafted for the purpose of making people oriented laws, resolutions and effective oversights.
“We are happy to capture our legislative priorities and goals in one document. This is the direction the House intends to take to achieve its set goals. It will assist us to take our legislative assignments seriously,” he noted.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Thursday, June 13, said he has approved the grading of 30 kilometres of inner roads in all the 33 local government areas of the state
He spoke while responding to requests from members of the state Assembly for the rehabilitation of inner roads across the state.
The governor was at the special plenary to present a state of the state address at the legislative chamber in commemoration of the first anniversary of the inauguration of the State’s 10th Assembly.
The governor, who was a guest at the special plenary sitting said funds for the execution of the project had been deposited in each of the Local government accounts assuring that works will commence soon on the project.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to lifting millions of residents of the state out of poverty despite the current economic challenges.
Governor Makinde who admitted that the year has been challenging due to the current economic crisis in the country said, however, that his administration will leave no stone unturned to turn around the fortune of the state
He noted that his administration has been able to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state from N4.2 billion in 2022 to about N4.9 billion in the first quarter of 2024.
He added that the reason the state is recording progress in economic development and peaceful political firmament is a result of freedom of political participation as against the usual norm where political godfathers in the past held sway and dictated the tune for the political god sons.
He attributed his success in government to the absence of a political godfather who would have lorded his agenda on him as against what he has for the state.
Makinde assured that his government has made sure that the resources of the state are judiciously spent on meaningful projects that will impact the lives of the citizenry.
He highlighted some of his achievements in the last year which included the rapid social safety intervention to ameliorate the sufferings of the people occasioned by the economic challenges that trailed the removal of subsidy and floating of the exchange rate.
He spoke on his agricultural revolution initiative which his administration embarked on by rehabilitating all farm settlements as well as road network intervention in Oke-Ogun which included the reconstruction of Ibadan-Iseyin road, Oyo-Iseyin road, and Ogbomoso-Iseyin road.
He affirmed that the State is becoming a regional agricultural business hub and that his administration is ready to open the state for more investments.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Right Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin commended Governor Makinde for the support from the executive arm of government which resulted in various achievements recorded by the legislative arm over the years.
The speaker assured the people of the state that the lawmakers would not rest on their oars until the dividends of democracy were delivered to all the people of the state.
Describing the occasion as a celebration of 12 months of steady legislative progress for the 10th Assembly in the State, the Speaker said from available records, the achievements of the 10th Oyo Assembly in its first year had surpassed that of the first legislative year of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly.
He said that within one year, the 10th Oyo Assembly had passed 16 bills while four others are presently at various stages of legislative processes.
He said: “It gladdens my heart that nine out of the 16 bills had been assented to by His Excellency. I am pleased to also announce that 68 motions had been sponsored and moved by us, and the Committees had presented 35 reports on oversight functions and matters referred to the Committees at plenary sittings of the house.
“So far, the House had passed 170 resolutions to the Executive Arm of Government and others for appropriate actions.”
The speaker commended his colleagues for their high level of commitment and patriotism to their legislative duties, which he noted was responsible for the success recorded in the last 12 months.
The event witnessed the unveiling of the Legislative Agenda for the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly in the caucus room of the legislative chamber.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he has no preference among candidates for the Alaafin of Oyo stool.
The governor assured the people that all legal issues relating to the selection will be resolved soon and a successor announced.
Makinde spoke yesterday through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, while presenting Part II of the Recognised Chieftaincy Certificates to 12 chiefs, who are now lower kings.
The event held at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium in Ode Aremo, Oyo Town.
He said: “I am assuring you that Governor Makinde has no anointed candidate. God Himself, the Almighty knows. The governor never thought it. To him, Oyo, which is the cradle of Yorubaland with the Alaafin, who is the Head of Obas throughout Yoruba land, should have an Oba who befits its historical status.
“The process for installation of a new Alaafin would have been concluded but for the case instituted at the Appeal Court. I am therefore assuring you that sooner than later, the whole issue will be resolved.”
And to the elevated Chiefs, the Commissioner said: “The importance of this Chieftaincy is the starting point of elevation to any height. What you are getting today is the beginning of good things that are coming to your domains. By the grace of God, some of you will be elevated to Royal Highnesses.
“This upgrade not only brings honour to your communities, but also serves as a testament to our government’s continued support of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions.
“We believe the traditional institution play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in our communities. As recognised Chiefs, you are expected to work with the local and state government to ensure our communities are safe and secure for all inhabitants. You should not give room to banditry, land grabbing and any form of terrorism in your domains. Congratulations.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated that he has not announced any candidate or expressed a preference among those competing for the vacant position of Alaafin of Oyo.
He assured the indigenes and residents of Oyo town that once all legal matters regarding the selection process are resolved, a candidate would be chosen to succeed the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as the next monarch of the town.
Makinde made these remarks on Monday, June 10, through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, while presenting Part II Recognised Chieftaincy certificates to 12 Baales, who are now lesser Obas for their respective domains.
The event which had in attendance government functionaries, residents and indigenes of the various towns held at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo, Oyo Town.
The 12 elevated Chiefs are Chief Olaniyi Adeoye Adegboye 111, (Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oyo); Chief David Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo); Chief Samuel Olusegun Odurinde (Alajagba of Ajagba, Oyo); Chief Isiaka Tella Titiloye (Ona Isokun of Isokun, Oyo); Chief Salawu Abu Oyeniran (Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oyo); Chief Jimoh Ajiboye Oyeleye (Alakeetan of Akeetan, Oyo).
Others are Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari (Alago- Oja, Oyo); Chief Abel Olufemi Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke); Chief Oyeleke Yusuf Isola (Onidode of Idode); Chief Tijani Ajekigbe Okunshinde (Alapaara of Apaara 1); Chief Adebisi Basiru Adebayo (Olotefon of Otefon, Oyo); and Chief Fakayode Moses Alowonle (Onimeleke of Imeleke Oyo).
With the development, the newly elevated Obas are now eligible to attend the meetings of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs at the Parliament Building, Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
In attendance were some of the Oyomesi kingmakers including the Iba Samu of Oyo, High Chief Lamidi Oyewàle; the Agbaakin of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja; the former Speaker of the Oyo state House of Assembly Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; the former Speaker of the House of Assembly during the administration of Late Adebayo Alao-Akala (Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola); and the four local government Chairmen in Oyo Town, Akeem Olukitobi (Oyo West); Wahab Adetunji (Atiba), Sola Oluokun (Oyo East) and Olufemi Aikomo (Afijio), among many others.
The Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuff Akinade, who is the Head of the Oyomesi (Kingmakers) was absent at the event.
He and some others dragged the governor and the government to court over the selection process for the candidate to succeed the late Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022, at 83 years of age.
The commissioner, who delivered the governor’s address, said he had had a series of meetings with his boss and has not and will not anoint or prefer any person at the expense of others.
He said: “I am assuring you people of Oyo Town that Governor Seyi Makinde has no anointed candidate. God Himself, the Almighty knows. The governor never thought it.
“To him, Oyo which is the cradle of Yorubaland with the Alaafin who is the Head of Obas throughout Yoruba land should have an Oba who befits their historical status. And by so doing, he has no candidate.
“The process for installation of a new Alaafin would have been concluded but for the case instituted at the Appeal Court. I am therefore assuring you that sooner than later, the whole issue will be resolved.”
Addressing the elevated Chiefs, the commissioner said: “The importance of this Chieftaincy is the starting point of elevation to any height. What you are getting today is the beginning of good things that are coming to your domains. By the grace of God, some of you will be elevated to Royal Highnesses.
“This upgrade not only brings honour to your communities but also serves as a testament to our government’s continued support of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions”.
The governor therefore charged the newly elevated Chiefs to ensure that their domains are well secured and that any form of suspicious activity is reported promptly to the government.
“We believe that the traditional institutions play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in our communities. As recognized Chiefs, you are expected to work closely with the local and state governments to ensure that our communities are safe and secure for all inhabitants. You should not give room to banditry, land grabbing, and any form of terrorism in your domains. Congratulations.”
The team, led by Kolawole Oyewale, said significant role Mrs Makinde played in the State and her charitable gesture cannot be overemphasized.
A statement by Kolawole stated that Mrs Makinde’s philanthropic efforts and initiatives championed have impacted positively on lives in the State.
The statement said Mrs Makinde’s ongoing projects has touched girls, women, poor, less privileged and downtrodden in the State state which is a testament of her dedication towards improving welfare of people in the state.
He noted that the advocacy work of the wife of the governor, the causes she supports, and positive changes she has brought about through her influence and platform is well commended.
He said: “Your commitment to social issues such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, or environmental conservation is huge.
“Your vision for the future and ongoing commitment to serving the community, your plans and goals for the coming year will be impactful.
“On the occasion of your 52nd birthday, we, expressed warm wishes for your special day and acknowledging the invaluable contributions you had made to society.”
“Happy 52nd Birthday to our amiable First Lady, Engineer Tamunominini Makinde, the Media Crew covering your activities in office join others in celebrating this special day in your life.
“We have had the privilege of witnessing your dedication, compassion, and selflessness in serving the people of Oyo State, and we are inspired by your tireless efforts.
“Your kindness, warmth, and humility have made our job a pleasure, and we are grateful for the opportunity to tell your story and share your achievements with the world.
“On this special day, we pray that God blesses you with good health, wisdom, and continued strength to carry out your duties as First Lady.
“May this new year bring you joy, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life.
