Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere Ipinle Oyo, has given kudos to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for its achievement since he assumed office for a second term
The group, in a statement signed by Publicity Secretary, Remi Adegbola, said since May 29, 2023, when Makinde assumed office for a second term, the state has witnessed development.
”Within a year, the administration has completed Gate-Alakia-Adegbayi road, inaugurated Iseyin Campus of LAUTECH, completed Ogbomoso-Iseyin Express road, rehabilitated Olodo bridge, restored security network, provided adequate intra and inter city system through Omititun 2.0 buses.
“Work on Circular Road with is a landmark that defied three previous administrations. Makinde is the great reformer Oyo has been waiting for.
“We appreciate the governor’s efforts to take Oyo to greater heights. We celebrate these achievements and pray for more wisdom and strength for him,” the statement said.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday, May 29, inaugurated a state-of-the-art solarized oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at the stage-owned Jericho Specialist Hospital, Jericho, Ibadan.
The event forms part of his administration’s stride towards improving healthcare infrastructure and in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of his government.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor said the newly commissioned solarized oxygen plant represents a groundbreaking leap in his agenda for sustainable healthcare solutions in the Oyo state health sector, adding that any project that improves the welfare of the people is critical to his administration.
He noted further that the healthcare facility, powered by renewable energy sources, would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, critical for life-saving interventions in the state.
He said the strategy for the Scale-up of Medical Oxygen is envisioned to ensure that all patients with hypoxaemia are properly diagnosed and treated with medical Oxygen and that no patient dies from hypoxaemia.
Makinde noted that the availability of high-quality and functional oxygen supply systems will improve equitable access to Oxygen and, in so doing, would significantly reduce mortality from hypoxaemia.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure in the state, the governor explained that the innovation would not only address the pressing need for reliable medical oxygen but also align with global efforts to address the aftermath challenges of post-Covid-19.
He added that the oxygen plant, the Level 2 Newborn Unit stands as a beacon of hope for infants requiring specialized care as the facility provides a round-the-clock service.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, the governor said the unit promises to enhance neonatal healthcare services in the Oyo state.
Governor Makinde emphasised the importance of investing in maternal and child health, reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
He lauded the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders including international partners such as the UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation underscoring the significance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to prioritizing healthcare infrastructure, pledging continued support to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the state.
In his remarks, the Country Director of UNICEF in Nigeria, Miss Cristian Munduate commended Makinde for his forward-thinking and pragmatic approach to improving healthcare infrastructures in the state.
She also lauded Oyo state for being the first in the country to have such a state-of-the-art facility in place expressing optimism that other governors would soon suit.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi earlier in her welcome address noted that the solarized Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant and the level 2 Newborn Unit being commissioned by the governor are the first of its kind in Nigeria.
She said the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities (2024-2028) will put Oyo State on the global map as a frontline first-class healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.
She added that the milestones marked a significant achievement for the Series Makinde-led government and its partners including the UNICEF, IHS Towers, the Governments of Norway and Canada, and the Bills & Melinda Gates Foundation who she said have contributed tỉrelessly to bringing the projects to fruition.
The highlight of the event was the signing of all official documents and handing over of the facility to the state government.
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde on Monday, May 27, said his administration remains committed to providing the right foundation to enable children to succeed.
The governor spoke in a statement commemorating the 2024 Children’s Day, noting that children are special and deserve the best of life.
According to the governor, the administration believes that the right foundations are important to children’s growth and progress, hence its strong commitment to improving the quality of education and healthcare delivery in the state.
He felicitated the children, saying: “As we celebrate our children on their special day, we restate our administration’s commitment to ensuring that we provide the right foundation to enable them to succeed in life. “Happy Children’s Day!”
Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday, May 24, swore in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen for the 33 local government areas of Oyo state.
At a ceremony which held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima administered the oath of office to the newly elected council bosses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, charged the new council boss to replicate the vision of his administration at their various local government areas.
He tasked them to focus on people-oriented programmes and policies aiming towards the betterment of the lives of the people.
Makinde, who affirmed that the electoral processes that led to the emergence of their chairmen were credible, free, and fair, therefore, urged them to firmly uphold democratic values and the rule of law in their various councils such that their tenures would be marked by unprecedented grassroots development.
The governor advised the newly inaugurated council chairmen to work assiduously in building their respective councils.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Segun Olayiwola, stated that the just concluded local government election affirmed the commitment of the present administration in Oyo state to fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The Commissioner appreciated Governor Makinde for his unwavering commitment and vision to make the state stand out among the comity of nations.
He urged the newly sworn-in Chairmen and their Vice to work hand in hand with their executives, utilizing their expertise and fostering collaboration to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every nook and cranny of their respective local governments.
“The just concluded local government election marked a significant point in our democratic journey, thus affirming our commitment to fairness, transparency, and above all accountability. It is also a testimonial to this administration’s commitment to good governance and adherence to the Rule of 3.
“It is the dawn of a new chapter, you are urged to work assiduously with unwavering commitment to building a more virile local government devoid of acrimony or rancor towards building a better future for all citizens of the Pacesetter’s State,” Olayiwola said.
The Chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board (OYSHMB) Dr. Akin Fagbemi has commended Governor Seyi Makinde over approval for immediate recruitment of consultants, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospitals and health centres across the state.
He said commitment of the Governor in health sector and provision of quality healthcare services for residents cannot be overemphasised.
Speaking in Ibadan while addressing leadership of Union of Nurses and Midwives who had declared indefinite strike action, Fagbemi said the move by Governor Makinde was aimed at addressing pressing issues raised by the healthcare workers.
According to him, aside mass recruitment of staff to combat shortage in hospitals, the State Government was also ready to correct discrepancies on promotion letters, adopt 25% CONHESS adjustment circular, and financial implementation of promotions at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Fagbemi noted that the decision of the Governor has been commended by various stakeholders, haven’t recognised his unwavering commitment to upliftment of health sector.
He hailed Makinde’s proactive steps in addressing concerns of healthcare workers, saying such efforts demonstrate genuine dedication to improving healthcare services in the state.
He said Makinde has been promoting transparency and accountability within the health sector, which aligns with core values essential for providing quality healthcare services.
He however pledged support and cooperation with Ministry of Health in making necessary changes and initiatives that will benefit residents of the state, saying he is confident that with support from Makinde, health sector in the state will experience significant growth and transformation.
He assured the union leaders that in addition to hazard allowance that has been approved and already being paid, and recruitment exercise which is going to start immediately, other issues raised by them will also get attention of the government.
APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare said the governor has performed below expectations in the last one year. Sadare regretted that the state was lagging behind in concrete development plans and executions.
According to him, the Makinde-led administration lacks wealth creation skills, proper management of resources, probity, transparency and value addition in governance, among others.
He said: “The first year of the governor’s second term in office is a continuation of window dressing, ubiquitous noise-making and grandstanding at the Government House. This is against the expected quality service delivery and building of strong institutions for democracy and good governance to thrive.
“Under the present administration, no key sector of the economy has received any boost, even as powers-that-be do not give room to openness, probity and transparency to allow for any objective and accurate public assessment.
“Governor Makinde writes examination and at the same time marks his own script and awards himself marks. The extant laws which mandate the state to subject contract awards and executions to due process is not being obeyed, as everything starts and ends on the table of the governor.”
The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to access N10 billion loan to provide counterpart funding for World Bank Assisted projects/UBEC-SUBEB matching grant.
Speaker of the House Adebo Ogundoyin, who read Governor Makinde’s letter yesterday, said the state counterpart funding was required to facilitate the release of donor funds. He noted that the projects are meant to complement the government’s drive to improve welfare.
The announcement was accompanied by photos of the governor with his daughter and other family members who attended the graduation ceremony.
Makinde wrote: “Congratulations, my darling Tobi on your graduation from Yale University yesterday. Your hard work and diligence paid off. Wishing you all the best as you embark on a new chapter of your life and I’m also glad that I have one less school fee to pay.”
The Oyo state House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to access the N10 billion loan facility to provide counterpart funding for World Bank Assisted projects/UBEC-SUBEB matching grant.
The approval was a sequel to a letter of request sent to the lawmakers by the governor.
The letter read by the speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin on Tuesday, May 21, indicated that the state counterpart funding was required to facilitate the release of donour funds to Oyo state.
According to the letter, World Bank Assisted Projects are meant to complement the drive by the Oyo state government to improve the welfare of the citizens of the state.
The facility which is to be secured from Fidelity Bank is repayable for 30 months.
In their deliberations, some of the lawmakers who spoke on the request expressed concern about the state of the economy across the country which has made life virtually unbearable for citizens.
The lawmakers appealed to Governor Makinde to continue to give priority to projects and programs that will enhance the living standards of the people.
