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  • LG polls: Elect your preferred candidates, Makinde tells Oyo residents

    LG polls: Elect your preferred candidates, Makinde tells Oyo residents

    Ahead of the forthcoming local government election in Oyo state, Governor Seyi Makinde has charged the electorate to go out en masse and vote for their preferred and choice leaders at the grassroots level.

    Highlighting that the upcoming April 27 election marks the second occasion his administration has organized local government elections within a span of fewer than five years, the governor reflected on the previous state administration’s record. 

    He recalled that during the previous administration’s eight-year tenure, local government elections were not conducted for seven years.

    Makinde gave the charge while receiving top government functionaries and dignitaries who paid him a Sallah homage at his Ikolaba, Ibadan residence on Wednesday. 

    The visitors were led by the Deputy Governor, Bauo Lawal.

    Throwing a jab at the opposition parties in the state, the governor said the immediate past administration that could not organise council polls for seven out of its eight years tenure should not accuse his administration of insincerity if they (the opposition) will not praise him.

    He said the election is not a do-or-die affair but that the people are at liberty to vote for leaders of their choice.

    Makinde said: “Let me use this opportunity to say that the local government election is barely three weeks away. I want to say to our people that, please election is not a do-or-die thing. It is whosoever the people want that they will choose.

    “When people go out and accuse us of insincerity, these are people who didn’t conduct an election for almost eight years. This is the second local government election that we are organising under this administration.

    “Let us intensify our campaign. This administration is all about the interest of the people. And the people know the difference between federal, state and local elections. 

    “They should keep quiet and with what they cannot do, if they can’t praise us, they should keep quiet. Nobody has stopped anyone from going out to campaign. The political landscape in Oyo state is very calm. We know how things used to be even for internal elections. 

    “We have come together to put the interest of the state over and above all other interests be it personal or group.”

    He also seized the opportunity to assure party loyalists that he is working on rolling out more appointments for deserving individuals noting however that his administration is the leanest in terms of giving appointments.

    He thanked all the residents for the religious tolerance and harmony which made it possible for his government to be able to achieve success at various levels.

    “I want to seize this opportunity to thank all residents for their religious tolerance. When people say we are achieving progress, it’s because we have peace in the state and I want us to maintain it. 

    “And for us as an administration, I know that I have said we will soon begin to roll out appointments for deserving people. We are working on it. In the days ahead we will do it. The appointments are there.

    “And for those who may want to criticise us on our appointments, this has been the leanest administration in the history of Oyo State. You may check the data. After our re-elections, before we started giving appointments, and after we had sacked all appointees, I was surprised that our wage bill didn’t make any difference.

    Read Also: Council poll: Oyo APC demands free, fair election from Makinde, OYSIEC

    “For the first four years, we moved our wage bill from about N4.8billion monthly to about N8.3billion (including wage award). But the political appointees in it is not up to N100 million. When people say it is politicians that feed fat on public funds, the percentage we politicians get from our wage bill is what I just told you.

    “We will continue to run a responsible administration. For those to be appointed, we can accommodate them. And it won’t damage the system that we have put in place.”

  • Makinde cautions against disunity over Olubadan stool

    Makinde cautions against disunity over Olubadan stool

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned against disunity over Olubadan stool.

    He said there is no rancour in the Olubadan chieftaincy laws.

    He warned those whose stock in trade is to fan the embers of discord to desist, in the interest of the state.

    Makinde spoke while hosting Muslim faithful, who are members of his Executive Council (Exco) and other top government functionaries, at his Ikolaba home.

    The governor, who said he was yet to receive any official communication from the Olubadan-in-Council on their nomination for the stool, wondered why some people were focusing on the things that divided the state along traditional lines.

    He said there was no place for that under his watch.

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    Noting that he had been inundated with calls on disruption of the ascension to the throne of Olubadan, the governor said he awaits the report and nomination of candidate from the Olubadan-in-Council, from which he will do the needful in the interest of the stool and Ibadanland.

    Makinde said: “We want unity in our state. I had been away outside the country, travelling to seek investors for the state. When I came back, people called me, saying there were issues on Ibadan Traditional System. I asked them what the issue was. I asked them if they had done the nomination and sent any letter to the government. So I asked, why heating up the polity?

    “One of the lessons of the just concluded Ramadan is discipline. We disciplined our body and refrained from what seems beneficial to us in line with what God expects from us.

    “So, no matter how highly placed, we must show discipline. Why overheating the polity? If you bring a letter to me, I will take a decision based on what is in the best interest of our state and Ibadanland. You haven’t done that, you have been assembling people, saying all sorts of things.

    “Who are the people behind creating disunity among us? Please I want to take this opportunity of this celebration to say that the lesson that we should learn is to be disciplined, just the way we have disciplined our body during the 30 days.

    “Let me say it clearly, there is no issue with the Ibadan traditional system. We were in a difficult situation before the late Olubadan ascended the throne. We resolved it. This one, we will also resolve it.”

    The governor said the new Oyo State under his watch was known for unity, religious tolerance and political tolerance, which had led to development across board.

    “I use this medium to greet us all on the celebration. We thank God for the privilege because we were all at the Eid ground today, if it were to be some years ago, there would have been chaos coming from the prayers. We are today more united and better.

    “We went through that in Oyo State, but we have a new Oyo State. We all went there peacefully to thank God and we returned safely. It is a new Oyo State.

    “Don’t we all like what is happening in the state? What I will say is that, for those who are fond of being where disunity is, they have done it in the past in the political space and they mustn’t take it to our traditional system.”

  • Makinde vows justice for Oyo traffic officials assaulted by Immigration officers

    Makinde vows justice for Oyo traffic officials assaulted by Immigration officers

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has promised to prosecute officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), involved in the humiliation and assault of officials of Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), while on official duties.

    The OYRTMA officials, Nurudeen Abiola and Taiwo Adeagbo, were arrested, detained and allegedly stripped naked by the officers of Zone F Command of the NIS for apprehending an Immigration officer, who violated traffic rule.

    The Immigration officers were caught driving on one way against traffic along Onipepeye bridge underpass.

    Makinde, while paying visits to the families of the affected victims yesterday at their homes at Oke-Ibadan, Ifelajulo and Olunloyo, condemned the actions of the Immigration officers, noting that such behaviour was unacceptable regardless of any individual’s position in a federal agency.

    The governor, who promised to prosecute the Immigration officers, said he had tasked the Attorney General with writing to the Immigration authorities to ensure accountability.

    He said: “This is unacceptable. Whether you are an Immigration official, you work for other paramilitary agencies, does not say you are superior.

    “These individuals are just trying to enforce the law of the state. Because you work for a federal agency does not mean you are superior.

    Read Also: Community appeals to Makinde over harvest of deaths in Gege river

    “So, I have asked the Honourable Attorney General, we will follow this through. We will write to Immigration authorities and then we will prosecute the people involved.”

    The governor also visited the state command of the NIS, where he met with Comptroller Abdulrasheed Ademola, to officially report the incident.

    During the visit, Makinde emphasised the importance of cooperation between the state government and the NIS in ensuring such incidents do not occur in future.

    He said the state maintained zero-tolerance policy for individuals violating traffic rules and expressed confidence in the support of NIS and Zone F command in addressing the issue.

    He advocated a better intra and inter-agency cooperation among security agencies, noting that there must not be a recurrence of such incident.

    Makinde said: “Oyo State is known for inter and intra-agency cooperation. So, the incident is very unfortunate.

  • Easter: Makinde felicitates Christians, calls for more prayers

    Easter: Makinde felicitates Christians, calls for more prayers

    Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has felicitated the Christian faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the Easter festivity.

    The governor, who congratulated the Christians for witnessing another Easter season, called on them to use the special occasion to pray for Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the leadership.

    According to the governor, it has become important to engage in more prayers and supplications for the country and the state amid the current economic situation.

    He equally charged Christians to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrificial living taught through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, saying it is important for Christians, now more than ever before, to put into practice the lessons of love and sacrificial living of Christ.

    Read Also: Makinde’s livestock idea gets kudos

    He said: “I congratulate our Christian brethren on the occasion of Easter festivity.

    “It is my prayer that God grants us the opportunity to witness more of such occasions.

    “I also want to use the opportunity to charge them to follow Christ’s examples of love, selflessness and sacrificial living, as exemplified by his death on the cross of Calvary and resurrection.

    “I equally call on all residents of the state to be vigilant and security-conscious as they celebrate Easter. As we always say, if they see something, they should say something and as their government, we will continue to take action towards securing the state. Happy Easter.”

  • Makinde’s livestock idea gets kudos

    Makinde’s livestock idea gets kudos

    World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), have hailed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to enhance livestock production in Oyo State.

    The commendation was given at a stakeholders’ engagement by World Bank Task Team and National Coordinating Office on L-PRES Support Mission to Oyo State.

    The event, L-PRES National Project Coordinator, Sanusi Abubakar, said, was targeted at implementation of $500 million World Bank Project by the ministry to improve productivity, commercialisation and resilience of the livestock value chain.

    Read Also: Religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence, source of our successes – Makinde

    Stakeholders at the event, hosted by Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA)/state Chairman of L-PRES, Dr. Debo Akande and L-PRES state Project Coordinator, Kola Kazeem, were taken to a livestock hub at Fashola Farm in Oyo to assess the state ’s commitment in livestock production.

    Abubakar said the project was continuation of the support mission to other states as Bauchi, Gombe and Enugu.

  • Religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence, source of our successes – Makinde

    Religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence, source of our successes – Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has attributed the successes recorded by his administration to the abiding peace in the state.

    He spoke at the weekend during the 10th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Lecture and Anniversary Awards, held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Governor Makinde, who appreciated the various religious groups in the state for their peaceful co-existence, charged them to continually maintain the peace so that the state would continue to record progress.

    While pledging more support for the propagation of Islam by donating buses to Islamic bodies, Makinde also assured that the inner road projects his government recently embarked on would spread across Ibadan and the state at large.

    Delivering the Ramadan lecture, the Chief Imam of Offa, Kwara State, Sheikh Muheedeen Salimon, charged humanity to be prayerful, grateful, and appreciative and imbibe the act of giving cheerfully to the needy.

    He lauded Governor Makinde for being God-fearing and prayerful. The cleric urged him to remain steadfast in doing that which is right, adding that his exceptional success as a governor is tied to doing what is right.

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    In their goodwill messages the Chairman of the event, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo and the Omituntun Annual Ramadan Lecture Organising Committee chairman, Alhaji Akeem Azeez, eulogized Governor Makinde, describing him as a God-fearing leader who accommodates everybody, irrespective of religious differences.

    In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who appreciated the support and cooperation enjoyed by the present administration from the Muslim community, sought for more prayers and support for the government.

    The event featured special prayers for the state and Governor Makinde, while awards of recognition and posthumous awards were presented to deserving individuals and Islamic organisations.

  • JUST IN: Makinde gives free shops to 700 traders in Ibadan

    JUST IN: Makinde gives free shops to 700 traders in Ibadan

    …as Soludo flags off 32.2km road infrastructure component

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has declared that 700 street traders displaced by the Agodi Gate Junction Improvement Works will be given free stalls in the new market built in the area as part of the project.

    The governor stated this on Friday, March 22, at the commissioning of the Idi Ape, Civic Centre, Agodi Gate Junction Improvement Projects, noting that the projects will reduce the number of man-hours spent by residents commuting roads in the city.

    He added that the project would also ease traffic flow and contribute to boosting commercial activities in the axis, just as it would help the government to enforce the rule of law regarding street trading and orderliness in the city.

    Governor Makinde, who spoke to the admiration of jubilant market men and women, said three new Junction Improvement Projects would come up in UI-Agbowo, Polytechnic Road-Sango and Eleyele Junction.

    According to the governor, the delivery of the projects also activated another component in his Oyo State Roadmap to Sustainable Development, 2023-2027, which has to do with the rule of law and orderliness in the society.

    He appreciated the governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for being part of the occasion, stating that his presence in Ibadan showed that it was time to work together at this period in the life of the country rather than looking for what could divide the people.

    Makinde said: “As you have already seen from the available visual, we are commissioning these three junction improvement works at Agodi Gate, Civic Centre and Idi Ape. These are important projects that will reduce the man-hours spent in traffic in Ibadan.

    “Let me also announce that another three are coming to Ibadan; U.I junction is coming, Poly Road junction is coming and Eleyele junction is also coming.

    “More importantly, by completing and commissioning this project, we are making a clear statement and those of you in Ibadan would have been aware of the chaos this place used to be. With this project, we are bringing sanity to this axis.

    “So, it is significant in our quest to implement another component in our Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027, and that is the rule of law.

    “The shops that are here are for those trading by the side of the road, and they will be given free of charge. Nobody will collect one Naira from you. This means 700 of you will be moving out of the street into this place. So, we thank God.

    “We can see how beautiful this environment is now and our plan is to keep it that way. Street trading and illegal dumping of refuse at road medians are two uncivil acts we must do away with as citizens.

    “I have given a directive that anyone found carrying out such activities in this area should face the full wrath of the law. As we celebrate this accomplishment, I vow to do more for our people because it is our belief that you will reciprocate by protecting this project.”

    Also speaking at the flag off of the 32.2km road infrastructure component of the Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road, the governor said his administration decided to embark on the project, which was conceived about 20 years ago because it realised the importance of developing Ibadan sustainably so as to secure the future.

    The governor added that he would ensure strict supervision of the project and that the government will move to open the northeast of the project from Badeku to Moniya in Akinyele Local Government in a matter of weeks.

    Read Also: Open letter to Governor Makinde

    “The last time we were at this location, we flagged off the construction of the bridges and interchanges, which have now been completed. So, we are here to flag off the 32.2km road infrastructure component of this south-east wing of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Ibadan.

    “To ensure that this very important project to the economic development of Oyo state is done, we had to break down East and North-East wings and I am certain the 32.2km South-East wing is almost done. From the original amount, we have paid 60 per cent.

    “Within the next few weeks, we will award the north-east wing, which is another 34km and would take us from here to Moniya where we have the Dry Port, Ilu-Tuntun and the train station.”

    He equally addressed residents protesting the demolition of their properties on the Circular Road corridor, noting that development always comes with sacrifices but his government would compensate property owners with genuine papers, while some others affected will be relocated.

    He charged the affected residents to cooperate with the government to enable it to carry out a proper enumeration to be able to take necessary actions.

    In his speech at both events, Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Soludo, lauded Governor Makinde for his uncommon leadership and for embarking on urban regeneration through infrastructure projects that can secure the future.

    Soludo said: “On this project, I will say Governor Makinde, who is also my brother and friend, is an uncommon leader.

    “Right from the Ibadan Airport down to this location, you can literally touch and feel the infrastructure development. Even if you are blind, you will see that Ibadan is not the same again. The difference is clear and I want to commend Governor Makinde.

    “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. I want to thank you because you have put your finger on what is so fundamental. Politicians worry about the next election while leaders worry about the next generation.

    “The best time to have planned the cities in Nigeria was 60 years ago and the second best time to plan them is today and I am very excited to be part of this ceremony today, which is very symbolic, which is about urban regeneration.

    “While we dream about building new cities, if we don’t regenerate the existing ones they will grow up into large chaotic ghettos and society will be in peril.

    “Therefore, regenerating urban cities, keeping them clean and green is a herculean task and I am glad that today, Governor Makinde is doing his best.”

    In his speech, the Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, said the Junction Improvement Works included traffic system management as well as provision of car parks, bus shelters, lock-up shops and stalls.

    Also speaking at Badeku, where the 32.2km road infrastructure component of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road was flagged, Shangodoyin said the project is another significant milestone in the state’s journey towards progress and sustainable development.

    The two events were attended by a former Oyo State Military Administrator, Major General Oladayo Popoola (retired); Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Honourable Justice Ishola.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commissioners and other appointees of the governor were also in attendance at the separate events.

    Also in attendance were the co-chairmen of the Oyo State Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; members of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Gbenga Babalola; traditional rulers from across all zones in the state; National Assembly members including Hon. Abass Adigun, Dr Anthony Adebayo Adepoju and Hon. Oyeshina Oyedeji; PDP National Vice Chairman, (Southweest), Engr Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and PDP National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Chief Ali Odefa, among others.

  • Olubadan: Makinde, Ladoja, Olubadan-in-Council pay condolence visit to Oba Balogun family

    Olubadan: Makinde, Ladoja, Olubadan-in-Council pay condolence visit to Oba Balogun family

    • Governor: late monarch restored stability to Ibadan chieftaincy system

    Ibadan indigenes and residents yesterday mourned the late  Olubadan  Oba Lekan Balogun, as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former governor Rashidi Ladoja and some members of the Olubadan-in-Council paid condolence visit to the Alarere, Ibadan home of the late monarch.

    While the governor led other top government functionaries on the visit, Senator Ladoja led some members of the council during the separate visit to the palace.

    The Ladoja team arrived and left the palace before the arrival of the governor.

    Makinde hailed the contributions of the late Olubadan to the stability of the Ibadan traditional system, saying the monarch also contributed to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.

    Reiterating that the state government would give Oba Balogun a befitting burial, Makinde said the government had already approved funds for the fidau for the late Oba and would also do the needful at the appropriate time when he is to be given a state burial.

    Makinde was received by the late monarch’s younger brother, Senator Kola Balogun; wives of Oba Balogun, Olori Olayinka, Olori Olufumilayo and Olori Kalimat and some members of Alli Iwo family.

    He described Oba Balogun as a simple and jovial person, who contributed to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State.

    Lamenting how painful his demise was to him, the governor noted that the monarch, who contributed positively to the stability of Ibadan traditional system, should be celebrated rather than being mourned.

    He urged the family of the monarch to remain united, promising to always do the needful as the situation arises.

    Makinde said: “When Baba was admitted in hospital, I was in touch with the doctors. I told them that they should try their best to keep Baba alive. I believe they gave Kabiyesi the utmost care in that situation, but we can only propose, but God disposes.

    “A lot of people may not know how close we used to be. Our relationship was beyond politics. But let me say that this is not the time for us to mourn but to celebrate the life of Baba and his contribution to Ibadanland, the traditional institution and Oyo State.

    “If you recall, we had serious issues with our traditional institution before his ascension to the throne of Olubadan. Things were falling apart and it was painful. So, I told Baba as the next Olubadan then that he should withdraw the case in court so that I could sign. All of that happened and we were able to resolve the matter. This is why his death is painful to me.

    Read Also: Olubadan: Makinde, Ladoja, others pay condolence visit to late Oba Balogun’s family

    “He died at a period he had brought peace and stability to the traditional institution in Ibadanland, and I was looking forward to the continued stability. But as humans, we can only plan. The final call belongs to the Almighty.

    “This morning, I immediately approved funds for the fidau programme because he is my Baba as well and we will do everything to give Baba a befitting burial.

    “I want to urge the family to stay united, because when there is unity, it will allow us to channel our energy to make progress. I want to assure you that in my capacity as the governor of this state, I will do everything to support the family.

    “We should even be happy Baba left in this Holy month and that, in itself, has a deep meaning. So, let us accept his passing as the will of God, because I know God has been gracious unto Kabiyesi.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, a former state Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, on behalf of Alli Iwo family, appreciated the visit of Governor Makinde, affirming that the governor was so supportive to the late monarch during his life.

    Speaking on behalf of the immediate family, the first daughter of Oba Balogun, Mrs. Funmilayo Osinowo,  expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the late monarch while he was alive. She called for more support to the family after his death.

    Special prayer was offered for the soul of the late Oba by the Chaplain of Government House, Pastor Layi Adisa and the Special Assistant to the governor on Islamic Affairs, Imam Rasheed Azeez.

  • Easter: Makinde’s wife offers orphanages, vulnerable cash, food items

    Easter: Makinde’s wife offers orphanages, vulnerable cash, food items

    Wife of Oyo Governor Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde has doled out cash, toiletries and food items to orphanages homes, vulnerable and special children in the State for 2024 Easter celebration.

    Food items and toiletries distributed include rice, beans, oil, indomie, spaghetti, biscuit, hypo, tissue paper and soap among others.

    The gesture, according to her, was borne out of her love to uplift the less privileged and downtrodden by putting smile on their faces.

    Homes visited by Mrs. Makinde include: His Heritage Home, Oluyole; Treasure Down Syndrome and Person with Special Needs Foundation, Ring Road; Galilee Foundation, Oluyole, Yeshua Christos home, Felele; God Treasure Kiddies Initiative; The Ark of Hope for All Foundation and Agbedare Jesus Care Foundation, Orogun among others.

    Speaking in Ibadan while distributing the items to orphanage homes, Mrs. Makinde, who was represented by a member of Oyo Assembly, Mrs. Olufunke Comforter, said it was to give them hope and belief that better future was ahead of them.

    Read Also: Makinde okays beaded crowns for Onifiditi, Elempe

    She said the items would go along way in assisting them to cushion effect of current economic hardship been experience by people.

    She thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for the support to her office towards the succes of the program.

    She however said the love and passion Makinde has for children and women in the State cannot be overemphasised.

    Beneficiaries of the items thanked Governor Makinde and his wife for the gesture, saying Makinde’s effort towards alleviating suffering of the masses in the State was highly commendable.

  • Makinde okays beaded crowns for Onifiditi, Elempe

    Makinde okays beaded crowns for Onifiditi, Elempe

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the presentation of staff of office and beaded crowns to Onifiditi of Fiditi, Oba Sikiru Akanni Oyelese and Elempe of Tapa, Oba Titilola Oyekanmi Sunday.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, said the governor on March 7 approved that the Onifiditi and the Elempe be presented with the instrument of office and beaded crowns.

    Read Also: Makinde seeks prayers, goodwill

    The statement added that the governor also approved the appointment of Chief Akindele Sunday Olukayode as the new Baale of Awaye Town in Egbeda Local Government.