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  • Makinde’s wife present cash, gifts to Christmas babies in Oyo

    Makinde’s wife present cash, gifts to Christmas babies in Oyo

    Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has presented cash, gifts and other items to mothers of babies born on Christmas Eve.

    She expressed joy with families of the newly born, saying it coincided with the birthday of Governor Makinde.

    Speaking in Ibadan while presenting the gifts to the new born babies at Adeoyo State Hospital, Yemetu, Adeoyo Hospital, Ring Road, Jericho Nursing Home (Maternal and Paediatric Centre) and Ola Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Mrs Makinde, who was represented by wife of Deputy Governor, Mrs Ajibola Lawal, urged mothers of the babies to take good care of them.

    She described the children as special gifts from God, adding that they are meant to be taken care of by their parents.

    Read Also: Peller celebrates ‘exemplary, vissionary’ Gov Makinde at 56

    According to her, Christmas is a season to show love to these newly born children, saying having them is not by chance but privilege from God.

    She said: “It is important for parent to take care of their children properly and direct them to the way of God, not only the newly ones but also the older ones.”

    She called on residents to always show love, saying it was the time for people to share what they have with their neighbors.

    “The Governor and his wife are kind hearted people, as a result of this, they send us here to present gifts, cash and words of encouragement to parents of the newly born children,” he said.

    Some of the mother thanked the Governor and his wife for the guesture, saying the gifts would go along way in in settling some of their burden.

    On the entourage of the wife of the Deputy Governor were the Commissioners for Health Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi; Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni, and Permanent Secretaries of Ministries among others.

  • Peller celebrates ‘exemplary, vissionary’ Gov Makinde at 56

    Peller celebrates ‘exemplary, vissionary’ Gov Makinde at 56

    The Ayedero of Yorubaland and former federal lawmaker, Honourable Shina Peller, has described Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde as a visionary, youth oriented and result-driven leader. 

    Peller stated this in his goodwill message to the Governor on his 56th brithday where he described Makinde’s leadership attributes as exemplary and noteworthy.

    In a statement on his social media page on Monday, Ayedero of Yorubaland highlighted some of the commedable leadership attributes of the governor, which he said include Makinde’s strict adherence to the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

    The Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician, who highlighted some of the developmental projects of Governor Makinde, reaffirmed his alignment and association with the governor as his leader.

     Peller also rejoiced with Christians on the 2023 Christmas celebrations and prayed for all to witness many more of it on earth. 

    The statement reads: “I celebrate my dear leader, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as he adds another year today. 

    Read Also: Shina Peller gifts new Aseyin Mercedes Benz S Class

    “Truly, our political landscape suffers from lack of good leadership, and there is no leadership where there’s no vision. Governor Makinde is a visionary leader, youth oriented, and result driven person whose actions are bound to impact positively on not only the present generation but also the coming generations. This is why I am proud to identify and associate with him as my leader irrespective of my political affiliation, particularly in the last general election.

    “Indeed, Governor Makinde’s leadership attributes are exemplary and noteworthy. One of the things I cherish about him is his respect for the principles of equity, fairness, and justice as evident in the ways he administers the state.

    “For example, the general belief has always been that Oke Ogun region is marginalized. However, since Governor Makinde came on board, he has rekindled the hope of the people of the region by paying attention to them.

    “Oke Ogun people have been clamouring for a university for about 70 years; Governor Makinde saw to this by giving the region LAUTECH campus in Iseyin.

    “Also, the governor provided the region with good, linkable roads to aid their major business which is agriculture. The People’s governor fixed Moniya-Iseyin road; saw to the completion of the dualisation of Saki road; reconstructed Oyo-Iseyin road which connects Oyo and Oke-Ogun Zone; opened up Ogbomoso to Oke-Ogun to  through the construction of Ogbomoso-Iseyin road and other developmental projects.

    “Mentioned above are just a few of the numerous dividends of democracy that the people are experiencing, not only in Oke Ogun, but Oyo State at large; the transformational activities of Governor Makinde cut across every nook and cranny of the state. 

    “Also, the Ido-Eruwa Road reconstruction project executed by Governor Makinde is applaudable as it links the Ibadan and Ibarapa Zones of Oyo State. Also, the rehabilitation of Eruwa-Lanlate-Maya Road located in Ibarapa East LGA is worth noting. 

    “The Governor created safe, adequate and efficient transport system that can sustain the social and economic development of the state, and many other numerous laudable projects that I cannot even remember.

    “Dear visionary leader, as you turn 56 today, the people of Oke Ogun and Oyo state at large celebrate you, and we pray that God strengthens you in all ways as you continue to pilot the affairs of our dear state. May you witness many more years on earth in God’s name. Amen.

    “In the same vein, I’m using this avenue to wish all, particularly, Christians, a blissful Christmas celebration. We shall witness many more of it in God’s name. Amen.”

  • Makinde, allow justice to take its course

    Makinde, allow justice to take its course

    • By Adewuyi Adegbite

    Sir: The report credited to the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde that those who oppose the choice of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso should withdraw their cases from court or face the wrath of his government is an infringement on the right of a section of Laoye chieftaincy family. The governor reportedly stated this while presenting staff and instrument of office to Oba Laoye in Ogbomoso on Tuesday, December 19.

    Recall that some of the princes that were dissatisfied with the choice of the Oyo State government and the kingmakers approached the court to stop the installation and later the presentation of the staff and instrument of office to the new Soun. An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso had nullified the appointment but the Oba went back to court to stop the execution of the judgement which he was granted. This paved the way for the installation and presentation of the staff and instrument of office to the Oba.

    All along, it has been a win-win situation for Oba Laoye. Now threatening those in opposition to Oba Laoye would obstruct the course of justice and this is dangerous for our democracy and rule of law and constitution of the land which Engineer Seyi Makinde swore to uphold and protect.

    Issue of Obaship is a delicate issue which causes rancour within chieftaincy families because all princes believe that they are qualified for the throne. Jaw-jaw rather than war-war is the key.

    Read Also: Soludo leads Ngige, others for father’s thanksgiving, commends Shettima

    The governor spoke well when he advised the litigants that further contestation over the eligibility of the new Oba would bring the throne and the town no good. However, stating that he would deploy the government arsenal to fight them if they do not withdraw their cases could only harden the litigants among who are educated people who knew their rights and may want to defend it. People have the fundamental rights to seek justice when they feel their rights are infringed upon; threatening them is out of it.

    Meanwhile, the new Oba did well in his inaugural address by extending the Olive Branch to his co-contestants. Laoye chieftaincy family is a large family with many qualified personalities. As the new Oba correctly said, it is God that gives crown to whomever he deems fit. That Oba Laoye is divinely ordained is beyond contestation. Only jaw-jaw rather than threat can douse the tension in the family and so the amiable governor should borrow a leaf from Oba Laoye in this wise.

    •Adewuyi Adegbite,

    ayekooto05@gmail.com

  • Makinde to ex-LG chairmen: Stop trying to destabilise Oyo

    Makinde to ex-LG chairmen: Stop trying to destabilise Oyo

    Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has told the chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Authorities sacked during his first term of office to desist from trying to destabilise the state.

    The governor maintained that the sacked chairmen had been using all underhand methods to distract his government and hurt the people of the state, noting, however, that they would not succeed.

     According to the governor, the ex-LG chairmen had been shopping for all kinds of court processes, but he had kept his focus, adding that the government would now go after the embattled chairmen lawfully to ensure that they account for their deeds.

     Governor Makinde stated this yesterday during an end-of-the-year Media Chat hosted by the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and aired by 16 radio stations nationwide.

     This was as the governor maintained that his government would turn the economic situation in the state around shortly, noting that though there had been a major impact in the country due to economic challenges, the state would be in a far better situation in a few months.

    Read Also: FCT safe, secure, says Commissioner of Police 

    The governor, who signed the N438.4 Billion 2024 Budget of Economic Recovery into law on Friday, insisted that his administration had been making well-detailed and thought-out decisions to secure the future of the state while also taking care of the moment, which is the whole idea of sustainable development.

    The governor, during the chat, said part of the well-thought-out decisions was the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative introduced by the state in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidies.

    “In Oyo State, we introduced SAfER. Yes, the food element is there but we also have the transportation element, which allows us to help people move around. And we did not concentrate on Ibadan alone.

    While responding to a question on a recent garnishee order on state government accounts obtained by the sacked chairmen, Governor Makinde said they were on a frolic of legal rascality.

     He declared that his government would not bow to pressure to pay the state’s money into the wrong hands until all legal means were exhausted.

    Insisting that his government was justified to sack the ex-LG chairmen because their election was premised on unconstitutionality, the governor said: “I was not wrongly advised and if I have to take the decision all over again, I will do the same thing. Before we came in, the previous administration had elections into the constitutionally recognised 33 local government areas as well as the LCDAs. So, that was the basis for our decision.

    “I could have worked with anybody but, because they did something that was not in line with the constitution, we decided that they had to go. 

  • Why I accepted to run for second term, by Makinde

    Why I accepted to run for second term, by Makinde

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has revealed why he agreed to run for a second term in office after persuasion from religious leaders and other stakeholders.

    He said he would not have agreed to seek a re-election if he did not make up his mind to do more than what he did in his first term in office.

    Makinde, who said he achieved more than 90 percent of what he set out to do in his first term, appreciated the fathers of faith and the Christians in the state for their wise counsel, prayers and support all through 2023.

    The governor also acknowledged their efforts during the last election, saying that the church has been a strong pillar of support for his administration.

    The governor stated this during a special prayer and interactive session organised for him by the Fathers of Faith in Oyo State, a gathering that comprised notable General Overseers and Ministers of God in the state.

    The event, held at his Ikolaba GRA residence, was attended by personalities such as the immediate past President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend (Dr) ‘Supo Ayokunle; the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr) Israel Akanji; Oyo State CAN Chairman, Col. Joshua Akinyemi (rtd); and the Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Reverend Samson Ajetomobi, among others.

    Governor Makinde explained that his administration was able to achieve his vision for the state under Omituntun 1.0 with the help of God, assuring that the government will make a greater impact under Omituntun 2.0, tagged Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.

    He said: “This getting together to pray is very important to me. When we have a close gathering like this, I can speak my mind freely without being misquoted. 

    “I want to, on behalf of my family, say merry Christmas and compliments of the season and to wish all of us a happy and rewarding year 2024 ahead of us.

    “Since after the election, this is the first opportunity I have to say thank you to the Christian body. By faith, we knew we were coming back for a second term. We achieved almost 90 per cent of all we wrote down in our Roadmap for Accelerated Development. 

    “We also put out a roadmap for sustainable development of the state for the second term and I pray that God will give us the enablement to achieve more than 90 per cent of those things we listed in the document. 

    “So, from the bottom of my heart I say thank you; the Church did not only pray to secure my second term but also went out. So, I want to thank you.”

    Read Also: Makinde makes case for peace in Ogbomoso

    The governor maintained that the country had been facing many challenges, but assured that better days are ahead.

    He, however, warned individuals and groups looking for economic benefits for themselves to stop playing the religious cards so as not to divide the state.

    He added: “Of course, once you are on a trajectory where God is in control, envy will set in and that was exactly what happened a few weeks back when we were commissioning the Adogba mosque. I said it there that, look, a few individuals went out to tell Muslims not to vote for me but, when the result came in, 70 per cent of Muslims still voted for me. But then, they turned it and they were saying that I said 70 per cent of my votes came from Muslims.

    “But let me thank the CAN chairman; without even talking to me, he came to my defence. Officially, they went out and clarified the statement. I am saying here that without your prayers and the wise counsel coming from the fathers of faith and individuals from the Church, there is no way we can survive in this environment.

    “So, I will give the assurance that I would not have accepted the pressure from the fathers of faith to run for a second tenure if I did not make up my mind to do even more than what we have done before. So, please put us in your prayers. Let the people know that the pillar of support for this administration is the Church.”

    The governor also addressed the ongoing controversy over the conversion of the Agodi Forest to Baywood Estate, noting that though the reality of global warming is not lost on his government, the decision on the estate was taken because it is in the best interest of the state.

    He noted that his administration has always listened to the people of the state, because it is conscious of the fact that there will always be people who may know more than those in government, saying that the decision to construct a housing estate in the axis will serve the entire state.

    “Makinde noted: people were talking about Agodi Gardens. When they started the project, I asked somebody about the size of the forest and he said I should forget about the size, saying even if it is a tiny tree, we must protect it. And I said, no part of Agodi Gardens will be affected. What we said they should do is to convert the forest to an estate that will serve the people of Oyo State.

    “I have asked some people involved in the issue of keeping the forest to come and debate with me on what we are trying to do on global warming and the rest. The challenges we are faced with are not like the ones the advanced countries are facing. 

    “What we need to do first is to take our people out of poverty. Once we can prosper, all of these things will come in properly.”

    In his exhortation entitled, “the dialect of thanksgiving,” Reverend Samson Ajetomobi charged people to be thankful in all circumstances, saying that only the living can change the situation around them.

    He appreciated Governor Makinde for his unprecedented achievements, especially in the area of construction of roads, which has resulted in the expansion of the state economy, urging him not to relent in his efforts for more laudable impacts.

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  • ASUP to Makinde: appoint chief lecturer as Poly Ibadan rector

    ASUP to Makinde: appoint chief lecturer as Poly Ibadan rector

    The Polytechnic Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to appoint a chief lecturer from the institution as the new rector.

    The union said appointing professors from Nigerian Universities to head polytechnics across the nation is one of the problem killing the polytechnic system in Nigeria.

    The tenure of the current management of Ibadan Polytechnic led by Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi will elapse March 2024.

    Speaking with The Nation, the chairman, Ibadan Polytechnic chapter of ASUP, Dr. Kola Lawal, said chief lecturers, who have served the institution in various capacities should be appointed as rector of the institution, saying they are in best position to turn around fortunes of the institution.

    He said some of the chief lecturers have spent like 20 to 25years in the polytechnic system, they understand how polytechnic works and will keep the ground running after the appointment.

    He stated: “We have alot of qualify Chief Lecturers in the system, alot of them have been Directors, HODs, and Dean’s of Faculties and have served in one capacity or the others, they have academic and administrative requisite to lead and govern the Polytechnic.”

    “To make it easy, alot of lecturers in Polytechnic system now has PHD, Polybadan have more PHD holder than even some Universities, there is no departments you have here that you won’t have close to half of the lecturers with PHD and alot are still on PHD program, the era of Polytechnics lecturers having nothing to drive things has gone.”

    “In terms of administration, we have people that has rising to Chief lecturers which is the highest someone can attain in a Polytechnic system, just as Professor is the highest position you can attain in the University system.”

    He stated that the institution can not afford to have a Professor as Rector of the institution again, saying ASUP will not take anything less than a Chief lecturer from the institution as its Rector.

    He noted that Ibadan Polytechnic is a breeding ground for Rectors in Nigerian Polytechnics because the institution has Chief lecturers who understand the system and can govern Polytechnics.

    He maintainance that the last four to five Rectors Ibadan Polytechnic had are all Professor’s from a particular University in Nigeria, saying Nigerian Polytechnics can no longer continue to become an appendages of universities.

    Adebiyi noted: “NBTE recently sent a memo to all state owned institutions, and the provision for this guidelines must be strictly adhere to in appointing management staff in the Polytechnics, the letter also reads that any Polytechnic that fail to comply might have it’s accreditation widrawn or won’t get further accreditation from NBTE because they have seeing the deservice a Professor heading Polytechnic done to the Polytechnic system.”

    “Now that we now have a regulation from our regulatory body approved by Federal Ministry of education that henceforth, whoever want to be a Rector of Polytechnics must be a Chief lecturers from the Polytechnic system, so, it has become our mandate as a union and ASUP chapter in Polybadan.”

    “We have gotten approval from the National Assembly and Federal government, ASUP recently told government to cut appointment of Professors as the Rector of Polytechnics, and the case has been determined and the rulling was in favor of ASUP which means that henceforth, only a Chief lecturers from Polytechnic can govern Polytechnic.”

    “In Nigeria, most of our government rely on importing people from the University system to come and rule over the Polytechnic system, and this is one of the problem that kills the Polytechnic system in Nigeria because when they come, they are bringing the culture of the University.”

    “NBTE said 70% practicals should be Polytechnic content and the remaining 30% should be theory, whereas reverse is the case in the University system because we have more content of theory than practical, so when someone from the University come to head us here, they will look at us with the eyes of the University they are coming.”

    “They don’t understand the system, if you go round and take survey of Rectors of Polytechnics in Nigeria, you will see that all of them are professors, whereas, we have Chief lecturers in the Polytechnic system, professorship is just a promotion.”

    “When we want to appoint Rector for Polytechnic, we go to University and bring professor who have not work or understand the working of the Polytechnic system, he does not understand the practical is what we dwell on here.”

    “It has cause alot of problem because many Polytechnic now trend towards University structure, practical content is now going off the Polytechnic because they don’t understand where we are coming from, that is why our union at the national body started the agitations that henceforth, we will not allow Universities professors to come and be Rectors of Polytechnics in Nigeria.”

    “The advocacy has gotten to the National Assembly which gave birth of National Polytechnic Act that clearly stipulated that anybody that must be a Rector must be a Chief Lecturer from the Polytechnic sector.”

    Read Also: Makinde makes case for peace in Ogbomoso

    “Years back, we have one of us that has brief taste of been a Rector, and that era was one of the best the institution has ever withness just because the person has worked and understand the system perfectly which make it easier for him to hit the ground running.”

    “We’ve once had a Rector at a first meeting that said he has never set his feet inside The Polytechnic, we  know what most of them use to say about Polytechnic, but when it now come to Rectorship position, they start to run hecter and sceter, so, they are coming to take from a system they don’t believe in, a system they have run down with their mouth and a system they have castigated in the past, and we are saying enough is enough.”

    “We have qualify hands in Polytechnic that can govern, with the backing of the National Polytechnic Act, NBTE Act, and with the backing of the Governing Council of this institution, because we have taken this document to our Governing Council.”

    “With the documents in place, we know that our governor, who is a law abiding person who will not go against the lay down rules and regulations.”

  • Makinde makes case for peace in Ogbomoso

    Makinde makes case for peace in Ogbomoso

    • Oba Olaoye gets staff of office
    • Osinbajo, Ooni, others grace event

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed to those who contested the stool of Soun of Ogbomoso to sheathe their swords and withdraw their cases, in the interest of peace.

    Urging them to do so before the week runs out, Makinde reminded Ogbomoso people of another town, who after 20 years of legal tussle, got her king removed. He said the deposed king, those who won in court and everyone in the town are not benefiting in any way from the matter.

    He, however, warned that if those in court refused to stop, he as the governor is also in the battle and will fight the cause with everything within the power of the government.

    Makinde spoke yesterday at the Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomoso, venue of the official coronation and presentation of staff of office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.

    Dignitaries from all walks of life witnessed the historic event.

    Leading them is former Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by Sir Olusegun Adekunle, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi and Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

    Makinde, congratulating the new monarch, urged him to work for the unity of the town, the state and the traditional council.

    He said: “I rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland. I have discussed with Kabiyesi privately the steps that must be taken to ensure the unity of Ogbomosoland. It is not just for the unity and progress of Ogbomosoland. 

    “You have to work for the unity of the traditional council in Oyo State. There is no central unity in the traditional council and I want you to work to have a role to play.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Makinde, Ooni, other dignitaries arrive Ogbomoso for Ghandi’s coronation

    “It is a complete reconstruction for our House of Chiefs and House of Assembly, it is in our budget for next year.”

    Makinde said further: “The other thing I want to say is with those who contested the throne with kabiyesi. As at last week, some people were still in court with injunctions.

    “The contestation for the throne is behind us and I am looking forward to those in court withdrawing their cases by the end of this week as a show of love for Ogbomosoland. 

    “Recall, a city in this same Oyo State took their king to court and after 20years of legal tussle, the king was removed. Today, the deposed king, the new one and the people of the entire community, none of them have any known peace.

    “So, the people fighting must stop. If they don’t, me as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, we are in the fight together and I will ensure we fight them with everything within the powers of the government. 

    “I am a believer in the constitutional roles for our traditional rulers and I will appeal to our new Kabiyesi to work for the progress of the state.”

    Prof Osinbajo, who lauded the new monarch, described him as a man who loves people and speaks the truth always.

    He said the two qualities are needed by any leader, hoping that the people of Ogbomosoland would soon begin to feel the positive impact of the new monarch. He prayed for the successful reign of the new monarch.

    Osinbajo said: “I congratulate Governor Makinde for approving the choice of the people in Ghandi Olaoye. 

    “The person who is the new Soun is my intimate friend. What I know about him that makes me happy that he is our new king is that he is a man who loves people and humanity and I am sure he will show the love.

    “He is a truthful person. He doesn’t lie. All I see about him is that a king must love his people and be truthful.  God will help you and support you.”

    Sen. Akume, Governor AbdulRazaq and Governor Adeleke commended Governor Makinde, the new monarch and the people of Ogbomosoland on their choice. They prayed for the success of the new monarch.

    In his acceptance speech after receiving his staff and instrument of office from Governor Makinde, Oba Olaoye called on the stakeholders “in the destiny of this great land for us to work together to ensure Ogbomosholand fulfils the great potential the Almighty God has imbued us with.

    “No community can embark on significant development without the government’s input. We are thankful for the role the government at the three levels- federal, state and local, has played in developing Ogbomosoland in the past and continued to play.”

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olu of Warri, Ogianne Atuwase III, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale among other traditional rulers attended the event.

    Other personalities included, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service  (FIRS), Zacheus Adedeji, former ministers, Chief Sunday Dare (Youth and Sports), Lai Mohammed (Information), Senator Fatai Buhari (Oyo North), Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Chairman, State Elders Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, among others. 

  • Makinde to Ogbomoso royal houses: sheath your sword, work with Soun

    Makinde to Ogbomoso royal houses: sheath your sword, work with Soun

    Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to all those who contested the stool of Soun of Ogbomoso with Oba Ghandi Afolabi to sheath their sword and withdraw their court cases in the interest of the peace of the ancient town.

    Makinde, while urging the royal families to do so before the end of the week, reminded the people of another town that after 20 years of legal tussle got her king removed, saying both the deposed king, those who won in court and everyone in the town are not benefiting anyway from the matter.

    He, however, warned that if those in court refused to stop, he as the governor of the state is also in the battle and will fight the course with everything within the powers of government.

    Makinde appealed on Tuesday, December 19, at the Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomoso, the venue of the official coronation and presentation of staff of office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.

    Dignitaries from all walks of life in a large turnout witnessed the historic event.

    Leading the dignitaries is a former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by Sir Olusegun Adekunle, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara) who was represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

    Speaking, Governor Makinde while congratulating the new monarch urged him to work for the unity of the town, the state and the state traditional council as a whole.

    Makinde said: “I rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland. I have discussed with Kabiyesi privately the steps that must be taken to ensure the unity of Ogbomosoland. It is not just for the unity and progress of Ogbomosoland.

    “You have to work for the unity of the traditional Council in Oyo state. There is no central unity in the traditional Council and I want you to work to have a role to play.

    “It is a complete reconstruction for our House of Chiefs and House of Assembly, it is in our budget for next year.”

    “The other thing I want to say is with those who contested the throne with Kabiyesi. As of last week, some people are still in court with injunctions.

    “The contestation for the throne is behind us and I am looking forward to those in court withdrawing their court cases by the end of this week as a show of love for Ogbomosoland.

    “Recall, a city in this same Oyo state took their king to court and after 20 years of legal tussle, the king was removed. Today, both the deposed king, the new one and the people of the entire community, none of them have any known peace.

    “So, the people fighting must stop. If they don’t, me as the Executive Governor of Oyo state, we are in the fight together and I will ensure we fight them with everything within the powers of the government.

    “I am a believer in the Constitutional roles of our traditional rulers and I will appeal to our new Kabiyesi to work for the progress of the state.”

    In his goodwill remarks, Prof Osinbajo who lauded the new monarch described him as a man who loves people and speaks the truth always.

    He said the two qualities are essentially needed by any leader expressing optimism that the people of Ogbomosoland will soon begin to feel the positive impact of the new monarch. He prayed for the successful reign of the new monarch.

    Osinbajo said: “I congratulate Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the choice of the people in Ghandi Olaoye.

    “The person who is the new Soun is my close and intimate friend. What I know about him that makes me happy that he is our new king is that he is a man who loves people and humanity and I am sure he will show love.

    “He is a truthful person. He doesn’t lie. All I see about him is that a king must love his people and be truthful.  God will help you and support you.”

    In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Kwara Governor Abdulrahman and Osun’s Governor Adeleke commended Governor Makinde, the new monarch and the people of Ogbomosoland on their choice. They prayed for the success of the new monarch.

    In his acceptance speech after receiving his staff and instrument of office from Governor Makinde, Oba Ghandi called on all the stakeholders “in the destiny of this great land for us to work together to ensure that Ogbomosho Land fulfils the great potential that the Almighty God has imbued us with.

    “No community can embark on significant development without the government’s input. We are thankful for the role that the government at all three levels federal, state and local government has played in developing Ogbomosho Land in the past and continue to play.”

    He called for the support of the indigenes of the town saying “Let my coronation be a celebration and a collective reaffirmation of our shared destiny. I intend to be a King to serve you all irrespective of religion, gender or other things that may differentiate us. The strength of our Kingdom lies not only in the crown I wear but in the bonds that bind us together: the bonds of loyalty, respect and mutual understanding.”

    He said his service is premised on a clear vision of a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosholand which rests on a detailed 25-year plan, to be unveiled in the coming months.

    He added: “My service is premised on a clear vision. I am very aware of the words that the wisest of Kings recorded for us in the book of Proverbs that without a vision, the people perish.

    “My vision for a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosho Land rests on a detailed 25-year plan, to be unveiled in the coming months.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Makinde, Ooni, other dignitaries arrive Ogbomoso for Ghandi’s coronation

    “I promise to serve this vision with all I have, the relationships I have built over the years here in Nigeria and abroad, the experience I have garnered from running several successful businesses, and the skills garnered from more than 30 years of pastoring churches and other pastors.

    “As I have said on several occasions, I have stopped being a church pastor and now become a shepherd of a people. The people whom I will serve as a shepherd are not just Christians but also Moslems who follow the various African religions. As your sovereign, I promise to uphold the values that define us a commitment to justice, equity and compassion. Let these be our watchwords in Ogbomosho Land.”

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Olu of Warri, Ogianne Atuwase III, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale among other traditional rulers.

    Other dignitaries at the event include the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service  (FIRS), Zacheus Adedeji, former Ministers, Chief Sunday Dare (Youth and Sports), Lai Mohammed (Information), Senator Fatai Buhari (Oyo North), Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chairman, State Elders Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde among others.

  • Makinde, Adeleke align on Southwest PDP unity

    Makinde, Adeleke align on Southwest PDP unity

    • I am hale and hearty – Osun governor

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Friday said he and his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke, have aligned to foster unity and progress in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest zone.

    The governor stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after a meeting with the governor of Osun State, at the Courtesy Room of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Makinde, who described Adeleke as his brother, said their meeting centred around the unity and well-being of the PDP and the development of the Southwest geopolitical zone.

    He said: “Like my brother said, we are one. We discussed issues around the unity of our party in the Southwest and alignment, and we are aligned. I can assure you that we will do what we are supposed to do.”

    Governor Adeleke, while also speaking, lauded Governor Makinde for his giant strides in infrastructure development in Oyo state, noting that his government had been toeing the same path of massive infrastructure development in Osun State.

    He added that they both had a robust discussion on the Southwest PDP and have resolved to be on the same page.

    “I am proud to be here in Oyo State, because we are brothers. I am just coming from my working vacation in Bangkok, Thailand, and I felt that coming from Lagos, I could not just go home but pay a visit to my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, to tell him that I am back.

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    “I love him and I want to tell him that he is doing a good job in Oyo State. I want to give him a report card on the infrastructure he is doing in the state, which made him win a second term. He has been building massive infrastructure and the same has begun in Osun State. That is why I am here today.

    “Another reason for coming here is to discuss with him the issue of Southwest PDP, which has been resolved.”

    Earlier, the Osun State governor had, in a historic moment, been allowed to address the Oyo State Executive Council, which was in session at the Executive Council Chambers, when he arrived at the Governor’s Office.

    While addressing the Exco, Adeleke said: “Oyo State is moving forward and Osun State is moving forward, because Governor Makinde and I are brothers.

    “I want you all to continue to support Governor Makinde, because he is doing well in terms of infrastructure and other aaspects of governance and in terms of governance, Osun State have also been moving forward.

    “No matter what anyone says, I love my brother and he loves me.”

  • Makinde charges Ibadan Poly on technological training, innovation, others

    Makinde charges Ibadan Poly on technological training, innovation, others

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday charged management and students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan to intensify efforts in the areas of technological training, science, innovation and creativity.

    He said this would make products of the Institution self-employed as well as employers of labour.

    Speaking at the 35th – 38th combined convocation ceremony for the award of Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes for 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2022/2023 graduands of the institution, Makinde said Polytechnic/Technical education anywhere in the world is the basic foundation and launching pad for technological development of any

    nation which Nigeria is not an exception.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, also charged the institution to use its technological know-how as a foremost Polytechnic to develop solar power that will serve key areas within the institution. 

    Makinde said Department of Works in the institution in conjunction with other relevant departments such as Civil Engineering, should be able to construct and maintain road network within the institution.

    He stated required financial support will be given to the institution through special intervention for such initiatives.

    According to him, the Institution has brought glory and fame to Oyo State, declaring he looks forward to more laurels from the institution. 

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    He stated that the Institution has also produced numbers of former Governors, Ministers, lawmakers, seasoned politicians, administrators, Royal Fathers and industrialists, adding that many former students have been appointed into key positions in his administration.

    The Rector of the institution, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi thanked the Governor for giving him the opportunity to serve as head of the institution.

    He stated that Makinde has always provided succor for smooth administration of the institution, saying accreditation of courses and welfare of staff and students are dear to the heart of the Governor.