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Tag: Makinde

  • Makinde gets kudos for creating ministry

    Makinde gets kudos for creating ministry

    Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke, has lauded Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for creating Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    He said the decision showed the governor was a lover of cultural development.

    He noted that if the annual World Twins Festival at Igbo-Ora was sustained and coordinated to attract foreign tourists, it would boost the economy of not only Ibarapa land, but also the entire Oyo State.

    Adegoke, the governorship hopeful on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this known while delivering a speech as the chairman of this year’s edition of World Twins Festival.

    He said: ‘’If we all come together to celebrate this festival every year and we attract tourists from other countries such as Caribbean nations, the Latin America, it will help catapult the economy of Ibarapa land.”

     And you know Ibarapa is a sub-set of Oyo State. Therefore, if the economy of Ibarapa improves, the economy of Oyo State will improve.

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    “If this festival attracts tourists from overseas, definitely it will attract development. It will boost the economy of Ibarapa land because people will invest in hotel and tourism. People will invest in transportation, government will invest in security, electricity and others.

    “I want to be part of the people that will bring development to this place and encourage development in Oyo State. By next year, I will be here and by then I would have picked the governorship ticket and by 2027, by God’s grace, I will be governor of Oyo State and we will do it better.”

    Adegoke donated N20 million for the development of the festival and N10 million each to the people of Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North and Ibarapa East.

    The Olu of Igbo-Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, said it was the collective aspiration of all that Igbo-Ora Twins Festival would continue to grow, “not only as a global celebration of our uniqueness, but also as a platform for youth development, peace-building and empowerment. Together let us uphold the value, tradition and spirit that make Igbo-Ora great, while praying for a better future for generations yet unborn.

    “We must nurture in our youths, the spirit of cooperation, discipline, hard work, dignity of labour and patriotism.’’

    He said the festival must provide a platform to re-orientate the minds of youths towards positive values and purposeful living, adding: “It is through this spirit that we must empower our youths towards access to quality education, vocational training, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

    “Our young people can become productive citizens, who will uplift Igbo-Ora and lift Oyo State in future. We must make Igbo-Ora a hub of youth empowerment.”

  • Makinde appoints OYSIEC board, LAUTECH teaching hospital governing council 

    Makinde appoints OYSIEC board, LAUTECH teaching hospital governing council 

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of new members into the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

    According to appointment letters signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, eight persons were named to serve on OYSIEC, while seven others were appointed to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital governing council.

    Comrade Adeniyi Afeez Babatunde was appointed as the new Chairman of OYSIEC. Other members include Olatunde Akintunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Mariam Adepeju, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Remi Ayoade, Mr. Sunday Falana, and Mr. Babatunde Ige.

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    The newly appointed members of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council are Prof. Banji Oyeyinka Oyelaran (Chairman), Mr. Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr. Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs. Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr. Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, and Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello.

    Governor Makinde charged all appointees to perform their duties with diligence, dedication, and loyalty to the state, noting that the appointments take immediate effect.

  • Residents urge Makinde, Ladoja to save them from land grabbers

    Residents urge Makinde, Ladoja to save them from land grabbers

    Residents of about 50 villages under Lafiku Dynasty in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have urged Governor Seyi Makinde, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and other stakeholders to save them from land grabbers.

    The residents, who lamented injuries, tension and unrest the land grabbers had caused them, said they would be forced to resort to self-defence if Governor Makinde, Oba Ladoja and other stakeholders failed to do the needful.

    They said as law-abiding citizens, they called on the governor and the first-class monarch to assist them, ‘’because we don’t want to take the law into our hands.’’

    Addressing reporters in Ibadan at the weekend, one of the affected people, Akogun Saheed Olawoyin from Onifade Ogunkanmi, Lafiku Dynasty, said: “We appeal to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, who does not tolerate corruption and land grabbing, to assist us through legal means, to chase these people away so that residents can have peace of mind.

    Read Also: Governor Makinde: we’ll do more to attract investors, make Ibadan Airport Nigeria’s best

    “We want the government to give us a police station because we are too far from Sanyo Police Station. Alternatively, the government can give us an Amotekun division so that residents will enjoy peace and security.”

    Narrating their ordeal, Olawoyin alleged: “About six years ago, a deposed Baale started disturbing over 50 villages under Lafiku Dynasty. These villages have been there for over 400 years. The land is located at Olojuoro, Olomi, Oluyole Local Government.”

    Baale Lafiku, Chief Yusuf Alimi, Baale Okeseyin, Chief Moruf Olaigbe and the Chairman of Landlord Association at Onifade Ogunkanmi Village, Lafiku, said: “There was peace and we were living in harmony until the deposed Baale came in 2019.

    “He caused chaos everywhere and started grabbing land belonging to residents. He attacked some, took some to the police station and lied against others.

    “This is why we are appealing to Governor Makinde and Oba Ladoja to rescue us. We don’t want problem. We don’t have thugs to fight for us, except government.”

  • Makinde hails Jagz Hotel’s exploits in hospitality industry

    Makinde hails Jagz Hotel’s exploits in hospitality industry

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has hailed the exploits of Jagz Hotels in the hospitality industry, describing its huge investment as a game changer for tourism and economic growth.

    Speaking at a  hospitality conference organised by the Jagz Hotels to mark its first anniversary in Ibadan, the Governor said the exploits of the hotel reflect the positive impacts of his administration’s business-friendly policies, which has continued to attract both local and foreign investors.

    Makinde noted that the giant strides of Jagz Hotels in the hospitality industry aligned with his administration’s broader plan to expand the Oyo state’s economy through tourism development. 

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    He said that his administration recently broke a 43-year-old jinx at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, when a wide-bodied aircraft successfully landed on the newly upgraded runway for the first time since its commissioning.

    According to Makinde, the  development would further open Oyo state to more tourists and investors who  can enjoy world-class hospitality services provided by Jagz Hotels and other establishment.

    He commended Chairman/CEO of Jagz Hotels, Engr. Kayode Adegbulugbe, for injecting over N10 billion into the state’s economy, saying that such confidence in government policies shows that Oyo is becoming a hub of investment.

    He said; “I am glad to be here one year after we inaugurated this business. The business has not folded up; instead, it is waxing stronger. That does not happen by accident. it is the result of hard work and dedication from the management, staff, and even patrons of this hotel.

    “Since the past one year, the economic environment has been very challenging, yet this hotel is still standing tall. That shows you have built a formidable team. As a government, I assure you that whatever you need to keep succeeding, please ask, and we will oblige,” the governor added.

    The Managing Director of Jagz Hotels, Mr. Gbenga Lugard Agbomoagan, lauded Governor Makinde-led administration for creating a partnership framework that supports private businesses.

    Agbomoagan, who presented Makinde an award of excellence for promoting an enabling business environment, said that the government through its policies had given the Jagz Hotels the confidence to commit huge resources into its Ibadan project.

    The Managing Director noted that the experience had been more rewarding compared to other locations where the company has operations. 

    Highlighting the company’s impact in just one year of operation, Agbomoagan disclosed that Jagz Hotel, Ibadan had lifted more than 150 unemployed youths out of poverty through empowerment and employment opportunities.

    He noted the hotel employs no fewer than 159 people, with 137 of them drawn from Oyo State, adding that these figures represent more than statistics, as it would has a multiplier effect on society by reducing poverty as well as fostering economic stability.

    He assured that the company would not relent in its mission, pledging that Jagz Hotels would continue to provide world-class hospitality services in Ibadan while expanding opportunities for youths in Oyo State.

    Oyo Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, also commended the management of Jagz Hotels, noting that the growth of the hospitality sector in Ibadan reflects the success of the Makinde administration’s investment-friendly climate.

    In their contribution, a Professor of Hotel Management and Tourism, Prof. Wasiu Babalola, and the Head of Department, Wildlife and Ecotourism, University of Ibadan, Prof. Samson Ojo, lauded Jagz Hotels for redefining hospitality business in Oyo State.

  • Governor Makinde: we’ll do more to attract investors, make Ibadan Airport Nigeria’s best

    Governor Makinde: we’ll do more to attract investors, make Ibadan Airport Nigeria’s best

    Nearly a week after the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration would do more to attract investors to the state.

    He said the upgrade of the airport had rewritten its 43-year-old history, but his government would not stop just yet, as its vision was to make the facility welcoming to investors, who would come into the state and would wish to return.

    The governor, who spoke at the Jagz Hospitality Conference, held in commemoration of the first anniversary of the hotel, said government would sustain its policies, which attracted the hotel to the state and had been attracting many other businesses, while it would also up the ante to ensure more investors were attracted to the state.

    He added that the state government would continue to support businesses to thrive, irrespective of the economic challenges in the country.

    Governor Makinde lauded the management and workers of The Jagz Hotel, urging them not to rest on their oars.

    He said: “I am glad to be here one year after we inaugurated this business. The business has not folded up and it is still waxing very strong.

    “It is not by accident when you see things happen. It is because people are putting in hard work. They are putting in everything necessary to keep the venture going.

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    “So, the staff-members, the management, and even some of you that are patrons here, let me commend you for roles you are playing, especially the management. It is not easy.

    “Since that one year, there has been a lot within the economic environment, and that you are still standing shows that you have together a team. And, I can only assure you that as a government, whatever you need from us, please ask, we will oblige.”

    The governor addressed the issue of import substitution, noting that the theory that the country’s economic challenges would go away once its people focused only on the local economic environment was defective.

    He said Oyo State had remained open to local businesses coming into the state.

    Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said the Governor Makinde administration had expanded the economy through tourism and solid mineral development.

    He called on stakeholders in tourism and hospitality business to support the government.

  • We will attract more investors, make Ibadan Airport best in Nigeria – Makinde

    We will attract more investors, make Ibadan Airport best in Nigeria – Makinde

    Nearly a week after the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that his government will do more to attract investors into the state.

    He stated that the upgrading of the airport has rewritten its 43-year-old history, but his government will not stop just yet, as its vision is to make the facility welcoming to investors, who would come into the state and always wish to come back.

    The governor, who spoke on Wednesday at The Jagz Hospitality Conference, held in commemoration of the first anniversary of the hotel in the state, said the government would sustain its policies, which attracted the hotel into the state and have been attracting many other businesses, while it will also up the ante to ensure that more investors are attracted into the state.

    He added that the state government would continue to support businesses in the state to thrive, irrespective of the economic challenges in the country.

    Governor Makinde commended the management and staff of The Jagz Hotel, charging them not to rest on their oars.

    He said, “I am glad to be here one year after we commissioned this business. The business has not folded up, and it is still waxing very strong.

    “It is not by accident when you see things happen. It is because people are putting in the hard work. They are putting in everything necessary to keep the venture going.

    “So, the staff members, the management, and even some of you who are patrons here, let me commend you for various roles that you are playing, especially the management. It is not easy.

    “Since that one year, there has been a lot within the economic environment, and that you are still standing shows that you have together a team. And, I can only assure you that as a government, whatever you need from us, please ask, we will oblige.”

    The governor equally addressed the issue of import substitution, noting that the theory that the country’s economic challenges would go away once its people focus only on the local economic environment is defective.

    He maintained that while Oyo State has remained open to local businesses coming into the state, it could not afford to rely solely on those businesses to bring its vision of economic expansion to reality, hence its decision to upgrade Ibadan Airport to international standards, such that it can accommodate investors from all parts of the world.

    “When we look at our environment, we do have challenges. We have all the building blocks. We have everything that can create success. But when you come into this country, there is a big challenge.

    “When people say that, well, we have a huge population, over 200 million people. So let’s look inward, let’s patronise ourselves. I have news for people with that theory. Nowhere in the world has any country been successful through import substitution by focusing on its local environment. No. And Nigeria will not be an exception.

    “Import substitution or looking at your own local environment will not work. But if you have people coming from all over the world who are interested in coming to our own environment, we can start attracting people within our local environment.

    “Let us say internal tourism, which is what we witness in Ibadan and all over Oyo State. We’ve seen people, mainly from Lagos, who now see Ibadan as their playground. We want them to come and play around here. We will do more to attract them. But that is not enough for us.

    “And that is why, for this administration, it was a thing of joy when, last Friday, the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at Ibadan Airport. And Ibadan Airport was commissioned in 1982. So, the airport is 43 years old, but this is the first time a wide-bodied aircraft has landed here. Yes, it is better late than never. So, we have been able to turn around the disappointment of 43 years.

    “We got that approval in May 2024. So within a year, we have been able to extend the runway such that we can have this wide-bodied aircraft land here. But we are not stopping there. We want to dare to be different. We want to make Ibadan airport more welcoming than any other airport in Nigeria. We want people from across the world to be able to come here, feel welcome, and then come back again.

    “And that is my charge to the management and staff of Jagz. Not satisfied with being the best hotel in Ibadan, I aspire to be the best in Nigeria and even Africa.”

    Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said the present administration under the leadership of Governor Makinde has expanded the economy through tourism and solid mineral development.

    He called on all stakeholders in tourism and the hospitality business to continue to support the government.

    On the governor’s entourage were the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda, and the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Akinade Fijabi, among others.

  • Strike: Makinde increases LAUTECH Teaching Hospital subvention to N35m

    Strike: Makinde increases LAUTECH Teaching Hospital subvention to N35m

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has increased the monthly subvention to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso by N35m to ease operational challenges.

    He spoke in Ogbomoso on Tuesday while meeting with professional bodies at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, over the ongoing industrial action by the bodies.

    The Governor, who later visited the Soun of Ogbomoso in his palace, assured the monarch and people of his administration’s readiness to commence the reconstruction of inner roads in the town.

    Makinde, after listening to the demands of representatives of different bodies at the teaching hospital, announced immediate measures aimed at addressing the situation, including the plan to immediately constitute a Governing Council for the hospital, approval of a monthly stipend of ₦80,000 for 65 non-staff security personnel working at the hospital while instructing that they should be integrated into the hospital’s system as adhoc staff.

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    Other measures announced by the Governor included the approval of the payment of accumulated promotion arrears totaling ₦219 million, which is to be disbursed in three equal installments in October, November, and December 2025 and a promise to offset the arrears of the new minimum wage, covering the period from January to August 2025, in three tranches, also payable from October to December 2025.

    The Governor also highlighted steps that the government would take to bring about long-term resolutions of the crisis and bring lasting solutions to the institution’s challenges, adding that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo would be completed before the end of his administration in 2027.

    He stated that some demands involving the review of salary structures would be addressed by the Governing Council of the hospital once it is put in place, adding that the demands raised by students of Nursing would also be addressed.

    According to him: “This engagement is in fulfillment of what I told you when I was going round asking for your support, which you gave to me and I thank you for that. You have done your part and we are doing ours. You don’t have to beg us before we do what you want.

    “Some of the challenges that you raised have been noted. They are things I thought had been solved but they have not. That is the nature of challenges; when you are faced with challenges, if you solve the problem, it will go away, and if it is not solved, it will come back, and you have to take another go at it.

    “There are major things recurring and one of them is the issue of the Governing Council for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. I want to assure you that before the end of this week, you will have a Governing Council. They will be here all the time and we will also give them a mandate, and a timeframe within which to achieve those things.

    “We will give the new Governing Council a list of things that we want them to accomplish within a period of time. And, for us, we will support them. You should also support them.”

    Makinde maintained that the industrial action and most of the demands by the professional bodies centred on the issue of welfare and that his administration would never shy away from putting in place sustainable efforts towards addressing the issue of welfare.

    He noted, however, that workers must also recognise the paramount need to develop the infrastructure of the state and ensure that it is liveable for residents and the coming generations, hence the need for those in government to manage resources with a view to ensuring a balance in the discharge of their responsibilities.

  • Makinde votes as Oyo PDP begins Congress

    Makinde votes as Oyo PDP begins Congress

    Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun its congress in Ibadan, the capital city, with Governor Seyi Makinde casting the first vote to kick off the electoral process.

    Governor Makinde, who serves as the number one delegate from Ibadan North East Local Government, was among the early voters in the peaceful and well-organised exercise.

    Delegates from 33 local governments are participating in the congress.

    It marks the culmination of the party’s internal electoral process, following successful ward and local government congresses held across the state.

    The exercise is aimed at electing new state executive officers, who will steer the party’s affairs over the next four years.

    The election is being monitored by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, officials of the party from the national headquarters, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives, among others.

    The Electoral Panel Chairman from the party’s national secretariat, Senator Austin Akobundu, is leading other officials to conduct and coordinate the congress.

    Governor Makinde said the task before the would-be elected executive members of the party would be to deliver the party from the presidency to the councillorship positions in 2027.

    Sen. Akobundu lauded the organised arrangement he met on ground, especially among the delegates, noting that the congress held great significance to the party.

    He said: “There’s no report that anything untoward happened to our delegates. We are all here in large numbers. Thank you and welcome.

    “I want to point to the fact that today’s event has great significance to our party. Your state has been one of the strong corners of our party in the country. I have had to undertake many assignments here over the years and I’m glad to note that under the famed leadership, able leadership of the leader of the party, Engineer Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength.

    “The testimonial is the recent by-election conducted, off-season election, where PDP took the seats and returned all our candidates to National Assembly and other seats. I want to thank you, your excellency, for the strong leadership you have provided and for the growth our party has witnessed. Today we expect nothing different from what we have done before.

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    “Most congresses here have been very, very seamless and I can see that today we are well organised. The crowd that we have here is a reflection of the acceptance of PDP as a solid platform and I want to advise that we remain orderly as we walk through this process.

    “Be reminded also that we are working towards 2027 election where PDP will return all our candidates.

    “Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank God for giving us a governor like Seyi Makinde in Oyo State today. One of the best governors, performing governor who has transformed Oyo State. I was telling him that when I got into Ibadan, because I used to visit Ibadan a lot in the past, that I couldn’t find my way around the city.

    “The city is so well transformed as well as our rural areas and I pray that God will continue to grant him grace to complete the job and as he prepares to go for higher assignment by the special grace of God, I pray that God Almighty will also give us a successor with steady hands that will also be handsome and passionate about the development and growth of Oyo State. I believe God will do so for us.

    “I will continue to pray that the rest of this administration that will lead to next one will be progressive, will be rewarding, will see more development. So, for our party to come back we have to work very hard. This exercise is going to be very fast because I can see that you are well organised.”

    The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of the state, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; federal lawmakers like Abass Adigun Agboworin (Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency), Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Ibadan North-West/South-West), and Shina Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives.

    Also in attendance are local government council chairmen across the state, party stakeholders and supporters, who are witnessing the congress proceedings.

    The outcome of the congress is expected to shape the direction of PDP in Oyo State, as it prepares for future electoral contests.

    As at press time, voting was still ongoing by delegates across the three senatorial district of the state.

  • PDP will retain Oyo in 2027, says Makinde

    PDP will retain Oyo in 2027, says Makinde

    …as Ogungbenro, Adeleke, 37 others emerge state executive members

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will remain in office beyond 2027 in the state.

    He added that the party will also reclaim the presidency and win massively in the next general elections.

    The governor stated this on Monday at the Oyo State PDP State Congress, citing the party’s respect for internal democracy and the amicable conduct of its congresses as a pointer to its strength.

    He spoke while addressing party faithful at the Basket Ball Area of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, venue of the state congress, which was attended by the PDP Ward and local government executives, ad-hoc delegates and stakeholders of the party from the 33 local government areas of the state.

    The governor commended the rancour-free congresses held by the PDP from the Wards to Local Governments and the State levels, noting that the process would ensure the party’s retention of power beyond 2027 in Oyo State.

    He tasked the new state executive members to work hard towards ensuring the victory of the PDP in all elections beginning from local to the national levels.

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    He assured party members in the state who were yet to be compensated that they had not been forgotten by the government.

    Makinde said, “I want to congratulate all of us in advance because I believe, in this party, we won’t all labour in vain. We will all reap the fruits of our labour in this government.

    “Let me assure us once again that those who are yet to get something from this government will be reached soon.

    “This exercise is to ensure that the PDP continues to remain in power in Oyo State beyond 2027. So, the executives that will emerge from this exercise; your mandate is clear — deliver PDP from the Presidential to the Councillorship position in 2027.”

    At the congress, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected as the chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, while Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke has been elected Deputy State Chairman, with Oyelami Oyeyemi, Olawumi Elizabeth Toyin and Bello Kazeem Olalekan elected PDP State Secretary, Women Leader and Youth Leader respectively.

    At the Congress, 4, 050 delegates were accredited, total votes cast was 4,031, 74 valid votes and 19 absentees.

    The State Chairman won by 3,957, Deputy state chairman won by 3,957 votes, the state secretary won by 3,957 votes as well as all other winners.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Oyo State PDP Congress Electoral Panel, Senator Austin Akobundu, commended Governor Makinde, party leaders and stakeholders for their commitment and efforts towards fostering unity in the PDP, stressing that the congress was of great significance to the party.

    He added that the PDP in Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, has been one of the strong chapters of the party, recording unprecedented growth and transformation through the governor’s political goodwill.

    Akobundu, who urged members of the party to remain orderly, assured that the PDP would return all its candidates in the 2027 general election.

    He said: “We thank God for the safe arrival of all delegates. They are here in their numbers. Today’s event has great significance for our party because Oyo State PDP has been one of the strongest chapters of our party in the country.

    “Under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength. The testimonial is the recent bye-election into the House of Representatives, which the PDP won.

    “I want to thank the governor for the strong leadership that he has provided and for the growth we have witnessed.

    “Today, we expect nothing different from what we have done before. Most congresses here have been very seamless, and I can see that the event is well-organised today. This is a reflection of the acceptance of the PDP.”

    In their separate goodwill messages, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Gbenga Babalola, described the peaceful conduct of the state congress as a demonstration of the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy.

    They commended Governor Makinde for stabilising the party and prayed for a more united PDP in Oyo State and Nigeria.

    Giving his acceptance speech shortly after he was declared elected, the State Chairman, Hon Ogungbenro thanked Governor Makinde and all the leaders of the party for their support and commitment, assuring that the party would work hard to deliver its candidates for the 2027 general election.

    Also in his brief remarks, former Governor of Jigawa State and one of the founding fathers of PDP, Alhaji Sule Lamido, congratulated the 39 newly-elected state executive members, charging them to continue to work for the progress and development of the party.

    The exercise was monitored by a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The congress had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; serving and former National Assembly members; State House of Assembly members; leaders and delegates of the party from the 33 local government areas in the state and local government chairmen, among others.

  • Makinde: We want to host Super Eagles matches in Ibadan

    Makinde: We want to host Super Eagles matches in Ibadan

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for international football matches involving the Super Eagles to be hosted in Ibadan, Sports247 reports.

    He said having the Super matches in Ibadan will help his administration’s drive to grow the state’s sports economy.

    The governor made the appeal on Saturday morning while declaring open the 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Ibadan.

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    Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing sports, particularly football, which continues to unite Nigerians across social and cultural divides.

    “We are trying to develop a sports economy,” he said. “But if we don’t have the support of people like you, some of our efforts will be in vain.”

    He assured the NFF and stakeholders of the state’s readiness to host major sporting events, highlighting facilities already in place in Ibadan.

    “Oyo State, Ibadan especially, we want to have the opportunity to host big events, including the Super Eagles,” Makinde declared. “Check out our facilities, and I promise you I will give the support you need.”

    The governor also applauded the leadership of the NFF and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, for improvements in officiating standards and league organization.