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Tag: Oyo Govt

  • Oyo govt, emergency responders get kudos

    Oyo govt, emergency responders get kudos

    A firm, SAO Petroleum, has lauded Oyo State, Fire Service, CBN, SweetCo, Zartec, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, other security outfits as well as customers and good Samaritans, who rallied support during the fire incident at one of its retail outlets in Jericho, Ibadan.

    It said although it was sad by the losses, it remained thankful that no lives were lost.

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    A statement by Managing Director, Adewumi Oladiti, thanked volunteers and the public, who helped to contain the fire by offering support.

    “Your solidarity means a lot to us. Despite this unfortunate incident, we assure our customers that this will not hinder our commitment to giving our best.

    “As the year progresses, rest assured that your love and loyalty to our brand will propel us to do even better.”

  • Circular Road: We’ll address property owners’ demands, says Oyo govt

    Circular Road: We’ll address property owners’ demands, says Oyo govt

    The Oyo State government has inaugurated a committee to address concerns over corridor and setback issues on the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, with a mandate to review the matters dispassionately and find lasting solutions.

    The committee comprises representatives of affected communities, Ibadan Mogajis from the six impacted local government areas, chairmen of the local governments, Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Sanda, and the Executive Adviser to the Governor on New Towns and Cities Development Authority, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi.

    It was established to examine presentations from residents affected by the Circular Road Project.

    Speaking after the inaugural meeting at the New Towns and Cities Development Authority Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, Mrs. Adebiyi said the committee would ensure the government’s policies are clearly communicated and that residents’ concerns are addressed fairly.

    “We want to ensure that everyone smiles at the end of the day, particularly the residents who are affected,” she said.

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    Governor Seyi Makinde had engaged with residents on Wednesday, promising to set up the committee to reconcile the recommendations and concerns of residents with government plans for the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road Project.

    Mrs. Adebiyi added that the committee’s mandate includes ensuring compliance with government policies on setbacks and corridor development, while upholding fairness and justice for all stakeholders.

    Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Sanda, speaking for the affected areas, thanked Governor Makinde for fulfilling his promise to engage property owners. He assured that all issues regarding setbacks and corridor development would be addressed through collaboration with the agency, Ibadan Mogajis, and community representatives.

    Abduljelil Adanla, representing the Mogajis of affected areas, pledged to work with community leaders to ensure proper engagement of residents, appealing for patience and continued support for the government.

    Other members of the committee include representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development and the Ministry of Works and Transport.

  • Oyo govt hails firm for setting standard in estate development

    Oyo govt hails firm for setting standard in estate development

    The Physical Planning Unit of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has commended Fendini Group for setting new standard in estate development.

    This followed high-level delegation inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, an estate developed by Fendini Group.

    The team led by the Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Oladiran Olaide, who undertook extensive tour of the estate expressed delight at the scale of development, meticulous layout, and commitements to strict adherence to approved building plans and physical planning regulation.

    Oladiran said, “The government will continue to support developers who follow due process. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount, and we urge all subscribers to continue to build strictly according to approved standards.”

    In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Adelaja Adeoye described Rayfield Gardens City as a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project between Fendini Group and the Oyo State Government, facilitated by the Oyo State Investment Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA). 

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    He said, “This partnership demands collective responsibility from all stakeholders to eliminate any risk to lives or the environment.”

    He praised the investor-friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, highlighting seamless and digitized approval processes introduced by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

    “The digitization of title searches and building approvals has made transactions transparent, fast, and reliable. It is phasing out sharp practices and building unprecedented trust in the real estate sector. Oyo State is now the most attractive destination for genuine investors who want their investments protected.”

    Adeoye also revealed that Fendini Group has created a dedicated, streamlined approval support system for all subscribers to ensure they comply effortlessly with regulatory requirements.

    “We will continue to partner with all revelant MDA’s of government to ensure that the right things are done in line with the vision of the State on quality and sustainable housing projects, while all subscribers to our various developments are guided to adhere to government policies.”

    Earlier in November, at the Scale-Up Conference held at Ibadan Business School, Prince Adeoye had called for the consistent use of high-quality materials and strict observance of building codes as non-negotiable pillars for safe and sustainable cities.

    With rapid construction progress and strong regulatory backing, Rayfield Gardens City is emerging as the gold standard for modern, secure, and sustainable residential communities in Oyo State, further strengthening public-private collaboration in the housing sector.

  • Japan, Oyo Govt train farmers in aquaponics technology

    Japan, Oyo Govt train farmers in aquaponics technology

    The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kakehashi Africa Nigeria Initiative (KANI) have partnered Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) to train farmers and extension agents from Oyo and Lagos States in aquaponics technology, an innovative farming system that integrates fish and vegetable production in a single, self-sustaining ecosystem.

    The two-day capacity building programme, in Ibadan focused on design, installation, operation, and maintenance of aquaponics systems, equipping participants with practical knowledge to improve productivity, reduce water waste, and expand agribusiness opportunities across the Southwest.

    Speaking at the training, a Senior Programme Officer at JIKA, Nigeria Office, Dr. Umar Alilu, explained that the initiative formed part of JICA’s commitment towards promoting knowledge exchange and food security in Nigeria through technology transfer.

    He said:  “The idea is to build the capacity of farmers with the new technology known as aquaponics.

    “Through this collaboration between JICA and KANI, a network of Nigerian postgraduate alumni of Japanese universities, we’re training farmers and extension agents to combine fish and vegetable production in one system. This approach enhances nutrition, increases farmers’ income, and improves livelihoods.”

    Alilu noted that aquaponics allows for efficient use of resources by recycling water within the system.

    “Unlike conventional aquaculture, aquaponics doesn’t waste water. Fish waste becomes nutrients for plants, and plants purify the water before returning it to the fish tanks. It’s sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.”

    He said similar pilot programmes had already been executed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue State, with Oyo State now serving as the third demonstration site under the project.

    President of KANI, Dr. Bolu Sarumoh, described the training as a reflection of the group’s mission to build a living bridge between Japan and Nigeria, focused on skills, innovation, and youth empowerment.

    “Some people think innovation must be imported in expensive containers. Not here.

    “This programme proves that local materials plus local skills can deliver global-standard results. With PVC pipes, food-grade barrels, locally fabricated pumps, and seeds from our agro-dealers, we can build efficient aquaponics systems on rooftops, in backyards, and within community cooperatives.”

    Sarumoh explained that the training will expose participants to the technical and business sides of aquaponics, including farm management, record keeping, marketing, and cooperative models.

    He added that KANI’s long-standing collaboration with JICA dates back to the Shinzo Abe Initiative for African Youth Development (2013), under which many Nigerian scholars studied in Japan.

    “Since then, we’ve extended our partnerships beyond academics to energy, water, and now agriculture,” he said. “Our goal is to see Nigerian youths turn this training into income-generating ventures and become leaders in smart farming.”

    Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture and Food systems, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Deputy Director at the Ministry, Akeem Olajobi, praised the initiative for fostering interstate collaboration in modern agriculture.

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    “This is a welcome development that promotes capacity building and technical knowledge sharing, Lagos, with its limited land space, is already exploring urban farming models. Aquaponics aligns perfectly with our strategy for sustainable urban agriculture, it’s resource-efficient and scalable.”

    He added the programme reflects the broader transformation of agriculture in Nigeria from a social service to a viable business sector capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth.

    Mrs. Folashade Jegede, who represented the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, reaffirmed Oyo State’s vision to become a leading agribusiness hub in West Africa, highlighting the agency’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural innovation.

    “The objective of OYSADA is to transform Oyo State into a major agribusiness hub.”

    “We have implemented several empowerment programmes, sponsored youths for training in Nasarawa, and disbursed funds to support agribusiness startups. Partnering with JICA and KANI aligns with our strategy to expose our youths to modern and profitable agricultural practices.”

    She added that the Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub remains a key driver of employment and innovation within the state’s agriculture ecosystem.

  • Oyo govt partners SON to tackle sub-standard steel production

    Oyo govt partners SON to tackle sub-standard steel production

    Oyo State Government has announced its intention to deepen collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to stem the tide of substandard steel and iron rods circulating in the market.

    Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, spoke while receiving SON delegation led by the Special Assistant to the Director General/Chief Executive of SON on Strategic Support, Mr. Manji Pius, in his office at the state secretariat, Ibadan.

    He said the partnership would promote public safety, quality assurance and sustainable industrial development in the state.

    Adebisi said the state government under of Governor Seyi Makinde had turned its attention to enforcing building and engineering standards.

    He hailed SON for its proactive role in safeguarding lives and strengthening industrial integrity through the enforcement of product standards nationwide.

    Adebisi said Oyo State aligned with the organisation’s mission, describing quality assurance as a critical component of the state’s economic and industrial growth agenda.    

    “We appreciate the efforts of SON, especially in addressing issues that affect the safety and confidence of our people. The ministry is ready to partner with you to ensure substandard products are eradicated from our market.”

    He urged SON to consider Oyo State as a strategic location for its proposed laboratory complex, citing the state’s industrial potential and growing reputation as a hub for manufacturing and trade in the Southwest.

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    He said “Made-in-Oyo” products had attracted national and international attention, especially during trade exhibitions such as 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, where Oyo State-made goods drew significant foreign interest.

    The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, described SON’s initiative as crucial to ensuring industrial growth and public safety.

    He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting SON’s mandate, saying the ministry would work with the organisation through a joint technical committee to develop practical strategies for collaboration, quality monitoring and public sensitisation.

    Mr. Pius said the visit was aimed at seeking partnership with Oyo State Government to curb the circulation of low-quality steel materials that had contributed to the alarming rate of building collapses across the country.

    He said SON’s ongoing nationwide campaign was designed to combat proliferation of substandard steel and iron rods, one of the major causes of building collapses in the country.

  • CIHSI to partner Oyo Govt in strengthening community security, heritage revival

    CIHSI to partner Oyo Govt in strengthening community security, heritage revival

    The Community Integrity Heritage Support Initiative (CIHSI) is set to collaborate with Oyo State Government to boost community security, entrench integrity in governance, and revive Yoruba cultural values.

    Speaking at a sensitisation rally across strategic locations in Ibadan, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Engr. Akinbolade Adeniponye, said the organisation was founded to provide community-driven solutionis that align with government’s development priorities. 

    Adeniponye described security as a shared responsibility, noting that Governor Makinde’s administration has demonstrated commitment to safeguarding lives and property through increased logistics support, improved illumination across public areas, and the deployment of security patrol vehicles.

    He stated that CIHSI’s intervention frameworks are built on two strategic pillars: integrity governance and heritage promotion.

    According to him, integrity governance focuses on expanding employment and enterprise opportunities at the grassroots, while the heritage component seeks to restore the moral and cultural values that have shaped the Yoruba civilisation.

    Adeniponye argued that countries that embed cultural values into public governance, including China, Japan, Singapore, and India, continue to sustain development progress and social cohesion.

    He announced that CIHSI would soon launch the Yoruba Heritage Renaissance, a programme expected to lead to the establishment of the Yoruba Heritage Council. 

    He noted that the council, would promote cultural education, language preservation, and community-based empowerment through institutionalised structures.

    “The organisation also plans to set up Community Governance Centres to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities at the local level beyond traditional community development associations.

    “The role of communities in ensuring safety cannot be undermined. When crimes occur, the community is the first contact. Strengthening their capacity for intelligence, record keeping, and swift response is essential to safer neighbourhoods. This is the foundation of our collaboration with the government.”

    He urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies, remarking that sustainable security and good governance can only thrive where citizens are actively engaged.

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    Governor Seyi Makinde, while receiving members of the group through his Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), who commended CIHSI for complementing the state’s efforts in sustaining peace and security.

    Odukoya said the state government has  invested massively in modern security infrastructure, insisting that the administration remains committed to making Oyo one of the safest and most prosperous states in the country.

    “We urge residents to report any suspicious activity through the 615 emergency line or other approved channels.” 

    At the Olubadan’s Palace, Chief Kola Balogun, who represented Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, received the delegation and applauded the initiative. He assured the group of the palace’s support toward achieving its stated goals.

  • Oyo govt debunks crude oil discovery rumour at Yemetu

    Oyo govt debunks crude oil discovery rumour at Yemetu

    The Oyo state government has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that crude oil was discovered in a well at Yemetu, Ibadan.

    The government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, clarified that its investigations revealed the substance found was diesel, not crude oil.

    According to the Ministry, officials launched a three-day investigation following a petition received on September 8, 2025, regarding suspected water pollution at a house in Yemetu Igosun.

    “Findings showed that a well, which had served residents for nearly 20 years without contamination, was suddenly polluted with diesel that completely covered the water surface. About 250 litres of the substance were later recovered by security operatives.

    “Investigators also inspected a telephone mast located less than three meters from the affected well but confirmed there was no evidence linking the facility to the contamination.”   

    According to eyewitness testimonies, the pollution occurred within six hours, raising suspicions of sharp practices within the community, which has a history of unrest.

    To cushion the impact on residents, the state government, through the Oyo State Water Corporation, has provided 5,000 litres of potable water to the affected households.

    The contaminated water was evacuated for proper treatment and disposal by accredited waste contractors, while the well undergoes natural remediation. 

    The Ministry requested security agencies to intensify investigations and directed the high mast owners to provide a borehole for the community as part of their corporate social responsibility.

    Reassuring the public, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, public health, and the environment. It further admonished residents to desist from spreading unverified or sensational news capable of causing unnecessary panic and social unrest.

  • Oyo govt, UNICEF launch project

    Oyo govt, UNICEF launch project

    Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and European Union (EU), has launched the implementation process of the Support to a Sustainable Social Protection System Project (EUSUSI) in Oyo State.

    The initiative, which is being piloted in four states Abia, Benue, Oyo, Sokoto including FCT, aims to build a more resilient, inclusive and shock-responsive social protection system for Nigeria’s most vulnerable groups, including children, the poorest households, displaced persons and people living with disabilities.

    The event was held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The Chief of UNICEF’s Southwest Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, who represented UNICEF Country Representative, Ms.Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, said the EU-funded project would strengthen social protection systems at the national and state levels.

    She noted that UNICEF had engaged Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) to review National Social Registry (NSR) and social protection policies.

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    She said: “Through this support, UNICEF has commissioned reviews to improve the coverage, accuracy and efficiency of identifying Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable. These assessments will provide concrete recommendations to enhance inclusivity, efficiency and resilience of Nigeria’s social protection systems, with special emphasis on child sensitivity and shock responsiveness.”

    Speaking on behalf of the state government, Acting Governor Bayo Lawal described the programme as “a landmark achievement to promote social inclusion and advance sustainable development in Oyo State.”

    He lauded EU, UNICEF and ILO for their support and highlighted the state’s efforts to reduce poverty.

    ILO Regional Project Manager, Guite Diop, who represented ILO Country Director, Ms. Vanessa Phala, said the collaboration was essential to ensure no one was left behind.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, recalled that the state had been working on the framework of social protection since the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said under the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration, the state was laying a strong foundation for a population that was climate resilient through interventions of the state government.

  • Oyo govt inaugurates staff verification committee for Oke-Ogun Polytechnic

    Oyo govt inaugurates staff verification committee for Oke-Ogun Polytechnic

    Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, has inaugurated the Staff Audit and Verification Committee for The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki (TOPS).

    Speaking at the inauguration held at the Scholarship Board Room, Ministry of Education, Secretariat, Ibadan, Olayiwola described the verification exercise as crucial to building an accurate database of the institution’s workforce.

    According to him, the process will enhance government planning, budgeting, and provision of infrastructure, while positioning the institution to compete effectively with its peers.

    He noted that the committee members were carefully selected based on their integrity, expertise, and dedication to public service, stressing that their professionalism would add immense value to the exercise.

    The Commissioner urged them to be thorough and diligent, as their findings and recommendations would have a significant impact on the future of TOPS, assuring them of the Ministry’s full support and resources to ensure the success of the assignment.

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    In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, commended the committee members for their willingness to contribute to raising educational standards at the Polytechnic.

    The Chairman, Governing Council of TOPS, Dr. Bisi Ojebola, described the inauguration as a call to service, emphasizing the importance of reliable statistics and data in achieving the best results.

    He urged the committee to work closely with the institution’s union leaders to deliver a beneficial outcome for both the government and the school.

    The 15-member committee comprises representatives from various institutions and unions of TOPS, with Prof. Bioye Aluko appointed as Chairman and Mr. Waheed Raheef as Secretary.

  • Oyo govt, UNICEF lead regional push for stronger emergency against floods, cholera in southwest

    Oyo govt, UNICEF lead regional push for stronger emergency against floods, cholera in southwest

    As Nigeria continues to battle with recurring disasters such as devastating floods and cholera outbreaks, the Oyo state government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched fresh efforts to strengthen regional preparedness and protect vulnerable communities, especially women and children.

    The initiative took off at a three-day multi-sectoral Emergency Preparedness workshop held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, bringing together stakeholders from Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Edo States. The workshop aims to boost regional capacity to prepare and respond to emergencies that have continued to threaten public health and safety.

    Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Rotimi Babalola, described the meeting as timely, given the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters and disease outbreaks in Nigeria.

    He stressed that emergencies rarely give prior notice, hence the need for states to build resilience and forge stronger inter-state cooperation.

    Babalola said, “Emergencies, as we all know, do not give prior notice. They demand timely, coordinated, and multi-sectoral action. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge, review strategies, and strengthen collaboration across the southwest.”

    He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and ensure that the outcomes of the workshop are translated into practical measures that can safeguard lives and protect communities.

    UNICEF’s Planning, Monitoring and Reporting Specialist, Mr. Oluwasola Olanipekun, emphasised that women and children who are the most affected during emergencies are not left behind.

    He emphasised that prompt activation of emergency plans, backed by strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), would save countless lives.

    The workshop focuses on practical solutions such as early warning systems, community sensitisation, and rapid response coordination among states. At the end of the three days, participants are expected to develop concrete action plans that can be implemented across the region.

    Beyond statistics, the initiative underscores a shared vision, building stronger, safer and more resilient communities where vulnerable families can withstand the shocks of disasters without losing their lives, livelihoods, or dignity.

    During the technical session, UNICEF Emergency Specialist, Mr. Olayinka Afolabi, highlighted the worrying trend of recurrent flooding and cholera outbreaks in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States. He linked the problem largely to poor sanitation practices, weak enforcement of hygiene regulations, and persistent open defecation in many communities.

    Quoting from the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) 2025 countrywide risk analysis, Afolabi revealed that as of week 30, 64 suspected cholera cases were reported nationwide, with no deaths recorded, representing a 74 percent decline from the previous week.

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    However, cumulatively between weeks one and 30, Nigeria had recorded 4,708 suspected cases and 113 deaths across 199 local government areas in 35 states. This, he explained, represents a case fatality rate of 2.4 percent.

    While stressing that although disasters cannot be completely avoided, their impacts can be significantly reduced through adequate preparedness and robust institutional frameworks. He highlighted four critical planning processes that states must prioritize: Risk Analysis, Scenario Planning, Anticipated Response and Preparedness.

    “If you spend two dollars on emergency preparedness, you save between 6,000 and 8,000 dollars when an emergency actually happens,” he said, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of early investment in disaster management.

    As the workshop progresses, participants expressed optimism that the knowledge gained, partnerships forged and action plans developed will go a long way in reducing vulnerabilities, saving lives and safeguarding communities across the Southwest states and Edo State.