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Tag: Oyo Govt

  • Prioritise staff welfare, Oyo govt urges private companies

    Prioritise staff welfare, Oyo govt urges private companies

    The Oyo state government has urged private company owners to prioritise their employees’ welfare, emphasising that a healthy and secure workforce is crucial for a thriving economy and society.

    The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Commerce, and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, gave the charge during the ongoing engagement and sensitisation visit by the Industrial Crisis Management Team to various production companies within the Ibadan metropolis.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Industry, Mrs. Majeedat Olanrewaju, said the visit is a continuation of sensitisation engagement with the production companies in the state aimed at improving workplace safety, protecting workers’ welfare, and preventing industrial crises in the state.

    He explained that the engagement was also to afford the team interaction with management and union representatives, ensure workers’ welfare, and verify that health facilities and safety standards are in place.

    He reiterated the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration’s commitment to fostering a more robust and investor-friendly environment in the state.

    According to him, the visit will provide the team an opportunity to evaluate what has been done, what is currently being done and the future plans of production companies in the state for the welfare of their staff.

    “The essence of the outreach is to ensure that all the private companies in the state comply with the employees’ rights and comply with safety regulations to do their business in a very friendly and peaceful environment”, she said.

    Read Also: Oyo govt, NGOs partner to tackle out-of-school children challenge

    Responding during the visit, management teams of the companies visited appreciated the state government for establishing the Oyo State Industrial Crisis Management Team, saying the team will play a significant role in preventing employer-worker crises in the private companies in the state.

    They commended the state government, particularly under Governor Seyi Makinde, for fostering a business-friendly environment for businesses that thrive in the state.

    Also, the visiting team inspected the factories and other facilities to assess and inspect critical infrastructure such as toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems, including extinguishers and fire trucks, and first aid facilities.

    The production companies visited include NOURDM Global Company Ltd., UGEE Chemical Ltd., and Polyfilm Packaging, all in Ibadan.

  • Oyo govt, former HoS urge retirees to embrace healthy, active lifestyle

    Oyo govt, former HoS urge retirees to embrace healthy, active lifestyle

    Retirees in Oyo and Osun states have been advised to adopt healthy and active lifestyles to maintain physical and mental well-being, prevent premature aging, and avoid isolation.

    The call was made on Thursday by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, and a former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Chief Adebisi Adesola, during an Elders’ Hangout organized by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Oyo and Osun States at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Audu Akeem, Mrs. Oni reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving retirees’ welfare. She commended them for their contributions to the civil service. She encouraged them to remain productive to enjoy a rewarding retirement.

    Chief Adesola, who also chairs the Association, emphasised the importance of post-retirement engagement, urging retirees to explore hobbies, volunteer, and participate in community events to stay fit, mentally alert, and socially connected.

    Similarly, the organising committee chairman, Chief Bayo Oyero, noted that active participation in community activities enhances retirees’ quality of life, sense of purpose, and overall fulfilment. He urged retirees to keep both body and mind active.

    “I will urge us to keep ourselves and keep a tab on our health. Regular check-ups will prevent so many old-age sicknesses.

    Read Also: Oyo Speaker visits Olubadan-designate

    “To prevent premature ageing and isolation, let us engage in meaningful activities and visit our doctor regularly,” Oyero said.

    He described the event as a modest gesture of gratitude, acknowledging the role the retirees played in the civil service of Oyo State.

    Earlier, Dr. Augustine Okesola delivered a lecture on “Understanding oral health: Beyond just teeth.”

    He posited that good oral health is linked to overall well-being and can prevent systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, highlighting the mouth as a critical entry point for understanding and improving general health.

    Dr. Okesola advised the retirees to maintain regular dental checkups, practice consistent daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, and manage dry mouth by staying hydrated and using saliva substitutes.

    Additionally, he recommended a balanced diet, quitting tobacco to prevent gum disease and oral cancer, and addressing issues like worn or missing teeth with treatments such as crowns, implants, or dentures.

    Highlights of the event were a facility tour of IITA and the presentation of Octogenarian awards to three members of the Association.

  • Oyo govt inaugurates Ladigbolu, Saka Balogun, others as AIDS ambassadors

    Oyo govt inaugurates Ladigbolu, Saka Balogun, others as AIDS ambassadors

    Oyo State Government has inaugurated six prominent indigenes as ambassadors of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), in a renewed push to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.

    The appointees include Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu; wife of the Olubadan-designate, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Balogun of Ogbomosoland, Chief (Dr) Saka Balogun; ex-House of Representatives member, Shina Peller; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; and Wale Saminu.

     The committee was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the ceremony held at the OYSACA Conference Room, Government House Road, Ibadan, yesterday.

    Lawal said the government had committed N45 million and provided 10,000 HIV test kits to support the agency’s work.

    He congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors and urged them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

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    “Our choice of these ambassadors is deliberate and specific,” the deputy governor said. “They are people we believe can deliver on this mandate. We also appreciate that they have offered their services voluntarily, without demanding any form of remuneration.”

    OYSACA Chairman, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, explained why the state needed ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    According to him, their role is to promote the agency’s mission and values through representation, raise awareness and support through advocacy, and influence opinion and policy through their voices and platforms.

    “In this context,” Adetunji said, “we are trying to reduce stigma, promote prevention and treatment, support affected communities, and advocate policy changes. Our ambassadors were well chosen and are expected to assist the state in this onerous task, and we know that they are capable.”

    Archbishop Ladigbolu, who spoke after the inauguration, described his appointment as a recognition of the work he has done over the past two decades with the HIV/AIDS Support Group he founded in Oyo town, which has been serving the four local government areas that make up the entire Oyo Metropolitan Area.

    He pledged to intensify efforts in grassroots advocacy and sensitisation.

    The event attracted stakeholders in the state’s health sector, faith leaders and other partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

  • Olubadan: Oyo govt fixes Sept 26 for Ladoja’s coronation

    Olubadan: Oyo govt fixes Sept 26 for Ladoja’s coronation

    Barring last minute change, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has approved September 26, for the coronation of Oba Rasidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan.

    The day was chosen after a meeting between the governor and the former governor which held at the Ondo Street Bodija residence of the monarch.

    Read Also: Olubadan: Ladoja, kingmakers meet, deliberate on installation process

    It is the first time the governor is visiting the monarch since his (Ladoja) return to Ibadan.

    A former President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero will be the Chairman of the Coronation Committee. 

    Details shortly…

  • Oyo govt cracks down on illegal diesel dealers, arrests 14 suspects

    Oyo govt cracks down on illegal diesel dealers, arrests 14 suspects

    No fewer than 14 persons arrested on Friday by the Oyo state government for operating illegal shanties and engaging in the unauthorized sale of diesel along the Ibadan axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

     The arrest was confirmed by the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd) who led the state’s special taskforce during the clearing operation.

    Speaking during the parade of the suspects, Odukoya explained alleged that, beyond selling adulterated diesel, the individuals were also involved in various illicit activities in the area.

     He said that the suspects would be prosecuted in a mobile court under the supervision of the Rule of Law Agency.

    Read Also: Oyo govt to sanction illegal billboards owners

     According to him, the state government had issued several notices to the shanty operators, warning them to vacate the location prior to the enforcement action.

     Odukoya said: “We gave them ample time to leave voluntarily, but they chose to ignore the directive.

     “This operation is ongoing, and we will not stop until the expressway is completely free of illegal structures.”

     One of the suspects, Bolaji Mustapha, confessed to participating in the illegal diesel trade but claimed he was unaware of any prior warnings from the government.

     The clearance operation is part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve safety, curb environmental hazards, and ensure law and order along critical transportation routes.

  • NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) is set to collaborate with the Oyo state government towards ensuring the sustainability of the business environment in the state.

    The step, according to the Director General of NECA, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, was to strengthen public-private dialogue for business environmental sustainability across the state.

    Speaking in Ibadan during an engagement between the state government and organised private sector, theme: Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State, Oyerinde stated that one of the biggest signals to collaboration is the willingness to listen.

    He said the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has shown willingness to listen to the organised private sector to ensure sustainability of the business environment.

    He noted that the government needs the private sector to drive development across the state, adding that the private sector also needs the government to create an enabling environment through regulations and laws.

    “It is a mutually inclusive collaboration for all of us. If we don’t collaborate, the people we are trying to save, the masses, will suffer for it.

    “We are glad that we have taken this bold step with the Ministry of Environment, and we shall continue to deepen the engagement not only for the good of business, but for all citizens of the state.

    In his remark, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu said the Ministry remained committed towards fostering a transparent, fair and enabling regulatory environment that supported responsible partnership and businesses.

    He stated that his Ministry is ready to provide technical assistance, engage regularly with stakeholders in policy and implementation and promote collaborative initiatives that will advance and collective environmental goals.

    “Our doors are open for dialogue, partnership and innovation, as we strive to make environmental sustainability a cornerstone of development in Oyo State.”

    He, however, urged participants at the event to reflect on how their operations and investments can not only comply with environmental laws but also go beyond compliance to become champions of sustainability.

    He emphasised the critical role the private sector played in promoting environmental protection and sustainable business practices.

    “Your sector is a key driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation, and I believe that we can work together to achieve a more sustainable future

    “Sustainable development cannot be achieved alone by the government; it requires participation and active partnership with the private sector. Public-private partnerships have the potential to drive innovation, strengthen compliance and promote green investment.

    “Our mutual goal is to create a thriving economy that does not come at the expense of our land, air, water and well-being of our people.”

    In his remark, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, said the Committee remained open for continuous collaboration both with the organised private sector, as a group or with individual companies.

    “Beyond conversation, we must see action that inspires, responsibility and strengthens our shared resolve to leave behind a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Oyo State.”

    Read Also: NECA makes case for reform policies alignment

    Also, the chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, represented by the Treasurer, Sunday Aboriomoh, appealed to the Ministry of Environment to always carry MAN along in its decision-making and policy formulation that affect the environment in the state.

    He said the Oyo State House of Assembly must also collaborate with the Ministry of Environment so as to create an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

    He lamented that members of MAN are passing through various challenges such as high exchange rate, high bank interest rate and others, which forced some of their companies to fold up, while some are producing at 30 percent capacity.

    He, however, urged the government to prevail on banks to give MAN a low interest rate so as to foster an enabling environment and economic development across Oyo State.

  • Oyo govt spends N2.1b to subsidise transport cost for residents

    Oyo govt spends N2.1b to subsidise transport cost for residents

    Oyo State Government said it has committed N2.1 billion to subsidise transport cost for residents across Ibadan and other inter-city routes, including Ibadan-Iseyin-Saki route, Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso route and Ibadan-Ibarapa route.

    The cost, the government said, had subsidised transport fare for no fewer than 5,880,000 passengers under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) between January and July 2025.

    The Chairman/Sole Administrator of the Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS), Dr Ibrahim Dikko, made the disclosure while briefing reporters at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room.

    He said Pacesetter Transport Services was able to commute at least 9,950,000 passengers in 2024.

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    According to him, under the SAfER Transport, an initiative introduced by Governor Seyi Makinde to mitigate the economic hardship facing residents of the state, students, pensioners, the aged, people living with disabilities and other residents enjoy subsidised transportation in the state-owned Pacesetter Buses on different intra-city and inter-city routes.

    Dikko said: “Since August 5, 2023, when Governor Makinde announced SAfER, to date, the state government has spent N2,151,000,000 to subsidise transportation for the people.

    “Between August 5 and December 2023, the governor invested N541 million in subsidising transport fare by 50 per cent for residents of the state. We commuted between 26,000 and 30,000 people on a daily basis in 2023.

    “In 2024, the governor invested N924 million and we commuted over 9,950,000 people in 2024. This year, as we speak, the governor has invested N686 million and so far, from January to date, we have commuted about 5,880,000 passengers.’’

  • Oyo govt seals collapsed restaurant building in Ibadan, launches investigation

    Oyo govt seals collapsed restaurant building in Ibadan, launches investigation

    The Oyo state government has sealed off a collapsed building under construction belonging to a popular restaurant in the Dugbe area of Ibadan, following safety concerns.

    Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, announced the decision after an on-the-spot assessment of the site. He explained that the move was aimed at safeguarding lives and property, as well as allowing a thorough investigation into the incident.

    Preliminary findings, according to the commissioner, suggest that substandard and low-quality materials were used in the construction of the building.

    Akin-Funmilayo disclosed that an integrity test would be conducted not only on the collapsed structure but also on other branches of the restaurant across the state. He said the outcome of the tests would guide the government’s next steps.

    He said, “Earlier this morning, the message got to me that there was a building collapse at Dugbe, and we came over here to see things for ourselves. We thank God that there is no loss of life.

    “After seeing the extent of the collapse, we decided that it had to be sealed off because we have to prevent loss of life.

    “Professionals from the Ministry of Works would have to come and carry out an integrity test, after which the report would advise us on the next action to be taken on the property.

    “If they can continue, we will let them know, and if it has to be totally brought down, we will let them know as well.

    “From what we have seen, substandard materials were used, and this has also been corroborated by our professionals from the Ministry of Works. The Director of Public Buildings has equally looked at it and confirmed it.

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    “However, we will still go for an integrity test so that absolute professionalism can be ensured and the result thereafter will determine the next action we will take.

    “There is an approval for the design. The building has been in existence before, but there is a renovation coming up. From the information made available to me, there is a company trying to have an outlet here, and they are the people trying to do the renovation. But we never expected what actually happened.

    “In addition, this outlet belongs to a popular eatery outfit. I believe the same Engineer doing this place handled the other outlets they have in Ibadan and other cities. But, for this to have happened, it means that we have to carry out an integrity test on all their buildings.

    “If we find out that the other outlets fail the integrity test, we will bring them down, because we cannot afford to toy with the lives of our people.”

  • Oyo govt reaffirms support for agric exporting farmers on food production

    Oyo govt reaffirms support for agric exporting farmers on food production

    The Oyo state government has reiterated its unwavering support for agricultural exporting farmers as part of efforts to boost food production across the state.

    Commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this while hosting the Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose Cooperatives Society and Credit Investments (CICS) Ltd in his office.

    The commissioner commended the association for their resilience and dedication to enhancing the export of agricultural products, despite the challenges posed, particularly by the new tariff increment imposed by the United States Government.

    He noted that the increase presents a burden on a country like Nigeria with a struggling economy

    Prince Oyelade assured the Association of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting them, especially in promoting locally produced foods through the Ministry’s platform.

    He emphasised the importance of such efforts in driving economic growth and sustaining farmers in the state

    Earlier in her remarks, the President of the Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose (CICS) Ltd. Mrs. Bolanle Oketade explained that the association was established to add value to agricultural products and generate increased income for farmers in the state.

    She expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s constant support, including the forthcoming product launch, which will be held soon.

    She added that the launch is designed to promote awareness about the values of locally produced goods

  • Oyo govt begins phase II of 50% tractor subsidy for farmers

    Oyo govt begins phase II of 50% tractor subsidy for farmers

    As part of its efforts to support smallholder farmers in the state in the 2025 farming season, Oyo State Government has announced the beginning of the second phase of the 50 per cent land ploughing subsidy, also known as tractorisation policy.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made this known yesterday during a news conference held at the ministry.

    He said as a result of the massive support the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration had been giving to farmers, the National Bureau of Statistics declared that Oyo State recorded one of the lowest food inflation rates in the country.

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    He added that the state could also boast of having become one of the food baskets of the country, as more than 9,569 tonnes of cassava, representing about 300 trailers, were moved out of only Ibarapa zone of Oyo State into neighbouring states between December 2024 and March 2025.

    The Chairman of the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), Sheik Taofeek Akeugbagold, declared that apart from the 50 per cent tractorisation policy, which would help farmers, they could also access agriculture credit and loans from the corporation.

    He lauded Governor Makinde for taking interests in the development of agriculture and the well-being of the teeming farming population in the state.

    Similarly, Olaleye, hailed Governor Makinde for approving the continuation of the 50 per cent tractorisation policy, which began in 2024, noting that the policy represented the governor’s commitment to progressive and sustainable agricultural development.

    He said the state government was able to reach about 1,487 farmers directly through the programme in 2024, with about 6,090.91 acres of farmlands mechanically ploughed across the state.

    The commissioner added that as a result of the policy, the state witnessed significant increases in productivity per hectare due to proper land preparation, as many small and medium-scale farmers transitioned from manual to mechanical farming methods.

    According to the commissioner, the policy entails the state government paying for 50 per cent of the cost of ploughing, with the farmers only paying half the cost of the entire land they want to cultivate.

    He said the ministry had designated at least four extension officers to each of the 33 local government areas of the state, calling on farmers to approach ‘’these officers, who will visit their proposed farm sites, take the measurements and send necessary information to the ministry.’’

    He said: “It is my pleasure to address you today on the continuation of our landmark 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme as we prepare for the 2025 planting season.

    “Last year, Oyo State under the visionary leadership of Governor Makinde took a bold step to revolutionise farming by introducing the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme.

    “I am proud to report the tangible results of this initiative: A remarkable 6,090.91 acres of farmlands were mechanically ploughed across the state; 1,487 farmers directly benefited from this programme, transforming their agricultural practices.

    “These achievements reflect the successful implementation of His Excellency’s vision of agricultural transformation as a pathway to economic development.

    “As we commence the second phase of this programme, I am pleased to announce several important developments. On April 9, the state’s Agricultural Extension Workers completed specialised training conducted by “Hello Tractor,” our technical partner in this initiative.

    “This training will equip all the extension officers with the latest knowledge and skills to better support our farmers.

    “During the training, participants were introduced to the new online booking application that will streamline tractor services. This user-friendly platform will allow farmers to book tractor services conveniently, track the status of their requests and receive timely updates on service delivery.

    “Additionally, a dedicated helpline has been established to provide immediate assistance to farmers facing any challenges with the booking process or service delivery.

    “Under the tractorisation programme, Oyo State Government will continue to subsidise 50 per cent of the cost of mechanical ploughing services for every acre of farmland cultivated by our farmers. This means that for every acre mechanically ploughed, farmers will only pay half the cost, with the government covering the remaining 50 per cent.

    “I wish to inform all farmers in Oyo State that registration for the 2025 tractorisation subsidy programme is now open. Farmers can register through agricultural extension officers in all local government areas, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development headquarters and the new online booking application already demonstrated.

    “For those who want to participate in the tractorisation subsidy, the form is free. And if you don’t get the form, just approach the extension officers in your local government. Take them to your farm so that they can take the measurement. Once they upload it, we have our own gadgets here which we can use to see your farm immediately.

    “While we deploy tractors, all the ones we are deploying are being tracked so that when they are working on your farmland. We will be able to monitor them from our office here. So, nobody can cheat the system.

    “This initiative exemplifies Governor Makinde’s commitment to agricultural transformation. By reducing the cost of land preparation through mechanisation while providing climate information, we are addressing significant barriers to increased agricultural productivity.’’