Tag: Oyo Govt

  • Oyo govt installs one-way tyre spikes to curb traffic violations

    Oyo govt installs one-way tyre spikes to curb traffic violations

    The Oyo state government has installed one-way tyre spikes to deter motorists from driving against traffic, reinforcing its commitment to road safety and traffic regulation enforcement.

    The spike barrier was recently installed at Idi-Ape, Ibadan North East Local Government Area, drawing commendation from motorists. 

    A viral video showcasing the functionality of the spikes demonstrated how they puncture the tyres of vehicles attempting to drive in the wrong direction.

    A source, speaking anonymously, revealed that the initiative is part of broader efforts to enforce traffic laws, curb reckless driving, and reduce accidents caused by one-way violations. 

    Read Also: Oyo govt demolishes illegal properties on acquired land

    Beyond preventing violations, authorities hope the measure will instill greater discipline among road users.

    As of the time of this report, the state government had not issued an official statement on whether more spike barriers would be installed in other locations. 

    However, commuters see the move as a strong stance against traffic violations and a step towards safer roads in Oyo State.

  • Oyo govt shuts industrial facility over environmental regulation violation

    Oyo govt shuts industrial facility over environmental regulation violation

    Oyo State Government has sealed off Fountain Manufacturing Company Ltd., an industrial facility in Oluyole, Ibadan, for violating environmental laws.

    Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola, disclosed this to reporters yesterday in Ibadan.

    “The sealing off was done on the heels of several complaints and petitions received on the health hazard incurred by the residents around the facility.

    Read Also: Oyo govt, Odu’a move to tackle food export challenges

    “Reports indicate that the harmful fumes emitted from the facility have caused significant unrest in the area.

    “We have intervened in the matter for years, seeking an amicable resolution among residents, but the facility owner has consistently failed to comply with state environmental laws,” Mogbonjubola said.

    He added that the ministry also shut Casta De Lounge along Akala Road for dumping waste on the highway median.

    The commissioner alleged that the lounge had refused to patronise the government-assigned waste collectors and was guilty of multiple environmental offences.

  • World NTDs Day: We’ve invested N30m on disease eimination – Oyo govt

    World NTDs Day: We’ve invested N30m on disease eimination – Oyo govt

    The Oyo state government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with an investment of ₦30 million in disease elimination efforts across the 33 local government areas of the state.

    Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted the state’s achievements in combating the diseases over the past year.

    She noted that NTDs which include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for growth and development.

    She said that among the most notable accomplishments of the state government is the successful implementation of the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) program, a major initiative aimed at eliminating NTDs.

    She said: “Through this program, the government trained 18,000 Community Drug Distributors (CDDs), who demonstrated exceptional dedication by reaching 13,401 communities across 298 wards in the state.

    “These frontline health workers played crucial roles in delivering essential medications to prevent and treat lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.

    “Additionally, the state has strengthened its healthcare workforce by equipping 641 health workers at the Local Government Area (LGA) level with the necessary tools and knowledge to supervise and support community-based efforts, ensuring the program’s effectiveness.

    “To further enhance coordination and implementation, 31 Directors of Environmental Health and Environmental Health Officers were trained to oversee NTD interventions within their respective LGAs.”

    Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized the state’s unwavering resolve to eliminate NTDs, recognizing their detrimental impact on public health, productivity, and overall well-being.

    “Here in Oyo State, we are acutely aware of the challenges posed by NTDs. These diseases affect the health and productivity of our people, but we remain resolute in our commitment to eliminating them through strategic investments, partnerships, and innovative approaches”, she added.

    The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde, for his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare in the state.

    Read Also: World NTD Day: WHO tasks African leaders on ending NTDs

    She acknowledged that the Governor’s approval of the funds for the MAM program last year demonstrates his administration’s dedication to making healthcare a priority.

    She also extended gratitude to major development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, CBM, Evidence Action, and other stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in advancing Oyo State’s fight against NTDs.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, harped on the importance of continuous awareness and community-led interventions in combating NTDs.

    The event was attended by key stakeholders, representatives from collaborating Ministries, and health sector partners, all of whom commended the government’s proactive measures toward ensuring a healthier, NTD-free Oyo State.

    The day’s activities featured the free distribution of essential medicines and an extensive sensitization campaign across major streets and markets in Ibadan.

  • Oyo govt lauds ‘Ibadan Smart City’ project initiative

    Oyo govt lauds ‘Ibadan Smart City’ project initiative

    The Oyo State Government has lauded the ‘Ibadan Smart City’ project, saying the proposed housing project, located along Lagos/Ibadan express way is capable of turning around economy and reduce housing deficit within the state.

    The State Government described the project as a laudable achievement which will add to standard of living of residents of the state.

    Speaking at the flag off of Blue Sapphire District, Smart City, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Niyi Adebisi, said the state government has been creating enabling environment for businesses and investment to thrive which the project was not in exception.

    Adebisi, who spoke on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, urged investors to invest in the state, saying their business and investment are in save hand because government is ready to support them.

    Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Hon. Ademola Omotosho explained that the State Government in the last two years has invested over N35 billion in real estate so as to address housing deficit in the state.

    According to him, housing is crucial and Oyo State government is trying to best towards provision of affordable housing for residents of the state.

    Speaking about benefits of the project, the Managing Director, Tinath Realties and Investment Ltd, Kolajo Abimbola said the idea of Smart City was all about circular economy where people live close to their working place to mitigate green house gas emissions, create business workplace including business incubation center and enterpreneurship support for the emerging generation.

    “One thing that distinguished this project from other smart cities is the eco restoration aspect of the project which include restoration of old quarry siteinto eco-friendly habitat, and this has ensrned the project as one of the finalist at UK 2023 climate finance accelerator programme in Nigeria.

    “By the design carried out by our international partners in collaboration with our own local team here, we have 2,880 different housing units within this scheme.”

    While Commissioning the project, the Chairman, Oluyole Local government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, said the project, when completed will be a game changer in terms of real estate development which is capable to promote economic growth and attract huge investments to the local government and the state at large.

    He however said investment in Ibadan Smart City is not just about infrastructure but also about creating a prosperous future for the people of Oyo State. It promises high returns and sustainable growth.

  • Oyo govt, FERMA give city roads facelift

    Oyo govt, FERMA give city roads facelift

    Motorists and commuters, particularly in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, are having smooth travel this Yuletide, with the reconstruction and repair of major roads across the city.

    Oyo State Government has embarked on reconstruction and rehabilitation of many Ibadan inner city roads with high economic impact, from January this year.

    The roads include Ring Road, Beere-Secretariat-Bodija Road, some roads within Iyaganku GRA and some in the hinterland, among others.

    Akobo-Olorunda-Aba Road is also being reconstructed for the comfort of hundreds of thousands of residents along the corridor.

    Considering the major roads already constructed during Governor Seyi Makinde’s first term, the new road works have given Ibadan a new look, reduced travel time and improved economic activities.

    Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the state is upscaling efforts of the federal and state governments by increasing work on many federal roads across the state before the Yuletide.

    The combination of the agency’s effort and that of Oyo State Government has changed the face of roads in the city, relieved Ogbomoso of heavy trailer traffic and made commuting and general travel across the state a pleasure during the Yuletide.

    Read Also: Anti-open grazing: Oyo govt nabs herdsman, cattle in Ibadan

    FERMA’s Road Maintenance Engineer of Oyo State Field Office, Mr Tunde Adepoju, said the combined efforts had resulted in significant road rehabilitation and maintenance of critical road infrastructures across the state.

    He said the several maintenance projects across the state were captured under FERMA’s

    ‘Operation Connect Your Destination’ initiative.

    Under the initiative, Adepoju listed roads rehabilitated to include Awo Farm Road along Idunnu, Saint Peter’s Road and an adjoining road in front of the local government secretariat spanning about 9 km, and NIHORT Road, all in Ido Local Government.

    ‘’The agency has also completed rehabilitation of roads in Akinyele and Oluyole local governments, the major Ogbomoso township road, which was causing nightmare for commuters, motorists and particularly trailer drivers.

    ‘’FERMA is also currently on rehabilitation projects in Fiditi and Oyo towns.’’

    Hailing Governor Makinde for his focus on road infrastructure, Adepoju clarified that not all road projects in the state were solely managed by the state government, noting that FERMA had also been involved in rehabilitating and maintaining several roads across the state.

  • JUST IN: Oyo govt deploys rapid response team, mourns victims of Ibadan funfair tragedy

    JUST IN: Oyo govt deploys rapid response team, mourns victims of Ibadan funfair tragedy

    • …exact casualty figure remains  unknown 

    The Oyo state government has expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives at a children’s carnival held at Basorun Islamic High School, Ibadan, where a stampede claimed several lives, mostly children, and left many others injured.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the incident as heartbreaking and assured affected families of its support during this difficult period.

    According to the statement, the stampede occurred during a privately organized children’s funfair in the early hours of the day. 

    The government was quick to mobilize a rapid response team to address the crisis, ensuring that victims were transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical attention.

    The Commissioner acknowledged the swift actions of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who activated emergency response teams to provide immediate assistance at the scene.

    Prince Oyelade clarified that the Oyo State Government had no involvement in the planning or execution of the event, nor was the Ministry of Health approached to provide logistics or support for the private carnival. 

    Read Also: Oyo govt seeks collaboration with Miyetti Allah to ensure peace, food security

    He emphasized the critical need for proper coordination and planning when organizing large events, particularly those involving children and other vulnerable groups.

    The government is awaiting a comprehensive report from the Commissioner of Police to ascertain the total number of victims and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

    Parents concerned about the whereabouts of their children have been advised to visit the following medical facilities, where victims have been taken for treatment, with valid identification:

    Patnas Hospital, Basorun

    Western Hospital, Basorun

    Ringroad State Hospital

    Molly Specialist Hospital

    University College Hospital (UCH)

    The government extended its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and called for calm and cooperation as investigations continue. Efforts are also underway to provide necessary support to the victims and their families.

    This incident has brought to the forefront the importance of crowd control measures and safety protocols at public gatherings to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    Meanwhile, the exact casualty figure remains unclear as of the time of this report.

    An initial statement from the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, placed the number of casualties at 32. 

    The statement was later retracted, with the government announcing that it would await a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to confirm the total number of victims.

    Efforts to obtain confirmation from the police were unsuccessful, as calls to the Command’s spokesman went unanswered. 

    However, in a WhatsApp message, the spokesman stated, “Investigation is in progress. Updates would be provided accordingly, please.”

  • Oyo govt set to onboard 5,600 newly recruited teachers

    Oyo govt set to onboard 5,600 newly recruited teachers

    The Oyo state government has announced plans to onboard 5,600 newly recruited teachers, starting with a verification exercise scheduled from December 5 to December 16, 2024.

    Speaking in Ibadan, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, said that the verification would take place at the board’s headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan.

    He explained that the exercise, spanning eight working days, aims to confirm the credentials of the first batch of recruits approved by Governor Seyi Makinde. 

    Dr. Adeniran emphasised the administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, noting that the verification process would involve relevant stakeholders.

    He added that candidates are required to present documents such as certificates of local government of residence, birth certificates, National Identification Number (NIN), original academic and NYSC certificates, and other relevant credentials.

    Read Also: Oyo govt okays over 70% budget increase for persons with disabilities

    The verification schedule is as follows: Thursday, December 5, 2024, for candidates from Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas, followed by Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West LGAs on Friday, December 6. On Monday, December 9, candidates from Lagelu and Egbeda LGAs will undergo verification, while candidates from Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, and Ibadan South-West LGAs will be verified on Tuesday, December 10.

    On Wednesday, December 11, the exercise will include candidates from Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Ogo-Oluwa, Olorunsogo, and Oriire LGAs. Candidates from Iseyin, Oluyole, and Ona-Ara LGAs will be attended to on Thursday, December 12, followed by Atisbo, Irepo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Oorelope, Saki East, Saki West, and Surulere LGAs on Friday, December 13.

    The final day, Monday, December 16, is reserved for people with disabilities and caregivers. Each verification session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. daily at the OYOSUBEB headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan. Candidates are advised to attend on their designated days with all required documents.

  • World AIDS Day: Oyo govt urges pregnant women to register for antenatal care, HIV test

    World AIDS Day: Oyo govt urges pregnant women to register for antenatal care, HIV test

    Pregnant women in Oyo State have been urged to register for antenatal care and undergo HIV testing to determine their status.

    The call was made by Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), in a statement marking the 2024 World AIDS Day.

    Dr. Adetunji highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to the global HIV burden, particularly among children. 

    He referenced a UNICEF report stating that in 2020, Nigeria accounted for an estimated 21,000 new child HIV infections, the highest number worldwide that year.

    He said: “Nigeria has the third-largest HIV burden in the world, after Mozambique and South Africa, with an HIV prevalence of 2.9 percent among pregnant women.”

    Adetunji encouraged pregnant women to undergo HIV testing at least twice during pregnancy, during antenatal care and labor, to quickly determine their status. 

    “If tested positive, proper antiretroviral drugs can be administered to prevent the unborn child from contracting the virus.

    Read Also: Oyo govt, stakeholders push for quick passage of digital economy, e-governance bill

    “Ending AIDS requires prioritizing and engaging everyone who is living with, at risk for, or affected by HIV, including vulnerable and marginalized populations such as children, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons and other closed settings. 

    “This is essential to ensure an effective and sustainable response to HIV that honors the right to health”, he noted.

    While revealing this year’s World AIDS Day theme as “Take the Right Paths: Sustain HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children”, Dr. Adetunji disclosed that OYSACA has outlined a week long of activities involving various stakeholders in the state to commemorate the day.

    He underscored the importance of not stigmatizing people living with HIV/AIDS but rather supporting them and showing them love and noted that HIV infection is a chronic disease, similar to diabetes and hypertension which can be managed with proper treatments.

    He stated: “Discrimination, stigma, and exclusion remain major challenges faced by those affected by HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) are often denied access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities as they are also facing discrimination in their homes, schools, and communities. This not only hinders their ability to live a fulfilling life, but it also increases their vulnerability to new HIV infections.

    “By protecting everyone’s right to health and reducing new infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response.

    The Chairman encouraged the public to take advantage of the free HIV testing available during the commemoration of World AIDS Day to get tested and work towards ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

    “With early diagnosis and consistent antiretroviral therapy, People Living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives, just like those who are HIV-negative. Achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load by adhering to prescribed antiretroviral therapy means zero risk of transmission, empowering individuals and protecting communities.

  • Oyo govt, stakeholders push for quick passage of digital economy, e-governance bill

    Oyo govt, stakeholders push for quick passage of digital economy, e-governance bill

    The Oyo State government and key stakeholders have called for the swift passage of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to promote accountability and transparency in governance.

    During a stakeholders’ engagement held in Ibadan on Tuesday, participants emphasized that the bill’s enactment would streamline government operations and strengthen engagement between the government and citizens.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Olatubosun Tijani, represented by Banke Ajagunna, highlighted the bill’s significance, stating that it would enhance the digital economy and foster trust between the government and the people.

    The Minister urged Nigerians and the National Assembly to support the bill

    He explained that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

    This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.

    He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

    Read Also: Oyo govt to entrepreneurs: evade tax, go to jail or risk asset seizure

    The Minister said the bill offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand, with improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. He added that Individuals will also benefit from improved access to digital services and better governance through e-governance initiatives.

    He highlighted the advantages of E-governance bill to include economic transformation and establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s digital landscape.

    He added that the bill, when passed will encourage modernized, citizen-centric public services.

    “It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.”

    He also said the bill will ensure digital access for all, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”

    Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Adviser on ICT and E-Governance to the Governor, Mr. Bayo Akande hailed the federal government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

    Mr. Akande, who observed that the nation is overdue for a digital economy, which is the order of the day, added that the bill will drive economic growth through digital technology.

    Akande said, “Despite advances in technology, Nigeria’s digital economy faces critical challenges, Nigeria lags behind countries with robust e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

    “Though Oyo has already started to introduce digital methods in the governance space of the state, as the state recently deployed Business Process Automation, in a bid to make Oyo state government services go paperless, the bill is a step in the right direction.

    “It also seeks to create export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy, support international digital trade and investments, and provide a legal framework for these activities.”

    The meeting was attended by various stakeholders including several tech ecosystem leaders.

  • Double your efforts to end HIV, Oyo govt tells healthcare centres

    Double your efforts to end HIV, Oyo govt tells healthcare centres

    To ensure that people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Oyo state receive proper treatment, care, and support, the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) has urged healthcare centres to provide comprehensive HIV services.

    The chairman of the agency, Gbola Adetunji, emphasised this during a visit to treatment sites in the state.

    He mentioned that the agency is conducting these visits to better understand the centres, identify challenges, and determine areas where OYSACA can offer assistance.

    He admonished the centres to maintain a friendly demeanour towards PLHIV and frequently educate them that being HIV positive does not mean the end of life and emphasized that PLHIV can live healthy long lives if they adhere to treatment and follow prescriptions.

    The former two-term commissioner for health advised individuals to regularly check their HIV status using free and voluntary testing facilities available at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), State Healthcare Centres, and select private healthcare centres cut across the state. The Chairman stressed further that HIV testing is the only means to confirm their status.

    Read Also: Owu Kingdom in history and the Olowu at 60: Lessons for community growth in Nigeria

    In their separate responses, the ART Coordinators at the visited centres appreciated the Agency’s timely actions and steps, appealing to the Chairman to address the issue of inadequate test kits facing some centres, and facilitate and resuscitate support groups of PLHIV accessing treatment and care in their facilities.

    They thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for appointing Dr. Adetunji as OYSACA Board Chairman, believing his wealth of experience would enhance the Agency’s activities and visibility.

    The visited sites included Comfort Medical Centre, Total Garden, Idi-Ogungun Primary Health Care Centre, Agodi Gate, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital (AMTH), and Yemetu all located in Ibadan.