The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oyo Govt

  • Panic as Oyo govt pulls down shops in Ojoo market

    Panic as Oyo govt pulls down shops in Ojoo market

    Scores of traders and business owners at Ojoo market in the Akinyele local government area of Ibadan, Oyo state lost their ventures as the state government demolished structures on Thursday, May 9.

    The demolished structures which were described as illegal had earlier been marked by the government with a series of warnings and quit notices served on the owners and occupants.

    The development sent panic among the traders who said they were caught unaware of the development.

    The presence of security operatives including a combined team of the state anti-crime taskforce codenamed Operation Burst and Amotekun Corps saved the situation from blowing up into crisis as the traders expressed anger and dismay at the government decision.

    Although, some of the traders confirmed receiving the quit notice from the government, many of them said the notice was too short for them to get another place to put up their business.

    As the demolition continued some of the traders were seen trying to see what they could save from the wares while some others were seen crying and wailing for help.

    The commissioner for lands, housing, and urban development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, while confirming the demolition said the government through his ministry had served the traders quite notice a long time ago but they refused to move out of the market, popularly called “Inside Net.”

    He said the state governor, Seyi Makinde had gone there personally to address the traders, particularly on the importance of their safety and the need to move away from the market.

    Read Also: Residents laud Makinde as Oyo govt opens Olodo bridge for pedestrians

    He assured that the government will provide another place that is not far from the demolished structures, emphasizing the danger of roadside trading.

    The chairman of “Inside Net”, Muhdeen Ganiyu fondly called Elewedu, who initially declined to comment on the situation also confirmed the receipt of the quit notice but added that the notice was too short for the traders to make any move or decide on anything.

    He said the executive members of all the affected markets would meet after the demolition exercise on the next move to make.

    He said: “The quit notice was too short. All executive members of all the affected markets will soon meet. So, I cannot say anything for now.”

  • Unified Exams: Ban on illegal levies still in force, says Oyo Govt

    Unified Exams: Ban on illegal levies still in force, says Oyo Govt

    The Oyo state government has reaffirmed that the ban on the collection of illegal levies in public schools was still in force, warning that it would deal with anyone contravening the ban.

    This is coming on the heels of reports that some errant teachers compelled pupils to pay for the ongoing second-term unified promotion examination, for public primary schools.

    The chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, gave the warning today in Ibadan while monitoring the exams.

    According to him, the present administration in Oyo state, since inception has been responsible for the printing of question and answer sheets for its unified examination exercise.

    Adeniran explained that the government has ensured the examination timetable is adhered to by all schools in the state.

    He said the government cancelled the payment of fees by pupils and students in public, however, it discovered that some errant staff imposed illegal fees in some areas.

    Adeniran advised parents and guardians to report any case of collection of illegal fees to the Board, adding that the government is alive to its responsibilities.

    “Let me begin by apologising to parents and guardians whose pupils were forced to bring money for examinations. This is not from the Board, and I will appeal to such parents to report the teachers to the Board.”

    “The Oyo State Government has ensured that all necessary arrangements are put in place for a hitch-free examination exercise. We paid for the printing and delivery of question and answer sheets.

    Read Also: Oyo govt, WaterAid set to sign new MoU

    “We are committed to the free and compulsory universal basic education, hence, no school or head teacher found imposing or collecting any levy not approved by the government, will go unpunished.

    “The Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has been regular in the payment of the Oyo State counterpart fund with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), hence we access our funds and use them to develop infrastructure and capacity of personnel,’’ he added.

    Adeniran explained that the campaign against examination malpractice and truancy in public schools was yielding the desired result.

    He commended the smooth conduct of examinations in the centres visited.

    He added that teams from the Board are in other zones of the state to monitor the ongoing examination exercise.

  • Oyo govt cautions against violence at parks, garages

    Oyo govt cautions against violence at parks, garages

    The Oyo state government has said it will not condone any unwholesome acts at parks and garages in the state, promising to hold responsible anyone found engaging in acts inimical to peace, progress, and development of the state.

    The government gave the warning during the inauguration of a new leadership for the Park Management System (PMS) in the state.

    The inauguration is coming eight months after the appointment of the former secretary of the PMS, Alhaji Tomiwa Omolewa, as its new chairman and Alhaji Kasali Lawal as secretary of the interim committee of the state PMS

    The Nation reports that the appointment followed the dissolution of the disciplinary committee of the PMS led by Mr. Mukaila Lamidi, popularly called Auxiliary, on May 29, 2023 few hours after Governor Seyi Makinde was sworn in for a second term in office.

    The inauguration which held at the House of Chiefs, State Secretariat, Ibadan saw Mr. Tomiwa Omolewa (popularly called Tommy) as Chairman; Mr. Kasali Lawal as secretary; Tajudeen Jimoh, vice chairman; Mr. Kamorudeen Idowu, treasurer; Mr. Adeniyi Tirimisiyu, financial secretary, among others.

    Read Also: Oyo govt reopens facility

    Deputy Director, Oyo Ministry of Justice, Mr Adegboyega Salawu administered the oath of office on the excos.

    Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola enjoined the park managers to embrace the culture of accountability at the various parks adding that the state will not condone any unwholesome acts, drinking of illegal substances, and other nefarious activities in the various parks.

    He said: “May I seize this opportunity to advise that the Oyo state government as your employer will forthwith hold you responsible for any act inimical to the peace and progress of Oyo State.

    “The effort of the government is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Park Managers in the discharge of their duties at the various parks.”

    Olayiwola, while affirming that all factions of the transport unions have been incorporated in the newly constituted executive, however, urged any faction who felt omitted in the new arrangement to approach his office, assuring that their concerns will be addressed accordingly.

  • Oyo govt reopens facility

    Oyo govt reopens facility

    Oyo State Government yesterday reopened an industrial company engaging in the recycling of waste tyres to produce pyrolysis oil and carbon black and steel wire as by-products.

    The company was sealed off early this month, over non conformity and adherence to acceptable environmental laws of the state.

    Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resource, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, had in the early hours of yesterday directed that the facility, Shri-Balaji Industry Ltd, be unsealed.

    He said the ministry recently held a tripartite meeting with the facility owner and the leadership of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), over the action plans submitted by the management of Shri-Balaji Industry Ltd.

    According to the commissioner, “the action plans, which the trio of the ministry, Shri-Balaji Industry Ltd and Manufacturing Association of Nigeria unanimously accepted and agreed upon, include provision of medical retainership for workers and regular check-up, provision of pollution abatement systems and scrubbers, including raising the heights of exhaust systems and reconfiguration of production systems for pollution reduction and cleaner production process.

    Read Also; Petrol importation drops by 3.29% in 2023

    “Provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for workers, adequate storage of the carbon black within a bund wall with shelter to prevent indiscriminate escape of leachate and encourage cleanliness, rehabilitation of oil water separators, improved aesthetic and sanitation, submission of environmental audit reports and monthly environmental reports.”

    Mogbonjubola reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all.

    He urged facility owners to ensure compliance with the state and national environmental laws.

    Shri-Balaji Industry paid about N1.5million to the state government’s coffers for the sanction and N200,000 to unseal the facility, while the consultant paid a fine of N500,000 for negligence of duty, to guide the facility into compliance.

    Reacting to the reopening of the facility, the General Manager of Shri-Balaji, Mr. Razaq, thanked the government for showing optimal understanding and kind gesture towards the company, which would allow its workers to resume duty.

  • Oyo govt moves to halt workers’ indefinite strike

    Oyo govt moves to halt workers’ indefinite strike

    • Labour plans action today

    Pending the immediate intervention of the state government, Oyo workers and pensioners under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), its counterpart, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates may declare an indefinite strike in the state from today.

    A congress where the decision might be taken had been fixed for today by the labour leaders as part of the decision taken at the State Advisory Council (SAC) and State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the two labour unions at the Labour House, American Quarters, Agodi, Ibadan last week.

    Arising from the meeting, the labour leaders had directed workers to pick their personal effects and assemble at the Labour House on Monday morning (today) for briefing and update on the ongoing negotiations between the government and the labour unions, particularly on the wage award and welfare of workers and pensioners.

    Read Also: Subsidy removal: Oyo govt to distribute bags of feed to support poultry farmers

    A government source said Governor Seyi Makinde felt slighted at the labour leaders, whom he expected to show more understanding with the situation in the state.

    The source, however, said the governor was positive in reaching an agreement with the labour leaders and might even beat their expectations on the matter.

    As at press time, it remained unclear what the government decision would be, but a source within the labour unions said the labour leaders are hoping that the governor will make a pronouncement on the matter before today’s congress.

  • Oyo govt, APC tackle group over vote of confidence in Ajimobi

    THE vote of confidence in Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi by some party leaders after the last general elections has sparked off crisis within the party.

    A group within the state All Progressives Congress (APC), APC Reformers, has faulted the vote of confidence passed by the party leaders and members of the state chapter, describing it as self-deceit.

    The group admonished President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s National stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, not to recommend Ajimobi for any appointment.

    The APC Reformers, which claimed it comprises APC former political appointees and leaders in Oyo State, in a statement signed by its acting secretary, Sulemon Ramoni, after a meeting in Ibadan on Tuesday, described the vote of confidence as “a continuation of self-deception by a congress of charlatans” that led to the party’s failure at the just concluded elections.

    But, the party’s spokesman, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, in an interview with The Nation, said members of the group were unknown to the party.

    He explained that at the state APC meeting held on Monday, party candidates and leaders, including state elected officers and government appointees, senatorial zonal leaders, party chairmen and secretaries from the 33 local government areas (LGAs), members of state working committee and national executive members, the 33 local council chairmen, women and youth leaders and ward party leaders among others, were in attendance.

    Olatunde added that the party leaders, after about five-hour’s deliberations, resolved to pass the vote of confidence in Ajimobi, after considering the governor’s achievements so far and his contributions to the party.

    “Then, who are the so-called ‘reformers’? They should tell us their identities, positions in the party, their membership, their local government areas and wards.

    “We know that those who worked against the party during the elections will come out soon and the group might be part of those who worked against our interests.

    “We are ready to react to their lies at any time. They are the real charlatans in the party.”

    When contacted yesterday, the governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, in a statement, described the group as “a faceless association that is unknown to the party in Oyo State”.

    Tunji said: “In any case, the vote of confidence was passed on the governor by the party leadership in the state made up of the state EXCO, local govt party chairmen, secretaries,  women leader, youth leader, all party candidates in the general election,  party chieftains and stakeholders in the state. In all, we had nearly 300 party stakeholders in all the 33 LGAs. Elders like Pa Lasisi Lasunsi from Ibarapa, Alhaji Okaide Abass, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Chief Akin Ojebode, elected senators and House of Representatives’ members. These were the people in attendance at the stakeholders parley. You will agree with me that these are the major stakeholders of the party in the state. Are you now saying that some unknown entities know better than these people?

    “The vote of confidence was passed based on certain indices. The Ajimobi administration is the only one to have spent two terms. It is unprecedented. It is an administration that ensures that peace reigned in the state unlike what we use to have prior to the advent of this administration.

    “What about the unprecedented infrastructural renewal in the state. In any case, APC won two out of three senatorial seats and nine out of 14 House of Reps seats. We know what happened. So, the vote of confidence is totally justified.  What should be uppermost in the minds of faithful party members now is how to constitute a formidable opposition to keep the incoming administration on its toes to ensure the continued development of the state. So, that Oyo State does not go back again to the years of locust.”

    But, the group’s statement reads: “After spending almost eight years in office, the people of Oyo State have passed a vote of no confidence in Ajimobi by ensuring that he lost his unit, ward, local government and the state in the last election.

    “Of what benefit would the decision of his self-appointed leaders and handpicked executive be for the party, democracy and the good people of the state?

    “Mr. President and the national leadership of the party, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, should not be misled by the charlatans to consider Ajimobi for a ministerial or any federal appointment, which is their motive.

    “Any federal appointment for him will worsen the party’s situation, make reconciliation impossible and lead to more loses in future elections.

    “The party lost the presidential election in Oyo State because it held on the same day with Ajimobi’s senatorial election.

    “The state elections were lost because of his influence and interference.

    “After the 2015 general election, Ajimobi scolded the party chairman, Chief Akin Oke, for losing his unit and ward, as a matter of fact he advised him to resign.

    “Some local government caretaker chairmen were also removed by him for losing their constituencies. Now that he has lost woefully, he deserves no reprieve.”

     

  • Our role on Ayefele’s house reconstruction, by Oyo govt

    The Oyo State government has explained its role in the current reconstruction of Music House belonging to popular gospel musician, Mr. Yinka Ayefele, in Ibadan, the state capital.

    The structure was partially demolished last August.

    In a statement yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji, the government said its intervention was informed by the acknowledgment of contravention of the state building code by the management of the Music House and the personal appeal by Ayefele to Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    Tunji said the appeal by various stakeholders to the government as well as the preparedness of the owner of the building to rectify the contraventions, which would involve the reduction of the frontage fence line by 1.5 metres, among others, informed the intervention by the governor.

    He added that the parking lot at the tail end of the building, near the entrance of Lagelu Estate, had also been reduced by 10.9 metres to allow visibility.

    The governor’s aide said the current frontage of the building was being remodelled to become the back of the building, while its back had been converted to the frontage.

    In line with the recommendation of the joint committee of the state government and the Music House management, Tunji said an entrance was being reconstructed from the rear of the building to the staircase housing the ram for the exclusive use of Ayefele.

    The statement added: “There is also the recession of the current façade on the frontage of the building by 2.9m. The new fence will be grill fence to ensure visibility, while a staircase will be built at the basement to access the studio.

    “The structural elements in the building will also be strengthened, while the two projections at both ends (stair halls) of the current frontage will be retained.”

    The governor’s aide said the clarification by the government as well as reports credited to Ayefele yesterday, where he thanked Ajimobi and stated that the governor had “through this magnanimity helped us to right our wrong and we shall be eternally grateful to him” should lay the matter to rest.

    He urged those seeking to rubbish the governor’s political capital, which he built in the past seven years through purposeful governance and unprecedented achievements to look elsewhere.

  • Oyo warns land grabbers

    The Oyo State government has warned all trespassers on its land holdings across the state, particularly in Ajoda, Egbeda local government area where its estates are located to desist from such practice noting that legal machinery are already in place to deal precisely against defaulters.

    The state government through the state housing corporation also urged members of the public not to patronise land grabbers who are parading themselves as legal owners of parts of the Corporation’s land holding especially at Ajoda New Town, saying such patronage would amount to falling victim of land fraud.

    The Corporations in a release signed by the Acting General Manager, Mr. Samuel Adekunle and Director, Public Relations and Information, Mr Kunle Sanni reiterated that the government through the agency is still in full control of the about five thousand hectares of land, located within the Egbeda LG of the state.

    Faulting the claims of the alleged land grabbers, the Corporation recalled that a magistrate court sitting at Ejioku gave a judgement in its favour by refusing all the prayers of the applicant and subsequently dismissing the application brought against the Corporation.

    Advising anybody interested in buying land at Ajoda New Town to approach the Corporation or conduct necessary verification and or search in order not to fall victim of fraud, Oyo State Housing corporation said it has renewed its commitment to surpass its revenue target for the year and generate income to the coffers of the state by inaugurating a task force for revenue generation.

    According to the Corporations AGM, Mr Adekunle, the eight member committee will among other things “identify new sources of revenue, monitor distribution of bills to clients in respect of such payments, make a follow-up and ensuring that clients settle bills promptly, compile and collate suns paid on such sources of revenues on each estate of the Corporation and give weekly report to the management through the revenue supervisory committee members.”

    While imploring members of the task force to see their appointment as a call to duty to turn around the fortune of the Oyo state Housing corporation, the AGM during the inauguration urged the entire staff to key into the policy of the state government aim of making government and parastatals self sustaining.

    He said if all the available revenue sources to the Corporation are adequately tapped, the agency will surpass its revenue target for the year

  • Ayefele sues Oyo govt over demolition

    •Court orders service of processes on Oyo govt
    •Protesters storm Fresh FM building

    Popular musician and Chief Executive Officer of a private radio station, Fresh FM 109.5 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Yinka Ayefela, has sued the state government for its planned demolition of his Music House, the building housing the radio station.

    The building is located on the Lagos-Ibadan by-pass in Challenge area of Ibadan.

    The government marked the building for demolition for allegedly contravening the state’s planning laws.

    But Ayefele, in a statement on Wednesday, said the demolition notice was a witch-hunt.

    He sued the government at a State High Court in Ibadan, seeking an order restraining the government from demolishing the property, pending the determination of the suit.

    In an ex parte motion, Ayefele’s lawyer Olayinka Bolanlen said due process was followed in the construction of the structure.

    The lawyer said approvals were obtained from the state’s relevant departments and agencies.

    But Justice Iyabo Yerima ordered the claimant to ensure service of the court process on the respondent.

    The judge held that there were “serious issues to be determined” in the suit filed.

    She adjourned the matter till August 20 for hearing of the ex parte motion.

    Also, a crowd of sympathisers and Fresh FM fans yesterday besieged the station in solidarity with the popular musician.

    Carrying placards with various inscriptions, such “Obey rule of law”; “Fresh FM must stand”, among others, the protesters pleaded with the state government to shelf the demolition plan.

    They praised the station as a “credible source of up-to-date information” on developments in the country and the state.

     

  • Ranching: ‘Oyo govt yet to take stand’

    The Oyo State government yesterday said it has not taken any position on cattle ranching.

    The government said it was awaiting the modalities the Federal Government would adopt to handle the matter.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Mr Oyewole Oyewumi, broke the news yesterday inj Ibadan, the state capital, after a meeting with a team from the World Bank who was seeking collaborations on livestock development.

    Oyo is said to be among the 16 states the Federal Government reportedly designated for the controversial cattle ranching.

    Oyewumi said the existing Land Use Act of 1976 had not been amended to accommodate ranching.

    He said: “We read and heard, just like you heard, that the Federal Government is considering building ranches as a way of solving the perennial crisis between herdsmen and farmers or in order to control the socio-political crisis that it seems to be leading to in the country.

    “And that idea has been proposed on the face of it. It will be the right move for government because we all know that ranching is the modern way of breeding cattle.

    “However, as they always say that the devil is in the details, Oyo State has not taken any position with regard to ranching. We will have to see the modalities and the method by which the Federal Government will go about it. We have heard here and there hints that it will essentially be private sector-led. But we will want to see in clear terms how it will be presented to us.”